State Street Corridor Plan Project Management Team

Transcription

1 MEMO TO: State Street Corridor Plan Project Management Team FROM: Eunice Kim, Planner II, Project Manager Community Development Department DATE: SUBJECT: Summary of Public Input (Subtask 3.7: Memorandum #3) This memorandum summarizes input from the first public meeting for the State Street Corridor Plan project held on March 8, 2016 at Court Street Christian Church. More than 60 people attended the meeting in addition to four City staff members and three members of the consultant team working on the project. The public meeting began with a presentation about the project s purpose, existing conditions in the State Street corridor, and opportunities. The presentation can be found online here. Meeting participants then split into seven small groups where they participated in facilitated discussions about the State Street corridor. The discussions focused on four main questions related to existing conditions, desired mix of uses, desired transportation improvements, and priorities. The participants comments are summarized by question and topic below. Comments that were repeated multiple times are marked with a star. Common ideas and suggestions emerged from the public meeting, including the following: There was a strong desire to make State Street safer for pedestrians. Wider sidewalks were universally desired. A desire for better connectivity, lighting and separation between pedestrians and cars were also mentioned. Bike lanes on State Street were desired but appeared to be less of a priority for change than making the street more pedestrian friendly. There was discussion about whether the use of parallel streets by bicycles would be sufficient or preferred over bike lanes on State Street. A desire for bike racks was also mentioned. There was interest in exploring reconfiguring State Street into three lanes to slow traffic and to provide space for improved pedestrian and/or bicycle facilities. Traffic calming was described as a need in the corridor. There was a desire to make State Street a destination, a place where people want to go. A mix of uses was broadly supported. There was a preference for small-scale mixeduse development that maintains the character of State Street. There were concerns about new development being too urban in height and too plain in design. A range of housing types was desired, including brownstone-type development. There was support for housing available to a mix of incomes. Food carts, outdoor seating and street furniture were desired to activate the street. A desire for more green space and trees along streets was also mentioned.

2 Page 2 Better manage parking in the corridor was described as a need, particularly as development occurs in the future. Addressing flooding issues in the corridor was identified as a need to improve overall livability. At the end of this memorandum is a summary of other comments that community members have provided through s, phone calls, social media and letters. Comments from members of the technical advisory committee and stakeholder advisory committee have been provided in separate meeting summary documents. QUESTION 1: Existing Conditions Did we miss anything? Did we get anything wrong? Pedestrian Facilities Bicycle Facilities Traffic Land Use and Buildings Streetscape Mill Creek and Flooding There is limited walking east of 17 th Street It is difficult to cross State Street between 17 th and 24 th streets o Intersection at 17 th Street is particularly dangerous There are good pedestrian crossings at bus stops (not at 21 st Street) Pedestrian crossing at 13 th is a problem Bicyclists use Chemeketa, Mill and Ferry streets Bicyclists travel on 17 th and 12 th Streets Intersection of Chemeketa, 24 th and State Street is awkward for bikes There are gaps getting to and from bike routes There are possible obstructions in bike lanes (e.g., garbage cans) Speeding is a problem o Speed from the east is too fast o Drivers often speed and go through red lights State Street is an alternative to Mission Street State Street serves as an alternate route out of town There is no sight visibility for turning off 23 rd at the T-intersection Area between 12 th and 17 th streets is a food destination There is a lack of positive activity at night Buildings opposite the Duck Inn are not landmarks Buildings have varied designs Landmarks include: prison, forestry center, Mill Creek, old Duck Inn Places to go include: Sassy Onion area, Muchas Gracias, Sybils, restaurants by 12 th Street, Capital Market, taekwondo and ballet places, and generally between 12 th and 14 th streets Vacant lots and parking lots contribute to crime east of 21 st street Redevelopment of the old Deluxe Ice Cream site is positive Power lines should be buried underground Trees and historic lighting are needed Existing trees along the street are an asset There is not enough landscaping There has been a loss of trees and vegetation Flooding is a problem o More development will impact flooding o Flooding mitigation is needed Mill Creek/Race need to be integrated into the project Mill Race needs repair

3 Page 3 QUESTION 1: Existing Conditions Did we miss anything? Did we get anything wrong? Other There is not enough parking at businesses by 12 th and 13 th streets (30-minute limit on side streets) Other issues include pollution, noise and crime Many people live and work downtown Crime is a problem in the area between 21 st and 25 th streets QUESTION 2: What mix of uses are desired in the corridor? Where? Mix of Uses Vertical mixed-use is preferred but horizontal might be more financially feasible Vertical mixed-use with affordable housing is desired (Hawthorne model): two to four stories, parking behind, row houses possible Ground-floor uses should be family friendly (e.g., outdoor seating, restaurants, retail shops) Ground-floor spaces should be active (e.g., no closed blinds) Housing above retail is desired Corridor should all be multiuse and more like Broadway (more people and businesses to add vitality) Commercial uses near 12 th and 14 th streets are desired Commercial uses that are incompatible with the neighborhoods should not be allowed on the side streets Specific uses desired include: o Grocery store, fresh food market, neighborhood market, food carts/pod, coffee shop, bakery, fitness, theater, entertainment, medical offices, small-scale retail, restaurants, smaller offices, family-friendly uses (e.g., dance, Taekwondo, brew pub), community gardens, community center, galleries for budding artists, pop-up shops, pet store, ice cream store, tap house or pub, local and craft businesses Services should not all be clustered together Evening activities would be ok, as there would be more eyes on the street during all hours of the day Gaps in uses should be connected so there is a reason to walk a couple of blocks Elevated walkway with shops should be considered Existing uses should be allowed to continue Existing auto uses should be supported, but new auto uses should not be allowed Auto sales, auto wrecking yards, and industrial uses such as manufacturing uses with trucks should be prohibited Food cart pods should be on the west end of the corridor or near Mill Creek Critical mass is needed for food carts, and State Street is not seen as a good location Park along Mill Creek is desired Pocket parks and bioswales should be considered

4 Page 4 QUESTION 2: What mix of uses are desired in the corridor? Where? Housing Design Variety of housing types should be allowed Housing available to a mix of incomes should be encouraged, including moderate-income and low-income/transitional housing (due to access to jobs and transit) Cheap apartments should be included so people do not have to live with their families Family rental housing serves an important function as entry level housing and should be preserved Corridor is a good location for housing targeted to State workers and Willamette University students and faculty Desired housing types include: o Brownstone-type development, one-story cottages with common living areas are desired for seniors, U-shaped housing with a courtyard, houses with offices and living area Housing off of State Street should be protected or enhanced Existing single-family homes on State Street should be preserved Housing should include roof gardens Apartments dispersed on State Street are okay, but no big blocks of apartments Standalone housing is okay toward the eastern end of State Street Townhouses should be on side streets but not on State Street Massive apartment complexes should be prohibited There are concerns about gentrification Buildings heights should be limited, and specific ideas include: o Limiting to three stories, with shorter buildings to the east o Limiting heights by the historic district o Requiring heights to step down past 14 th Street going east o Limiting heights to two to four stories depending on street width o Varying heights but requiring them to be at least two stories o Limiting heights to no more than five stories Buildings should not be boxy, plain or cookie-cutter o Architecture and character should be similar to what currently exists o Mixed-use boxes like those on Division Street in Portland are not desired o Columbia City in Seattle as an example of mixed-use development that maintains the area s character and is desired (e.g., smaller scale, lofty townhouses) o Greenlake in Seattle as an example of mixed-use development that lacks character and is not desired There should be cohesive design guidelines between 12 th and 17 th street Building designs should be more consistent and should front on street. Storefronts should be consistent (e.g., style or paint) Storefront windows should be encouraged More landscaping is desired Parking should be located behind buildings

5 Page 5 QUESTION 2: What mix of uses are desired in the corridor? Where? Streetscape Reuse and Redevelopment Flooding Outdoor or patio seating should be encouraged Outdoor activity slows traffic and creates a destination Sidewalk dining is an opportunity where appropriate Various types of street furniture and amenities are desired (e.g., flower boxes, recycling bins) Green space along streets is desired There are concerns about trees raising sidewalks and the associated costs Properties along the creek need redevelopment (e.g., Hookah Lounge) Adequate parking is needed for redevelopment Existing buildings should be reused Empty buildings should be used School district building needs and location should be evaluated There is concern about how redevelopment can occur with small lots City can encourage development by no longer building at the fringe (e.g., current encouragement of sprawl and driving) Flooding needs to be fixed Sandbags are not attractive Mill Creek Bridge needs to be raised Buildings along Mill Creek should be removed to reduce flooding risk and create a linear park QUESTION 3: What bike, pedestrian, auto improvements are desired in the corridor? Where? Pedestrian Facilities Wider sidewalks are desired Buffers for pedestrians are needed (e.g., trees, rain gardens) Crossings are needed at the following locations: 13 th /State, 18 th /State, 19 th /State, 21 st /State, and generally between 17 th and 23 rd street Crossing at 25 th and State street needs to be improved Pedestrian island is desired at 25 th Street Crossings at intersections without traffic lights need markers and flashers Closed crosswalk at 13 th should be opened Rapid flashing beacons are desired (including at 13 th Street island) Signal timing of pedestrian crossings should be more responsive and quicker More and better lighting is needed Sidewalks should be repaired (e.g., cracked, not level now) Landscaping is desired Bulb outs make a difference for pedestrians Visibility is an issue where buildings are built up to the sidewalk at 19 th and 23 rd streets

6 Page 6 Bicycle Facilities Automobiles/Traffic Parking There is a strong desire for more bike safety on State Street Bike lanes should be added to State Street o Bike lanes are a priority between 12 th and 17 th street o Buffered or protected bike lanes are desired (e.g., planters) o Two-way bike lane on one side is an option o Raised bike lanes should be considered o Bike lanes are preferred over on-street parking on State Street o Bicycle facilities on State Street are preferred to the use of parallel routes Bicycle facilities should be cohesive and continuous Better connections from side streets to State Street are needed There is concern about bikes taking a mile Parallel streets are safer than State Street Bikeways off of State Street should be enhanced If State Street stays the same, use bike routes, and if a road diet is done, add bike lanes on State Street (or reroute to side streets because of traffic volumes and driveway conflicts) Bike racks are desired o More secured bike parking is desired o Bike parking is needed when businesses are built up to the street Crossing busy streets like 17 th Street should be made easier Bike boxes are desired Connections to bike lanes on State Street west of 12 th Street should be considered Traffic calming is needed, and traffic needs to slow down o Speed transitions are needed o Lower speeds to 25 mph and design the road to drive that speed o Speed cameras should be considered at stop lights Alleyway access should be revisited Access from side streets to State Street should be improved State Street is a valuable thoroughfare, but wider sidewalks are still desired Right turns on red lights should be prohibited to reduce risks to pedestrians and bicyclists Only protected left turns should be allowed because of the many pedestrians Too much capacity for cars should not be removed because it will cause other problems Buses need a place to pull over without blocking traffic Roundabout at 17 th Street should be considered Street car on State Street would be a fun addition and attraction Street should be closed to cars Parking needs to be better managed o There are concerns about parking potentially spilling into the neighborhoods o Metered on-street parking should be considered o On-street parking should be considered as a buffer or if there is space o City should have a parking garage in the area for people to use o Parking should not be on State Street but should be creatively solved Parking garages should only be allowed if they are designed with other uses

7 Page 7 Parking (continued) Street Design Other Surface parking lots are not wanted Parking should be underground or at the back of lots There should be joint parking agreements Elimination of minimum parking requirements should be considered Road diet from four to three lanes is desired and/or should be considered, and specific ideas include: o One travel lane in each direction with a center-turn lane o Most appropriate for the middle section of State Street o Should be able to convert the street back to four lanes o Should have right turn lanes at busy intersections like at 17 th Street o Could start as a pilot project o 17 th Street as an example of a successful road diet in Salem Having no left turn lane is a safety concern Turn State Street from downtown east into a two-way street Curb cuts should be limited North-south sides of State Street should be connected Study area should be extended to Airport Drive if not to the Interstate 5 overpass because the road is unnecessarily wide and fast, and it is the entrance to downtown and State Street Another study should not be put on the shelf QUESTION 4: What are your priorities for change? Land Use and Design Housing Reuse and Redevelopment Pedestrian Facilities More mixed-use development o Businesses on the bottom with housing above o Incentives o More mixed uses and density to increase bicycle and pedestrian use Retail area between 12 th and 17 th Street Small or craft businesses Family-oriented, family-friendly businesses Decent-sized grocery store Build on historical character of State Street Three-story limit (especially in the eastern portion of the corridor) Multi-use housing More residential uses east of 17 th Street Increased residential density to increase retail/services/restaurants All housing types except mega apartments Redevelopment of very distressed properties Food trucks and pocket parks as a short-term response to distressed property (e.g., vacant land) More activity in vacant buildings and lots Wider sidewalks o Dining and planters o Widening of the pedestrian realm between 12 th and 17 th streets o Pedestrian buffers Sidewalk repairs Lighting for safety Landscaped medians (21 st to 25 th street) Bulbouts Access for people with impaired mobility

8 Page 8 Pedestrian Facilities (continued) Bicycles Facilities Automobiles/Traffic Parking Street Design Streetscape Other Pedestrian safety and improvements o Link to traffic calming More pedestrian friendly Bike lanes Continuous bike route Bicycle friendly if at all possible, with the use of parallel streets being okay Bicycle safety Bicycle friendly Traffic calming Traffic arterial maintained Reexamination of off-street parking requirements Shared parking facilities and parking management plan Parking on attractive City parking lots (not on-street parking) Road diet to three lanes o Could just be restriping o Needed for traffic calming o Desired to create space for pedestrians and slow traffic Narrow roadway for cars to provide space for pedestrians and bicyclists Underground utilities Trees and green space Beautification and landscaping Lighting Flooding fixes Avoid gentrification Greenway along Mill Creek Destination Cost Reduction in lot size restrictions Between 17 th and 25 th streets: Focus on fixing problems, repair sidewalks, work on flooding, connect the bike lanes, and make safer crossings Aspiration to be like Hawthorne Street in Portland OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS Street Design Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities State Street needs a center-turn lane Road diet should be done all the way to Lancaster Drive Road diet could work between 14 th and 25 th Street where the road is narrower, but it would only work if traffic counts are under 20,000 Road diet would be okay as part of making State Street beautiful, which is the highest priority State Street needs protected bike lanes State Street does not need protected bike lanes because bikes ride in the travel lanes Kids riding to school should be protected Neighbors do not want bike lanes on parallel routes like Ferry, Chemeketa and Court streets, especially if on-street parking would have to be removed Neighborhood streets should be fixed before State Street

9 Page 9 Parking Other There is an excess of surface parking lots, with the excess often leased to area employers New for-lease surface parking lots should be prohibited, and forlease parking in structures should be allowed Shared parking should be encouraged Parking district should be considered State workers park on Ferry Street due to the State s high cost of parking Making State Street beautiful is a priority and that should include removing overhead lines, cleaning up empty lots, adding historical lighting, making it easier for consumers to visit businesses, and using zoning to clean up State Street Flooding is a problem in the area and should be addressed before improving State Street Neighborhood streets are a mess (e.g., sidewalks in disrepair, crime and graffiti, dumping of trash and debris where there is public access to Mill Creek) Benches are bad because they will attract transients