TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL NORTH CAROLINA

8 TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL NORTH CAROLINA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: 1/19/2011 AGENDA #2 Title of Agenda Item: Complete Streets Policy Update. Council Goal: Focus on Economic Development, Land Use, and Transportation for a Balanced and Sustainable Future Background: The Town has been seeking ways to incorporate a Complete Streets policy and concepts into the development of a well-connected transportation network for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and motorists in Chapel Hill. Town staff has developed a policy statement and a series of implementation steps, based on learning from other communities, cross-department conversations and a public workshop held on November 17, 2010. This memorandum provides an update on staff activities related to a Chapel Hill Complete Streets initiative and recommends a policy statement for Council consideration. Fiscal Note: No impact identified at this time. The implementation of Complete Streets standards may increase some initial project costs for private developers and the Town, but specific impacts will depend on the design standards eventually implemented. Recommendations: That the Council consider the policy statement and the staff implementation measures in the memorandum. The staff can return to the Council with a policy for endorsement at a later date, if desired. ATTACHMENTS: Viewing attachments may require Adobe Acrobat. Town Manager's Memorandum Staff Memorandum Report

9 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Mayor and Town Council Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager Update on Complete Streets Policy for Chapel Hill DATE: January 19, 2011 DISCUSSION The Town Council, advisory boards and members of the community have expressed an interest in continuing to encourage the development of a well-connected transportation network for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and motorists in Chapel Hill. Such a network recognizes that transportation is a system comprising many modes and the network is only successful and sustainable if the system works well for multiple types of transportation. The system includes not only infrastructure but also an inclusive thought and planning process. To begin to think about Complete Streets most effectively, we first needed to establish a more systemic way of thinking. We have people in many departments working on transportation matters, from Planning to Public Works to Transit to Parks and Recreation to Fire and Police. No matter how each participant thinks about their own assigned responsibility, we cannot be successful until they can think first about the system in which they operate. To reinforce this approach, I created the Transportation Management Team to begin to consider all transportation matters at the staff level, including Complete Streets, from a more systemic approach. Our staff has participated in a multi-disciplinary effort to understand where the Town s existing policies, standards and guidelines affect our transportation system and have together made recommendations for improving standards. The staff recommends an approach incorporating Complete Streets into our current work, instead of adopting a stand-alone policy with guidelines and details that would need to be coordinated with our other standards. This approach is efficient and understandable for applicants and the staff. It is also effective because the concepts continue to be part of the standard for developing infrastructure in Chapel Hill, instead of an additional, potentially conflicting, set of regulations to add to the process. RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the Council consider the policy statement and the staff implementation measures described in this memorandum. The staff can return to the Council with a policy for the Council s endorsement at a later date, if desired by the Council.

10 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager Mary Jane Nirdlinger, Assistant Planning Director David Bonk, Long Range Planning and Transportation Manager Brian Litchfield, Assistant Transit Director Kumar Neppalli, Engineering Services Manager Update on Complete Streets for Chapel Hill DATE: January 19, 2011 PURPOSE This memorandum provides an update on staff activities related to a Chapel Hill Complete Streets initiative and recommends a policy statement for Council consideration. BACKGROUND Over the past several years, the Town has been seeking ways to formalize the principles of Complete Streets in the design of the Town s transportation network. The Town has informally incorporated many of the principles of Complete Streets, which is based on the goal of designing and operating facilities that are safe for many kinds of users. Developing a formal Complete Streets policy will require the Town to address issues such as traffic calming, street design, landscaping, lighting and utilities in a more comprehensive manner. Attached is a summary report from Planning Staff and interns that contains background information, comparative information from other municipalities and the State. The Introduction of the report describes Complete Streets as follows: Complete Streets present a multi-modal approach that seeks an equal accommodation for roadway users including automobiles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. Adopting a Complete Streets policy would support Chapel Hill s commitment to the health and safety of its residents by maintaining a safe, comfortable, and convenient transportation infrastructure system for many ages and abilities. The Town of Chapel Hill has already established the necessary implementation framework for a Complete Streets Policy by attempting to accommodate motorists, transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians in the design of expanded or new facilities through street design standards, landscape standards, stormwater standards and the Land Use Management Ordinance standards. The implementation of complete streets design features depends on existing conditions including available right-of-way and the development of a connective

11 street network that improves the provision of emergency services. Increasing street connectivity also improves accessibility, which assists in the accommodation of different user groups and enhances the attractiveness of alternative modes such as walking, bicycling, and transit use, which may in turn support healthier and more active lifestyles. Advancing sustainable practices in a fiscally responsible manner is a primary goal of the Town and should be reflected in a Complete Streets policy. The Town of Chapel Hill is committed to promoting the principals of sustainability and assuring the long-term health and safety of the community. While some Complete Streets improvements may increase project costs in the short term, these investments may translate into long-term cost savings by providing greater multimodal access in town. These enhancements to the overall community can increase property values and attract investment opportunities. DISCUSSION Town staff participated in a Complete Streets workshop in April, 2010 to learn more about Charlotte s experiences and how their lessons could apply in our community. Staff then began exploring how our current policies and standards can support and inform a Complete Streets policy for Chapel Hill. A broadly representative group of Town staff met on two occasions to discuss and develop some general guidelines for implementing Complete Streets standards into existing guidelines. They also identified areas where new or updated regulations could support a Complete Streets policy. This staff-generated information was shared and discussed with the community at a public workshop on November 17, 2010. The State s Department of Transportation has been pursuing a Complete Streets initiative for State roads. The NCDOT adopted a Complete Streets Policy in July 2009 and has been developing planning and design guidelines to support the policy. They will be sharing draft content and framework information through their web page (http://www.nccompletestreets.org) and public meetings. As the Department seeks input on their guidelines between now and March 2011, the Town will continue to participate in the discussion so that Town efforts are not in conflict with State efforts. At this point, it appears that the draft materials produced by NCDOT are aligned with the recommendations in this memorandum. PUBLIC WORKSHOP COMMENTS Some of the basic ideas generated by the staff were shared at a public workshop on November 17 th, 2010. Participants were able to review and comment on the general principles developed by the staff. Participants were also asked to share their suggestions and comments with the staff. The written comments and participants input have been posted to the Town s complete streets web page. The spoken comments can be summarized as follows: Provide adequate pedestrian crossings and sidewalks between land uses Provide a variety of bicycle facilities for skilled riders and recreational users

12 Improve transit stops with shelters and seating Aesthetic improvements should be second to infrastructure (i.e. trees after crosswalks) Focus on filling in the missing pieces in the network Not all areas of town need the same level of improvements; areas with less heavy traffic may not need the same improvements as may busier roads Cars will continue to be part of the landscape; focus on safe integration for different modes This information is helpful in understanding where the perceived gaps are in the Town s existing network of vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian and transit facilities. POLICY STATEMENT Based on the background information in this report, public comment and the staff s discussions of Complete Streets, the staff proposes that the Council consider adopting a general policy statement that would commit the Town to the implementation of Complete Streets initiatives. Implementation of the policy could be through the strategies and recommendations identified below. Proposed Chapel Hill Complete Streets Policy Statement The Town of Chapel Hill is committed to a Complete Streets policy that promotes healthy and active neighborhoods, which entails providing adequate access to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists of differing abilities on roadways throughout the community. Between adoption of a policy statement and implementation of changes to existing standards and guidelines, Town staff will provide feedback to applicants during the development review process to try to incorporate the goals of Complete Streets in their projects. It would be the staff s general intent to apply this policy only to new projects or retrofits that are triggered by some other construction project; not to begin a reconstruction program for all existing roadways in Chapel Hill. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES We recommend that the Complete Streets strategies be implemented through modification of existing standards and guidelines, such as the Town s Design Manual and Standard Details. This will help avoid conflict between standards and provide predictable, single-source standards for applicants and others making roadway and transportation improvements in Chapel Hill. The Transportation Management Team will oversee the implementation process by continuing to work collaboratively with the staff who have identified the strategies below. The four areas for recommendations are Traffic Calming, Street Design, Landscaping and Utilities. Each section below identifies a policy objective, strategies and a recommendation for implementing those strategies by the Town s departments. This information was also shared at the public workshop on November 17, 2010.

13 Traffic Calming Objective: Traffic calming controls should be applied in a context-sensitive manner that meets the needs and safety of roadway users. Strategies: 1. Revisions to the Town s traffic calming policy were brought to the Council in December 2010. They accomplished the following recommended steps: a. Defining various types of traffic calming devices b. Addition of the speed cushion as traffic calming tool c. Requirement that the Town Fire Department review initial traffic calming requests d. Meetings with neighborhoods or groups requesting calming as a way to help people understand the why behind certain traffic calming choices 2. Town Fire/Police/Transit considerations: a. No negative impact on emergency vehicle access when reducing travel lane widths, providing on-street residential parking on both sides of the street, or limiting intersection turning radii, b. No reduction in response time, damage to equipment, or negative impact on transit schedules Recommendation for Public Works Department: Integrate Policy and Procedures for Traffic Calming Measures with Complete Streets policy and strategies to ensure congruency between the two documents. Street Design Objective: To encourage the design of roadways to promote safe, comfortable, and convenient facilities for users of differing age or ability. Strategies: 1. Maximize street functionality for different users a. Maximize street connectivity b. Consider Level of Service standards, lane widths, intersection differences 2. Complete the sidewalk network a. Enhance pedestrian safety at crossings b. Develop design standards that promote the development of pedestrian friendly facilities along all types of roadways. c. Provide multi-use pathways along high density/high traffic network corridors 3. Provide for emergency/transit vehicle access a. Consider travel lane width, on-street parking, intersection turning radii, community egress and evaluation options 4. Determine appropriate street classifications a. Three classes (local, collector, arterial) 5. Provide for maintenance (snowplowing, landscaping and utilities) 6. Link transit improvements with street design and sustainability a. Enhance bus stop facilities to promote user safety b. Develop transit standards; support transit capacity

14 c. Identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions through connectivity and improved traffic flow 7. Coordinate with NCDOT on retrofits a. Identify State streets suitable for retrofits b. Coordinate Town efforts with NCDOT Complete Streets Policy Recommendation for Transportation Management Team: Coordinate an update of the Town of Chapel Hill Design Manual and Standard Details with the Public Works, Planning and Engineering Departments and others as necessary. Landscaping Objective: Landscaping on Complete Streets will provide functional and aesthetic appeal while maintaining safe conditions for all users. Strategies: 1. Connect multiple existing standards to roadway classes: a. Streetscape master plan b. Design manual c. LUMO- approved planting materials and buffers d. NCDOT approved plantings e. Congress for New Urbanism list of street trees 2. Refine and develop standards: a. Provide for adequate tree planting areas b. Develop Maintenance and Management Standards c. Maintain visibility of safety/signage/pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure 3. Refine planting list (see Congress for New Urbanism recommendation above) 4. Schools/parks/other destinations may need to be considered differently Recommendation for Public Works Department: Incorporate Complete Streets policy in updates to landscape standards and draw from referenced and existing landscaping documents. Utilities Objective: Consider utility needs through context-sensitive strategies that maintain safe and accessible roadways for all users. Strategies: 1. Connect Utility standards with existing regulations and roadway classes 2. Existing utilities coordinate Town standards with external agency standards (OWASA, utility companies, railroads, communications) 3. Develop additional stormwater design standards a. Address medians, appropriate improvements for roadway classes b. Link to road dieting (narrowing and reconfiguration) and bulb-outs (extension of corners/sidewalks/planning areas into roadway) c. Include updated standards in Design Manual and Standard Details d. Address maintenance responsibilities 4. Lighting standards balance between dark skies and adequate lighting a. Downtown master plan and community input can provide guidance

15 b. Coordinate with Duke Energy Recommendation for Public Works Department: Reference external utility standards and Town standards in Town reviews and help identify solutions to address conflicting standards. FISCAL IMPACTS As the attached report notes, the fiscal impacts of a Complete Streets policy are difficult to define at an abstract level, but we can assume the following impacts will exist: Additional pedestrian and bicycle amenities will add costs to private (new) construction and to Town (retrofit) construction projects. Existing Town processes, such as the Sidewalks program, will need to consider new policy directions and design standards. In addition, we will need to develop a method for prioritizing the incorporation of different design elements when funding is limited. This methodology will need to reflect the costs and benefits of different facility types, such as sidewalks and bicycle facilities, and design elements such as landscaping. NEXT STEPS The Town staff will continue to coordinate with the NCDOT as they develop their Complete Streets guidelines. Staff will consider incorporating State Complete Street standards into the Town s guidelines to avoid any conflict, particularly for facilities along State maintained roads. After the Council has had an opportunity to hear comments and discuss the proposed policy and implementation plan, the staff could return to the Council on November 24, 2011, with a resolution endorsing the policy. Once the Council adopts a Complete Streets policy we suggest staff return to the Council with an update on the strategies and implementation steps after one year including information about the status of updates to standards and guidelines. RECOMMENDATION We recommend that the Council discuss and receive comments on the proposed policy statement and the staff implementation measures described in this memorandum.

16 Town of Chapel Hill Complete Streets Report Town of Chapel Hill Planning Department December 2010

17 Chapel Hill Complete Streets Report Introduction Complete Streets present a multi-modal approach that seeks an equal accommodation for roadway users including automobiles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. Adopting a Complete Streets policy would support Chapel Hill s commitment to the health and safety of its residents by maintaining a safe, comfortable, and convenient transportation infrastructure system for many ages and abilities. This report presents a policy framework for the integration of Complete Streets policies into the existing design and standard guidelines for the Town of Chapel Hill. The Town of Chapel Hill has already established the necessary implementation framework for a Complete Streets Policy by attempting to accommodate motorists, transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians in the design of expanded or new facilities through street design standards, landscape standards, engineering standards and the Land Use Management Ordinance standards. This report provides background on Complete Streets efforts in other communities, for context, and includes methods and principles developed by Chapel Hill staff to support the implementation of a complete streets policy. The implementation of Complete Streets design features depends on existing conditions including available right-of-way and the development of a connective street network that improves the provision of emergency services. Increasing street connectivity also improves accessibility, which assists in the accommodation of different user groups and enhances the attractiveness of alternative modes such as walking, bicycling, and transit use, which may in turn support healthier and more active lifestyles. Advancing sustainable practices in a fiscally responsible manner is a primary goal of the Town and should be reflected in a Complete Streets policy. The Town of Chapel Hill is committed to promoting the principals of sustainability and assuring the long-term health and safety of the community. While some Complete Streets improvements may increase project costs in the short term, these investments may translate into long-term cost savings by providing greater multimodal access in town. These enhancements to the overall community can increase property values and attract investment opportunities. The future success of a functional Complete Streets network in Town of Chapel Hill depends on coordinated implementation strategies. Town policies; multiagency government policies; longterm policies; public outreach policies; and performance standards are part of that system.

18 Chapel Hill Complete Streets Report Background Integrating a Complete Streets Policy Framework for the Town of Chapel Hill Complete Streets encompasses the designing of roadways that are safe, comfortable, and convenient for all users of varying ages and abilities. Complete Streets offer a comprehensive approach that seeks equal accommodation for all roadway users, including automobiles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders that utilize the entire right of way. The Town of Chapel Hill has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the health and safety of its residents. With additional commitments towards reducing carbon emissions and the promotion of development encouraging healthier lifestyles, the Town remains a national leader in innovative policies that work to maintain a high quality of life for members of the community. These principals are evident in the numerous awards afforded to the Town, including its 2006 designation as a Fit Community and 2009 award for Most Livable City. A Complete Streets policy safeguards these vital tenets in maintaining a safe, comfortable, and convenient transportation infrastructure system for all ages and abilities. Further, it is vital that all users of the roadway, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, and motor vehicle drivers remain equally balanced within the public rights-of-way. Adopting a Complete Streets policy will ensure the Town s dedication to a sustainable future founded upon safeguarding the natural and human-made environments. The guiding principles for Complete Streets can include the following. Examples of guiding principles - Establishes a vision for creating Complete Streets - Identifies all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit vehicles and users, and motorists, of all ages and abilities. - Creates a comprehensive, integrated, connected network. - Recognizes the need for flexibility in achieving a balance between street variation and user needs. - Is adoptable by all agencies to cover all roads. - Applies to both new and retrofit projects, including design, planning, maintenance, and operations, for the entire right of way. - Makes any exceptions specific and sets a clear procedure that requires high-level approval of exceptions. - Directs the use of the latest and best design standards. - Directs Complete Streets solutions correspond with context of the community. - Specifies implementation steps. The Town of Chapel Hill can use these principles to guide the update of Town design standards, including engineering design standards, LUMO regulations, stormwater standards and landscape standards. In addition to updating design standards, staff can focus on educating planners and

19 Chapel Hill Complete Streets Report engineers in Complete Streets procedures, and rethinking existing evaluation measures used to track outcomes (such as adjusting level of service indicators beyond the traditional measurement of roadway capacity). To complement Complete Street design standards, the staff and Council can identify and encourage supportive land uses and urban design elements, and coordinate with the Town s existing transportation demand management program to ensure policies are in place to provide effective coordination with existing alternative transportation commuting programs. Inventory of National Complete Streets Policies Other states and local jurisdictions have adopted Complete Streets policies. By the end of 2008, there were 75 jurisdictions and 80 policies in the National Complete Streets Coalition s database. Policy types range from local ordinances to simple resolutions to lengthy comprehensive and transportation plans, as well as rewritten street design manuals, all with the intent of accommodating all users in transportation projects. Complete Streets policies can take many forms. A current distribution of Complete Streets policies was published in Planning Complete Streets for an Aging America by the AARP Public Policy Institute in May 2009. Their findings found: - 21 policies are in the form of state legislation or adoption of municipal ordinance. - 21 states, cities, or counties have passed Complete Streets resolutions. - 12 are adopted policies through internal directives. - 18 have included Complete Streets in transportation or comprehensive plans. - 5 jurisdictions have adopted more extensive design manuals reflecting Complete Streets principles. - 3 transportation funding measures have included a Complete Streets provision. Not all the surveyed Complete Streets policies address the needs of every travel mode. While all Complete Streets policies address pedestrians and bicyclists, the AARP report found that a few are so comprehensive as to address the needs of transit users, motorists, and freight vehicles: - 41% of policies address only bicycle and pedestrian travel-a total of 33 policies - 33% of policies add transit users with bicycle and pedestrian travel- a total of 26 policies. - 26% of policies discuss balancing the needs of the three user types with the needs of motorists, freight, or both- a total of 21 policies. - Only comprehensive plans are most likely to include all modes - 44% of these policies address all roadway users. Five jurisdictions have written more extensive design manuals to accompany their Complete Streets policies. They include Charlotte, North Carolina; San Diego and Sacramento, California; Basalt, Colorado; and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Several others make some mention of specific design treatments. The other policies either refer readers to outside design guidance or fail to mention design completely.

20 Chapel Hill Complete Streets Report Assessment of Chapel Hill s Current Street Design Policies For years, the Town of Chapel Hill has followed many of the principles and guidelines of Complete Streets. The Town has historically followed many of the principles and guidelines of Complete streets by accommodating motorists, transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians in infrastructure development. This attention has provided the basic infrastructure of a Complete Streets community in Chapel Hill. For example, the Town has maintained a fare free transit system, established a bicycle and pedestrian advisory board, and dedicated resources to the development of a greenway and bicycle network in Chapel Hill. We have provided an analysis of the Town in comparison to other communities in North Carolina and communities with similar demographics that promote Complete Streets. North Carolina Municipalities Chapel Hill is not the first community to attempt the adoption of Complete Streets. In 2007, Charlotte enacted an Urban Street Design Guidelines Policy Recommendations Summary (USDG). The USDG complements other transportation and growth policies in Charlotte. The guidelines set forth in the USDG outline street types, street designs, implementation strategies, and other elements to create a Complete Streets document and design manual. Charlotte is currently one of only five jurisdictions in the U.S. to have an extensive design manual focused on Complete Streets. Raleigh recently included a Complete Streets policy in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Raleigh s policy identifies Complete Streets principles, like the need to identify various road types and being accommodating to all user groups. This policy is integrated into the Comprehensive Plan, and the five related actions are not as detailed as Charlotte s technical design manual; they refer to Charlotte s USDG as an example for future standards. State of North Carolina In July 2009, the North Carolina Department of Transportation s (NCDOT) Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation released a Complete Streets Policy approved by the Board of Transportation. This is the first policy instructing NCDOT to consider alternative forms of transportation when planning projects. The policy is committed to providing access, mobility, connectivity, and safety for all user groups. In regards to the design and planning of projects, the policy stresses collaboration with local communities and the need for context-sensitive solutions. Draft planning and design guidelines are under development and currently expected to be complete in March 2011. Southeast United States Several communities in the Southeast have passed Complete Streets resolutions: Spartanburg, SC; Greenville, SC; Anderson, SC; and Cobb County, GA. These resolutions commit the community to Complete Streets, but do not have any direction on implementation or design

21 Chapel Hill Complete Streets Report features. Charleston, SC and Decatur, GA have committed design and implementation strategies (like Charlotte) for Complete Streets. Charleston, SC has more extensive design guidelines than Charlotte, but the structure of the documents differ. United States At the national level, cities, counties, and metropolitan planning organizations have increasingly become committed to adopting Complete Streets policies. Thirteen state governments or agencies have passed Complete Streets related policies through resolutions, plans, or executive orders including: Boulder, CO was one of the first communities to incorporate Complete Streets and is the only community in the National Complete Streets Coalition list. Sacramento, CA has a Best Practices for Complete Streets manual that goes beyond the Charlotte and Charleston guidelines, and also guaranteeing funding of pedestrian and bicycling facilities with a transportation funding measure. The State of Oregon has mandated that at least 1% of all transportation funding go to bicycle and pedestrian improvements. The State of Massachusetts Highway Department (Mass Highway) created the Mass Highway Project Development and Design Guidebook, which outlines Complete Streets guidelines uniformly across the state. The federal government has also begun to recognize Complete Streets. On March 11, 2009, Congresswoman Doris Matsui proposed bill H.R. 1443: Complete Streets Act of 2009, followed by Senator Thomas Harkin introducing the bill in the Senate (S. 584). The bill requires that within two years every state and MPO must enact an explicit policy statement that requires all federally funded transportation projects to accommodate all users with certain Complete Streets principles. The bill allows for some exemptions with proper approval including roadways that prohibit specified users, excessive implementation costs, and lack of needed service. States that are not compliant with Complete Streets principles must use a portion of surface transportation funds to enact a highway safety program. The bill has yet to be voted on, and has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Similar Communities Several communities with demographics similar to Chapel Hill have bicycle and pedestrian plans or have street design guidelines that complement Complete Streets principles. Three communities similar to Chapel Hill include Rochester, MN; Iowa City, IA; and Davis, CA. Rochester and Iowa City have both passed resolutions committing their communities to Complete Streets, but have not developed implementation and design guidelines. Davis, which is known as a bicycle friendly community, has an extensive bicycle plan and network, does not have an official Complete Streets mandate.

22 Chapel Hill Complete Streets Report Implementation of Complete Streets Policies The implementation of a complete streets policy can take several forms ranging from the adoption of a complete set of standards and guidelines, as was done in Charlotte, to the adaption of existing guidelines to more fully support complete streets principles. While the Charlotte Example (See: Urban Design Guidelines) is a single source of direction for various types of new construction and can apply to retrofits, Chapel Hill may focus on developing guidelines that embed complete streets principles in the existing regulations and design controls, including the Town s Design Manual, Land Use Management Ordinance, Engineering standards and Landscape and Stormwater regulations. The benefit of this approach for Chapel Hill is that components of the existing regulations can be updated as staff resources are available. If the Town were to create a free-standing set of complete streets standards, there would still be a need to revise the existing standards to reflect the new complete streets standards. Typically, having cross-referenced or duplicate sets of standards can decrease the predictability of the design review process for applicants and the Town s staff. The fiscal impacts of a complete streets policy are difficult to define at an abstract level, but we can assume the following impacts will exist: Additional pedestrian and bicycle amenities will add costs to private (new) construction and to Town (retrofit) construction projects. Existing Town processes, such as the Sidewalks program, will need to consider new policy directions and design standards. Furthermore, there will need to be a method for determining which improvements are a priority when funding options are limited. For instance, if a bicycle path and a sidewalk are both desired, how will the priority be decided? These questions can be part of the public discussion as the Town moves forward with discussing a complete streets policy, choosing a method for implementing that policy and making financial decisions.