Making Phoenix Streets Complete City of Phoenix Complete Streets Initiative City of Phoenix Planning Commission March 2014
Presentation Outline What are Complete Streets? Benefits of Complete Streets Complete Streets Policy overview Phoenix Complete Streets Working Group efforts Project examples in Phoenix Project coordination Implementation Process and Next Steps 2
Early Phoenix Street Environment 3
Result of Unprecedented Growth Over the past 40 years, Phoenix-area population, housing, and employment experienced some of the fastest growth in the nation by over 500 percent. (The population in the United States as a whole grew by approximately 70 percent during this time period) 4
What are Complete Streets? Comprehensive, integrated transportation corridors that are safe, accessible, convenient and comfortable for all: Pedestrians Cyclists Public transit users Vehicles Freight Persons of all ages and abilities 5
Benefits of Complete Streets Increases safety Encourages walking & bicycling Spurs economic development Fosters sustainable growth Strengthens environment Provides more transportation choices and accessibility Lowers transportation costs Strengthens federal funding applications 6
Keys to the Success of Complete Streets Phased Approach Strong Land Use Policies Funding Community Acceptance Strong Transit system 7
Complete Streets Policy Overview Vision Phoenix streets are designed and maintained to be safe, accessible, convenient and comfortable for all ages and abilities at all times. Intent Complete Streets will make Phoenix more walkable and bikeable, support investments in transit, foster social engagement and community pride, boost the local economy and property values, and improve the livability and long-term sustainability of our region. Phoenix will be a better place to be, realizing long-term savings from improved public health and safety, environmental stewardship, social mobility and transportation equity. 8
Complete Streets Policy Overview (Cont d) Basis for establishing guiding principles and practices for all phases of transportation improvements Integral to everyday transportation decisionmaking Developer guidance and requirements Citizen Advisory Committee Performance Measurements Use in both new and existing streets Safe to School routes Neighborhood revitalization efforts Accessibility to transit stops Future LRT corridors 9
Phoenix Complete Streets Working Group Efforts Coordination with City staff Outreach efforts Support for Complete Streets Meetings with elected officials Continuing efforts on sustainability 10
Support for Complete Streets Through an extensive outreach process support from many groups has been garnered, including: AARP (Arizona); American Planning Association (Arizona Chapter); Raza Development Fund; LISC Phoenix; Maryvale on the Move; American Society of Landscape Architects (Arizona Chapter); Arizona Forward; Arizona PIRG; Arizona Public Health Association; League of Women Voters Metro Phoenix Chapter; Maricopa County Department of Public Health; Mountain Park Health Center; Rehoboth CDC; Sustainable Communities Collaborative; and Wesley Community Center 11
Project Coordination Bike Master Plan Bike Share Program Reinvent Phoenix PlanPhx Downtown Transportation Plan Greening Lower Grand Avenue Roosevelt Streetscape First Street Improvements Van Buren Street North 32 nd Street 11 th Street Improvements North Mountain Redevelopment Area 12
Village Planning Committees Policy approval from all Committees (13 voted unanimously) and Development Advisory Board Issues Funding Maintenance Context sensitivity Use of a toolbox that includes various improvement options Future prioritization of improvement projects 13
Interim Design Strategies Interim solutions implemented to demonstrate Complete Streets concepts: Greening Lower Grand Avenue First Street Enhancements Two corridors selected from the Downtown Strategic Vision Connected Oasis Partnerships with the community 14
First Street (Prior to Improvements) Mix of land uses Two-lane local street 64-74 feet wide roadway Completed streetscape section: Polk to McKinley 15
First Street Interim Improvements (Washington to Moreland Streets) Narrowing of lanes Decorative pavement/crosswalks Buffered sidewalk with planters Bike racks and a Parklet 16
11 th Street Improvements: Corridor Previous conditions 17
Existing North 32 nd Street 18
North 32 nd Street Repurposing 19
Existing Van Buren Street Vacant, hostile corridor Unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists Lacks redevelopment potential 20
Phased Transition Phased implementation Redevelopment opportunity Increased access to underutilized corridor Smart use of limited funding 21
Complete Streets Accessible to all modes Livable/walkable streets Eyes on streets safety Business re-enters the area 22
Implementation Process Policy Guidelines Standards Ordinance Residents and Stakeholders Best Practices Draft Policy Public Comment City Council Vote 23
Next Steps Village Planning Committees Development Advisory Board Planning Commission City Council Subcommittee January/February/March 2014 (approved) January 2014 (approved) March 2014 April 2014 City Council April 2014 24
Questions? Contact: Mark Melnychenko, Special Projects Administrator City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department mark.melnychenko@phoenix.gov 602-534-0592 25