City Council Agenda and Packet 2013 02 05

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2013 Page 5 of 15 intersections, and right-in, right-out intersections, the closure of Spruce Street and the opening of Lee Avenue. The goal of this project is connectivity along the corridor, not mobility. Staff recommended 1) a new road running north from South Boulder Road (behind the Shamrock Gas Station) through Christopher Plaza and the Alkonis Property, connecting to Summit View Drive and Kaylix Avenue in the Steel Ranch neighborhood and 2) an extension of Lee Avenue to the south to connect with Pine Street. Planning Director Russ stated there is wide support for the 3-lane option and the access management strategy on Highway 42, however there is controversy over the local network connections. The recommended 3-lane design of Hwy 42 is dependent on additional transportation improvements in the Miners Field, Little Italy, and Steel Ranch Neighborhoods. Specifically, staff is recommending three new neighborhood street connections, which would provide the following opportunities: • Neighborhood accessibility and visibility • Transportation choices; long-term revitalization of Pine Street • Commercial Access and Visibility • Emergency response • Crime prevention through environmental design • Property values and neighborhood stability Planning Director Russ explained the Lee Avenue extension was not part of the original revitalization district plan. Staff recommended the City Council direct staff to finalize the 30% design concept for the 3-lane Highway 42 and supporting local street network connections as proposed. This direction would enable staff and the project team to complete the 30% design for the Highway and the final implementation plan of all corridor improvements by April of 2013. A staged implementation of the Lee Avenue connection to Pine Street would create a livable solution for the adjacent property owners, the neighborhood, the Hwy 42 Corridor and City-wide in the near-term as well as the long-term build-out of the Corridor. Specifically, staff recommended the City Council support the following design Phasing Plan for the Lee Avenue Connection to Pine Street. 1. Acquire the property 2. – Staff negotiate with the property owner to acquire the property as the opportunity is presented. Design/Construct 3. – Design/ build a one-way southbound connection between Lee Avenue and Pine Street concurrent with Hwy 42 Improvements associated with the Boulder County Sales Tax (after 2018). The design of the connection shall not preclude a simple restriping of the connection to a two-lane street. Add Left-Turn Lane – As the properties along Pine Street redevelop add a southbound left turn lane if traffic warrants it. PUBLIC COMMENT