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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-11 Northeast Urban Renewal Board Minutes NURB Meeting – May 3, 2011 1 Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, May 3, 2011 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, Montana. Present: Absent: Voting Members: Erik Nelson, Chair Robert Pavlic Daniel Doehring Tom Noble Jeanne Wesley-Wiese Non-Voting Members: Commissioner Liaison: Carson Taylor Staff: Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner Dustin Johnson, Project Engineer Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Kevin Jacobsen, Morrison-Maierle Trevor McSpadden, Morrison-Maierle Chris Nixon Call to Order. Chair Erik Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Public Comment. Chris Nixon announced that the NorthEast Neighborhood Association (NENA) meeting has been moved to May 19. He asked what the Board wishes to present at that meeting and how much time will be needed. During discussion, items listed included the two trails, East Peach Street improvements, the bridge and recruitment for board members. Chair Nelson asked that the newsletter included an outline of this Board’s work plan with a short synopsis of each project’s status. Planner Keri Thorpe stated she will prepare that synopsis for inclusion in the NENA newsletter. Chris Nixon then stated he found cracks on top of the climbing boulder that allow one to see the mesh underneath. He suggested that this may be the result of vandalism to the boulder. He concluded by stating that there is significant mouse or vole damage to the trees along the depot trail and, in fact, some of those trees may be so damaged that they will not survive. NURB Meeting – May 3, 2011 2 Project Engineer Dustin Johnson stated the boulder is under warranty, and he will contact the business that constructed and installed it. Consent Items – Approve minutes from April 5, 2011 meeting. It was moved by Dan Doehring, seconded by Tom Noble, that the minutes of the meeting of April 5, 2011, be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Discussion Items – Peach Street engineering study—survey information gathered by Morrison- Mairele. Kevin Jacobsen distributed copies of the existing street right-of-way for East Peach Street between North Rouse Avenue and North Plum Avenue, showing existing conditions, how the road fits within the right-of-way, and infringements on the right-of-way. He noted there are variations in the right-of-way width, and the road meanders within that right-of-way. The right-of-way on the east end is 60 feet wide, but is 5 to 6 feet narrower as it nears North Rouse Avenue. Kevin Jacobsen stated that, since last month’s meeting, they have completed the topographic work as well as the right-of-way boundary work. He stated the typical section they have developed, based on discussions at last month’s meeting, would fit within the existing right- of-way without extensive work. Those street improvements would include two-way traffic with parking on the south side of the street and no parking on the north side, and curb, gutter, boulevards and sidewalks on both sides of the street. He noted that it would be possible to complete those improvements without replacing any of the existing curbs and gutters although some of the sidewalks are not at the appropriate grade. Chair Nelson asked if the consulting engineer has explored the possibility of swales and low impact sidewalks as well as the use of rollover curbs on the east end of the street. Kevin Jacobsen responded that the main focus at the last meeting was identifying the desired street configuration and then determining if it will fit within the right-of-way. He noted that during that discussion, it was decided boulevards have greater importance than bike lanes. He then stated that the basic street configuration must be firmly set before details such as rollover curb and access to properties are discussed. Chair Nelson suggested that in some areas it may be desirable to have swales and noted that he would personally like to see some more creative ideas explored during the design phase, particularly on the north side of the street. Trevor McSpadden encouraged the Board to first look at the road section and determine if that is acceptable, noting that efforts can then be concentrated on the curb, boulevard and sidewalk sections, and the potential opportunities to do unique things. He then highlighted the proposed widths of the travel lanes and the parking lane on the south side of the street. Responding to comments from Chair Nelson, Project Engineer Dustin Johnson noted that everything along the south side of the street, with the exception of Karst Stage, is residential NURB Meeting – May 3, 2011 3 and suggested that parking should remain on the south side of the street rather than the north side. He then stated the major intersections for turning maneuvers for trucks are at North Rouse Avenue, North Wallace Avenue and North Ida Avenue. Tom Noble stated that oversized loads of trusses coming out of the Simkins yard are often seen on East Peach Street. Kevin Jacobsen noted the North Ida Avenue is a very interesting roadway, and its right-of- way to the north is much narrower with the travel way shoved to the east side. He asked if the Board wishes to see the road more properly located within its right-of-way or if it wishes to consider a more creative design. He suggested that narrowing the intersection approach could help to slow traffic. Responding to Chair Nelson, Kevin Jacobsen stated the topographical map was completed just a few days ago, so he has not had a chance to look at the drainage. Project Engineer Dustin Johnson reminded the Board that East Peach Street is designated as a collector in the transportation plan, and there is not adequate right-of-way to improve the roadway to that standard. As a result, a variance will be needed for the proposed street improvements. Responding to Chair Nelson, Trevor McSpadden stated that under the proposed design, travel lanes are wider in places and narrower in others but, as a general rule, the gains are greater than the losses. He then noted that in some places the right-of-way is not adequate to accommodate the typical boulevard sidewalk, so a variance will be required for that as well. Planner Thorpe noted that gaining a pedestrian facility is an important component of the proposed design. Responding to Chair Nelson, Project Engineer Dustin Johnson stated that, at this time, he sees no red flags with this proposed street design. Responding to additional questions from Chair Nelson, Trevor McSpadden suggested that tying the proposed street improvements to a unique situation within this urban renewal district could provide a basis for the City Commission to support the design. Responding to Trevor McSpadden, the Board members indicated they are comfortable with the design of the travel lanes, the parking lane and the curb along the south side except for where it needs to be replaced. Responding to comments from Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Project Engineer Dustin Johnson cautioned that trucks cannot be prohibited from using any street. He then noted that, while North Wallace Avenue was designated as a local street in the updated transportation plan in response to neighborhood pressures, that street continues to function as a collector. Kevin Jacobsen identified the intersection of North Rouse Avenue and East Peach Street as a key to the manner in which traffic moves through the area. He noted that, at the present time, that intersection is awkward and has no traffic signal, which can make traversing it very difficult. NURB Meeting – May 3, 2011 4 Responding to Chair Nelson, Kevin Jacobsen stated that the Department of Transportation’s plans for improving North Rouse Avenue have been taken into consideration in this proposed design. He noted that the Rouse design extends past the bridge and, in fact, includes moving the bridge to the south. Chair Nelson voiced his interest in having the bridge create a sense of entering the district and suggested that, if the Board can get ahead of the curve on the Department of Transportation design, it may be able to get its plan accepted and incorporated into those improvements. Kevin Jacobsen noted that the Department of Transportation typically designs its street sections with curb walks. He stated that in this instance, the sidewalk is proposed adjacent to the curb to accommodate the turn lane and would be tapered into a boulevard sidewalk to the east. Responding to Chair Nelson, Kevin Jacobsen indicated they have adequate input on the street section and asked that attention be turned to the existing encroachments into the public right-of-way. He noted they include an elevated porch off the front of the ballet studio and a retaining wall along the north side of the street, across from Karst Stage. There are also a number of hydrants and some power poles close to where the curb return or the sidewalk might be. Also, there is a tree on the west end of the street that lies within the right- of-way. He cautioned that additional trees may be in danger based on whether cuts or fills are needed to bring areas to grade. He then stressed that many of these encroachments can be addressed by varying the locations of improvements within the street right-of-way. He concluded by stating the proposed street layout minimizes any impacts on the existing conditions. Further responding to Chair Nelson, Kevin Jacobsen stated that two to four feet of asphalt will be removed along the edge to ensure that a good grade and connection to the curb and gutter can be achieved. He noted that the crown won’t necessarily be the centerline of the road, but will still provide for drainage. He also acknowledged that the curbs along the north and south sides of the road will be at different heights. Planner Thorpe asked if there are any excessively wide drive accesses off the street, and suggested that narrowing those accesses could provide more space for planting of boulevard trees. She then suggested that, if there is not room for trees, then some other type of interesting vegetation may need to be considered for the boulevards. Kevin Jacobsen asked for verification that no bicycle accommodation is to be incorporated into the street design. Commissioner Liaison Carson Taylor asked if the Bicycle Advisory Board has weighed in on this proposed street design, particularly in light of the recent Commission approval to incorporate bike lanes along Peach Street west of North Rouse Avenue. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all interested parties are involved and have bought into the design that is presented to the Commission so that an organized group does not speak up in opposition when this item appears on the agenda. Responding to Chair Nelson, Trevor McSpadden stated that something big will be sacrificed NURB Meeting – May 3, 2011 5 if bike lanes are to be incorporated into the design, and that would probably be either boulevards or parking. He then suggested that the Bike Board members be invited to attend this Board’s next meeting, noting that the next iteration of design will be available for review. Planner Keri Thorpe noted that stormwater mitigation is also a big issue that needs to be addressed. Trevor McSpadden agreed, noting that it will be a key component on the north side of the street. Chair Nelson noted it is important for the Board to inform property owners of impending issues with encroachments and suggested that the notice be sent prior to the NENA meeting scheduled for May 19. Responding to Chair Nelson, Kevin Jacobsen confirmed that he is willing to present this design for East Peach Street to NENA at its upcoming meeting. Board member recruitment. Board member recruitment will occur during the upcoming NorthEast Neighborhood Association (NENA) meeting. FYI Items. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated she talked to Steve Gilbert with the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Helena. He is supportive of the bridge and encourages submittal of an application for trail grant monies by the July 1 deadline. Jeanne noted that the grant requires an 80/20 match, which may be met with in-kind contributions. She stated more scoping may be required for this application. Planner Keri Thorpe noted that the Planning Department is talking about possible changes within the zoning regulations to facilitate implementation of the various urban renewal district plans. Chair Nelson noted that front yard setbacks for residential uses are too great. He also suggested that the parking requirements for mixed uses/office uses are too great and that on- street parking should be taken into consideration. He noted that the building where his office was previously located is not being fully utilized because of inadequate parking under zone code requirements. Planner Thorpe noted that within the current parking regulations, reductions in parking can be allowed for neighborhood commercial nodes, since it is anticipated many people may walk instead of driving. She suggested that this provision could be used to incentivize redevelopment within the district. Chris Nixon noted that graffiti walls have been successfully designated in some communities. He suggested that this concept could possibly be used for stabilization of the brewery wall, and noted that funding may be available in conjunction with such a designation. Adjournment – 8:15 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Chair Nelson adjourned the meeting. NURB Meeting – May 3, 2011 6 Erik Nelson, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman