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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/03/2017 - Regular Agenda Packet - Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND GREENWAYS ADVISORY BOARD April 3, 2017 3:00 P.M. City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room 1 1101 Texas Avenue College Station, Texas AGENDA BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND GREENWAYS ADVISORY BOARD Monday, April 3, 2017, 3:00 PM City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room 1 1101 Texas Avenue College Station, Texas, 77840 1. Call to Order 2. Hear Visitors - At this time, the Chairman will open the floor to citizens wishing to address the Board on issues not already scheduled on today's agenda. The citizen presentations will be limited to three minutes in order to accommodate everyone who wishes to address the Board and to allow adequate time for completion of the agenda items. The Board will receive the information, ask city staff to look into the matter, or will place the matter on a future agenda for discussion. (A recording is made of the meeting; please give your name and address for the record.) 3. Consideration, possible action, and discussion to approve meeting Minutes. • March 6, 2017 4. Public hearing, presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission on proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan – Future Land use & Character Map based on the proposed Carter’s Crossing Condos Development located at 1451 Associates Avenue. 5. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan Update. 6. Presentation and discussion regarding education and encouragement opportunities. 7. Presentation and discussion regarding the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board calendar of upcoming meetings. • April 6, 2017 ~ Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting ~ City Hall, Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m. • April 19, 2017 ~ TxDOT Active Transportation Public Hearing ~ Bryan City Council Chambers and Lobby, 300 S. Texas Ave, Bryan, TX ~ 5:30 p.m. • April 20, 2017 ~ Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting ~ City Hall, Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m. • May 1, 2017 ~ Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board ~ City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room 1 ~ 3:00 p.m. 8. Possible action and discussion on future agenda items – A Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting. 9. Adjourn. Notice is hereby given that a Regular Meeting of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board of the City of College Station, Texas will be held on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room 1, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. The following subjects will be discussed, to wit: See Agenda. Agendas may be viewed on www.cstx.gov. APPROVED: By________________________________ City Manager I certify that the above Notice of Meeting was posted at College Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas, on March 27, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS By_________________________________ City Secretary This building is wheelchair accessible. Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services such as interpreters, readers, or large print are asked to contact the City Secretary’s Office at (979) 764-3541, TDD at 1-800-735-2989, or email adaassistance@cstx.gov at least two business days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. If the City does not receive notification at least two business days prior to the meeting, the City will make a reasonable attempt to provide the necessary accommodations. Penal Code § 30.07. Trespass by License Holder With an Openly Carried Handgun. “Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly” Codigo Penal §30.07. Trespasar Portando Armas de Mano al Aire Libre con Licencia. “Conforme a la Seccion 30.07 del codigo penal (traspasar portando armas de mano al aire libre con licencia), personas con licencia bajo del Sub-Capitulo H, Capitulo 411, Codigo de Gobierno (Ley de licencias de arma de mano), no deben entrar a esta propiedad portando arma de mano al aire libre” MINUTES BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND GREENWAYS ADVISORY BOARD Monday, March 6, 2017 3:00 PM College Station City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room 1 1101 Texas Avenue College Station, Texas, 77840 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Blanche Brick, Jon Denton, Tina Evans, Molly Fierro, Joanna Kaspar, Phillip Lasley, Andrew Middleton STAFF PRESENT: Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Senior Program Manager Venessa Garza, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services Molly Hitchcock, Board Secretary Amber Johnson OTHERS PRESENT: James Murr, Timothy Hawkins AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Call to Order. Chairman Brick called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Hear Visitors There were no visitors present who wished to address the board. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Consideration, possible action, and discussion to approve meeting absences. Board Member Middleton motioned to approve the meeting absence from February 6, 2017. The motion was seconded by Board Member Evans and was approved (5-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Consideration, possible action, and discussion to approve meeting minutes. Board Member Denton motioned to approve the meeting minutes from February 6, 2017. The motion was seconded by Board Member Evans and was approved (5-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Public hearing, presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission on proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan – Future Land use & Character Map, and proposed changes to the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan based on the proposed College Station Town Center Development in the Medical District. Economic Development Manager Jennifer Prochazka presented this item to the board. The applicant has proposed a PDD Planned Development District zoning for approximately 235 acres located in the College Station Medical District. The PDD is intended to provide varied residential, office, and retail opportunities in an urban environment with park, lake, and trail amenities. As proposed the development requires an amendment to the Future Land Use and Character Map, including amending the Natural Areas Reserved designation on the property. In addition, the applicant has proposed an alternative route for the trail system. The proposed trail does not extend to Rock Prairie Road along the creek/tree line, but within a linear park along Bird Pond Road, requiring an amendment to the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan. Board Member Lasley joined the meeting at approximately 3:06 pm. Chairman Brick asked if Urban Mixed-Use land use classification was the same as Urban. Manager Prochazka stated that Urban designation is typically apartments and Urban Mixed-Use is typically a combination of both horizontal and vertical mixed use including commercial retail, office, and residential uses. Chairman Brick asked if there were any areas in town that currently have an Urban Mixed-Use designation. Manager Prochazka stated that there are developments in Northgate and the Northpoint Crossing development. She added that we currently do not have a lot of these types in the city. The board held a general discussion regarding the proposed amendment to the future land use and character map. Board Member Evans stated that it was presented by Ms. Prochazka as a 20-year plan and asked if it is known what will come first. The applicant, Mr. James Murr, stated that residential is the easier portion of the development and as the city is in need of more residential lots it will most likely come first. However, there is a potential for a mixed-use package to include a YMCA development they could potentially kick-off the project. Chairman Brick asked if there was still potential for the Village Center development with a Community Center or Town Hall type development. Mr. Murr stated that developing something like that is still a possibility. However, as that is something that is harder to do it would most likely be developed later. Chairman Brick asked if Mr. Murr believed the YMCA would be developed. Mr. Murr stated that the YMCA has already done a market study that has come back very strong. Board Member Evans asked if the City would be constructing the pathways. Manager Prochazka stated that the pathways would be constructed by the developer, maintained by the Municipal Management District, and owned by the City. The Municipal Management District is set up for the Medical District in the area. Chairman Brick asked if the District would have their own maintenance area of Public Works. Manager Prochazka stated that she assumes they will hire additional personnel to maintain those areas and that there is a board that would make that decision. Board Member Middleton asked what the design specifications for the trails would be. Manager Garza stated that the exact specifications have not been discussed but would minimally meet ADA standards, 10 feet wide and concrete. Mr. Murr added that the specific design of the trails has not yet been determined and that they will probably be different depending on where they are located. Manager Prochazka added that with the trails being City owned property they would be working with the city with the development of them as well as the Parks Department. Board Member Evans asked if the development would be connected to Scott and White in any way. Mr. Murr stated that Lakeway Drive connects the developments but there is no official partnership. The board held a general discussion regarding the proposed amendment to the bicycle, pedestrian, and greenways master plan. Board Member Lasley motioned to approve the amendments to the Future Land Use and Character Map and Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan Trail Map as proposed. The motione was seconded by Board Member Middleton and was approved (6-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan Update. Senior Program Manager Garza presented this item to the board. The public meeting that was held was well attended and the survey has generated 786 responses so far. Staff is evaluating proposed additions and revisions to greenway trails, bike lanes, and sidewalks for the master plan internally with a Staff Resource Team comprised of members of city staff from other departments. The board will also evaluate these proposed changes and will provide their recommendations. The trail networks will be the first to be reviewed. The first area evaluated by the board was a potential trail addition in the Summit Crossing subdivision along Harvey Hillsides creek that would connect into the Summit Crossing Park. Board Member Lasley asked how the trail would terminate at FM 158. Ms. Garza stated that it would end at the sidewalk. Board Member Middleton stated that there is a wide sidewalk that goes down Booneville. Ms. Garza stated that will need to be looked at further but the possibility of people crossing at mid-block is something that we try to avoid. Mr. Middleton asked if there was timeline for the development of Harvey Road. Ms. Garza stated that the future widening of Harvey Road would most likely not be constructed anytime soon and a best guess for would be approximately 10 years from now. The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) does not have it on their plans anytime soon. Mr. Lasley asked if there is a potential corridor to connect the proposed walking trail from Summit Crossing down to Veteran’s Park. Ms. Garza stated that the connection would have to come with the construction of sidewalks when Harvey Road is widened in the future. Mr. Lasley stated that he believed this proposed trail in Summit Crossing is a good addition to the Master Plan. Ms. Garza stated that it sounded like the board would be interested in proposing a wider sidewalk to Veteran’s Park. Mr. Lasley stated that a wider sidewalk alongside Harvey Road in general is not favorable and that it depends on the right-of-way on Harvey Road. He added that the road is such a high- speed roadway and a major thoroughfare. In order for the facilities to be useable it would be preferential to have them constructed completely separated from the roadway with trees and landscaping. Chairman Brick agreed with Mr. Lasley’s statement regarding the separation of the walking and roadway facilities. Board Member Kaspar added that the primary use of Veteran’s Park is mostly athletic events that require the use of equipment. She stated that she did not believe people would want to carry all of their equipment. Mr. Middleton stated that he sees Harvey Road traffic similar to the traffic on University Drive. He added that in the future he could see commercial developments, hotels, and restaurants going down along Harvey. Having pedestrian access to those facilities similar to what is on University Drive would be favorable and reduce vehicular traffic. Ms. Garza stated that once we have the recommendations together she would speak with Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), College Station Independent School District (CSISD), and City of Bryan to talk through the feasibility of some of these items. Ms. Garza added that she believed since it is such a major corridor we will want a separated facility. The facility could be a combination trail or a sidewalk and a separated bicycle facility but it may have to be a trail because of possible right-of-way constraints. Mr. Lasley added that there could also be the possibility of having a two-way contraflow separated facility on the Veteran’s Park side. Board Member Fierro joined the meeting at approximately 3:48 pm. Ms. Kaspar stated that the trail on FM 2818 is wide trail with a two-way use and it is never seems to be crowded and has been working well. Mr. Lasley added that he would like to see a connection all the way down Harvey Road on the plan so there is a possibility and it is not overlooked. Ms. Garza asked what the beginning and end points should be. Mr. Lasley stated that it could go all the way down Harvey Road into the trail going in Veteran’s Park. The second area evaluated included two proposed trails located near the intersection of Harvey Road and Earl Rudder Freeway S along the Gulf States Utility Corridor and alongside Carter’s Creek. Staff is proposing to move the proposed trails out of the floodway and to the fringes of the floodplain as well as examining the feasibility of trail development in the area. Ms. Garza stated that when Harvey Road is widened the trail could potentially go underneath the roadway so users are not having to cross at grade. Mr. Lasley stated that he believes it is important to avoid users crossing at grade but would like for it not to be proven unfeasible such as the crossing on Texas Avenue. He added that if the crossing was not obtained it would destroy connectivity. Mr. Middleton asked if it is known what the City of Bryan is planning to do a connection at the Northern portion of the proposed trail. Ms. Garza stated that the City of Bryan does have a trail connection listed on their plan as they were asked to connect to the proposed trail before feasibility of the trail was examined. She added that she will be meeting with the City of Bryan to determine what is feasible. Mr. Lasley asked if the City of Bryan could plan to cross over University Drive at Copperfield Parkway as it is well constructed and does not typically have too heavy of traffic. He added that if there was a trail on Harvey Road then users could connect over from Copperfield Parkway. Ms. Evans asked if the proposed portion of the Gulf States trail was removed if there was a concerned for the loss of North to South connectivity. Ms. Garza stated it would require a conversation with the Parks Department regarding Veterans Park, if it was ever redeveloped if a wider sidewalk could be integrated into the design to create a connection. Ms. Garza stated that collectively the board seems hesitant to remove the connection to Bryan along the Gulf States from the Master Plan so she would examine that area some more. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing to move the trail that runs alongside Carter’s Creek to a more Eastern location that is outside of the floodplain. She added that it is important to note that the proposed trail is currently in the ETJ and might not be feasible. Mr. Lasley stated that all of that region is a pretty large floodplain area. He asked if natural development will go towards the East Side of the city. He added that he believed it was going to be heading mostly Southern and potentially West in the future. Ms. Kaspar asked what the process was for staff to get the proposed changes to the Master Plan approved. Ms. Garza stated it is a combination of input from the public meeting, the public survey, and input from this Advisory Board. This board will make a recommendation the Planning and Zoning Commission who will then make a recommendation to the City Council who will then if approved will adopt the changes. The third area evaluated was in Hensel Park. Staff is proposing to remove the trail from the master plan as the park is Texas A&M University (TAMU) property and the City no longer has a partnership with TAMU for Hensel Park. The board held a general discussion regarding Hensel Park. There was no opposition from the board regarding the potential removal of the Hensel Park Trail. The fourth area evaluated was the location just North of the Speedway. Staff is proposing a trail addition along the creek corridor to the East of the Southern Pointe development or alongside the sewer line easement. Mr. Middleton stated that he believed that this proposed trail would be a great connection as there is currently only one way to get into Lick Creek Park. Ms. Garza stated that at this time she is unsure how exactly it would tie in and that would need to be discussed with the Parks Department. The fifth area evaluated was a portion of the Wolf Pen Creek trail that currently ends at George Bush Drive East. Staff is proposing to move the trail to the fringes of the floodplain and extend the Wolf Pen Creek trail to Texas Avenue. Mr. Lasley stated that this proposed trail would be nice to have. He added that if there was also an ability to cross Texas would also be great to give users who live on the West side of Texas the ability to access the Wolf Pen Creek Trail. Ms. Garza stated that there used to be a proposed connection next to the West of Texas along Harvey Road but that the feasibility of construction due to the topography of the land and existing infrastructure in that area was not plausible. Mr. Lasley added that conceptually the proposed trail should be left on the plan but feasibly it may never be constructed. Ms. Garza stated that the proposed trail would be unlikely to be constructed unless the properties are redeveloped but that she believed that George Bush was already constructed in a way that would make it possible to create a trail going underneath the roadway. Mr. Lasley added that he was unsure if the proposed trail was really providing a connection to anything. Ms. Garza stated that it provides a connection in a different way and from more of a character view point. The sixth area evaluated was along FM 2818 from Rio Grande to Steeplechase Park. Staff is proposing to move the trail up near the roadway and away from the creek to allow it to be more feasible. The board held a general discussion regarding the proposed trail. Mr. Lasley asked if more trees and landscaping could be planted along FM 2818. Assistant Director Molly Hitchcock stated that on the North side of FM 2818 there is currently landscaping that is being planned. The city also currently has funding for that project. The installation of the landscaping would probably occur in the next couple of years. Mr. Lasley stated that as it is such a central corridor it would be beneficial to have more character. The seventh area evaluated was Spring Creek Trail by the College Station High School. Staff is proposing the removal of a portion to the east of Fieldstone Place in Sonoma Park due to lack of feasibility. Mr. Lasley asked if there would be a connection to the High School. Ms. Garza stated that the future trail plans were mentioned previously during the site plan phase of the High School project but there was not interest at the time in making a connection. Mr. Middleton stated there is a levy that could be used as a trail. Ms. Garza stated that levy is on CSISD property and they were informed of the plan for the trail. She added that she will need to go back and take a look and see if a trail was considered to be accounted for but she believed they did not. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Presentation and discussion regarding bicycle facilities in Mexico City. Board Member Fierro presented this item to the board. Ms. Fierro recently visited Mexico City and presented information to the board regarding the bicycle infrastructure. The board held a general discussion regarding the bicycle facility concepts in use in Mexico City. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Presentation and discussion regarding education and encouragement opportunities. Greenways Program Manager Garza presented this item to the board. Brazos Valley Earth Day is on April 22, 2017. There will be time slots open to give the board a chance to volunteer at the event. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Presentation and discussion regarding the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board calendar of upcoming meetings. • March 16, 2017 ~ Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting ~ City Hall, Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m. • April 3, 2017 ~ Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board ~ City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room 1 ~ 3:00 p.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: Possible action and discussion on future agenda items – A Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting. Board Member Middleton asked if the new Spring Creek Business Park that is being developed off of Lakeway would be able to add a parking facility to provide additional trail parking. Ms. Garza stated that the plan when Lakeway comes through is to looking at adding parking next to the Utility Station. However, we currently do not have the funding for this project. Chairman Brick asked if there was going to be a possibility for the development of natural trails. Ms. Garza stated that she will speak with David Schmitz in the Parks Development to get an update on the trail proposed in the Business Park. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. APPROVED: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ Blanche Brick, Chairman Amber Johnson, Board Secretary 1101 Texas Avenue, P.O. Box 9960 College Station, Texas 77842 Phone 979.764.3570 / Fax 979.764.3496 MEMORANDUM DATE: April 3, 2017 TO: Members of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board FROM: Madison Thomas, AICP, Staff Planner mthomas@cstx.gov SUBJECT: Carter’s Creek Condos – 1451 Associates Ave. Item: Public hearing, presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission on proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan – Future Land use & Character Map based on the proposed Carter’s Creek Condos Development located at 1451 Associates Avenue. Summary: The applicant has proposed a PDD Planned Development District zoning for approximately 5.955 acres located at 1451 Associates Avenue, north of Harvey Road, behind Sam’s Club and Cinemark. The PDD is intended to allow for multi-family use on the property and natural areas preserved for the part of the property along Carter’s Creek. As proposed, the development requires an amendment to the Future Land Use & Character Map, including amending the Natural Areas Reserved designation on the property. The Comprehensive Plan Amendment proposes a change from the current land use of General Commercial and Natural Areas Reserved to Urban and Natural Areas Reserved. Background: The Natural Areas Reserved land use designation currently shown on the Comprehensive Plan is conceptual. When reviewed by staff, based on the information provided, the proposed Natural Areas Reserved line should follow the floodplain line with an additional 50’+ buffer for safety. Attachments: 1. Future Land Use and Character Map 2. Existing and Proposed Land Use Map