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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/02/2017 - Regular Agenda Packet - Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND GREENWAYS ADVISORY BOARD October 2, 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, October 2, 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. • September 5, 2017 4. Presentation and discussion regarding an update on the following item: • Bicycle Parking Standards 5. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding upcoming changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan - Thoroughfare Plan and the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Master Plan based on the Bryan/College Station MPO 2050 Thoroughfare Concept. 6. Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding appointing a member of the BPG Board to the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Alternative Transportation Advisory Panel. 7. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan Update and Project Priorities Methodology. 8. Presentation and discussion regarding the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board calendar of upcoming meetings. • October 5, 2017 ~ Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting ~ City Hall, Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m. • October 19, 2017 ~ Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting ~ City Hall, Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m. • November 6, 2017 ~ Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board ~ City Hall, City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room 1 ~ 3:00 p.m. 9. 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. 10. 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, October 2, 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 September 25, 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, September 5, 2017 3:00 PM College Station City Hall Administrative Conference Room #2 1101 Texas Avenue College Station, Texas, 77840 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Blanche Brick, Jon Denton, Tina Evans, Andrew Middleton, Neal Johnson, Jonathan Coopersmith, Philip Lasley MEMBERS ABSENT: Molly Fierro STAFF PRESENT: Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Senior Program Manager Venessa Garza, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services Molly Hitchcock, Transportation Planning Coordinator Jason Schubert, Senior Planner Alaina Helton, Staff Planner Madison Thomas, Board Secretary Amber Johnson AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Call to Order. Chairman Brick called the meeting to order at 3:01 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 Denton motioned to approve the meeting absence from August 7, 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 Coopersmith stated that the minutes incorrectly identified Board Member Middleton as being both present and absent at the last meeting and was corrected to remove him from the list of those present. Board Member Middleton arrived at the meeting. Board Member Coopersmith motioned to approve the meeting minutes from August 7, 2017 with one correction to the members present. The motion was seconded by Board Member Denton and was approved (6-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Presentation and discussion regarding amendment recommendations to the Unified Development Ordinance, Section 12-7.2.J. Bicycle Facilities. Senior Planner Alaina Helton presented this item to the board. Staff was directed by City Council to reexamine the current bicycle parking standards to determine if reductions could be made in the number of required bicycle parking spaces for land uses that are predominately auto-oriented and/or do not generate a great deal of bicycle traffic. This evaluation also includes proposing modifications to the current design standards for bicycle parking spaces to allow flexibility in the location and placement of bicycle facilities. A summary of the proposed changes are: • Eliminate required bicycle parking for Self-Storage, Industrial and Manufacturing land uses as well as property located in the Rural Zoning District. • Reduce the minimum bicycle parking requirements from two to one bicycle rack. • Base the number of required bicycle parking on the number of required automobile parking spaces. • Modify the location and design standards for bicycle parking to allow flexibility in placement. Board Member Lasley arrived at the meeting. Ms. Helton explained that to aid in the creation of these proposed changes staff examined the current requirements in peer cities. Staff also received feedback from citizens through an online survey. Ms. Helton stated that the feedback that was received in the survey was a mixture of those who were in favor of the proposed change done on the basis of automobile parking and some were concerned about any bicycle parking being removed and thought more was needed. Mr. Lasley stated that he believed requiring the bicycle parking based on automobile parking was fine but to have the minimum bicycle parking requirement stay at two. He added that eliminating it from auto-dominated uses would be okay but then he questioned why we don’t require it at churches, municipal buildings, and educational facilities where you’re probably likely to have more biking. Ms. Helton stated that the reason those requirements aren’t applied to those type of uses is that when the bicycle parking requirements were originally adopted they were tied to the Non- Residential Architectural Standards. At the time, churches and educational facilities didn’t have to meet those requirements. She added that educational facilities will often install bicycle parking regardless but that bicycle parking for churches was also mentioned at the City Council workshop. Board Member Evans stated that she is concerned about the proposed maximum requirements. Ms. Helton stated the maximum requirement described by Ms. Evans is actually the current standard where the largest is four racks in any scenario. She added that she didn’t want to be proposing any more than we would be requiring today under any given circumstance. Board Member Coopersmith asked if any of the peer cities had a maximum number of bicycle racks. Ms. Helton stated that one of the cities examined did have a maximum requirement and was for properties that required over 100 automobile parking spaces and they did have a bicycle rack cap at 2.5% or 10 whichever was larger. Mr. Coopersmith asked if there have been any multi-tenant owner or operators say that there are too many bike racks being required. Ms. Helton stated that she personally has not received any direct feedback but noted that she has only been with the city for a few months. She added that staff did receive feedback from City Council that the requirements may be burdensome in some scenarios. Generally the public said there was not enough but that it is important to keep in mind that survey responders may be of a specific subset of the population with specific interests in mind. Mr. Lasley stated he believed this topic has been discussed before. He stated that facilities such as restaurants don’t seem to have enough bicycle parking. Ms. Helton stated that the need for more bicycle parking at restaurants was also mentioned in the City Council workshop. She added that a lot of the employment base for that particular land use bike to work. Board Member Denton stated that it does not appear that street traffic is being taken into account. He added that for example along Texas Avenue there are not bike facilities so there may not be much bicycle traffic unless there are side streets to provide access for the bicyclists it didn’t seem like people would be using those particular businesses. Board Member Johnson added to Mr. Denton’s statement asking if there is consideration for the surrounding roads such as is that a road that has bicycle infrastructure already in place. Ms. Helton stated that staff did discuss internally if additional bike racks would be needed where there is existing infrastructure. However, the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan is subject to change so while there may not be existing infrastructure today there may be one planned for the future. She added that they are trying to make it simpler. Ms. Evans asked what the goal of the reduction is. Ms. Helton stated that the goal is to update the requirements so that it makes more sense in terms of proportionality. Ms. Evans stated that she was concerned what the reduction to one bicycle rack would impact. She added that it seemed everyone was on board with the idea of proportionality to automobile parking it just seemed like the reduction to one in a town that is growing exponentially is concerning. Ms. Helton said that the reduction to one bicycle rack would only apply to smaller businesses such as a small corner store or dry cleaners that may not generate a lot of bicycle and pedestrian traffic or generate much trip generation in general. Chairman Brick stated that she believed that some on the Council were speaking in particular to specific office type buildings that don’t typically have a lot of bicyclists. Mr. Lasley asked if we should want to encourage biking and walking in small neighborhood communities. Chairman Brick asked if Mr. Lasley felt like this reduction is detrimental to that. Mr. Lasley stated that it seemed that going from two racks to one rack there may be people who would have trouble figuring it out. Ms. Garza stated that if you bike you would be able to figure it out. Mr. Lasley stated that some businesses seem to almost hide the racks and they are hard to locate. Ms. Garza stated that the racks have to be within 150 feet of the primary entrance. Mr. Lasley stated that even then it could be off to the side and surrounded by shrubs. He added that reducing an already sometimes non-visible item may not be ideal. Ms. Garza added that some developments may not have adequate bicycle parking as they may have been constructed before there were specific requirements. Mr. Johnson stated that as the city is continually growing why reduce the requirements now as the city is still growing. Ms. Evans added that it is an opportunity on the ground level when things are being constructed to have those items in place. Chairman Brick stated that it sounded like the consensus recommendation from the group would for a reduction only to professional office, and medical or dental facility land uses and to the keep requirements as is for retail and restaurant developments. Ms. Evans stated that she doesn’t think any of them should be reduced. Ms. Helton stated that the presentation brought before at this time is more for informational purposes and will be brought back to the board after it is presented to both the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Mr. Coopersmith stated that it may be helpful to have data on specific sites and types that would receive a reduction. Ms. Helton stated that she can send out some more information to the board. Mr. Coopersmith added that maybe something along the lines of the actual number of buildings that would be affected. Ms. Evans added that it would be helpful to have examples of what the change impact would be. Mr. Coopersmith stated maybe specifically those that are going to receive a reduction. He added that the future is the concern if the infrastructure is put in now. Mr. Lasley added that this has been a common discussion point is if the infrastructure is not put in now it is hard to get that in the future. Board Member Middleton asked if there would be a way to incentivize developers to install more bike racks. He added that the roadway impact fee that is increasing in January will only affected developers more. He added if there is any way to incentivize them to construct the bike racks by maybe providing them with a tax credit to a certain amount or roadway impact fee. Ms. Helton stated that they did find that some cities do provide incentives for bicycle parking usually in the context of the swap. She added that in one city that was examined you could reduce your automobile parking up to five spaces for every bicycle parking stall that was provided. Mr. Coopersmith asked if restaurant needs are currently being addressed in terms of parking especially for their staff. Ms. Helton stated that that was something that was discussed at the Council workshop and that there are certain scenarios and areas that there is probably a need but we are not sure to what extent. Mr. Coopersmith stated that we may want to figure out how we encourage restaurant owners to ensure they have adequate parking for their staff. Ms. Helton stated that City Council recently adopted a small reduction in automobile parking. She added that incentives would be something that could be further explored. The board agreed that incentivizing could be something to be looked into further. Mr. Lasley noted that there is a proposed reduction for Retail Shopping from four to three bicycle racks. Ms. Helton that the Retail Shopping Center (RSC) would be based on trip generation. Mr. Johnson asked what an example of a 20,000 to 30,000 square foot would be. Ms. Helton stated that she could provide some examples with the other information that was requested. The group held a general discussion regarding the survey feedback that was received on bike corrals, long-term bicycle parking, and other alternative bicycle parking options. 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 first area evaluated by the board is located on Lincoln Avenue. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing adding a sidewalk on the South side of Lincoln Avenue from Texas Avenue to University Drive East. There board held a general discussion about the area. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The second area evaluated by the board is located on South College Avenue. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing adding a sidewalk on the West side of South College Avenue from University Drive to the City limit line. Mr. Middleton stated that he believe a sidewalk is necessary from University Drive down to Cross Street along South College Avenue as there is a lot of foot traffic. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The third area evaluated by the board is located on Nagle Street. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing adding a sidewalk on the east side along Nagle Street from Church Avenue to University Drive. There board held a general discussion about the area. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The fourth area evaluated by the board is located off of Holleman Drive West. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing adding a sidewalk on Woodway Drive from Holleman Drive West to the Alleyway and on Holleman Drive West from FM 2818 to Wellborn Road. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The fifth area evaluated by the board is located in the South Knoll area. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing adding a sidewalk on Gunsmith Street from Caudill Street to Trigger Street and a sidewalk on Trigger Street from Gunsmith Street to Dexter Drive South. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The sixth area evaluated by the board is in the South College Station area. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing to add a sidewalk on both Harvest Drive and Flower Mound Drive from Springfield Drive to Westfield Drive and on Westfield Drive from Graham Road to Harvest Drive. She added that these additions are to fill in gaps. Mr. Coopersmith asked how gaps were created. Ms. Garza stated that she is uncertain how these gaps were created. Mr. Johnson stated that filling in gaps is crucial. Ms. Evans stated that she is concerned about the removal of trees in the area. Ms. Garza stated that she wouldn’t want to propose the removal of any of the trees in this area if possible. Assistant Director Hitchcock stated that she believed the roadway was built to a higher standard and there would be room to accommodate a sidewalk addition. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The seventh area evaluated by the board is on Arrington Road. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing to add a sidewalk on Arrington Road at the intersection of William D. Fitch Parkway. Mr. Lasley stated that it is something that is needed in the area. Chairman Brick stated that doesn’t seem safe. Mr. Johnson asked if there are crossing signals there. Ms. Garza stated that there are lights but that they would have to go in and put pedestrian signals. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The eighth area evaluated by the board is on Southwest Parkway. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing the extension of the sidewalk on the south side of Southwest Parkway from Eastmark Drive to State Highway 6 South. Mr. Middleton asked if there was a sidewalk on one side. Ms. Garza stated that there is on the north side and that the goal would be to have it on both sides. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The ninth area evaluated by the board is on Merry Oaks Drive. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing to add a sidewalk on Merry Oaks Drive from Dominik Drive to Merry Oaks Park. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The tenth area evaluated by the board is on University Oaks Boulevard. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing to add a sidewalk on University Oaks Boulevard from Merry Oaks Park to Tara Court and from Harvey to the existing sidewalk. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. The eleventh area evaluated by the board is on George Bush Drive East. Ms. Garza stated that staff is proposing to add a sidewalk on George Bush Drive East from University Oaks to Harvey Road. There was no opposition from the board regarding this item. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Presentation and discussion regarding the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board calendar of upcoming meetings. • September 7, 2017 ~ Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting ~ City Hall, Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m. • September 21, 2017 ~ Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting ~ City Hall, Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m. • October 2, 2017 ~ Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board ~ City Hall, Council Chambers ~ 3:00 p.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 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. There were no discussion regarding any future agenda items. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 4:22 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: October 2, 2017 TO: Members of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board FROM: Jason Schubert, AICP, Transportation Planning Coordinator jschubert@cstx.gov SUBJECT: Upcoming Thoroughfare Plan Amendments Item: Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding upcoming changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan - Thoroughfare Plan and the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Master Plan based on the Bryan/College Station MPO 2050 Thoroughfare Concept. Background: Following several months of public meetings and revisions resulting from public comments, the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) adopted a 2050 Thoroughfare Concept plan in June 2017. The Thoroughfare Concept includes major roadways classified as arterials and highways intended as a guide to help develop a County-wide roadway network to support the long-term growth anticipated in Brazos County over the coming decades. Staff is in the process of identifying the amendments needed to align the City’s Thoroughfare Plan with the MPO’s 2050 Thoroughfare Concept and corresponding revisions to bicycle and pedestrian facilities along these roadways which will also amend the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Master Plan. This item is intended to be an introductory presentation to provide an overview of the MPO 2050 Thoroughfare Concept and describe some of the types of revisions that have been identified thus far. It is anticipated that the amendments to bicycle and pedestrian facilities will be brought forward for the Board’s formal consideration and recommendation to the Planning & Zoning Commission at the November 6th BPG Board meeting. 1101 Texas Avenue, P.O. Box 9960 College Station, Texas 77842 Phone 979.764.3570 / Fax 979.764.3496 MEMORANDUM DATE: October 2, 2017 TO: Members of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board FROM: Venessa Garza, AICP, Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Senior Program Manager SUBJECT: Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan Project Priorities Methodology Item: Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding a recommendation on the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan Project Priorities Methodology. Background: This item is before the Board to review and potentially modify the methodology used for prioritizing sidewalks, bike lanes, bike routes, and multi-use paths projects in relation to the update to the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is used to construct a model per facility type to objectively develop a list of priorities based on various criteria. Each model includes a matrix of scores that designate suitability and then a weight based on the level of importance. Staff will review the methodology with the Board to finalize for the prioritization process. This item was before the Board in October of 2016 and was revised. At that meeting, the Board also discussed breaking up population density further into existing and proposed and staff will be seeking direction on how to weight them separately. Additional discussion included breaking up crash data further into major and minor crashes and staff will be seeking agreement on this as well as how to weight these criteria. Below are the current criteria by type: Sidewalks Criteria Weight Population Served (Population Density) 18 Safety (Automobile/Pedestrian Crashes) 18 Schools (Existing and Future) 18 Parks (Existing and Future) 13 Texas A&M University 10 Public Requests 10 Bike lanes and bike routes Trails Other Key Destinations (Shopping Centers, Grocery Stores, Major Employers) 7 Bus Stops 6 100 Criteria Weight Population Served (Population Density) 18 Safety (Automobile/Bicycle Crashes) 18 Schools (Existing and Future) 18 Parks (Existing and Future) 13 Texas A&M University 10 Public Requests 10 Other Key Destinations (Shopping Centers, Grocery Stores, Major Employers) 7 Bus Stops 6 100 Criteria Weight Population Served (Population Density) 18 Safety (Automobile/Pedestrian & Bicycle Crashes) 18 Schools (Existing and Future) 18 Parks (Existing and Future) 13 Texas A&M University 10 Public Requests 10 Other Key Destinations (Shopping Centers, Grocery Stores, Major Employers) 7 Bus Stops 6 100