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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/29/2007 - Regular Agenda Packet - Parks BoardPam Springfield Staff Assistant 00, N i AGENDA Workshop Meeting City Council CITY OF COLLEGE STATION Planning and Zoning Commission Planning�rDevelo mentServices Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at 12:00 P.M. Council Chambers, College Station City Hall 1101 Texas Avenue College Station, Texas Call the meeting to order. 2. Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding the results of a growth management study prepared by Kendig Keast Collaborative in joint session with the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. 3. Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding the results of the East College Station Transportation Study prepared by Kimley- Horn in joint session with the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. 4. Adjourn. Consultation with Attornev TGov't Code Section 551.0711 ; oossible action. The Planning and Zoning Commission may seek advice from its attorney regarding a pending and contemplated litigation subject or attorney -client privileged information. After executive session discussion, any final action or vote taken will be in public. If litigation or attorney - client privileged information issues arise as to the posted subject matter of this Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, an executive session will be held. Notice is hereby given that a Workshop Meeting of the College Station City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board College Station, Texas will be held on the Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at 12:00 P.M. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. The following subjects will be discussed, to wit: See Agenda. Posted this the day of May, 2007, at CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS By Connie Hooks, City Secretary I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the above Notice of Meeting of the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board of the City of College Station, Texas, is a true and correct copy of said Notice and that I posted a true and correct copy of said notice on the bulletin board at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, in College Station, Texas, and the City's website, www.cstx.eov. The Agenda and Notice are readily accessible to the general public at all times. Said Notice and Agenda were posted on May 2007, at and remained so posted continuously for at least 72 hours preceding the scheduled time of said meeting. This public notice was removed from the official posting board at the College Station City Hall on the following date and time: by Dated this day of , 2007. CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS By Subscribed and sworn to before me on this the day of , 2007. Notary Public- Brazos County, Texas My commission expires: This building is wheelchair accessible. Handicap parking spaces are available. Any request for sign interpretive service must be made 48 hours before the meeting. To make arrangements call (979) 764-3517 or (TDD) 1-800-735-2989. Agendas may be viewed on www.cstx.Eov. Planning and Zoning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Cable Access Channel 19. 29 May 2007 Workshop Agenda Growth Management Options To: Glenn Brown, City Manager From: Lance Simms, Acting Director of Planning & Development Services Agenda Caption: Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding the results of a growth management study prepared by Kendig Keast Collaborative in joint session with the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Parks Board. Recommendation(s): After consideration and discussion of growth management options, provide policy direction to the consultant and City staff. Summary: The City of College Station has recently experience an increase in the rate of residential development, particularly in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). In an effort to identify options for managing development, particularly in the ETJ, staff retained the services of Kendig Keast Collaborative, a planning consultant. Kendig Keast developed a report designed to assist the City in this regard (see attached) and will present the results of the report to the City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Parks Board for discussion and feedback. Budget & Financial Summary: N/A Attachments: 1. Draft Growth Study TOOLBOX OF GROWTII MANAGEMENT TECIINIQUES CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS Cover the course of the Iast six decades, College Station has experienced rapid growth, averaging 90 percent per decade. Excluding the 1940s (263 percent) and 1970s (111 percent), the average rate of growth per decade has been 42 percent. While the amount of growth has slowed since 1980, with 29 percent growth during the 1990s (compared to 111 percent and 41 percent during the 1970s and 1980s, respectively) it exceeds the rate of growth of Brazos County (34 percent) and Texas (22 percent).'- From an economic perspective, the increase in population and corresponding employment growth is a positive indicator of the City's economic competitiveness and stability. A continuation of this economic growth is — and must remain — a primary goal of the community. CMincre.asiIng Development Fragmentation . .. ,, .,, The urban form has become increasingly fragmented since the 1980s. Source: City of Cotteye Station 1 -- Peter Drucker 2 This is partially explained by the relative size of the respective jurisdictions. A question confronting this community, holV(ver, is not onl), how to attract and sustain eanu>mic development but how to Maxinuze its net tlSCal benefits. 1 he pattern of growth and efficiency of service provision are contributing factors, among others. As displayed in beginning in the 1970s the form of development has become increasingly scattered. In fact, since the Year 2000, the number of platted lots in the ETJ has averaged 16.6 percent of the total amnial platted lots.' As fur the projected population, assuming a cuntinuatiun of recent trends, the ETI is expected to increase in population by 17 percent by the Year 2016:1 'The trend of peripheral growth is long-standing as development began to scatter in 1980s and has since increasing sprawled outward. Continuation of this pattern — and trend — will become increavingly problematic, resulting in an increased inefficiency of services thereby lessening the economic gain and placing a growing strain on the fiscal resources of the community. There are several reasons why this growth pattern has occurred, inchUding, but not limited to, the following: "There is a lure to green field development due to the case of development approval, particularly since the City has no authority within its ETJ to regulate: The use of any building or property for business, industrial, residential, or other purposes; The bulk, height, or number of buildings constructed on a particular tract; The size of a building that can be constructed on a particular tract of land, including without limitation anv restriction on the ratio of building floor space to the land square footage; I'he number of residential units that can be built per acre of land; or The size, hype, or method of construction of a water or wastewater facility that can be constructed to serve a developed tract of land, subject to specified criteria.5 The City's oversize participation ordinance allows the City to pay up to 100 percent of the total cost for any over -sizing of improvements that it requires in anticipation of future development. There are no stated exceptions or criteria regarding its cost effectiveness; financial feasibility, or conformance with utility master plans, the comprehensive plan, or other development policies. Furthermore, the current Comprehensive Plan does not define a designated growth area nor is it directly coordinated with the utility master plans. Therefore, there is no mechanism to coordinate the pattern and timing of development and ensure cost efficiency in the provision of adequate public facilities and services. This must be a focus of the current Comprehensive Plan, coordinated with updates of the City's water, wastewater, and drainage master plans. The City's decision to extend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) boundary for sewer service to coincide generally with its ETJ enables development to occur throughout the ETJ. While there are advantages by way of limiting the number of private package plants and controlling the quality of sewer infrastructure, this contributes to an inefficient pattern of development. Without a growth sequencing plan to direct the location and timing of development, consistent with the City's infrastructure planning and capital programming, the City has limited control of its development pattern. The fiscal impact analysis used to judge the feasibility of annexation appears to be an abbreviated model that does not fully account for the long-term operating and maintenance costs, the distance 3 Based upon plat data provided by the City 4 Based on a City forecast, "Development Trends in the Extra -territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) 5 Section 212.003, Extension of Rules to Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Draft 05/15/07 Page 2 of 23 3—"— i required to extend utility serviaS, of the timing of hLIIId-out. Further, the C'it�'� fUtllre land use plan and corruspunding coning districts arc too general and thus, du not otter a rlcar uuliCJtion of the likely uses and densities. Therefore, to more accurately determine the net fiscal benefit of annexation a more elaborate, robust model must be developed and used. There are both allowances and limitations within the zoning ordinance, including: The minimum lot size within the Agricultural -Open "A-O" district is only five acres. Instead, the minimum lot size could be increased to 20 acres or larger ensuring preservation of the agrictulttu-al character and enabling the City to determine the timing by �v,hick facilities will be provided and urban development is allowed. Zoning, in this case, Ilmy "WI'VC as an eftectke growth management tool. The Rural Residential Subdivision "A -OR" district allows a minimum lot size of one acre meaning that residences on septic systems and wells are permitted. Use of this district in the outlying areas of the corporate limits where adequate municipal facilities are not yet available is contributing to development fragmentation. There are a relatively large number of use -based zoning districts. Essentially, this means that a zone change is necessary to respond to a shift in the market, which adds process and delays development. This is a disincentive for development to occur in the City rather than the ETJ where it is much easier and with less delay. Instead, the ordinance should allow more flexibility while increasing the development standards in line with the City's expectations and desired outcomes. -there is a multi -step process required for the Planned NiNed-Use "P-NIUD" and Planned Development "PDD" districts, %�,hich lengthens the and approv A time, increases development cu;t�, and is a disincentk e fol- what is other%v ise a prrferred Lire clol,mcnt type. The ordinance allows for zoning classification at the time of annexation without any criteria as to when and under what circumstances the City will consider a change in zoning. Therefore, a zone change to a more intensive district may be allowed without consideration as to its consistency with the City's growth plan, capital improvement plan, or other criterion. There are no incentives, such as density bonuses, integrated into the ordinance to encourage certain development types. An increased density in exchange for development clustering and increased open space could allow a rural development environment within the City limits rather than necessitating ETJ development to achieve this character. The requirements for use transitions and buffering are generally ineffective providing reason to develop in the open countryside in relief of the impacts of abutting development. • There are several rural water providers (Wellborn Special Utility District, Brushy Creek Water Supply Corporation, and Wickson Creek Special Utility District) and sewer providers (Carter Lake Water Supply Corporation and River Side Wastewater Treatment Plan) around the periphery of the City and ETJ, meaning that development may get access to public water and sewer systems that meets the standards of the Texas Council on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) without requiring connection to the City's utility systems. • The Brazos County Health Department's requirements for permitting septic systems is a minimum of a one acre lot, whether there is public water available or a private well. This exceeds the State's one- half acre minimum, and is now being considered by the County Commission for an increase to a minimum of two acres. While an increase in the minimum allowable lot size for authorization to construct a septic system is both warranted and helpful, unless it is further increased it still allows rural development throughout the ETJ. Draft 05/15/07 Page 3 of 23 T here is a five -acre exemption of the platting requirements within Statc la» that �111ows rrual development to occur without platting and thus, without any provision for right-of-way dedication, delineation of easements, or other applicable — and warranted - development requirements.6 The City's parkland dedication requirements apply only within the City limits meaning that there are no requirements for the provision of parkland or payment in -lieu of land dedication. Therefore, effectively, this is an economic advantage for developing outside of the City limits to avoid payment of these fees. Devclopment outside the City limits does not pay City taxes. "Therefore, residents and businesses outside the City limits benefit tram access to municipal facilities and services, such as parks, trails, libraries, and other community facilities, but do not share the tax burden associated with constructing and maintaining those facilities and services. Over time this increases the tax burden on in -City residents. • Land is less expensive outside the City limits due, in part, to the absence of public infrastructure and improvements, which equates to cheaper development and hence, lower home costs. Tliere is an attraction to the open, rural landscape, which will slowly disappear with increasing development over time and a lack of land use controls to protect the desirable character. While the growth of the community has brought great opportunity, without adequate foresight and preparedness it may involve long-term consequences, including: i rosion of a defined community edge therebv blurring its boundaries and contributing to a loss of community identity. 1-his can be most readily seen along each of the entrances into the community where there is a proliferation of uses extending welt beyond the City tinuts. Degradation of environmental resources, e.g. floodplains, wetlands, habitat, vegetated areas, etc. Overwhelmed public infrastructure e. p (s., roads, water, and wastewater systems) and services (e.g, police and fire protection, parks, libraries, and schools), in some cases, creating unsafe conditions. A lack of coordinated planning between individual developments leading to, among other things, a discontinuous and disjointed street system and inability to plan for linear linkages and greenways. Premature and unexpected shifts in traffic patterns causing congestion and environmental impacts as development occurs in an uncoordinated fashion before adequate road infrastructure is in place. • The provision of private streets and infrastructure systems such as package treatment plants, for which the burden may shift to the City in future years without the requisite funding to pay for it. • Cumulative impacts on the natural environment due to stormwater runoff and non -point source pollution of area streams and watercourses. • Inefficient provision of services meaning a larger investment in infrastructure systems with fewer than the optimal number of connections to pay for it. • Increased traffic, as vehicles have to traverse relatively longer distances to reach places of work, shopping, services, education, recreation, and entertainment. This means that more public dollars must be expended on road building, expansion, maintenance, street lighting, and traffic enforcement. • Declining community character and agricultural operations, as formerly large, contiguous farms are broken up by scattered development and the proliferation of "exurban", 5-plus acre lots. The agricultural industry is a significant sector of the regional economy, and the presence of local 6 Section 212.004. Plat required (a) Draft 05/15/07 Page 4 of 23 agricultural products is good fur local cunsuiners. MorCOVer, farming is an import,uit hLlrt of the legion's heritage that continues to Contribute to the quality Of life and identity of the rumniunity. Often, the elements that fuel growth (c.g., community livability, quality schools, economic diversity, etc.) are slowly and ultimately sacrificed the pattern, quality, and Character of development. 'the integrity Of public fiscal resources is also compromised because the new development is inefficient and does not Conh-ibute Sufficient rovenues to cover the rests of the services it demands. Modern "grow(li nlanagenient" is a combination of techniques that allow III uniCipalities to direct its pattern of growth and the timing of infrastructure provision, leading to better long-term economic sustainability. In broad terms, growth management techniques include: • Comprehensive planning to establish the policy basis for the institution and administration of growth regulations; Regulatory approaches, including zoning and subdivision controls, which to varying degrees, directly impact the character, form, location, and quality of development. Annexation, which expands the geographic jurisdiction of the City to implement a full range of regulatory and fiscal approaches to growth management. Development and/or participation agreements, which provide for infrastructure funding (and may, in some instances, include land use controls). Impact fees, which provide funding for capital improvements that are needed to serve new development. �I ]nrprovement districts and political Subdivisions, which are independent entities that provide for infh'ast-ucthue funding and operation. Interlocal cooperation contracts as a means for local governments to agree with other units of government with regard to providing administrative functions, infrastructure, and public services. 1 Extension of publicly -owned utilities by way of capital improvement programming. In Texas, state law provides a complex set of rules regarding which growth management techniques are available, and how those techniques may be implemented. The purpose of this issue paper is to summarize the provisions that may serve as viable and practical solutions for the City to manage its community character, efficient provision of adequate public infrastructure and services, and long-term fiscal health. This paper also establishes a framework for growth management, with strategic directions as to the changes in policies and practices to better manage future growth and development.? There are an array of strategies for managing the pattern and timing of development, ranging from simply minimizing the impacts of growth without affecting the pattern to strictly controlling it. Given the limitations of Texas law there are few, if any, mechanisms currently available to entirely prevent sprawl. For the purposes of this discussion the growth management techniques are as follows: 1 I 7 This review of the applicable statutes is intended to provide a general overview of available tools and techniques, and shall not be considered legal advice with regard to the validity of any of the identified approaches or the potential legal consequences of implementing any particular approach. Potential risks are identified only if explicitly set out in the statutes. KKC recommends that the City consult with its attorney with respect to the legality and potential risks and exposures presented by any particular approach. Draft 05/15/07 Page 5 of 23 G Chapter 213 of the "Texas Local Government Code contains a broad authorization to develop and adopt a Comprehensive Plana The statute allows the City to decide for itself what its Comprehensive Plan will address and how it will relate to the land development regulations. With regard to content, the statute says a Comprehensive Plan may: InClude, but is not limited to, provisions can land use, tr�tinshortetion, and Public facilities; consist of i single plan or a coordinated set of plans organired by subject and geographic area; and, be used to coordinate and guide the establishment of development regulations. State law provides that "A municipality may define, in its charter or by ordinance, the relationship between a Comprehensive flan and development regulations, and may provide standards for determining the consistency required between a plan and development regulations." In other words, there is not a requirement that the comprehensive plan be applied in strict terms in all land use decision -making. However, there is latitude regarding the extent to which the land development regulations may be used to implement the plan is essential if the CitV� is to sucCessfully control its destine. I'his It does not appear that the City Charter specifically authorizes the purpose or use of a Comprehensive Plan. While a plan is generally recognized as a "guide" for decision -making, given its relevance and essential role in managing the City's growth and development, it is advisable for the City to specify its value in its long-range planning interests. Therefore, this may be an opportunity to make the plan for authoritative in land development decisions and capital expenditures. The City's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) identifies as one of its objectives to "Implement the Comprehensive Plan through compliance with its individual elements." Furthermore, the relationship between the UDO and Comprehensive Plan is expressed as follows: • "It is intended that this UDO implement the City's planning policies as adopted as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan, as amended and periodically updated. • The City's Comprehensive Plan, and any associated plans or studies adopted by the City Council, shall be required to be amended prior to, or concurrent with, permitting development which would conflict with the plan. • The alignments of proposed thoroughfares and bikeways on the "College Station Thoroughfare Plan map? And the "College Station Bikeway and Pedestrian Plan map" are generalized locations that are subject to modifications to fit local conditions, budget constraints, and right-of-way availability that warrant further refinement as development occurs. Alignments within 1,000 feet of the alignment shown on the aforementioned maps will not require a thoroughfare plan amendment."9 8 Chapter 213 is not the only source of authority to adopt a comprehensive plan. Home rule may also be a source of authority, which is accomplished via the City charter is some Texas communities, e.g. Georgetown. 9 Section 1.6, Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan, Unified Development Ordinance, July 3, 2006 Draft 05/15/07 Page 6 of 23 — — a Ihcretun', lu lurtlher strengthen the relationship between the Comprehenske P1,111 ,uid UllU, the following should occur in the interest of better managing growth: Areas within the City limits that are not within the defined "growth area(S)" shutdd bU zoned Agricultural -Open "A-O", provided the minimum lot size in increased from five to 20 acres, or more. The decision as to the zoning of newlN/ annexed pruperfy must strictly AlIM-e to the City's growth plan. Annexation of land that is not within the defined "growth area(s)" must be zoned "A-O", giving the City the decision as to the timing of development and its provision of services. I he area defined as "Rural" on the Lind Use Plan10 should strictly adhere to the City's gro�� th plan. Those portions of this area that are inadequately served and are not feasible for the extension of adequate public facilities and services should be re -designated as Agricultural -Open. The Rural Residential Subdivision "A -OR" district should coincide with the boundaries of the "Rural" designation on the Land Use Plan. The ordinance should subsequently be revised to increase the minimum lot size from one to five acres, with density bonuses for development clustering and increased open space. The use desi-nations on the Future Land Use Plan should be reconciled with the zoning districts. Rather than indicating land use with a general reference to density, both should more clearly define the intended character of development. In other words, low, medium, and high density residential should include additional performance standards to ensure the intended character. Standards such as maximum gross density and open space and floor area ratios will better ensure the development outcomes. Otherwise, if more than one zoning district is allowed and there are not definitive standards, there is no mechanism for the Citv to control the development charactrr.it rel'Jus to gn��� t1i managrmcnt this is c"cntial as a mr<Ms for impro\ ed utility' sv'�tons planning (>ince the density and hence, infrastructure demands are known) as well as controlling the form and character of development. The Comprehensive Plan offers the ability for the City to establish its growth policies, which must then be directly related to the zoning regulations to effectuate them. This must be accomplished in tandem with the City's water, wastewater, and drainage master plans, as well as the capital improvement program. Generally, the Comprehensive Plan should direct development first, to the areas where there is already adequate infrastructure and secondly, to the areas that may be readily and efficiently served with public facilities and services. Targeted upgrades of the infrastructure may be required to facilitate an infill development program. Lastly, the areas around the periphery of the City that may not be efficiently served - or are simply premature for development — should be reserved in the near term for agricultural (Agricultural -Open) or very low intensity uses (Rural Residential Subdivisions) with infrastructure staging for longer -term development. The means of executing these general policies are described in detail below. The City's over -sizing policy should cite as an exception for refusing to extend water or wastewater mains consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. The update of the plan must then define the area for which urban development is to be accommodated. More specifically perhaps is the definition of the areas that are not intended for infrastructure investment during the horizon of the plan and thus, subject to the growth control mechanisms of this paper. In so doing, rather than responding to development, instead, 11 Land Use Plan, November 2004 Draft 05/15/07 Page 7 of 23 __W 9 U the City may proactively direct development to occtu. in appropriate location, and concurrent with the av ailability and provision of adequate public LK IIItleti and services. Through the course of plan development the following areas should be identified rind delineated, as displayed in the illustrative examples: I he developed area is vv'here there is existing infrastructure. Remaining opportunities within this defined area would Consist of infill devclopnuCnt, redevelopment, and areas lhat arc immediately contiguous to existing development. It is important to note than there is approximately 2,010 acres of vacant, residentially -zoned land within the City limits. This amount of developable land will support an additional population of 13,650 persons'', which is approximately 60 percent of a mid- range estimate of added population by the Year 2025. Therefore, the plan must quantify and determine the area necessary to support the projected population and employment increases, and coordinate the infrastructhu-e plans accordingly. I he protection area of floodplain, wetland, streams and drainage ways, or other natural areas that warrant permanent protection. These are areas where the City's zoning or subdivision regulations should prohibit development. The protection area may also include the Agricultural -Open "A-O" district that is intended to remain in agricultural use and where residential development is restricted. `' • The growth area is where new growth is to be encouraged for which there are readily available 61 4 �h.tyF vy `7. ei services that may be efficiently extended. This is "w the area where the City will commit to — `''"° extending infrastructure and improvements to support urban development. The size of this area should support 20 years of development potential. This area may be further delineated to include five-year growth increments to be timed with the extension of facilities and services. It is common to upsize this area by 20 to 30 percent to allow market flexibility. The size and location of the growth areas need to be closely evaluated and clearly defined given the amount of currently available land. The City would also need to revisit these areas and make periodic adjustments. 11 This assumes four units per acre and 2.32 persons per dwelling unit (U.S. Census, 2000) Draft 05/15/07 Page 8 of 23 I he holding zone is all remaining land in the I'lj and outside of that identified above described areas. Due to the limitations of State law, this is the most difficult of the four areas to address. Given the reasons identified earlier, development may now occur• within this area. Development in areas for which the City cannot readily and efficiently provide services is clearly premature and results in sprawl. 'l,herefore, the question is to what extent the City is willing to enact control by the below described growth management techniques. In order for the City to manage the location of development it must employ some of the techniques described below. Effectively, the strategy should direct a vast majority of development to occur in the developed and growth areas as infill or contiguous development. The controls must be designed to minimize the amount of urban development in the holding /one. The most readily available means for minimizing the impacts of peripheral growth is by way of amending the subdivision regulations. However, while certain controls may be put in place to solve anticipated problems, this approach will not have any material affect on the pattern or timing of urban growth. It remains though, a warranted and necessary step to ensure quality development and to ameliorate unnecessary problems. 1 6- i- ldoldln (� Zones Unlike zoning regulations, the value of the subdivision regulations is that they may be extended into the ETJ.12 While subdivision controls typically include requirements for lot size, access, and infrastructure, State law also authorizes the City to adopt "other municipal ordinances relating to access to public roads or the pumping, extraction, and use of groundwater by persons other than retail public utilities ... for the purpose of preventing the use or contact with groundwater that presents an actual or potential threat to human health" within the ETJ.13 11 Unlike subdivision controls within the City, enforcement of the subdivision regulations in the ETJ is limited to injunctive relief (fines and criminal penalties in the ET) are prohibited). See § 212.003(b) and (c), TLGC. 13 Section 212.003, Texas Local Government Code Draft 05/15/07 Page 9 of 23 I'roVldCd the ( 0111prChCIISIVe flail IS SLIthCI('lIIIy 5peCIfIC, -- - - - - -- -- - --- ---- --_- SLIbdIVISIOI1 COI)trok Cdll be a Strong tool for ell5Ll1-Illg tll,)t adequate water, sewer, and road service is provided to new Purpose. Generally, the purpose of subdivision controls is to development in the City, and more importantly, in the Is'1'J. regulate the dimensions of lots This is so because State law provides that a plat shall be and the provision of access, dpprovtcd if: utilities, and public facilities, it conforms to the general plan of the municipality and its Strengths: Along with zoning, access current and future slrccfS, alto s, Parks, Pia �",�luunds, and y. 1 f > management, and other regulatory tools, subdivision illlbiir ulilih/ hlrilitir°s; controls are an important it conforms to the general plan for the extension of the means to ensure adequate municipality and its roads, streets, and public highways infrastructure and regulate community character. within the municipality and in its extraterritorial Generally, utilities may not be jurisdiction, taking into account access to and extension of connected to subdivided seiner and ranter mains and the instrumentalities of public property without an approved utilities; plat. Subdivision controls enerall Weaknesses: g y it conforms to any [adopted subdivision] rules ....'+ must stand alone in the ETJ (where zoning is not allowed By implication, the plat can be denied if the standards are not without consent). Statutes do met. This requires a Comprehensive Plan that sufficiently not allow regulation (without consent) as to land use, bulk, defines the standards by which development must uphold. height, number of buildings, Fen- instance, the thc)roLI f;hfare plan I'll Llst encompass the entire size of buildings, or residential 1` 11 — and bc\ oil(.] in some cases—1\ ith denoted olignnlents of units per acre in the ETJ. collector '111d arterial 'Irccts, Ind other re"iun,ll, intr'l- and inter -state highways. would help to avoid unsafe conditionswhile preserving the capacity of the roadway. 11 Section 212.010, Texas Local Government Code Draft 05/15/07 Potential amendments to the subdivision regulations may include the following: (1) Access management standards could — and should — be imposed consistent or similar to those recommended by TxDOT. For example, if the spacing requirement between driveways is 360 feet (recommended for streets with 45 m.p.h. posted speed), then 100 to 200 foot frontage lots with individual drives would not be allowed. This would preserve the safety and traffic carrying capacity of roadways that may be improved to collector or arterial standards in the future. Strict application of spacing requirements would: (1) encourage platting (which is required when infrastructure — here, access streets — is dedicated); or (2) likely reduce lot depth, which would make more efficient use of the land. Page 10 of 23 f(^ (2) Although H10 City i'� not dlluwcd to directly rcgutdtc "ttle number of ... units ... per acre" rn the ETJ, as a practical matter, because the City may regulate the dimensions and layout of the lots, density may be, more or less, influenced by authorii.cd rules like minimum lot sire, minimum lot width, and right-of-way dimensions.'; Therefore, if the City were to rcquirc d minimum lot size of fiVC acres, for instance, due to the capacity of the adjoining roadway and/or where there are not public water and sewer systems available, effectively, a relationship may be forged between lot size, infrastructure demands, and the availability of adequate public facilities. This authority is granted to the City "to promote the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the municipality and the safe, orderly, and healthful development of the municipality." I', (3) Together Nvith the requirements for an increased lot size could be an illowance — or incentive - for - development clustering. 1-he option Wwuld be gig ccn to the l,lnd owner oc4 to v\ lhethcr thcy choose to develop with a large lot size or select a clustering option that allows more density. h1 other words, rather than constructing a rural large lot subdivision with no public open space, smaller lots would be required with a high ratio of public open space. The result allows the rural character to remain with the advantages of fewer required access points, less impervious cover, reduced water demands, increased recharge, and land conservation. Given certain performance standards, the open land could continue to be used for agricultural purposes. (4) Through the delineation of "protection areas" the City may strengthen their standards relating to the i y w. . protection and preservation of its resources. While the w' City has regulations for floodplain areas, there are few ( "� N, p ! ��MIL other standards for the delineation and rote of wetlands, habitats, mature vegetated areas, or other natural features. Resource protection standards ;r „ ■ would provide a method and means for requiring varvinQ detzrees of vrotection of resource features, depending on their scale and significance, with By clustering deve opment open views may be protected thereby preserving a rural, open character. development flexibility and incentives by way of i density bonuses for constructing on the developable portions of the site. The use of density bonuses 15 Such rules are permitted by Section 212.010(4), TLGC, which allows the same rules for subdivision in the ETJ as in the municipality. Of course, in the ETJ, these rules are limited by Section 212.003, TLGC, so, for example, if a developer found a market i for multiple homes or buildings on a single lot in the ETJ, the City could not prohibit the development. 6 Section 212.002, Rules, Subchapter A, Regulation of Subdivisions, Texas Local Government Code I I I Draft 05/15/07 Page 11 of 23 j may allow I higher gross density a,; an incentive by adjusting lots Si/CS or wins; dillerent housing types III Combinatioll with an open space ratio. (5) A development plat is a way for the City to regulate development within the City limits and ETJ that may otherwise be exempt from the subdivision plat process.'% "I'he City has provisions for development plats, with stated exemptions. it is advisable for the City to reconsider the waiver allowance as well as the exemptions and instead, require submittal of a devetopment plat for all projects in the E I'J. Such a requirement would be of great value to document all improvements, easements, and rights -of -way, and most importantly, because it must be approved to conform to: (1) tIlC plans, 1111e5, and ordinances of the nnmicipality concerning its current and future streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, playgrounds, and public utility facilities, (2) the general plans, rules, and ordinances for the extension of the municipality or the extension, improvement, or widening of its roads, streets, and public highways within the municipality and in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, taking into account access to and extension of sewer and water mains and the instrumentalities of public utilities; and (3) [the subdivision plat regulations]. The subdivision plat process does not allow the municipality to require building permits or enforce its building code in the FTJ.1,1 (6) Incorporation of the parkland dedication requirements into the subdivision regulations, which will allow the dedication or fee in -lieu provisions to be extended into and throughout the ETJ. Effectively, this will ensure that development outside of the City limits is fulfilling its proportionate demands on the community's park system similar to the requirements for development inside the City. This would remove this current advantage for developing in the FT]. Ilie means that most communities use to exercise control of the pattern and type of development outside of the City limits is to extend the City limits by annexation. Annexation allows the City the ability to impose its land development regulations, which provides an essential growth management tool to implement the Comprehensive Plan. Annexation also extends the City's > TJ enabling it to regulate the subdivision and development of land over a larger area. However, it is important to realize the stringent requirements mandated by State law for extending services to newly -annexed areas in a timely and adequate manner, which must be comparable to pre-existing services and service levels in similar incorporated areas. Requirements for annexation include: • A three-year annexation plan to identify specific properties the City intends to annex following a three-year waiting period; • Acting on annexation proposals within 31 days after the three-year waiting period to prevent the subject properties from becoming exempt from annexation for another five years; • Inventorying all current services in the annexation are (including services provided by all entities, the condition of facilities, existing public safety response times, and current service costs); • Preparing a municipal service plan for the targeted area within 10 months of receiving data for the service inventory; • Immediately extending basic public services (police, fire, and EMS) and "full municipal services," including necessary capital improvements, within 2.5 years of annexation, unless certain exceptions apply (such as a negotiated service schedule for a requested annexation); • Possibly negotiating agreements in lieu of annexation to formalize interim service provision and cost - sharing arrangements and possible compliance with City ordinances or development standards; 17 The authority to require a development plats is provided in Section 212.044, Local Government Code. 16 Section 212.049, Texas Local Government Code Draft 05/15/07 Page 12 of 23 'of entialIy cnteruig into arbitration proceedings if annexation planning and negotiation iti unsucu,tilul; and, • Potentially negotiating "strategic partnership agreements" with special districts. Of significance in the law is an exemption From the above requirement~ for annexation proposals that will involve tC%VCr than 100 traCts of land where each tract contains at least one residential If the level of services, infrastructure, and dwelling. With the exception of sizeable infrastructure developments, most annexations are exempt maintenance in the Then services, infrastructure, and from the above requirements. Also, the City may affected area before infrastructure maintenance must not annex more than 10 percent of its land area annexation was: be: I Lower than in the "Comparable to the level. in any given year. If it does not annex all of the municipality available in other parts of the land that is allowed, the difference rolls over to municipality with topography, land the next year. If multiple carryovers are use, and population density similar accumulated, the City can annex up to 30 to those reasonably contemplated or projected in the [annexed] percent of its land area in a single year. area." Equal to the municipality "[T]hat same [pre -annexation] level State law provides for the minimum level of service that must be extended to the annexed Superior to the areas, as described in municipality Re: services "Comparable to the level . . available in other parts of the municipality with topography, land Significantly, State laic dues "not require that a use, and population density similar uniform level of full municipal services be to those reasonably contemplated or in the [annexed] provided to each area of the municipality if areaojeeted different characteristics of topography, Land use, Re: operating and Equal to or superior to the pre and population density constitute a sufficient maintaining annexation level. basis for providing different levels of service."" infrastructure Therefore, the law appears to allow the City to annex territory and provide minimal services if those services are commensurate with that provided in areas of similar "topography, land use, and population density" within the City. Yet such a strategy is not necessarily without risk -- disputes with affected landowners over levels of service could expose the municipality to civil penalties, court costs, and attorneys' fees.20 Accordingly, the City should plan carefully and involve the City Attorney early in the process if it chooses a growth management strategy that involves providing a minimal (rural) level of service to a newly annexed area. • Often, there are warranted reasons for considering annexation, including, among others, the ability to impose the City's land development regulations along major transportation corridors and in prime development areas that may otherwise compromise the community's long-term interests. There are several areas for which the City is now considering annexation. Since the primary purpose for annexing these areas is to exert control of probable growth areas, it is advisable for the City to employ 19 Section 43.056(m), Texas Local Government Code 20 Section 43.056(1), Texas Local Govemment Code Draft 05/15/07 Page 13 of 23 growth m,uIageIII ell t techniques in these areas hi prevent premature development. Fur instance, unless the City 1s prepared to extend toll municipal taC111tIeS and Services — <uid such are determinc'd to be efficient and feasible — these area should be zoned for Agricultural -Open, which may serve as a holding zone until which time as the City determined development to be appropriate and of fiscal benefit. Chapth'r 211 of the Texas Local Government Code authorizes the City to enact zoning regulations to control building height and size; lot coverage; yards and open spaces; population density; the location and use of buildings; the location of land that may be put to various business, industrial, residential, or other purposes; the extraction of groundwater (except by retail public utilities); and, in home -mile municipalities like College Station, the bulk of buildings. Zoning regulations are not authorized outside of the mf-inicipality's corporate boundaries without the consent of the affected landowner(s)." ;(,i;,, r:(I,'q hl concert Wth annc\ation, all Ilvw1v inaxporated areas should to be zoned "A-0" Agricultural -Open, ��ithcxil c1�n;idcration of anv ether zonim, di-;hict unle-;,� merited by Nv'w of heing within a defined "growth area." However, to serve its growth management function, the minimum lot size must be increased from five to 20 or more acres. Therefore, the open, rural character of these areas would be maintained and their rezoning to another district classification could be tinged with the City's staged growth plan and infrastructure improvement plans. The City could allow for very low density residential development in these agriculturally zoned areas by allowing extreme clustering. This enables there to be development value to this land and also allows for construction of additional homes. As an example, one dwelling unit per 20 acres with no required open space equates to a gross density of 0.050 units per acre. A one acre lot with a septic system and well and 85 percent open space allows an increase to 0.070 units per acre. Similarly, a one acre lot with a septic system and public water and 90 percent open space equates to the same 0.150 units per acre. Therefore, clustered residential development may be allowed with a corresponding high open space Clustering allows development value while preserving the rural, open character. . i. i 21 Generally, the power to zone may only be exercised within the municipality. "The governing body of a municipality may divide the municipality into districts of a number, shape, and size the governing body considers best for carrying out this subchapter." § 211.005(a), TLGC (emphasis added). However, one way to enforce zoning regulations in the ETJ is to enter into a development agreement with the affected landowner pursuant to Subchapter G of Chapter 212 of the Texas Local Government Code. See § 212.172(b), TLGC. Draft 05/15/07 Page 14 of 23 rcquirenient to preserve the agricultural Character. Slightly higher levels of density may also be permitted to allow more development value without Compruniising the (harader of pattern A peripheral development. The most viable means of growth management for the City, given the limitations of State law, is to annex the maximum allowable 30 percent of its land area, followed by annexations of the maximum allowed 10 percent each year until the incorporated area encompasses land sufficient to support 30 to 50 years of growth, all areas of strategic interest, and the defined long-term growth boundary. 'Phis strategy, howover, rryuires the City to establish that there are areas within the corporate limit~ that have similar "topography, land use, and population density" to those being annexed for which there are minimal facilities and services being provided. If this is the case, a uniform level of municipal service is not mandated making large-scale annexation more feasible. If this cannot be established, a service plan must be prepared and robust cost -benefit analysis conducted to determine the feasibility of the annexations. Then, a policy decision would be necessary to consider the value of annexation and growth control versus the added cost for providing the state mandated services. Lonimi Ordinance Simplification and Development Streamlining. If the Citv is to successfully entice development to occur within the City limits rather than the ETJ, its development processes and timing of approvals must not be a constraint. Since a plat is the only required approval for development (of less than five acre lots) in the ETJ, the complexity of the process and length of time to gain approval within the City map outweigh the benefits of in -City development (public utilities, improved emergency response times, increased convenience, zoning controls, etc.). Therefore, although the City's current process is not at)'pical, there are significant improvements to be made, of which the more significant and relevant include the following: First and foremost, there are opportunities to reduce the number of zoning districts. The structure of the current districts requires a zone change should a property owner decide to development more than one use or to change the use. At the same time, use -based districts offer no assurance of the character of compatibility of abutting developments. * The use -based districts may be consolidated into fewer districts that are based on the intended character of the district. For residential districts, character is defined by the allowable density and required open space ratio, as well as other performance standards relating to the floor area ratio (FAR), landscaping, etc. The character of non-residential districts is defined by the use intensity (measured by FAR) and a landscape surface ratio, along with standards relating to building scale, lighting, signage, and other design requirements. As displayed in Figure 3, Illustrative District Classification, within each district is allowed a range of development options, each with corresponding standards to retain the intended character. The benefits of this approach include: Ability to determine the character of future development. Increased certainty in the development process and assurance of outcomes. Improved compatibility within and between districts. Multiple development options within each district adding flexibility while preserving development character. Fewer zoning map amendments. Ability to preserve resources while achieving an equivalent or higher density. Ability to better plan for infrastructure needs. Allowance for mixed use without a separate Planned Development District zoning process. Draft 05/15/07 Page 15 of 23 District and Development Min_ Density Required Minimum Site Type I OSR I Max. Gross I Max- Utilities Area Suburban (S) Single -Family 0.10 1.92 1.92 public 15,000 sf Cluster 0.30 2.17 2.17 public 5 ac Planned 0.85 2.25 350 public 15 ac. Auto -Urban (AU) Single -Family 0.10 2.61 2.90 public 20,000 sf. Cluster 0.30 3.23 5.54 public 10,000 sf. Planned 0.35 4.37 7.50 public 10,000 sf Urban (U) Single -Family 0.10 3.27 3.64 public 15,000 sf. Cluster 1 0.25 4.15 5.54 public 8,000 sf. Planned 0.35 5.56 8.50 public 6,000 sf. I the 1bov;e approach incorporates p1,u1ned devel�>pment �s an option that is permitted by right, �„ subject to ,IpplicihlC Density laonuses are used ,is ,rn incccntkv for tvpc of development, offering more density in exchange for increased open space and amenities. Therefore, the approval process is streamlined by avoiding the timely zoning map amendment process. An approach that may help to manage the pattern of growth is allowing development to occur only as adequate facilities and services are available. This requires other growth management provisions though, to determine where and when infrastructure will be provided. If the City commits to provide sewer service with an expanded CCN and water is readily available through other sources, then the question of adequate public facility availability is a moot point. If however, facilities are requested outside of the City's designated growth area, this mechanism may be effective if there is not other means of acquiring the requisite infrastructure. Also known as concurrency requirements, essentially this mechanism ensures that infrastructure is existing or readily - and efficiently - available prior to or concurrent with development. Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances stc�gp.tkt oc11 pf Oeyoloprne.nt QoncutfeOt vulth Jhe (APFOs) require applicants for new development to r Clufs90 capoc[fy )tnprove eras.; This aY k a p6ted tt� demonstrate that facilities and services will be available to roads, utllljles, �1r1d.SGt1C�431S, otm .otheks, serve the project at the time the development is available Draft 05/15/07 Page 16 of 23 - ,U for occupancy. Utilizing this system, the City is able to adopt Icvel-of-service standard, ��hic'h ran be used as criterion forjudling conformance with the subdivision regulations. I'he provisions of State law'-' allow the City to condition property development for a portion of the infrastructure costs, which supports this method. As an alternative, higher impact fees and/or increased developer participation in infrastructure construction and financing may be necessary to shorten development timeframes. ]'his approach is practical in that it ties development to the capacity of the infrastructure systems to support it. The value of this approach is its ability to establish a direct, causal link between the provision Of public facilities and the public health, s,itet�', and welfare. The general components include: 1 Determining a service threshold at which demand exceeds the desired capacity of public facilities, whether it is water and wastewater systems, roadways, parks, or schools. Generally, the difference between the established threshold and the existing level of service is the amount available for development. Determining if there are projects that will be exempted or receive flexibility in meeting the threshold requirements by way of achieving other cone»unity objectives, such as infill development, mixed use, affordable housing, etc. Determining the measures to remedy situations when the threshold is exceeded, including delay of development until such time as the project no longer exceeds the threshold, reducing the project's impact to the point that it meets requirements, or mitigating the impact of the project b)� upgrading public facilities or infrastructure. Reser% ing the amount of capacity projected for a development during the time between approyal of a project and its completion, hirh counts against the th)tal capacity of public facilities in future I icatiOnS for dev clop nrell All CXpil'LlhOn date for'lppro\ rLl projects may be -;'I to unnecessarily burden or deny other projects. Provisions related to adequate public facilities could be added to the subdivision regulations. For I instance, the following — or similar — language could be used: "The City does not directiy regulate the use, density, or intensity of development in the ETJ. However, neither subdivision plat nor development plat approval shall be granted for property located in the ETJ unless all of the following are demonstrated: 1. The water service to or within the development is sufficient to provide necessary potable water and sufficient volume and pressure for fire flows to an appropriate number of appropriately spaced fire hydrants that are necessary to protect the development. 2. The wastewater service to or within the development is sufficient to protect the health of the residents or the general public. 3. The proposed subdivision plat or development plat has no material potential to cause contamination of a municipal water supply that the City has jurisdiction to protect." Markel Perfoiniance Standards This approach is an alternative to an APFO, which better addresses the conflict between property rights and the City's obligation to provide infrastructure and services in a fiscally responsible manner. It accomplishes the same things as performance standards in terms of added flexibility and clustering, but it �I alters the approach to density and infrastructure level of service. I tl zz Section 212.904, Apportionment of Municipal Infrastructure Costs Draft 05/15/07 Page 17 of 23 Many a1-41uc that the market i5 lilt' tictit Wdto rt'z;ulate development. 'I -his has mciit only wllull all dements arc properly priced in tilt, market. A problem as it relates to infrastructure, though, is that support of development by adequate roads, police and fire services, schools, and other public services is not part of the market equation. For example, road improvement and long-term maintenance are not considered in a real estate transaction. A person who purchases a home on a gravel road does not necesvarily pad- less for the home. "Therefore, when the road requires maintenance it becomes lilt' Cit "S obligation to make the improvements. Except for the most expensive housing, the tax revenue trom residential development is insufficient to cover the requisite costly infrastructure improvements anti ,crvicc cxpan';ion. A market performance ordinance addresses the capacity of r infrastructure. Where growth occurs roads will eventually require widening or surface improvements as the traffic volumes exceed the road capacity. Therefore, market performance ordinances create what is !' , known as traffic -sheds for unimproved and under -improved roads. Since the traffic volumes and capacity of the road may be known, there may be an allotment of dwelling units per acre based upon aIV ��'� tj proportionate share of the road capacity. Therefore, the capacity is spread evenly across all properties in the traffic -shell rather than on a , First -come -first -serve basis as in the APFO approach. Mach landowner has the right to trse their proportionate share of tilt' 1iV0d,1blr road capacity Roads \\'ith v erg low c'Ihacity ()r where there i� ----- — a very large area ovithin the traffic -shed result in lower densities. The difference is that the market offers the landowner a range of options not available under other types of ordinances, including the following: The allowable density may be altered by improving the road as part of the development cost. If a few hundred feet of improvements are needed to improve capacity, the improvements will likely be funded. If there is a long distance that must be improved it is unlikely that it will be funded, meaning that the development pattern occurs in a more contiguous — rather than leapfrog - manner. • A new road may be constructed to create a new traffic -shed, which may reduce the size of the traffic - shed allowing increased density. This option is available only where there is direct access to an improved collector or arterial roadway. • Development may occur in phases reserving the balance of land for subsequent phases as additional capacity becomes available upon improvement of the road. I • Development may occur at the permitted density with large acreages. If the acreages are of sufficient size and have proper frontage, there may be added development potential upon improvement of the road. • There may be a transfer of development rights to other property. Upon improvement of the road the agricultural area may receive additional density allowing development at that time. • A landowner or group of landowners could form an improvement district to pay for road improvements, subject to City standards and criteria. Draft 05/15/07 Page 18 of 23 Since Statc laly' "pecilically indicates that "a nnunicip,ility shell nut regulate: ... (4) the number of residential units that ran be built per acre of land",'' there would hive to be a legal basis established for the ordinance based on the City's jurisdiction to "promote the health, safe morals, or general welfare of the mtulicipality and the safe, orderly and healthful development of the municipality."'+ Impact fees are charged to ne�v development for the construction of new infrastructure that is needed to serve the development. "They are rel,ited to special assessments, except that: (1) thev arc ch,irged to new dcwlopment upon approval rather than to all owners within a particular district; and (2) they may only, be charged for the fair share of infrastructure required as a result of the new development. Provided in is a summary of their purpose, strengths, fable 2, limpro_i Fees Ja �x'. u Purpose: To allocate the costs of providing additional infrastructure to serve new development to that new development. Strengths: Limitations Fair share fee allocation; cash payments help avoid potentially dangerous piecemeal improvements to dedicated rights -of -way. No street Impact fees may be and limitations. Impact fees facilitate a planned, coordinated approach to providing infrastructure. In Texas, impact fees may be used to fund water supply, treatment, and distribution facilities; wastewater collection and treatment facilities; storm water, drainage, and flood control facilities; and roadwav facilities that are needed to serve new development according to a capital improvements plan (including planning, engineering, land acquisition, and constructiun).2' _Fhev cannot be used to fund: charged in the ETJ (where Facilities that are not in the capital improvements plan; formerly rural roads are likely to Repairs, operation, or maintenance of existing facilities - be more easily overwhelmed Upgrades to existing facilities to meet new standards; by new development). Upgrades to existing facilities to better serve existing development; Operating costs of the local government; and Payments on debt that is not related to expenditures that may be paid by impact fees. Impact fees must be supported by technical analysis of qualified professionals, set out in a capital improvements plan. The plan must: • Describe existing capital improvements and projected costs to meet existing needs (including stricter safety, efficiency, environmental, or regulatory standards, if applicable); • Analyze the total capacity, the level of current usage, and commitments for usage of capacity of the existing capital improvements; • Describe the capital improvements (including costs) that are necessitated by and attributable to new development based on the approved land use assumptions; • Provide a definitive table that relates capital improvements costs to "service units" that will serve as the basis for impact fees; 13 Section 212.003, Extension of Rules of Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, Texas Local Government Code 14 Section 212.002, Rules, Texas Local Government Code z- Impact fees for roadway facilities may not be charged in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. See § 395.011(b), TLGC. Draft 05/15/07 Page 19 of 23 LZ I;stimate the total number of projected service units necessitated by and attributable dcvelopment within the service area, based on the approved land use assumptions and Cd1CL accordance with generally accepted engineering or planning criteria; and Project the demand for capital improvements required by new service units, over a reasonabl of time up to 10 years. Impact fees use the same theoretical basis as adequate public facilities ordinances, hssentially, the City would establish the capacity of all applicable facilities and the required standard; for example, the level of service for roads or number of acres of parks per one thousand persons. The impact fee is then established to generate the funds needed to provide the desired level of service for all facilities. Rather than exhausting capacity, impact fees require payment for a proportionate share of the burden created. Since the City has impact fees for some defined service areas,''-1 this instrument could be expanded to encompass other areas of the City and FTJ, as allowed by State law. Impact fees may be particularly appropriate for portions of the City's defined growth area for which there are no plans for infrastructure improvements within the five-year capital improvement program. This would essentially allow development to occur consistent with the growth plan, but without committing the City to prematurely construct such facilities and services. Specific criteria must be established as to the appropriateness of and under what circumstances the City may consider the use of impact fees to allow development to occur - or not occur - in areas outside of the defined growth area(s). This would be an essential prerequisite for the development of this progrann to ensure that the into rih of the Cih"s growth strategy nnav be upheld. Conservation easements cover a broad range of purposes, whether it is for wildlife or resource management, scenic preservation, or to limit the use of land. A few communities are using conservation easements to control their growth and preserve their agricultural areas, such as Solebury Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. With a conservation easement, the landowner continues to own the land and is responsible to maintain it. The land remains on the tax roles although there may be significant tax advantages to the landowner for the dedication of an easement, which also lowers the cost of acquisition. An agricultural easement could allow the landowner the right to continue to farm the land and keep their home and buildings. It could also allow some additional development. An important aspect of this concept is its flexibility. It can identify a variety of restrictions and development options that may be tailored to the needs of the landowner and the City as the agency accepting the conservation easement. This provides an opportunity to tailor the acquisition to meet landowner concerns and reduce the cost of the easement. This instrument is most appropriate for and may best be used to supplement a host of other management techniques, rather than as an independent method of conserving resources and open space. For instance, there may be attractive incentives integrated into the zoning ordinance whereby density bonuses are offered in exchange for preservation of open space. This tool can and is being used effectively in some jurisdictions. 26 Chapter 15, Impact Fees Draft 05/15/07 Page 20 of 23 4V Development agreements are written contracts that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including to impose land use and environmental controls (planning authority, existing coning regulations, new land development regulations, or specific uses and development, and environmental regulations) over property in the ETJ in exchange for the provision of infrastructure and public services (e.g., streets; drainage; and water, wastewater, and other utilities), and/or a guarantee to LmneA the property (on agreed upon terms), or not to annex the property for a period of not more than 15 years. Development agreements run With the land, but do not hind end -hovers of lull' developed lots, eAcept %\'ith re�pert to land use and development regulations that apply to the lots. Provided in is a summary of their purpose, strengths, and limitations. Purpose: Allow municipalities and developers within the ETJ to negotiate and agree to terms regarding annexation, land use controls, infrastructure and utilities. Strengths: Allows municipalities to exercise some control over the use, character and quality of the development within the ETJ, provided that the landowner consents. Limitations: Many limitations reduce the leverage of the municipality to encourage developers to enter into a development agreement. Development agreements are contracts, and as such, require negotiation and execution by the City and developer. In many cases, there is little incentive for the developer to enter into a development agreement because the City has relatively little leverage. For example: The City may not condition the provision of municipal utilities on the execution of a development agreement.'' No leverage is created by impact fees for roadway facilities because such fees "may not be enacted or imposed in the extraterritorial jurisdiction." This is apparentle so even if the roadwav facilities are provided by development agreement. Developers have several alternatives to provide for infrastructure and utilities, such as a petition for the creation of a political subdivision (as described below). The City may place only very limited conditions on the formation of the political Subdivision.''-8 This is not to say however, that the City has no leverage. Indeed, cooperation may bring mutual advantages to the City and developer, especially if the City is able to provide timely infrastructure and services on reasonable terms. Since the City may enter into development agreements with landowners in the ETJ29 this may offer an opportunity for providing services in exchange for abiding by the City's development regulations and meeting other community objectives, e.g. resource protection, etc. Improvement Districts Improvement districts may be created to fund infrastructure improvements by special assessment against the property owners who principally benefit from them in fair proportion to the level of their benefit. Improvement districts are run by the governmental unit that creates them, in this case, the City. They have the power to impose a special assessment, but not to tax. Provided in Table 4, Improvement Di stricts, is a summary of their purpose, strengths, and limitations. 21 "A municipality may not require [a development] agreement ... as a condition for providing water, sewer, electricity, gas, or other utility service from a municipally owned or municipally operated utility that provides any of those services." § 212.174, TLGC. 28 The conditions do not involve land use controls or annexation. 29 Development agreements are authorized by Subchapter G of Chapter 212, Texas Local Government Code. Draft 05/15/07 Page 21 of 23 I'LlbilL inlprovenrents that ulay be landed by an iIll pr0%Vll1ent district indudr: I. landscaping; 2. erection of fountains, distinctive lighting, and signs; 3. acquiring, constructing, improving, widening, narrowing, closing, or rerouting of sidewalks or of streets, any other Purpose: To fund public Improvements ruadwa>>s, ur their rights uf-lva�; and programs by assessing 4. construction or improvement of pedestrian malls; those landowners who benefit 5. acquisition and installation of pieces of art; from them. b. acquisition, conshruction, or improvement of libraries Strengths: Those who pay special 7. acquisition, construction, or improvement of off-street assessments are those who directly benefit from the parking facilities; improvements funded by 8. acquisition, construction, improvement, or rerouting of them; improvement districts mass transportation facilities; are administered by the governmental unit that formed 9. acquisition, construction, or improvement of water, them. wastewater, or drainage facilities or improvements; Limitations: Potentially lengthy process for 10. the establishment or improvement of parks; improvement district 11. projects similar to those listed in 1 through 10 above; formation. 12. acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of real property in connection with an authorized improvement; 13. special supplemental services for improvement and promotion of the district, including services relating to advertising, Promotion, health 'Ind Sillitatlon, 1CdtG' and WlStcWLItel', public SatetV', �ecurlty, business recrtlitnlhnt, developinent, recreation, and cultural enhancement; and 14. 11 1iY ent tit C'\pen,(' incurred in the a11d opuralion Ut the district. And, in the case of home rule municipalities like College Station: 15. levying, straightening, widening, enclosing, or otherwise improving a river, creek, bayou, stream, other body of water, street, or alley; [and] 16. draining, grading, filling, and otherwise protecting and improving the territory within the municipality's limits. The City may create an improvement district within its corporate limits or ETJ, after a process in which: • A petition is initiated by the affected landowners or the local government; • One or more public hearings are held regarding: the advisability of the improvement; the nature of the improvement; the estimated cost of the improvement; the boundaries of the public improvement district; the method of assessment; and the apportionment of costs between the district and the municipality or county as a whole; • The local government issues an improvement order (by majority vote); and • Notice of the order is published 30 I' An ongoing service plan must be approved by the City. The plan "must cover a period of at least five years and must also define the annual indebtedness and the projected costs for improvements." The 11 The local government may also undertake a feasibility study and appoint an advisory committee with regard to the formation of the improvement district. See §§ 372.007 and 372.008, TLGC. Draft 05/15/07 Page 22 of 23 -- -- LJ service plan must include an assessnx'nt plan'' and must "be nVviCWC(l and updated annuall)r HW Purpose of determining the annual budget for unprovenrents." Use of this instrument may be feasible and warranted as a means for meeting the infrastructure needs within the City's "growth area(s)" for which the City is not yet prepared to commit capital resources. This nia}' include outl�'ing portions of the "growth area(s)" W1101-e near term i11fr0structure provision and service expansion is not yet feasible. interlocal cooperation contracts are authorized by Chapter 791, "Texas Government Code (TGC). The purpose of the interlocal cooperation contract is to: "increase the efficiency and effectiveness of local governments by authorizing them to contract, to the greatest possible extent, with one another and with agencies of the state." Provided in ►ahk, ' ire;(,Jo,- i t Oi,m �. �,r�i�,x,�, is a summary of their purpose, strengths, and limitations. Chapter 791 provides broad authority for municipalities to contract With each other, with counties, with special districts and political subdivisions, with federally recognized tribal governments that are located in the state of Texas, and with state agencies to provide "governmental function[s] or service[s] that each party to the contract is authorized to Purpose: To increase the efficiency of perform individually." Such functions and services include: local governments by I"Functions normally associated with the routine operation enhancing cooperation of government, including tax assessment and collection, among them, personnel services, purchasing, records management Strengths: High degree of flex,bllity to services, data processing, warehousing, eLIuipment repair, contract in order to provide a and printing." wide variety of governmental services. "Police protection and detention services; . . . fire Limitations: Interlocal cooperation protection; . . . streets, roads, and drainage; . . . public contracts facilitate the use of health and welfare; ... parks and recreation; ... library and other growth management tools, therefore their museum services; . . . records center services; . . . waste effectiveness depends largely disposal; ... planning; ... engineering; ... administrative upon how well they are functions; ... public funds investment; ... comprehensive implemented and what they health care and hospital services; or . . . other provide for. governmental functions in which the contracting parties are mutually interested." • Water supply and wastewater treatment, various types of correctional and criminal justice facilities, transportation infrastructure, and purchasing contracts.32 Growth management is most effective when approached from several levels of government. Therefore, interlocal cooperation contracts are advised between the City, Brazos County, as well as each of the applicable water control and improvement districts (WCIDs). STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS To be completed... " City and County owned property is not exempt from assessment. See §§ 372.014, TLGC. sz Sections 791.021 et seq., TGC set out additional substantive and procedural requirements for these types of agreements. Draft 05/15/07 Page 23 of 23 c.6 — • C, May 29, 2007 Workshop Agenda East College Station Transportation Study To: Glenn Brown, City Manager From: Mark Smith, Director of Public Works Agenda Caption: Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding the East College Station Transportation Study in joint session with the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Parks Board. Recommendation (s): Provide direction to the consultant and City staff. Summary: On January 11, 2007, Council approved a contract hiring Kimley-Horn and Associates to conduct a transportation study of the east side of College Station. Since that time, the consultant and city staff have hosted two public meetings to gather public input and the consultant has studied the transportation issues and made recommendations to improve the transportation system in east College Station. The East College Station Transportation Committee has reviewed the recommendations and has recommended that following this council update, the City of College Station host a public meeting where these recommendations can be presented to the public and their questions and comments can be addressed. It is anticipated that following this meeting, the final recommendation would be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for final action. Budget & Financial Summary: N/A Attachments: 1. Draft East College Station Transportation Study Report 27 GE STATION r ' Kmley-Horn _._ and Associates, Inc. 28 cN � ., i Q7TCN CoiIJ%78STAI�IN Acknowledgements We wo wild like to tbmik the mat» citizens anti volunteers that to Ok time OUt (d their hLISY schedules to lhelh the City i>f Culle e Stati(m find a lun" term sustainable s(ALI M to the uattic issues tur the l�astsldc ()f Cu11e1;c Statl(ril. In 1 a,WOCuLu- We WOUld like to thank the .Achtso�ry(:<mmmicc Mcii-ibers: • Alichael Parks, Assistant Director B fI'COG • Linda LaSut, Director BCSA1110 • Dennis Christianson P.E., Director of TTI, Texas Transpoitation Institute • Bgau I1'ood P.C., District CuguineerT.x-DOT Biyau • lo/)n 1 ((Op, Chairamu '1'w11.1pollation Coui1uittee cutd ("01111cil Peisou, Cilp o/ Co/lr,�r J't�rliou • I.titu .11cllh�uiet, COnucil Pei:,ou, Cjt7 • Ron Gqy' Council Perron, Cit)' of Colle;e Station • Charlotte Slack., Nei�hboihood Representative • Rill.Stocktoll P. L'., A'ei;hborbood Representatire • Tim Rhome, No' '(Jhborhood Rpe.sentatire • Chuck ]Alison, 1)cre1o1)unvt1 R�pi�:renti�tire "Never underestimate the power of a small group of dedicated people to change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead Kimsey Horn fir. r and Associates, Inc. 29 Table of Contents Acicti o n ledgen i en is Table ofContents List of Tables and Fir; ures Introduction Study Purpose Report Outline The Planning Process Study Goals and Objectives . !1!N,;,,-,. [YRQi CO1tEC8Sie7foA 1 2 d 5 5 6 7 7 Scenario Planning 7 Forming the Preferred Scenario 1 1 Eastside Plan Ree01771T7e17d3ti017S 12 Gmal Number One: Increase the compatibility betvN-cen existing; and planned land uses and the transportation system. 12 Recommendation #1—Incorporate New Street Standards 12 Recommendation #2—Develop a Context Sensitive Design Process 13 Goal Number Two: To preserve mobility without negatively impacting existing neighborhoods with additional traffic. 14 Recommendation #3 —Adopt the Recommended East College Station Thoroughfare Plan 14 Goal Number Three: To plan for a multimodal transportation system that addresses the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. 19 Reconunendadon #4 —Adopt the proposed East College Station Hike/Bike Plan as pan of the Parks Master Plan. 19 Goal Number Four: To put in place an implementation plan that is phased in a manner to address mobility needs as land development occurs. 20 Goal Number Five: To generate a plan that is both affordable and achievable. 21 Appendix A: Technical Process Basic Modeling Theory 2007 Model Assumptions 2030 (Build -out) Model Assumptions Four -Step Modeling Process Trip Generation Trip Distribution Modal Split 22 22 24 24 25 25 31 32 KimleyNom �. and Associates, Inc. 30 2 Traffic Assirnnit'll t Model Calibration and Validation Evaluating the Thoroughfare Scenarios Vehicle AfRes Traveled (VMT) Vehicle Hours of Travel (VHT) Dcho (VHD) Traffic Modeling Findings Appendix B — Public Meeting Summaries Public Meeting 1 Workshop Results Public Meeting 2 Workshop Results Appendix C — Context Sensitive Design Street Realms New Street Standards for College Station Cotomcrcial Streets Residential Streets Industrial Streets - Industrial Streets Mixed Use Streets 17 33 36 36 36 36 37 38 38 39 40 40 42 42 Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. 31 3 EAST COLLEGE STMION (W/*4 [3atitisrwrrr�riov Sru»v a'iT OF C:OIIP,CflSTigbN Planning Process Table l: Tnr//ii I i,liuurr n/ Rriommelidt'd Phru - 1 ,rb/ 2. 1rJiplriu, Oallwl I'Irur - - - — Tabk is Co N 1:dirualr 1'i,ari' l: l:��rt Co/hg� .Slalion .S/adp . Irr�r Jlap 1',inr _':.S,(-eh/� Report Untline -- Figure 3: Process I lon, Durgram Figerre 4: Plaunin9 Process Diagran Figure 5: Thoroilghlin•e Plan Scenario i'illnrr 6: C�ivai�inulp Cou<<pl; .1<<ir�irio 1i�rar ,'• 1 Ipbrid S,zciruiro 1 i�urr B: I'irbhi .5,-ruaao Pri'/ereua f twu'r `>: Canorerrnrl. I dri<<il 1 'igiue 10: Coruorercial Collector I I I: Rc.&I"ritial Irhvial f i�nre !': Rr.,rdrutialCol%r'tor 1 r,urr l 3: IlidJull7alShret I i;nr, 0. lli.�rd I r.Stn,t I hk, rwd P., h<<nind/rrdalP,;, Technical Process (Appendix A) Tnhle.-I-l: Dovrr;r?rphicconiparison T(ible -1-?: 1 ilidaliwi table-lor'2007.11orlel 1 abh . 1-3: Jhirlp. Irea.11obilrtp Sawwwp Curd Table rl-I: RegianrlJ(obilitp Sniriniar} Chart Figure 1-I: Haiseholrls 2007 Jbr the .riudp area Figure A-2: Households 2007 f r the study area Figure A-3: Households 2030 for the stur y area Figure All: Population Density 2007 forthe study area Figure A-5: Population Density 2030 for the study area Figure A-6: Employurent 2007 for the study area Figure A-7.• Earployment 2030 for the study area Figure A-8: Trip Patterns 2007 from the study area Figure A-9: 2007 Network with number of lanes Figure A-10: 2007 P,.\isting Traflzc Counts Figure A-11: 2007 Model Traf c Volumes with percentage difference Technical Process (Appendix B) Figure B-1: Public Issuer Map Figure B-2: Public Thoroughfare Disagree 17 ?0 22 5 6 7 8 — 10 10 _ II 12 13 - — - — IS 19 30 33 37 37 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 35 39 39 OMKimley-Hom and Associates, Inc. 32 4 R . 'y,� y .t '� <Y'ROP C01119I;8STA770N Introduction The l,astside of College Station is facing ever-increasing traffic demands with backups on State I Iighway 6 (SI1 6) near Rock Prairie Road and also incrcl ucntal increases along all of Sl 1 6 and most major arterials. Coupled vv,ith 11cw comu�crcial retail dc\clopnient pr()posals near ROCk I'rairic Road and Sl 1 6, the trattic pressures arc only going to incrc;isc. Ncighborhoud associations on the VIstside tear that the additional traffic demands arc g��ing to spill ()\cr Onto tl)ctr nhhcig)I-11, �d streets th�rch� ,tffccting ihcir clualii% ut life. "1'hcsc challenges are 11W uniyuc to (;()llcgc Station; mane a�mmunitics thnOughOnu the co�unrry arc facing sunilar issues. In response to these pressing issues the City of Collcgc Station, City COUnCil, and staff realized that the eminent development pressures at Rock Prairie and SH 6 would in time replicate along the entire SH 6 corridor. The concept of an area -wide transportation study was developed and soon after, the study area emerged (see Figure 1). Tlic studv area is huuridcd h�: S1 1 6 on the west, Carter Crcek on the cast, St 1 30 (1 1ary cy Road) on the north, and \Ium Creek (includin(I the SI 1 6 / Nantucket Interchange) on the south side. The ultimate goal of this East Collcgc Station transportation study is to plan for the build -out of this area in an orderly way as to avoid wondering if the transportation systcm Neill handle the added traffic. To accomplish this goal the Cite and their Co 11SLltants c��aluatcd the csistin� th�noughtarc plan hascd wi the 4 the land u>� pla11. [n.ulditiwm to the technical a11:tk Otth, , traffic demands, an extensive public outreach process "t, .t was conducted to better understand the issues at hand and begin to develop consensus on a preferred plan. The recommendations contained herein will - guide the City into the future and provide clear priorities to decision makers for funding of the needed improvements. I Figure 1: East College Station Study Area Map Study Purpose To help guide the study, the City of College Station formed an Advisory Committee to oversee the staff and consultants. This committee is responsible for ensuring all the residents are properly represented. More specifically, the purpose of the study is to enhance the existing City of College Station Thoroughfare Plan. This will be achieved by: 1. Generating study goals and objectives from the Advisory Committee and citizens. 2. Creating two thoroughfare plan scenarios based upon Advisory Committee and citizen input. 3. Testing these two scenario plans against the currently adopted thoroughfare plan and, in the end, create a preferred thoroughfare plan that best meets the goals and objectives of the study. . Kimley-Horn M and Associates, Inc. 33 5 Report Outline In the earl- phases of this StLON' the team envisioned a process that would hm'e an intense atnount llf public 111pLit W1111C at the SM11C tIt11C 1'L111t1111g a technical process that «-"is ohjecti\,e nd dcf�n�ib;tle. Fio-ure 2 is an Actual inla0;c resultlll�" tram an csu'k brainstorming session that guided this process to the end. The Planning Process i'S fclised oil inider'stenrldill" eulrl a(ldres ilia the, concerns and needs of all parries influenced by tran.rportatiott decisions in the st/l(/)' c11'ea. 1 bo /01 r' Public pal-ticlpatloll 1'C a Pal'C1111o1111t colllpollellt (J/ the plelllllllh pr''oce')s (a/dd /S dl.fclfsj- d 1/T delad ill The Technical Process is, focused on haying systeivatic methods to determine the future traffic demands. The technical analysis will be completed for both the current and build -out conditions based on the existing and proposed comprehensive land use plan of the City of College Station. Many of the technical findings a ill be screened through the Planning Prvcess. The technical process is discussed in greater detail in Appendix A � �H,e_ O't1rOeCA1tL�GaSTs7mN ,': Fi�ure 2: Sketch Report Outline Figure 3: Process Flow Diagram The ultimate goal of these two processes is to have a plan that is both technically sound and community based. The following section goes into much more detail on the Planning Process and begins to unfold all the recommendations for the study area. ` Kimley-Horn IM and Associates, Inc. 34 6 '.1 ,�,�, r � � C7nnpCar�esre�xv+ The Planning Process The planning process used for this study was based on facilitation the participation of the comIII LillM, priv-"ue cle\•elopers and agenCv represcntatWC',. With cluality of life ssucs, dc\ Mn held, anti cite Icadcrs scarclling t(n-so[utiOns, dc�clOpin"I a0nscnsus on \01;u nccds to be dome can O111\' he done thrMugh an cMcMM e uutrcach effort. In the end, tic ��>iuti��n is g��ing io result in :t cOtnpr(nnisc h� all ins olv cd h)r the good of tlic conunuuuth as \Vhuic. The outreach was conducted through a series of Advisory Committee, Public, and City Staff meetings. Appendix B provides a summary of the two Public Meetings. This section ���ill fu -111C ' discuss goals and scenario plannin and hnall� Show the preferred plan. Study Goals and Objectives ,All Adv-isorV (A)MulittCC mccting Nt-as held on l"ehruan- 27, 2O()7, in 1N-hich members cstablishcd studv goals and Objcctivcs hi_,urc l: PLumirn,, Procc„ Diagr.un Advison� Committee goals and objectives for the Vast College Station plan include: 1. Increasing compatibility- betwcen existing and planned land uses and the transportation stistem. 2. Preserving mobility- without negatively impacting existing neighborhoods with additional traffic. 3. Planning for a multimodal transportation system that addresses the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. 4. Putting in place an implementation plan that is phased in a manner to address mobility needs as land development occurs. 5. Generating a plan that is both affordable and achievable. Scenario Planning With the goals and objectives determined, the next step in the planning process is to devise alternative thoroughfare plans for the study area. A technique called "scenario planning" was used throughout the planning process. Think of the scenarios as if having your choice of multiple futures. Three different scenarios were developed for this study. The first scenario (Thoroughfare Plan) came from the current thoroughfare and land use plans. This scenario provided a benchmark for the other scenarios. Another scenario (Community Concept) was developed in workshops with the community, Advisory Committee, and consultant expertise. And yet another (Hybrid) was developed using a mixture of the Community Concepts and Thoroughfare Plan scenarios. The following pages illustrate maps of the scenarios and point out major attributes. IMFJKimley-Horn am Associates, Inc. 35 I 4 Kimley-Horn -. t�tl Associ�fes Inr_, travel 44 I } • Higher levels of traffic on collector streets • Least relative construction cost a Functional Classification Ma (Thoroughfare Plan Scenario) Mixed Use �-- Commercial Arterial Commercial Collector —�— Industrial Arterial Industrial Collector --- Residential Arterial Residential Collector 0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 Miles Figure 5: Thoroughfare Plan Scenario 4 Kimley-Horn !lam T and Associales, Inc. 36 $ A Functional Clossificati, (Community Concept Sc Mixed Use Commercial Arte Commercial Cal Industrial Arteria Industrial Collect Residential Arteri Residential Colle 0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles �tMfl Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc, A --A PP- MFI Kimley-Horn r, Pr 'inrl Assrp"es. Inc , f d/-'I,'! --m- Lov:c- f, J travel • Least levels of traffic on collector streets • Highest relative construction cost I Functional Classificati (Hybrid Scenario; Mixed Use Commercial Artc Commercial Cal Industrial Arteria Industrial Collec Residential Arter Residential Colk 0 0,25 0.5 1 1.5 Fi4,urc 6: Community Concepts; Scenario Kinilpy-l-icri we and. ssociales, Inc, Mid -level hourz-, of delay U C • Mid -levels of traffic on collector streets • Second lowest relative construction cost Miles Figure 7: Hybrid Scenario 'I' Kimley-Hom 1111111111111111f and Associates, Inc, 38 10 FAST COLLEGE STA (ON tRAI+:SF'010-\r10N STUDY Forming the Preferred Scemirio The three scenarios found on the previous pages vv'crc prescntcd at the final public mccting for input on the most preferred. Among attendees, 67" l) agreed that the I k-hrid scenario hest met their transportation uecds. I lowc\'cr, "ttlendecs :uld (:its Staff did provide conuTunts ou �lll the ticcnarius, �� Mich ultimatcl\ lccl to the rcconuncndcd thoroughfare plan tilt this area (see Figure 15). The following section details many of the recommended thoroughfare changes and provides 6 the reasoning and justitication for cash project. Scennno Preference no Figure 8: Public Scenario Preference ❑Thoroughfare ❑Community Concept ❑Hybnd Scena- AM r DIMI and Associates, Inc. 39 11 Eastside Plan Recommendations 'File following recommendations strive to exceed the goals and objectives stated in the previous section, including specific recommendations focused on policy, changes for the City of College Station. These final rcconuu1endatiuns derived front c<,tntuunit\ input and technical ufaftie allay sis. In the curl, to meet all the I('oals set forth 1) the .Ads isory Ct>nmiittcc, scvcral critical rcvisions and or additions need to he nudc to the thorought,uc hl,ul. "111c goals and suhscyucnt rca�nuttcnd.uions tOttnd 1KA(M detail h()\\ each rcconuttcndation affects cacti respccti\C goal. Goal Number One: Increase the compatibility between existing and planned land uses and the �x�s transportation system. ; ContpatIbiIIt` 1)CtvVCen land use and transportation should he ic\vCd . t - from two different perspectives. first, how Nvcll (if at all) does the system of planned streets handle the current and future traffic forecasted for the study arca� Second, do the planned streets add sustainable slue to the surrounding neighborhoods, and arc those planned streets dcsi"_'ncl in such a as to blend into the surrounding land uses? Too often streets arc de'�i"_'ncd only for autontohilLuses and do not cncouragc nr accommodate pedestrian and bicrle users. The rccontmcndations to rc,ich this ho:tl stnvc to acconuntxlatc the tuturc traffic di.manels \0111e at the s�une time provldc street cicsigns that encoura(1e the use of alternattV c modes of trav-Cl. Recommendation #1— Incorporate New Street Standards Incorporate the following neu street types into the City's design standards. Then, based on the recommended thoroughfare plan, incorporate the associated elements (found beloly) into the design and ultimately the construction of the streets. The images below represent roadway defined by land use and functional class. From Commercial and Residential to Industrial and Mixed -Use streets for both arterial and collector classes, these streets will begin to add character and value to the areas. The thoroughfare map (Figure 15) connects each new roadway type to the existing and planned thoroughfares. �r Methan 16 V�Tiarel. Ne>im �' 105' i- me mrai flgnraway on aho ee aaiusea w Imloxcommodxe a lanes Figure 9: Commercial Arterial Median 5' Traren 5/ flealm FIM� �A. Wav Figure 9: Commercial Collector Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc, 40 12 FAST COLLEGE S-rATION '1k,,Nsi"rn X1ON ..'�i�, ,..,� C]7T4P CoLU1G8$TA17oN r Figure 11: Residential Arterial Figure 13: Industrial Street r-� n Figure 10: Residential Collector Figure 14: Mixed Use Street Recommendation #2 —Develop a Context Sensitive Design Process Develop and adopt a Context Sensitive Design (CSD) process that is integrated into the Comprehensive Planning Process. The end result should be a variety of roadway cross -sections that are tied the surrounding lane uses. Appendix C illustrates the above cross sections in more detail. This process would allow for use of these types of cross sections Citywide. LAMPI Kimiey-Horn 13 M and Associates, Inc. 41 Goal Number Two: To preserve mobility without negatively impacting existing neighborhoods with additional traffic. To accomplish this goal the street system must he designed to provide several options for travelers to get to their desired destinations. This means inumducin(, ncw streets, rc ;tli nin , ()r csicndin) csistin(Y sheets to prop idc more than one option to satisfy the trip. In sc\,cral cases, innoVativ e techniques must he used to mitigate or calm traf tic flows on neighborhood streets. ,Mier rceei\ ing input front the .April I)ublic tuceting, the 1-(-O MI11101d Cd thuruu(h fare plan cmbodics main (d the dements from the Ct)mtl]UnitV Cunccpt" scenario and the I kbrtd sccn"urlo. Reconvnendation #3 —Adopt the Recommended East College Station Thoroughfare Plan Amend the City of College Station Thoroughfare Plan as depicted in Figure 15. The following is a hulleted list of recommendations that accompany the thoroughfare plan map: • Appomattox Street. Extend Appomattox to Switch Station Road. This connection pi-m idcs an alternative route for the neighborhood. Thcrc arc emet-genev vehicle concerns -\vhcn there is only one way into a neighborhood. To mitigate any increased traffic to and from Harvey Road into the Windwood neighborhood, a raised median is recommended at the intersection of I larvc\ and \ppomattox to dem left -in or left -out access. The: oaf tic anal sts perfornIcd in this area sh(e") th;tt the median barrier v�mild limit [r;tftic to 111� current waffle t]uvv mid eliminate any cut -through traftic c�,ntcrn�. New SH 6 Backage Road from south of Rock Prairie Road to Emerald Parkway-. This new two-way street would provicic north -south mobility without having to access the frontage roads and a -turn. While this street mangy- not be feasible to construct due to existing commercial development (near Rock Prairie and an existing church north of Woodcreek); however, this alignment should remain on the plan in the event that redevelopment occurs. It is also recommended that a detailed alignment study be conducted to investigate the true feasibility of building this road. The traffic analysis for the thoroughfare plan was performed with and without this alignment and the subsequent neighborhood impacts to Foxfire and Stonebrook were less than 200 vehicles per day. 0 Barron Road Extension from SH 6 to Bird Pond. With a new interchanage at SH 6 and connecting Barron to Bird Pond, this four -lane alignment would allow for increased east -west mobility, while at the same time providing excellect commercial access. Consideration of flood plain issues should be accounted for when developing final alignemnts. Z4 f N " u, Fj'Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. 42 14 • Emerald Parkway Extension from its current terminus near the Pnicrald Forrest neighborhood I ' to the south to Bird Pond. The final alignment ..-.�1% s Would need to be dctermincd via a detailed :. alignnicnt stud. "I'�� minimize ncighb�,rl�����cl d'IS 111 i��n, a major goal should be to place the rrr,ul hct\\-ccil the Hf)Od plain area anti cxiSting ncigltbtn h�x,cl. The c_\isting toLlr lane cln IdUd l'.nlcrald Parkwa�, cross section WOLIM remain as is; howcycr, near Sl 1 6 this road should be widened to six lanes and include new signal ' hardware to improve the intersection operations. • Lakeway Drive Extension from W.D. Ditch to a new cast-wcst arterial. This ne\V read Will allOW for greater access to future comniercial and retail developments while at the same time .,� improve mobility for the Pebble Creek neighborhood and neighborhood churches. . • New East-West Arterial h-Om SI 1 0 to� R�,cl: Prairie IZ�rILI. '1'hiS nc�� rl�acl��<t� ��ill h,t\'c accc�� to the S1 1 6 I1Ort1)b()Ll11d . fl�,nt.tg� r��acl, all����ing acce�� to, .Intl fr')m this r�>a�l. A\ hilt n() intcrchagc is planned in this area (duc to close proximity to Fitch) the thou' ht of an overpass has been discussed at this location (or farther to the south near ,-�rrington). \C'hile the recommendation for this road is to tic into the frontage road at SH 6 without an overpass, the alignment should remain ticxiable enough to make the overpass feasible should the need arise. • Pebble Creek Parway Extension from W.D. Fitch to Rock Prairie Road. Beginning at Fitch as a Residential Collector and traveling north across the flood plain, it transitions to a Mixed -Use Street, and ends at Rock Prairie Road as a Commercial Collector. Also, it would provide relief to SH 6 and associated intersections, while at the same time forming the backbone to future development. This Pebble Creek extension will be a new roadway that is a great amenity to the neighborhoods with on -street bike lanes and wide pedestrian areas. Fj Kimley-Horn M . and Associates, Inc. 43 15 C North Forrest Parkway from SI-i 6 to Linda Lane. Taken from the current thoroughfare plan, this four -lane arterial provides improved cast -west mobility, ultimately to Ilarvcy Road. With a major flood plain crossing, careful alignment studies and flood crnur��l mcasures sh(Mid be undcrtaLil during the prclimuMtr\ enginccring phase of this project. Raintrec/Appomattox area. ,An cxtcnsjun of ,Apponiattox just west of Raintrce has been found to reduce the future traffic on Raintrce by up to 5t)i40. This new road will also form an excellent buffer between the future commercial development to the West and the existing Raintree neighborhood. Rock Prairie Road from the south studV area to Barron Road. fmprm'cmcrits involve a basic four -lane divided road with a raised mcelian. However, from Barron Road to the SH 6, this road is recommended to he six lanes. Major ia1proVements to the intersections (including adding matthbound and northbound dual lefts With thrcL lams and h-CC right turn hl"") v\wild imhr�>�� cucul:uion. .Additi�mall�, ygyr'•.� `� addtng L� turn lanes is another needed tmpt-m-cment. Consideration needs to be given to carrying the six -lane widened Rock Prairie to the west to Longmire. Stonebrook/Foxfire area. This area has been the nexus of mangy• traffic and circulation discussion for several sears. With eminant plans to develop the southeast portion of SH 6 and Rock Pratte Road the major question has been what infrastructure needs to be in place to handle the future traffic demand without impacting the existing neighborhoods. This stud), has shown that with improvements to Rock Praire (noted above), and with developing a connection from the Pebble Creek extension to Rock Prairie (about 500 feet east of Stonebrook), the increase to the neighborhood traffic would be minimal (2,100 vehicles per day [vpd]) — which is simlar to the current traffic flows. If the intersections are lined up as the current thoroughfare plan shows, the traffic volumes go up to about 3,000 vpd on Stonebrook. While 3,000 vpd is still under capacity, the differences in land uses on the roadways, trip purposes, and neighborhood concererns lead to recommending the option illustrated below. Some argue that offset intersection are not wise but in this case this area! p g will have sufficent capacitydue to the non -competing left turn movements along Rock Prairie Road and with access to the new development surrounded by frontage roads, collector streets, and an on -ramp before Rock Prairie Road. Foxfire also benefits from the recommendations noted above. While Foxfire is a narrow two-lane collector, it is recommend that it be brought up the new design standards (outlined in Goal Number One) to be a two-lane Residential Collector, which includes on -street bike lanes and potentially a raised landscaped median area. Bike lanes and a landscaped median could also be retrofitted onto Stonebook. Kimley-Horn IMMM and Associates, Inc, 44 16 Traffic Volumes from the Recommended Scenario The following table presents the traffic volume results from the recommended thoroughfare plan. ROAD FROM TO Recomme ided Plan Volume Lanes Capacity V/C I larvc\ Road I ;nd 1500 5000 0.30 S.indS1()11c 2600 12000 0.22 BACK AGI� Creek RP 6900 2 12000 0.58 BARRON SH 6 Fast of SH 6 4900 4 30000 0.16 BARRON Rock Prairie Frost 6500 4 26000 0.25 E \[ERALD PK\X"Y SH 6 East of SH 6 31800 6 45000 0.71 FIIFR I,D PK\V'1' .Appomattox Barron 26000 4 26000 1.00 U1) 1 1'I'CI I SH 6 Lakewal Dr 25000 4 26000 0.96 \A1) I ITCI I I.,ikcvv \ Dr Pebble Crcck 13900 4 26000 0.53 \\ D 1�1TCI 1 Pcbblc Crcck Fast to end 7100 4 26000 0.27 HjARv'b;Y SH 6 Appomattox 17100 4 30000 0.57 11 AR\'F.l' \Vest of S11 30 13100 4 30000 0.44 LA I:,AV'.AY DR hitch Parkvicw 11000 - 12000 0.92 DR Parkvicw Bled 12000 2 12000 1.00 1'rtch 5400 12000 0.45 i ;A\ 51 1 6 I .AcN� in Ur 7800 + 30000 0.26 Pi,hBH ('IZi�i.K 51I o _ Bal1r<)n 9700 4 16000 0.61 Ph;BBI_.E CRLLK Barron Nc«- 4300 4 16000 0.27 PFBBLIa, CRF1 K Nc«x cast-wcst Fitch 4000 4 10000 0.40 NORTI I FOREST PK\NY S1I 6 Fast of SFI 6 5900 4 30000 0.20 RAINTRFIF. SH 6 End 2500 2 5000 0.50 APPOiAI1\-fTO\ Raintrec North Forrest 2500 2 5000 0.50 ROCK PRAIRIE West FR East FR 48000 6 45000 1.07 ROCK PRAIRIE SH 6 Stonebrook 38900 6 45000 0.86 ROCK PRAIRIE Stonebrook Bird Pond 33600 6 39000 0.86 ROCK PRAIRIE Bird Pond Fitch 22700 4 26000 0.87 End of Study ROCK PRAIRIE Fitch Area 14300 4 26000 0.55 SEBESTA SH 6 East of SH 6 2300 2 12000 0.19 STONE BROOK Wood Creek Sebesta 2000 2 5000 0.40 STONEBROOK Rock Prairie Wood Creek 2300 2 5000 0.46 IWOOD CREEK SH 6 Stonebrook 2100 2 5000 0.42 WOOD CREEK Stonebrook End 1400 2 5000 0.28 Table 1: Traffic Volumes of Recommended Plan Kimley-Horn M and Associates, Inc. 45 17 Kecommencicct Sc•cty,irio Map The following map represents the recommend thoroughftrC trap for the Last College Station Transportation Study. Because of the significance of Linda Lane to this stLKIV area it has been included on this map, r\lso, note that recommend street types are themed on this map by color as they represent the wislies and aspirations of the citizens of College Station. �Junilwd6H i6�u ua ��i me�iuG .mi�N�dihi,u oiirdi�u loin ilu l� ui,uui miliii in��il i.�n �o �n ud�om�d'�� ui ri�.�,na um ii ip,i �,.I II, J1i a,. 11 ui uuJ18L+.�Glim�MS.a.ilawi„IYu� I�,J I� Lee em tC2C v111rf 1[:Il ttt'�I f��Ull Functional Classification Freeway MiO,el Use Street u.= :.r. Commercial Arterial Cornmercinl C c-Mo o,r Indush ial ,rt r ial In.iuc,ln<il C' �II�<)or kesidentral Arterial j r� °" =` Residential Collector. - ae �� P��� ;n,dy =rr=o I F6,un ` " w" I Kimley-Horn brol m and Associates, Inc. 46 18 Goal Number Three: To plan for a multimodal transportation system that addresses the needs ofpedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. Recommendation #4 —Adopt the proposed East College Station hrikelBike Plan as part of the Parks Master Plan. Proposed Hike/Bike Plan U, Bike Paths RIl,,T­lHead \IX ------ % Path Existing Path N.P-'Sed Route Emstmg ---- R.w,, Pmp-od Ro,k Areas' Swdy A­ FEMA Flood Plom 0 0.26 0.5 1 Miles Figure 16: Hike and Bike Recommendations L�Mf I Kimley-Horn m and Associates, Inc, 47 19 GOIJ,EGE STATIONSFUDY7—M Go.if Numbei- Fom-: To put In placC .lI7 Itllplef11e11t.it(ot7 plan that Is ph.isCd�ln .i imit711er to address mobility needs as land development occurs. This goal is aimed it dcv'cloping a list of rconnmcndations that can be put in place to 111.1idc the itnplcmcntation of this plan. The list was based on technical information of traffic demands, combined with local knowledge and staff cspertisc on aresls that :trc ripe fOr dcvz.lopntcnt. This list \v-;is dcVclopc`cl it) hell, nl,tl<CrS ttt priorllixc the needed lmprovcmcnt tor this area. ROAD FROM TO � Comments Priority t�,ACI:,AGt. ROAD No:w Pcbhlc Crcck Rock 1'r;ttric liuilcl \�iti)dct'clopnunt I ROCK PRAIRIF. West FR Fast FR Widen to six lanes 1 ROCK PRAIRIE SI 16 Sumcbrook Widen to six lanes 1 ROCK PRAIRIE Intersections U-Turns U-Turns and intersections 1 BARRON SH 6 East of SH 6 New interchange with 6 3 B,ARRON Ruck Pr -attic hanctatd Nc\v ruad 2 LAhI:AV".Al" llR Ncw cast west Pitch Nc\\, to.al 2 -APPOVI.A'I I'O\ Rainurcc North Forrest Nc\v road/ rakes tntftic (M of lUmn-cc ROCK PR,AIRII'; Stonebrook Bird Pond Widc❑ to six lanes ? ROCK PRAIRIE Bird Pond Pitch Widen to four lanes 3 R(WI� 13IZ1A1121I_, latch land of Studv ArCa AVidcn to four lanes PCdeStrlan bike improccmcnts % traffic STON{. I�ROt)I: A\,)Od (:reel: Schc<t,t c,tlmin(4 P�cic�ui,ui hihc unhn>�cmuu� u-,iffic S1`( tNl.liR( t( )1. Rock Pr.unL Crcdv c.ttmnv� I'cdc>uian btl.c tmprrnLmm�t1 , traffic A\Y)011 CRI:�K SI1 6 Snoncbcook c:tlnaing Pedestrian bike improvements / traffic WOOD CRI'TIK Sumcbrook land calming Con tied to Sv itch Station/ No tcft in or ow \PPO\IATTOX Lind Switch Station at Harvcv 3 Improve intersections / widen to HARVEY SH 6 Appomattox 4 lane/median at Appomattox 3 HARVEY Appomattox West of SH 30 Widen 3 PEBBLE CREEK SH 6 Barron New road 3 PEBBLE CREEK Barron New east -west New road 3 PEBBLE CREEK New east -west Fitch New road 3 NORTH FOREST PKWY SH 6 East of SH 6 Widen 4 Backage SandStone Emerald Section in design/construction 5 EMERALD PKWY SH 6 East of SH 6 Widen at SH 6 / add pedestrian elements 5 EMERALD PKWY Appomattox Barron New road 5 NEW EAST -WEST SH 6 Lakeway Dr New road 5 Table 2: Implementation Plan CAW Kimley-Hom M _ and Associates, Inc. 48 20 k reF> pt J^, .. 9'R.,, ,. � Q'fTOPCO12EG8STA7i�N ' Goal Number Five: To generate a plan that is both affordable and achievable. The f0 lowing cast estimate was dcvulopcd using planning costs (per mile). This is not applicable for use in construction or bidding. It should, however, be used for comparison purposes only. l"undin" h>r these inyro%cments needs 10 come front mane ditterent sow-ccS. A II(e lradlllt>nal St>urClS Such a the general ('und, "1'vI)( )T, and kond progr;lms might not he enough to fund all the neCdCd impro�'emcnts. Innov"Imc funding approaches must I)c C\hlorcd. 1"AmI)plcs include traffic impact tccs, dmd(m. tolling, ,111t1 Tax Increment I�uuulctng Distncts COST ROAD FROM TO ESTIMATE .APPO\I.ATTO� Raintrcc North Forrest S-75(I UUn :APP( mI.A-I-1,( x I?(Id S\� itch Station ti 15U,(1O11 Ii.ACh.AC;I? Nc\N. 1'Chh1C Crcrk 1W >>-5 Utiti B,ACKAGi? Sandstonc knicrald S1,50(1,000 BARRON SH 6 East of SH 6 $3,U0t1,000 BAIlIZON Last of )11 6 i:mcrald �5,0011 0U0 1.�Lt:R.ALI) Pt�AV�" SH 6 I'.AII:R.AI.l� I'I�ACl' I',nd Barran I 1 \1lV'1'.Y �I1 (, Ahhnm;ttu>� �25(t,ltttn f I_ARV 1 1 \1�1�nm,utn� l.incl.t I..ui� >2,511t1,Uu11 Ncv\, last «cst Itch 50,0M) New E\V SH 6 Lakeway Dr $5011,000 New FW t akcvva\ Rock Prairie S2,500,000 NORTH H )M'ST Ph\xY SH 6 Linda Lane S3,750,000 PEBBLE CREEK SII 6 Barron $3,000,000 PEBBLE CREEK Barron New east -west S625,000 PEBBLE CREEK New EW Fitch $3,750,000 ROCK PRAIRIE West FR East FR $525,000 ROCK PRAIRIE SH 6 Stonebrook $1,400,000 ROCK PRAIRIE Intersections U-Turns $2,500,000 ROCK PRAIRIE Stonebrook Bird Pond $1,750,000 ROCK PRAIRIE Bird Pond Fitch $5,000,000 ROCK PRAIRIE Fitch End $5,000,000 STONEBROOK Wood Creek Sebesta $0 STONEBROOK Rock Prairie Wood Creek $0 WOOD CREEK SH 6 Stonebrook $0 WOOD CREEK Stonebrook End $0 Total Cost Estimate $48,950,000 Table 3: Planning Cost Estimate Kimley-Horn M and Associates, Inc. 49 21 hj §7Fi"D YM H'1,. i�'El�CALI�GBST.g74N Appendix A: Technical Process The following section provides the City with technical information on the tools used to complete the analysis of the I�.ast G) lc"c Station Transportation Studk'. The primary, tool used hw transportation planners ,Intl cnginrcrs is ;I tniv,(:l demand model, These models enahle agencies to cstimatc uraftic demands. In the simplest terms, the 11MCICI turns pcoplc and cmplM ets into trips, Finds their origin and destination, and assigns them a path to ron�pl�tc their trip (scc the adjacent graphic). The trips :ire daily ui it sIccounts for home (o \\OII , hwmc to shop, and back to home. ,fit?• \Vith the use of a travel demand model, planners and engineers are able to - o estimate current and also future traffic demands. The model can also be used to compare how changes to land use and demographics will impact the local and regional transportation nctwork. Sitnpl\ put, the model allows us to test III r j transportation and land use ideas. The following section will describe the basic theory of the tray cl demand model 1 Later sections will describe the major findings from the model. t t Basic 1llodeling Theory lip cr�atin� and usin��;I ua� el mo>dcl, one is :utcmpun" to product a n):Ithem:itic2l represCntatu)n of an lndiv idua]'s dcclslon-making process: WhY to make a trip 4 Whcn to make the trip 4 Where to make the trip 4 1low to make the trip 4 What route to follow to complete the trip These individual choices are then combined so aggregate impacts can be determined. The model structure should also be manageable and supported with obtainable data. As a project develops, travel demand models may be used to make planning level decisions regarding future transportation needs. Models estimate the overall demand on a roadway system based on the proposed land uses. Models are also used to answer questions such as the number of lanes required along a given roadway or the need for a new roadway or interchange. Travel models are best suited to provide a comparison between alternatives, and the traffic projections provided will show general trends between these alternatives. The model for the East College Station Transportation Study was done using TransCAD software. Brazos County Model is divided into 514 Traffic Survey Zones (TSZ), out of which 14 zones are external stations. Zones from 465 to 499 are dummy TSZs located at the southeast corner of Brazos County that can be used for land use testing and TIA modeling analyses. Figure A-1 shows the TSZ structure for the region and also highlights the study area. Kimley-Horn IIII/ . and Associates, Inc. 50 22 Legend TA-/ Study Area E Figure A-1: Households 2007 for the study area Special generators (such as airports, regional shopping malls, universities, etc.) and external stations use trip generation parameters (productions/attractions by trip purpose) contained in a separate data base file. The special generator zones (TSZs) and external stations are defined by BCSMPO; the external stations have ID numbers 501 to 514. BCSMPO uses a spreadsheet (spec gen.xls) to externally calculate additional trips to be added to specified zones that contain special generators. KimleyHorn i m l and Associates, Inc. 51 23 .: q,� � � j (XIt QW C�8I2GBSTifODN 2007 Modal Assumptions Nehru k The Collcgc Station tease year (2007) model nctwori< was dcVclopcd using BCS1\IP0 1996 base nctwork for the stud}' area. Current aerial photograph} and field reconnaissance methods were employed in developing the netWOrk for Cite of College Station within the stud, area. The field reconnaissance focused on v,cr1f6ng the crass ScCtlon (numhcr (d lanes) and the limit f()r each "Caton. The nct\\�()rk is comprised of frec\vi\,s, highv\-ays, arterials, and collectors. I clpo",),11)lu,tj The Citv of Collcgc Station base year (2007) demographics estimate was developed based on 13CSN1P0's 2000 demographics for the study area. Current aerial photography and field reconnaissance methods were employed to estimate households (rooftops) and non-residential building floor area within the study area. Population estimates and median income were based on BCSNIP0 TSZ-level household size and median income data. .Wodel I 'alidatiofi AhCt- numerous iterations, brie car nu,dcl vvalidation W;IS acconlplishcd using the abocc ncM-orl< and demographics data and a combination of various adjustments of zone centroid connector locations and network speeds. Validation was based on comparison of estimated (assignment) link volumes to ground counts conducted in late 2004 and 2005. 2030 (Build -out) Model Assumptions The build -out model net�vork was de -'-doped using BCSN1110 2030 Mobility flan nctwork for the m-crall region. In addition, the net-,vork for City_ of College Station within the study area was developed using the adopted Thoroughfare Plan by the City . Deirrofrzrhbics The build -out demographic estimates within the study area were based on existing land uses for developed areas; current zoning density regulations and land uses contained in the currently -adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan were used to estimate households, population, and employment for undeveloped areas. Median household income was based on BCSMPO TSZ-level data. LII Kimley-Hom M and Associates, Inc. 52 24 �wt-r?i .. iil. (YTfU�W118G85'PA7Y1N Four -Step Modeling Process The model is comprised of a series of mathematical models that simulate travel on the transporrltion sv-stem. This macroscopic process encompasses the four primary steps taken to estimate travel demand from a given bind use and transportation network. The four steps in this approach are as follows: Trip Gcrlcration Th(' Trip (;cncrati()n nl()dulc cw1vC.1-ts data int() pers(m trips ti,r ditfcrcnt purposes. "1'hc denlo(;raphic data for the trip generation module includes population, number of Ilouseholds, median household income, the number of hasic, retail, and service employment. LEGEND Households 2007 " I no ?ll { moo illy {Illlll vl, 110 ,0 i. 5i Figure A-2: Households 2007 for the study area " x Kimley-Horn bW1 M and Associates, Inc. 53 25 1711 72 121 2hu W LEGEND Households 2030 I) lol Inl inn ell ;nn IsO 101 334 177 417 70 IS 422 II 23.; 301 03 511 Figure A-3: Households 2030 for the study area CMrj Kimley-Hom Iand Associates, Inc, 54 26 LEGEND Population Per Square Mile \x Figure A-4-. Population Density 2007 for the study area LOOPI Kimley-Horn m and Associates, Inc, 55 27 LEGLND Population Per Square Mile 2030 Smdx Figure A-5-. Population Density 2030 for the study area Cbnrl Kimley-Horn m and Associates, Inc, 56 28 LEGEND Employment 2007 I;I inn 7 ;P 2: 0 43B 11 10 II II 13 in I I ICI 71 Figure A-6-. Employment 2007 for the study area M Kimley-Horn 29 Inc,57 hol- M f I andAssocIates, tY1 o;t u 778 M o u 263 t 0 .1185 t1 660 t1 II _'67 101 619 Y`IH 251 0 463 1011) M10 93 0 hll II �f '0 . � 4'arggcbu�casrun� LEGEND Employment 2030 [It ;uu nl limn � loll �nu SU I 3 UUU 74, its) M, 41 ./ Figure A-7: Employment 2030 for the study area The following table shows the comparison between the study area and Brazos County region demographics 2007 2030 Population Employment Population Employment Study Area 10,500 5,900 30,270 17,100 Brazos County Region 164,890 82,700 205,000 104,700 Percent Proportion 6% 7% 15% 16% Table A-1: Demographic comparison Kimley-Horn 30 �I and Associates, Inc. 58 ['rip Distribution This step estimates the number of trips between each regional zone pair module is the input for this step. 2% 40°i ClIT'M (:aur,CaSUMN Me output from Trip Generation Figure A-8: Trip Patterns 2007 from the study area Kimley-Horn ►.,M1� and Associates, Inc, 59 31 �yw�x t rv� �,�. � e7nrc�eCnu�sr�mx ;,t. ,• .fit. Modal ,split This is the prediction of the number of trips made by each mode of transportation between each zone pair. Traffic Assignment 'Phis inthe cstuuati(n ()fthc ,in)() Lill t (ur number ()f trips) th;u i, ]OaIdcd unt() the tr.rnsh��naii��u nctw(wk thr0nt11h path -building and is used to determine networl; pertirrmancc. The t"011OWint{ CIOLH-c shy WS current (?OU7) network ti)r the SILRIV area with number Of lands. E Figure A-9: 2007 Network with number of lanes Kinney -Horn bh.111M . 1 and Associates, Inc. 60 32 b # "'- ..i CY'r[OP C.�lIPC8STe7Yltt Aloclel C.ilibr,,itiotr mid Vdlitlatioii This process includes bringing the model output traffic volumes to match as close as possible with the observed or ground u-attiC counts. Table A-2 shows the comparative results of b()th nxxlcl outpuu u-aftic wlume data and ground traffic counts for the gear 2007, 2007 2007 se-Incnt Froiu To Count Model R2 I i \Rvn- RU,AD 81 I (� A1�1�utn,u�o� _' I,�'15 _' I j to i o— \hhontatto� U cst of SI 1 30 9,249 O,200 05 3° „ UINTREI? SH 6 End 3,277 3,570 8.94'%, NORTH 1�ORRF.ST PKVY SH 6 mast of 6 2,550 2,647 3.8WO EMERALD PKWY SH 6 East of 6 5,800 6,180 6.55tYo SFBESTA SH 6 East of 6 1,799 1,884 4.72% \C OODCRI ail, 51 16 Sto nchrook 2,2')3 2,139 Stonchrook I?nd 1,238 1,217 O S']'NI a3R( 1OIi Rock Ptltit is \\ o,xlcrcch 2,.i 15 Woodcrcck Foxhre 872 025 6.04", ROCK PRAIRIF. SH 6 Stonebrook 6,777 6,901 1.810,, Stoncbrook Bird Pond 4,064 4-It 3.35",, Bird Pond GrCCnS Pr.uric I,Ooo 1,800 5261111 Grccm Pr.uric I�.ntl 883 GRI.1'.A8 PR.AIRII. till 6 Dr Dr PcbblcOcdc -. I in �. 118 U 08" , PcbhleCreck Fast to end 2,168 ',30U 6.0 LAKEWAY DR Greens Prairic Parkview 6,598 7,400 12.15% Parkcic),v- G,ttc\v-atBlvd 8,513 S11 6 Harvc\ 1 owcl -7,500 83,000 -.1011I1 Emerald 46,400 57,600 24.14%, Rock Prairic 62,500 67,800 8.48°%, Greens Prairie 30,800 35,200 14.29%) Average volume difference 4.69% Table A-2: Validation table for 2007 Model The locations considered for the validation process (as seen in the above spreadsheet) are presented in the maps below showing the 2007 ground traffic volume counts, 2007 model traffic volume and the percentage difference between them respectively. The percentage difference values in the table show the model volumes generated fall within the acceptable range when compared to the existing traffic counts. KimleyHorn and Associates, Inc. 61 33 Figure A-10: 2007 Existing Traffic Counts LIMF-1 Kimley-Horn m and Associates, Inc. 62 34 Figure A-11: 2007 Model Traffic Volumes with percentage difference 6. go -M 1 Kar�dleAmiates, Inc. 63 35 osCot�G6sranDM Evaluating the Thoroughlare Scenarios The following infortnation was generated using the refined I3rVan-College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization transportation model. The refined model includes updates to the demographics (households and employment) For the studV area to reflect 2006 conditions. The model has three main measures of effectiveness that pl;utncrs use to c\alnatc plan sdtcrnaMcs: Vehicle Hiles Traveled (VMT) What does it mean? Vehicle Miles Traveled (Vtt 11) is the total distance traveled by all vehicles in a 24 hour period. This can reflect the spatial relationship between residence and employ mcrit or other destinations. 1,Uvver av'Cntou V'.NIT often rcticcts a hater spatial match bCtvCCC11 residence and cniplo�mcnt, \chilc higher avcragc V',MT can indicate a spatial nusmatch between place of residence and place of employment. Vehicle Hours ofTntrel (VHT) What does it mean? The total number of hours of vehicle navel on the dcsi�onatcd set of road«a� s. Delay (VHD) What does it mean? Delay is a product of Traffic congestion, which is a road condition characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased queuing. It occurs when roadway demand is greater than its capacity. How was it measured? The traffic volumes on each road tict-,vork link are calculated using travel demand modeling software. The demographic, travel behavior, and transport infrastructure data For catch scenario arc used as nu,dcl nput. Bach link Volume is multiplied hN the a�crae v'chictc ()ccupanc\ rate in the is multiplied by the length of each link to determine the person -miles traveled on each network link. How is it measured? Vehicle hours of delay- are computed by tnultiplying the total distance traveled by average ❑cm-ork speed. How is it measured? Delay is a function of vehicle speed and trip length. Slower speeds and longer trip lengths result in greater delay. Delay is represented by total person hours of delay. F1 Kimley-Hom = and Associates, Inc, 64 36 EAST CiULLHGF. NATION _ 'Rt4tiSPOCYI?\T10N S"rt,'IJY may,, Q"01(;0U=5TAnQX raftic Afodclin,), Findings The model provides planners with the ability to compare how changes the thoroughfare plan can improve the above mcasureS of effectiveness. The transportation indicators hclmv arc an cnitput of this model. Thee represent what the demand on the transportation network will be based upon the three thoroughfare plan altert1atlV'CS. TRANSPOR'1'AT[ON GROWTH SCENARIOS INDICATORS TIIOROUA;HFARfs LLL PLAN COMMUNITY CoNCEt I HYBRID�OTAL VMT 1,049,584 1,088,390 1,058,277 �HT 31,807 31,450 31,482 OTAt, DELAY 7,1152 5,889 6,466 (PERSON HOURS) Table A-3: Study Area Mobility Summary Chart TRANSPORTATION G11O\V'TH SCENARIOS INDICATORS THOROUGHFARE COAINWNITY CONCEPT HYBRID PL:1N �oTAL VMT 5,429,716 5,394,480 5,413,076 HT 173,018 r170,639 I -1 9S9 rrOTAL DELAY 22,056 20,764 21,437 (PERSON HOURS) Table A-4: Regional Mob lity Summary Chart The three alternatives model above show that the Community Concept scenario and Hybrid scenario both out perform the Thoroughfare Plan Scenario. The final recommended plan for the East College Station Area is a combination of both the Hybrid and Community Concept scenarios. Refer to Table ] for the traffic volume results. W and Associates, Inc. 65 37 Appendix B — Public Meeting Summaries Public Meeting 1 The initial public nuCctin(1 Of the 11;ast ('ollc c Station I'ran�pt>rtation SILK \ as at (ended 95 people. The map in the sidebar i epresents attendees' homes. W1111e mane portions ofihe stud-\ area Whcrc rchrCscnicd, a ofthe:utcndccs whcr(- h011) either the Woodcrcck or neighborhoods. Thirty,-see°en of these attendees completed the questionnaire. The graphs to the right indicates the majority° «f attctudccs ,Where residcntial propertV� owncrs and members of neighborhood assoclattOnS. The b011o1A-ing Neighborhood ,lssociations whcn rcprescntcd: • �� oodcrccl: • 1 �()-\tirc • Shadowcrest • Stonebridge • .Amherlal:c • Windwood • Ratntree • Pebble Creek • Emerald Forest • Wilshire ,J R,spo,d-t Profile Svvic. eu.�n..a 6wn.n ,x --'—Ifx r, R.lail Bu.imss csae owa.n IXn.�lwm. M1 .�i L ox Mcnit,ersh�R in Businos� or N� igt�FcrM1oocl Org,�nie�lion College Station Deputy City Manager Terry Childers said he was encouraged by the turnout at the workshop, stressing that resident input is vital in the planning process, reported Eagle Staff Writer APRIL AVISON. She went on to quote Childers, "IV/eregot to do a better job planning for the growth that is going to occur here. Future generations will live with many of the decisions that willgerminate here tonight. " With Mr. Childers introduction the workshop began with a presentation by Kurt Schulte of Kimley-Horn, which concentrated on demographic trends in the region, College Station and the east side specifically. Then in groups of eight to 10 attendees provided comments and ideas about the future thoroughfare plan. _ .21 7 tl oX !t,� Q'1'TQP C�(AG4S'U�\UOIi Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc, 66 38 FAST G011.EGE STACEQN 'fit-�sf�urrr.�Y•to:v STumr 'd,�`" � ,��,� ,� %t"'��j`r Workshop Results The ct>nsultants he()an to, anal zc the w w-Ump input hy, digitiiin(, the workshop maps and creating compilation maps. The issue map represents participants' ahuut cut ihrMu11h traffic, cO>n,,estiOn, saf('t\ and hike/pcdcstrian needs. 11arncipants also voiced which I)l;uuuCd thoroLill htares ihcc agree and disc rcc w ith. Workshop Maps 1 1 R DIgiti/e Maps � l Gcttcratc Compilation Maps Figure B-1: Public Issues Map t., . s � I 71 w Figure B-2: Public Thoroughfare Disagree Figure B-2: Public Thoroughfare Agree .w Kimley-Horn 111r1 _ and Associates, Inc. 67 39 =,N-V�.,, r'� (]Ti0A G11I.QG�ST�77oN Public Meetiti2 The follow-up public meeting of the East College Station Transportation Study was attended by 75 people. The meeting was aimed at attaining citizen input on three thorouglhfare plan scenarios and how to implement them. `Fhe clucstionnaire was completed by 45 of the ,ittcndccs. The majority of attendees were residential propertr ()WIlcrs Auld mcinbcrs ofncighbt)rhutxl asstyciatinns. I'hc t�)llr)�� ing �lcighlx)rh�xxl .Asst,ci.itii)i�� ����rc rcl)l.cscntc(l; • Woodcreek • )'oxftre • Shadowcrest • Slonchridge • ,Ambcrlakc • \\ indwood ■ Raintree • Pebble Creek • l.mcrald forest Wilshirc • Cm -ter 1'iIkc Respondent Profile Churches 41 Residential Property Owners -- 94% iusiness )ers Membership in Business or Neighborhood Organization No Yes 93% Kimley-Horn MIIII and Associates, Inc, 68 40 Workshop Results A majority of attendees selected the Hybrid scenario. An overwliclming majority believe a change is needed to the existing thoroughfare flan. \ucnelccs also cr>mntcruccl on the ft111clinl; mccl)x1ism to It,;(, wlhcn imhlcmcntin the tltorou,ht-arc plum. tacurl�, citi/.cns Cl() not believe the City should cover all the cost of building new thoroughfares in the study area. A majority thought a mixture of development impact fees and City funding; should be used to Construct new thormtglifares. The final question on the cluestionnairc Was ;timed at ho« to reduce neighborhood cut - through traffic. Attendees ranked techniques in the follo\�-i jg order from most desirable to least; 1. �CrCtittiC<lp3n.r, ?. I sine A,irro��inr� � �. Intcr��ctirsn ltl�hro�cnunt� 4. Video Sure cillaticc D 609 k'i2Y F� ;:Nth t Q'rrgPCOU�caS'r�ox Scenario Preference Funding Mechanisms am rC1 oro�ynia'. Com rn m Concept Hyhrid Scenario 10City Funds 33% ❑Impact Fees 10 bLxture KiNey-Horn 41 ►. i= and Associates, Inc, 69 .x cMoecbu�asruom .Appendix C — Context Sensitive Design The proposed thoroughfare planning process presented in the next section recognizes that the design of a thoroughfare needs to recognize the plan's role as part of a nowork of streets, and that the thortntghfare plan must consider and balance the regional, sul)rcIli( nal, ,tn(I nciglihI)1-1 )11 functions >f tic thurotlohfarc in relation to contIII unit�, to and ch;u-acter, and the entire Iransport:uion system. The new th()-ought-,tre planning pr��cc�s i� err>undcd in usin" Ct)lltL'Xt Scnsititc I)C`11,"n A collaborative, interdisciplinary process to transportation planning and design that involves all stakeholders to dcv'Clop a transportation facility that tits its physical setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility. CSD is an approach that considers the total context within which a transportation improvement project will exist. This approach will augment special land uses areas such ',ts raised -use, tt-ansit-oriented, and urban neighborhood de\Ch)pments with context sensitive n-ansportatimm elements. The g(ral is to create ,t connection bCtvv-CCn land use and transportation in Collette Station. A street may- pass through N-arious land use contexts (as display cd in the graphic bolo-,v-). The land use context should influence the character (A the To properly plan for a roadwl\ that is context sensitive, \vc mint di�.idc the into separate (hut related) . I-C: lnrs.,, Town Center Commercial Corridor t ' Main Street Commercial Street Street Realms Employment Regional Center District Mixed Use Industrial St Street To properly plan for all the elements of a thoroughfare plan, it is essential to account for the three street "realms," which are the travelway realm (between curbs or other pavement edges), the pedestrian realm (pavement edge to right-of-way line), and the context realm (the interface with adjacent buildings, sites, and land uses). Residential Neighborhood o usaaHal,eewdtw RaAi-M 4. Twee w�Y c» KEnt-M Residential Street STR.EEr RHA1-M - - KimlepHorn 42 �M� and Assodales, Inc. 70 MChUMCUUMM9u'troa 1'I1c four realms that together comprise the thoroughfare and its context are: Travelway Realm: Public right-of-wa}r from curb -to -curb including parking lanes, xIiich are part of an overlap zone with the pedestrian realm , mi hovel lanes for priN'ate vehicles, goods mowemcnt, transit chicle", and bic\cics. ,Mcdis111s arc :t(so part ofthc trm realm. Transit stops and lrrading/unloading /ones:UT included in the na�ch�a� realm. • Pedestrian Realm: Public nght-of-��<tI t,picalIN including planting area anti suic��aii:, from Curb to the front property line of adjoining parcels. The pedestrian realm is further divided into a series of zones that highlight different uses. These include: edge zone, furnishing zone, throughway zone, and frontage zone (on blocks with predominance of ground -floor retail). The relative importance of the zones is in part the function of land use. Transportation facilities including bus shelters and waiting areas and bicycle parking maY be part of the pcdcstrian realm. ( )ften the on -street parking lane m-crlaps %%ith the pedestrian realm because of the pcdcstrian actA-ity generated by parked Vehicles. • Context Realm: Properties and ,ictiv,itics adjacent to the public right-of-way with surroundings that contribute to character and mobility. Buildings, landscaping, land use mix, site access, public and setnt- puhlic open spaces are the primary shapers of context. Some transportation facilities, ❑otabk- transit stations and parkin;; lots and structures, are included in thr contest rrtlm. • Intersection Realm: I'uhlic right-of_%%-a1 and ;t poruon of abuuin(, pri\�ttc pry)pu.t\ th;tt wgether term a tt-antL_ u)cludiw tltL iucrsccuon tt its center. 111c irtcrxCcuott Ialnt 15 characterized by a high Icv-cl of actWity and shared use, mctltill] odal conflicts, complex mm-ements, and special design treatments. Context/Pedestrian Overlap. Ground floor building frontage and any overhanging elements (arcades, awnings, etc) create one part of the overlap between the.private development in the context realm and the public space of the pedestrian realm. Also included are paths and walkways on private property adjoining the thoroughfare. Pedestrian/Travelway Overlap. The travelway areas where pedestrians are common are the parking lane and the crosswalks (marked or unmarked). The parking lane frequently doubles as space for transit loading and unloading and in some locations it may also occasionally be used for community events such as farmer's markets, parade viewing, etc. In such cases use of the travelway realm is often restricted in order to maximize the comfort of people using the overlap zone. Kimley-Horn M - and AssxWes, Inc. 71 — b E 43 ud 1r.kY 0. ,z ,�,� ..4 Q'R�CouacaSutirx New Street Standards for College Statioxn U'Ven an array of street tubes, each street can help to add more dimensions to the arterial and collector choices provided by the com,entional functional classification s\,stem. "These additions and refinements to the street types provide the City with a ,rc,u cicil ufchoiccs "teen the c:urieh� of urban cn��u'ontItrnts. "l'hc thoruu�ht�irc t�hcs showli bdow arc the basis for contest dcsi(111 choices in tlhc City' of Colle"e Slamw+, tii\ new tvhcs 411-ccis wcrc du\-clOhC,d as :III m crla\ ml the current thurouk;hf,uc plall. 0 Commercial Streets ■ arterials ■ Collectors • Rcsidcntial Strccts ■ Artcrials ■ Collectors • Industrial Strccts • \lizcd I`'se streets Kimley-Horn 44 A and Associates, Inc. 72 _ ry'R f • i CYITQPCOL8C9ST.l77ON (,o/17[IlerCi;11 Streets Commercial Streets are presently the dominant street form used in College Stations' brrsiur.r.� crlllo:i/canidoir allel c�ii�ipnr dutrirtr. Iligh priority elements in this type of street are focused Wn mMin uafhc idiu1(; access tO bUSInCSSCs. "Thus, these streets characteristically- haVC four to siX taVC1 lanes that rank from l 1 to 12 feet wide, a high number of access points t()I- deg eluptnenis, and minmtum pcdc"trian and htc\cic t'�Iciltties. 1 lowever, Commercial Streets can be both pleasant for pedestrians as well as efficient for vehicles and transit. Little adaptation needs to occur in the travelwav realm for commercial areas to become walkable places. If people are going to walk between destinations in commercial and business districts, and if these districts are to be served well by transit, then efforts should be focused on impi-m-ing shared parking and ca�nnectiv itv bcM,cen separate parcels. Improvements in these areas can make a conunercial or business area a park -once district. Improvements in connectivity through shared parlang and pedestrian facilities will also go a long way in improx-int{ vChicular atpacitc. Less t-aftic Will ()ccur on the main commercial street lanes arc able to park once and freclucnt multiple locations in one trip. Commercial Arterial Commercial Collector Four Lanes -Divided Four Lanes, Divided Ea 1 1 ' ii,. io�al gyft �I Way <nn alsa be ad,usied is , 20 in accommod �¢ 0 tines { Mec'ai Lei 59 neat RdesieWn lteaim ,ra m � ee,� dey`ryan pea1m 105 IIF 0�' � xinbl-of-Wav I 1 PfY Kimley-Horn IM and Associates, Inc. 73 45 Kesidentut! Streets As arterials, Residential Streets balance multimodal mobility with land access. ;\s collectors, Residential Streets ;ire designed to emphasi/e walking, bicycling, and land access over mobility. In both cases, Rcsidcnti,d Streets tend to he more pedestrian -oriented than ; CoMMUrctal Strccts, but n()t ns multimod.tl as ,Mi\cd L'sc or'1'ransit Streets. Kcsidcntial Streets gencrall\ cotlsist ()f t\%.o to four travcl lanes that arc I I tO 15 fCCt \61L.:111d lm\ c ()II strcct hashing. C<>llc� e StatIullS' netg11bo1-hooxls built in the last _iU \cars feature honlcS set back from Residential Streets to provide ample space for landscaping and trees. Sidewalks in these neighborhoods directly abut Residential Streets. Fx h,R, tr ..l C1F[oA CMtY,C8STA77oN In historic residential areas, homes are located more closely to Residential Streets. Can -street parking is present and sicleWIlks arc t11)ica111 btlffCI-ed h\ a tree lined planting strip that is maintained b% the homeowner. Pedestrian level lighting is also present on mane Residential Streets in College Statlorn. Residential Arterial Four Lanes, Divided Residential Collector Street Two Lanes, Divided .� s' n�.Tiw r4oxn III`, w.'II� r, u . Kimley-Horn m and Associates, Inc. 74 46 Industri.11 Streets Industrial Streets are typically designed for lame vehicles, which means lane "vidths ar-c wider than normal (13 to 15 feet). Sidewalks, when present, are usually attached and a small planting strip maybe on the outsidc of the sidewalk. On-strect Parkin,, medians, hicvcic lanes, �md '�tu-cct trees arc usually ahscnt fr0111 ilhc su-cct dcSiO;n. Industrial Arterial Four Lanes, Divided rfC,jVj Kimley-Horn 47 m and Associales, Inc, 75 Mixed-tTse Streets This street type is compatible with Ah'xed-Clsel,S�ecial Districts, 7 iansit t,omidols i/rd t N(,i"11hoi1)oodr. The sidesv-ilk in a rnixcd use street is the primate physical environment of the street realm. Often sidewalks Ill mired use areas at lat,gcr than the ti -cl lanes. The sidewalk is Where mt>st of the actI%'hv occur~. l�or tui.\cd-use streets to he successtIli, the design of fac"Ides sand ground ll��ors of buildings and E� '� z ��� j ), their rcl,su(>nship t(> the SirrCt must tt)cus their �Utrnti()n t( )\\ �ird the i StCcel. Beyond urban design features and sidewalks, on-sa-ect parking is the most important element in a mixed use street design. The presence of parked cars reduces travel speeds, separates pedestrians from the travel way realm, and aids in the vitality of retail cstahlishnunts. Mixed Use Four Lanes, Divided Kimley-Horn 1 and Associates, Inc. 76 48 (5/29/2007) Pam Springfield - Special Meeting Reminder Page 1 From: Steve Beachy To: 2007 Parks & Rec Board Date: 5/23/2007 3:06 PM Subject: Special Meeting Reminder CC: Ploeger, Ric; Springfield, Pam Joint meeting on Tuesday. Mav 29th na, 12:00 noon in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting will include the City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. The agenda will include a presentation and discussion regarding the GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN prepared by KENDIG KEAST COLLABORATIVE; and a presentation and discussion of the EAST COLLEGE STATION TRANSPORTATION STUDY prepared by KIMLEY-HORN. A lunch meal will be served. Steve Beachy '69 Director of Parks & Recreation City of College Station, Texas (979) 764-3413