ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and the Director of Public Works with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Adopting a COMPLETE STREETS POLICY for the City of Peoria. (Refer to Item #13-401)
Body
BACKGROUND: As stated by the National Complete Streets Coalition, “Streets are a vital part of livable, attractive communities. Everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, race, or ethnicity, ought to have safe, comfortable, and convenient access to community destinations and public places-whether walking, driving, bicycling, or taking public transportation. But too many of our streets are designed only for speeding cars or, worse, creeping traffic jams.”
The term “Complete Streets” describes a comprehensive, integrated transportation network with infrastructure and design that allows safe and convenient travel along and across streets for all users of all abilities. A Complete Streets Policy means that each street design will utilize Complete Streets practices appropriate for that particular roadway. Though a policy has not yet been adopted by the Peoria City Council, Staff has been utilizing Complete Streets ideals in the design and construction of infrastructure projects on city rights-of-way, for years. Adoption of the Policy will also allow for privately-developed areas to work in concert with publicly-developed areas.
According to Smart Growth America, to date, over 700 agencies at the local, regional, and state levels have adopted Complete Streets policies.
On September 10, 2013 (Council Minutes Item #13-401) the City Council held a Policy Session to provide direction regarding a Complete Streets Policy. At that meeting, Livable Transportation Engineer Ian Lockwood gave a presentation on Complete Streets and led a Council discussion. Further discussion was needed and Council gave no specific direction at that time, but Complete Streets was gaining momentum.
In 2014 the Traffic Commission was refocused as the Transportation Commission, with greater emphasis on all transportation items, including the use of the roadway system. The Transportation Commission began its discussion of this important transportation issue, first by reviewing the 2013 policy session and then working to draft and refine a Completes Streets Policy. This work included researching policies adopted by other communities, obtaining input from Community Development Staff, and reviewing information developed by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition concerning the best practices for the development of Complete Streets Policies, including comparing our draft policy to the ten ideal elements of a Complete Streets Policy, as shown below:
1. Vision and Intent: The policy outlines a vision for how and why the community wants to complete its streets.
2. All Users and Modes: The policy specifies that “all users” includes pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit passengers of all ages and abilities, as well as trucks, buses and automobiles.
3. All Projects and Phases: Both new and retrofit projects are subject to the policy, including design, planning, maintenance and operations, for the entire right-of-way.
4. Clear, Accountable Exceptions: Any exceptions are specified and must be approved by a high-level official.
5. Network: The policy encourages street connectivity and creates a comprehensive, integrated and connected network for all modes across the network.
6. Jurisdiction: All other agencies can clearly understand the policy and may be involved in the process.
7. Design: The policy recommends the latest and best design criteria and guidelines, while recognizing the need for flexibility in balancing user needs.
8. Context Sensitivity: Community context is considered in planning and design solutions.
9. Performance Measures: Performance standards with measurable outcomes are included.
10. Implementation Next Steps: Specific next steps for implementing the policy are described.
After several meetings devoted to its draft and review, on June 16, 2015, the Transportation Commission voted to recommend to the City Council the adoption of a Complete Streets Policy for the City of Peoria.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Complete Streets principles may require additional cost on individual projects.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: A Complete Streets Policy will benefit neighborhoods by encouraging roadway design that will safely accommodate all roadway users.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City of Peoria will have a Complete Streets Policy to guide future roadway improvements. All future projects would be developed under these guidelines.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City of Peoria will not have an official Complete Streets Policy and there will be no requirements for the consideration of Complete Streets Principles on projects.
ALTERNATIVES: NA
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: NA
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
2. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
3. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Support sustainability.
3. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works