ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and the Public Works Director with the Request to Approve Staff Recommendation of Roadway Configuration Alternative #1 for UNIVERSITY STREET, from Nebraska Avenue to Forrest Hill Avenue. [DISTRICT 2]
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BACKGROUND: In 2011, the Public Works Engineering Division began analyzing the arterial roadway network for road conditions throughout the City. Pavement conditions were analyzed and roads needing an overlay or reconstruction were placed into the Community Investment Plan requests. University Street was the first roadway scheduled for an overlay. The City of Peoria ADA Transition Plan and the ADA guidelines required that new curb, gutter and sidewalk be installed on University Street in conjunction with the overlay project. The first section of the University project was from Marlene to War Memorial, and was completed in 2013. The next project identified was University from Nebraska to Forrest Hill.
Staff held three public information meetings to present the potential changes to the general public and adjacent property owners. Two meetings were held at Quest Charter School in February 2013 where Staff presented a 4-lane option: one on the 20th and another on the 25th. The existing right-of-way along University Street from Nebraska to Forrest Hill is 63 feet. University Street is classified as a Principal Arterial according to the current Street Plan and Thoroughfare Map of the City (See Attached). The 4-lane roadway was the original selection to help minimize right-of-way impacts while providing accommodations for ADA compliance. There were 8 citizens in attendance at the meetings in February, 2013.
Council directed Staff to re-advertise and hold another public meeting with an increased outreach effort. That public meeting was held on July 10, 2013 at University United Methodist Church with approximately 90 citizens and business owners attending. The three alternatives present...
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