10/11/1976 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Response to "Citizens 99 North Presentation" - Memo from Public Works Department has been distributed to Council urging approval of the project; a report relating to the median question has also been distributed. Further discussion is e scheduled for the October 11 Council meeting. Traffic Engineer A1 Williams explained that staff is strongly encouraging approval of the project. As to the median, there is no way to answer all questions regarding the desirability of the median from a safety standpoint. The issue really revolves around the aesthetic value. The median question does not have to be resolved immediately, traffic engineer pointed out. Council is urged to direct Public Works and Parks to work jointly with the State Highway Department and, if the median question is resolved affirmatively, to present options to Council later. He did say that, if the median is built, it should be included in the project now so as to avoid loss of funds. Traffic Engineer pointed out that the project is not dealing with the same level problem that existed on Barger and Royal where there was an obvious safety hazard. One common threat, as in all improvement projects, is total opposition to the assessment procedures. He said Council should recognize too that, in order to reach the POlicies set forth in the Community Goals, ESATS, 1990 Plan, Bikeway Plan and Bethe1-Danebo Refinement Plan, projects like this one must be completed. The cost of this project is not out of line comparatively speaking, he added. In answer to a question from Mr. Haws on the possibility of the state's paying Comm for ~ , Mr. Williams said the State has never participated in the building of 10/6/76 curbs, gutters and sidewalks, or any additional roadway necessary for other Pub Hrng mol:, -; of transportation such as pedestrian and bike. Manager noted that staff rebuttal to citizens' objections to the project had been e distributed previously to Council members. Staff also had explored the possibility of a partial median strip, he said. Traffic Engineer referred to information previously distributed to Council members and said the staff had taken a more positive stance on this project than some others because the work was felt to be necessary. He read a prepared statement stating the public works staff position. Benefits, beside the aesthetic value, would be improved access and control, in line with General Plan and community goals, the bike master plan, Bethel-Oanebo plan, etc. , to facilitate movement for all modes of transportation- auto, bicycle, transit, pedestrian. He compared costs of the proposed project to similar improvements on Barger Drive, Royal Avenue, South Willamette, 11 th between Seneca and Bailey Hill and further west, quoting an estimated per-front-foot price of $32.00. With regard to medians, he said they were a safety factor for pedestrians crossing at locations other than intersections and were considered official State Highway requirement. Staff recommended serious consideration of proceeding with the project with the option of resolving with the State, at staff level, the question of the raised divider, staff to bring back at least two options and at that time proceed with a public hearing to determine whether it would be installed. Traffic Engineer said such options could he brought back for public hearing and a decision in time for the median to be included in the project contract if it is decided to go ahead. lie reiterated that staff strongly recommended proceeding with the improvement; it was felt justified because it would improve the flow and safety of traffic, drainage, provide definite areas for bikes and bus loading stations, besides encouraging the use of bikes and buses, and improve the appearance of a major entrance to the city. -_ Jane Giustina, 975 Oak Street, speaking for Citizens Bank, asked that the question of the median strip be resolved before the project proceeds so that the businesses along I-B-2 Highway 99N would have equal treatment so far as access was concerned. If it was not resolved, she thought a public hearing should be held to afford those business people an opportunity to speak to the issue. Ms. Giustina continued that it was her under- Lf,80 10/11/76 - 5