Item C: Agate/Fairmount Transportation Study Update

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SCOPE AND FINDINGS: The Fairmount Neighbors Association (represented through active participation of the East Campus Planning Subcommittee) had expected that the Study would address existing conditions in the area as well as the long-term traffic impacts associated with significant long-term redevelopment of the area. The Fairmount Neighbors Association recognizes and emphasizes for the Council that, due to a variety of constraints, the scope of this study was limited to existing conditions and projected development consistent with the existing land use designations and zoning through 2015. Therefore, the Fairmount Neighbors Association views implementation of the traffic management and calming measures and pedestrian safety improvements contained in the Study to be the first steps in a long-term commitment to properly managing traffic and mitigating traffic impacts of long-term development on the surrounding residential neighborhoods. The Fairmount Neighborhood Association expects that the potential future traffic impacts to the neighborhood due to future development activities outside the scope and time frame of this Study (such as redevelopment of the Walnut Station area and the potential arena contemplated for the vacated Williams Bakery site) will be adequately modeled, and that additional traffic mitigation measures will required as a component of the development process. The findings of the Study, resulting from extensive modeling by DKS Associates, show that significant improvement in traffic flow on Agate Street and significant reduction in cut-through traffic in the neighborhood can be achieved through a modest investment in capital improvements. The installation of traffic calming devices in the neighborhood alone is expected to reduce cut-through vehicle travel and travel speeds. Improvements th to Agate Street, particularly the improvement of the pedestrian crossing at 14 Ave. and Agate, is expected to both improve pedestrian safety and reduce cut-through vehicle travel through the residential neighborhood. When implemented together, the combined effect of these improvements is even stronger. These results are significant and very encouraging to the Neighborhood given the modest cost of these improvements. (Please see staff memo for capital cost information.) RECOMMENDATIONS: Following the modeling phase of the Study, City staff developed alternative design scenarios for addressing traffic and pedestrian safety concerns. These scenarios were reviewed through a series of meetings with the Traffic Subcommittee, representatives of the University and broader public workshops that were attended by residents of both the Fairmount Neighborhood and the South University Neighborhood. The recommendation reflected in the staff report reflects the input and recommendations of the Fairmount Neighbors Association Traffic Subcommittee, and is endorsed by the Association Board of Directors. Specifically, the recommended plan includes a phased approach, as follows: Agate St/Fairmount Traffic Calming Study Recommendations page2