sr-041211-4b (2)City Council Meeting: April 12, 2011
Agenda Item:.
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Eileen P. Fogarty, Planning and Community Development Director
Subject: Study Session on Downtown/Civic Center Access: Discussion of
Specific Improvements Supporting LUCE and Redevelopment Agency
(RDA) Priority Implementation.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Review and provide comment on recommended connections, and
2. Direct staff to continue with planning and analysis to be incorporated into RDA
priority discussion at an upcoming meeting.
Executive Summary
The success of the Downtown and. Civic Center relies on the strength and connectivity
of pedestrian, vehicle, bicycle and transit networks. Significant improvements are
underway with the Expo Light Rail, Palisades Garden Walk, the Village, recently-
completed Santa Monica Place and other major private and public projects. The
increased desirability of the Downtown and Civic Center will bring residents and visitors
alike to the area for recreation, shopping, cultural events or work. The Expo terminus
itself will serve thousands of daily light-rail passengers and become a center of activity
that alters circulation patterns. The ability to successfully adapt and provide strong
access to and around the Downtown/Civic Center on foot, bicycle, transit and ih a
vehicle is necessary to support this as a center of activity and primary business
destination, and to advance the key LUCE principle of "No Net New Peak PM Trips."
Achieving this vision will guarantee that the Downtown continues to produce high
economic benefit with comparatively low traffic impacts relative to other similar
destinations in Southern California.
There are private development interests around the future Expo Station coming forward
in the next five years that can be integrated to create atransit-oriented gateway that
further encourage a walkable and integrated Downtown/Civic Center area. In addition,
several Downtown redevelopment projects are being considered such as the AMC
Theater, the Miramar Hotel and 710 Wilshire Boulevard. A public process is currently
underway to identify the future use of the sizeable City-owned site at 4t"/5t" & Arizona.
Avenue. It is key that the City simultaneously address improvements to the travel
network to support the Downtown as a new residential area with over 7,800 residents
1
and also to ensure the success of not only the larger anchor tenants, but also the
smaller businesses that are will occupy the opportunity sites.
The City Council identified the importance of addressing these issues on June 9, 2009,
by setting aside RDA funds for necessary streetscape and station improvements..
Significant planning work has been underway on circulation and parking in order to
identify specific improvements that support the entire network. This work .focused on
connecting major destinations, creating safe and convenient access, supporting shared
parking and planning gateway sites and adjacencies. Staffs recommendations fora
prioritization of specific improvements is based on project need and ability to address
demand created by Expo, current level of project development, time frame for
completion, and opportunities for additional funding. Immediate needs identified
through this work are:
1. Colorado Esplanade -Creating a .strong gateway at the Expo Station and
knitting together the Downtown, Pier, Civic Center and parks with key pedestrian,
bicycle, vehicle and transit improvements that connect adjacent new projects.
2. Bicycle Improvements -Implementing bicycle connections and extension of the
bike network ih Downtown to complement Expo; improve resident access to
Downtown, integrate the new Bicycle Transit Centers, and support LUCE trip
reduction.
o Create or extend bike routes on 2"d Street, 6th and 7th Streets and
encourage continued access on Broadway in Downtown.
o Establish a bike connection on .4th Court from Broadway to the Expo
Station and Esplanade.
o Continued implementation of bicycle parking on-street and off-street.
3. Address Network Gaps - Strengthening critical pedestrian and .vehicle
connections near the I-10 freeway starting with:
o Ocean Avenue Sidewalk Widening as a first phase of freeway capping to
provide an improved "grand" pedestrian entrance to the new park.
o Interim 4rh Street Bridge Improvements such as lighting or painting to
support the Interim Parking Plan during Downtown Parking Structure
reconstruction.
It is recommended that these improvements be pursued right away for implementation.
Funding has been identified in the first RDA funding phase for the Esplanade and the
Ocean Avenue Sidewalk Widening, along with partial funding for the bicycle network
and interim 4th Street bridge improvements. Additional key improvements that need to
be considered as the City moves forward:
• Downtown Station Access -realign and improve the 4t" Street off-ramp to enable
clockwise circulation around the Downtown Station site for kiss-and-ride and
shuttle/taxi access, improving access for both the station site and Sears site.
• Sidewalk Widening on 4th Street Bridge -resolve pedestrian deficiencies on the
east and west sides of the bridge for safer connections to the train station from
the Civic Center and Samohi, and to facilitate Downtown/Civic Center shared
parking.
2
• 7th Street Bicycle Bridge -create a critical missing bike and pedestrian
connection over I-10 requested by Samohi students, linking the Downtown with
the school and future Michigan Avenue bike boulevard.
• Beach Bike Path Connection via Pier Bridge - create a bike connection to the
beach path when the Pier Bridge is reconstructed to complete the recreational
and commuter bike corridor.
These improvements require coordination with Caltrans, which-can take some time; but
these are. critical projects to address demand created by Expo Light Rail and gaps in
current pedestrian and bicycle access. By initiating planning and concept design efforts
now the City can be ready to implement these projects in coordination with the
redevelopment projects and Expo timeline. Staff will present more specific
recommendations for the Expo stations and alignment improvements to Council in the
upcoming months. That discussion will provide. an opportunity for .input on priorities for
the RDA funding allocated under the "Station Area Enhancements" category.
Altogether, these improvements complete the network necessary for long-term
functionality and vitality of the Downtown/Civic Center as a unified civic and commercial
district. They are the backbone of achieving the No Net New Peak PM Trips target and
ensuring the access necessary for continued economic strength in the area. This
supportive infrastructure also facilitates access to the major investments including parks
and cultural uses, and the City's commitment to shared parking and the Interim Parking
Plan. As the major investment in light rail comes to Downtown Santa Monica, these
improved connections set the stage to support it, and ensure successful transit-oriented
uses and development in the Downtown.
Background
On March 24. 2009 Council directed staff to complete key framework analyses on the
circulation and parking networks of the Downtown and Civic Center areas. Key
initiatives driving the demand for enhanced connections are:
• The Exposition Light Rail -the largest infrastructure project built in Santa Monica
since the freeway, and a catalyst for integrating the Downtown and Civic uses
and network of sidewalks, pathways/bikeways, roads and shared parking.
• Major Public and Private Projects - an influx of construction including Santa
Monica Place, Palisades Garden Walk, the Village Housing project (320 Units)
Civic Auditorium Renovation, and numerous private projects.
Oh June 9, 2009 the Redevelopment Agency allocated funding for "Expo Green Streets"
to improve streets in preparation for Expo Light Rail in anticipation of increased
pedestrian and bicycle demand, and to begin to integrate the Light Rail into the existing
City fabric. Initial estimates two years ago identified approximately $40 million for
3
improvements for which $20.9 million was allocated. With Council's direction,
significant traffic and parking planning analyses were completed in order to identify
priority projects:
o Circulation Analyses evaluated roadway configurations to fill gaps in the Civic
Center and create a more fine-grained and dispersed circulation .pattern: This
included evaluation of freeway ramp reconfigurations and cost-benefit analyses.
Analyses also looked at pedestrian and vehicle interface at key locations near
the future station site, evaluating the impact of increased pedestrian flow along
Colorado Avenue. Finally,.. evaluation of Downtown right-of-way and bicycle
connections was completed considering beach, bike transit center and transit
connections.
o Civic Center/Downtown Parking Assessment extended the shared parking
approach existing in Downtown to encompass the Civic Center and evaluate on-
going and event-based parking demand. The Council endorsed the study
findings on March 8, 2011 to hold off on construction of a new Civic Center
Parking facility until future demand has been evaluated with Expo, Transportation
Demand Management implementation, and the repurposed Civic Auditorium is in
operation. IN addition, the Council endorsed the future potential parking site
under the existing Civic Center surface parking lot. This underscored the
importance of providing improved pedestrian connections to support the
integration of Downtown/Civic Center parking facilities.
o Freeway Capping Feasibility Study and Investigation of Priority Connections
analyzed short-term and long-term opportunities for connections over the 10
freeway considering adjacent property conditions, cost, demand for access, and
constructability. Specific feasibility, cost, and expedited scheduling were
assessed for sidewalk widening at Ocean/Colorado Avenues for a Palisades
Garden Walk connection. The economic impact and value enhancement of a few
larger capping options were looked at, along with evaluation of scaled-down
options for new or enhanced bridges. The study also examined the narrow
sidewalks of the Main Street and 4th Street bridges, and opportunities for
improvements or new bridges as a means for reducing the barrier of the freeway.
These investigations led to the identification of a circulation system that ensures
effective access to and within the Downtown/Civic Center via direct and comfortable
pedestrian and bicycle connections, efficient transit services, and a network of parking
facilities. These projects would achieve major area LUCE Goals for the Downtown and
Civic Center Districts such as creating:
4
Discussion
The recently adopted Land Use and
Circulation Element (LUCE) sets. the
goals and policies for a future Santa
Monica which provides increased
pedestrian mobility in the City's public
spaces. Key goals for the
Downtown/Civic Center include creating:
A welcoming Downtown Light
Rail transit gateway (GOALS
D2-D3)
Strong pedestrian, bicycle, and
transit connections (GOALS
D4-D(i, D15)
Connect the Districts -Civic
Center, Downtown and Beach
(GOALS D10-D12)
Shared parking (GOAL D10)
Pedestrian improvements
around community facilities
and popular locations (POLICY T7.1)
Advance the Goal of No Net New Trips to achieve Sustainability (GOAL S2)
Pedestrian amenities are the key to reducing vehicle traffic by providing an environment
that encourages walking and bicycling rather than driving. Bicycling to shopping and
entertainment will be increased by enhanced bike amenities that allow convenient and
safe access to secure bike parking, while riders enjoy the Downtown on foot. With the
addition of the light rail, these amenities will become increasingly more important, as
ridership will depend on the ease of the pedestrian and transit connections within a half-
mile from the station.
According to statistics from Downtown Santa Monica Inc.. (formerly the Bayside
Corporation), 80% of Santa Monica residents visit the Downtown at least once a week.
For visitors who arrive by bike or car, pedestrian amenities serve an important role.
Maintaining a balanced parking supply for bikes and cars whereby visitors can arrive,
5
park once, and enjoy a number of Downtown activities, such as shopping, dining and
theater-going provides for a recognized use pattern that supports the economic vitality
of the Downtown. Downtown businesses are supported by the multiple=stop user who is
engaged in the pedestrian experience. The .recommended projects support the
common goal to create an environment by the time Expo is operational that facilitates
walking; bike or transit for all users, and will permanently change the habits of many
focal users, resulting in a reciprocal vehicle trip reduction. Staff seeks Council direction
on the following recommended projects in order of priority:
1. Colorado Esplanade and Adjacencies
A newly-designed promenade for pedestrians and bicyclists would be created,
connecting the Expo station to Ocean Avenue, the Pier, Main Street Bridge and
Downtown. The. reconfigured roadway will expand pedestrian facilities, introduce a
bicycle lane, increase landscaping
and provide public art to create a
visual and functional focal point
between Downtown and the Civic
Center. Procurement of the
designer is currently underway.
The project construction is
..partially funded by a Metro grant.
Based on the studies referenced
above, the Esplanade project
scope was broadened to address
upcoming projects and gaps in the ~
circulation network with the following:
• 4rh Street Intersection -Improving the 4th Street intersection for pedestrians and
bicycles to address future demand while efficiently managing vehicle interface.
• Main/2"d Street Jog Improvments -Alignment and bicycle access improvements at
the Main Street, Colorado and Second Street intersection, including access
The project will create wide and inviting pedestrian sidewalks
that support retail on either side as well as providing
enhanced pedestrian access to the Pier from the FJtPO
station.
6
improvements for the new Bicycle Transit Center in the Santa Monica Place Parkirig
Structure.
• Ocean Avenue Intersection .and
West Sidewalk - Ocean Avenue
improvements to realign cross walks,
and widen the western sidewalk to
Moomat Ahiko Way to facilitate
pedestrian and bike access from
Palisades Park to the new Palisades
Garden Walk.
Main. Street .Bridge - Increase
sidewalk widths and remove foliage
to improve pedestrian comfort and
provide the most desirable route
from the Expo station and Downtown
to the Civic Center. This may require
a Caltrans permit that may take up to
one year.
intersection improvements at CJcean end Cbinrado
Avenues will enhance crosswalks, widen sidewalks
and improve hike and pedestrian access.
A Metro grant has been awarded for $3.28 million toward construction of the Esplanade,
which is currently estimated at $15 million with the additional intersection and linkage
improvements that have been added.
2. Bicvcle Network
The LUCE and the Sustainable City Plan both emphasize the importance of a safe,
comfortable cycling environment to create a viable alternative to auto travel and provide
the health-focused opportunity for active lifestyles. Demand for. bicycling facilities is
increasing rapidly, particularly in the Downtown and near the beach. The City is
developing a Bicycle Action Plan to implement the LUCE, which should be complete in
the next few months. In addition, the City's first bicycle transit centers are under
construction in Santa Monica Place Parking Structures. featuring 260 bicycle parking
spaces, storage facilities, showers and support services.
Bicycle improvements in the Downtown/Civic Center were identified to increase the
safety and convenience of cycling, make connections between existing bike routes on
Main Street and Broadway, promote increased cycling and transit ridership, and meet
7
community bicycle goals identified in the LUCE. Bicycle improvements will enhance the
success of the Expo Light Rail by promoting cycling as a critical First- and Last-mile
connection to the Downtown station. They can also reduce the demand for automobile
parking in the Downtown in addition to reducing auto trips.
The following recommended bicycle facilities and intersection improvements have been
defined under the RDA Expo Green Streets category.
• 2nd Street:- Create continuous .bike
lanes on 2"d Street from Colorado to
Montana, to connect with the Main
Street bike lane at Colorado. This
would create along-distance north-
south connection, and alternative to
Ocean Avenue which some bicyclists
feel is too busy with motor vehicles
and buses. These bike lanes would
be provided in Downtown by
implementing by reducing through
lanes from 4 to 2, with left turn lanes
at most locations. Capacity exists on
Ocean Avenue if this results in some
shift of vehicles from 2"d to Ocean.
•
Ern and 7rn Streets: Create new 6 foot
bicycle lanes with a 3 foot buffer zone
on 6th. Street while maintaining
parking on both sides and. a vehicle travel lane
continuous bicycle lane through intersections
eliminating left turn lanes at intersections.
• 4rn Court Connection from Expo Station to Broadway: Install wayfinding signs and
shared lane markings to direct bicyclists from Colorado to Broadway using the alley
between 4th and 5th Street. This completes a gap in the network, and will be critical
as a link from the Esplanade and Expo Station to Broadway, which provides
connectivity to much of the rest of the city.
• Broadway: Upgrade bike access along and connections to Broadway, which will
become a primary bicycle connection to the Expo Regional bike path terminating at
17th Street. In Downtown, reinforce the shared use of the transit lanes in the
westbound direction, reconfigure existing lanes to provide an eastbound bicycle
lane, and the improve intersection treatments adjacent to the bicycle transit center.
8
in each direction, and create a
on 7th Street accommodated by
In addition, bicycle parking upgrades should be pursued including expahding the. bicycle
valet program to serve the Downtown Farmers' Markets, introducing bicycle parking
corrals at strategic locations Downtown to address bike parking for uses with significant
local draw; adding secure and short-term parking in re-built Structure 6, and adding
additional curbside racks throughout the Downtown. Current estimates for these bicycle.
improvements, including an additional bike station facility are $5 million, however grant
funding could be soughtto offset some of these costs, A minimum of $1.2 million should
be funded to achieve the basic lane .and wayfinding improvements, with more costly
intersection changes implemehted strategically with other roadway improvements.
3. Address Network Gaps
The planning evaluation has taken an integrated look at circulation, design solutions
that reduce the divisive effect of the freeway, integration of Expo and opportunities for
collaboration with adjacent development. A number of critical projects have been
identified with a range of implementation timelines depending on complexity,
requirement to coordinate with Caltrans or Expo, or connection with private
development. Two of these projects, the Ocean Avenue Sidewalk Widening Project and
temporary improvements to the 4th Street Bridge, are proposed as first phase
implementation.
® Ocean Avenue Sidewalk Widening -- - ..
Ca in -This project widens
the sidewalk at the southeast µe, McClure Tunnel
corner of Colorado and Ocean ~A doraeyinn
~ c
Avenues to extend over the ° °~O~o~
Caltrans right-of-way at the °pv"•
McClure tunnel, significantly ~~~~~xN:'.
~.~ ~~
,~~~~~•`
expanding the pedestrian space. s
;~ _
This would create new pedestrian +~'' US's
amenity in a heavily traversed j,r
area, an inviting entrance to
Palisades Garden Walk, and
improved atmosphere at the ~`!u ~`
ground floor adjacent to the hotel
site. An expedited Caltrans timeline for engineering, environmental, structural, and
construction entitlements has been identified with the goal of synchronizing it with
construction of the park. The rough order of magnitude cost for the Ocean Avenue
Sidewalk Widening project is approximately $2.25M for construction and permitting.
9
RDA funding has identified $2 million 'for construction. The City has already
submitted a proposal for Caltrans review that includes engineering diagrams,. cross-
sections and detailed cost estimates.. Caltrans staff has indicated that they will
initiate structural review at the beginning of the next fiscal year.
® 4m Street Bridge-Temporary improvements -The 4th Street bridge is the primary
connection over the freeway today and is frequently used by pedestrians but
provides a poor quality pedestrian experience and discourages additional use due to
the current conditions. The 4th Street. temporary improvements will encourage
pedestrian connections to the Civic Center during the implementation of the Interim
Parking Plan, support long-term shared parking in the Downtown/Civic as well as
encourage patrons of the Civic Center to dine and shop in the Downtown. As a first
phase, temporary pedestrian amenities should be introduced to the 4th Street Bridge
to make it a more pleasant and engaging walk such as a painted sidewalk, mural, or
lighting. The scope of potential improvements needs to be finalized in coordination
with Caltrans, with selection based on what can be implemented immediately and
ameliorate the poor walking conditions on the bridge. The goal should be to have
these features could be in place by the time Parking Structure Three is under
construction. Current estimates for this project are approximately $1 million.
Both of these projects can be scoped to minimize review or meet expedited project
criteria set by Caltrans. These criteria set a construction cost not-to-exceed $3 million,
require that the project results in minimal environmental impacts, and emphasize
simplicity in design and execution. Evaluation has confirmed that the Ocean Avenue
Sidewalk Widening could proceed with an expedited process allowing the City to realize
a project in the near future (2-3 years) in lieu of a lengthier process requiring detailed
environmental analysis at the EIR level, and full Caltrans oversight (4-5 years).
4. Future Priorities
Recent evaluation has also identified key projects that are critical circulation and parking
connections but due to their relationships with future projects or inability to fall within
Caltrans' expedited processing have been identified as future priorities. All of them
require additional planning, design and CEQA work that should be initiated now, and/or
Caltrans or private developer involvement.
The purpose of these projects is to bring relief to the City's existing sidewalk, ramp and
bridge systems, which are key pieces of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle infrastructure
that will experience increased pressure after the completion of planned projects such as
10
the Expo terminus station, the proposed Colorado Avenue Pedestrian Esplanade; Santa
Monica Place, the Village project, and PGW.
Downtown Station Access and Off-
Ramp Improvements -The 4t /5t"
Street freeway bff-ramp is a major
gateway to the Downtown/Civic.
Center. In order to manage the
distribution and flow of traffic in an
environment that includes the Expo
Terminus at 4t" Street and Colorado
Esplanade, and to address existing
substandard conditions and
unusual geometry at 4~" Street, re-
alignment and reconstruction of the
off-ramp is recommended.
In addition to improving function,
reconstruction would allow for new
access to both the Expo TOD site, and the Sears property. As part of
reconstruction, the roadway should be shifted slightly south for. a 90 degree angle
with 4~" Street which would. create greater space at the southern end of the
Downtown station, remove a substandard condition, and provide the opportunity for
direct access onto the Sears property on 4t" Street which is an opportunity site. In
addition, the reconstruction should enable southbound 5t" Street traffic to turn right
and circle clockwise around the TOD station site. This reorganized 5t" Street
movement would allow critical bus, shuttle, taxi, kiss-and-ride, and drop-off access
on the east side of station site.. This is the best location for loading/unloading on the
site, as the other frontages are either impacted by Expo alignment or have existing
high traffic volumes. Providing this critical access will greatly increase the function
and value of the TOD site. Current estimates for this project are approximately $6
million.
The ability to move pedestrians across the freeway will become an important focus of
Downtown/Civic planning in the years leading up to the construction of the Expo Station,
and the new parking reserves in the Downtown and Civic Center. As part of the freeway
capping and bridging analysis, several modifications to existing bridges, right-of-ways,
and off-ramps were considered to enhance circulation and the quality of the pedestrian
experience. Additionally, where the analysis found opportunities for additional bridging
possibilities, staff and consultants completed conceptual drawings and cost estimates to
11
understand the total cost/benefit to area-wide circulation. These projects are discussed
below.
Permanent Ott' Street Bridge
Sidewalk Widening over the I-10 -
To create strong, lasting
connections between the Downtown
and the Civic Center parking
reservoirs, and from Expo to the
Civic (including Santa Monica High
School), more permanent and far
reaching interventions are required
to improve the pedestrian
environment over the 4th Street
Bridge. A sidewalk expansion of an
additional 12 feet on both sides is
proposed, along with the
incorporation of human-scaled
r ~ ~•;
I ~. ~ ~
~~ `~ a'
'~ '"\
~. ~ i
_ n ~~
Improving the pedesfrian environment over the 4th Street
Bridge would create strong, lasting connections between the
Downtown and the Civic Center parking reservoirs, and
enhance linkagesbetween the F~cpo Station and activities in
the civic.
street furniture such as benches, pole-mounted lighting, security railings and
landscaping. Due to the cost of such an intervention (approximately $5-6 million)
this project cannot be pursued as an expedited project, and would therefore require
the more rigorous Caltrans oversight. Staff recommends considering this option after
a Program EIR has been completed for the entire Freeway Capping Feasibility Area.
Current estimates for this project are approximately $8 million.
Seventh Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge -Anew bridge connecting 7th Street
to the Michigan Avenue bike path would provide direct access from the Downtown to
Santa Monica High School, and would provide an alternative for cyclists to connect
to the larger bike network in the City's southern territory. This conceptual project
would require a matching grant, developer or High School Joint Use funding. Current
cost estimates for the bridge are $12.8 million due to complex ramping on both ends.
Pier Bridge Bike Ramp -The Pier Bridge will be renovated within the next several
years in an effort to adequately accommodate existing and planned pedestrian
levels, and to improve its structural and aesthetic qualities. In response to the 2005
community .input which prioritized a bicycle ramp as part of the Pier Bridge
improvements, creating a direct bicycle here is included as a concept of the Bicycle
Action Plan. Implementing this key linkage, which would establish the complete bike
facility connection from the regional beach Bike path to the regional Exposition bike
path, local bike facilities and Expo LRT Downtown Station will be an important
element of the future Pier Bridge improvement design, but will require City funding.
12
Connections and Linkages in Coordination with Private Development
Two alternatives have been explored that represent very long-term goals for the
integration of the Dowhtown/Civic Center in coordination with adjacent property owners
and redevelopment. While these alternatives require the most significant investment, as
well as the participation. from neighboring
property owners ahd other. agencies, they do L
~
-. ~ `'S
not. preclude earlier phases of smaller-scale .
;
~
connections and linkages discussed above. ~~.,
In fact, the initial connections can be P~e$
'~ .~
Pcw~
precursors or alternatives to achieve many of
the visionary ideas of the two concepts
described below.
A cap extending from Main Street to Ocean
Sears
'"'" L
Avenue netting approximately 1.5 acres of ~y+
new open space, and creating an almost Pa °~
seamless connection between the planned ~,e~a°~''
'
i
Palisades Garden Walk and the Downtown `
District. ($30 million for full area) Mai o~
~gf •;
A cap from 4th Street to Main Street, '~"' ~~ "'
potentially adding 3 acres of open space and providing connections to 4th Street, the
Expo Station and Colorado Avenue. Providing access directly from 4th Street to
Sears would greatly facilitate the redevelopment opportu nities in this location. ($40-
50 million for full area)
As the City moves forward with development plans for the key opportunity sites adjacent
to the freeway, development should be planned not to preclude future freeway capping,
and should be considered in conjunction with a strategic design and funding plan. A
public involvement process is being prepared to inform the community of the issues
related to capping the I-10 Freeway and to gather feedback about the various decking
alternatives. Staff is also engaging neighboring property owners to identify long-term
needs and expectations, and to measure interest levels in participating financially in a
capping project. Suggested funding strategies and community and commission input
will be included in a summary Feasibility Study to be presented later this year.
13
Funding
On June 9 2.009, the Redevelopment Agency allocated $22.9 million .towards the
combined categories of Expo Green Streets and Freeway Capping to provide partial
funding for the linkage projects that would support incorporating the Light Rail and the
new civic center park into a better integrated Downtown and Civic Center. The
estimated full cost for the immediate priority identified in this report is approximately
$29.45 million dollars, and does not include the Expo Green Streets projects associated
with the Expo stations, and the station connections for Memorial Park and Bergamot
Station. These will be brought forward in the upcoming Expo update to Council later this
month. Estimated funding for the Pier Bridge Bike Ramp for has not yet been identified.
Specific project amounts and gap funding strategies will be included in the upcoming
RDA discussions with Council
Conclusion
Staff recommends that the City Council review and discuss staff's recommended
priorities as outlined above. These recommended projects would, as a whole, result in
an efficient, safe and balanced multi-modal transportation network in the Downtown and
the Civic Center and are critical to maintaining the circulation network to provide access
to the major projects currently underway: the Downtown Expo Station, Palisades
Garden Walk, the Village Residential Project, Parking Structure Six, the Bike Transit
Centers in Structures 7 and 8, and the envisioned development at 5th and Arizona.
These projects implement Council and community priorities for Expo Light Rail access,
and long term policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle trips by
encouraging alternative pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections and options. The
ability to successfully adapt and provide strong access to and around the Downtown
and Civic Center are necessary to support the Downtown as a center of activity and
primary business destination, and to advance the key LUCE principle of "No Net New
Peak PM Trips."
14
Financial Impacts & Budget
There are no specific financial impacts to discussing the recommendations in this
report.
Prepared by: Francie Stefan, Manager, Strategic & Transportation Planning
Sarah Lejeune, Principal Planner, Strategic & Transportation Planning
Peter James, Senior Planner, Strategic & Transportation Planning
Approved:
Forwarded to Council:
~dy,~~~~L~CJ ~~
Eileen P. Fogarty
Director, Planning and Community
Development Department
L ~
Rod Gould
City Manager
15
T' I
REIE Anf R~OI E CM ENT PPSE CIRCl1LATI
LINKAGES SET E A THE CIi/IC CE TE T
l1 T CATALYTIC JCTS NER Y
F
ALL
ELEMENTS
ARE
INTERRELATED
king
ECT AIFi= C T IT LY T TIF'Y E
2
I TIE
LL I °f I I 3
i-ILE I l' E I-p Ee~- l' F l' E I
I I IC T 4
Ex ~T sTTi r'
• Gateway Site: 3,000-
5,000 daily users ®ownt~
Transit
becoming
pedestrians and 3rd st
shoppers Prome
• Requires BBB and
Metro transit 2~d st
connections
• City Plaza will create
iconic destination
and orientation to
Beach, Downtown
and Civic Center
• Transitions to
Colorado Esplanade
I F T
• Expo Light Rail
Station Area
Planning
• Explore Freeway
capping
• Resolving circulation
issues for
pedestrians,
bicycles, transit
• Connecting the Civic
Center and
Downtown
• Pedestrian axis to
Pier/Beach
• Connections
between major
attractions
• Shared parking to
minimize
construction
5
J 1' 6
7
T s
LIA E R
° 7 acres of new
open space in Civic
heart
° Central gathering
space, destination
and connection to
Village, City Hall,
Civic Auditorium
and Beach
• Community driven
signature design
° Transitions to
Colorado
Esplanade at Main
Street and Ocean
Avenue
~~,
E
I J 1°
CIVIC C TER PROJECTS
° Historic Civic Center Auditorium repurposing
° Early Childhood Education Center
° Potential cultural/recreational joint-uses with High School
° Bike Access -Michigan Bike Path through High School to Civic Center provides
critical connection to bike network
• Projects create new
destination -
connections needed to
Downtown
9
TI
PARKIN STRUCTURE REPLACE T
• Replacement of existing
structure with double the
parking spaces
• Visually arresting design
that improves ground floor
experience for pedestrians
• Provides key `park once'
opportunity from freeway
to Pier, Downtown, Civic
Center and Beach
Zo
YTI J
BIKE TRANSIT CE TE
• Cutting-edge facility
designed to making
biking in the
Downtown more
attractive
• Provides full range of
services, including
260 secure long-term
bicycle parking
spaces, short-term
bicycle parking,
storage facilities and
showers for long-
term parkers
• Transitions to the
Colorado Esplanade
11
I J
A C HE PRJEC
New construction of
state-of-the-art
cinema complex
° Helps maintain City's
competitive
advantage in
important theater
market
Expands retail
dominance of Third
Street Promenade to
4t" Street
• Expands growing 4th
St shopping district
12
Ti4Ll
CITY- NT"/T" AIZA SITE
• A unique opportunity site in the
center of Downtown
• Will energize the Downtown while
encouraging private sector
participation
° Will create new northern anchor of
Downtown and provide a key point
of transition in Downtown's
evolution
• A rare and important opportunity
for the city to shape the future of
Downtown
13
T' F I I ' E 15
® Colorado Esplanade
® Bicycle Network
4t" Street Connections
and Station Access
- Temporary improvements
- Sidewalk widening
- Off-ramp alignment
• 7th Street Bicycle
Bridge
® Beach Bike Path
Connection via Pier
Bridge
L
• Create wide sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping, art and lighting
16
L L 17
®N EcT~n~~ ~' EP YE ,
~~ ~v, s~ civY~ cE ~E
• Creates a central link at
union of Downtown
and Civic Center
intersection
• Gateway to the City
from .Expo Station,
directly to Pier
• Address intersection
issues: 4t"/Colorado,
2nd/Maen, Ocean/
Colorado
• Improves pedestrian
integration on Main
Street Bridge
L
Colorado and cean Crossing
18
L
®Cean Avenue Improvements
19
to -~ 1'I
I TE I
PROVE E TS
®Support Interim Parking Plan
• Improve pedestrian quality on 4t" Street
• Define short-term improvements that can
be completed with minimum Caltrans
requirements
® Lighting, Paint, Temporary Art,
Landscaping, Fencing options to be
explored
zo
I m I K 1 1 T Zi
~Tw ~TRErET ~i>~ a gN: c N~cTa~v Ex , cLr~ta~
~iN RES~tcEs
• Off-ramp
reconfiguration
• Realignment and Sears Access
• Circulation around station site
for: shuttle, taxi, kiss-and-ride
access
• Sidewalk Widening
• Improved landscaping
• Pedestrian amenities
• Overlooks
• Permanent Lighting
to T T 1'I
r ~ eE~ ~zE _ n~~ECr= ~r L
_ DES ~tcEs
22
th ' 23
PER ENT T" 7' EE's IN9PR VE E "T
~ _ ~~
f
S: EST I T
PERMANENT 4T" STREET PRVE EMS
24
26
rR
IY T
F~~Lt TAE
• Create or extend bike routes on:
• 2nd Street
• 6th Street
• 7th Street intersections
• Broadway access in Downtown
Expo Station connection on 4th
Court -also links Broadway and
Esplanade.
• Safe and legible access to Bike
Transit Center
• Implementation of bicycle parking:
racks, corrals and bike valet
• Beach Bike Path Connection via
Pier Bridge
i7
a
r-
~~
v
i W
oww
rY~
~p Re t !yam"' .
;~a~~; c ~~~rrr
+~.r.+ns
eMM
+NMrpw
~e++r
' ~ ~"~ ~;
C L E F I T CII C 29
30
PRIORITIZE FOR SHORT TER
FUDI
• Colorado Esplanade
• Bicycle Network
• 4t" Street Connections
& Station Access
-Temporary improvements
PI R11'I I L N IT L I !/ T L
• 4T" Street Sidewalk widening and Off-ramp alignment
• 7th Street Bicycle Bridge
• Beach Bike Path Connection via Pier Bridge
lJ T I TI
1) REVI A D P OVIE C E T PROPOSED CRCLATIO
LINKAGES BET EE O TO AND TFIE CIVIC CENTER T
Sl1PP CATALYTIC PROJECTS !! DER
Pedestrians
ALL
ELEMENTS
ARE
INTERRELATED
rking
I ET STAFF T C TI T LY I T TIF Y
RI ITE