Ordinance 3268-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

, Evergreen Way Revitalization Plan Pedestrian Orientation and Bicycle Trail Access As noted earlier, safe, attractive sidewalks and pathways through large developments are critical if people are expected to walk any distance to a transit stop or local business. Generally speaking, people will walk up to 1/4 mile for local goods and services if attractive sidewalks or pathways are provided. Studies have shown that people will walk a half mile or more to access high quality, frequent transit service. Improved pedestrian conditions can only be achieved through a combination of public and private improvements. At most nodes, development requirements for attractive sidewalks and street trees are matched with recommendations for improved cross walks and other pedestrian safety improvements by the City. Additionally, the corridor roughly parallels the Interurban Trail. As the use of bicycles can readily extend the convenient access range of the Swift stations to surrounding areas, recommendations are provided to improve bicycle connections to the Swift stations and nearby parks and commercial uses that might generate bike trips. Bicycle lanes are not recommended on Evergreen Way and the primary strategy is to direct bicyclists to lower volume side streets and then to regional trail connections. Integration with Existing Residential Neighborhoods New guidelines and development standards will be established in the zoning code to insure that the new development enhances rather than detracts from existing residential neighborhoods. Concerns to be addressed include impacts to privacy, parking, solar access, security and increases in noise, and congestion. Additionally, new development should present an attractive and secure frontage to adjacent properties and the public right-of-way. This plan does not propose rezoning residential properties fronting on east-west side streets within the BRT node areas. However, the City may consider such actions in future comprehensive plan update processes to promote additional residential density neart the Swift stations, or to increase opportunities for mixed use redevelopment, where appropriate. Attractions and Amenities In order to attract residential development along the corridor, it will be necessary to enhance the nodes' attractiveness and provide amenities such as parks, playgrounds, other open space and community facilities. Several recommendations address this issue. One strategy that can support this objective is to provide better pedestrian access from the transit stop to local schools and school grounds, which can, if the school districts are willing, provide much needed open space. Both the Everett and the Mukilteo school districts have policies that provide for public use of school facilities when not in conflict with the needs of the school district. Page 28