Resolution 5019 - Laserfiche WebLink

SITE ANALYSIS streets must provide easy accessibility from the regional transportation system, while at the same time providing acceptable capacity for the large peaks associated with arena events. The ability of the transportation system to meet convention needs requires a subjective analysis of the ease of use and clarity of routes. Conversely, the ability for the public transportation system to meet arena event needs requires an objective assessment of event traffic loads and the physical transportation network. Two main components make up the transportation system. The first is the routing to the site area, and the second is the flow of traffic around the site. The first is a somewhat straightforward capacity issue. However the second becomes more complex. The front door dynamics, parking area locations, service vehicle operations, pedestrian circulation, and vehicular circulation must all be meshed together to provide a safe and efficient traffic environment in the one to two block area around the facility. The parking capacities of garages and surface lots must be integrated in a logical fashion with the arterial roadways serving the site. In addition to ample parking in close proximity, it is desirable for the regional arterial roadway system to provide a smooth transition to parking locations to help reduce adverse travel in the immediate vicinity of the site. If this cannot be achieved conflict with pedestrians and congestion in the surrounding streets can result. The goal is to keep the immediate area "pedestrian -friendly". These traffic objectives can be met under the following conditions: • The facility is near a freeway or interstate. Adequate and redundant arterial level roadways exist in the vicinity. The peak hours of the area roadway systems do not coincide with the peak facility traffic demands. Adequate garage and surface parking is available within 4 to 5 blocks. The immediate area roadway system provides a reasonable degree of separation with the service vehicles. Pedestrian Access Pedestrian routes linking parking to the project, and linking restaurants and other related uses to the project must be convenient. Walking distances to parking and other uses must be realistic given the winter season for hockey and basketball. Walking distances to hotels must also be convenient considering convention attendees who likely will carry briefcases and bags to meetings and presentations. The character of the area through which pedestrian's are asked to walk must be safe. Pedestrians perceive safety in the context of other pedestrians and active streets. Projects located within familiar, pedestrian friendly, well - lighted environments succeed. Parking Generally, parking adjacent to or physically connected to an arena is provided for suite and club seat holders and the balance of the arena population is accommodated within a 10- minute walk. A 10-minute walk equates to a distance of 8 to 10 blocks, which in Everett is probably unreasonable during rainy winter months for hockey and basketball. A more reasonable walking distance is 4 to 5 blocks. Brailsford & Dunlavey/Ellerbe Becket Page 29