2012/04/11 Council Agenda Packet

Evergreen Way Revitalization Plan 2 Overview of Public Improvement Recommendations The proposed street improvements do not diminish through-traffic on Evergreen Way but are focused on side streets that provide access to transit and services from the neighborhoods and that create a pleasant residential setting for new development. However, wherever possible, actions are recommended to facilitate pedestrian crossing of Evergreen Way near transit stops. In addition to site-specific recommendations, the planning team identified the following general actions that are incorporated in the implementation section. • Alert neighborhood residents when a street improvement project is planned, and involve key stakeholders in the design during the concept stage. • Provide better maintenance of the public realm throughout the study area. Consider an "adopt-a-street" program. • Involve students in community improvement projects, such as stenciling directional signs to SWIFT stations. • Institute a citywide traffic calming / neighborhood improvement small grant program. • Reconsider street standards, with greater emphasis on providing a comfortable and attractive pedestrian realm, pedestrian safety, and ADA accessibility. • Look for opportunities to create new pedestrian connections within station areas to break up blocks and shorten walking distance. • Consider narrowing inside lanes and widening outside lanes for transit and pedestrian comfort. • Add signals and mid-block crosswalks where appropriate. • Improve the visual appearance of the public right-of-way when opportunities arise. • Where public safety requires the use of access management improvements to control left turn movements, incorporate median landscaping wherever possible rather than C-curbs or jersey barriers. • Where public improvement projects include changes to street frontage improvements, • incorporate wherever possible and appropriate, frontage landscaping to enhance the aesthetics of the public right-of-way. • The width of sidewalks on Evergreen Way should be increased to 12 feet improve pedestrian use and comfort, and to provide room for a landscape treatment to separate pedestrians from traffic and also enhance the aesthetics of the corridor. The cross section shown on the following page (Figure 11) shows both the existing . typical condition within the corridor, and proposed standard. Landscaping and sidewalk improvements shall be provided as shown in Figure 11 through property redevelopment or City-sponsored capital improvement projects. ® Where not required for vehicle turning movements, or where required for access management or safety purposes, the middle lane shall be provided with a landscape treatment, including trees, rather than C-curb or a Jersey barrier, as shown in Figurel 1. It Page 3