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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 Resolution No. 090• • • RESOLUTION NO. fil_ SERIES OF 2015 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF THE "ENGLEWOOD LIGHT RAIL NEXT STEPS STUDY" AS A SUPPLEMENTARY CITY PLAN DOCUMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE ORIGINAL "ENGLEWOOD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR PLAN, AS WELL AS ROADMAP ENGLEWOOD: THE 2003 ENGLEWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ENGLEWOOD FORWARD: THE 2016 ENGLEWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN''. WHEREAS, the Englewood City Council authorized and Intergovernmental Agreement with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) with the passage of Ordinance No. 28, Series of 2014; and WHEREAS, the Englewood City Council approved a consultant contract with Felsburg Holt and Ullevig by the passage of a Motion on September 15, 2015; and WHEREAS, the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study project was funded through a station area planning grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG); and WHEREAS, the light rail system represents a major capital investment for both the federal government and DRCOG; and WHEREAS, DRCOG has established a policy to encourage station area intensification including increased employment and housing in order to increase light rail ridership, decrease highway congestion, and improve air quality; and WHEREAS, a Public Hearing on this Plan was held by the Englewood City Council on September 8, 2015 as required. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO, THAT: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Englewood, Colorado, hereby approves the adoption of the "Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study", attached hereto, as a Supplementary Planning Docwnent in Support of the original Englewood Light Rail Corridor Plan, as well as Roadmap Englewood: The 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan, and Englewood Forward: The 2016 Englewood Comprehensive Plan. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 21st day of September, 2015. ATTEST: I, Loucrishia A. Ellis, City Clerk for t!)e _fity of Englewood, Colorado, hereby certify the above is a true copy of Resolution No. _'2Q, Seri ~ d" f!!!' L ucrishia A. Ellis, City Clerk • • • • • • LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S T U D Y Prepared for: City of Englewood 1000 Englewood Parkway Englewood. CO 80110-2373 City of Sheridan 4101 S. Federal Boulevard Sheridan . CO 80110 -5399 Prepared by: Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 6300 S. Syracuse Way. Suite 600 Centennial. CO 80111 In Association With: Arland LLC Bachman PR Design Workshop Toole Design Group ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS 5 U O V Table of Contents Page Executive Summary--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ES-1 Acknowledgements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ES-18 1 . O I ntrod u cti on --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 1 .1 1 .2 1 .3 1.4 Study Location and Description -------------------------------------------------2 Vision----------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Objectives -----------------------------------------------------------------------5 Planning Context ----------------------------------------------------------------5 1,4.1 South Santa Fe Drive Corridor Improvements Study-------------------6 1,4.2 North Englewood Small Area Plan--------------------------------------6 1,4.3 CityCenter Englew ood : Redevelopment of the Cinderella City Mall --6 1,4.4 Englewood Industrial Urban Renewal Plan and the General Ironworks Development Plan -------------------------------------------7 1,4.5 Southwest Light Rail Transit Line Major Investment Study-------------7 1,4.6 Englewood Civic Center Pedestrian Underpass Feasibility Study-----7 1,4.7 Englewood and Oxford Station Area Plans-----------------------------8 1,4.8 Roadmap Englew ood : The 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan and Englewood Forward: 2015 Comprehensive Plan Update----------8 1,4.9 Englewood Master Bicycle Plan ----------------------------------------8 1,4.10 City of Sher idan Comprehensive Plan ----------------------------------8 1,4.11 Ready, Set. Action! An Urban Design Action Plan for the Englewood Downtow n & Medical Districts ------------------------------------------9 1.4.12 Arapahoe County 2035 Transportation Plan----------------------------9 1,4.13 2035 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan -----------------------9 1,4.14 Complete Streets Too l box----------------------------------------------9 1,4.15 Englewood Master Bicycle Plan Route Development Study and Implementation Program-----------------------------------------------10 1,4.16 Oxford Station Transit Oriented Deve lopment -Planned Unit Development Site Plan-------------------------------------------------10 1,4.17 Englewood Light Rail Corridor Station Area Master Plan --------------10 1,4.18 Navajo Apartments TO D -PUD Site Plan------------------------------10 1,4.19 Sand Creek TOD -PU D Site Plan --------------------------------------10 1,4.20 WH Investors TOD -PUD Site Pl an ------------------------------------10 1,4.21 Englew ood Walk and Wheel Master Plan and Program ---------------11 2.0 Transportat ion System Conditions Assessment ---------------------------------------------12 2 .1 Ex isting Conditions --------------------------------------------------------------12 2.1 .1 Roadway -----------------------------------------------------------------12 2 .1.2 Transit-------------------------------------------------------------------19 2 .1.3 DRCOG Traffic Model --------------------------------------------------25 2.1.4 Bicycles and Pedestrians-----------------------------------------------32 2 .2 Deficiencies---------------------------------------------------------------------35 Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD • LIGHT RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S U D V 2.2.1 Traffic Congestion------------------------------------------------------35 2.2.2 Alternative Modes Safety Concerns -----------------------------------37 2.2.3 Connecting Alternative Modes -----------------------------------------40 3.0 Real Estate Market Analysis and Feasibility------------------------------------------42 4.0 5.0 3.1 North Neighborhood -Bates Avenue/ Elati Street Area---------------------44 3.2 West Neighborhood -----------------------------------------------------------44 3.3 CityCenter Englewood Area ---------------------------------------------------46 3.3.1 Near Term (5 -10 years) -----------------------------------------------46 3.3.2 Long Term (10 Years-Plus)---------------------------------------------46 3.4 South Neighborhood -Sheridan -Oxford Station Area-----------------------47 3.S Implementation -----------------------------------------------------------------48 E nv iron me nta I Overview ------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 9 4.1 Environmental Focus Study Areas---------------------------------------------49 4.2 Analysis Methods ---------------------------------------------------------------51 4.3 Parks and Recreational Resources --------------------------------------------51 4.3.1 Findings -----------------------------------------------------------------51 4.3.2 Next Steps --------------------------------------------------------------54 4.4 Historic Resources -------------------------------------------------------------55 441 Findings -----------------------------------------------------------------55 442 Next Steps --------------------------------------------------------------55 4.5 Hazardous Materials -----------------------------------------------------------56 4,5.1 Findings -----------------------------------------------------------------57 4.S.2 Next Steps --------------------------------------------------------------57 4.6 Waters of the US/Wetlands---------------------------------------------------57 4.6 .1 Findings -----------------------------------------------------------------58 4.6 .2 Next Steps--------------------------------------------------------------58 4.7 Threatened/Endangered Species and Migratory Birds-----------------------58 4,7.1 Findings -----------------------------------------------------------------58 4,7.2 Next Steps--------------------------------------------------------------60 4.8 Floodplains and Water Quality-------------------------------------------------60 4.8 .1 Findings -----------------------------------------------------------------61 4.8 .2 Water Quality-----------------------------------------------------------61 4.8.3 Next Steps --------------------------------------------------------------61 4.9 Other Resources ---------------------------------------------------------------62 Transportation Improvements Analysis ---------------------------------------------------------63 5 .1 A lternatives Development -----------------------------------------------------63 5.1.1 Previous ly Proposed Projects------------------------------------------63 5.1.2 Potential Complementary Transportation Improvements-------------68 5.2 Alternatives Evaluation---------------------------------------------------------70 5.3 Tier 1 Eva luation -Stu dy Vision------------------------------------------------72 5.4 Tier 2A -Eva l uation of the Floyd Avenue Exte n sion--------------------------77 5.5 Tier 2B -Evaluat ion of the Sheridan -Oxford Station Connection -----------80 Felsburg Holt & Ulle vig ENGLEWOOD FORWA R D Nf(;!T LI G H T RA I L C O RR I DOR NEXT STEPS 6 .0 7 .0 8 .0 9.0 S U D Y 5.6 Tier 2C -Evaluation of the Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension--------84 5-7 Tier 2D -Evaluation of Complementary Transportation Improvements -----88 5.8 Tier 3 -Alternative Refinement-----------------------------------------------101 5.8.1 Rail Trail (Big Dry Creek Trail Connection to Elati Street)-------------101 5.8.2 Bikeway Loop----------------------------------------------------------102 5.8.3 Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension ----------------------------103 5.8-4 CityCenter Englewood Station Platform Shelter ---------------------104 5.8.5 Englewood Parkway Extension and Bus Transfer/Piazza Redesign-104 5.8.6 CityCenter Englewood Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge/Tunnel ---------105 Recommended Transportation Improvements -----------------------------------------------107 6 .1 Transportation Improvements ------------------------------------------------107 6 .2 Complementary Transportation Improvements------------------------------112 6 .2.1 Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements -----------------------------------112 6 .2.2 Intersection/ Access Improvements ----------------------------------112 6.2.3 Other Improvements --------------------------------------------------113 Community En gag em ent -----------------------------------------------------------------------------114 7.1 Community Engagement Process--------------------------------------------114 7-2 Plan Purpose ------------------------------------------------------------------114 7-3 Communication Objectives ---------------------------------------------------114 7.3.1 Study Areas/ Audiences-----------------------------------------------115 7-4 Communication Tools/Tactics------------------------------------------------116 Action Plan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 3 8 .1 Identification and Evaluation of Projects--------------------------------------123 8.2 Potential Funding Sources----------------------------------------------------127 8 .3 DRCOG RTP and TIP ----------------------------------------------------------135 8-4 General NEPA Requirements -------------------------------------------------135 8 .5 Preliminary and Final Engineering Design------------------------------------136 8 .6 Real Estate Implementation --------------------------------------------------136 8 .6 .1 CityCenter Englewood ------------------------------------------------137 8 .6.2 Sheridan -Oxford Station ---------------------------------------------139 8 .6.3 North Neighborhood --------------------------------------------------140 8 .6-4 West Neighborhood---------------------------------------------------141 8-7 Public Finance -----------------------------------------------------------------142 8,7.1 Special Authorities/ Tax Increment Financing-----------------------142 8,7.2 Improvement Districts-------------------------------------------------142 8,7.3 Retail Fees and Programs---------------------------------------------143 8-7-4 City of Englewood Tools----------------------------------------------144 8,7.5 Economic Development Incentives-----------------------------------145 Ref ere n ces ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14 6 iii Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD ____ ......____..,. LIG HT RA I L CO RR I D O R NEXT STEPS ~ U D V List of Figures Figure ES-1. Figure ES-2 . Figure ES-3. Figure ES-5 . Figure 2-1. Figure 2-2 . Figure 2-3 . Figure 2-4. Figure 2-5 . Figure 2-6. Figure 2-7- Figure 2-8 . Figure 2-9. Figure 2-10. Figure 2-11. Figure 2-12 . Figure 2-13 . Figure 2-14 . Figure 3-1 . Figure 4-1 . Figure 5-1. Figure 5-2. Figure 5-3 . Figure 5-4. Figure 5-5 . Figure 6-1. Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -Bikeway Loop and Rail Trail------------------------------------------------------------------ES-3 Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -CityCenter Englewood Station Area -----------------------------------------------------ES-4 Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -Sheridan - Oxford Station Area ----------------------------------------------------------ES-5 Focus Areas ----------------------------------------------------------------ES-10 Through Lanes -----------------------------------------------------------------13 Exi sting Intersection Configurations -------------------------------------------14 Speed Lim its--------------------------------------------------------------------15 Existing Daily Traffic Volumes and Truck Data--------------------------------17 Exis ting Peak Hour Intersection Turning Movement Counts and Levels of Service--------------------------------------------------------------------------18 Existing Transit Routes ----------------------------------------------------------21 Average Daily Ridership at Study Area Bus Stops-----------------------------24 Estimated Ex isting and Future Households and Employment by Traffic Analysis Zone-------------------------------------------------------------------26 2035 Daily Traffic Projections--------------------------------------------------29 Estimated Existing and Future Transit Trips and Home-based Work Transit Trips by Traffic Analysis Zone--------------------------------------------------30 Bicycle Routes and Facilities---------------------------------------------------34 Two-Hour AM and PM Ex isting Bicycle Movements--------------------------36 Potential Bicycle and Pedestrian Conflict Areas ------------------------------38 Major Barriers to Bicycle and Pedestrian Movement --------------------------41 FOCUS Areas --------------------------------------------------------------------43 Environmental Focus Study Areas---------------------------------------------50 Previously Proposed Projects--------------------------------------------------64 Previously Proposed Projects and Complementary Transportation Improvements -CityCenter Englewood Station Area-------------------------65 Previously Proposed Projects and Complementary Transportation Improvements -Sheridan -Oxford Station Area------------------------------66 Previously Proposed Projects and Complementary Transportation Improvements -South of Oxford Avenue -------------------------------------67 Transportation Improvements Analysis Process ------------------------------71 Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -Bikeway Loop and Rail Trail-------------------------------------------------------------------109 iv Fe/sburg Holt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD ~ LI G H T RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS 5 -U D Y Figure 6-2. Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -CityCenter Englewood Station Area ------------------------------------------------------110 Figure 6-3. Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -Sheridan - Oxford Station Area ------------------------------------------------------------111 List of Tables Table 2-1 . Table 2-2 . Table 2-3. Table 2-4. Table 2-5. Table 2-6. Table 2-7 . Table 2-8 . Table 2-9. Table 4-1 . Table 4-2 . Table 4-3. Table 4-4. Table 4-5. Table 4-6. Table 5-1 . Table 5-2 . Table 5-3. Table 5-4. Table 5-5 . Table 5-6. Table 5-7 Table 6-1. Table 8-1. Table 8-2 . Table 8-3. Weekday Study Area Transit Routes------------------------------------------20 Average Weekday Ridership at Study Area Light Rail Stations---------------22 Study Area Light Rail Stations Mode of Access (2010) ------------------------22 Top Study Area Bus Stops by Total Daily Boardings and Alightings ---------23 DRCOG Households by Traffic Analysis Zone---------------------------------25 DRCOG Employment by Traffic Analysis Zone--------------------------------27 DRCOG Transit Total Trip Share by Traffic Analysis Zone --------------------31 DRCOG Transit Home-based Work Trip Share by Traffic Analysis Zone-----32 Bicycle/Pedestrian Crash Hot Spots ------------------------------------------39 Environmental Focus Study Areas---------------------------------------------49 Park and Recreational Resources----------------------------------------------52 Number of Parcels w ith Structures 45 Years Old or Greater------------------55 Potential Wetlands and Waters of the US within the Focus Study Areas----58 Threatened /Endangered Species Located in Arapahoe County-------------59 FEMA Designated Floodplains in the Study Area -----------------------------61 Tier 1 Evaluation ----------------------------------------------------------------73 Tier 2A Evaluation -Floyd Avenue Extension ---------------------------------78 Tier 2B Evaluation -Sheridan -Oxford Station Connection ------------------82 Tier 2C Evaluation -South w est Greenbelt Trail and Extension---------------85 Tier 2D Evaluation -Potential Complementary Transportation Im prove men ts ------------------------------------------------------------------89 Rail Trail -Alternative Refinements Summary -------------------------------101 Bikeway Loop -Alternative Refinements Summary-------------------------102 Summary of Opinions of Probable Cost --------------------------------------108 Composite Rating of Projects-------------------------------------------------125 Summary of Potential Funding Sources--------------------------------------127 Summary of Potential Funding Sources for Recommended Transportation Improvements -----------------------------------------------------------------131 V Felsburg Holt & Uffevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S U D ~ List of Appendices Appendix A FHWA Planning and Environmental Linkage s (PEL) Questionna ire Appendix B Real Estate Feas ibility Study and Implementation Plan Appendix C Environmental Overview Summary Data Appendix D Conceptual Plan s and Opinion s of Probable Cost Appendix E Agency Coordination and Public Outreach Documentation vi Fe lsburg Holt & Ulfevig ENGLEWOOD FO RWARD Ntc>rr LIGHT RAI L CO R R I DOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D V List of Acronyms ADA ASTM ATD BFE BID COOT CDPHE CERCLIS CLOMR CMAO CML American s w ith Disabilities Act American Society for Testing and Materials All Traffic Data base flood elevation business improvement district Colorado Department of Transportation Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Comprehensive Environmental Response . Compensation . and Liability Information System Conditional Letter of Map Revision Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Consolidated Mainline CORRACTS Corrective Action cu CWA DOA DOT Act DRCOG DU ESA ESTIP FASTER FEMA FHWA FIRM FRA University of Colorado Clean Water Act downtown development authority US Department of Transportation Act Denver Regional Council of Governments University of Denver Endangered Species Act Enhanced Sales Tax Incentive Program Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery Act of 2009 Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Highway Administration Flood Insurance Rate Map Federal Railroad Administration vii Fe fsburg Ho lt & Ulfevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD ~ LI G H T RA I L CO RR I D O R NEXT STEPS 5 -U O V FTA GID GIS HUD IPAC LF LID LOMR LOS LOG LRT LUST LWCF MBTA NEPA NESAP NHPA NPL NRHP NWI PEL PID PIF PMJM PUD RAMP RCRA REC Federal Tran si t Administration general improvement district geographic information sys tem US Department of Hou si ng and Urban Development Information, Plann ing , and Conservation System landfill local improvement district Letter of Map Revision level of service large -quantity generator Light-Rail Transit leaking underground storage tank Land and Water Conservation Fund Migratory Bird Treaty Act National Environmental Policy Act North Englew ood Small Area Plan National Historic Preservation Act National Priorities List National Register of Historic Places National Wetlands Inventory Planning and Environmental Linkages public improvement district public improvement fee Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Planned Unit Development Responsible Acceleration of Maintenance and Partnerships Resource Conservation and Recovery Act recognized environmental condition viii Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD ~ LIGHT RA IL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS ':. U D Y RSF RTD RTP SB40 SHPO SIB sov SOG SWF TAP TAZ TDM TIGER TIP TOD ULC URA US# USACE USC USFWS USGS VCUP wocc wus retail sales fee Regional Transportation District Regional Transportation Plan Senate Bill 40 State Historic Preservation Officer State Infrastructure Bank single-occupant vehicle small-quantity hazardous waste generator solid waste disposal facility Transportation Alternatives Program traffic analysis zone Travel Demand Management Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Transportation Improvement Program Transit Oriented Development Urban Land Conservancy urban renewal authority US Highway Number US Army Corps of Engineers United States Code US Fish and Wildlife Service US Geological Survey Voluntary Clean Up Water Quality Control Commission Waters of the United States ix Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD ------- LIGHT RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S lJ O V ~ Executive Summary Why was the Next Steps Study conducted? This Next Steps Study documents the results of a coordinated planning effort between the cities of Englewood and Sheridan to improve community-wide access to the Southwest Light-Rail Transit (LRT) Corridor Englewood (CityCenter Englewood) and Oxford -City of Sheridan (Sheridan -Oxford) stations. to encourage transit supportive development within the corridor. and to stimulate private investment. The cities of Englewood and Sheridan initiated the study to : ► Analyze existing and future challenges and opportunities for multi-modal (bicycle, pedestrian , transit. and vehicle) connectivity to the LRT Corridor within the study area (using the year 2035 as a planning horizon), ► Evaluate further the previously proposed multi-modal tran sportation infrastructure projects recommended in the Englewood Light Raif Corridor Station Area Master Plan and projects identified by the cities of Englewood and Sheridan staff. ► Identify potential complementary transportation improvements that enhance connectivity to the LRT stations , in addition to those previously recommended . ► Conduct a real estate development and marketing/implementation strategy for the four areas in the city of Englewood adjacent to the LRT stations, and ► Prepare an action plan that prioritizes and identifies implementation strategies for the recommended transportation infrastructure projects. What is the purpose of the improvements? The purpose of the transportation improvements is to enhance multi-modal connections (bicycle, pedestrian , transit. and vehicle) to the CityCenter Englewood and Sheridan -Oxford LRT stations in a manner that enhances adjacent existing and planned land uses. How was the community engaged in the Next Steps Study? Open and transparent community engagement and public participation were key elements in the process of developing the Next Steps Study . The goal of community engagement and outreach was to increase public awareness of the study. includ ing study goals and objectives, and to promote community participation in the study process. Public input was solicited throughout the entire study process (Chapter 7.0). Community engagement included open discussion through small group meetings. stakeholder interviews. neighborhood walk-abouts. an agency staff technical meeting, city council briefings, a developer forum , written comments, surveys. and well-publicized public meetings. Public meetings were held on November 12. 2014; February 11. 2015: and June 20. 2015 . ES-1 Fefsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS 5 -U D Y How was the package of Recommended Transportat ion Improvements ident ifi ed ? Tler2A · EYlWiAtlon of th<> ~A.,.nue E>!tenslon TionB- Evaluallon of the Sherldan-o.ford lATStatlon Connectlot) TioraC • £valuation of the Southwost GteenbeltTral\ Extension Tier 3 • Transportation Improvement Refinement nerz.o . EValuallonofthe Complemenwy Tran~tlon lmpn,wments A three-tier evaluation process ident ified a recommended set of transportation improvements (Chapter 5.0 ). Tier 1 of the evaluation process assessed if the planned alt ernatives and proposed complementary transportation improvements met the project vision . Alternatives were then advanced from the Tier 1 eva l uation to the Tier 2 evaluation . Each transportation improvement was evaluated based on criteria relevant to that Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements particular improvement. The evaluation includes: ► Tier 2A: Evaluation of the Floyd Avenue Extension • Above or below grade separation of Floyd Avenue with the LRT tracks. Consolidated Mainline Railroad (CMU railroad tracks. US 85 (Santa Fe Drive). and the South Platte River ► Tier 2B : Evaluation of the Sheridan -Oxford St at ion Pedestrian Tunnel/Bridge • Alignment of the above or below grade separat ion with the LRT tracks. CML railroad tracks. US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) ► T ier 2C: Evaluation of the Southwest Greenbelt Trail • Alignment of the extension from Huron Street to the Rail Trail ► Tier 2D : Evaluation of the Potential Complementary Transp o rtation Improvements T ier 3 focused on refinement of the alternatives based on f eedback from the ci t ies of Englewood and Sheridan . the public. and elected officials . What improvements are included in the package of Recommended Transportation Improvements? Figure ES-1 , Figure ES-2. and Figure ES-3 show the following transportati o n improvements included in the package Recommended Transportat ion Improve ments. ES -2 Fe lsbu rg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • • • ENGLEWOOD F ORWARD l •Uh l llAH C O'f lHOOU N@:T ------lllllllllliill'----~---~-------~• NEXT STEPS Figure ES-1. Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -Bikeway Loop and Rail Trail LEGEND CE Light Rail Stations --Railroads ~? City Boundaries """-Rtvers Recre1t10nal RHourcH Proposed Transportation Improvements Blkeway Loop ES-3 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD t10t.1 ,u,,L t:olt•iu ou NEXT STEPS Figure ES-2. Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -CityCenter Englewood Station Area 0 CE Ugh1 Rall l .. tion• -lutlfoMI• (? City Bounderi.s Pn viou1,ly Pro pose d Trans po rta ti on Improvements Olk.way Loop -Rall Trail -Englewood City Cent., Station Blcyde/Pede1trian Bridge Englewood City Cent., LAT Station Piatfom, Shelter Potential Comple mentary I mprov eme nt s 11 111 11 Englewood City Center Station Pede1tri9n Bridge Of' Tunnel Floyd An~ (Sherman to Elati) Bicyc .. /Pede1trian Dartmouth Avenue (Inca 10 Federal) Bikeway Little Dry Cl"ffk Trail Connection Bicycle/Pedeatrtan lmprovementa -Dartmouth Av.nu• (South P1atta Rlwer Or to Zuni AcceH) () ~;:;r::::~:::.7n'!:::,:1eraecOon Hamilton Bridge Bicycla/Pe0&1trtan Plec. or Fto,ct Avanu. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • ES-4 • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD llO,h l ,u ,11,. t;O~JI IUOCf NEX T STEPS • Figure ES-3 . Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -Sheridan -Oxford Station Area CE Ught Rall Stations -Railroad• Q City BoundariH """-' Rtvere Recreational Rnoun:::H Proposed Transportation Improvements Bikeway Loop -RailTrall -Southwest Greenbelt Extension Potential Complementary Improvements 1111111 Windermere Street Shared Use Path Tufts Avenue (Navajo to Rail Trail) Bicycle/Pedestrian ES-5 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L C ORR I DOR NEXT STEPS 5 -U D V ► Rail Tra i l (Big Dry Cr e ek Trail Connection to Elati Street) • Constructing a 10 -foot-w ide multi -use bicycle /pedestrian trail adjacent to the South w e st LRT Corridor from the Big Dry Creek Trail to Elati Street w ith bicycle/ pedestrian b r idges over Oxfo rd Avenue , Hampden A venue, and Dartmouth Avenue .. ► Dartmouth Avenue , Clarkson Street. and Oxford Avenue Bike w ay Loop • Dartmouth Avenue Bik eway o Installing a one -way couplet of buffer separated shared parking and b icycle lane along Dartmouth Avenue from Inca Street to Clarkson Street. • Clarkson Street Bike way o Installing a bicycle bouleva rd along Clarkson Street from Dartmouth Avenue to Oxford Avenue w ith shared lane markings , w ayfinding signs for bicyclists, and street t re atments to give bicy clists priority , to slow traffic , and to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety . • Oxford Avenue Bikeway o Installing a b icycle boulevard along Oxford Avenue from Cla rk son Street to Broadway wi th shared lane markings, wayfinding signs for bicyclists , and street treatments to gi v e bicyclists priority, to slow traffic, and to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. o Installing a one-way couplet along Oxford Avenue from Broad w ay to Navajo Street at the sidew alk level separated from the parking lanes. o Installing a 10 -ft multi -use trail on the north side of Ox ford Avenue from Navajo Street to Irving Street. o Installing a bicycle boulevard along Ox ford Avenue from Irving Street to Lo w ell Boulevard with shared lane marking s, w ayfinding signs for bicyclists , and street treatments to give b icycli sts priority, to slow traffic, and to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. ► Southwest Greenbelt T rail Improv ements and Ex tension • Reconstructing an existing 8-foot-wide asphalt trail in Rotolo Park from Cherokee Street to Huron Street w ith a 10-foot-wide multi-use trail and constructing a new 10-foot-wide multi-use trail from Huron Street to the Rail Trail. ► CityCenter Englew ood Station Platform Shelter • Reconstructing the CityCenter Englew ood Station Platform Shelter with a w eather shelter. ► CityCenter Englewood LRT Station Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge • Constructing a 12 -foot-wide pedestrian grade-s eparated crossing of the LRT tracks, CML railroad tracks, and US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) with an elevator and a staircase to the CityCenter Englewood LRT Station platform. ES-6 Fe lsbu rg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D v Nf(Kf ► Floyd Avenue Bike Lanes (CityCenter Englewood LRT Station to Sherman Street) • Restriping to include 5 -foot bike lanes in both directions. requiring the removal of the center turn lane from the CityCenter Englewood LRT Station to Elati Street. and a road diet from four lanes to two lanes with a possible center turn lane from Elati Street to Sherman Street or a similar type of treatment. ► Dartmouth Avenue Bikeway (Little Dry Creek Trail to Federal Boulevard) • Extending the construction of a bi-directional. 6 to 8-foot wide bikew ay along Dartmouth Avenue from the Little Dry Creek Trail to Federal Boulevard . ► Windermere Shared Use Path Extension (Batting Cages at Cornerstone Park Entrance to Englewood Canine Corral Entrance) • Replacing the e xisting sidewa lk with an extension of the e xis ting 8-foot shared use path along the east side of Windermere Street (Belleview Avenue to the Batting Cages at Cornerstone Park entrance) north to the Englewood Canine Corral entrance, providing connectivity to the Big Dry Creek Trail. ► Tufts Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements (Navajo Street to Rail Trail) • Extending the sidewalk along the south side of Tufts Avenue to connect with the future Rail Trail where Tufts Avenue turns north into Windermere Street. • Painting bike sharrows and installing "Share the Road" signs . • Installing crosswalks where Tufts Avenue turns north into Windermere Street (including Americans with Disabilities Act IADA]-compliant ramps), where Windermere street continues south from Tufts Avenue, and where Navajo Street continues north from Tufts Avenue. ► Little Dry Creek Trail Connection Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements (Along the frontage road west of US 85 to Little Dry Creek Trail. Mary Carter Greenway [South Platte Traill , and w est across the South Platte River) • Adding and improving bicycle/pedestrian facilities along the frontage road west of US 85 to Little Dry Creek. • Establishing additional connections westward from the CityCenter Englewood LRT Station Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge ► US 85 / Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements • Providing a fourth northbound and southbound through-lane in coordination with CDOT along US 85 to the next largest intersections (US 85/Hampden Avenue and US 85/Evans Avenue). ► US 85 / Oxford Avenue Intersection Improvements • Providing a fourth northbound and southbound through-lane along US 85 in coordination with CDOT to the next largest intersections (US 85/Hampden Avenue and US 85/Belleview Avenue) . ES-7 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS <:. U D v ► Oxford Avenue / Navajo Street Intersection Improvements • • Improving bus circulation in coordination w ith RTD to the Sheridan -Oxford Avenue station ► US 285 / Shoshone Street Right-In/ Right-Out • Working with CDOT to construct a right-in/ right-out to /from US 285 and Shoshone Street to provide easier vehicular access to areas west of US 85 and north of US 285 . ► Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements (South Platte River Drive to Zuni Street) • Providing intersection and access control improvements along Dartmouth Avenue from South Platte River Drive to Zuni Street as the street grid is reestablished (Dartmouth Avenue /Shoshone Street Dartmouth Avenue /Ouivas Street etcJ ► Sheridan -Oxford Station park-n-Ride / Shared Use Parking • Redeveloping a nearby parcel into either a RTD park-n-Ride facility or working with a developer /landowner to construct a shared use parking structure as part of a mi xed- use redevelopment where a portion of parking would be dedicated to RTD riders using the Sheridan -Oxford Station . ► Hamilton Place or Floyd Avenue Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements • Widening the Hamilton Place Bridge to accommodate 8-foot sidewalks and 5-foot • bike lanes on each side or providing a separate adjacent bicycle/pedestrian only • bridge and/or providing a separate Floyd Avenue Br idge over the South Platte River . How will the proposed improvements be pr ioritized and potentially funded for implementation ? Ex perience has shown that an articulate and thoughtful action plan will he l p increase t he probability of funding success in the current economic environment. Good information. collaboration , broad support. and readiness to proceed to construction are all keys to successful project prioritization . With this understanding . the study team developed a project prioritization process and Action Plan (Chapter 8.o) that is easy to use, obj ective. and easy to replicate. The primary intent of this plan is to identify and prioritize projects so that the leadership of the City of Englewood and the City of Sheridan can have a basis for consideration and ultimate selection and funding of projects. To simplify the prioritization process. the approach was more qualitative than quantitative. although there is rich information available through this Next Steps Study to assist with a quantitative evaluation . It is designed to provide decis ion-makers with key information required to effectively understand pot ential projects. their benefits. and their readiness to encumber transportation funds . Key objectives of this Action Plan are to pursue opportunities in advance of project requests. identify a variety of potential funding sources. and to take advantage of unanticipated funding that might become available. The short-term transportation improvement priorities (withi n five years) are: ► Rail Trail (Big Dry Creek Trail Connection to Sheridan -Oxford Station) ► Dartmouth Avenue Separated Bikeway (Inca Street to Clarkson Street) ES-8 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • ENGLEWOOD F O RWARD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S V D Y Nf(KT ► Clarkson Street (Dartmouth Avenue to Oxford Avenue) and Oxford Avenue (Clarkson Street to Broadway) Bicycle Boulevard ► Oxford Avenue (Irving Street to Lowell Boulevard) Bicycle Boulevard ► Floyd Avenue Bike Lanes (CityCenter Englewood Station to Sherman Street) Additional near-term (within 3 years) recommendations for real estate implementation for the CityCenter Englewood Station area , Sheridan -Oxford Station area , North Neighborhood, and West Neighborhood are included in Chapter 8.o . What is the potential for development in the Study Area? The project team conducted a market study to determine the market potential for various types of land uses (including retail. residential. entertainment. and office/ employment) for four particular focus areas in the Englewood and Sheridan areas , defined as: ► Focus Area 1: North Neighborhood -Bates/ Elati Area ► Focus Area 2 : West Neighborhood -Area west of Englewood Station ► Focus Area T CityCenter Englewood Neighborhood -Area east of Englewood Station ► Focus Area 4: South Neighborhood -Area east and south of Oxford Station Area • These areas are shown on Figure ES-5 . • Overall. the market study revealed that although the Englewood and Sheridan communities are landlocked and have remained fairly stable from a demographic standpoint over the last few decades, the overall projected significant growth of the Denver metro area over the next 20 to 25 years presents notable opportunities for redevelopment that would benefit from and leverage a number of the transportation improvements outlined in the Next Steps Study. The Denver metro area is projected to grow from around 3 million residents in 2015 to around 4 million in 2040 , as the area continues to attract in-migration from around the country given its overall good quality of life. Furthermore, the metro area is projected to add around 36,000 new positions on average each year over the next ten years, as new companies continue to migrate to the region and existing companies continue to expand. While Downtown Denver and the heart of the city, as well as the outlying suburbs that have room available for expansion , will experience a good deal of this overall economic growth in terms of new development. the position of Englewood and Sheridan as "inner ring" suburbs enjoying relative proximity to a variety of key destinations in the metro area presents the opportunity for redevelopment and economic growth in the focus areas examined as part of the Next Steps Study. The Englewood area enjoys access to Downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center area and is within minutes of some of the most desirable areas in the city, including Washington Park and other highly successful neighborhoods in south Denver. As the areas just to the north of Englewood continue to redevelop and attract increased levels of wealth, the proximity of the areas examined in the Next Steps Study to this part of Denver presents opportunities for economic growth . ES-g Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S -U D Y Figure ES-4. Focus Areas Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • ES-10 • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S U D V The following summarizes the key takeaways from the market study and feasibility analysis for each of the four focus areas examined in the NSS . North Neighborhood (Bates/ Elati Area) The North Neighborhood focus area primarily includes the Winslow Crane property, located just to the north of Dartmouth Street and east of the RTD southwest line, and stretches north toward Bates Avenue. The area has the potential to tie into the existing grid system of streets to the east in Englewood and . therefore. connect more directly to the Broadway corridor. The area is located fairly close to a number of neighborhoods in south Den ver th at are redeveloping with new residential and infill projects and enjoys good access. via the Santa Fe corridor and the RTD rail line. to Downtown Denver. While the lack of visibility to the Santa Fe corridor is less favorable for redevelopment. the fact that most of the area is controlled by one landowner (Winslow Crane) makes ex ecuting redevelopment in this area much easier. Overall. the urban framework is favorable for redevelopment. From a market perspective. while the area lacks visibility to the Santa Fe corridor and has been perceived to date as more of a gritty industrial area, a redevelopment of the Winslow Crane parcel and adjacent parcels to the east could yield a successful mixed use development over the near term (the next five to ten years) centered on the following components: Residential: Several hundred residential units. including a mixture of for-sale units (townhomes) and for-rent units (apartments). Retail: Local-serving retail. including retail uses (coffee shop. bank. hair salon. etc .) that would serve the everyday uses of residents in the study area . The lack of visibility to the Santa Fe corridor limits the demand for retail beyond a small amount of local-serving retail uses. Office : Given the orientation of the study area . the North Neighborhood would absorb only small quantities of office uses over the long term (limited to under 20.000 square feet in aggregate) oriented to sma ller format office tenants (including medical office and small professional offices). West Neighborhood /'Area west of Englewood Station) The site constraints of properties in the West Neighborhood limit the potential for redevelopment over the near term . and larger sca le redevelopment of this area . to the west of Santa Fe and between Dartmouth and Hampden. would require a more coordinated implementation strategy from the cities of Englewood and Sheridan over the longer term. Larger scale industrial uses dominate this area. particularly west of the South Platte River . The West Neighborhood also lacks a good deal of infrastructure (including utilities and street facilities) that would be necessary to execute redevelopments in the area . The properties located to the west of the river lack visibility and direct access to the Santa Fe corridor and the LRT line and. therefore. are more removed from the drivers of redevelopment that are moving south from the City of Denver. The very fragmented pattern of ownership of parcels in the area presents perhaps the largest challenge to redevelopment of this area. coupled with the fact that many of the industrial users and existing tenants in the area have a limited desire to relocate their existing operations . ES-11 Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS ~ U D Y From a market perspective. the West Neighborhood has the potential to support the following mi x of land uses, primarily over the longer term: Retail : The areas directly along Santa Fe could support a small amount of retail geared to take advantage of the adjacency to the Santa Fe corridor (including limited uses such as a coffee shop. drive-through uses , and other inline retail), over the near term. Over the longer term. the West Neighborhood is unlikely to develop as a larger scale retail destination, given the recent development of the River Point area in Sheridan . Res ident ial: Over the near term, demand may exist for a few hundred residential units (either apartment or townhome) in the area between Santa Fe and the South Platte River, but would not be viable to the west of the river . Over the longer term, residential uses (including several hundred multi-family or attached residential units) cou ld be viable to the west of the river, but development of commercial or business park uses in this area may be a better use of the land . going forward . Offi ce I Bus iness Pa rk The area between Santa Fe and the South Platte River has the potential to absorb smaller format office uses (including medical office. smaller companies, etc.) over the near term. However, at least over the near term, this area is unlikely to develop as a larger format office node, serving the metro area . The area to the west of the South Platte River has the potential to develop as a revamped business park or similar type of development. providing • space for a variety of users. including forms of light industrial. The repositioning of this part of • Englewood could help to provide additional areas for employment-generating uses in the community over the long term. CityCenter Englewood Neighborhood The CityCenter Englewood area enjoys a strategic position in the metro area, with good access via the Southwest LRT line and the Santa Fe corridor. to Downtown Denver and to other suburbs to the north and south . Furthermore, the local street network provides good access to the Broadway corridor, to the east. However, the potential for redevelopment and growth in this area has been limited by the overall perception and orientation of the area to date. Most people in the Denver area continue to think of this part of Englewood as an area dominated by suburban big box and junior box stores and strip commercial centers oriented along aging corridors such as Hampden Avenue. The redeve lopment of the area requires the creation of a new vision and a more detailed plan for different parts of the neighborhood that help to create a sense of place. From a site analysis perspective. while the area benefits from a strong grid of local streets and access to the Hampden and Santa Fe corridors, the fractured pattern of ownership in the area , legal restrictions in place around the CityCenter Englewood dating back to the redevelopment of the area in the early 2000s and limiting the flexibility of developers. and t he perception of the area as a relatively tired suburban strip center area challenge p rospects for redevelopment. From a market perspective, the CityCenter Englewood area has the potential t o support the following types of land uses : Reta il: Overall. demand does not exist for larger scale additional retail square footage in this neighborhood , as the area is currently saturated across the full spectrum of retail uses . Limited ES-12 Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LI GH T RA I L CO R R I DOR NEXT STEPS 5 U O y· N'(l<T additional demand is possible over the longer term . However. the redevelopment of the CityCenter Englew ood area could reposition a number of retail spaces and the exis ting quan t ity of reta il square footage in the area into more viable and updated versions of retail. with new tenants. and thus could help stimulate overall success of this district. In addition. potential e x ist s to develop a number of additional restaurant spaces in the CityCenter Englewood area. Res idential: Over the longer term. the CityCenter Englewood area has the potential to support a few thousand additional residential units (townhome or apartment) depending on how potential redevelopment scenarios move forward (in terms of density and orientation). Office : Over the longer term. the CityCenter Englewood area has the potential to emerge as a small node of office development. of a few hundred thousand square feet. While the Denver Tech Center and Downtown Denver will continue to dominate t he nearby office markets. the favorable access of the Englewood area could present the opportunity for some additional office development over the longer term . particularly if the overall district is repositioned over t ime. Entertainment: Over the longer term. the CityCenter Englew ood could emerge as a subregional hub of entertainment uses. including family entertainment destinations (similar to concepts such as Dave and Busters or Gamew orks) and uses geared to sp o rt s (in part icular, youth sports). The area to the south of Hampden, given the larger parcel areas available for redevelopment. could accommodate larger format entertainment uses that require larger land areas (such as a regional youth sports or indoor aquatic center, or larger format concepts such as Top Golf). South Neighborhood /'Area East and South of Oxford Station Area) The presence of the elevated LRT line impedes visibility of the South Neighborhood from the Santa Fe corridor and . therefore. limits the potential market for development as residential and related neighborhood-oriented land uses . While the properties to the south of the Sheridan - Oxford station are owned by a diverse set of entities, the group as a whole is interested in redeve lopment and sees the area as having potential for revitalization over the near term and long term. The South Neighborhood has the potential to support the following land uses over time: Residential: The study area . south of Oxford and east of the Sou t hwest LRT line, has the potential to support up to 1.000 residential units (townhome or apartment) over the longer term. These units would likely be oriented as part of "mi xed use" developments incorpo rating a small amount of retail uses as well. Office : The South Neighborhood has limited potential for smaller format and creative office uses of no more than 10 .000 square feet in total. Reta il: Given the lack of visibility to the Santa Fe corridor, the South Neighborhood is unlikely to attract a sizeable component of retail development. Total retail demand in this area is limited to 20.000 square feet in total and w ould likely include local-serving uses (such as a coffee shop , dry cleaner. etc.) . ES-13 Felsburg Ho lt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S -U D Y In addition . a portion of the industrial land uses may remain in the South Neighborhood over time , integrated with the new types of land uses that may result from redevelopment. How can redevelopme nt str ateg ies fo r the fou r ne ighbo rhoods be imp lemented? The Next Steps Study outlined a set of implementation strategies for each neighborhood area profiled in the market study. This section outlines the key strategies for each area, and the Next Steps Study report provides additional details and implementation recommendations for the community to use going for wa rd . North Neighborhood The Winslow Crane property is the primary development opportunity in this area . Gi v en the nature of the neighborhood surrounding thi s area, this planned redevelopment could be sizeable enough w ith enough critical mass to start changing perceptions of the area . Mi xe d income housing can be a catalyst for area rede velopment. Metro area redevelopments have often seen the introduction of ta x credit affordable, senior and rental housing as the first housing types into a market to help catalyze future area redevelopment. Although there is currently market support for the development. the creation of better connectivity to the CityCenter Englewood Station , as w ell as amenities along the South Platte River, is critical to attracting future residents to the area . A stronger. vibrant. more attractive Broad way corridor would also enhance the neighborhood 's redevelopment potential. The key implementation action steps for the North Neighborhood include the following . The Next Steps St udy contains details about additional recommended action steps: ► Support the current development proposal for mi xed income housing on the Winslow Crane property through the CHFA Low Income Housing Ta x Credit approval process. ► Assist the developer of the Winslow Crane property with communications w ith neighborhood s and other stakeholders . ► Continue to seek funding for rail trail improvements that would enhance connect ivity from the North Neighborhood to the CityCenter Englew ood LRT station ► Assist the developer in attracting employment uses to the area ► Develop a subarea plan for the area ► Assist the developer with planning for the use of Ta x Increment Financing (TIF) in concert wi t h development activities ► Plan and pursue funding for the Dartmouth Avenue Separated Bikeway, US 85 / Dartmouth intersection improvements, and other intersection improvements along Dar tmouth Avenue West Neighborhood The West Neighborhood has the potential over the longer term t o redeve lop as an area geared to employment and a mi x ture of other land uses . However, in the near term. the cities of Englewood and Sheridan should continue t o coordinate planning activities that w ill lay the ES -14 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S U D V ~ groundwork for redevelopment of this area over time. The implementation action items are outlined below. and the Next Steps Study provides additional details and recommendations for the cities to use going forward : ► The cities of Englewood and Sheridan should develop a Cross-Jurisdictional subarea plan identifying critical businesses to maintain in the area . potential parcels that could serve as the locations for catalytic redevelopment projects. prioritized connections to enhance the neighborhood and key amenities or destinations. primary infrastructure needs. and appropriate zoning to facilitate redevelopment. ► As part of the overall planning effort. Englewood and Sheridan should create a working group of officials to meet regularly to coordinate ongoing redevelopment efforts in this area. ► The cities should plan for and pursue funding for the potential bike and pedestrian bridge connecting the CityCenter Englewood LRT station to the area west of Santa Fe Drive. ► The cities should continue to collaborate inter-jurisdictionally to create improved and enhanced connections to the South Platte River . CityCenter Englewood Area To realize the long-term goal of creating an activated and high-quality CityCenter Englewood station area, current market conditions require incremental infill development. phasing over time . the use of public private partnerships. and the potential use of tools such as a Downtown Development Authority (DDA), along with TIF. Additional potential tools include Title 32 Metropolitan Districts and Public Improvements Fees . both of which are tools not historically used in the City of Englewood . A new master plan for the area should be developed. in conjunction with the creation of a DDA. The plan should be developed in concert with a detailed development strategy (planning , design. financial. and legal) that has the cooperation and buy-in of major property owners and large employers along both sides of Hampden Avenue . A new TIF district orchestrated through the DDA should be put into place with both sales and property ta x TIFs used at the appropriate times to generate revenues to help fund needed public improvements. Given the importance of the Broadway corridor to the CityCenter Englewood area , the DDA boundaries should include the CityCenter Englewood area and critical sections of the Broadway corridor. Given the breadth of the area . subareas should be designated with specific plans in place for each . Areas could be subdivided into : ► Property and businesses west of Wal-mart. as their focus tends to be CityCenter Englewood and the LRT station ► Property and businesses east of Wal-mart. as the focus tends to be Broadway ► Property and businesses along the Broadway corridor, north of Hampden ► Property and businesses along the Broadway corridor. south of Hampden ES-15 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RAI L CO R RIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D Y The City previously had a Busine ss Impro vement District (BID) along the Broadway corridor. An ex panded DOA can undertake the same types of projects that a BID typically oversees . The following outlines the key implementation action items for the CityCenter Englewood area and the Next Steps Study contains additional details and additional action items for consideration : ► The City should institute a ODA in the area. as well as other appropriate financial tools and mechanisms, including Title 32 Metropolitan Districts , other special districts, and Public Improvement and Retail Sales Fees . ► The City should investigate and potentially modify legal agreements in place for particular parcels in the CityCenter Englewood area to inform or help implement elements of the Vision / Master Plan for the area . ► The City should outline a financial plan for redevelopment concurrently with property owners in the area . ► The City should continue to refine and evolve the design of the Rail Trail as it passes through the CityCenter Englewood area to help facilitate and support redevelopment efforts in the area . ► The City should determine w hether an Owner's Representative with development experience should represent the City during discussions about the CityCenter Englewood area , or whether a relationship w ith a Master Developer should be pursued. South Neighborhood South of the Sheridan -Oxford Station , the former industrial area has begun transitioning to a mi xed-use land use orientation . Given the current activity , rail trail improvements to help facilitate station connectivity and area redevelopment should be prioritized . Over the longer term, development of a shared parking strategy would help enhance area redevelopment. As mixed use retail develops in the area. the City should consider using Urban Renewal as a financial tool to capture sales (and property) tax increment to help pay for shared structured parking . The following outlines some of the key implementation action items for the South Neighborhood: ► The City should develop TOD zoning regulations for this area that would allow a mixture of residential. retail. and office land uses, in addition to the existing industrial land uses present in the area. ► The City should work with developers and property owners to facilitate the creation of shared parking facilities in the area that would align with RTD's Transit Access Guidelines for parking . It should also work with RTD to secure additional parking spaces in the area and assist with securing properties that could be used for future parking facilities, and explore funding for additional park-n-Ride or Shared Use parking in the area . The City of Englewood and RTD do not anticipate acquiring property using eminent domain for parking . The City of Englewood and RTD would like to partner with land owners for additional park-n-Ride or Shared Use parking options. ES-16 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CO RR I DOR NEXT STEPS S U D v ~ ► The City should continue to refine design and pursue funding of the Rail Trail that w ould connect the south side of Oxford wi th the LRT station . ► The City should continue to plan and pursue funding for intersection improvements at US 85 / Oxford . and at Oxford and Navajo . ► The City should also continue planning and secure funding for the Oxford Avenue Separated Bikeway improvements. Public Finance Tools The Next Steps Study outlines a roster of potential Public Finance tools available to help support ongoing redevelopment and revitalization in the variou s focu s areas , including TIF. Urban Rene wa l Author ities . DDAs , General Improvement Districts, and Local Improvement Districts . The Next Steps Study outlines additional tools at the disposal of the City of Englew ood to support development and to help fund public improvements associated with redevelopment or overall community revitalization . ES-17 Felsburg Hol t & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S -U D V Acknowledgements Englewood City Council Randy Penn Mayor, District 3 Linda Olson Mayor Pro Tern , District 2 Rick Gillit District 4 Joe Jefferson District 1 Bob Mccaslin At Large Ji l l Wilson At Large Steven Ya t es At Large Sheridan City Council Da llas Ha ll Mayor Bonnie Parker Ward 1 Landau de Laguna Ward 1 Sally Daigle Ward 2 Gary Howard Ward 2 Tara Beiter-Fl uhr Ward3 Ernie Camacho Ward 3 Englewood City Manager Eric Keck Fe lsbu rg Hol t & Ufle vig ES-18 Sheridan City Manager Devin Granbery Project Managers Michael Flaherty City Manager's Office Deputy City Manager John Voboril. AICP Englewood Community Development Long Range Planner II Jenni f er Henninger, A ICP Consu lting Planner for t he City of Sheridan Consultant T earn Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig , Prime Consu ltant Kevin Ma d dou x, AICP CEP Principa l Elliot Sulsky, A ICP , PE Principa l Katharine Duitsman, PE Project Engineer Shea Suski Transportation Planner Laura Haas Environmental Scientist Arland L LC Arleen Taniwaki Bachman PR Lisa Bac hman Monica Ramey Design W o rks hop Britt Pa lmberg, A ICP Jim Mc Rae, RL A Too le Design Gro u p Jessica J uriga, A ICP , PE A nthony Pratt. RLA • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RA I L CO RR IDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D Y ~ 1.0 Introduction This Next Steps Study documents the results of a coordinated planning effort between the cities of Englewood and Sheridan to improve community-wide access to the Southwest Light-Rail Transit (LRT) Corridor Englewood (CityCenter Englewood) and Oxford -City of Sheridan (Sheridan -Oxford) stations. to encourage transit supportive development within the corridor. and to stimulate private investment. The cities of Englewood and Sheridan initiated the study to: ► Analyze existing and future cha l lenges and opportunities for multimodal (bicycle , pedestrian. transit. and vehicle) connectivity to the LRT Corridor within the study area (using the year 2035 as a planning horizon), ► Evaluate further the previously proposed multi modal transportation infrastructure projects recommended in the Englewood Light Raif Corridor Station Area Master Plan and projects identified by the cities of Englewood and Sheridan staff. ► Identify potential Complementary Transportation Improvements that enhance connectivity to the LRT stations, in addition to those previously recommended . ► Conduct a real estate development and marketing/implementation strategy for the four areas in the city of Englewood adjacent to the LRT stations. and ► Prepare an action plan that prioritizes and identifies implementation strategies for the recommended transportation infrastructure projects. This Next Steps Study was prepared in accordance with Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) FY 14-15 Station Area/Urban Centers Studies -Project Eligibility Rules (DRCOG . 2014) and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Poficy(RTD, 2006). In addition , the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEU Questionnaire was completed (Append ix A) to facilitate incorporation of the study results into potential future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) efforts, if required , due to interaction with the State Highway system or if warranted due to potential funding scenarios. The Next Steps Study is organized into eight chapters : ► Chapter 1.0 : Introduct ion . Chapter 1 .0 provides the study location. description. vision. objectives. and planning context of the study. ► Chapter 2 .0 : T ransporta ti on System Cond itions Assessmen t. Chapter 2 .0 summarizes the conditions of the existing transportation system within the study area and assesses deficiencies within the exi sting transportation system . ► Chapte r 3.0: Real Estate Market Analysis and Feas ibility. Chapter 3 .0 summarizes the real estate feasibility study and implementation plan prepared as part of the Next Steps Study. ► Chapter 4.0 : Env ironmenta l Overview . Chapter 4.0 summarizes the existing environmental conditions for several priority resources wi t hin the study area and summarizes additional resource assessments that could be required during any future project-level analysis . 1 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD F O RWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS ~ U D Y ► Chapter 5.0 : Transportation Improvements Analysis. Chapter 5.0 describes the development. evaluation , and conceptual engineering design of alternatives for transportation improvements in the study area. ► Chapter 6.o: Recommended Transportation Improvements . Chapter 6 .o describes the package of Recommended Transportation Improvements resulting from the transportation improvements analysis conducted in this Next Steps Study. ► Chapter 7-0: Community Engagement. Chapter 7-0 summarizes the agency coordination and public outreach conducted with federal. state, and local government officials; regional transportation planning entities ; community groups; businesses; and residents . ► Chapter 8.o: Action Plan . Chapter 8 .o presents an Action Plan to identify and prioritize the projects included in the Recommended Transportation Improvements and to identify potential funding sources for these improvements. Figure 1-1 depicts the planning process for the Next Steps Study. ::,turfy I ncat,on an Des rtptton The Southwest LRT Line e xtends 8 .7 miles south from the Interstate 25/Broadway LRT station in the City and County of Denver and includes five stations. Two stations, the CityCenter • Englewood Station and the Sheridan -Oxford Station . are located within the cities of Englewood • and Sheridan . To evaluate transportation improvements and connectivity to these stations, a study area was established. The study area e xtends from approx imately Irving Street on the west to Clarkson Street on the east and from approximately Belleview Avenue on the south to Yale Avenue on the north (Figure 1-2). 2 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEX T STEPS 5 U O Y Figure 1-1. Next Steps Study Planning Process Project Initiation Agency Coordination and Community Engagement Plan Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 3 Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study ENGLEWOOD FORWARD t1Qh1 ftA•l CO-ttf•D011 NEXT STEPS Figure 1-2. V CilyBoundorit, D SludyAr'H w:r Study Area 0 1 inch = 2,000 fe e t Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • 4 -• ~ FEL SBURG • H O LT & ULLEVIG • • • • ENGLEWOOD FOR W AR D LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D V 1? Vic:inn _________ __,,.. The purpose of the transportation improvements is to enhance multimodal connections (bicycle. pedestrian . vehicle. and transit) to the CityCenter Englewood Stat ion and the Sheridan -Oxford Station in a manner that enhances adjacent ex isting and planned land use. This vision is carried through the transportation improvements analysis process summarized in Chapter 5.0 . 1 ~ Ol?Jec 1ve The DRCOG transportation vision for the Denver metropolitan area is of a balanced, sustainable multi modal transportation system . The objectives of the Next Steps Study are based on the local goals identified in the 2035 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) (DRCOG . 2011) and on the goals of the cities of Englewood and Sheridan and the general public . ► Improve the efficiency of the transportation system ► Integrate with and support the social. economic. and physical land use plans of the cities of Englew ood and Sheridan ► Provide mobility choices for people and goods that are safe. environmentally sensitive. efficient. and sustainable ► Protect and enhance the natural environment and local community while improving the performance of the transportation system ~lann,na Lon ext Many plans apply to the study area and inform the objectives and planning context of this study. These plans are described in the following sections and include : ► South Santa Fe Drive Corridor Improvements Study (Tri-City Planning Group , 1992) ► North Englewood Small Area Plan (City of Englewood. 1997) ► CityCenter Englewood : Redevelopment of the Cinderella City Mall (City of Englewood. 2000) ► Englewood Industrial Urban Renewal Plan and the General Ironworks Development Plan (Englewood Urban Renewal Authority. 2000) ► Southwest Light Rail Transit Line Major Investment Study (RTD . 2000) ► Englewood Civic Center Pedestrian Underpass Feasibility Study (City of Englewood . 2002) ► Englewood and Oxford Station Area Plan (City of Englewood , 2003) ► Roadmap Englewood: The 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan (City of Englewood, 2003) and Englewood Forward : The 2016 Englewood Comprehensive Plan ► Englewood Master Bicycle Plan (City of Englewood, 2004) ► City of Sheridan Comprehensive Plan (City of Sheridan . 2004) 5 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U O V ► Re ady, Set. Action! An Urban De sig n Action Pla n for the Englew ood Do w nto w n & Medical Di stricts (City of Englewood, 2009) ► Arapa hoe County 2035 Transportation Plan (Arapahoe County, 2010) ► 2035 Metro Vi sion Regional Transportation Plan (DRCOG , 2011) ► Complete Streets Toolbox (City of Englew ood, 2011) ► Englew ood Master Bicycle Plan Route Development Study and Implementation Program (City of Englew ood , 2011) ► Ox ford Station Transit Oriented Development (TOD) -Planned Unit Development (PUD) Site Plan (Littleton Capital Partners , 2012) ► Englew ood Light Rail Corridor Station Area Master Plan (City of Englew ood, 2013) ► Navajo Apartments TOD -PUD Site Plan (Elsey Partners. 2012) ► Sand Creek TOD -PUD Site Plan (Sand Creek Investors, 2012) ► WH Investors TOD -PUD Site Plan (WH Investors. 2013) ► Engle w ood Walk and Wheel Master Plan and Program (City of Englew ood , 2015) 1,4.1 South Santa Fe Drive Corridor Improvements Study The cities of Englew ood , Sheridan, and Littleton formed the Tri -C ity Planning Group in 1991 to w ork w ith the Colorado Department of Transportation (COOT) in relation to the South Santa Fe Drive ex pansion project. The South Santa Fe Drive Corridor Improvements Study (Tri-City Planning Group. 1992) w as developed from the Tri-City 's planning process. This study. collaboration among the three cities , local businesses, and COOT . resulted in an overall development concept for improving the attractiveness, desirability , and accessibility of South Santa Fe Drive betw een Dartmouth Avenue on the north and C-470 on the south . 1,4.2 North Englewood Small Area Plan In August 1997, the City of Englewood staff began to dev elop an amendment to the Englewood Comprehensive Plan , the North Englewood Small Area Plan (NESAP) (City of Englewood. 1997). Working wi th citize ns in North Englewood , staff identified problems and opportunities affecting the Bishop Elementary School area north of Floyd Avenue to the city limits at Yale Avenue and betw een South Santa Fe Drive and South Broad w ay . The range of issues included traffic, environmental. land use, light rail. investments in infrastructure, and private property. The project centerpiece was the proposed redevelopment of the General Iron w orks site. The Planning Commission did not adopt this small area plan at the staff's request due to neighborhood opposition . 1,4.3 CityCenter Englewood: Redevelopment of the Cinderella City Mall Englew ood 's Cinderella City Mall. which was located immediately east of the CityCenter Englewood Station , closed in 1997-Community engagement identified the desire to create a multi-use development that would include civic and mi xed use retail. residential. and office uses 6 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S f U O Y east of the CityCenter Englewood Station . in addition to a major big box retailer . To achieve this vision. the City took on the role of master developer and completed the CityCenter Development Plan (City of Englewood. 2000). The new project would become known as CityCenter Englewood. Metro Denver 's first TOD . 1,4,4 Englewood Industrial Urban Renewal Plan and the General Ironworks Development Plan The Englew ood Urban Renewal Authority became involved wi th the area around the General Ironworks site as a result of the NESAP (City of Englewood . 1997) process and the recognition that the area and the General Ironworks site offered a significant development opportunity for the City. The Authority also recognized potential impediments to redevelopment of this area that included environmental. economic. infrastructure. and land use and zoning issues (Englewood Urban Rene wa l Authority. 2000: Englewood Urban Renewal Authority. 2002). Acquisition negotiations between the Englewood Urban Renewal Authority and RTD began in 2000 and progressed. along with the request for proposal issued by the Englewood Urban Renewal Authority for development of a portion of the General Ironworks site. anchored by a new LRT station located at Bates Avenue. As planned. RTD would acquire the entire site. retain the northern portion for the LRT maintenance facility. and transfer the southern portion to the Englewood Urban Renewal Authority for redevelopment. RTD acquired the northern portion for the Light Rail Maintenance facility. but redevelopment of the southern portion of the site did not occur. 1,4.5 Southwest Light Rail Transit Line Major Investment Study RTD initiated a Major Investment Study to evaluate rapid transit alternatives for the Santa Fe Drive corridor between downtown Denver and Littleton in 1992 . LRT was selected as the preferred technology in 1994, effectively extending the e xisting Central corridor running through the heart of Denver (RTD. 1994). Construction of the South west extension began in 1997 and was completed in 2000 . opening to the public in July of that year . 1,4.6 Englewood Civic Center Pedestrian Underpass Feasibility Study In 2002. the City of Englewood completed a design and cost feasibility study for a pedestrian underpass underneath Santa Fe Drive approximately 600 feet north of the intersection at Hampden Avenue and Santa Fe Drive (City of Englewood. 2002). The recommended alternative consists of a 350-foot underpass accessed from the east via a staircase at the northwest corner of the Englewood Civic Center parking structure and from the west via a staircase located in the center of the existing Santa Fe Drive frontage road cul-de-sac. The primary objective of the study was to assess the physical and financial feasibility of boring a pedestrian tunnel under Santa Fe Drive that would serve a new RTD park-n-Ride. The study did not include the potential for multimodal east/west access. such as bicycle connectivity . 7 Felsburg Holt & Ulle vig ENGLEWOOD F O RWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S -IJ O V -----• 1,4.7 Englewood and Oxford Station Area Plans In 2002. the Englewood Community Development Department applied for and received a Heritage Planning grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs . The focus of this planning effort w as to determine the extent of the influence the CityCenter Englewood Station and the Sheridan -Oxford Station would have on redevelopment opportunities (City of Englewood, 2003). The Station Area Plans provided the framework for future development and redevelopment around these stations to build on the region 's investment in mass transit. Three components make up the station area plans: land use inventory. market analysis. and master plan . The land use inventory identifies current uses within the LRT Station influence areas and provides a detailed land values analysis as a baseline for further analysis . The market analysis focuses on determining the most appropriate mi x of uses for the station area and the critical mass of such uses necessary to ensure long-term sustainability . The master plan describes and documents preferred long -term development patterns surrounding the LRT Station areas . 1,4.8 Roadmap Englewood: The 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan and Englewood Forward: 2015 Comprehensive Plan Update The City of Englewood is currently updating its comprehensive plan , Roadmap Englewood 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan. in 2015 (City of Englewood, 2015). The 2003 Comprehensive Plan emphasized working with RTD to increase ridership through the creation of high-quality transit. bicycle. and pedestrian connections to LRT stations and focusing capacity improvements on pedestrian. bicycle, and transit modes. The revised Plan will establish a vision for Englewood's future and set forth broad principles to guide topics such as land use. housing, parks and open space. business and employment. transportation, and sustainability. Based on these principles, detailed policies and objectives outline how the vision can be realized . Strategies will be organized around the Plan's vision and will include monitoring and management recommendations for long-term implementation . 1,4 .9 Englewood Master Bicycle Plan In 2004, the City of Englewood prepared a Master Bicycle Plan (City of Englewood , 2004) to serve as an addendum to the 2003 Comprehensive Plan . The Master Bicycle Plan presented a more refined vision of a community-wide bicycling system to be achieved over the next 20 years . The plan provided justification for a series of bicycle routes, identified key missing links in the bicycle trail system. and provided a series of amenities to promote cycling by making it more convenient and safe . 1,4.10 City of Sheridan Comprehensive Plan The City of Sheridan is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (City of Sheridan. 2015). The previous Comprehensive Plan was prepared in 2004 (City of Sheridan . 2004), The purpose of the 2004 Comprehensive Plan was to guide development and redevelopment over the 2004 to 2024 twenty-year planning period . Objectives were to redevelop from Union Avenue to Hampden Avenue, west of Santa Fe Drive and east of the South Platte River : redevelop the Old 8 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y Hampden area ; improve the Oxford Avenue and Platte River frontages: and construct pedestrian crossings over /under Santa Fe to improve access to the LRT stations . 1,4.11 Ready. Set. Action! An Urban Design Action Plan for the Englewood Downtown & Medica l Districts The City of Englewood developed conceptual streetscape designs in Ready Set Action/ An Urban Design Action Plan for the Englewood Downtown and Medical Districts (City of Englewood , 2009) for segments of Broadway and Old Hampden Avenue in the City's Downtown and Medical Districts. The Downtown District is Englewood's night life and entertainment district along Broad w ay , and the Medical District serves the retail and dining needs of the local residents and the Swedish Medical Center and Craig Hospital users and employees. The CityCenter Englewood District. which is the location of the CityCenter Englewood Station , w as not included in the plan . The emphasis of the streetscape designs was to improve the pedestrian e x perience. 1,4.12 Arapahoe County 2035 Transportation Plan Arapahoe County completed a 2035 Transportation Plan in November 2010 . The 2035 Transportation Plan evaluated future road needs based on land use projection , population growth, dai ly traffic volumes, and commuting destinations. On ly 2 percent of residents within unincorporated Arapahoe County commute to work within the City of Englewood, as defined by DRCOG . Because the plan focuses on the unincorporated portions of Arapahoe County, no proposed transportation improvements were identified in the vicinity of the study area . 1 ,4.13 2035 Metro Vision Regional Transportat ion Plan The DRCOG 2035 Metro Vision RTPidentified the needs, corridor strategies, and projects anticipated to be constructed over the ne xt 20-plus years . The RTP consisted of both fiscally - constrained and fiscally-unconstrained vision components (DRCOG , 2011). In the 2035 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan. the key fiscally constrained mult imodal improvements included: ► Expanding the CityCenter Englewood Station park-n-Ride to 1.350 parking spaces, and ► Reconstructing Ox ford Avenue between Federal Boulevard and Clay Street in the City of Sheridan . 1,4.14 Complete Streets Toolbox In 2011. the City of Englewood conducted the Englewood Complete Streets Project and prepared the Complete Streets Toolbox(City of Englewood, 2011) as an initiative to take steps toward a c o mmunity vision for mixed-use, pedestrian oriented development patterns in Eng lewood's Downtown and Medical Center Districts . The Englewood Complete Streets Project was identified as a critical next step project in t he Ready Set Action/ An Urban Design Action Plan for the Englewood Downtown and Medical Districts planning process . The Complete Streets Toolbox provided a series of recommended facilities, such as street restripi ng , asphalt overlays, traffic signal designs, etc., that could be implemented as funding was identified and made available . 9 Fe/sburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D Nftl<r LI GHT RA I L CO RR IDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y 1,4.15 Englewood Master Bicycle Plan Route Deve lopment Study and Imp lementation Program The City of Englew ood conducted an Englewood Master Bicycle Plan Route Development Study and Implementation Program (City of Englewood. 2011) to focus on immediately implementable improvements to the on-street bicycle system and to develop a comprehensive and understandable on-street bicycle route system. The implementation recommendations w ere to provide additional signs along Oxford Avenue. regional route signage (numbered routes). local route signage. comprehensive and understandable route mapping . and guide/destination signage. These recommendations were implemented by March 2012. 1,4.16 Oxford Stat ion Trans it Or iented Development -Planned Unit Development Site Plan In 2012 . Littleton Capital Partners proposed a development plan for the 3-5-acre former Martin Plastics site located at the southwest corner of the Navajo Street and West Oxford Avenue intersection . The development plan includes 252 dwelling units within two five-story buildings. underground parking with 140 spaces. and a surface lot accommodating 195 spaces (Littleton Capital Partners. 2012). 1,4.17 Englewood Light Ra il Corridor Station Area Master Plan In 2013, the City of Englewood prepared the Englewood Light Raif Corridor Station Area Master Plan (City of Englewood. 2013) in coordination with DRCOG and RTD to encourage transit supportive development for the Southwest LRT Corridor in Englewood. The plan identified complementary functions. character. uses . and design elements for each station area and associated public infrastructure to link to the corridor. 1,4.18 Navajo Apartments TOD -PUD Site Plan Elsey Partners prepared a proposed development plan for the 2.13-acre property located south of the Martin Plastics site at 4201 S. Navajo Street. The development plan includes 130 dwelling units within two 5-story buildings and a surface lot accommodating 192 spaces (Elsey Partners . 2012). 1,4.19 Sand Creek TOD -PUD Site Plan In 2012 . Sand Creek Investors prepared a proposed development plan for the 10 .61-acre property consisting of two parcels located at 601 W . Bates Avenue. which is located northwest of the Bates Avenue/Elati Street intersection . The development plan includes 12 buildings with 336 res idential units and associated parking . 1,4.20 WH Investors TOD -PUD Site Plan WH Investors prepared a proposed development plan for the 6 .12-acre site consisting of several parcels generally located east of S. Galapago Street. south of W . Bates Avenue. north of 10 Felsburg Holt & Ulfevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS <, U D Y W . Dartmouth Avenu e. and eas t of the CML railro ad trac ks and LRT line. The development plan includes seven building s w ith 224 re si dential units and as sociated parking . 1,4.21 Englewood Walk and Wheel Master Plan and Program The City of Englew ood is prepar ing a citywi de pedestrian and bicycle plan, Engle w ood Walk and Wheel Mas ter Plan and Program. in 2015 (City of Englew ood. 2015). The purpose of the Engle wood Walk and Wheel Master Plan and Program is to evaluate the City 's current w alking and bicycling condition s and acti v ity, develop recommendations to strengthen w alking and bicycling connectivity in Englewood , and encourage more people to include w alking and bicycling in their daily activities . The Engle wood Walk and Wheel Mas ter Plan and Program w ill build on the pre v iou s Bicycle Ma ster Plan completed in 2004 and the community -wi de bicycle route signage program comp leted in 2012 and w ill identify Englew ood 's top priority projects for making upgrades to the bicycle and pedestrian netw orks throughout the community . 11 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CO R RIDO R NEX T STEPS 5 U D Y ~ 2 .0 Transportation System Conditions Assessment • To provide transportation improvements that increase multimodal (bicycle. pedestrian. transit. and vehicle) connectivity to the CityCenter Englewood Station and the Sheridan -Oxford Station . an assessment of the existing facilities and conditions was performed . The following chapter presents ex isting transportation system data collected for the study area (Figure 1-2) and an assessment of deficiencies. 2.1 Exist1no Conditions 2.1.1 Roadway Roadway data collected includes netw ork characteristics within the study area. and traffic volumes from field visits and available sources. Documenting these elements of the study area road w ays assists in determining what kinds of improvements are appropriate and needed for motorized travel and transit. bicycle. and pedestrian modes (alternative modes). Network Characteristics Network characteristics involve the physical orientation of a roadway and how it is intended to function . The City of Englewood has established street classifications as part of their comprehensive plan . which defines the role of roadways within the city. Arterials. which include ex pressways and freeways. provide regional connections and are designed to carry large volumes of vehicles . Collectors are generally designed to provide access between arter ials and local roads . which access residential areas and commercial centers . Figure 1-2 shows the road w ays and their classifications w ithin Englew ood, which have been e xtended into the City of Sheridan . The number of lanes along a roadway also plays a role in the capacity and character of a roadway. Figure 2-1 sho w s the number of through lanes for non-local classified roadways . while Figure 2-2 shows intersection layouts for important intersections within the study area . In addition to regulation of legal traffic speeds. speed limits also play a role in how comfortable travelers might be to use alternative modes on the roadway. In general. arterials have higher speeds than collectors and local roads . The highest speed limits in the study area are on the e xpressways/ freew ays (US 85 and US 285 west of US 85), while the slo w est speed limits are in busy and/or denser areas such as CityCenter Englewood. around the Swedish Medical Center - Craig Hospital complex, and retail uses southwest of the US 85 / US 285 interchange. These areas have larger volumes of pedestrians. bicyclists. and vehicles making turns into or out of parking facilities . Figure 2-3 shows speed limits within the study area for non-local classified roadways . 12 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD l10hl ftAtl. C0(( .. 10011 NEX T STEPS Figure 2-1. aJ l.JQM R•H SUUOno --2Lann Through Lanes 3 Lann (2 we, 1 fl!I) --jlann --1t.ann ('? City Boundaries D StudyAtH 0 • NORTH l,OOO 1 i nch= 2,000 feet Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • 13 E N GLE WOOD FORWARD ll0h 1 fJAIL COlflP il)Og NEX T STEPS Figure 2 -2 . Existing Intersection Configurations Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • 14 • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD t•Qto 1 p.1.11, C O'flhOOA wrr _,..~-~~~~=~~=~~~~~~~-~~~~--• N EX T STEPS Figure 2-3. Speed Limits CE Ught Rau Station• Speed Limit -20MPH -25MPH 30MPH -35MPH 40MPH -45MPH -55MPH (,_? City BoundariH O stuctyArea 0 A 2,000 1 inch = 2,000 feet Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 15 ENGLEWOOD FORWARD L IGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S ~ U D Y Exist in g Traffic Daily traffic volumes and the percentage of those volumes that are trucks were obtained from CDOT and DRCOG, with supplemental counts conducted as part of this study by All Traffic Data (A TD). Daily traffic volumes and truck percentages help determine how much a roadway is being used. They also help identify what bicycle and pedestrian facilities might be needed to make users feel comfort able and safe using a particular route. Figu re 2-4 shows the collected daily t raffic volumes . Peak hour morning and evening turning movement counts were also conducted at select intersections throughout the study area to determ ine each intersection's level of service (LOS). LOS is a based on a letter grade measurement of how well the intersection operates. The LOS of an intersection is measured A to F, with A representing free-flow conditions and F representing highly congested . The Arapahoe County 2035 Transportation Plan generally accepted standards indicate a LOS of D or better as the desired peak period LOS for urban arterials and LOS of C or better as the desired level for all collectors . Figure 2-4 shows the peak hour turning movements and LOS for each selected intersection . Intersections with a LOS not meeting these levels include: ► US 85 and West Dartmouth Avenue (AM and PM) ► US 85 and West Oxford Avenue (PM) ► South Federal Boulevard and West Oxford Avenue (PM) 16 Felsb urg Holt & Ullevig Intersection LOS Defin it ions No vehicle wa its longer than one .----•...,-R-_' signal indication . ~---'--' On rare occasions vehicles wait through more than .------- one signal indicat ion . Intermittently vehicles wait through more than one .,. signal indication , --------·- occasionally backups may develop , traffic flow still stable and acceptabl e. Delays at intersections may become extens ive , but enough cycles with lower demand occur to permit periodic clearance , preventing excess ive backups . LOS D has historically been regarded as a desirable design objective in urban areas . Very long queues may create lengthy de lays Backups from locations downstream restrict or ,.,.....,--;:::-:-':- prevent movement of vehicles out of approach creating "gridlock " condition L! Tl C ID) JE • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD t.lQ l•l IU,IL COtllllDOU NEXT STEPS Figure 2-4. -Englewood O.nned TlvckA:outH • • • Olhe.r Routes Llkt:fy UMd by Trucka (? Citf Bound&rie• D StudyAIH • • ~=w~---~=~~~~~~~~~~~~~~D!!!!!!!!!l!l!!!!,i,. Existing Daily Traffic Volumes and T ruck Data 0 • 2,000 --c:::::J Feet 1 inch = 2,000 feet 17 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RAIL CORR IDOR NEXT STEPS !; r V l) Y wrr Figure 2-5. Existing Peak Hour Intersection Turn ing Movement Counts and Levels of Service 18 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • ENGLEWOOD FORW A RD LIGH T RA IL CO R RIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y Trucks The study area is home to many industrial land uses that rely on trucks to move goods. The City of Englewood has defined truck routes to designate which roadways trucks should use w hen traveling through the area . In addition to daily traffic volumes, Figu re 2-4 shows these truck routes and the percent of daily traffic volumes that is truck traffic. Englewood 's truck routes are generally along state highways and other arterials, with some collectors defined as truck routes to provide access between industr ial uses and arterials. Truck percentages were collected along West Oxford Avenue and were available for all state highways from COOT. In general. a truck percentage under 2 percent would be considered low, with 2 to 5 percent considered moderate truck activity and greater than 5 percent considered high truck activity. All locations with available truck percentage data were along truck routes and have moderate or higher truck activity . Locations along US 85 and West Oxford Avenue west of US 85 e xperience high truck activity, with percentages of 7 to g percent observed. 2 .1.2 Transit RTD serves both the City of Englewood and City of Sheridan . RTD 's Southwest LRT corridor runs parallel to US 85 and bisects the study area. Several bus routes serve the area. primarily the CityCenter Englewood and medical uses around Swedish Medical Center -Craig Hospital. Lines , Stops, and Frequency Two LRT lines serve the study area : one running between the Littleton-Mineral Station and Union Station , and the other between the Littleton -Mineral Station and 30 th -Downing St ation. Six bus routes provide service seven days a week, and four additional routes operate weekdays only. T able 2 -1 summarizes operating periods and frequency for each transit line serving the study area. while Figu re 2-6 illustrates their routing . 19 Felsburg Ho lt & Ulle vig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD L IGHT RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS 5 U O Y Table 2-1. Weekday Study Area Trans it Routes Frequency (minutes) Weekday Span of Weekday Route ID Days of Service Service Weekday Peak Off-Peak Light Ra il Union Station to C Littleton -Mineral Line 7 days/wk 4:45 am -8:oo pm 30 30 Station 30th-Downing to D Littleton-Mineral Line 7 days/wk 4:00 am -1:45 am 6 -15 15 -60 Station Bus South Broadway 0 7 da ys/wk 3A5 am -2:30 am 10 30 South Broadway OL Weekdays only 5:30 am -TOO pm 6-15 N/A Limited Downing/ 12 7 days/wk 4:30 am -1:00 am 15 30-60 N. Washington Yale Avenue 27 7 days/wk 6 :oo am -8 :oo pm 30 30 Riverbend 29 7 days/wk 5A5 am -1:00 am 30 60 .. Hampden Avenue 35 Weekdays only 4A5 am -8 :oo pm 30 30 Fort Logan 36 7 days/wk s:oo am -12:00 pm 60 60 Fort Logan 36L Weekdays only 5:00 am -TOO pm 30 N/A Limited Sheridan Blvd. 51 7 days/wk 6:oo am -u:oo pm 30 30-60 +-- ART ART Weekdays only 6 :30 am -6 30 pm 15 15 ----1------- Source: RTD . 2015 20 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD llC,.1 fl!Atl,. C:O'fl:l'!OOA N EXT STEPS Figure 2-6. • • WIT ·~---------=-~~=-~---=-------~-..a~-• Existing Transit Routes 2 1 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS <, U D Y Ridership Table 2 .2 displays daily boardings and alightings (exits) for the two UH stations for the past four RTD schedule periods . along w ith the station's ridership ranking within RTD 's LRT system for each peri od . Table 2-2. Average Weekday Ridership at Study Area Light Rail Stat ions Northbound Southbound S t ysem Period Board ALight Board ALight Total Rank CityCe nte r Eng lewood Stati on May '14 2,219 351 373 2,037 4,980 10/44 January '14 2.431 380 332 2,388 5.531 10 /44 August ·13 2,294 367 318 2,255 5,234 10 /44 April '13 2.228 360 l,__ 367 2,169 5 ,124 9 /44 She ri dan -Oxford St ati o n May '14 521 72 76 450 1,119 35 /44 Ja nuary ·14 521 72 76 450 1,119 36/44 August ·13 484 75 78 427 1,064 37/44 April '13 436 77 79 411 1,003 35/44 Source: RTD. 2015 Of the two LRT sta t ions within the study area. CityCenter Englewood Stat ion has the highest ridership . ranking w ithin the top quarter of LRT stations over the past year. This is due t o the station's 910-space park -n-Ride and the presence of the CityCenter Englew ood 's dense and diverse land uses . Review of 2010 RT D Parking and Mode o f Access data to the Ci t yCenter Englewood Station and the Sheridan -Oxford Station shows 55 percent of those accessi ng t he CityCenter Englewood Station do so by driving d irectly to t he station . whereas 70 percent arrive to the Sheridan -Oxford Station by bus transfers . Table 2 -3 summarizes the mode o f access data from RTD . The Engle w ood Station park-n-Ride averaged go percent utilization of its 910 parking spots from 4th quarter 2013 through 3rd quarter 2014 . Table 2-3. Study Area Light Rail Stat ions Mode of Access (2010) Mode of Access Englewood Station Oxford-City of Sheridan Station Wa lk Directly Dri ve Directly Bus Transfers 10 % 55 % 35 % · Does not include vehicles that park along South Windermere Street 22 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 30% 0 %" 70 % • - • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U O Y ~ The 2010 data report contains information on how far people drove to park at the CityCenter Englewood Station park-n-Ride. Just over 10 percent traveled between 0 .5 to 2 miles . Another 27 percent drove between 2 to 5 miles. while nearly ha lf drove 5 to 10 miles and 15 percent drove over 10 miles. December 2013 park-n-Ride patron origin maps from RTD show most drivers came from west. southwest. or south of the station beyond the 2-mile radius . However. a dense cluster of origin dots are also from the residential areas just east of the station , particularly north of US 285 between South Broadway and South University Boulevard. and some even west of South Broadway. There is also a small cluster of origin dots at the multi-family complex located in the northwest corner of the US 85 / US 285 interchange. which is just over 0 .5 mile away. T able 2-4 presents daily ridership for bus stops with over 150 total boardings/alightings within the study area. Table 2-4. Top Study Area Bus Stops by Total Daily Boa rdings and A li ghtings Stop(s) Boarding Alighting Total City Center Englew ood Station· 1,284 1.151 2.435 Englew ood Parkw ay /South Acoma Street 378 295 673 Englew ood Parkway/South Elati Street 218 246 464 Sh e ridan -Oxford Station · 79 104 183 South Federal Boulevard /West Girard Av enue 97 70 167 South Federal Boulevard /West Hampden Av enue 88 63 151 -- · Light rail station Source: R TD, 2015 The top three bus stops in terms of total dai ly boardings and alightings are all within the CityCenter Englewood. Bus boarding and alighting are by far most active at the CityCenter Englewood Station. which is to be expected given the number of routes that serve the station . The stop at the Sheridan -Oxford Station is the next highest. The two remaining stops are both on South Federal Boulevard near West Hampden Avenue. Most other notably busy bus stops are along South Broadway within the study area. like ly due to the frequency of service the o and oL routes provide. Some stops along So uth Federal Boulevard and near Swedish Medical Center-Craig Hospital are a lso active. Figure 2-7 shows all bus stops within the study area within riders h ip ranges (ridership by stop was not available for the ART shu ttle) . 23 Fe/sburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD tlC h l R•1l COMR IOO~ NE XT STEPS Figure 2-7, Average Daily Ridership at Study Area Bus Stops Total Boardlng1 and Allghttngs 0 cao .... , .. A 150 -300 • >300 CE Light RaH Stations -UgMRaH 8ut Rout .. (,_? City BoundlriH O stucryArH 0 A 2.000 •-=::::j Feet 1 inch = 2,000 feet Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • 24 • • -• • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIG H T RA I L CORR I DOR N E X T S T EPS S U D V 2 .1 .3 DRCOG T raffic Model Th e DRCOG trave l d e m and mode l w as use d to estimate futu re t raffi c condition s a nd see w he re th e M etropolitan Plann ing Organ iz ation anticipates ho useholds and employ ment grow th wi th in th e study ar ea . House holds and Employment Th e DR COG t rave l dema nd model uses th e placement of hou sehold s and e mploy ment w ithin traffi c analys is zones (T AZ s) to estimate future traffic v olumes. Figure 2-8 illu strates hou seholds and employment b y TAZ for 2010 (th e b as e ex isting condition s yea r) and 2 035, alon g wi th th e grow th ex p e rien c ed between 2 010 and 2 035. Table 2-5 a nd T able 2-6 prov id e the actu a l hou seholds a nd employ ment by T AZ w ithin the DR COG models. T ab le 2-5. DRCOG Households by Traffic Analysis Zone T AZ 2010 2035 Growth • • • • 1586 1,367 1.492 125 2123 137 450 313 15 95 273 309 36 2124 .. 2103 181 202 21 2125 39 1 50 11 363 368 5 2104 408 415 7 2126 776 855 79 2106 93 11 3 20 2127 553 579 26 2107 201 491 290 2128 209 220 11 211 3 r 1,179 1,298 119 2129 211 4 744 869 125 2130 2115 339 492 153 2131 36 1 57 21 400 543 143 824 923 99 2116 380 445 65 2132 571 I 676 105 2117 36 187 151 2133 602 641 39 2118 488 879 391 2134 972 I 1,117 145 2119 737 775 38 2135 297 307 10 2120 619 727 108 2136 9 ] 16 7 2121 583 goo 317 2137 716 745 29 2122 783 876 93 Total 14.915 I 18 ,017 3,102 Source: DRCOG 2010 and 2035 Travel Demand Models 25 Fe fs burg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • ENGLEW OOD FORWARD ----------------------• ,,(i ......... .:o ,o. NEXT STEPS Figure 2-8. Estimated Existing and Future Households and Employment by Traffic Analysis Zone Estimated Household Growth by TAZ Estimated Employment Growth by TAZ ['.]•50 .. ,00 .200 .. ,, .. L] <50 11111 200-500 11111 >1,000 L] 50 • 100 200 -3150 □ Study Area 1 lnch • S 000 feet llll so -200 11111 500-1,000 □studyArH 26 fe15tugHoll&Ull!l-'.9 5,000 Feet 1 lnth • 5,000feet ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS ~ u [l y Future Traffic Fi gure 2-9 shows daily traffic projections for 2035 that were developed at ex isting traffic count locations by using growth results from the DRCOG travel demand models. As e xpected. freeways /e xpress w ays such as US 85 and US 285 , along with state high w ays such as SH 88 (South Federal Boulevard and West Belleview Avenue). are projected to e xperience the highest net growth . However. points along West Oxford Avenue between Broad w ay and South Federal Boulevard are projected to e xperience some of the highest growth in the study area . West Floyd Avenue w est of Broadway and South Clarkson Street north of US 285 are also e xpected to experience a significant increase in traffic by 2035 due to the growth in land use around those areas . In general. the growth in traffic volumes is projected to be between 10 and 50 percent. with grow th above 50 percent along some roadways north of US 285 , primarily near the CityCenter Englew ood Transit Use The DRCOG travel demand models perform mode selection for each person trip when assigning traffic to the transportation system. Figu re 2-10 shows the percent of each TAZ's trip generation assigned to transit in 2010 and 2035 , along with the same information but only for home-based w ork trips (commuting trips between the home and workplace). This information helps show how attractive transit is . and home-based work trips are specifically highlighted because they are typically the most likely to be taken by transit. Table 2-7 and Table 2-8 provide the percentages displayed in Figu re 2 -10 . 28 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS s u r, v Table 2-6. DRCOG Employment by Traffic Analysis Zone T AZ 2010 2035 Growth 1586 1595 2103 2104 2106 I 2107 2113 2114 2115 2116 2117 2118 2119 I 2120 2121 2122 317 3 553 804 1.030 326 197 2,115 977 273 1.529 1,464 414 397 1,867 500 322 3 553 861 2,005 418 244 4,199 977 476 1,820 2,220 414 431 2,264 562 I 5 0 0 57 975 1 92 47 2.084 0 203 291 756 0 34 397 62 Source: DRCOG 2010 and 2035 Tra vel Demand Models T AZ 2010 2035 Growth 2123 2124 2125 2126 2127 2128 2129 2130 2131 2132 2133 2134 2135 2136 2137 1,306 761 2.599 520 216 473 1.574 1,011 356 401 22 337 858 1,208 978 Total 25,386 ...__ 1.447 761 2,599 553 216 473 1.583 1,064 363 412 24 355 858 1,213 978 30,668 141 0 0 33 0 0 9 53 7 11 2 18 0 5 0 5,282 Most households in 2010 w ere located along the eastern third and w estern fringe of the study area , with the largest concentrations w ithin the extreme northwest corner and just north of the Swedish Medical Center -Craig Hospital complex. This pattern holds true in 2035, with most of the growth in households being east of US 85 and the railroad tracks , specifically around the CityCenter Englew ood area . Growth is also anticipated for the land located in between West Dartmouth Avenue. US 85 , US 285 , and the South Platte River. The study area is home to a significant amount of employment. which is primarily aligned along US 85 , although the T AZ w ith the highest amount of employment is the one in w hich the Swedish Medical Center -Craig Hospital complex lies . Significant employment growth by 2035 is e xpected for the Sw edish Medical Center -Craig Hospital area as well. along with areas around the CityCenter Englewood and the TAZ w est of the South Platte River and north of US 285 . 27 Fefsburg Holt & Uf/evig • ENGLEWOOD F ORWAR D l !Ctt 1 fl.t.1L COUJl'100CI NEX T S T EPS Figure 2-9. Q City BoundlriH D St\ldyAl'f• 2035 Daily Traffic Projections 0 1 inch • 2,000 fttt Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • 29 - • ENGLEW O OO FORWARD I •Ii "' "'"" \.o•~•l>O • NEXT S T EPS • • ----------------------• Figure 2-10. Estimated Existing and Future Transit Trips and Home-based Work Transit Trips by Traffic Analys is Zone □StudyArea 1 Inch • 4,000 feet □stu<tyArH 1 Inch • 4 000 feet 30 Estimated Existing and Future Home- based Work Transit Trips by TAZ Estimated 201 0 HBW Transit Trips by TAZ ['.] o-n CJ "'" □ Study A,e, ['.], ......... ,,,. !1tim1ted 2035 HBW Tnn1h Trips by TAZ Ll o.2% M% □ Study ArH ['.] , .. ,. .. ,_,,,. 4,000 •--===:!Fut 1 inch • 4 000 feet 4,000 Fut 1 Inch • 4 000 feet • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 ' U D Y Table 2-7. DRCOG Transit Total Trip Share by Traffic Analysis Zone I T AZ % in 2010 % in 2035 Increase TAZ % in 2010 % in 2035 Increase 1586 1595 2103 2104 2106 2107 2113 2114 2115 2116 2117 2118 2119 2120 2121 2122 t 2% l 1% I 2% 3% I 2% 2% 2% I 2% 2% I 1 2% 4% 3% 1% 2% 1% 3% 4% 2% 3% 3% 2% 5% 3% 3% 4% 3% Source. DRCOG 2010 and 2035 Travel Demand /vlode/s Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig 1% 2123 2% 1% 2124 1% 2125 1% 2126 2% 2127 2% 1% 2128 2% 1% 2129 1% 2130 2% 1% 2131 2% 2132 2% 2133 2% 1% 2134 2% 1% 2135 1% 1%~t 1% 2% 2137 1% 1% 31 3% 1% 1% I 3% 3% 2% 1% 3% 3% 2% 3% 3% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CO R RIDOR ----~• NEXT STEPS 5 U O Y Table 2-8 . DRCOG Transit Home-based Work Trip Share by Traffic Analysis Zone T AZ % in 2010 % in 2035 Increase T AZ % in 2010 % in 2035 Increase 1586 5% 8 % 3% 2123 4% 6 % 2% 1595 4% 6% 2% 2124 2% 2% 2103 2% 3% 1% 2125 2% 3% 1% 2104 4% 5% 1% 2126 4% 6 % 2% 2106 2% 2% 2127 4% 6 % 2% 2107 4% 6% 2% 212 8 3% 4% 1% 2113 7% 11% 4% 2129 2% I 2% -+ 2114 5% 5% 2130 3% 5% 2% 2115 6 % 8 % 2% 2131 4% 6 % 2% 21 16 6 % 7% 1% 2132 5% 7% 2% 2117 4% 6% 2% I 2133 5% 8 % 3% 211 8 8 % 11 % 3% 2134 5% 6 % 1% + 211 9 5% 8 % 3% 2135 2% 3% 1% 2120 6 % 8 % 2% 2136 1% 1% 2121 5% 8 % 3% 2137 3% 4% 1% 2122 4% 6% 2% Source: DRCOG 2010 and 2035 Travel Demand M odels Fe w TAZs e xceed 3 percent of all thei r current and future (2035) trip s by transit. The T AZ (TAZ 2118) w ith the highest e x isting and future transit percentage contains the CityCenter Englew ood Station (4 percent existing , 5 percent in 2035), w hile other notable TAZs (T AZs 1586, 2113 , and 212) are adjacent to the CityCenter Englewood Station or near major bu s routes . When evaluating home-based work trips . transit percentages are significantly higher. Most T AZs have an e x isting percentage of 3 percent or greater. and many have a percent of 6 percent or higher by 2035 . The CityCenter Englew ood Station T AZ (T AZ 2118) and the T AZs north of the Swedish Medical Center-Craig Hospital complex (TAZ 2116 and 2118) have the highest percentages, with 7 to 8 percent of e x isting home-based w ork trips occurring on transit and 11 percent occurring in 2035 . 2 .1,4 Bicycles and Pedestrians On-Street Bicycle Facilities The study area includes many bike route s signed on local and collector level streets. as sho w n on Figure 2-11. The only dedicated bicycle facility w ithin the study area has striped shared bicycle and parking lanes on each side of West Oxford Avenue from South Lipan Street to South Acoma Street. These lanes are roughly 10 feet in w idth and occasionally have small 5-foot-w ide 32 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LI GHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S T U D Y Nf(;!T -----• raised median buffers that create a short bike-only lane protected from the adjacent travel lane . Figure 2-11 shows these shared lanes along with local and regional bike routes traversing the study area . Sidewalks The study area is well connected with sidewalks given the grid nature of the roadway network. although many sidewalks are narrow within the older residential areas . Older portions of neighborhoods a few blocks east and west of Broadway tend to have wider side wa lks , including detached facilities . Analysis into missing pedestrian connections can be found in the subsequent section that discusses deficiencies. Shared Use Trails Many shared use trails provide regional and local access within the study area . Fi gu re 2-11 illustrates the shared use trails within the study area in addition to the other bicycle facilities . The Little Dry Creek Trail provides east-west connectivity along the Little Dry Creek , including access into and through the CityCenter Englewood via wide sidewalks. The trail is one of only two non- road w ay crossings of US 85 , and provides a connection to the Mary Carter Greenway, w hich is a major north-south regional trail running along the South Platte River . The Mary Carter Greenway provides a non-roadway crossing of US 285 and connects with the Bear Creek Trail that runs west along the south side of US 285 . The Greenway also connects w ith the Big Dry Creek Trail. which runs southeast from near Centennial Park to Littleton High School. providing a crossing of US 85 and West Belleview Avenue and passing through Belleview Park. Other smaller but notable trails include the Southwest Greenbelt. which is a local trail that runs along a drainage facility through Rotolo Park, providing a pathway through an area w hose grid road network is often interrupted by rapidly changing topographical features . The Oxford Avenue Trail is a wide sidewalk path that runs along the north side of West Oxford Avenue from US 85 to South Clay Street. and the Clarkson Street Trail is a discontinuous paved path along the east side of numerous segments of South Clarkson Street between East Belleview Avenue and the Little Dry Creek Trail. These segments of pathway link with the Belleview Avenue Trail and Quincy Avenue Trail. both of which run eastward from South Clarkson Street to the University Boulevard Trail. which is a major regional north-south trail. 33 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig EN GL EWOOD FORWARD l lC t< 1 ff41~ COlfR •DOU wrr NEXT STEPS Figure 2-11. Bicycle Routes and Facilities --Shared Ua.e Trill• --Bike Routn Shared Bike and -P•klng Llinff -Planned Ra ll Trail Ptanned Southwnt --GrNnbett ErteMion Planned Protecte-d Blkew•y (;J City 8ound"'1H D StvdyAtH 0 ... NORTH 2,000 1 Inch = 2,000 feet Felsburg Holt & U/levig • 34 • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S -U D Y Bicycle Counts Bicycle counts. shown in Figure 2.12. were extracted from the vehicle turning movement counts, w ith additional counts provided by the Englew ood Walk and Wheel Ma ster Plan and Program. The se counts include bicycles on t he road way and on the sidewalk from 7 tog AM in the morning and 4 to 6 PM in the evening . Intersections wi th Broadway, East Dartmouth Avenue, and South Clarkson Street had the highest number of bicycle movements, w hile intersections w ith US 85 had the least. although some bicyclists likely crossed US 85 via dirt path s along US 285 given counts at the US 285 / Inca Street intersection . The US 285 / Elati Street and Englewood Park w ay / Inca Street intersection s also had a large number of bicycle movements during the observation periods . The high number of movements from and onto Broadway is a bit surprising, though Broad way offers connections to high -frequency bus routes . Numerous movements were also observed near the CityCenter Englew ood Station . 2.2 Deflc1Anc1es 2 .2 .1 T raffle Congestion Existing peak hour traffic conditions for at-grade crossings of US 85 (West Dartmouth Avenue and West Oxford Avenue) are at or approaching a failing level. With US 285 having limited access w est of US 85 , these poor operations could mean any redevelopment along US 85 could experience difficulties accessing employment and /or shopping locations on the opposite side of the expressway . Given increases in future daily traffic projections for these crossings. it can be assumed that congestion at these intersections w ill only continue to worsen . Adding crossings of US 85 could help improve access along the corridor. Specifically, improving bicycle and pedestrian crossings and their connections could help reduce the dependency on driving to these attractions, especially since trip distances could be shortened to acceptable levels for travel by alternative modes . 35 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD ll(, .. t 9All C0~"10Qll NEXT STEPS Figure 2 -12. Two-Hour AM and PM Existing Bicycle Movements 7-9AM(4-6PM) Bicycle Tuming Movement Counts c No AM or PM 2·Hour Bicycle Movements * = Count provided by the Walk and Wheel Master Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and Implementation Program Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • 36 • -• • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S T U D Y 2 .2.2 Alternative Modes Safety Concerns Bicycle and Large Vehicle Conflicts Many local and regional bike routes traverse the study area on the road network without any dedicated bicycle facilities. such as bike lanes . Furthermore. these routes occasionally overlap and/or intersect routes used by large vehicles such as transit buses and trucks, potentially creating safety conflicts that can lead to conditions that may deter some travelers from traveling by bike. Figure 2-13 combines bike routes. bus travel routes , and truck routes to identify road segments that may benefit from improved bike facilities or the possibility of redirecting a mode's routing to avoid the conflict. When looking at where bike routes overlap with routes of large vehicles. several locations stand out. One of the greatest overlaps occurs along West Dartmouth Avenue between South Federal Boulevard and South Broadway. where a bike route without striping exists and both transit buses and trucks use this roadway for nearly its entire length. Furthermore, much of this stretch of West Dartmouth Avenue currently has higher daily traffic volumes compared to other roadways with an un-striped bike route . The Little Dry Creek Trail is a shared use trail running parallel to West Dartmouth Avenue with a grade-separated crossing of US 85; however, it only runs between Inca Street and the South Platte River . West Oxford Avenue has a similar overlap between South Federal Boulevard and South Broadway and also has higher existing and future projected daily traffic volumes compared to other roadways with an un-striped bike route. However. it does have a shared bike and parking lane along each side between South Lipan Street and South Broad way and also has the Oxford Avenue Trail running along the north side of the roadway from US 85 to South Clay Street. Gaps between these facilities do exist. including through the busy intersection with US 85 . The City of Sheridan Oxford Avenue Construction project. which will begin construction in 2015, includes construction of an 8-foot sidewalk between Federal Boulevard and Clay Street on the south side of Oxford Avenue. Other overlaps of notable distances include bike routes and truck routes running along : ► South Windermere Street from West Tufts Avenue to West Belleview Avenue. ► West Quincy Avenue from South Fox Street to South Broad way. and ► A bike route and transit bus route along South Elati Street from West Floyd Avenue to West Kenyon Avenue. Figure 2-13 highlights these overlaps. along with other sh orter overlaps not listed and crossings of bike routes with truck routes and/or tran sit bus routes . 37 Fe lsburg Holt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD F ORWARD l 1C h f tlA tl, COlf litlDQII NEX T S T EPS Figure 2-13. Potential Bicycle and Pedestrian Conflict Areas 0) UgftlRollSlallona Q ::::.!":'ftkl • ~=~c::-:.•n --luaRoutn lngklwood o.r1nee1 -TrucltRoutn Ottwr Routes llll-,Y • • • UMCtbyTtvc:Q Pot•ntialConfliet .A. ......... 0 ~ 2,000 (;J c..,,eouno.,... □ Shldy AIH 1 i n ch • 2,000 feet Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • 38 • • -• • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y ~ Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Hotspots COOT provided data on crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians from 2009 through 2013 at major intersections and along important roadway segments throughout the study area to determine if there are any locations of concern . Any location with three or more incidents over the five -year analysis period was flagged as a "hot spot" for possible conflicts between motorized vehicles and bikes or pedestrians. Figure 2-13 shows these "hot spots," along with bike routes and large vehicle routes. Table 2-9 lists the number of crashes at each location, including the number of crashes involving bicycles and the number involving pedestrians . Table 2-9. Bicycle/Pedestrian Crash Hot Spots # of Crashes Location 2009-2013 US 285 at South Broadway US 285 near South In ca Street US 285 east of South Log an Street US 285 at South Ga lapago Street West Dartmouth Avenue at the South Platte Ri ver South Broadway at Dartmouth Avenue South Broadway at Ke nyon Avenue South Broadway at Oxfo rd Avenue South Broadway at Chenango Avenue (Bike/Ped) 8 (5/3) 6 (1/5) 6 (2/4) 4 (2/2) 3 (2/1) 3 (1/2) 3 (3/0) 3 (2/1) 3 (2/1) A notable crash trend was found at the US 285 / South Broadway interchange, the highest bicycle/pedestrian accident location. Based on the crash reports, four of the five crashes involving bicyclists occurred with bicyclists traveling northbound on South Broad w ay and the vehicle traveling eastbound on the exit ramp from US 285 to South Broadway. This pattern suggests the bicyclists are riding on the sidewalk along the west side of South Broadway, and vehicles e x iting the ramp do not see the bicyclists traveling in that direction. Although there were five crashes that involved pedestrians at US 285 near South Inca Street. a consistent pattern was not present. Because this is a busy area with significant commercial and office land uses nearby, driver attention may be an issue. Some crashes also involved pedestrians illegally crossing a roadway. Lastly, nearly all bicycle crashes at intersections with South Broadway, other than US 285 , occurred along a b icycle route crossing of South Broadway . 39 Felsburg Holt & U/levig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T R A I L CO R RIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y 2 .2.3 Connecting Alternative Modes Barriers to Alternative Modes Barriers to alternative modes prevent connectivity and access. and force travelers to go out of their w ay to make a connection . Although these barriers can be assets to the area for other reasons such as recreation or vehicular travel. they can lead to unsafe travel or discourage the use of alternative modes. These barriers can e xist in many forms. both natural and man-made. Many common form s of barriers to alternative modes include limited-access high w ays. interchanges. railroads. and bodies of water. Figure 2-14 iden t ifies barriers to bicyclists and pedestrians within the study area . The largest barriers in the study area are US 85 and the railroad tracks that run parallel to the ex pressway. The railroad is grade-separated with West Dartmouth Avenue and West Oxford Avenue. The railroad crosses over the remainder of the expressway. Railroad tracks cannot be crossed wi t h the exception of two shared use trail crossings (one at West Dartmouth Avenue and one near West Layton Avenue). Should any of the industrial parcels along US 85 be redeveloped into higher density residential. especially west of US 85 , travel by alternative modes to the LRT stations would be difficult. This is already prevalent at the interchange of US 85 and US 285, which does not have any sidew alk or path facilities along US 285 through the interchange, yet dirt paths have been formed by pedestrian travelers wishing to travel this route to access commercial uses and the Engle w ood LRT station . The other major barrier w ithin the study area is the presence of large industrial and big box land uses. These uses, although important for employment and ta x revenue, often take up large tracts of land that cannot be traversed because there is no public street structure connecting through them or large areas of parking make doing so unsafe. Other major barriers are US 285 w est of US 85 and the South Platte River . However, a number of crossings of US 285 e x ist. and there is likely less demand for a crossing in other locations given the industrial nature of the area along US 285 and the presence of the Broken Tee Englewood Golf Course , which itself is a large barrier . Likewise, the South Platte River has several crossings, including both roadway crossings and non -road w ay crossings. 40 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD ll(.t•I flAll COl4 11'100g ...__......., __________ ......, ___________________ ..,,;#. NEXT STEPS Figure 2-14. Major Barriers to Bicycle and Pedestrian Movement CE Ught RaH s1-... • lnt.rchange ..... CrM1 Jng of Ban5er -FrHwayl'Exp,H1way Barrier -Railroad/llQhtraJI Barrier Water Barrier e2j Largo Land UM Block Q City Bounclari .. O studyA,ea 0 A 2.000 1 inch • 2,000 feet Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 41 - ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U O V 3.0 Real Estate Market Analysis and Feasibility Chapter 3.0 summarizes the real estate market analysis feasibility study and implementation plan prepared as part of the Next Steps Study. Appendix B includes the full real estate feasibility study and implementation plan . The study team analyzed the local real estate markets and the feasibility of real estate development for four study areas within the Englewood and Sheridan communities: ► The "North" Neighborhood (including the area east of the un line, generally west of Delaware. north of Dartmouth, and south of Yale); ► The "West" Neighborhood (the areas in both Sheridan and Englewood, to the north of Hampden Avenue. south of Dartmouth Avenue, and west of Santa Fe); ► The CityCenter Englewood Station area (including areas between Floyd Avenue and Kenyon Avenue , and between the LRT line on the west and Broadway on the east); ► The "South " Neighborhood anchored by the Sheridan -Oxford Station (including areas both north and south of Oxford Avenue, and east of the LRT line) These areas are shown on Figure 3-1 . • The City of Englewood and the City of Sheridan are centered strategically in the Denver metro • market. midway between Do w ntown Denver and some of the most rapidly revitalizing and growing inner neighborhoods of Denver (including Washington Park. Highlands. Golden Triangle. and others) and some of the more wealthy southern suburbs in the metro area (including Littleton . Centennial. Cherry Hills Village . and nearby communities). Demographers and market analysts expect the Denver metro area to continue to grow at rates far above the national averages (percentage -wise) in terms of population and employment. over the next few decades. Current estimates from the Metro Denver Economic Development Council project that the overall population of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood MSA w ill grow from around 3 million (in 2014) to over 4 million by 2035. Projections from DRCOG indicate that a good deal of the growth (in terms of residential development and nearby retail development that would serve residential growth) w ill occur to the north and east of Denver. along the l-25 corridor and near Denver International Airport. However. based on recent trends in real estate development in the region . a good deal of the population growth and development will occur along and near the LRT lines that serve the region . including the LRT line that connects from Denver through Englewood and Littleton. and in "infill" areas that enjoy adjacency and proximity to the various amenities present in the heart of the metro region . Over the long term. the continued growth and economic strength of the Denver metro region will translate into a strong opportunity for Engle wood and Sheridan to capitalize on their pivotal location in the region, at the junction of major arteria ls (Hamp den Avenue. Santa Fe Drive) and w ith the LRT line. If the community is able to work with the private sector to guide redevelopment and create highly marketable districts and projects . The four study areas have the potential to redevelop as office. residential. retail. and entertainment districts . 42 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S T U D Y Figure 3-1 . Focus Areas Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 43 ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U O Y Over the short term , however, various site attributes of the four study areas may limit the real estate potential of each area . Various impediments of the four study areas , in terms of limited or insufficient access , less than ideal visibility , issues with parcel assemblage, and the overall "look" and "feel" of the particular areas, limit the short term potential of each study area, to varying degrees, for near-term real estate development. The following outlines the overall conclusions of the market study and feasibility analysis for each study area, for both short term (ne xt five years) and long term (beyond five years, and up to 20 years) perspectives . 1 North Neiqhhorhoorl B. fpc; A vRnt -1e / El. ti Stree Ar; This area suffers from lack of visibility from the Santa Fe Drive corridor and historically has been perceived primarily as a gritty industrial area . However, strong interest in the potential redevelopment of the Winslow Crane parcel and adjacent parcels to the east. toward Delaware Street could yield a successful mixed use development over the near term (within the next five to ten years) centered on the following components: Residential: The North Neighborhood study area could absorb several hundred residential units, including a mixture of for-sale units (townhomes) and for-rent units (apartmen t s). • Retail: Given the lack of visibility from Santa Fe and other key arterials , the North Neighborhood study area would likely be able to support only local-serving retail needs (such as a coffee shop. • bank, hair salon , etc.) that would serve the everyday needs of residents in the study area. and residents of adjoining areas of Denver and Englewood . Office : Given the orientation of the study area, the North Neighborhood study area would likely absorb only small quantities of office uses over the long term (limited to less than 20,000 square feet [SF] in aggregate). This study area is not positioned to serve as a regional office hub, for example, and would be a more logical location for smaller format office (including medical office, small professional offices, etc.). The area has the potential to serve as an area for creative employment uses, given the relative pro ximity of the area to the southern portion of the City and County of Den ver and the access provided by the Santa Fe corridor to the larger metro area . Office development in the North Neighborhood area may also benefit from the rapidly escalating rent rates for office in Downtown Denver and nearby districts in the city. The North Neighborhood area could serve as a higher quality, yet cheaper, option for smaller companies looking to operate in a location central to the metro area . Entertainment: Given the lack of visibility of the North Neighborhood area to major transportation corridors and the UH, the North Neighborhood area is less likely to contain any entertainment components (of a material size) in the future. 12 West Neigh ornood The eastern edges of the West Neighborhood, between the South Platte River and Santa Fe Drive , enjoy greater visibility from the LRT line and the Santa Fe corridor. and are more likely to redevelop over the near term (next five to ten years) compared to the area west of the South 44 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D Y Platte River (which is more likely to develop over a much longer time frame). The overall redevelopment of the entire neighborhood is challenged by fragmented patterns of ownership throughout the area and the presence of industrial and commercial uses that are unlikely to relocate or convert to redevelopment anytime soon. The overall area west of Santa Fe Drive and north of Hampden Avenue has a very industrial flavor. w ith a sewer plant and a wide range of industrial uses present to the north of Dartmouth Avenue. that are not likely to change over time. In addition . as one travels farther to the west from Santa Fe Drive. the surrounding environment is more and more removed from the drivers of "energy" that may help to translate redevelopment energy and buzz south from Denver (including the Santa Fe and Broadway corridor). The area to the west of the South Platte River is surrounded by less affluent communities to the west that are less likely to redevelop over the next few decades. Discussions with various stakeholders in the area indicate that this part of Englew ood and Sheridan . along and west of the South Platte River . represents some of the last areas in the heart of the Denver metro area where larger scale commercial businesses and industrial users may operate. As marijuana grow houses and mi xed use redevelopments have replaced traditional industrial areas in the core of the Denver metro area over the last 10 to 15 years. the core of the metro area now has a reduced inventory of land available for traditional commercial and employment-driving land uses. Businesses seeking lands for operations now must look to the fringes of the metro area (near DIA and along the I-76 and north l-25 corridors) for available properties . Given its central location in the metro area . parts of the West neighborhood may be best positioned to serve as higher quality employment generators for this part of the metro area over the long term . Retail: Overall. demand does not e x ist for larger scale additional retail square footage in this part of the metro area , given the recent development of River Point in Sheridan and the potential development of the Gates property at l-25 and Santa Fe Drive into some retail-related uses. Over the near term . a mi xed use development along the west edge of Santa Fe Drive could attract a small amount of retail uses to take advantage of adjacency to the Santa Fe corridor (including a coffee shop. drive through uses, and other inline retail). However, the right in /right out (as opposed to full movement) intersections along the west side of Santa Fe Drive (between Dartmouth Avenue and Hampden Avenue) limit the potential for larger scale retail development along the west side of Santa Fe Drive . Residential: Over the near term. demand exists for a few hundred residential units (either apartments or townhomes) in the area between Santa Fe and the South Platte River. assuming that a developer could assemble a sufficient area of land / parcels to execute a viable residential project. Residential uses wou ld not be viable in the short term . to the west of the South Platte River . Residential development would logically proceed from east to west. from Santa Fe Drive to the west. over time. Over the Longer term. residential uses may be viable to the west of the South Platte River . but the feasibility analysis suggests that commercial or business park uses may be a better use of this part of the study area. going forward . Office I Business Park: The area between Santa Fe and the South Platte River has the potential to absorb smaller format office uses (serving smaller tenants such as medical offices. smaller companies, etc.) over the near term. However. at least in the near term, this area is unlikely to 45 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD L IGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U O Y develop as a larger format office node, serving the metro area . The area to the west of the South Platte River has the potentia l to develop as a revamped business park or similar type of development. providing space for a variety of users. The repositioning of this part of Englewood could help to provide additional areas for employment-generating uses in the community over the long term. Enterta inmen t: The development of entertainment land uses t o the west of Santa Fe Drive would likely succeed based primarily on access from and adjacency to the Santa Fe corridor. The market for movie theaters and similar land uses appears satisfied in the local market. over the short term and long term. A developer could attempt t o include certain entertainment land uses (such as a Dave and Busters or similar concepts) in this area, given its regional connectivity via Santa Fe Drive. However, this type of land use is more likely to succeed as part of a mi xed-use redevelopment of parts of the CityCenter Englew ood area . 33 C1tvcenter nc,lewood Area 3.3 .1 Near Term (5 -10 years) Residential: The overall CityCenter Englewood area has the potential to support an additional one to two apartment or condo projects (750 to 1.000 total un its) Office : The CityCenter Englewood area has the potential to support a relatively small area of additional office uses , geared to smaller users (medical offices, small businesses. etc.) and encompassing no more than an additional 20 ,000 SF in aggregate. Reta il: The overall market area centered on the CityCenter Englewood area is currently saturated across the full spectrum of retail uses . The feasibility study suggests limited additional retail demand over the next five to ten years . Entertainmen t: The market area centered on the CityCenter Englewood area may support smaller en t ertainment land uses (including a pub or sim ilar) of a few thousand square feet. Hotel: The area around the CityCenter Englewood has the potential t o support one limited service hotel (100 to 150 keys). such as a Hampton Inn . Holiday Inn Express. etc. 3.3.2 Long Term (10 Years-Plus ) Res idential: Over the longer term. the CityCenter Englewood area has the potential to support a few thousand additional residential units (apartment or condo) depending on how potential redevelopment scenarios move forward (in terms of density and orientation). Office : Lon g er term, the CityCenter Englewood area has the potential to emerge as a sub- regional node of office development of a few hundred thousand square feet. This level of office development could encompass a handful of larger scale corporate offices. Office development in the CityCenter Englewood area would move forward most likely in a scenario in which the CityCenter Englewood was repositioned as a higher quality mixed use redevelopment or district (similar to Belmar in Lakewood). Given the access. the area enj oys to the great er met ro area (in terms of not only arterials such as Hampden Avenue and San t a Fe Drive , but also from the UH 46 Fe lsbu rg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS <; U O Y N@rr system), the CityCenter Englewood area could evolve into a key office and employment node of a few hundred thousand square feet. over the longer term . This level of office development could encompass a handful of larger scale corporate offices. Office development in the CityCenter Englewood area would move forward most likely in a scenario in which CityCenter Englewood is repositioned as a higher quality mixed use redevelopment or district (similar to Belmar, in particular). In addition to a larger scale repositioning of the overall CityCenter Englewood area, this change would also require development of larger areas south of Hampden Avenue . Entertainment: Over the longer term, the CityCenter Englewood could include some entertainment uses that may draw from a regional or sub-regional audience. including concepts such as a Gameworks, Lucky Strikes, or similar entertainment concepts (similar to Dave and Busters) that combine food service and drinking options with entertainment components (such as golf, bowling, etc.). The area south of Hampden Avenue, given the larger parcel areas available for redevelopment. could also accommodate larger format entertainment uses serving a regional market (such as a regional youth sports center combined with food and beverage options. or larger format "concepts" such as Top Golf, etc.). 3LJ. So , h N@1gnoorhood -SnPr1dan -Oxford Station Area The presence of the UH line impedes visibility of this study area from the Santa Fe corridor. In addition , discussions with stakeholders indicate that the Meadow Gold dairy and other uses to the north of Oxford Avenue are unlikely to change over the near to mid term. Therefore, the focus of the real estate feasibility analysis was on properties to the south of Oxford Avenue, and east of the LRT line . The following outlines the potential for various real estate types in this area around the Sheridan -Oxford Station : Residential The study area south of Oxford Avenue has the potential to support up to 1.000 residential units (town home or apartment) longer term as part of two or three different projects. These units would likely be oriented as part of "mi xed use" developments incorporating a small amount of retail uses as well. Office : This study area has limited potential for smaller format office uses of no more than 10,000 SF in total and focused on smaller format offices for local tenants (including medical offices or smaller companies). The study area enjoys access via the Santa Fe corridor to the larger metro area . However, the Sheridan -Oxford Station area is not centrally located at the junction of two key arterials (as is the case at Hampden Avenue). While this area may support a small collection of offices, integrated into a mixed use orientation , it is unlikely to develop into a larger scale "node" of office development. It is likely that office demand in the Sheridan -Oxford Station area would result over the longer term (10 years plus) given that the character of the area would need to materially change to attract a sizeable number of potential office users. The most likely scenario for the Sheridan -Oxford Station area would involve residential development moving forward initially, followed by office development in later stages. Retail: Given the lack of visibility of the Sheridan -Oxford Station area from the Santa Fe corridor, this area is unlikely to attract a sizeable component of retail development. Any retail 47 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS s u [' y development in this area would be local serving (such as a coffee shop, dry cleaner, etc.) and would likely serve only the residents of the immediate area. east of Santa Fe . Total retail demand in this area would likely not e xceed 20,000 SF in aggregate. Retail development is more likely in the Sheridan -Oxford Station area over the longer term (beyond five to ten years), after initial residential developments move forward and materially change the character of this study area . En terta inmen t: Given the lack of visibility of the study area to the Santa Fe corridor, this study area is unlikely to develop entertainment components over either the short term or the long term. ~ 1, Im fem ntati n There are differing development and implementation strategies for the four areas with varying levels of public investment needed, depending on market timing and developer interest. ► The primary development opportunity at the Bates Avenue / Elati Street area would require a private joint venture with the family owning the land . The biggest challenge in this area is lack of visibility and connectivity to transit lines and stations . The suggested public and transportation improvements focusing on this area . particularly any around Dartmouth Avenue . should be timed w ith new development activity in this area. ► While both Sheridan and Engle w ood have indicated a long-term desire to see the West • neighborhood transition to a more mi xe d use community. there are critical infrastructure • challenges. A cross-jurisdictional subarea plan for this area is recommended, recognizing the important role of industrial as we ll as better connections to the South Platte River . Public infrastructure is a challenge in this area . Working with the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. ex ploring special district tools for side wa lk and street improvements. and prioritizing capital improvements through each City's Capital Improvement Plan would be necessary to address these critical issues and make the area more attractive for development. ► In the CityCenter Englewood area , interviews with major businesses and other stakeholders in the area indicated a strong interest in revitalizing the core CityCenter Englewood area. Recommendations include developing a detailed vision with these property owners focused on creating additional density in critical locations and addressing the legal agreements currently in place so as to not inhibit change . A potential tool to help finance necessary public improvements would be the creation of a Do w ntown Development Authority (DDA) to help generate Ta x Increment Financing (TIF). ► At the Oxford Station , a developer is leading land use change on the south side of Oxford . Working with property owners on developing shared parking south of the station as well as better connections through a General Improvement District and prioritizing the Rail Trail connection in this area . would help catalyze development south of Oxford Avenue more quickly. Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D ~ LI G H T RA I L CO RR I D O R NEXT STEPS S U D Y 4.0 Environmental Overview This chapter summarizes the existing environmental conditions for several priority resources within the study area (Figu re 4 -1) and summarizes additional resource assessment needs that could be required during any future project-level analysis. The environmental overview was conducted to identify potential environmental issues that could influence any future transportation improvements, such as the type, location. or design of improvements recommended as part of this study. 4 1 n //ronment ,-us Studv ArPas Sect ion 1.1 describes the study area for this project. Environmental resources were analyzed within five environment al Focus Study Areas based on the main transportation infrastructure study elements. including the protected bikeway loop, ra il t rail, Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension , Floyd Avenue Extension/ CityCenter Englewood Station. and the Sheridan -Oxford Avenue Station (Append ix C). Table 4-1 defines the Focus Study Area buffers. The Focus Study Areas represent the areas surrounding the proposed improvements that could have direct or indirect impacts during any future construction activities (Figure 2-14 ). Table4-1. Environmental Focus Study Areas Focus Study Area Study Area Buffer Bikew ay Loop Adjacent parcels Floy d Avenue Exten sion / CityCenter 500 f eet -Flo y d Avenue Exten sion Englew ood Station CityC enter -0 .25 mile Rai l Trail 50 0 feet ea st of the existing rail Sheridan -Oxford Station 0 .25 mile radius Southw est Greenbelt Trail and Extension Adj acent parcels • 49 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGL E WOOD FORWARD llO t<T (U,tL CO\f G'IDQQ NEXT STEPS Figure 4-1. Environmental Focus Study Areas CE Ught Ra i l Station -..-Rivers/Streams Q City Boundarleo □ Rail Tr-all Study Area D City Ctnttr Station and Floyd Ave Study Aru □ Oxford LRT Study Area Protected B ikeway Study Area D Southwes t GrNnbelt StudyAru D Overall Study Area Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • 0 • 2,000 1 lncll • Z,000 tt~ 5 0 • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIG H T RA I L C ORR I DOR NEXT STEPS s u f) y 4?. Anr1lysis Methods Ex isting conditions were assessed by conducting a desktop revie w of information for several priority resources , including previous studies, geographic information system (GIS) data, and other available information from relevant agencies, such as the City of Englew ood and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (Figures C-1. C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-6, C-7, C-8, C-g, and C-10 in Appendix C). Priority resources include those that can potentially affect any future alternati v es development and selection process , including : ► Park s and Recreational Resources ► Historic Resource s ► Hazardous Materials ► Waters of the US /Wetlands ► Threatened/Endangered Species and Migratory Birds ► Floodplains/Water Quality Future resources analysis needs w ill depend on the type of transportation improvements and funding sources and will need to be determined at the project-level stage. Other resources that were not considered at this planning-level stage but may require future inventory and analysis at the project-level include air quality, noise, vegetation/noxious weeds, social resources (including environmentaljustice), and archaeological/paleontological resources. ':/ Parks and Recrea 1onal Resources Parks and recreational resources are important community facilities that warrant consideration early in the planning process, specifically when a project has federal agency involvement. These resources include parks, trails, and open space areas that offer opportunities for recreation , including both passive and active activities. Information was collected about exis ting and planned parks and recreational resources within the Focus Study Areas by reviewing GIS data and parks and recreation master plans . Additional details about parks and recreation resources, such as ownership, size , and amenities, were obtained from accessing the City of Englewood and City of Sheridan websites in November 2014 . The following documents were reviewed : ► City of Englewood Parks and Recreation Master Plan (City of Englewood, 2006) ► South Suburban Parks and Recrea tion Website (2014) 4.3.1 Findings Table 4-2 ide ntifies parks and recreational resources . Section 2.1,4 discusses in detail bicycle and pedestrian trail facilities , including Little Dry Creek Trail. Mary Carter Greenway, Bear Creek Trail. Southwest Greenbelt Trail. Oxford Avenue Trail. and Clarkson Street Trail. 51 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LI G H T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y Table 4-2. Park and Recreational Resources Resource Name Location Description Resource Type Managed by Focus Study Area: Protected Bikeway Broken Tee Golf North of Oxford Amenities : Public Golf Cit y of Course 1 Av enue/West of Open y ear-round, driv ing Course Engle w ood Santa Fe Dri v e range / practi c e area , Parks and Address: 2101 W . 18 -hole golf course Recreat ion Oxford Av enue Hosanna Athletic Adjacent to Size : 18 .21 acres Sports Complex City of Complex1 Englew ood High Amenities : Engle w ood and School Ba seball / softball field , Engle w ood Address : 3750 S. t w o soccer / football School District Logan Street fields , 8 tennis courts with (tennis courts) lights , restrooms. off-street parking, and concessions. Adj acent to Little Dry Creek greenbelt. Sheridan 3325 W . Oxford Amenities : Community Park South Suburban Communit y Park2 Avenue Tennis courts, basketball/ Parks and multi-purpose court. skate Recreation park . baseball / softball field, soccer field , picnic shelter, restrooms. minor trails . Little Dry Creek North side of Hosanna Size : 1420 acres Visual Green City of Open Space1 Athletic Complex Space Englewood Parks and Recreation Cushing Park1 South of Dartmouth Size : 11.15 acres Community Park City of I Ave. and Eas t of Ameni tie s: 1 Englewood Existing LRT Line Picnic areas, tw o picnic Parks and Address: 700 W . shelters, one playground. Recreation Dartmouth Av enue informal baseball/softball field. basketball court, horseshoe pits, multi- purpose playfield, skateboard park, limited bicycle / pedestrian path, off-street parking , restrooms . Li ttle Dry Creek trail runs throug h the p ark. 52 Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CO RRIDOR NEXT STEPS s -IJ I) y ~ Resource Name Location Description Resource Type Managed by Englewood Recreation Ce nter Cushing Park' Mary Carter Greenway/South Platte River Trail Englew ood Recreation Center Felsburg Ho lt & Ulle vig 1155 W . Oxford Avenue South of Dartmouth Ave. and East of Existing LRT Line Address : 700 W . Dartmouth Avenue [ Amenities: Ind oor track. swimming pool. g y mnas ium. sand I volley ball courts. ra c quetball courts. cardiovascular train ing area. and weight training area . Focus Study Area : Rail Trail Size : 11.15 acres 1 Amenities: Picnic areas. t wo picnic shelters. one playgro und . informal ba seba ll / so ftball field. basketball court. 1 horseshoe pits. multi- purpose playfield . shuffleboard court s. skateboard park. limited bicycle / pedestrian path . off-street parking, restrooms . Little Dry Creek trail runs through the park . Recreation Center Community Park Focus Study Area : Floyd Avenue Extension/CityCenter Englewood Station N / A An eight miles multi -use Multi-use Trail trail along the South Platte Ri ve r from Chatfield State Park to the City of Englewood Amenities : Whitewater facility along the South Platter Ri v er . Bicycle / pedestrian concrete trail and adjacent crusher fines trail. Parking facilities . Focus Study Area : Sheridan -Oxford Station 1155 W . Oxford Avenue Amenities : Indoor track. swimming pool. g y mnasium. sand vo lleyball courts. racquetball courts. cardiovasc ular training area. and wei ght training area . 53 Recreation Center City of Englew ood Parks and Recreation City of Englewood Parks and Recreat io n South Suburban Park Foundation City of Englewood Parks and Recreation ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LI G H T RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S U I, V Nf4-rr Resource Name Location Description Resource Type Managed by Focus Study Area : Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension Jason Park' 4299 S. Jason Street Si ze : 8.11 acres Neighborhood Rotolo Park' 4401 S. Huron Street Southwest Rotolo Park to Greenbelt and Trail' S. Cherokee Street City of Englewood. 2006 Amenities : Park Basketball court. soccer field, multi-purpose play field, baseball / softball field, playground. picnic she lter, restrooms, off-str eet parking , designated off-leash dog area . Size: 3.25 acres Amenities: Picnic tables. baseball / softball field. multi- purpose playfield wi th out goal. pla yground, and restrooms . Co nnects to So uthwest Greenbelt. Size : 5.51 acres Amen iti es : Bicycle / pedestrian p ath . picnic t ables. sca ttered benches. Trail through Rotolo Park -extends to S. Cherokee Street. Neighborhood Park Op e n Space/ Local Trail South Suburb an Parks and Recrea t ion Website 4,3.2 Next Steps City of Engle w ood Parks and Recreation Ci t y of Englewood Parks and Recreation City of Englewood Parks and Recreation Future projects could require an additional evaluation for parks and recreational resources , including a Section 4(f) evaluation and Section 6(f) evaluation . which are described below. Additionally . the park boundaries and amenities for the resources identified in Table 4-2 should be verified during any future project-level analysis . Section 4(f) Evaluation Section 4(f) resources are protected under the US Department of Transportation Act (DOT Act). as defined in 23 Code of Federal Regulations 774 and include publicly-owned parks . recreational areas , wild life and waterfowl refuges . or public and private historical sites . If any future project with federal funding involves the use of a Section 4(f) property, then a Section 4(f) evaluation would be required for that particular resource . 54 Felsburg Holt & Uttevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIG H T RA I L C ORR I DOR NEXT STEPS 5 T U O Y ~ Section 6(f) Evaluation Section 6(f) resources include land or facilities that have been purchased or improved with Land and Water Conservation Funds (L WCFl. Section 6(f) would apply to all transportation projects involving possible conversions of any Section 6(f) land or facility and would need to be considered for any projects with CDOT involvement (including oversight). 4.4 Hts 1c Resourcps Historic resources include buildings, bridges, railroads, roads. and other structures that are at least 50 years old (45 years old for transportation projects). Resources that meet this age- eligibility criteria are potentially eligible to be included on the National Register of His toric Places (NRHP). The Arapahoe County Assessor's Office database was reviewed to determine w hether parcels within the environmental Focus Study Areas contain st ructures that meet the minimum age requirement of 45 years old. This study did not include a COMPASS database search (Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation). 4,4.1 Findings Table 4-3 summarizes the number of parcels within the Focus Study Areas (defined in Sect ion 4.1) that have structures that meet the minimum age-eligibility requirement of 45 years o ld . Table 4-3. Number of Parcels w ith Structures 45 Years Old or Greater Focus Study Area Floyd Avenue Exten sion/CityCenter Englewood Station Bikeway Loop Sh e rid an -Oxford Station Rail Trail Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension Number of Parcels 83 234 64 87 102 Tab le C-1 in Append ix C includes address information for parcels with buildings that meet the minimum age-eligibility requirement of 45 years old and considered potentially eligible to the NRHP. 4,4.2 Next Steps Any future projects with federal funding or federal agency involvement w ould require compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), which requires the consideration of the effects of their undertakings upon significant NRHP-listed or eligible historic properties . Section 106 of the NHPA. as amended, requires federal agencies to: identify historic properties, evaluate effects to those properties, and develop mitigation for adverse effects to 55 Felsburg Holt & Uf/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA IL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 T IJ D Y properties. The process involves consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and other interested parties, known as consulting parties . Any future project would require a review of the COMPASS database to determine whether previously determined eligible or listed historic properties are present. Any future project would also require a field assessment. Also, if a Clean Water Act (CW A) Section 404 permit is required for any future project. a Section 106 clearance is also required before a permit can be issued . d Ii Hazardous Matenats This hazardous materials overview includes a review of sites wi thin the Focus Study Areas (Figure 4.1) with known (current and historic) soil and/or groundwater contam in ation, w hich are distinguished as sites with recognized environmental conditions (RE Cs). The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard 1527-13 defines RECs as : " ... the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into structures on the property or into the ground, groundwater, or surface water of the property ." When potential regulated materials concerns could not be confirmed without additional inspection or investigation, the sites are distinguished as sites with potential RECs. • Sites with known or potential RECs include facilities with indications of an existing release, past • release. or material threat of a release of any regulated materials into the ground (soil), groundwater, or surface water: the possibility of migration from the contaminant source: and the potential to present a materials management and/or work health and safety issue during the construction of any future project. Examples include: ► Sites with reported hazardous materials releases, such as National Priorities List (NPU, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action (CORRACT S), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS), and Voluntary Clean Up (VCUP) ► Mine, landfill (LF), or solid waste disposal facility (SWF) sites , RCRA large-quantity generator (LOG) sites, RCRA small-quantity hazardous was te generator (SOG) wi th reported violations ► Facilities w ith active/closed lea king underground storage tanks (LUSTs) The methodology used to identify sites with potential hazardous materials concerns included reviewing previous studies conducted by the City of Englewood in the vicinity of the study area (E-21 Engineering Inc. and Major Environmental Services, Inc. 2003a: 2003b; 2003c) and a review of previously collected local. state, and federal environmental agency databases obtained from Satisfi, Inc . Felsburg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FOR W A RD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D Y 4.5.1 Findings The review identified total of 120 sites with RECs or potential RECs within the study area (Table C-2 in Appendix C). Most of these are associated with LUST. RCRA CORRACTS , and VCUP sites . Hazardous materials are most likely to be encountered during ground-disturbing activities near sites with recognized or potential environmental conditions. LUST sites that are closed still have the potential to have residual contamination present and should be investigated more thoroughly during any future project. Additionally , any development along the South Platte River has the potential to encounter landfill materials from historic in-filling along the banks of the river over time . 4,5.2 Next Steps All hazardous materials sites located within the environmental Focus Study Areas (defined in Section 4.1) have the potential to present a materials management and worker health and safety issue during future construction . This overview was prepared with a level of detail appropriate for the development and screening of future design alternatives . During any future project development, a formal hazardous materials assessment, including site verification , to identify any hazardous materials issues would be required . The purpose of conducting a more detailed hazardous materials assessment is to provide information needed to plan for known and potential hazardous issues and assist with future avoidance options or material management / mitigation measures that may be required during construction . 4 6 Waters of the lJ /Wetland. Waters of the United States (WUS), including wetlands , are protected under Section 404 of the CWA (33 United States Code [USC] 1344). The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) defines WUS as all navigable waters and their tributaries, all interstate waters and their tributaries, all wetlands adjacent to these waters, and all impoundments of these waters. The USACE definition does not include wetlands that lack a surface connection to and , therefore. are isolated from , regulated waters. However, isolated wetlands are protected under Executive Order 11990 Protection of Wetlands (Environmental Protection Agency, 1977). Wetlands. as defined by the USACE , include: "those areas inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support and under normal circumstances do support. a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions ." Potential wetlands were identified through a review of the US Geological Survey (USGS) National Hydrological Dataset. The initial purpose of this review was to identify areas of known surface water, including streams. ditches, ponds, and lakes that would be areas containing potential wetlands or open water that would be considered WUS. The USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was also reviewed to identify any specific locations of wetlands within the Focus Study Areas (defined in Section 4.1) . 57 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LI G H T RA I L C ORR I DOR NEXT STEPS 5 ' U fl Y 4.6 .1 Findings T able 4-4 identifies potential wetlands and WUS . T able 4-4 . Poten ti al Wetlands and Waters of the US within the Focus Study Areas Focus Study Area Floyd Avenue Exten sion/CityCenter Englewood Station Bikeway Loop . -.. Potential w etlands are associated with the South Platte River at Floyd Avenue Extension over the South Platte River. Potential w etlands are associated with Little Dry Creek at the crossing of South Clarkson Street. and the South Platte River along Oxford Avenue. Also . potential wetlands are associated with a private property in the southeast corner of Hampden Avenue and South Clarkson Street. No potential wetlands were identified in the Rail Trail, Oxford Avenue LRT Station . and Southwest Greenbelt Trail Extension Focus Study Areas . Additional areas with potential wetlands and WUS in the vicinity of the transportation improvements include Big Dry Creek and the City Ditch . 4 .6.2 Next Steps Any future project. regardless of funding source or other agency involvement (i.e .. FHW A/ CDOT / Federal Transit Administration [FTA]) would require a formal wetland delineation to verify the accuracy of the WUS/wetland resource areas identified through the GIS mapping assessment and identify any additional WUS/wetlands within the Focus Study Areas that may not have been identified as part of the preliminary desktop assessment. 7 Thrt c1tenee1/1=ndanaered ec1es an Mtali. o,y Birds Federally listed threatened and endangered species are protected under the Endangered Species Ac t (ESA) (16 USC 1531 et seq.). Under Secti o n 7 of the ESA a consu ltat ion and clearance process with the USFWS is required if federally listed species or its habitat will be affected by project activities . A preliminary assessment was conducted to identify potential habitat for federally listed species within the Focus Study Areas (Figure 4 -1). The prelim inary assessment included collecting data from the USFWS Information. Planning. and Conservation System (IPAC) to identify any pot ential species within the Focus Study Areas . A detailed habitat evaluation was not performed as part of this assessment. 4 .7.1 Findings Table 4-5 lists threatened and endangered species located in Arapahoe County and potentially within all Focus Study Areas. 58 Fe lsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D V Table 4 -5 . Th reatened/Endangered Species Located in Arapahoe County Name Preble's meadow jumping mouse (PMJM) (Zapus hudsonius preb!e1) Interior least tern (Sterna antt!!arum atha!assos) Mex ican spotted owl (Strix occ1denta!is !ucida) Piping plover ( Charadrius me!odus) Whooping crane ( Grus Americana) Pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus a/bus) Ute ladies '-tresses orchid (Spiranthes dtfuvia!is) Western prairie fringed orchid (P!atanthera praec!ara) Status T E T T E E T T Descript ion Mammals Inhab its riparian areas near standing or running water in low land areas that are dominated by forested wetlands, shrub dominated wetlands, and grass/forb dominated w etlands between 4 ,000 and 8,000 ft in elevation. The project area is located in the Block Clearance Zone for PMJM in the Denver metro area . Birds Water depletions in the South Platte River may affect the species and/or critical habitat in downstream reaches of the Platte River in other states. Nest in steep canyons with dense stands of large ponderosa pine or pinyon-juniper wi th Dougla s-fir. and in mature to old-growth mi xe d-conifer forest wi th high canopy closure and open understory. Favored I stands generally are multi-storied , w ith snags and downed logs . ' Water depletions in the South Platte River may affect the species and/or critical habitat in downstream reaches of the Platte River in other states . I Water depletions in the South Platte River may affect the species and/ or critical habitat in downstream reaches of the Platte River in other states. Fish I Water depletions in the South Platte River may affect the species and/or critical hab itat in downstream reaches of the Platte River in other states. Plants Occurs along riparian edges, grave l bars , old ox bows. high flow channels, and moist to wet meadows along l perennial streams. Water depletions in the South Platte River may affect the species and/or critical habitat in dow nstream reaches of the Platte River in other states . T • Threatened Species; E = Endangered Species Source: USFWS, IPAC , 2013. Accessed January 1. 2014. Natural Dive rsi t y Information Source -Colorado Parks and Wildlife (http:/ /ndis .nrel.colorado .ede), accessed Janua ry 1. 2014 . 59 Felsburg Ho lt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y Migratory birds. including raptors . are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 USC§§ 703 -712). The MBTA also provides protection for the eggs and active nests of migratory birds. The MBTA prohibits activities that may harm or harass migratory birds during the nesting and breeding season . This includes the removal of active nests , which could result in the loss of eggs or young . The environmental overview did not include a detailed habitat evaluation for migratory birds. However. suitable migratory bird habitat may be present. 4,7.2 Next Steps Any future project. regardless of funding sources and agency involvement (i .e ., FHW A/ COOT / FTA) would require an updated revie w of threatened /endangered species. a field survey within the Focus Study Areas , and the completion of a coordination and clearance process with the USFWS . Projects wi th COOT involvement (including oversight) would also be required to consult with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife on any project affecting streams . stream banks. and any tributaries under Colorado Senate Bill 40 (SB 40). A programmatic SB 40 certification process and documentation or formal SB 40 certification process and documentation would be required . depending on the level of impact from any future projects. Migratory Birds Field surveys would be required to identify locations of any nests before construction of any future project. regardless of funding source or agency involvement (i .e .. FHWA/COOT) . .d rloodplains ana w'a er Uu I y Major floodplains were analyzed for the Focus Study Areas . Floodplains were identified by reviewing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for the study area. Floodplains in the study area have one or more of the following flood zone designations : ► Zone AE corresponds to the 1-percent-annual-chance (100-year) flood hazard area where a detailed study has occurred and base flood elevations (BFEs) have been determined. ► Floodway corresponds to the channel of the stream. plus any adjacent floodplain areas , that must be kept free of encroachment so that the 100-year flood can be carried wi thout substantial increases in the flood heights . In Colorado, that increase is defined as a maximum of 0 .5 feet. ► Zone X corresponds to areas outside the 0 .2-percent-annual-chance (500-year) floodplain. areas within the 500-year floodplain, areas of 100-year flooding w here average depths are less than 1 foot. areas of 100-year flooding where the contributing drainage area is less than 1 square mile. and areas protected from the 100-year flood by levees. No BFEs or base flood depths are shown within this zone . 60 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RA IL CO RR IDOR NEXT STEPS s. r u o v 4.8.1 Findings Table 4-6 and Figure C-11 in Appendix C identify drainageways with FEMA designated floodplains in the study area . Table 4-6. FEMA Designated Floodplains in the Study Area Drainage way South Platte Riv er Little Dry Creek Big Dr y Creek 4,8.2 Water Quality ZoneAE Zone X ZoneAE Floodw ay Zone X Zone AE Floodw ay Zone X Description This study did not assess water quality conditions associated with the South Platte River, Bear Creek, Big Dry Creek, and Little Dry Creek. Water resources are managed through federal. state, and local regulations that establish the standards and management actions necessary to protect the water quality. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Water Quality Control Commission (WOCC) has the authority to establish and enforce water quality standards within the state. The primary water quality concern associated with transportation infrastructure results from the discharge of stormwater to receiving waters. Next Steps Any future project. regardless of funding sources and agency involvement (i.e ., FHWA/ CDOT / FT A), that involves work within the floodplains of the South Platte River, Bear Creek, Little Dry Creek. and Big Dry Creek will require an assessment of potential floodplain impacts. If the affected drainageway has a floodplain and floodway, impacts to the floodplain can be incorporated without triggering the Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR)lletter of Map Revision (LOMR) process. However, any impacts to the floodway will require analysis at the project-level to determine if a "no rise" condition can be achieved . A "no rise " condition means that there is a o .oo foot rise in the water surface elevations when comparing the existing conditions to proposed conditions. If a "no rise" condition cannot be achieved , the CLOMR/LOMR process will be triggered . If the affected drainageway has a floodplain but no floodway, relatively small impacts to the floodplain may be incorporated without triggering the CLOMR/LOMR process, but the drainageway will need to be analyzed at the project level to determine the impacts . 61 Fe lsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U O Y Additionally. if any proposed work associated with future projects occurs in an e xisting surface water resource. such as the South Platte River. Bear Creek, Little Dry Creek. or Big Dry Creek. a w ater quality assessment and coordination w ith the CDPHE will be necessary. 4-a Other Resources Future environmental resource analysis needs are dependent on project funding sources and individual project characteristics and may include: ► A project noise analysis following relevant methods (e .g ., FTA or FHWA) ► A project air quality analysis following relevant methods (e .g .. FT A or FHW A) ► An evaluation of minority and lo w-income populations (i.e ., environmentaljustice populations) 62 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD F OR WAR D LIGH T R A I L C OR RIDOR NEXT STEPS S U O Y 5.0 Transportation Improvements Analysis Chapter 5.0 describes the development. evaluation, and conceptual engineering design of alternatives for transportation improvements in the study area . Included in the alternatives development and evaluation process were public involvement and outreach efforts with the cities of Englewood and Sheridan and with local businesses and neighborhoods. Ch apter 7,0 summarizes the community engagement activities conducted for this project. Alternatives n vela rYJen 5.1.1 Prev iou sly Proposed Proj ec ts The alternatives development began with the identification of seven multimodal transportation infrastructure projects recommended in the Englewood Light Rail Comdor Station Area Master Plan (City of Englewood, 2013), and those the cities of Englewood and Sheridan had previously identified (Figure 5-1, Figure 5-2. Figure 5-3 , and Figure 5-4), including : ► Rail Trail (Big Dry Creek Trail Connection to Bates Avenue) • Constructing a 10-foot-wide multi-use bicycle/pedestrian trail with bridges over Oxford Avenue, Hampden Avenue, and Dartmouth Avenue ► Oxford Avenue, Dartmouth Avenue, Clarkson Street Separated Bikeway Loop • Constructing a bi-directional 6-to 8-foot-wide protected bikeway along Dartmouth Avenue from Inca Street to Clarkson Street. Clarkson Street from Dartmouth Avenue to Oxford Avenue, and Oxford Avenue from Clarkson Street to Irving Street ► Southwest Greenbelt Trail Improvements • Reconstructing the existing 8-foot-wide asphalt trail in Rotolo Park from Cherokee Street to Huron Street with a 10-foot-wide multi-use trail and constructing a new 10-foot-wide multi -use trail from Huron Street to the Rail Trail ► Englewood Parkway Extension and Bus Transfer /Piazza Redesign • Extending the 29-foot-wide Englewood Parkway roadway (two 12-foot through lanes with 2.5-foot curb and gutter) and associated bus transfer/pedestrian piazza from Inca Street to the CityCenter Englewood access road ► CityCenter Englewood Station Platform Shelter • Reconstructing the CityCenter Englewood Station Platform Shelter ► Floyd Avenue Extension (Inca Street to Zuni Street) • Extending the 59-foot-wide Floyd Avenue roadway and associated bicycle and pedestrian improvements (two 12-foot through lanes with 2.5-foot curb and gutter, 10-foot sidewalk, and 5-foot bicycle lanes) from Inca Street to Zuni Street with grade separated crossings of the LRT tracks, CML railroad tracks, US 85 (Santa Fe Drive). and the South Platte River . ► Sheridan -Oxford Station Connection • Constructing a 12-foot-wide pedestrian grade-separated crossing of the LRT tracks. CML railroad tracks, and US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) at the Sheridan -Oxford Station . 63 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD llCt<T IU,H l:0'1"•00U NEX T STEPS w:r Figure 5-1. Previously Proposed Projects LEGEN D aJ I.Jvht Rall St1tion1 -Railroad• V Clly BoundarlH RecreaUonal RtsourcH Proposed Transportation Improvements Separated Blkeway Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • -• • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD llQhl ll4tL C(HIIJIDOV ~-~----~=~~~==-~::-=~~=~=--• NEXT STEPS Figure 5-2. Previously Proposed Projects and Complementary Transportation Improvements -CityCenter Englewood Station Area LE GEN D Ql ......... .._,_......., 0 Loop Bikeway -A•UTrell -Fk,yd Av•nu• E•tenalon -Englewood Ctty C♦nlff St•tion Platform -Eng...,_,ood P•rkw•y/Bus Tr•nsfet/P~H Aedu'9n Potential Complementary Improvements 11 1111 1 Enttewood City C.nt.,. Station P~tri ■n Bridg• or Tunnel FIOyd Avenue (Sh...-man to f]all} Bicyci./PedHtritin Elatl Strffl (KenYotl to fktyd) BkyeM/P~strlan D•rtmouth Avenue (Inca to '~•It alkeway LltU• 0ty Cree" Ttall ConttKtlon 8k:ycte/P.ciHtri1n lmp,n)YfffltJnlt -D•rt.mouth Aven~ {South PSat10 River Or to Zuni Aeceu) ("•: Hampdffl AYenl.Mtshos.hoM Stffft lntertec:Uon "'o•• US 15/D•rtrnouth Annue lnlenKllon btttNn AvenU41/lt1ca StTfft Blcyca.1Ptde1trl■n Ha!Ntton Sndga Blcycla/P_.,lrlan Place or FIOyd Annu. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD t 10 h 1 fu,,~ co11 010ow NEX T STEPS Figure 5-3. Previously Proposed Projects and Complementary Transportation Improvements -Sheridan - Oxford Station Area LEGEN D CE Light tbil StlldCM'I• -lltailroad• Proposed TransportaUon lmprovemenls t..oep eu, •• .,. -R•IITraH -Odord StatJon P.o.st,lan Brid~ o, Tl.tftnet Potentia l Complementary Improvement s UIIIII City Ditch Pedettrh 1n/Bk;ycle Alver Pokit Parllway IS f>f atte River Trell 10 Odord A .. ) 8kycle M anarield Av.nu. Bl k• ~ .••••. US W Oiford Aven1.1t lnttt'Mctlon '-,,, .. • O•fo«J A,...n\MI/N l'lajo StrMt lnt ornctlon Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • 66 -• • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD llQt•d AAII,. c o~ .. t1D0g N EXT STEPS • Figure 5-4. Previously Proposed Projects and Complementary Transportation Improvements -South of Oxford Avenue Cl] Light Rall Station• -Railroad• Recreational RNOUKH Proposed Transportation Improvements Loop Blkeway -RallTrall -Southwest Greenbelt Extension Potential Complementary Improvements 11 11111 Qui ncy/City Ditch/Stanford Pedestrian/Bicycle Wlndennare Street Shared Use Path Tults Avenue (Navafo to Rall Trail) Bicycle/Pedestrian Union Avenue (Federal lo Centennial Park) Bicycle/Pedestrian Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 67 - ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LI GHT RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS S U D V ~ 5.1.2 Potential Complementary Transportation Improvements In addition to the previously identified planned alternatives , an analysis was conducted to identify additional transportation improvements that could complement the existing transportation system or the previously proposed projects. This analysis is based on specifically improving bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to the CityCenter Englewood Station and the Sheridan -Oxford Station and on addressing traffic congestion and safety conflicts to improve vehicle and bus access to the stations . Consequently, the previously proposed projects were supplemented with 24 potential Complementary Transportation Improvements (Table 5-1 and Figure 5-1, Figure 5-2 . Fi gure 5-3, and Figure 5-4). These Complementary Transportation Improvements include bicycle/pedestrian improvements. intersection/access improvements. and other improvements. Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements ► Eastman Avenue/Inca Street Area Bicycle/ Pedestrian Improvements • Widening the e xisting sidewalk between the Inca Street and Cushing Park parking lot to a shared use trail cross-section • • Developing a shared use trail connection along the south side of the Cushing Park parking lot between the existing sidewalk and Eastman Avenue ► Floyd Avenue Bike Lanes (CityCenter Englewood Station to Sherman Street) • • Restriping to include 5-foot bike lanes in both directions, requiring the removal of the center turn lane from the CityCenter Englewood Station to Elati Street. and a road diet from four lanes to two lanes with a possible center turn lane from Elati Street to Sherman Street ► Dartmouth Avenue Separated Bike Lanes (Platte River Trail to Federal Boulevard) • Extending the construction of a bi-directional. 6 to 8-foot wide protected bikeway along Dartmouth Avenue from the Little Dry Creek Trail to Federal Boulevard ► Elati Street (Kenyon Avenue to Floyd Avenue) Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements • Adding/improving bicycle/pedestrian facilit ies. including at the intersection with us 285 ► Kenyon Avenue or Mansfield Avenue Bike Lanes (Logan Street to Rail Trail) • Restriping to include 5-foot bike lanes in both directions to connect a possible bicycle/pedestrian overpass over US 85 and all railroad tracks with access from one of these roadways. requiring the removal of on-street parking ► City Ditch Shared Use Path (Roto lo Park t o Oxford Avenue) • Developing a paved shared use path along the City Ditch easement ► Windermere Shared Use Path Extension (Batting Cages at Cornerstone Park Entrance to Englewood Canine Corral Entrance) • Replacing the ex isting sidewalk with an extension of the existing 8-foot shared use path along the east side of Windermere Street (Be l leview Avenue to the Batting 68 Fe fsburg Holt & U/fevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS s u [' ', Cages at Cornerstone Park entrance) north to the Englewood Canine Corral entrance. providing connectivity to the Big Dry Creek Trail. ► Tufts Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements (Navajo Street to Rail Trail) • Extending the sidewalk along the south side of Tufts Avenue to connect with the future Rail Trail where Tufts Avenue turns north into Windermere Street • Painting bike sharrows and installing "Share the Road" signs • Installing crosswalks where Tufts Avenue turns north into Windermere Street (including ADA compliant ramps). where Windermere Street continues south from Tufts Avenue. and where Navajo Street continues north from Tufts Avenue ► River Point Parkway (South Platte River Trail to Oxford Avenue) Bicycle Improvements • Adding/improving bicycle facilities ► Union Avenue (Federal Boulevard to Centennial Park) Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements • Adding/improving bicycle/pedestrian facilities ► US 85/Hampden Avenue Interchange Pedestrians Improvements • Extending the existing sidewalk along the north side of Hampden Avenue through the US 85/Hampden Avenue interchange to South Platte River Drive ► Little Dry Creek Trail Connection Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements (Along the frontage road west of US 85 to Little Dry Creek Trail. Mary Carter Greenway [South Platte Traill. and west across the South Platte River) • Adding/improving bicycle/pedestrian facilities along the frontage road west of US 85 to Little Dry Creek Intersection / Access Improvements ► US 85 / Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements • Providing a fourth northbound and southbound through-lane along US 85 to the next largest intersections (US 85/Hampden Avenue and US 85/Evans Avenue) ► US 85 / Oxford Avenue Intersection Improvements • Providing a fourth northbound and southbound through-lane along US 85 to the next largest intersections (US 85/Hampden Avenue and US 85/Belleview Avenue) ► Oxford Avenue/ Windermere/ Navajo Street Intersection Improvements • Improving bus circulation to the Sheridan -Oxford Station ► US 285 / Shoshone Street Right-In/ Right-Out • Working with CDOT to construct a right-in/right-out to/from US 285 and Shoshone Street to provide easier vehicular access to areas west of US 85 and north of US 285 ► Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements (South Platte River Drive to Zuni Street) • Providing intersection and access control improvements along Dartmouth Avenue from the South Platte River Drive to Zuni Street as the street grid is reestablished (Dartmouth Avenue/Shoshone Street. Dartmouth Avenue/Ouivas Street. etc.) 69 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS s u r v Other Improvements ► Sheridan -Oxford Station park-n-Ride / Shared Use Parking • Redeveloping the nearby parcel into a RTD park-n-Ride facility or working with a developer to construct a shared use parking structure as part of a mixed-use redevelopment where a portion of parking would be dedicated to RTD riders using the Sheridan -Ox ford Station ► Hamilton Place or Floyd Avenue Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements • Widening the Hamilton Place Bridge to accommodate 8-foot sidewalks and 5-foot bike lanes on each side or providing a separate adjacent bicycle/pedestrian only bridge and/or providing a separate Floyd Avenue Bridge over the South Platte River . A I I l/ v ~ 1-V J, /UI I A three-tier evaluation process was used to identify a recommended set of transportation improvements. The following is a general overview of the alternatives evaluation process depicted in Tier 1 of the evaluation process assessed if the planned alternatives and proposed Complementary Transportation Improvements met the project vision (Sect ion 1.2 ). Alternatives were then advanced from the Tier 1 evaluation (Sect ion 5.3 and Table 5-1 ) to the Tier 2 evaluation . • Each transportation improvement was evaluated based on criteria relevant to that particular • improvement. The evaluation included : ► Tier 2A: Evaluation of the Floyd Avenue Extension (Section 5,4 and Table 5-2) • Above or below grade separation of Floyd Avenue with the LRT tracks , CML railroad tracks, US 85 (Santa Fe Drive), and the South Platte River ► Tier 2B : Evaluation of the Sheridan -Oxford LRT Station Connection (Section 5.5 and Table 5-3) • Aligning the above or below grade separation with the LRT tracks, CML railroad tracks , US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) ► Tier 2C: Evaluation of the Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension (Section 5.6 and Table 5-4) • Aligning the extension from Huron Street to the Ra il Trail ► Tier 2D : Evaluation of the Potential Complementary Transportation Improvements (Sect ion 5.6 and Table 5-5). ► Tier 3 focused on refining the alternatives based on feedback from the cities of Englewood and Sheridan, the public, and elected officials (Section 5.6 and Table 5-5 ). 70 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD I 1(1,t• f '1Atl COfltlf100U N EXT STEPS • Figure 5-5. Transportation Improvements Analysis Process Tler2A- Evaluatlon of the Floyd Avenue Extension TierzB- Evaluation of the Sheridan-Oxford LRTStation Connection Tier2C- Evaluation of the Southwest Greenbelt Trail Extension Tier2D- Evaluation of the Complementary Transportation Improvements Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements 71 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U r. Y ~ Criteria for developing and evaluating alternatives were established through a public process that was responsive to the vision of the project: project goals that are consistent with DRCOG's 2035 Metro Vision Regional Transportation P!an:the potential for transportation benefits, real estate feasibility , and environmental resources within the study area . A list of evaluation criteria based on the vision , project goals , and input from the cities of Englewood and Sheridan was developed to evaluate alternatives . These criteria focused on seven categories: safety, alternative travel modes, connectivity, constructability, environmental. community, and implementability. For each level of the alternatives evaluation process, the study team chose evaluation criteria from these categories and prepared evaluation measures for each criterion . 'i '? I ,er 1 Evaluation -Studv Vision Project Vision : The purpose of the transportation improvements is to enhance multi modal connections (bicycle, pedestrian , vehicle, and transit) from the adjacent neighborhoods to the Englewood -CityCenter Station and the Sheridan -Oxford Station in a manner that enhances adjacent e xisting and planned land use. In the Tier 1 Evaluation, the seven previously proposed projects and the 24 Complementary Transportation Improvements were evaluated solely on their ability to effectively enhance multimodal connections (bicycle, pedestrian. vehicle, and transit) from the adjacent neighborhoods to the CityCenter Englewood Station and the Sherid an -Oxford Station . Table 5-1 summarizes the Tier 1 Evaluation process . The following transportation improvements did not meet the project vis ion and were not carried forward for further evaluation : ► Elati Street (Kenyon Avenue to Floyd Avenue) Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements ► City Ditch Pedestrian/Bicycle Improvements (Rotolo Park to Ox ford Avenue) ► River Point Parkway (South Platte River Trail to Oxford Avenue) Bicycle Improvements ► Union Avenue (Federal Boulevard to Centennial Park) Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements Although these improvements may provide a regional connection . they were not carried forward as part of this study because the alternative does not provide a direct connection to either the CityCenter Englew ood Station . the Sheridan -Oxford Station, or the proposed Rail Trail. 72 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD \1G .. J ._.,, COUIUDOU NEXT STEPS Table 5-1 . • • ~ Tier 1 Evaluation Alternatives M:::is Summary Notes Rail Trail <Big Dry Creek Trail Connection to Elati Street) Oxford. Dartmouth. Clarkson Protected Bikeway Loop Southwest Greenbelt Trail Improve ments Englewood Parkway Extension and Bus Tran sfer /Pia zza Redesign CityCenter Englewood Station Platform Shelter Floyd Avenue Extension -Grade Separation Sheridan -Oxford Station Connection Yes Yes Yes Ca rri ed forwa rd to Tier 3 for conceptual engineering design refinement. Carr ied forward to Tier 3 for conceptual engineering design refinement. Carr ied forward to Tier 2C for conceptual engineering design refinement. ----+--- Yes Yes ---+ Yes Yes Carr ied forwa rd to Tier 3 for conceptual engineering design refinement. Carri ed forward to Tier 3 for conceptual engineering design refi nement. Carried forward to Tier 2A for evaluation of grade separation. Carried forward to Tier 2B for evaluation of alignment and grade sepa ration. Potential Complementary Transportation Improvements CityCe nter Englewood LRT Station Pedestrian Tunnel/Bridge Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Yes Carr ied forward to Tier 2D for the potential Complementary Transportation Improvements 73 Carried forward as part of this study because the alternative provides a direct connection to both the CityCenter Englewood Station and the Sheridan -Oxford Station . Conceptual engineering design at the CityCenter Englew ood Station is dependent on the results of the Floyd Avenue Extension evaluation (Tier 2A). Carried forward as part of this study because the alternative provides a direct connection to both the Sheridan -Oxford Station and the proposed Rail Trail. Carr ied forward as part of this study because the alternative provides a direct connection to the proposed Rail Trail. Carried forward as part of this study because the alternative enhances the CityCenter Englewood Station . Conceptual engineering design is dependent on the results of the Floyd Avenue Extension evaluation (Tier 2A). Carr ied forward as part of this study because the alternative enhances the CityCenter Englewood Station. Carried forward as part of this study because the alternative provides a direct connection to the CityCenter Eng lewood Station. Carried forward as part of this study because t he alternative provides a direct connection to the Sheridan -Oxford Station. Carried forward as part of this study because the alternative provides a direct connection to the CityCenter Englewood Station. Improvement depends on the results of the Floyd Avenue Extension evaluation (Tier 2A). - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD t ,0 .. 1 ••n .. cow ,:to c,011 NEX T STEPS Alternatives M::~is Summary Notes US 85/Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements Floyd Avenue Bike Lanes (Englewood - CityCenter Station to Sherman Street} Ea stman Avenue/Inca Street Area Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements Elati Street (Kenyon Avenue to Floyd Avenue} Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements City Ditch Pedestria n /Bicycle Improvements (Rotolo Park to Oxford Avenue} Quincy Avenue (City Ditch to Rai l Traill Stanford Avenue (Lipan Court to Rail Tra ill Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Carried forward to Tier 2D for the potentia l Complementary Transportation Improv ements. Carried forward to Tier 2D for the potential Co mplementary Transportation Improvements. f-- Carried forward to Tier 2D for the potential Complementary Transportation Improvements. Not carried forward Not carried forward Carried forward to Tier 2C for the potential Co mplementary Transportation Improvements Ca rried forward to Tier 2c for the potential Complementary Tra nsportation Improvements 74 • Carried forward as part of this study because the alternative would improve ve hicle access to the Ci t yCe nter Englewood Station . Carried forward as part of this study because t he alternative wou ld improve bicycle/pedestrian access to the CityCen ter Englewood Station. Improve ment depends on the resu lts of the Floyd Avenue Extension evaluation (Tier 2A). Ca rried forward as p a rt of this study because the a lte rnati ve wou ld improve bicycle/pedestrian access to th e CityCe nter Englewood Station. Not carried forward as part of t his study because the a lternative does not provide a direct con nectio n to the CityCenter Englewood Station . the Sherida n -Oxford Station. or t he proposed Rail Trail. Th e a lternative would provi de a regional connection in the bicycle network. Not ca rried forward as p art of this study because the alternative does not prov ide a direct co nnection to the CityCenter Englewood Station , the Sheridan -Oxford Station , or the proposed Ra il Trail. The a lternative w ould provide a region al connection from the Southwest Greenbelt Trail to the protected bikeway a long Oxford Avenue. Ca rried forward as part of this study because the altern ative would improve bicycle/pedestrian access to t he proposed Ra il Trail. Ca rried forward as part of this study b ecause the alternative would improve bicycle/pedestrian access to the proposed Rail Trail. -• • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD l,O to l flA II. l'.O WR1 pQR NEX T STEPS • • w:r Alternatives M::~~is Summary Notes Kenyon Avenue (Inca Street to Rail Trail) US 85/0xford Avenue Intersection Improvements Sheridan -Oxfo rd Avenue LRT Station park-n-Ride Windermere Shared Use Path Extension (Batting Cages at Cornerstone Park Entrance to Englewood Canine Corra l Entrance) Tufts Avenue Bic y cle and Pedestrian Improvements (Navajo Street to Rail Tra ill Oxford Avenue/Navajo Street Intersection Improvements Hampden Avenue/Shoshone Street Intersect ion Dartmouth Avenue Protected Bikeway (Inc a Street to Federal Bouleva rd) Hamilton Place or Floyd Avenue Bridge Bic yc le /Pedestrian Improvements Dartmouth Avenue (S outh Platte Ri ver Dri ve to Zuni Street) Access/Intersection Improvements Felsburg Holt & Ul!evig Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Carried forward to Tier 2C for the potential Co mplementary Transportation Improvements Carried forward to Tier 2D for the potential Complementary Transportation Improve m e nts. Carr ied forward to Tier 2D for t he potential Co mplem entary Transportation Improvements . Carried forward to Tier 2D for the potential Comp lementary Transportation Improvements. Carr ied forward to Tier 2D for the potential Comple mentary Transportation Improvements. Carr ied forward to Ti er 2D for the potential Complementary Transportation Improv ements Carried forward to Tier 2D for the potential Complementary Transportation Improvements Carr ied forward to Tier 2D for the potential Complementary Transportation Improvements Carr ied forward to Tier 2D for the potential Complementary Transportation Improvements Carr ied forward to Tier 2D for the potential Co mplementary Transportation Improvements 75 Carr ied forward as p a rt of this study b ecause the alternative would improve bicycle/pedestrian access to the pro posed Ra il Trail. Ca rried forward as part of th is study because the alternative would improve vehicle access to the Sheridan -Oxford Statio n. Carri ed forward as part of thi s study because the alternative wou ld improve vehicle access to the Sheridan -Oxford Sta tion . Ca rri e d forward as part of this study because th e a lternative wou ld improve bicy cle/pedestri an access to the proposed Rail Trail. Ca rried forward as p art of this study because t he alternative w ould improve bicycle/pedestrian access to t he proposed Rail T ra il. Carried forward as part of this study because the alternative would improve vehicle a nd bus access t o the Sherida n - Oxford Station . Improvement depends on the re sults of the Floyd Avenue Exten sion evaluation (T ier 2A). Carried forward as part of this study because the altern ative wou ld improve bicy cle/pedestria n access to the proposed Rail Trail. Ca rried forwa rd as part of t hi s study because the alternative would improve bicycle/pedestria n access to t he CityCenter Englewood Station . Car ried forward as part of this study b ecause the alternative would improve vehicle access to the CityCenter Englewood Station. Improvement depends on the results of the Floyd Avenue Exten sion evaluation (T ie r 2A). ENGLEWOOD FORWARD llOt-1 RA Ii, C OIUl'1 ()QM NEXT STEPS Alternatives M:::is Summary Notes River Point Parkway (South Platte River Trail to Oxford Avenue) Bicycle Improvements Union Avenue (Federal Boulevard to Centennial Park) Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements US 85/Hampden Avenue Interchange Pedestrian Improvements Little Dry Creek Pedestrian Connection (West of US 85) Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • No No Yes Yes Not carried forward Not carried forward Carried forward to Tier 2D for the potential Complementary Transportation Improvements Carried forward to Tier 2D for the potential Complementary Transportation Improvements • ------- Not carried forward as part of this study because the alternative does not provide a direct connection to the CityCenter Englewood Station , the Sheridan -Oxford Station . or the proposed Rail Trail. Provides a regional connection from the South Platte River Trail to the protected bikeway along Oxford Avenue. Not carried forward as part of this study because the alternative does not provide a direct connection to the CityCenter Englewood Station , the Sheridan -Oxford Station . or the proposed Rail Trail. Provides a regional connection along Union Avenue to the Big Dry Creek Trail. Carried forward as part of this study because the alternativ e would improve bicycle/pedestrian access to the CityCenter Englewood Station . Carr ied forward as part of this study because the alternative would improve bicycle/pedestrian access to the CityCenter Englewood Station . -• • 5350 5320 5300 5290 5280 5270 526o 5250 5230 • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS ', U f, Y tN-rr 5.4 Tier 2A -Evaluatiof1 of the Floyd Avenue Ext:P-nsion The Tier 2A Evaluation assessed the feasibility of the grade separation (either above grade or below grade) of the Floyd Avenue Extension (Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2 ) w ith the LRT tracks , CML railroad tracks, US 85 (Santa Fe Drive), and the South Platte River from approx imately Inca Street to Z uni Street. Figure 5-6 depicts the above grade and below grade profiles for Floyd Avenue from Inca Street to the South Platte River. Each grade profile was evaluated against a series of evaluation criteria based on : ► Access to the LRT stations ► Constructability ► Environmental ► Community ► Implementability Figure 5-6. Floyd Avenue Extension Grade-Separation (Above and Below) Profile ·7% Ii .? a I :5 ,5% ~ .S" ,,, f/{N~~ 'J. I ·, ! ' Table 5-2 summarizes the Tier 2A Evaluation process. Of the two grade separation options for the Floyd Avenue Extension , neither option was carried forward for further evaluation as part of this study because the alternative does not provide sufficient travel time benefit to justify the cost and impacts to construct. Ex isting travel time by vehicle from both the Floyd Avenue / Ouivas Street intersection and the Riverton on the Platte Apartments to the CityCenter Englewood Station is five minutes. The above grade separation option wou ld be three minutes, and the below grade separation option would be t w o minutes . Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 77 --------------■ ENGLEWOOD F ORWAR D l,.1QKf 8.lt~ COIIIJt DQR NEXT STEPS Ta b le 5-2. Tier 2A Evaluation -Floyd Avenue Extension Evaluation Criteria Community lmplementabitity . Property and . Summary/ Alternatives Access to LRT Stations Constructabitity Environmental Business PExla lstindgloand l Cost ,. t · Independent Notes I ts d nne ca -e .. ec 1ve Imp ovem nts mpac an Land Use r e Displacements Floyd Avenue Travel time by vehic le To achieve a minimum Two si tes with Roughly six The Floyd The The Floyd Not carr ied Extension (Inca assuming a 25 mph speed grade for clearance of potential hazardous properties would Avenue estimated Avenue forward as part Street to Zuni) -w ould be 3 minutes from the LRT catenaries and material concerns be acquired for Extension cost for Extension of th is study Above Grade both the Floyd Avenue/ the minimum vertical and t wo sites with right-of-way. would construction could be because the Separation 0uivas Street intersection di stance for freight buildings greater About20 provide of the above phased in a lternative and the Riverton on the trains along the CML. than 45-years of age residences and additional grade three stages: does not Platte Apartments to the the Floyd Avenue/Inca (requiring evaluation 25 bu sine sses access to structure construction provide Ci tyCen t er Englewood Street intersection for hi storic eligibility) would be planned ranges from of t he above sufficient travel Station. Additional travel time would be closed. The would be impacted. di splace d . residential $50 to $75 grade time benefit to would be required because grade sepa ration A tra iler park would The access to and million. separa tion justify the cost the Floyd Avenue/Inca structure (bridge) wou ld be acquired and the parking commercial from Inca a nd impacts to Street intersection would not begin to ascend east of require relocation. structure of the land use west Street to construct. be accessible from the grade the existing intersection . The new bridge over apartment of US 85. South Platte separation. Existing tra vel The existing roadway the South Platte Ri ver complex at the River Drive. time b y vehicle from both the providing access to the Floyd Avenue/0uivas Street CityCenter Englewood would potentially southwest construction intersection and the Ri verton Station for buses would impact wetlands and corner of the of the new on the Platte Apartments to be closed at Floyd the South Platte Ri ve r Floyd Avenue/ bridge over the CityCenter Englewood Avenue. (The exi sting floodplain. Inca Street the South Station is 5 minutes. roadway would be intersection Platte River. approximately 30 ft. would require and Travel time by pedestrian s below the structure.) relocation . as const ruction assuming a 3 mph speed and would the a stairca se to the CityCenter The Floyd Avenue/ access of Floyd Englewood Station from the South Platte River Dri ve driveways to the Avenue from grade separa tion from both intersection w ould need CityCenter the new the Floyd Avenue/0uivas to be elevated 2 to 5 Englewood bridge to Street intersection and the feet to match the grade Station park-n-Zuni Street. Rive rton on the Platte of the structure before Ride. Apartments wou ld be 10 crossing the South minutes. Exi sting tra vel time Platte Ri ver. Any by pedestrians from both the intersections wi th the Floyd Avenue/0uivas Street structure between intersection and the Ri ve rton US 85 and South Platte on the Platte Apartments to Ri ve r Dri ve would be the CityCenter Englewood elevated 5 to 15 feet Station is 20 minutes. above ground le v el. 78 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig -• • • • ENGLEWOOD F ORW ARD t IQ h "T R.\ll CQUt,11)0111 NEXT STEPS • • Evaluation Criteria Community lmplementabiUty . Property and . . Summary/ Alternatives Access to LRT Stations ConstructabiLity Env ironmental Business PExla istindgLand l Co t " t· Independent Notes Floyd Avenue Tra vel time by vehicle To clear the minimum Two sites wi th Extension -assuming a 25 mph speed structure depth required potential hazardous Below Grade would be 2 minutes from for LRT and CML material concerns Separation both the Floyd Avenue/ bridges over Floyd and two sites with Ouivas Stree t intersection Avenue, the grade buildings greater and the Riverton on the separation structure than 45-years of age Platte Apartments to the (tunnel) would begin to (requiring evaluation CityCenter Englewood descend east at the for historic eligibility). Station. Existing travel time existing Floyd as well as the NHRP- eligible CM L railroad by vehicle from both the Avenue/Inca Street would be impacted. Fl oyd Avenue/Ouivas Street intersection. Th e intersection and the Riverton existing roadway A trailer park wou ld on the Platte Apartments to providing access to the be acquired an d the CityCenter Englewood Ci tyCenter Englewood require relocation. Station is 5 minutes. Station for buses wou ld be closed at Floyd The new bridge over Tra vel time by pedestrians the South Platte Ri ver assuming a 3 mph speed and Avenue The existing would potentially roadway would be a staircase to the CityCenter about 20 ft. below the impact wetlands and Englewood Station from the structure). The Floyd the South Platte Ri ver grade sepa ration from both Avenue/South Platte floodpla in . the Floyd Avenue/Ouivas River Drive intersection Street intersection and the Riverton on the Platte would remain at existing Apartments would be 10 grade. Any intersections minutes. Existing travel time wi th the structure by pedestrians from both the between US 85 and Floyd Avenue/ Ouivas Street South Platte River Dri ve intersection and the Ri verton would be depressed 5 on the Platte Apartments to to 15 feet below ground the CityCenter Englewood level. Station is 20 minutes. 79 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig I ts d nne oca s -e11ec 1ve Improvements mpac an Land Use Displacements Roughly six The Floyd properties wou ld Avenue be acquired for Extension right-of-way. would About20 provide residences and additional 25 businesses access to would be planned displaced. residential The access to and the parking commercial structure of the land use west apartment of US 85. complex at the southwest corner of the Floyd Avenue/ Inca Street intersection would require relocation . as would the access driveways to the CityCenter Englewood Station park-n- Ride . The estimated cost for construction of the above grade structu re ranges from $50 to $75 million. The Floyd Avenue Extension could be phased in three stages: construc t ion of the above grade separa t ion from In ca Street to South Platte River Drive, construction of the new bridge over the South Platte River , and construction of Floyd Avenue from the new bridge to Zuni Street. Not carried forwa rd as part of this study because the alt ernative does not provide sufficien t travel t ime benefit to justify the cost and impacts to construc t. - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S. U D 't For pedestrians , the existing travel time is 20 minutes, and a grade separation option (either above or below) would improve travel time to 10 minutes . Consequently , a bicycle/pedestrian option was evaluated further in Tier 2C and Tier 3. 55 lier 2H -E:valuatlon ot the Sheridan -Oxford Station Connection The Tier 2B Evaluation assessed the alignment of a grade separated (either above grade or below grade) bicycle/pedestrian bridge or tunnel with the LRT tracks, CML railroad tracks, US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) to provide a connection to the Sheridan -Oxford Station . Each alignment was evaluated against a series of evaluation criteria based on : ► Safety ► Multimodal ► Access to the LRT stations ► Environmental ► Community ► Implementability Table 5-3 summarizes the Tier 2B Evaluation process. Of the five alignment options to provide a • connection to the Sheridan -Oxford Station . three alignment options were not carried forward • for further evaluation as part of this study: ► Sheridan -Oxford Station Alignment -Not carried forward as part of this study because the alignment is duplicative of the connection provided by the separated bikeway along Oxford Avenue for bicyclists and pedestrians: the alignment would require partial acquisition of the Costco parking lot: full acquisition of the property at the northwest corner of the US 85/Oxford Avenue intersection: and displacement of one business. ► Quincy Avenue Alignment and Radcliff Avenue Alignments -Not carried forward as part of this study because the alignments are not compatible with existing land use west of US85. Figu re 5-7 depicts the alignments of a bicycle/pedestrian bridge across the LRT tracks. CML railroad tracks, and US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) for the Kenyon Avenue and Mansfie ld Avenue alignments. An opinion of probable cost was prepared for both alignments based on the conceptual level of engineering design (Figure 5-7). The opinion of probable cost for both alignments is $9.14 million , although the alignments differ slightly in length . Due to the opinion of probable cost and the distance from the Sheridan -Oxford Station. the decision was made not to carry this project forward to Tier 3 as part of this study . 80 Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S • V D Y Figure 5-7. Sheridan -Oxford Station Connection -Kenyon Avenue and Mansfield Avenue Alignments Sheridan-Oxford Avenue LRT Station Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge -Mansfield Avenue Ali gnment Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 81 ENGLEWOOD F ORWARD t•Gh T CtAII. COlFAlf]Qlil NEXT STEPS Table 5-3. w:r Tier 28 Evaluation -Sheridan -Oxford Station Connection Evaluation Criteria Multimodal Community Implementability Alignments Access to LRT . . Summary/Notes Safety M!,!~~~~ of Altern~ti~e Travel Stations s!'.~~:Stia;1a~ts Plan:~t 1 ~;~7fand People O es and Displacements Use Sheridan -Due to the A tun nel or A tunnel or A t unnel or A tunnel or A tunn el or No additional Not carried forward as part of Oxford proximit y of bridge located bridge located bridge located a t bridge located bridge loca ted at improvement s this stu dy because the Station the station at the Sheridan at th e Sheridan the Sheridan -at the Sheridan -the Sheridan -are required. alterna tive is duplicative of the and the -Oxford Sta tion -Oxford Station Oxford Station Oxford Station Oxford Station is connection provided by the number of would be would be would provide a would require not compatible separated bikeway along transi t u sers. duplicative of approximately direct con nection partial wi th existing land Oxford Avenue for bicyclist s both a tunnel the connection 3,800 ft. from to th e station for acq ui si t ion of u se wes t of and pedestr ians; would require and bridge provided by the t he South Platte transi t users. th e Costco US 85 but may partial acquisi t ion of the Cos tco wou ld provide separa ted River Tra il. parking lot and be compatible park ing lot and full acquisition a safe bikeway along full acquisition wi th future land of the propert y at the northwest connection to Oxford Avenue of the property use. corner of US 85/Oxford the Sheridan -for bicyclists at the northwest Avenue; and displacement o f Oxford Stati on. and corner o f one business. pedest rians . US 85/Oxford Avenue. One business would be displaced. Ke nyo n Du e to t he A bridge A bridge A bridge located Th e bridge T he bridge along No addi tional Carri ed fo rw ard to T ier 2E as Avenue dist ance from locat ed along loca t ed along along Kenyon along Ke nyon Kenyon Avenue improvements part of th is study because the th e stat ion. a Kenyon Avenue Kenyo n Aven ue Avenue would Avenue would is compatible are required . bridge would provide regional bridge wi th would be would be require out-of -require wi th existing land east-west connectivity across great er approximately approximately direction travel acquisi t ion of use and future US 85 , the CML. and th e LRT. visibili t y was 2,380 ft . from 2,700 ft . from for pedestrian s/ property from land use. considered a the Sheridan -the Sou t h Pla tte bicyclist s to RTD . sa fe Oxford Sta t ion. River Trail and access the I connection to provide regional Sheridan - t he Sheridan -connectivity. Oxford Sta t ion . Oxford Station. 82 Felsburg Holt & Ul!evig • • • • ENGLEWOOD F ORWARD t 100.1 ltAll, C OWPI D O JI NEXT STEPS N@IT • • • Evaluation Criteria Multimodal Community Implementability Alignments RT Summary/Notes Safety Effective . Access_ to L Property and Existing and Movement of Altern~bve Travel Stations Business Impacts Planned Local Land People odes and Displacements Use Mansfield Due to the A bridge A bridge A bridge located The bridge The bridge along No additional Carried forward to Tier 2E as Avenue distance from located along located along along Mansfield along Mansfield Mansfield improvements par t of this study because the the station. a Mansfield Kenyon Avenue Avenue would Avenue would Avenue is are required. bridge would provide regional bridge wi th Avenue would would be require ou t -of-require compatible wi th east-west connectivity across greater be roughly approximately direction travel acq ui si t ion of exis t ing land use US 85. th e CML. and the LRT. visibili ty was 1.050 ft. from 2.200 ft. from for pedestrians/ property from and future land considered a the Sheridan -the South Platte bicyclists to RTD and the use . sa fe Oxford Station. River Trail and access the landscaped area connection t o provide regional Sheridan -along US 85 in the Sheridan -connect ivi ty. Oxford Station. the River Point Oxford Station. development. Quincy Due to the A bridge A bridge A bridge located A bridge along The bridge along Access to the Not carried forward as part of Avenue distance from located along located along along Quincy Quincy Avenue Quincy Avenue is Sheridan -th is study because the the station . a Quincy Avenue Quincy Avenue Avenue would would require not compatible Oxford Station alternative is not compatible bridge wi th would be would be require out-of-partial with existing land would require with existing land use west of greater approximately approximately direction travel acquisi t ion of a use west of constructi on of US85. visibili ty was 1.700 ft. along 3,900 ft. from for pedestrians/ property west of US 85 but may the Rail Trail considered a the Rail Trail the South Platte bicyclists to us 85 . be compatible sa fe from the River Trail and access the with future land connection to Sheridan -provide regional Sheridan -use. the Sheridan -Oxford Station. connectivi ty. Oxford Station. Oxford St at ion. Radcliff Due to the A bridge A bridge A bridge loca ted A bridge along The bridge along Access to th e Not carried forward as part o f Avenue distance from located along located along along Radcliff Radcliff Avenue Radcliff Avenue Sheridan -thi s stud y because th e the stat ion. a Radcliff Avenue Radcliff Avenue Avenue would would require is not compatible Oxford St ation alterna tive is not compat ible bridge wi th would be would be require out-of-partial with existing land would require with exis tin g land use wes t of greater approximately approximately direction travel acquisition of a use west of construct ion of US85 visibili ty was 2.250 ft. along 4,500 ft. from for pedestrians/ property wes t of US 85 but may the Ra il Trail. considered a t he Rail Trail the South Platte bicyclists to US85. be compatible sa fe from the River Trail and access the with future land connect ion to Sheridan -provide regional Sheridan -use. the Sheridan -Oxford Station. con nect ivi ty . Oxford St at ion . Oxford Station. 83 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S -U D Y 56 Tier 2C -Evaluation of the Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension The Tie r 2C Eva luation assessed th e alignment of the South w est Greenbelt Trail and Exten si on from Rotolo Park to the Ra il Trail (Figure 5-4 ). Each alignment w as evaluated against a series of criteria based on : ► Safety ► Multimodal ► Access to LRT stations ► Constructability ► Environmental ► Community ► Implementability Table 5-4 summari zes the Tier 2C Evaluation process. Of the three alignment options to provide a connection from Rotolo Park and the South w est Greenbelt Trail and Extension . t w o options w ere not carr ied forward for further evaluation as part of this study: • ► Quincy Avenue (City Ditch/ Jason Street to Rail Traill -Not carried forward as part of this study because of its conflicts w ith the truck route along Quincy Avenue and the need for • a north-south connection wi th the South w est Greenbelt Trail and Extension. of which the City Ditch option was eliminated in Tier 1 screening. ► Stanford Avenue (Huron Street to Rail Traill -Not carried forward as part of this study because it is the furthest alignment from the Sheridan -Oxford Station . has the highest local impacts. and is not as direct of a connection compared to Radcliff, w hich is likely close in cost. Figure 5-4 depicts t he alignment options . The Southwest Greenbe lt Trail and Exten sion along Radcliff Avenue (Rotolo Park to Rail Trail) was carried for w ard to Tier 3 evaluation . Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • ll(H•1 5tAli, t:OIUJl l)OII ,-..... ............... ~~=~~~~~~--------~~'-=-=-----'-~.........,.._,.• NEXT STEPS Table 5-4. Tier 2C Evaluation -Southwest Greenbelt Tra il and Extension Evaluation Criteria MuWmodal Environmental lmplementabitity Alternatives . . Access to . Environmental . Summary/ Safety Effective Alternative LRT Stall Constructab1Uty and Cultural Property and Community Cost-Independent Notes Mf;em~nt ~ra~el ans Resources Displacements effectiveness Improvements o eop e O es Impacts Quincy Would be Provides a Creates a Completes Could be No anticipated Conflicts wi th Serves Depending In addi tion to N ot carried Avenue (Ci ty placing bicycle and dedica ted a missi ng completed wi th impacts truck traffic local on the needing the forward as part Ditch/ Jason bicycle pedestrian shared u se link bike lanes/ u sing Quincy residences facility(ies). Southwest of this stud y Street to Rail and connection path for between si dewalk Avenue. and could be as Greenbelt because it Trail) pedestrian from the bicycles the improvemen ts employees simple as improvements conflicts wi th traffic Sou th west and Sou th west along Quincy but applying low-and Rail Trail. the tru ck route al ong a Greenbelt pedestrian s. Greenbelt Avenue or a conflicts cost bike lane would require along Qu incy truck Trail and Trail and shared use trail wi th strip ing or a f acili t y along Avenue and rou te. Ex t ension Extension to along one side existing providing a the Ci ty Ditch there is a need to t he Rail the Rail of Quincy industrial paved path that was not for a north- Trail along Trail. Avenue. uses along th a t would be carried sou th a roughly Navajo more forward from connection dedicated 1,470 ft. Street and expensive. Tier 1 with the facili ty. from t he trucks screening. or Sou th west Sheridan -using ano th er north-Greenbelt Trail Oxford Quincy sou th and Extension. Station. Avenue. connection. of which the Ci t y Ditch option was eliminated in the Tier 1 ---~eening. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD l •GK l •Jt.11, C C1il'U 10 0~ NEX T STEPS Evaluation Criteria Multimodal Environmental lmplementabiUty Alternatives . Access to . Environmental . Summary/ safety Effective Alternative LRT Stations Constructab1Lity and Cultural Property and Community Cost-Independent Notes Mfovpemelnt MTradvel Resources Displacements effectiveness Improvements o eop e o es Impacts Radcliff Places Provides a Crea tes a Completes Would require Avenue bicycle bicycle and dedicated a missing a shared use (Rotolo Park and pedestrian shared use link path from to Rail Trail) pedestrian connection path for between Rotolo Park. traffic from the bicycles the along the Ci ty along a Southwest and Southwest Ditch (west of sepa rated Greenbelt pedestrians. Greenbelt the park). down faci lity or Trail and Trail and an low-Extension Exten sion to embankment volume to the Rail the Rail from th e Ci t y discontin -Trail along Trail. Ditch ridge. and uous a roughly alongside street s. dedicated 2 .120 ft. Radcliff facility . from the Avenue. Would Sheridan -also require Oxford intersection Station. improvements at Navajo Street. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig No an t icipa ted Embank-ment Serves impacts and path along local Radcliff residences Avenue west and of the Ci ty employees Ditch would but re sult in some con flic ts private and on-wi th street parking exis t ing loss. but industrial business uses along access would Navajo be retained. Street. Would require a four-way stop at the intersection with Na vajo Street. w hich could burden truck traffic in the area if the four- way stop remains at Quincy Avenue. 86 • Most direct route with least conflicts. possibly justifying any increased cost compared to the Quin cy Avenue alig nment. Requires the Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Exten sio n .. Carried forward as part of th is stud y becau se it provides th e most direct connection between the So uthwest Greenbelt Trail and Ex tension. ha s the fewest conflicts/local impacts. and does not need any additional connection project to be implemented . -• • ENGLEWOOD FO RWA RD uo,-r RA 1, C OIUtl [l()ll NEX T STEPS Alternatives Safety Stanford Places Avenue b icycle (Huron and Street to Rail pedestrian Traill traffic along low- volume discontin - uous streets. Multi modal Effective Movement of People Pro vides a bicycle and pedestrian connection from the Southwest Greenbelt T rail and Extension to the Rail Trail along a dedica ted faci lity . Alternative Travel Modes Creates a dedica ted shared use pa t h for bicycles and pedestrians. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Access to LRTStations Completes a mi ssi ng link between t he Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Exten sio n. roughly 2,810 ft. from the Sheridan - Oxford Station . • Evaluation Criteria ConstructabiLity Could be completed wi t h bike lanes/ sidewa lk improvements along Stanford Avenue or a shared use trai l along one si de of Stanford Avenue .At Lipan Court. an e mbankme nt would be required t o descend the ridge. which would remove access to bu ilding s usi ng Stanford Avenue wes t of the Cit Ditch. Environmental Environmental and Cultural Resources Impacts No an t icipa ted impacts 87 Property and Displacements Embank-ment and path along Stanford west of the City Ditch would result in loss of access for business along Stanford Avenue west of th e City Ditch . Community Serves local residences and employees but conflic ts wi th existing in dustrial uses along Navajo St reet. Implementability Cost- effectiveness Likely si mi lar to cost as th e Radcli ff alig nment. but furt her away from the Sheridan -Oxford Station and would have greater local impacts. Thus. no t worth any cos t differences (savi ng s or increase) com pared to other alignments. Independent Improvements Requires th e Sou th west Gree nbelt improvements and Rail Trail. alo ng wi th a small north - so uth con nection to near Rotolo Park. • Summary/ Notes Not carried forward as part of thi s study beca use it is the furthest al ig nm e nt from th e Sheridan - Oxford Station. has the highest local impacts. an d is no t as direct of a conn ection compared to Radcli ff. which is likely close in cost. - ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D ~ LIGHT R A IL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS s u u '( 57 Tier 2D -Evaluation of Complementary Transportation Im rovements The Tier 2D Evaluation assessed the potential complementary improvements that were developed to address deficiencies in the e xisting transportation system . in addition to t he previously proposed project. Each improvement was evaluated against a series of criteria based on : ► Safety ► Multimodal ► Access to LRT stations ► Constructability ► Environmental ► Community ► Implementability Table 5-5 summarizes the Tier 2D Evaluation process. Of the remaining 17 potential complementary improvements that were not evaluated in Tiers 2A 2B. or 2C , six pot ent ial complementary improvements were not carried forward . Figure 5-1. Figure 5-2 , Figure 5-3, and Figure 5-4 depict the potential complementary improvements. 88 • • • • EN GLE WOOD FORWARD l 10M l A,1,ll, C OU9 1tJQA NEX T STEPS Table 5-5. • • Tier 20 Evaluation -Potential Complementary Transportation Improvements Evaluation Criteria Multimodal Access to LRT Stations Alternatives S f ty ConstructabiLity a e Balanced Future (2035) Effective Movement of Alternative Travel Modes Improved Connectivity System People Ci tyCe nte r En g l ew ood T he bicycle/ ped es t ria n Provides an Provi d es a direct Pro m o t es bicycle/ T ravel time b y Th e connection can be Stat io n Bicycle/ connection would provide alterna t ive t o vehicle-conn ection to the pedest rian access to pedest rians as sum ing accomplished t hrough Pedest ria n T u nn el/ direct access t o th e only or limi te d Ci tyCen ter the Cit yCen t er a 3 mph speed to t he several options. Option 1 Bri dge Ci t yC e nter Eng lewood pedest rian/bicyclist Englewood Stat io n Englewood Station Ci t yCent er Englew ood provides an ADA- St ation fro m t he west side access t o t he from th e west sid e o f and to reg ional tra il St at ion from t he compliant ramp w est of of US 85, provide an Ci tyCen ter US 85 for bicyclist s f acili t ie s and rou te s. Riverto n o n th e Platte US 85 to a bridge over US alt e rn ati ve. more direct Eng lewood Stati o n and ped es tria ns t o Apa rtmen ts wou ld be 85, t he CML. and t he LR T ro ute to ad dress un sa f e fro m th e west side o f co nn ect t o transi t at 10 m inutes . Exist ing w it h a connection to t he p e d es t rian access alo ng US 85 for b o th t he th e LRT st ati o n. as t rave l t ime by LR T sta tion pla tform via Ha mpden Avenu e ci t ie s o f Sheridan and well as th e buses pedest rian s from t he an e levator /st airca se. th ro ugh t he ex is t ing US Englewood and accessing th e LRT Riverton on the Pla tte Op t ion 2 provides an 85/ Hampden Ave nue pla nn ed resi d e ntial stat io n. as well as Apart ments t o the ADA -complia nt ramp in tercha nge t o t he LR T an d commercial u se additiona l access to CityCen t er Engle wood w est of US 85 t o a bridge stat io n. and reduce an d densi f ica t ion . t he Sou t h Platte River Stat ion is 20 minu tes. over US 85. the CM L. and pot e ntial vehicle/ such as along Old Trail and th e Denver th e LR T w it h a connect ion pedestr ia n conflic t at th e Hampden Avenue. met ropoli tan regio nal to street level vi a an US 85/Ham pden Avenu e t rail sy st em. elevat or /stairca se. in terc hange. Opt ion 3 provides a t unnel undernea t h US 85 . t he CML. and t he LR T alo ng t he Floyd Avenue alig n ment US 85/Dar tm ou th Th e exis t ing peak hour Additi o nal ca p ac ity Add iti o nal capaci ty at Improved veh ic ular Travel t ime for To improve operat ional Avenu e Intersec tio n in t e rse ctio n LOS fo r th is w ould be necessary th is in t e rsec t io n wou ld acces s t o th e v eh icles accessing the capaci t y. a fourt h Improvements in t e rsec tio n is E in th e AM at thi s inte rsectio n in improve nor t h-south Ci tyCen t er CityCe nter Eng l ewood northbound and and E in the PM . The LOS 2035 to p rovid e an mobility along US 85 , Englew ood Stat ion St at io n park -n-Ride southbound t hrough-lane will be fu rt her degrad ed ad e quate LOS for as w ell as eas t -w est park-n-Ride wou ld be and. consequently. w ould be requ ired . The in 2035. ve hicles accessi ng mobility along limi t ed by t he number trans it wou ld be t hrough lane w ould t he Ci tyCente r Dartmouth Avenue. of parking sp aces in improved. continue along US 85 to Englewood park-n-the exist ing f ac ility . t he next largest Ride and LRT station . unless t reated as a in tersections ki ss -n-Ride fac ili ty. (US 85/'Hampden Aven ue and US 85 /Eva ns Ave nu e). 89 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD ,,o .. , •••l ca•,uoo11 NEX T STEPS Evaluation Criteria Multimodal Access to LAT Stations Alternatives . Safety Balanced Future (2035) Effective Movement of . . . ConSlructabiLity System People Alternative Travel Modes Improved Connectivity Floyd Avenue Bike Bike lanes bring greater The primary concern Pro vi des a more direct Promotes bi cycle u se Pro vi des a direct east-The project could be Lanes (Cit yCe nter v isibility to b icyclists. w ith adding bike lanes and dedicated bicycle from the CityCenter west d ed ica ted accomplished through a Englewood Station to especially through would be the f acili ty from the Englewood Station bicycle f acili ty road diet. converting th e Sherman Street) intersections such as reduction in capaci ty Ci tyCente r and futu re Rail Trail connect ion to the exis ting 3 and 4 lane Broadway. for motorized Englewood Station wi th major st ati on and future Rail cross-sec ti o ns o f th e vehicles. 2035 and future Rail Tra il des tinat io ns su ch as Trail. exis ting Floyd Avenue to forecasts show wi th bicycle routes the Br oadway a 2 la ne f acility with bike growth along Flo yd servi ng major commercial corri d or lanes in bot h directions. Avenue th at m ay destination s such as and th e Crai g all wi th in the ex is ting need the e xisting lane th e Broad way Hosp ital/Swedish pavemen t wid th . configuration ; commercial corridor Medica l Ce nter. however. thi s and the Cra ig projection represen ts Hospital/Swed is h vo lumes using all Medi ca l Center. eas t -west access to the Ci t yCenter. Englewood Park way and other access points along US 285 ha ve available capacity to ac commodate any di splacement of vehicles. Ea stman Avenue/Inca Separates bicyclists/ Provides a separate The e xpan si on of the Promotes in creased Make s th e connec tion Expanding th e exist ing Street Area Bic ycle/ pedestrian s from parking facility for bicycli sts sidewalk and addi t ion bicycle and wi th the CityCe nter sidewalk to be a shared Pedestr ian lot traffic . and improves exis ting of a shared use tr ail pedestri an ac ti vity Englewood Stat io n. use trail is possible; Improvements pedestri an facilities to would increase the w ith added and more fr ie ndly to use however, extending th is access the shared use capaci ty and use of expanded facilities. for residen ts eas t of cross-sect ion along th e path along Inca Street exis ting faci lities, th e area. sou th si de o f th e parking to th e Ci tyC enter w hi ch c u rren tly are lot could be difficu lt due Englewood Station. nar ro w or no n-to utili t ies infras tru c ture existent. wi thin th e available space th at is ar!_o f th e r:.iark. go Felsburg Holt & Ullevig -• • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD l!O,h 1 RAil C (lltlill{ll)II NEXT STEPS • • Evaluation Criteria Multimodal Access to LRT Stations Alternatives Safety . constructabitity Balanced Future <zo35) Effective Movement of Alternative Travel Modes Improved Connectivity System People Kenyon Avenue Bike Would separate bicyclists No anticipated Would fac ilita te more Promotes bicycling by Semi-direct route No an ti cipa t ed impacts Lanes (Logan Street to from traffic with a impacts to 2035 traffic bicycle travel making it easier to between Englewood Rail Tra ill dedicated facility volumes and would between Englewood cross Broadway and High School. Rail Trail. between Englewood High provide add itional High School. Rail Trail. access Englewood and Sheridan -Oxford School. Rail Trail. and facility to move and Sheridan -Oxford High School. Rail Trail. Station crossing of Sheridan -Oxford Station bicyclists to the Rail Station crossing of and Sheridan -Oxford us 85 crossing of US 85. Would Trail and a possible US85. Station crossing of also improve safety of crossing of US 85. US85 crossing Broadway. However. portion would be along a truck route ._ Mansfield Avenue Bike Would separa te bicyclists No anticipated Would facilitate more Promotes bicycling by Direct route between No anticipa ted impact s Lanes (Logan Street to from traffic wi th a impacts to 2035 traffi c bicycle travel making it easier to Englewood High Rail Traill dedicated facilit y volumes and would between Englewood cross Broadway and School. Rail Trail. and between Englewood High provide additional High School. Rail Trail. access Englewood Sheridan -Oxford School. Rail Trail. and facility to move and Sheridan -Oxford High School. Rail Trail. Station crossing of Sheridan -Oxford Station bicyclists to the Rail Station crossing of and Sheridan -Oxford us 85 . crossing of US 85. Would Trail and a possible us 85 Station crossing of also improve sa fety of crossing of US 85. US85 crossing Broadway. US 85/Oxford Avenue The existi ng peak hour Additional capaci ty Additional capacity at Improved vehicular Travel t ime for To improve operational Intersec tion intersection LOS for this would be necessary th is intersection would access to the vehicles accessing th e capacity. a fourth Improvements intersection is E in the AM at thi s intersection in improve north-south Sheridan -Oxford Sheridan -Oxford northbound and and E in the PM . The LOS 2035 to provide an mobility along US 85. Avenue kiss-n-Ride Station kiss-n-Ride southbound through-lane will be further degraded adequate LOS for as well as east-west with access to the and. consequently. would be required . The in 2035. vehicles accessing mobility along Oxford LRT Station and transit would be through lane would the Sheridan -Oxford Avenue. access to alternative improved . continue along US 85 to Avenue kiss-n-Ride travel modes. th e next largest and LRT Station. intersections (US 85/Hampden Avenue and US 85/ Belleview Avenue). Sheridan -Oxford Provides a sa fe A park-n-Ride would Additional parking The facility would Using the Rail Trail One acre would equate to Station park-n-Ride connection to th e provide additiona l capacity at the encourage transit use. would provide a safe 75 parking spaces and the Sheridan -Oxford Station capacity for tran sit Sheridan -Oxford connection for tran sit location of the facility for transit users from a users at the Sheridan Station potentially users across Oxford should meet RTD transit park-n-Ride. -Oxford Station would increase transit Avenue. guidance related to because current use. distance from th e LRT parking is on-street station . only. 91 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD tu;a,f RAIi,. COIIRl(JQ8 NEXT STEPS wrr Evaluation Criteria Multimodal Access to LRT Stations Alternatives Safety . ConstructabiUty Balanceds Fstuture <2o35) EffectivepMovlement of Alternative Travel Modes Improved Connectivity y em eope Wi ndermere Shared Use Removes th e con f lic t of Provides a separa te Provides a dedicated Promotes increased Although th e Littleton Enough space exis ts Path Extension (Ba tting t ruck rou t e t raffic wi t h facility for bicyclists bicycle and improved bicycle use wi t h a Downtown Station is along the east side of Cages at Cornerstone bike rou t e traffic by and improves e xis ting pedestrian f acili ty to dedicated facility likely closer for thi s Windermere Street for a Park Entrance to placing bicyclists on the pedest rian facilities to connect the Rail Tra il separa t ed from area. it s access is not widening of the existing Englewood Ca nine shared u se path . access t he Rail Trail (via Big Dry Creek vehicular traffic, as bicycle friendly for sidewalk. Corral Entrance) and the Sheridan -TraiU wi th Belleview especially trucks. land uses north and Oxford Station . Park. Cornerstone west. Thi s Park , and land uses improvement. along south of Belleview wi t h the Rail Trail. Avenue. would make an easy dedica ted facility t o t he Sheridan -Oxford Sta t ion. Tufts Avenue Bicycle Increases awareness of Provides a separa te Provides an improved Makes the connect ion Improves the Enough space for and Pedestrian dri vers th at bicyclis ts and facility for bicyclists connection to the wi th th e f uture Rail connection to the ext ending the so uth side Improvements (Navajo pedes t rians may be and improves existing future Rail Trail. Tra il more friendly to future Rail Tra il. which sidewalk to th e Rail Tra il. St ree t to Rail Tra il) presen t w hile traveling pedestrian f acili ties to use for residents eas t will provide direct Crosswalk and sharrows to/from the Ra il Tr ail access the Ra il T rail of th e area . access to the Sheridan can be applied to existing w here few or none and the Sheridan --Oxford Station . pavement. ADA ramps curren tly exist. Oxford Stat ion . can be ins talled to exis t ing sidewalk. Oxford Avenue/ Na vajo Improves sa fety for Improves access to Additional capaci ty at Improved vehicular Tra vel time for To improve opera t ional Street Intersec tion vehi cles. tru cks. bu ses. the Sheridan -Oxford th is in tersec ti on wou ld and bus access to th e ve hicles accessing the capaci ty and achieve Improvements pedestrians, and bicyclis ts Sta t ion for buses, improve north-south Sheridan -Oxford Sheridan -Oxford geometric requirements accessing th e Sherida n -ve hicles. pedestrians. mobility al o ng Navajo Avenue kiss-n-Ride St at ion kiss-n-Ride for tru ck and bus turn ing Oxford St at ion. and bicyclis ts. Street. as well as eas t -wi th access to the and. consequently, movements. a widen ing wes t mobility along LR T Stat io n. t ransi t wou ld be and redesign of th e Oxford Avenue . improved. in tersection would be required. Hampden Avenue/ In troduces an addi t ional Improves access to Additional Improved vehicular Tra ve l t ime for Cu rrent access requires Shoshone Street intersec tion and pote nti al th e parcels west of con necti vi ty wi t h a access to th e ve hicles accessi ng t he ou t -of-direc t ion t ravel Intersec t ion conflict poin t for ve hicles US 85 and north of new right-in/right-out CityCenter parcels west of US 85 exi ting and entering Hampden Avenue, intersection wou ld Englewood Stat ion and north of Hampden wes tbound Hampden whic h are planned for provide addi t iona l park-n-Ride wi th Avenue would be Avenue. commercial and access to the parcels access to th e LRT improved. resid ential use in west o f US 85 and st atio n. 2035 , north of Hampden Avenue. 92 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • • ENGL!OD FORWARD wrr ,..._ _____ ........, ___ ........, _________________________ ..........,~-• liQ tt.l •.11 1L C OY•IDO~ NEX T STEPS Evaluation Criteria Multimodal Access to LRT Stations Alternatives Safety . Constructabitity Balanced Future (zo35) Effective Movement of Alternative Travel Modes Improved Connectivity System People Dartmouth Avenue Provides se paration of Provides a separate Provides a more direct Promotes bicycle use Provides a direct east-Due to traffic volumes Separated Bikeway Onca bicyclists from truck s and facility for bicyclists and dedicated bicycle from the CityCenter west dedicated along Dartmouth Avenue. Street to Federal a high volume of vehicles. along Da rtmouth facility from the Englewood Station bicycle facility a separa ted bikeway Boulevard) Avenue. a road CityCenter and future Rail Trail connection to th e facility would be required. projected to have Englewood Station to with areas west. st at io n and future Rail signi ficant traffic by areas west. including including uses in Trail. while also 2035 uses in Loretto Loretto Heig hts. providing a n improved Heights. connection to bus routes currently operating along Dartmouth Avenue. Hamilton Place or Floyd Improves sa fety for Accommodates Provides bicycle and Provides a co nnection Would require the The existing Hamilton Avenue Bridge bicycli sts/pedestri ans bicyclists and pedestrian facilities to the South Platte CityCenter Englewood Place bridge over th e Bicycle/Pedestrian crossing the South Platte pedestrians across w here there are River Trail. as well as bicycle/pedestrian Sou th Platte River is Improvements River . the Hamilton Place currently none. along Old Hampden bridge/tunnel to structurally deficient and bridge or a separate Avenue. provide direct access does not include bicycle/pedestrian to the CityCenter pedestrian or bicycle only bridge. and/or Englewood Station. facilities . Due for provide a separate reconstruction in 2015 . Floyd Avenue bridge and improves access to the South Platte River trail on the west side of the South Platte River . Dartmouth Avenue Introduces additional Improves access to Additional Improves vehicular Travel time for Intersec tion (South Platte River Dri ve intersections and conflict the parcels west of connectivity wi th new access to the veh icles accessing the configurations and to Zuni Street) Access/ points for vehicles. US 85 and north of in tersection s would CityCenter Sheridan -Oxford loca tio ns would depend Intersectio n pedestrians. and bicyclist s Hampden Avenue, provide additional Englewood Station Station kiss-n-Ride on change in land u se Improvements along Dartmouth Avenue. w hich are planned for access to Dartmouth park-n-Ride wi th and, consequently, between the South Platte commercial and Avenue and the access to the LRT t ransi t would be River Drive and Zuni residential u se in CityCenter station . improved. Street. 2035 , Englewood Station park-n-Ride. 93 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD F ORWA R D l !G .. t tlA I~ C Olftlll)ON NEXT STEPS· Evaluation Criteria Multimodal Access to LRT Stations Alternatives . Safety Balanced Future (2035) Effective Movement of . . . Constructabitity System People Alternative Travel Modes Improved Connectivity US 85/Hampden Introduces pedestrian and The effectiveness of Additional Improves pedestrian Travel time for Higher traffic and Avenue Interchange vehicle conflict points at a this improvement is connectivity for the access to the pedestrians accessing pedestrian volumes may Pede strian higher speed interchange reduced with parcels immediately CityCenter the CityCenter require signalizat ion of Improvements facility without signalized increased traffic north of Hampden Englewood Station. Englewood Station the north and southbound intersections volumes at this Avenue/west of would marginally on-ramps to US 85 from interchange. US 85 to the improve because of w estbound Hampden CityCenter continued out-of-Avenue. Englewood Station direction travel. park-n-Ride. Little Dry Creek Provides a direction Improves access to Additional Improves pedestrian Travel t ime for Acqui sition of property for Pedestrian Connection connection to Little Dry the parce ls west of connectivity to the access to the pedestria ns accessi ng right-of-way w ould be (West of US 85) Creek Trail from the US 85 and north of Little Dry Creek Trail. CityCenter the CityCenter required for a d irection frontage road west of US Hampden Avenue. the South Platte River Englew ood Station. Englew ood Station connection to the L ittle 85 which are planned for Trail. and the Rail Trail. would marg inally Dry Creek Tra il. commercial and improve because of resident ial use in continued out-of- 2035 , direction travel. 94 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig -• • ENGLEWOOD F ORWARD l 10,h l OA ll C OIHfl (:IQQ N EXT STEPS Table5,5. • • Tier 2D Evaluation (continued) Evaluation Criteria Environmental Community lmplementabiLity Alternatives Environmental and . Property and Existing and Planned Independent Summary/Notes Cultural Resources Bus1~ess Impacts and Lo al land Use Cost-effectiveness Improvements Impacts Displacements c Ci tyCen t er Englewood LRT Station Pedestrian Tunn el/Bridge US 85/ Dar tmo uth Avenue Inte rsecti on Improvements No anticipated im p acts Widening of US 85 between Evans Ave nue and Hampden Avenue to accommodat e t he additi onal through lane would potent ia lly impact a number of si tes with hazardous material concerns and si tes that may be h is toric, as well as the Little Dry Creek T rail and floodplain . Fefsburg Holt & Uflevig No anticipated impact s Widen ing of US 85 between Evans Avenue and Hampden Avenue to accommodate the additional through lane would require acquisi t ion of several propert ies for right - of -way and displacement of businesses and residents. Provides easier bicycle/pedestrian access to th e Ci t yCen t er Englewood Station for exis t ing residences and any future development. Would affect existing land use through acquisit ion of property. 95 For the cost o f th e stru c ture and ongoi ng maintenance of th e elevator. travel time for pedestrians accessi ng th e Ci tyCen t er Englewood Sta t ion would be halved, a pedestrian sa fety iss ue through the US 85/Hampden Avenu e in t erchange would be addressed. and an incentive for further resi dential redevelopment in th e area bet ween US 85 and the South Pla tte River provided. as well as improved access to th e Ci ty of Sheridan Old Ha~es!_en Avenue area. Wo uld require evaluat ion of regional mobility t o just ify cost. Project not dependent on o th er projects: however. coordination wit h the Ci t yCenter Englewood Station platform shelter project would be requi red. Project not dependent on o t her projects. Carr ied forward as part o f th is study because t ravel tim e for pedestrians accessing the Ci tyCen ter Englewood Stat ion would be halved , a pedestrian sa fety issue through the US 85/Hampden Avenue interchange would be addressed, and an incentive for fu rther residential redevelopment in the area between US 85 and the Sou t h Platte Ri ver provided. as well as improved access to the City o f Sheridan Old Hampden Avenue area . Ca rr ied forward as part of th is study because of the level of congest ion al the in t ersect ion: however. CDOT should pursue thi s improvement in relation lo th e US 85 corridor. - ENGLEWOOD F ORWARD l +l, .. l •A u COfU l'IOOU NEXT STEPS Evaluation Criteria Environmental Community lmplementabiLity Alternatives ~:~~:t"~!~~~r~:~ Busi~;:f~:;~ and Exl~tingl~d ~~nned Cost-effectiveness I lndependen~ Summary/Notes Impacts Displacements oca n se mprovemen Floy d Avenue (Sherman No an t icipated impacts No anti cipa ted Provides easier Only res trip ing wou ld Provides benefits Carried forward as part o f Street to Elati Street) impacts bicycle access for be required. w hich is w hether other th is study because of Bi cycle/ Pedest ria n exist ing resi dences relatively low cost. projects are built or improved bicycle access Improvements and any future not. from th e Broadway development. wh ile commercial corridor and t he motorized vehicle Craig Hospi t al / Swedish access remains in Medical Cen ter t o the place. CityCenter Englewood Stat ion . Eastman Avenue/Inca No anticipated impacts May requ ir e Provides easier If re l oca t io n o f utilities is Provides benefits Not carried forward as part of Street Area Bi cycle/ relocation of bicycle/pedestri an necessary. could be whe th er o th er thi s study becau se th e cos t - Pedestrian utilities. access to th e cost-prohibitive. Actua l projects are bui lt or e ffec t iveness rela t ive to th e Improvements Ci t yCenter use of new f acili t ies no t. stu dy goals is not signi fica nt Englewood St at ion compared to cost could enough. The improvements for exis t ing residen t s. also be cost-prohibit ive. are still valuable and sho uld be considered wi t h any improvement project s to t he park. Kenyon Avenue Bike No anticipa ted impacts Possibly involves Would be beneficial Only res tripi ng would Full potential is Not carried forward as part of Lanes (Logan Street t o loss of o n -s treet to exist ing residents. be required . which is realized only if a thi s study becau se the Rail Tr aill parking . Would co-Eng lewood High relatively low cost. crossing of US 85 is Sheridan -Oxford St at io n exist wi th a truck School students. and built at the Kenyon crossing of US 85 is not ro ute. future Avenue/ being carried forward. redevelopment o f Windermere Str ee t decreasin g the potential industri al areas. intersection. Still need and use of th e f acili ty. Would conflict wi th beneficial if only Rail Connectivi ty t o th e Rail Trail ind ustri al uses . Trail is built. At least in thi s case would primarily one of these facili ties be a regional benef it and is needed for th is would be a wor th y project on project. its own or as par t o f another stu dy. 96 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig -• • ENG laOD F ORWAR D LtOto l DU L COfffl'I OQli NEX T STEPS Evaluation Criteria Environmental Community lmplementabiUty • • Alternatives ~:~~:t~:=~r~:~ Busi~;~f~:~ and Exi~tingt ~d :~nned Cost-effectiveness I lndependen~ Summary/Notes Impacts Displacements oca n se mprovemen Mansfield Avenue Bike No anticipa ted impacts Possibly involves Would be beneficial Only restriping would Full potential is Not carried forward as part of Lanes (Logan Street to loss of on-street to existing residents. be requi re d . which is realized only if a thi s study because the Rail Traill parking. Englewood High relatively low cost. crossing of US 85 is Sheridan -Oxford Station School students. and Would be part ially built at the Mansfield crossing of US 85 is not fu t ure duplicating connectivity Avenue/ being carried forward. redevelopment of provided by any Oxford Windermere Street decreasing the potential industrial areas. Avenue improvements. intersection. Still need and use of th e facility . Would conflict with beneficial if only Rail Connectivity to the Rail Tr ail industr ial uses. Trail is built. At least in thi s case would primarily one of t hese facilities be a regional benefit. one is needed for th is that is provided by any project. Oxford Avenue im ro vements. US 85/0xford Avenue Widening of US 85 Widening of US 85 Would affect existing Would require Project not Carr ied forward as part of Intersection between Belleview between Belleview land use through evaluation of regional dependent on o th er thi s study because of the Improvements Avenue and Hampden Avenue and acquisition of mobility to justify cost. projects. level of congestion at the Avenue to Hampden Avenue property. intersection : however. COOT accommodate the to accommodate should pursue th is ad ditional through lane t he additional improvement in relation to would pot entially through lane would the US 85 corridor. impact several si tes require acquisition with hazardous material of several concerns and sites that propert ies for right- may be hi st oric. as w ell of-way and as the Big Dry Creek displacement of Trail and floodplain . businesses and residents. Sheridan -Oxford Depending on the The park-n-Ride The conversion of Developing a shared Access to the Car ried forward as part of Station park-n-Ride locat ion of the park-n-facili ty will require property to a park-n-used facili t y and Sheridan -Oxford this study because of the Ride facility. the full acquisition of a Ride facility is less locating a facili t y to Station may depend potential benefit of a shared property acquired may parcel. desirable than a benefit redevelopment on the Rail Trail. use fac ili t y : however. thi s be a site with potential shared use parking of adjacent parcels may depending on the improvement should be hazardous ma t erial facility . justify the cost. location of the park-pursued in coord ina tion wi th conditions or n-Ride facility . RTD and private developers considered historic . in the area of the Sheridan - Oxford Station. 97 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD l•O "' e.t.1t cou o 1ooa NEXT STEPS Evaluation Criteria Environmental Community lmplementabiUty Alternatives ~:~:~;r;::~:~ Busi~~~~f~=~ and Exi~tingl ~d ~~nned Cost-effectiveness I lndependen~ Summary/Notes Impacts Displacements oca n se mprovemen Wi ndermere Shared Use Improves access to No anticipa ted Provi des easier Would be cost-Would still be a Carried forward as part of Path Extension (Bat t ing nearby resources. impacts bicycle and beneficial to provide benefit wit hout the this study because of t he Cages at Corners tone especially parks and pedest rian access additional access to the Rail Tra il by providing improvement to regional Park En t rance to tra ils. for nearby Big Dry Creek Trail and an improved access to th e Big Dry Creek Eng lewood Ca nine residences and future Rail Trail for connection with t he Trail a nd Rail Trail. which Corra l Entrance) parks. a reas south of Big Dry Creek Trail. subsequently improves Belleview Avenue. but thi s would not access to th e Sheridan - Improved access to t he facili t ate improved Oxford Station. Rail Trai l would also access to a LRT provide better access st ation . to th e Sheridan - Oxford St a t ion. Tufts Avenue Bicycle No an t icipated impacts Property may be No compat ibility Str iping and signage are Rail Trail is needed Carried forward as part of and Pedestrian acquired for the issues an ticipated. rela tively low cost. before the project is th is st udy because of the Improvement s (Navajo sidewalk extension Sidewalk extension is implemented. improved access to the Rail St reet to Rail Trail) from the adjacen t for a short distance and Trail. and subsequently the property owner. ADA ramps would Sheridan -Oxford Station. require minimal changes t o exis t ing infras tructure. Oxford Avenue/ Navajo Depending on Property may be Addressing Due to the cons t rained Coordinat ion with the Carried forward as part of Street In tersection in tersec t ion design, the acquired for the geomet ric and sa fety nature of t he separa ted bikeway th is study because of the Improvements propert ies in the in tersec t ion from issues at t he intersect ion. acquisition along Oxford Avenue recognized need: however. so uthwest. southeast. th e adjacen t in t ersect ion would of righ t -of-way may would be required . would require modi f ica t ion a nd northeast property owners. benefit adjacent make thi s improvement of RTD buses accessing th e quadran ts are sites wi th existing and future cost-prohibi t ive. Sheridan -Oxford Stat ion poten t ial hazardous land uses. and redevelopment of material conditions a nd adjacent parcels to warran t may be considered furth er analysis. his toric. Hampden Avenue/ The intersect io n is in an Property would be Would provide Would be cost -Projec t not Carried forward as part of Shoshone Str eet area wi th the potential acqu ired from th e addit io na l access for beneficial t o p rovid e dependent on o th er thi s stu dy to provide In tersect ion for hazardous mate r ia l adjacen t property exis t ing and future additional access to the projec ts. addit ional access to th e condi ti ons. owner. land u ses west of areas west of US 85 areas west of US 85 and US85 and north of Hampden nort h of Hampden Avenue. Avenue. 98 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig -• • ENGLEWOOD F ORWAR D ltQ,.J ffA•~ COl#Ql ()DII NEXT STEPS • • Evaluation Criteria Environmental Community lmplementabiLity Alternatives ~:~~~;~::~~~:~ Busi~;~~f~=~~ and Exiting! tnd ~~nned Cost-effectiveness I lndependen~ Summary/Notes Impacts Displacements oca an se mprovemen Dartmouth Avenue No anticipated impact s No an t icipa ted Provides easier Possible Can be constru cted Carried forward as part of Protected Bikeway (Inca impact s bicycle access for redevelopment in the independently to th is study because it Street to Federal existing residences area could justify the have benefits, but improves sa fety and Boulevard} and any future cost. bu t th e safety and reaches full potential connectivity for bicyclists development. while connectivity benefits for wi th the Rail Trail and west of US 85 , including motorized vehicle those west of US 85 are a separated bicycle better access to the Engl access remains in th e primary benefits fac ility along CityCenter Englewood place. that are equally Dartmouth Avenue St ation. It also provides important t o the o th er east of US 85. network continuity with any separated bicycle facilities along Dar t mouth facili t ies being planned Avenue east of US 85 . along Dartmouth / Clarkson/Oxford. Hami lton Place or Floyd Construction of th e No anticipa ted No compatibi l ity Th e existing bridge is Project not Carried forward as part of Avenue Bridge Bicycle/ bridge replacement impacts issues anticipa ted. stru c tu rally deficient dependent on other th is study because of Pedestrian would poten t ially and will require projects bicycle/pedestrian Improvements impact the Sou th Platte replacement. The connect ivi t y to the Old River Trail. as well as bicycle/pedestrian Hampden Area of the City of wetlands along th e improvements would Sheridan. South Platte River be an addit ional cost floodplain . but not significant. Dartmouth Avenue No an t icipa ted impacts Property may be Would provi de Would be cost-Project not Carried forward as part of (So uth Pla tte River Drive acquired for the addit ional access for beneficial t o provide dependent on o ther t his study to provide to Zuni Street} Access/ in tersection from exist ing and future addi t ional access t o th e projects addi ti onal access to the Intersection the adjacent land uses west of areas wes t of US 85 areas west o f US 85 and Improvemen ts property owners. US85 and nort h of Hampd en north of Hampden Avenue: Ave nu e. however. would be dependent o n redevelopment of parcels and establishment of the street rid . US 85/Hampden No anticipa ted impacts No anticipated No anticipated Would be cost-Project not Not carried forward as part of Avenue Intercha nge impacts impacts beneficial to provide dependent on other thi s study because of sa fety Pedestrian additional access to the projects. issues with the in t roduction Improvements areas wes t of US 85 of pedestrians to th e free and north of Hampden flow, higher speed Avenue. US 85/Hampden Avenue interchange. 99 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD F ORWARD l tQ t-l r,4 1~ l;.QWflt OQlil NEX T STEPS tNrr Evaluation Criteria Environmental Community lmplementabiLity Alternatives Environmental and Property and . . Summary/Notes Cultural Resources Business Impacts and Ex'sting and Planned Cost-effectiveness 1ndependent Impacts Displacements Local Land Use Improvements Little Dry Creek Trail Connection Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements (Along the frontage road west of US 85 to Little Dry Creek Trail. Mary Carter Greenway !South Platte Traill . and wes t across the South Platte River) No anticipated im pacts Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • Property may be acquired for the intersection from the adjace nt property owners. Would impact existing land use but would be compatible wi th future land uses wes t of US 85 . 100 • Would be cost- beneficial to provide add it io nal access to the areas west of US 85 and north of Hampden Avenue. Project is not dependent on other projects. alth ough the project co uld be completed as part of future redevelopment of parcels. Carried forward as pa rt of this study t o provide addi tion al access to the areas west o f US 85 and north of Hampden Avenue: however, would be dependent on redevelopment of parcels. -• • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5. V O ~ N@rr t;.8 Tier? -Alterna Ive Refinemen Following completion of the Tier 1, 2A. 28, 2C. and 2D evaluations, the previously proposed projects were carried forward for conceptual engineering design and development of an opinion of probable cost. In addition, the potential complementary improvement of the CityCenter Englewood Station Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge/Tunnel was carried forward for conceptual engineering design and development of an opinion of probable cost. The remaining potential complementary improvements carried forward from the Tier 2D analysis (Table 5-5) were recommended for further evaluation . but conceptual engineering design and an opinion of probable cost were not prepared for the remaining potential complementary improvements. As part of the conceptual engineering design development. each improvement was refined based on public feedback and agency coordination . This section summarizes the refinements that occurred during the Tier 3 Evaluation . 5.8 .1 Rail Trail (Big Dry Creek Trail Connection to Elati Street} The previously proposed project of the Rail Trail includes construction of a 10-foot-wide multi- use bicycle/pedestrian trail with bridges over Oxford Avenue, Hampden Avenue, and Dartmouth Avenue. Append ix D includes the conceptual engineering plans and opinions of probable cost for the Recommended Transportation Improvements. Table 5-6 summarizes the alternative refinements that were conducted but not carried forward for the Rail Trail. Table 5-6. Rail Tra il -Alternat ive Refinements Summary Rail Trail Segment Refinement Summary 1 Removing the bridge over Oxford Avenue Big Dry Creek to the Sheridan I and relocating the trail along Navajo Street -Oxford Station through the Oxford Avenue/Navajo Street I intersection Sheridan -Oxford Station to Little Dry Creek Trail Fe/sburg Holt & Ulle vig Removing the bridge over Hampden Avenue I and relocating the trail along Kenyon Avenue to Ja son Street/Inca Street and through the Hampden Avenue/Inca Street intersection and along In ca Street to the CityCenter Englewood Station In sta lling bike lanes on the roadway through the bus transfer area at the CityCenter Englewood Station Installing the Rail Trail at the base of the existing retaining wall through the bus transfer area at the CityCenter Englewood Station 101 Not carried forward as part of this study because of safety concerns for bicyclists and pedestrians with vehicle. truck. and bus traffic at the Oxford Avenue/Navajo Street intersectio n. out-of-direction travel for trail users. and the possibility of providing a direct connection to the Sheridan -Oxford Station for properties south of Oxford Avenue Not carried forward as part of this study because of required improvements to the existing sidewalk facilities and potential acquisition of property for right-of-way; out- of-direction travel for trai l users : and the possibility of providing a direct connection to the CityCe nter Englewood Station for properties south of Hampden Avenue . Not carr ied forward as part of this study because of safety concerns related to potential conflict between bicy clists and bu ses on the roadway Not carried forward as part of this study because of a resultant need to shift the roadway to the east and reconfigure the existing bus statio ns and pull-outs with a potential loss in capacity ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LI G H T RA I L C ORR I DOR NE X T ST E PS 5 U D Y Rail Trail Segment Refinement Summary Little Dry Creek Trail to Bates Avenue Removing the bridge over Dartmouth Avenue and relocating the trail through the Dartmouth Avenue/Inca Street intersection Connecting t he Rai l Trail to Elati Street (approximately north of Am herst Avenue) 5.8.2 Bikeway Loop Not carried forward as part of this study because of out-of-direction travel for trail users: and the possibi lity of a direct connection to the CityCenter Englewood Station for properties north of Dartmouth Avenue. Not carried forward as part of th is study because of t he required acquis ition of p ro p erty for rig ht-of-way o r an easement. The prev iou sly proposed project of th e Se p arated Bi ke w ay Loop includes con struction of a bi-di rectional. 6 -to 8 -foot-wide protected b ike w ay along Dartmouth Avenue from Inca Street to Cla rkson Street. along Clar ks on Street from Da rtmouth Avenue to Oxford Avenu e. and along Oxford A v enue from Clar kson Street to Ir v ing Street. Appendix D includes the conceptual engineering plan s. cros s-section s. and opinion s of probable cost for the Recommended Tran spo rtation Improvements. Table 5-7 summa ri ze s t he a lternativ e refinements that w ere conduct ed for the Sep arate d Bikew ay Loop. T able5-7 Bikeway Loop -Alternative Refinements Summary Bikeway Loop Segment Dartmouth Avenue (Inca Street to Clarkson Street) Clarkson St r eet (Dartmouth Avenue to Oxford Avenue) Refinement Installing a one-way couplet of buffer separated shared parking and bicycle lane Installing a one-way couplet of separated bicycle lanes at sidewa lk level se p arated from the parking lan es. Insta l ling a two-way separated bicycle lane at sidewal k level Insta lling a one-way co uplet of separated b icycle lanes at si d ewalk level sepa rated fro m travel lanes by park in g or landscaping . Installi ng a bicycle bou levard with shared lane markings. wayfinding signs for bicyclists. street treatments to give b icyclists priority and to slow traffic and improve bicycle and pedestrian safety 10 2 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Summary Carried forward as part of t his study because it mai ntains on-street parking, does not require th e acquisitio n of property for right-of-way, and minimizes impact to encroac hments on t h e right-of-way. Not carried forward as p art of t his st udy b eca use of t he remova l of o n-street park in g at d riveways and alleys to provide ad equate sig ht distance and pub li c concern of t he potentia l acquisition of property fo r right-of- way. Not carried forward as p art of t his study because of the remova l of o n-street parking o n one side of the street and p ubli c concern of t he potential acqu isitio n of property for right-of-way. Not carri ed forward as part of t hi s study b eca u se of t he remova l o f o n-street pa rk ing. Car ried forwa rd as part of t hi s study b ecause it uses the existing neighborhood street. m a inta in s two lanes for ve hicle travel. and generally m aintai ns on-street parking o n both si d es of t he streets (some lim ited re moval dep e nding on the street treatments). • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD L IG H T RA I L C ORR I D O R NEXT STEPS 5 IJ [) V Oxford Avenue (C larkso n Street to Broadway) Oxford Avenue (Broadway to Na vajo Street) In sta lling a bicycle bouleva rd w ith shared lane / markings. wayfinding sig ns for bicycli sts. street treatments to gi ve bicyclists priority and to slow traffic and improve bicycle and pedestrian safety Installing a one-way couplet of buffer separated on-street bicycle lanes In sta lling a one-way couplet at sidewa lk level separated from the parki ng lanes earned forward as part of this st udy because it uses the existing neighborhood street. m aintain s two lanes for vehicle travel. and generally m aintains on-street parking on both sides of the streets (some limited removal depending on the street treatments). Not carried forward as part of this study because of the desire to have bicyclists at sidewalk leve l. Carried forward as part of this study because of the safety benefits of sepa rated bicycle 1 lanes and the similarity to traditional flo w of bicy cle traffic that one-way faci li ties prov ide. Not carried forward as part of thi s stud y In sta lling a two-way separated bicycle lane at sidewa lk because of the non-traditional flow of Oxford Avenue (Navajo Street to the South Platte Ri ver) Oxford Avenue (So uth Platte Ri v er to Irvi ng Street) Oxford Avenue (Irving Street to Lo w ell Boulevard ) level on the north side of Oxford Avenue bi cycli sts on one side of the ro ad way and multiple cros s street intersection s. Installing a 10 -ft multi-use trail on the north side of Oxford Avenue Installing a 10 -ft multi-use trail on the north side of Oxford Avenue r Installing a one-way couplet at sidewalk level separated from the parking lanes. In stalling a bicy cle bouleva rd w ith shared lane markings. wayfinding signs for bicyclists. street treatments to gi ve bicy clists priority and to slow traffic and improve bicy cle and pedestrian safety Carried forwa rd as part of this study becau se of the existing multi-use trail on the north side of Oxford Avenue west of US 85 Carried forward as part of this study because of the existing multi -use tra il on the north side of Oxford Avenue west of US 85 Not carried forw ard as part of this study because of th e existing multi-use trail on the north side of Oxford Avenue west of US 85 Carried forward as pa rt of this study because it u ses the existing neighborhood street. maintains two lanes for ve hicle tra vel. and generally m aintain s on-street parking on both sides of the streets (some limited remova l depending on the street treatments). 5.8.3 Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension The previously proposed project for the Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension includes reconstruction of the existing 8-foot-wide asphalt trail in Rotolo Park from Cherokee Street to Huron Street with a 10-foot-wide multi-use trail and construction of a new 10 -foot-wide multi - use trail from Huron Street to the Rail Trail. Append ix D includes the conceptual engineering plans and opinions of probable cost for the Recommended Transportation Improvements. The following alternative refinements were made for the Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension : ► Provide a connection to Cherokee Street both north and south of the Southwest Greenbelt Trail Extension ► Shift the alignment of the trail to the north in Rotolo Park to provide access to the existing playground 103 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT S T EPS S U D v ► Extend the South w est Greenbelt Tra i l along Stanford Dri ve to the south along the road w ay in front of the single re sidence on the north side of Stanford Drive instead of routing the trail to the north of the re sidence CityCenter Englewood Station Platform Shelter The previously proposed project of reconstructing the CityCenter Englew ood Station Platform Shelter included con structing w eather shelters at the CityCenter Englew ood Station . Appendix D includes the conceptual engineering plans and opinions of probable cost for Recommended Transportation Improvements. 5.8.5 Englewood Parkway Extension and Bus Transfer /Piazza Redesign The previously proposed project for the Englewood Parkw ay Extension and Bus Transfer /Piazza Redesign included constructing a 29-foot-w ide Englewood Park w ay road w ay (two 12-foot through lanes with 2.5-foot curb and gutter) and associated bus transfer /pedestrian piazza from Inca Street to the CityCenter Englew ood access road . The Englew ood Parkway Road w ay would be widened to accommodate RTD bus turn movements in the area of the bus transfer. Widening would require demolishing and reconstructing the e xisting pedestrian access bridge to the CityCenter Eng lewood Station or acquiring or partially demolishing the ex isting apartment complex to the northeast. Consequently, this previously proposed project w as not carried • forw ard as part of this study. Figure 5-8 depicts the Englewood Parkway Extension and Bus • Transfer /Piazza Redesign . • 104 Fe lsburg Holt & Ulle vig • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D Y Figure 5-8 Englewood Parkway Extension and Bus Transfer /Piazza Redesign 5.8.6 CityCenter Englewood Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge/Tunnel Since the Floyd Avenue Extension w as not carried forw ard as part of this study, a pedestrian/bicycle bridge/tunnel with access to the CityCenter Englewood Station was evaluated . Figure 5-9 depicts the options of a bicycle/pedestrian bridge across the LRT tracks , CML railroad tracks, and US 85 (Santa Fe Drive). An opinion of probable cost was prepared for each option based on the conceptual level of engineering design (Figure 5-7). The opinion of probable cost based on the conceptual engineering was : ► Option 1 Bridge with an elevator /staircase to the station platform -$12 .18 million ► Option 2 Bridge with an elevator /staircase to street -level -$12 .51 million ► Option 3 Tunnel -$14.59 million Based on cost. Option 1 was further refined . Appendix D includes the conceptual eng ineering plans and opin ions of probable cost for the Recommended Transportation Improvements . 105 Fe lsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 l U D '< Figure 5-9 CityCenter Englewood Station Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge/Tunnel Options Englewood -City Center LAT Station Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge/Tunnel Options Option 1 -Bridge Elevator to Station Platform -Option 2 -Bridge with Elevator to Street Level -Option 3 -Tunnel 106 Fe/sburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIOOR NEXT STEPS 5 l U D Y 6.o Recommended Transportation Improvements Chapter 6 .o describes the pac kage of Recommended Transportation Improvements resulting from the analysis conducted in this Next Steps Study. Figure 6-1, Figure 6-2, and Figure 6-3, show the package of Recommended Transportation Improvements. Appendix D includes the conceptual engineering plans and opinions of probable cost for the Recommended Transportation Improvements. Conceptual engineering plans and opinions of probable cost w ere not prepared for the Complementary Transportation Improvements. b.l I rr1nc; ortation /mprovementc; ► Rail Trail (Big Dry Creek Trail Connection to Elati Street) • Constructing a 10-foot-wi de multi-use bicycle/pedestrian trail adjacent to the Southwest LRT Corridor from the Big Dry Creek Trail to Elati Street with bicycle/pedestrian bridges over Oxford Avenue, Hampden Avenue, and Dartmouth Avenue . ► Dartmouth Avenue, Clar ks on Street. and Oxford Avenue Bikeway Loop • Dartmouth Avenue Bikeway o Installing a one-way couplet of a buffer separated shared parking and bicycle lane along Dartmouth Avenue from Inca Street to Clarkson Street. • Clarkson Street Bikeway o Installing a bicycle boulevard along Clarkson Street from Dartmouth Avenue to Oxford Avenue with shared lane markings. wayfinding signs for bicyclists. street treatments to give bicyclists priority. to slow traffic. and to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. • Oxford Avenue Bikew ay o Installing a bicycle boulevard along Oxford Avenue from Clarkson Street to Broadway with shared lane markings. wayfinding signs for bicyclists. street treatments to give bicyclists priority, to slow traffic. and to improve bicycle and pedestria n safety. o Installing a one -way couplet along Oxford Avenue from Broadway to Navajo Street at sidewalk level separated from the parking lanes. o Installing a 10-ft multi-use trail on the north side of Oxford Avenue from Navajo Street to Irving St reet. o Installing a bicycle boulevard along Oxford Avenue from Irving Street to Lowell Boulevard with shared lane markings, wayfinding signs for bicyclists. street treatments to give bicyclists priority. to slow traffic, and to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety . 107 Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD -----• LIGH T R A I L CO RR I D OR NEXT STEPS :, U D ' ► Southwest Greenbelt Trail and Extension • Reconstructing the existing 8 -foot-wide asphalt trail in Rotolo Park from Cherokee Street to Huron Street with a 10-foot wide multi-use trail and constructing a new 10-foot-wide multi-use trail from Huron Street to the Rail Trail ► CityCenter Englewood Station Platform Shelter • Reconstructing the CityCenter Englewood Station Platform Shelter with a weather shelter ► CityCenter Englewood Station Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge • Constructing a 12-foot-wide pedestrian grade-separated crossing of the LRT tracks. CML railroad tracks. and US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) with an elevator and a staircase to the CityCenter Englewood Station Platform Table 6.1 summarizes t he opin ions of probable cost for t he transportation improvements. Table 6-1 . Summary of Opinions of Probable Cost Transportation Improvement Ra il Trail (B ig Dry Cree k Tr ail Co nnection to Ela ti Street) Rail Trail (Big Dry Creek Trail to Sheridan -Oxford Station)! Bridge over Oxford A venue Rail Trail (S heridan -Oxford Station to Little Dry Creek Trail Connection to South Platte River Traill' Bridge over Hampden A venue Rail Trail (Little Dry Creek Trail Co nnection to South Platte River Trail to Bates Avenue)! Bridge over Dartmouth A venue Dartmouth Avenue , Cla rkson Street. and Oxford Aven ue Bikeway Loop Dartmouth Avenue Bikeway (Inca Street to Clarkson Street) Clarkson Street Bicycle Boulevard (Da rtmouth Avenue to Oxford Avenue) Clarkson Street Bicycle Boulevard (Dartmouth A venue to Oxford A venue) -Pavement Markings Only Oxford Avenue Bic ycle Boulevard (Clarkson Street to Broadway) Oxford Avenue Bikeway (Broadway to Navajo Street) Oxford Avenue Bikeway (Navajo Street to Irving Street) Oxford Avenue Bi cycle Bouleva rd (Irving Street to Lowell Boulevard) Southwest Greenbelt Tra il Extens ion CityCenter Englewood Station Platfo rm Shelter CityCenter Englewood Stat ion Bicycle/Pedestrian Bri dge Notes: (1) Includes bridge cost for segment. 108 Felsburg Holt & Ul/e vig $5,043 ,000 $2,375,000 $773,000 $1,566,000 $1,038.000 $1,102,000 $1,456,000 $11,050,000 $204,000 $297,000 $30.000 $26,000 $9,163,000 $1,347,000 $13,000 $2 ,959,000 $200,000 $7,162,000 • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD llGt.l VAIL CQ~lh DQll N EXT STEPS • • • Figure 6-1. Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -Bikeway Loop and Rail Trail LEGEND CE Light Rail Station• --Rail roads <,J City Boundaries """-" Rtvers Recreational ResourcH Proposed Transportation Improvements Bikew ay Loop 109 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD l 10 11 1 *"'ll co w ■,0 011 NEX T STEPS Figure 6-2. Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -CityCenter Englewood Station Area 0 LEGEND Pr ewl ou sl y Propose d Tra nspo rtati on lm prow emen ts Blkew•y Loop -R1il Trell -Engl•wood City Cetll•r Station Blcyc .. /Pede1tri1n Brldv• Englelll'ood City Center LAT Station Pllltform Shelter Po te ntia l Comp le ment ary Im proveme nts 1111111 Englewood Cily Center SUition P•dotritln 8f1d9• or Tunnel Fk)yd Avenue (ShMman to Elati) Bicyde/PedHtrian o,nmooth AVIHIU. (Inca to F~r•I) Bikewey Uttle Dry Creek Trait Connection Bioycle/Pedestrian Improvement s Dartmouth 4venu. (South Platt• Rlvu Dr to Zuni AcceHI ('•: Hampdan Avenue/Sho~ Street lnt«1ectlon ••••• US 85101rtmoulh Avenue lnwt$ectlon Hamilton Bndge Blcycte/Pedestrlan Place or noyd Avenue Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • 110 • -• • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD t 1c.. ••n co11e1oou N EXT STEPS • Figure 6-3. Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements -Sheridan -Oxford Station Area CE Light Rall Stati ons -Railroads GJ Re c reationa l RHOUrc H Proposed Transportation Improvements Bikeway Loop -Rall Trall -Southwest Greenbelt Extensi on Potential Complementary Improvements 111 11 11 Winde rmere Street Shar e d Use Path Tufts Avenue (Navaj o t o Ra ll Trail) Bicycle/Ped estri an Fefsburg Holt & Uffevig 111 • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y 6 :::> Comolemen ,v Transoortation Improvements The following represent the Complementary Transportation Improvements. 6 .2 .1 Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements ► Floyd Avenue Bike Lanes (CityCenter Englewood Station to Sherman Street) • Restriping to include 5-foot bike lanes in both directions. requiring the removal of the center turn lane from the CityCenter Englewood Station to Elati Street. and a road diet from four lanes to two lanes with a possible center turn lane from Elati Street to Sherman Street or a similar type of treatment. ► Dartmouth Avenue Bikeway (Platte River Trail to Federal Boulevard) • Extending the construction of a bi-directional. 6-to 8-foot-wide protected bikeway along Dartmouth Avenue from the Little Dry Creek Trail to Federal Boulevard. ► Windermere Shared Use Path Extension (Batting Cages at Cornerstone Park Entrance to Englewood Canine Corral Entrance) • Replacing the existing sidewalk with an extension of the existing 8-foot shared use path along the east side of Windermere Street (Belleview Avenue to the Batting • Cages at Cornerstone Park Entrance). north to the Englewood Canine Corral Entrance, • providing connectivity to the Big Dry Creek Trail. ► Tufts Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements (Navajo Street to Rail Trail) • Extending the sidewalk along the south side of Tufts Avenue to connect with the future Rail Trail where Tufts Avenue turns north into Windermere Street • Painting bike sharrows and installing "Share the Road" signs • Installing crosswalks where Tufts Avenue turns north into Windermere Street (including ADA ramps). where Windermere Street continues south from Tufts Avenue, and where Navajo Street continues north from Tufts Avenue ► Little Dry Creek Trail Connection Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements (Along the frontage road west of US 85 to Little Dry Creek Trail. Mary Carter Greenway [South Platte Traill, and west across the South Platte River) • Extending the sidewalk a long the frontage road west of US 85 to Little Dry Creek Trail 6.2 .2 Intersection/ Access Improvements ► US 85 / Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements • Providing a fourth northbound and southbound through-lane along US 85 to the next largest intersections (US 85/Hampden Avenue and US 85/Evans Avenue). ► US 85 / Oxford Avenue Intersection Improvements • Providing a fourth northbound and southbound through-lane along US 85 to the next largest intersections (US 85/Hampden Avenue and US 85/Belleview Avenue). 112 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • .. • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD NCtl-rr LIGH T RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y ► Oxford Avenue/ Windermere/ Navajo Street Intersection Improvements • Improving bus circulation to the Sheridan -Oxford Station ► US 285 / Shoshone Street Right-In / Right-Out • Working with CDOT to construct a righ t -in/ right-out to/from US 285 and Shoshone Street to provide easier vehicular access to areas west of US 85 and north of US 285 ► Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements (South Platte River Drive to Zuni Street) 6 .2.3 • Providing intersection and access cont rol improvements along Dartmouth Avenue from the South Platte River Drive to Zuni St re et as the street grid is reestablished (Dartmou t h Avenue/Shoshone Street Dartmouth Avenue/Ouivas Street etc.) Other Improvements ► Sheridan -Oxford Station park -n-Ride / Shared Use Parking • Redeveloping a nearby parcel into a RTD park-n-Ride f acility or working with a developer to construct a shared use parking structure as part of a mixed-use redevelopment where a portion of parking would be dedicated to RTD riders using the Sheridan -Oxford Station . ► Hamilton Place or Floyd Avenue Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements • Widening the Hamilton Place Bridge to accommodate 8-foot sidewalks and 5-foot bike lanes on each side or providing a separate adjacent bicycle/pedestrian only bridge and/or providing a separate Floyd Avenue Bridge over the South Platte River . 113 Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGH T RA I L CORR I DOR NEXT STEPS <, U D ~ t¥(KT 7.0 Community Engagement Community engagement for the Next Steps Study was conducted simultaneously with two other City of Englewood major planning studies that directly impact the future of transportation in and around the community : ► Englewood Comprehensive Plan Update ► Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study ► Walk and Wheel Master Plan and Program Although three separate consultant teams were contracted to work with City staff on each study, the overall process was branded as Englewood Forward Conducting the studies simultaneously and in collaboration with each other reduced citizen public meeting fatigue, enabled the public to see firsthand the integration of the studies and how one fits or impacts the other, enabled consistency in recommendations among the studies . increased effectiveness of the study process, and resulted in more efficient and effective agency and stakeholder involvement. There were specific instances where public and agency involvement activities took place specific to the goals and objectives of one of the individual studies , but generally, community engagement and outreach was conducted simultaneously and seamlessly for all three studies . 71 Communltv En 'a emen Pro e Open and transparent community engagement and public participation were key elements in the process of developing the Next Steps Study. The goal of community engagement and outreach was to increase public awareness of the study and its goals and objectives and to promote community participation in the study process . Public input was solicited throughout the entire study process. Public participation included open discussion through small group meetings, stakeholder interviews, neighborhood walk-abouts, an agency staff technical meeting, City Council briefings, written comments, surveys and well-publicized public meetings. 7.2 Plan 1 oo e At the beginning of the study, a detailed Community Engagement Plan was developed to describe public and agency participation methods and objectives to identify where each activity fit into the schedule. The Integrated Studies Community Engagement and Outreach Plan guided all outreach activities for maximum effectiveness. 7 < nmmun,catton Ob1ecl!ves Objectives of community engagement were to: ► Increase public awareness of the study, promote public participation in the process, and collect public input/feedback. ► Provide direction for the study through focused, effective, and efficient input from stakeholder groups. as well as to efficiently obtain broader public views and opinions . 114 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 T U D '< wt.,,:1~1 '"' • "' \ ~;+- ~ ;,:~..;~.* ... 'i ► Develop a variety of proactive. efficient. and cost-effective public outreach tools /tactics to inform, involve, and generate community buy-in leading to continued project support. The tools/tactics used publicized all public meetings at least two weeks in advance of each meeting . ► Encourage public participation in the study process to ensure input is gained from a broad range of community leaders. agencies. elected officials. citizens . and organizations that have an interest in the outcome of the study. Provide involvement opportunities for area citizens. neighborhoods, businesses and community leaders/organizations, including underserved populations based on income, ethnicity. age and/or disabilities . ► Ensure public meetings were easily accessible to the public to encourage broad participation . Preference was given to the use of the Englewood Civic Center as the primary meeting venue due to its accessibility to public transit routes , in accordance w ith ADA ► Ensure residents were informed and had timely access to meeting proceedings and the decision-making process. which encouraged participation and feedback. Public meeting summaries and materials were posted to the project website within two weeks of each meeting . Documentation and evaluation methods included a combination of the following : • ► Meeting summaries (who attended /what was achieved) ► Meeting attendance/sign-in to document participation at every meeting ► Documentation of all public and stakeholder comments/input ► Response to public queries/questions ► Response rate of online survey questions ► Establishment of the project website as the most authoritative source of study information 7 ,3.1 Study Areas/ Audiences Each Study Team , City of Englewood and City of Sheridan staff. and others responsible for engaging the public throughout the study process used the Integrated Studies Community Engagement and Outreach Plan . The plan was used as a guide to implement public involvement activities and engage stakeholders in and around the study areas to provide valuable input and to help inform the decisions within each study. Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study Study Areas/Target Audiences ► Englewood Stati on -Wes t Ne ighbo rhood : The West Neighborhood is located between Dartmouth and Hampden Avenues on the north and south. and Santa Fe Drive and Zuni Street on the east and west. and includes the South Platte River. The area is currently developed with industrial uses and is not directly connected to the CityCenter Englewood Station. 115 Fe/sburg Holt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD L IGH T RA I L CORRIOOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D ~ ~ ► CityCenter Englewood Neighborhood : The Engle w ood Light Rail Corridor Plan envisioned the development of additional multi-unit residential developments immediately adjacent to the CityCenter Englew ood Station over current RTD and City parking areas . ► Oxford Stat ion -South Neighbo rhood : The Englew ood Light Rail Corridor Plan envisioned the development of two parks located north and south of Oxford Avenue that would serve to attract higher quality multi-unit residential housing . including for-sale units . ► Bates Sta ti on -North Ne ighborhood : The Bates Station-North Neighborhood primarily consist s of the Winslo w Crane and General Ironworks properties . PUDs were recently approved for both properties that allow redevelopment for multi-unit residential use, without establishing site plans . Community and stakeholder input/involv ement w as based on the follo w ing goals : ► Provide the most cost-effective means of providing next steps to deliver transportation improvements that enhance the CityCenter Englewood TOD ► Provide multimodal connections to the CityCenter Englew ood and Sheridan -Oxford Stations ► Trigger substantial private investment in Englewood and Sheridan ► Increase transit ridership Agency Coordination FHU coordinated with the City of Engle w ood staff about specific coordination needed with the agencies to keep them informed about the progress of the studies . ► Agencies w ere included in the Agency Technical Workshop. ► City of Englew ood staff provided the agencies monthly progress reports or briefings on the Next Steps Study. Project Management Team FHU Project Management Team and the cities of Englewood and Sheridan's technical staff met as needed throughout the duration of the Next Steps Study timeframe to address project challenges and opportunities. 74 communication Tools/Tactics Brand/Logo/Templates LIG H T R A IL COR R I D OR NEXT STEPS S T U D V A key strategy in assuring awareness of the three studies was to establish an overall project brand/logo for Englewood Forward along with three compatible individual study logos and communicat ion material templates. These were produced to give a similar look and feel between online and print materials across all projects and were used in creating all commu nication materials. 116 Fe lsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CO R RIDOR NEXT STEPS ~ I V () Y ~ • Website ~ ENGLEWOOD ~ FORWARD -------·-1:::1 All study-related information and materials, study purpose and scope, study timeline. public meeting schedule. public meeting presentations. meeting summaries. photos. displays and maps were posted to the project website and updated follow ing each public meeting . Citizens also learned about other ways to get involved in the studies through the w ebsite and the calendar of meetings/activities and had an opportunity to provide feedback through online surveys . Nearly 2 ,300 unique visitors have visited the Englewood Forward website. £-Newsletters E-newsletters w ere developed and distributed to 521 contacts in the database. including agencies. stakeholders . and members of the general public who requested information on the project. The e-newsletters included a project update summary paragraph . a synopsis of public involvement. links to additional information on the specific study project webpages. and dates of the next public event (if available). The e-newsletters were distributed at the start of the year-long process. before each public meeting event and after each public meeting with a summary from each study. Public Meetings ~ tNGLEWOOO :,FOAWARO Three public outreach meetings w ere held in which the three studies presented information and gathered public feedback through a variety of interactive tools and discussions . Videos were produced from the first two public meetings. The videos provided an overall introduction by City of Englewood Mayor Randy Penn . a project description from each project leader. and citizen interviews. The videos were placed on the Englewood Forward website to provide citizens an additional opportunity to obtain information presented during the public meetings. Meeting dates and locations were as follows: ► November 12, 2014, 6 -g p .m., Englewood Civic Center ► February 11. 2015, 6 -g p.m.. Englewood Civic Center ► June 18. 2015, 6 -g p .m ., Englewood Civic Center outdoor concert ► June 20. 2015 , 1 -5 p.m ., outdoor street festival ► September 26, 2015, 1 -5 pm, outdoor street festival Publictfy Tactics Used to Promote the Public Meetings The following communications tools were used to publicize each public meeting: ► Landing page of Englewood Forwardwebsite ► Englewood Forwardwebsite calendar 117 Fe/sburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGH T RA I L CO R RIDOR NEXT STEPS <, U D ~ N@rr ► City of Englewood website "eNotifier" subscribers ► City of Englewood, City of Sheridan , and others (Chamber of Commerce, school districts) posting to their websites and on City Bulletin Boards ► Social media/Facebook posts (City of Englewood and City of Sheridan) ► News releases developed by the consultant team and distributed to local news media by the City of Englewood and City of Sheridan ► Community calendars of local new s media ► Englewood Citizen and Sheridan Citizen newsletters ► E-newsletter (distributed two weeks and two to three days before each public meeting) to a database of more than 500 and distributed to community business and civic organizations , which then redistributed them to their database of constituents ► Englewood Police Department "Ne xt Door" online social network ... ...,.,.,.--.~ .. ...w...t~.-,...w.1~0ar'-o.tior,j, ,....,.....,_._IMllr,~~~~ ......... -MWe ........,........,__,.._ .. ...,llpt,.. ............ ca, .. ~---tNI ~~-,......._.,...,........., .• _..,_...i ........ ~ ._.,,~~,-.-,1,......iwa.,w..,.......,..,...,.........., ~f N CLCVIOOO :,ronwlif(rJ ,,____,_........,. ~_,_,,u.•u,,-,_ ~CM<C..,.(--"Y ...... r ....... 1000 ._...-........, -- ► Flyers to public locations throughout the community and to businesses , real estate offices, schools , apartment complexes , and local homeowner associations ► Postcards to property owners along key corridors (Dartmouth, Clarkson, Oxford , Navajo, • Windermere , Inca, Englewood Parkway and Southwest Greenbelt) before the second • public meeting . Property owners were made aware of the study process, public meetings, and website address. ► Project Biz Cards : 1,000 business cards were printed and handed out during the Holiday Bazaar . The study team was provided 250 business cards to distribute as needed. ► Electronic billboards that promoted the public meetings within two days of each meeting . November 12, 2014 Meeting Information As the first opportunity for public engagement in the planning process, the purpose of the November 12 kickoff public meeting was to: ► Explain the consolidated planning process and project goals for each plan/study ► Identify issues and priorities of the Next Steps Study ENGLEWOOD FORWARD ► Articulate elements of an updated community vision to revitalize. redevelop, and reinvent ► Gather thoughts, ideas, and desires from the community regarding opportunities and issues related to the Next Steps Study City of Englewood Mayor Randy Penn began the meeting with a welcome and presentation , followed by short presentations by each study consultant team project manager. Following the formal presentation , citizens visited stations for each study, provided input. and discussed with the consultant teams . More than 50 local citizens attended the public meeting . 118 Felsburg Holt & Ul/e vig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S -U D Y Other participants included: ► Councilman Rick Gillitt, City of Englew ood ► City Manager Eric Keck . City of Englew ood ► City of Sheridan Planning Commission members ► Additional City of Englew ood staff February 11, 2015 Meeting Information The second public meeting also involved an introduction by City of Englew ood Mayor Randy Penn and separate stations for each study. The study team presented results of its data collection and conditions assessment w ork including : ► Ex isting and projected daily traffic volumes and truck data ► Ex isting peak hour intersection turning movement counts and levels of service at all intersections within the corridor study area ► Ex isting transit routes ► Potential bicycle and pedestrian conflict areas ► Analysis of several proposed transportation improvements Overall Feedback (Comments and Questions) From the Public Meetings Citizens of various groups from the cities of Englewood and Sheridan provided input and feedback throughout the public meetings. Common themes heard from the public included : ► Parking ► Floyd Street Extension -costs /benefits/ options ► Serving senior citizens ► Infrastructure for pedestrians along Hampden Avenue for better access to LRT station ► Auto snow melt area ► Cover for RTD ticket machines ► Covered waiting area ► Redevelopment of properties at both the CityCenter Englew ood Station and the Sheridan -Oxford Station ► Bikeways ► Additional LRT stops ► Land use ► Increased connectivity for walking and biking 119 Fe lsburg Holt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGH T RA IL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS <, U D '< ~ Contact Database (Stakeholder/Public) A contact database was developed and expanded throughout the study to include all stakeholder and groups/individuals interested in or potentially impacted by the study. Email addresses were collected from interested parties and residents via the website and during the public meetings. In addition to citizens, the contact database also includes community organizations, boards and commissions , government agencies, developers. local businesses. etc. A link was posted on the website and on other communication materials for interested parties to sign up fore-newsletter notifications throughout the project. There are currently 521 contacts in the Englewood Forward database . Media/News Releases At the beginning of the study and before every large public gathering , press releases were written and provided to the cities of Englewood and Sheridan for distribution to print and electronic news media . These press releases were provided at key project milestones and to announce public meeting events. New s media outlets included Englewood Weeklies (Englewood Herald and The Vi/lagen . the Denver Post and Denver Post YourHub .com (Arapahoe County). Neighborhood Outreach/Business Walk-Abouts • Each neighborhood in the study areas is different in nature and in demographics. Thus. neighborhood concerns and desires had the potential to be different from other stakeholders . • Walk-abouts were conducted in which the Next Steps Study consultant team visited more than 100 business owners/managers in the study area. obtained contact information , provided project-related information and solicited their input. concerns, and suggestions. Land/Property Owner Outreach The City of Englewood provided the contact list of 600 property owners from the previous station area planning study . Outreach focused on property owners who own key parcels that may represent redevelopment opportunities in the vicinity of key focus areas (such as around the Sheridan -Oxford Station . to the west side of Santa Fe across from the Englewood station . and property owners south and east of Hampden and Santa Fe). A postcard mailing was sent to these property owners before the second public meeting . In addition to the mailing , the consultant team visited a number of key property owners. Developer Roundtable (February 20. 2015) A roundtable forum of real estate developers from around the metro area . as well as developers familiar with the Englewood market. was convened to discuss the findings of the market study for the four study areas in Englewood . Input was gathered on how to potentially move forward with implementation of development concepts for each study area . 120 Felsburg Holt & Ul/e vig • • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D Y Agency Technical. Workshop -Light Rail. Comdor Next Steps Study Oanuary 22, 2015) The study team hosted an initial kickoff to the Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study on January 22 , 2015, involving agency staff, elected officials, key community groups, and stakeholders with an interest in learning details and participating in the study. More than 25 people joined in the workshop . Invited agencies included: ► City of Englewood staff ► City of Sheridan staff ► Arapahoe County staff ► Elected officials from the cities of Englewood and Sheridan and Arapahoe County ► DRCOG staff ► RTD staff ► City of Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee ► City of Englewood Urban Renewal Authority ► CDOT staff ► FHWA staff • ► Railroad representatives Workshop discussions focused on : ► Goals for the Next Steps Study ► Project overview o Previous planning efforts o Study area o Project goals o Schedule / key decision points o Critical project elements o Community engagement ► Data collection efforts o Real estate feasibility o Transportation system o Environmental overview ► Alternatives development. evaluation, and design o Screening process o Preliminary screening results o Feedback o Conceptual design ► Action Plan 121 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LI GHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D ~ ~ Englewood and Shendan City Counetf Briefings (February 25, 2015 I.Joint!' June 1, 2015,· June 22, 2015,· July 6, 2015,· July 13, 2015) The study team updated the City Councils on the project findings based on data collection. public input, transportation improvements analysis , and the real estate development feasibility analysis . RTD Coordination (February g, 2015,· Apnf 30, 2015) The study team coordinated w ith RTD regarding potential Locations of the Sheridan -Oxford Station park-n-Ride /Shared Parking facility, the Englewood Parkway Extension , as well as provided conceptual design for the Rail Trail and the CityCenter Englewood Station Weather Shelter for review . Comments received from RTD are included in Appendix E and were addressed as appropriate on the conceptual plans (Appendix DJ . Public Involvement Outcomes The community engagement process for the Next Steps Study has been systematic and inclusive and has informed and provided guidance to the alternatives analysis and recommendations. Public outreach consisted of stakeholder interviews , an agency technical workshop (26 attendees), neighborhood walk-abouts (more than 100 personal contacts), and public meetings (combined attendance over 150 citizens after two public meetings). Study information and meeting notification took place through flyer distribution (400 flyers), community • calendars (Local media , chambers of commerce, and school districts), press releases to the Local media, direct mailings (600 property ow ners), e -newsletter (521 contacts), digital signage and e-mails. A project website provided those w ho w ere not able to attend meetings direct access via the internet to all project materials and presentations throughout the extent of the planning effort. Information and feedback gathered through these public meetings, stakeholder interview s, property and developer interviews has helped shape the alternatives and will inform the final recommendations . 122 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS <; U D V 8.o Action Plan Experience has sho w n that an articulate and thoughtful action plan w ill help increase the probability of funding success in the current economic environment. Good information . collaboration . broad support. and readiness to proceed to construction are all keys to successful project prioritization . The primary intent of this action plan is to identify and prioritize projects so that the leadership of the City of Englewood and the City of Sheridan can have a bas is for consideration and ultimate selection and fund ing of projects . To simp lify the prioritization process. the approach wa s more qualitative than quantitative. although there is rich information available through this Next Steps Study to assist w ith a qualitative evaluation . It is designed to provide decision-makers w ith key information required to effectively understand potential projects. their benefits, and their readiness to encumber transportation funds. A key objective of this Action Plan is to pursue opportunities in advance of project requests. identify a variety of potential funding sources. and take advantage of unanticipated funding that might become available. 1 /aen lft~ahon and vaLuatton ot Projects The study team identified projects for consideration in the action plan using input from the cities of Englewood and Sheridan . public feedback, and the transport ation improvements analysis (Chapte r 5.0 ). The package of Recommended Transportation Improvements summarizes the projects identified . The study team developed evaluation criteria to qualitatively rate the projects' characteristics that cumulatively identify project benefits for the traveling public and the cities of Englewood and Sheridan . The study team identified five evaluation criteria : ► Project readiness ► Safe t y benefits ► Multimodal benefits ► Community benefits ► Estimated cost Project readiness evaluates how quickly a project could go to construction . This considers the approx imate length of time for preliminary and final engineering design , if property is required for right-of-way acquisition . and if environmental clearances can read ily be obtained (if required by funding). Evaluation thresho lds are as follows: ► Low : Advertisement (for bidding) would li kely requi re more than 18 months ► Medium: Can likely be advertised (for bidding) between 6 and 18 months ► High : Can likely be advertised (for bidding) in less than 6 months Safety benefits evaluate the need for safety improvements and the potential for improv ing cond itions . Hot spots for crashes and p otential vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian conflict points are 123 Fe lsburg Holt & Uttevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 1J C 'v considered when evaluating the need for safety improvements. Evaluation thresholds are as follows: ► Low : Little anticipated benefit ► Med ium: Moderate anticipated benefit ► High : Significant anticipated benefit Mult imodal bene fi ts evaluate if a project is likely to improve access to and use of transit. bicycle. and pedestrian modes. as well as vehicular movement. Improvements to bicycle. pedestrian. and transit facilities are considered when evaluating multimodal benefits. Evaluation thresholds are as follows : ► Low : No anticipated enhancements to bicycle, pedestrian , or transit facilities or access to those facilities ► Med ium: Anticipated enhancements to a single modal facility. bicycle. pedestrian , or transit facilities or access to those facilities ► High : Anticipated enhancements to a combination of bicycle. pedestrian. or transit facilities or access to those facilities Community benefits evaluate if the project enhances or furthers the realization of the goals and • plans of the cities of Englewood and Sheridan. including those for economic development. The • study team considered specific input provided during public meetings. project management team meetings. public official meetings. the developer forum. and specific stakeholder input and information from relevant comprehensive and transportation planning documents. Evaluation thresholds are as follows: ► Low : No stakeholders identified the project as a priority and the project is not supported by the relevant planning documents ► Med ium: Stakeholders identified the project as a priority or the project is supported by relevant planning documents, but not both ► High : Stakeholders identified the project as a priority and the project is supported by relevant planning documents Est imated cost evaluates the opinion of probable cos t for preliminary and final engineeri ng design and construction, including acquisition of property for right-of-way if necessary. for each project. Evaluation thresholds are as follows: ► Low : Greater than $10 million ► Med ium: $500 ,000 to $10 million ► High : Less than $500.000 The study team rated all of the projects as low. medium. or high based on the identified criteria, as summarized in Table 8-1. These ratings are based on the information developed through this study. Once the cities of Englewood and Sheridan advance specific projects. these criteria could be updated accordingly. 124 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • f:NGLEWOOD FORWARD l lC h f 1t•1l COll llhDO'I NEXT STEPS Table 8-1. Composite Rating of Projects Evaluation Criteria Transportation Improvement f l " d l C ·t E t· ted p · ·t · t· Project Sa ety Mu t1mo a ommuni y s 1ma non 1za 10n Readiness Benefits Benefits Benefits Cost Rail Trail (Big Dry Creek Trail Connection to Sheridan -Oxford Medium High High High Medium Short -term Station) --t- Rail Trail (Oxford Station to Little Dry Creek Traill Low High High Medium Medium Long-term Rail Trail (Little Dry Creek Trail to Bates Avenue) Medium High Medium High Medium Mid-term Dartmouth Avenue Separated Bikeway (Inca Street to Clarkson High Medium Medium Medium High Short-term Street) Clarkson Street (Dartmouth Avenue to Oxford Avenue) and Oxford High Medium Medium Medium High Short-term Avenue (Clarkson Street to Broadway) Bicycle Boulevard Oxford Avenue (Broadway to Navajo Street) Separated Bikeway Medium Medium Medium Medium Low Long-term + Oxford Avenue (Navajo to Irving Street) Separated Bikeway Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Mid-term Oxford Avenue (Irving Street to Lowell Boulevard) Bicycle Bouleva rd High Medium Medium Medium High Short-term -Southwest Greenbelt Trail Improvements and Extension Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Mid -term1 ---+- CityCenter Englewood Station Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge Medium High High High Medium Mid-term2 5 CityCenter Englew ood Station Platform Shelter High Lo w Low Me dium High Mid-term Complementary Transportation Improvements Floyd Avenue Bike Lanes (CityCenter Englew ood Station to Sherman High Medium Medium Medium High Short-term Street) Dartmouth Avenue (South Platte River Drive to Federal Boulevard) Medium Medium Medium Low Medium Mid-term Separated Bikeway +- Windermere On-Street Shared Use Path Extension (Batting Cages at High High Medium Low High Mid-term1 Cornerstone Park Entrance to Englewood Canine Corral Entrance) -+ ---t Tufts Avenue Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements (Navajo Street to High High Medium Low High Mid-t er m 1 Rail Trail) 125 Fefsburg Holt & Uflevig - ENGLEWOOD F ORWA RD ~ I.I Oh t ·••L c ow•1DOG NEXT STEPS Evaluation Criteria Transportation Improvement f l • d l c ·t E t· ted p · ·t· t· Project Sa ety Mu t1mo a ommuni y s 1ma non 12a 10n Readiness Benefits Benefits Benefits Cost Little Dry Creek Trail Connection Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements (Along the frontage road west of US 85 to Little Dry Creek Trail. Mary Carter Greenway (South Platte Traill. and west across the South Platte River) US 85/Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements US 85/Oxford Avenue Intersection Improvements Oxford Avenue/Navajo Street Intersection Improvements US 285 (Hampden Avenue)/Shoshone Street Right -in/Right-out Intersection Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements (South Platte River Drive to Zuni Street) Sheridan -Oxford Station park-n-Ride or Shared Use Parking Hamilton Place Bridge Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements or separate adjacent bicycle/pedestrian only bridge and/or Floyd Avenue Bridge over the South Platte River Notes: Prioritization is funding dependent. Medium Low Low Low Medium Lo w Medium Medium Medium Medium Low High Medium Low High Medium Low High High Low Low Low High Low Low High Low Medium Low High Medium Medium (1) Requires construction of Rail Trail to provide connectivity to either th e CityCenter Englewood Station or th e Sheridan -Oxford Station (2) Could be implemented sooner if parcels west of US 85 redevelop a nd install adequate bicycle/pedestri an facili t ies along frontage road (3) Should be pursued by COOT in rela tion to the US 85 corridor Medium Long -term2 Lo w Long -term 3 Low Long -term 3 Medium Mid-term4 Medium Mid -term 5 Medium Long -term Medium Long -term6 High Mid -term7 (4) Would require modification of RTD buses accessing the Sheridan -Oxford Station. as well as redevelopmen t of adjacen t parcels to warrant further ana lysis (5) Would provide additional access to the parcels west of US 85 (6) May be implemented sooner as parcels in the vicinity of the Sheridan -Oxford Station redevelop (7) Requires construction of the CityCenter Englewood Station bicycle/pedestrian bridge to optimize connectivit y to the station 126 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • -• • ENGLEWOOD FORWAR D LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U D ~ t¥tl-rr Based on the ratings (Table 8 -1), projects were prioritized into three categories : short-term (within 5 years), mid-term (5 to 10 years), and long -term (greater than 10 years). Projects, such as the Tufts Avenue Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements, that require completion of another project (such as the Rail Trail) were categorized as mid-term projects . Projects, such as the Little Dry Creek Trail Connection Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements, that would require acquisition of property for right-of-way or redevelopment of parcels, were categorized as long-term projects . It is important to note that all prioritization is funding dependent. fl;,, ,-,oren ,al 1-undtng :::,ources There are many options worth exploring for suitability for funding the package of Recommended Transportation Improvements. These strategies require coordination and participation among the departments of the cities of Englewood and Sheridan, as well as RTD, DRCOG, and COOT, among others. A concerted t eam effort will most likely result in successfully securing funds for the improvements as well as the need for matching local funds . The presence of a champion to guide this effort is important. The potential funding sources outlined in T able 8-2 are proposed for consideration, in addition to funding opport unities through COOT and DR COG . It is likely that a mix of the strategies will form a final funding package for Recommended Transportatio n Improvements. Table 8 -3 matches potential funding sources with the package of Recommended Transportation Improvements. • Tab le 8 -2. Summary of Potential Funding Sources • Funding Source Description US DOT Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant US Department of Interior National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) Federal Highway Administration Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Fe/sburg Holt & Ul/evig The TIGER discretionary grant funds capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure. The LWCF Program provides matching grants to states and to local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities . The SIB is in effect a bank funded by the state. It provides loans for infrastructure projects at a low rate of interest. For planned improvements, the SIB cou ld provide the up-front capital to form a local match against COOT or FHWA dollars. The cities could then pay back the SIB by dedicating a small amount of its revenues over a period of several years . This program for non-motorized forms of transportation activities includes facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists , safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists: and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors to trails . Administered through the DRCOG Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) . 127 ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR ~ NEXT STEPS 5 U D v Funding Source Description Federal High way Administration Recreational Trails Program - funds drawn from larger TAP Colorado State Recreational Trails Grant Program (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) COOT Bridge Pool Funding COOT Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery Act of 2009 (FASTER) Safety Improvements COOT FASTER Colorado Bridge Enterprise COOT FASTER Trans it Grants COOT Responsible Acceleration of Maintenance and Partnerships (RAMP) COOT Federal Discretionary Funds DRCOG Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAO) grants Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig -----L--• ~ L This program focuses on the maintenance and restoration of existing trails : deve lopment or rehabilitation of tra ilside and trailhead facil itie s and linkages: acquisition of necessary easements: assoc iated administrative costs : and new trails and educational programs. Administered through the DRCOG TIP . This program administers funds for trail layout. design, engineering. feasibility studies, inventory, use studies, analysis of existing and proposed trails . master plans , or prepares plans to build a volunteer organization or increase capacity. and trail training . This funding pool provides for the construction, repair, and replacement of off-system bridge projects based on performance measures, as we ll as public safety, engineering judgment. project readiness , and funding limits. Administered through the DRCOG TIP . This funding pool provides for the construction, reconstruction , or maintenance of projects that are needed to enhance the safety of a state high way, county road, or city street. Adm inistered through the DRCOG TIP. This program finances the repair, reconstruction, and replacement of bridges designated as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete and rated "Poor." Administered through the DRCOG TIP. FASTER t ra nsit funds are split between local transit grants ($5 million per year) and statewide projects ($10 million per year). The $5 million in local transit grants is awarded competitively by COOT reg ional offices. Local recipients are required to provide a minimum 20 % local match . Types of projects that have been awarded include those that improve transit access (bicycle/pedestrian access, park-n-Ride facilities, bus shelters, etc.). Administered through the DRCOG TIP . Program funding will be revisited annually by the Transportation Commission . To be eligible, a project must be constructed within 5 years , be consistent with the Long Range Statewide Transportation Plan and CDOT Policies , incorporate on-system improvements or be integrated w ith the state highway system, and provide project- specific sufficient information on additional eligibility and evaluation criteria . Administered through the DRCOG TIP . Program funding is through the DRCOG TIP for projects using federal discretionary funds . These grants are provided for projects that reduce congestion and improve air quality for the people of Colorado , including bicycle/pedestrian improvements. Administered through the DRCOG TIP . 128 • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS s u [ ~ Funding Source Description -"•-=--"'-'------s-•-w•-•---=•-•~-•--•---- COOT and DRCOG CMAO Travel Demand Management (TOM) Pool US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grants FTA Urbanized Area Formula Grants-5307 Funds (Urbanized areas of more than 200.000 people) Federal Transit Administration Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities - 5310 Funds Arapahoe County Open Space Grants Great Outdoors Colorado Grants Felsburg Ho lt & Ul/evig These grants facilitate mobility options for residents of the Denver region whi le reducing single-occupant vehicle (SOV) trave l by eliminating or shortening t ri ps , changing the mode of tra ve l. or changing the time of day a trip is made. It includes actions that increase transportation system efficiency through the promotion and facilitat ion of transportation options such as, but not limi ted to, carpooling. carsharing , vanpooling, transit. bicycling , bike sharing and wa lking . Administe re d through the DRCOG TIP . Thi s grant program supports locally led collaborative efforts that bring together diverse interests from the many municipalities in a region to determine how best to target housing , economic and workforce development. and infrastructure investments to create more jobs and regional economic activity. This program provides grants to urbanized areas for bicycle routes that connect to transit. Administered through the DRCOG TIP . This program provides grants for bicycle improvements that provide access to an eligible public transportation facility and meet the needs of the elderly and individuals with disab ilities. Administered through the DRCOG TIP . This program funds projects in Arapahoe County that provide trail connections and provide for park development. Local government grants typically fund community parks , trails , and recreation facilities like skate parks . bike parks , ice rinks , pools , and other amenities that help communities gain easy access to the outdoors. 129 ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L C O RRIDO R NEXT STEPS S IJ O Y Funding Source Description Foundation and Company Grants • People for Bikes Foundation Community Grants This grant program provides funding for important and influential projects that leverage f ederal funding and build momentum for bicycling in communities across the U.S. These projects include bike paths and rail tra ils. as well as mountain bike trails, bike parks, BMX facilities, and large-scale bicycle advocacy initiatives . • Gates Family Foundation Capital Grants The Urban Land Conservancy (ULC), Enterprise Community Partners. the City and County of Denver. and several other investors have partnered to establish the fi rst affordab le housing TOD acquisition fund in the country. The purpose of th e De nver TOD Fund is to support the creation and preservation of over 1,000 affordable housing units through strategic property acquisition in current and future transit corridors . • Mile High Connects Th is program supports projects that establish and improve safe connections (connected and intact sidewa lk s, bike routes. • pedestri an bridges. ADA-accessible amenities. addressing • safety concerns, etc .) to and from transit stops and destinations. Rai lway-Highway Crossing Hazard Elimin ation City of Englewood and City of Sheridan Bonding Felsburg Ho lt & Ul/evig I The program provides funding for sa f ety improvements at both public and private high way-rai l grade crossings a long federally designated high-speed rail corridors. Federal Railroad Administrat ion (FRA) and FHWAjointly administer the program. The cities of Englewood and Sherid an can issue bonds to raise local revenue for transportation improvements. 130 • • ENGLEWOOD F OR WARD \IQ to t fU ,tl C(UfftlOOU NEX T STEPS • • WIT ~---~iilll5Ull'IIUiillii::Ba!S!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~• Table 8-3. Summary of Potential Funding Sources for Recommended Transportation Improvements Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements 0 a, "iij' ::, .8 > .8 i C "' a, ai z ai E ~ ~ _g ~ a. iii a, ~ .£2 :5 "O ]i >, "' ::, "E ::s-_g u C ~ 0 "' a. t5l"E LJ.. C a, "O "iij' > C C C ~ "' > C -"' ai 0 0 -::; e "' 2 0 0 ~~ j 0 >, "E ~ ::, :;:; ~ ~ ~ ' "' !:! 0 2 a, "' ~::, a, iii "O Funding Source i .£2 >, CD -~ <Jl Cl ::, C >, <J) a, a, 0 ai <J) "' j I-"O :g -"' CD C 0 2 -"' X ~ 2 "O C a, a, ~ I-a, ai 0 u :::I ~~ ~ j ai~ ~ ::, "iij' ..!: a: Cl "O a, >, a, -~ C > iii ...I "O a, C -"' u .0 a, a, a, 1 "' a, ci5 ::, iii iii iii C i~ -"' ::, "O I-:5 z a, ::, "E C:;:, "' 2 iii ~ if ' C C oi a, -"' ::, .£2 a, 1 ~ a, a, a, ~ Cl 0 a, 0 a, "' ~ ::, ::, ::, C a, C a, ~ .8 a, ~ E "E ::, .r::: >~ X u C C:;:, C 0 UJ "O UJ ::, ~ ::, ~ C "' <( C 0 .!!l :5 in a, 11 g! ~ a, C u ~ a, 0 :5 ~ a. "ti 2 .ca, a, C .r::: I > a, a. a, g-~ a, "' ~ ::, C C <( <( a, ~, ~ E ~ ~ 0 0 <J) ::, a, C C -~ ~ 5l ~ "E:;:, "O <J) "E ~ ~2 C ~ 0 ~ ' "E ll) 0 > "' g(l) ~ a, a, ~~ a, ll) IX) Ee "O I-~-1: 0 a, ~ Cl ~ uu i~ "O "O ~ ~ IX) IX) .£2 N ·c: .E .g> ~ a, ~-E ~-!J' >, C ~ a. a, ·;;; m.!!l .!!l x.:, 0~ 0 --.r::: ~ l'O -~ ~ ::, <J) <J) ~ <J) c3 .§ .r::: m "i:: a: OU u Qv, <J) UCD U<Jl 0 a: I-:::J ::, ::, ::, <J) I CD US DOT TIGER ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Grant ---,---- us Department of ✓ Interior Nat ional Park Service L WCF SIB ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ FHWA TAP ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -------, --,____..,. FHWA ✓ ✓ Recreational Trails Program ----+--+--~----r - Colorado Sta te Recreational ✓ ✓ Trails Grant Program t-+ + COOT Bridge ✓ ✓ ✓ Pool Funding 131 Fefsburg Holt & Uffevig - "' ENGLEWOOD F ORWAR D t IC ~l PJr.tl. C OVR•OOU NEX T STEPS Funding Source -~ f- ·;a c:: CDOT FASTER Safety Improvements CDOT FASTER Colorado Bridge Enterprise CDOT FASTER ✓ Transit Grants CDOTRAMP ✓ CDOT Federal Discret ionary ✓ Funds DRCOGCMAO ✓ grant s CDOTand DRCOGCMAO ✓ TDM Pool .8 ai ~ ~ :§ >, ~ <I> .,., i:ii <I> :I C ZI <I> <I> !& :IC 00 E"' ~~ Ill !'J Cl U ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Fefsburg Holt & Uflevig • 0 -~ Ill .8 z ai .8 ~ <I> >, :I ~ "E C 0 <I> -0 'iii' ] ~ Ill > e Ill "E ~ :I !:9 0 .E >, CD >, ~ j ~ 2 <I> 0 "O i,' C .,., Ill i:ii i:ii i:ii ai <I> <I> <I> i :I :I :I C CZ, C <I> JI ~ ~ C 0 "E i -0 (/) "E <I) i: ~ Ol ~ .E <I> ~-'= !'l X ~ u 0 vi 0~ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements i E a. .E :5 !g :I~ O°E a. C C ~ Ill 0 0 >, > j <I> ., ~~ ~ .El <I) <I> Ul Ol (/) <I> <I> 0 :I 8~ C C -"' CD '8 j i:ii -<I> :!:l e > i ~ -~ <( ~ C j <I> <I> C ti 2 :I "O f-~ ~ i:ii C <I> .,., Ol <I> LL 0 C <I> C <I> ~ .9 <I> ~ E (!) LU "O LU :I ~ :I ti ~ <I> 2 C .s:: <I> <I> C u ~ <I> a. <I> -> E <I> Ill <I> -, ~ 5 ·c: > ~ Cl i C <I> C ~ <( Cl ' <I>-<I> <I> E '2 <I> "' ~-~ U:!:l "O "O J!1 ~ 00 :I .?;-<I> >, ~ <I> C ~ _g l'O -~ ~ :I (/) U CD G 6i LL Cl c:: f-::, ✓ ✓ --+----I--- ---< --+-- ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 132 • I 0 <I> "f :I C <I> Ill ~ z ' <I> "E :I ~ C <I> > <( ' "E "' 00 .E (/) X ::, 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ <I> :I C ~ -0 .9 C LL 0 C 0 ~ 0 ., ' ~ -0 I ~ C Ill i f-<I> c:: Ol ...J :g <I> <I> :I "E CD C C .E 0 <I> <I) <I> .s:: ~c ~ 0 <I) !'l 0 .s:: <I> I a. .s:: -E C (/) :I <I> C "' 0 > Ill ~ (I) 00 Ee -0 N ·c: .E .g> ~ a. <I> (/) c!ll'; .s:: iu ·c::: ::, (/) J: CD ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -• ,. • ENGLEWOOD F ORWAR D t 10tt T IU,tL C O'f••OOll NEX T STEPS Funding Source 'i!! I- ·;;; a:: Sustainable Communities ✓ Regional Planning Grants FT A Urbanized Area Formula ✓ Grants-5307 Funds FT A Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Indiv iduals ✓ w ith Disabilities - 5310 Funds Arapahoe ✓ County Open Space Grants Great Outdoors ✓ Colorado Gran ts .9 1 in "' 0 § >-"' ,: (I) .>£ iii (I) :I C:,;, (I) (I) > (I) ~Oi :IC: 0 0 ~~ "'!9 OU ✓ ✓ ✓ Fefsburg Holt & Ulfevig (I) :I C: (I) ~ ~ .E X 0 -c, C: "' ID ~ in C: 0 ~ !9 u ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 -~ "' .9 z ID .9 ~ >-in ~ ~ 0 -c, -~ "' "' > C: e "' 2 0 ~ :I ~ (I) !B 0 -~ >->-!I) ~~ "' ~ 2 I-,: 0 :!::! (I) (I) -~ .2l o!Il .>£ .>£ ,: C: iii iii !I) C: ~-~ (I) (I) (I) (I) ~ Cl't;l :I :I :I C: (I) C: c:,;, C: <:J UJ -c, (I) (I) (I) 1 tl ~ (I) ~ ~i (I) c.. (I) -, "E i -c,VJ ~ ,: C: (I) :5 (I) -~ Cl ~~ .E (I) .E C: ~ :I X ~ ~~ ~ 0 in 0 uiii ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ t ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ • • Package of Recommended Transportation Improvements (I) :I (I) C: E N 1 c.. g .c } !9 :i-c.. 0~ C: LL C: ~ "' ID 0 C: 0 0 >-> ~ N +l m2 ~ ' al ,: :I (I) -c, (/) C: (I) ~s :I I ~ VJ C: "' "8 C: (I) (I) 0 ~ I-(I) j oo e > :I -~ a:: Cl 1 ~ ci: C: _J :g (I) (I) (I) (I) "' (I) .>£ ;;;i-c, ~ > z (I) :I ~ !I) iii C: (I) ci: ' C: C: .E Cl <I> LL .>£ 0 (I) 0 (I)(/) (I) C: (I) ~.9 (I) ~ E ~ :I {;i ~c X 0 UJ :I ~ :I .E C: 0 !9 $ C: ~-~ (I) C: u t: (I) 0 .c (I) I c.. (I) "' X ~ .c -E ~ E (I) ~ Q 0 VJ :I (I) C: C: C: ~ j~ ~ Q ' ' "' 0 > "' ~ Cb (I) (I) (I) "' "' ~ CX) ~ e -c, U:!::! -c, -c, £! ~ ·c: .E .g> ~~ >-C: CX) CX) .E N (I) _g Cll .2: 3 :I VJ VJ ~ VJ "'c.. .c m ·c UVJ LL ca:: I-::J ::i ::i ::i cl; VJ I!Il ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 133 - ENGLEWOOD FORWARD t,1Qt<l filAH C01Uh00U NEX T S TE PS People for Bikes Foundation ✓ Communi ty Gran t s Ga tes Family ✓ Foundation Cap ita l Grants Mile High ✓ Co nnec t s Railway- High way Crossing Haza rd Elimina t ion Ci ty of Englewood and Ci ty o f ✓ Sherid an Bonding l wrr ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Fefsburg Holt & Uffevig • ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ _j__ 134 • ✓ ✓ t ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ L t ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -• • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U r. Y N@rr R? DRCOG RTP and TIP The Metro Vision Plan serves as a comprehen sive guide for future development of the Denver metropolitan region w ith respect to grow th and development. transportation , and the environment. One component of the Metro Vision Plan is the Regional Transportation Plan . The RTP presents the vision for a multimodal transportation system that is needed to respond to future grow th and to influence ho w the grow th occurs . The fi scally-constrained RTP defines the specific transportation elements that can be provided by the planning year based on reasonably ex pected revenues . The DRCOG RTP is amended on a six-month cycle. The Transportation Improvement Program is a short-term capital improvement program that is consistent wi th the long-range RTP . The TIP is updated every four years and includes a six -year planning horizon . All projects to be granted federal funds through the TIP must implement the improvements and/or policies in the Metro Vision RTPand abide by federal and state la ws. ueneral NEPA F< u,rements This study provides a framework for the long -term implementation of the transportation improvements as funding becomes available. Although NEPA wi ll not apply to all projects and w ill depend on funding sources and interaction with CDOT facilities, this Next Steps Study is to be used as a resource for future NEPA documentation. Chapter 5.0 of this study has identified is sues that will require additional evaluation in any future NEPA documentation . Funding for the package of Recommended Transportation Improvements has not been identified at this time. However, the identification of a package of Recommended Transportation Improvements is consistent w ith FHW A 's objective of analyzing and selecting transportation solutions on a broad enough scale to provide meaningful analysis and avoid segmentation . Fiscal constraint requirements must be satisfied for FHWA and CDOT to approve further NEPA documentation . Before FHWA and CDOT can sign a final NEPA decision document (Record of Decision , Finding of No Significant Impact. or programmatic or non-programmatic Categorical Exclusion), the proposed project. as defined in the NEPA document. must meet the following specific fiscal-constraint criteria : ► The proposed project or phases of the proposed project within the time horizon of the RTP must be included in the fiscally -constrained RTP , and other phase(s) of the project and associated costs beyond the RTP horizon must be referenced in the fiscally- unconstrained vision component of the RTP . ► The project or phase of the project must be in the fiscally-constrained TIP , which includes: • At least one subsequent project phase, or the description of the ne xt project phase (For project phases that are beyond the TIP years , the project must be in the fiscally- constrained RTP and the estimated total project cost must be described within the financial element of the RTP and /or applicable TIP). • Federal-Aid projects or project phases and state/locally funded, regionally significant projects that require a federal action . • Full funding is reasonably available for the completion of all project phase(s) within the time period anticipated for completion of the project. 135 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS :, U D Y ~ • In cases where a project is implemented in more than one phase . care must be taken to ensure that the transportation system operates acceptably at the conclusion of each phase. This is referred to as "independent utility," the ability of each phase to operate on its own. Additionally. it must be demonstrated that air quality conformity will not be jeopardized. Any mitigation measures needed in response to project impacts must be implemented with the phase in which the impacts occur, rather than deferred to a later phase . Once funding is secured , the environmental planning process can be initiated . The environmental process will build on the environmental work, public outreach. and agency outreach conducted by this study . CatExs are the most common NEPA documents and are for actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant environmental impact. are excluded from the requirement to prepare an EA or an EIS. and do not have substantial public controversy. CatExs are defined in 23 CFR 771 .117, meet the definition from the Council on Environmental Quality in 40 CFR 1508,4, and are based on the past e x perience with similar actions of FHW A fi reum,narv ana t-1nat cno1neennq ues1an • Appendix D includes the conceptual engineering plans and opinions of probable cost for the Recommended Transportation Improvements. Additional information is necessary to proceed to preliminary and final engineering design. such as survey , verification of property ownership and boundaries. public right-of-way (Englewood. Sheridan , RTD. and coon geotechnical • information , verification of utilities, etc .. In addition , further coordination with RTD will be required in regard to : ► RTD right-of-way, access to gates and other maintenance activities ► Crime prevention through environmental design strategies along trail sections ► Preparation of a Threat and Vulnerability Analysis ► Aesthetics and signage, including pedestrian and bicycle safety ► Compliance w ith NFPA 130 86 t<&a! 1:::.s a e 1n1 !&rnentation The prioritized transportation improvements must work with complementary economic development initiatives and activities to fully realize the potential of Englewood 's station areas and key neighborhoods in Englewood and Sheridan . The following section outlines the project team's recommendations pertaining to future land use activities and public policies. The CityCen ter Englewood and Sheridan -Oxford station areas are discussed first. followed by a discussion of the North Neighborhood focusing on the redevelopment site at Bates and Elati Streets, and the West neighborhood, which is the area west of Santa Fe and north of Hampden . The associated market study more fully discusses these areas. the market potentials, and the outreach conducted that informs the implementation recommendations . 136 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U O Y ~ 8.6.1 CityCenter Englewood To realize the long term goal of creating an activated and high-quality CityCenter Englew ood station area, current market conditions require incremental infill development. phasing over time , the use of public private partnerships, and the potential use of tools such as a DDA. along with TIF. Add itional potential tools include Title 32 Metropolitan Districts and Public Improvements Fees , both of w hich are tools not hi storically used in the City of Englew ood . A new master plan for the area should be developed in conjunction with the creation of a DDA. The plan should be developed in concert w ith a detailed development strategy (planning . design , financial and legal) that has the cooperation and buy-in of major property o w ners and large employers along both sides of Hampden Avenue . A new TIF district orchestrated through the DDA should be put into place w ith both sales and property ta x TIFs used at the appropriate times to generate revenues to help fund needed public improvements. Given the importance of the Broad way corridor to the CityCenter Englewood area , the DDA boundaries should include the CityCenter Englewood area and critical sections of the Broad w ay corridor. Given the breadth of the area . subareas should be designated with specific plans in place for each . Areas could be subdivided into : ► Property and businesses west of Wal-mart. as their focus tends to be CityCenter Englew ood and the LRT station ► Property and businesses east of Wal-mart. as the focus tends to be Broadway ► Property and businesses along the Broadway corridor. north of Hampden ► Property and businesses along the Broadway corridor. south of Hampden The City previously had a Business Improvement District (BID) along the Broadw ay corridor. An ex panded DDA can undertake the same types of projects that a BID typically oversees. Other potential tools include: ► Title 32 Metropolitan Districts have been successfully used in urban infill developments. such as Belmar. to help offset the cost of public infrastructure. One of the impediments to the use of this tool in CityCenter Englewood may be the fractured pattern of o w nership in the area . These districts are typically most effective when property is under one ownership. ► Public Improvement Fees (PIFs), which are added on top of sales ta xes . are currently being used at River Point and Belmar. The River Point PIF of 1 percent was established to pay for the River Point public improvements, including environmental remediation , open space and trails . public roads and bridges. public street lighting , regional stormwater facilities. and water quality and protection . A Retail Sales Fee can also be considered . At the Centerra development in Loveland . retailers collect a PIF and a Retail Sales Fee (RSF) within The Promenade Shops, Centerra Marketplace, and Centerra Motorplex . 137 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U D Y The following table outlines specific recommendations with suggested time frames . . . Short Term Medium Long Term CityCenter Englewood Station Action Items (o-4 y ) Term (S-0 y ) ears <s-? Years) 1 ears Institute a Do w ntown Development Authority ✓ Institute other financi al tools and mechani sms as ✓ ✓ appropriate including Title 32 Metropolitan Districts, other special districts, Public Improvement and Retail Sales Fees In conjunction with the current visioning proces s at ✓ CityCenter Englewood, obtain strategic development advice from organizations like the Urban Land Institute Technical Advisory Panel program, the University of Denver (DU) or University of Colorado (CU) Develop detailed master / vision plan for the properties ✓ east of Wal-mart Develop detailed master/ vision plan for the immediate ✓ CityCenter Englewood area (north and south side of Hampden) with major property o w ners t Investigate current legal agreements at CityCenter ✓ Englew ood wi th an attorney to determine if agreements can /should be modified to inform or help implement the V isi on /Master Plan . Determ ine the future role of the Englewood ✓ Environmental Foundation Develop a financial plan concurrently with the major ✓ ✓ property owners Re zone appropriately based on outcomes of Vision / ✓ ✓ Master Plans Pursue shorter term residential infill opportunities aligned ✓ with the longer term vision of property owners Determine whether an Ow ner's Representative w ith ✓ development experience should represent the City during discussio ns about the immediate CityCenter Englew ood area or whether a relationship w ith a Master Developer should be pursued Develop TOD Overlay District Regulation s ✓ Stay in touch with and determine the role of major ✓ ✓ ✓ employers in the area including Sports Authority, Wal-mart Explore, with property managers, a w ider range of shorter ✓ 138 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S I U I) Y • Short T Medium L T CityCenter Englewood Station Action Items (o 4 y erm) Term (Songy erm) -ears (5 _7 Years) -10 ears term uses for unsuccessful ground floor reta il Continue to refine alignment of the Rail Trail Section in CityCenter Englew ood area as a Vision / Master Plan is developed Regularly follow up with area developers and developers w ho participated in the forum Pursue funding for Station Bicycle/Pede strian Bridge at Englew ood Light Rail Station Construct Floyd Avenue Bike Lane Continue to coordinate w ith RTD and pursue funding for LRT Station Platform Shelter 8 .6 .2 Sheridan -Oxford Station ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ South of the Sheridan -Oxford Station, the former industrial area has begun transitioning to a mixed-use land use orientation . Given the current activity, rail trail improvements to help facilitate station connectivity and area redevelopment should be prioritized . Longer term, development of a shared parking strategy would help enhance area redevelopment. As mi xed use retail develops in the area , the City should consider using Urban Renewal as a financial tool to capture sales (and property) tax increment to help pay for shared structured parking . Oxford Station Action Items I Short Term (0-3 Years) Medium Term (3-5 Years) Long Term (6-10 Years) I Develop TOD zoning regulations to accommodate ✓ industrial mi xed use areas Work with area developers and property o w ners to ✓ ✓ facilitate area redevelopment and shared parking in locations that fit within RTD 's Transit Access Guidelines for parking, ideally south of Oxford Proactively work with the development community to ✓ ✓ acquire properties for shared parking / development Work with RTD on providing additional commuter parking ✓ spaces Institute Urban Renewal as area redevelopment includes ✓ ✓ retail and restaurant uses t Continue to refine design and pursue funding for Rail Trail ✓ connection in this segment Pursue Oxford Avenue Separated Bikeway short-term ✓ ✓ ✓ actions in addition to long-term improvements. Short- 139 Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CO RR IDOR NEXT STEPS S U L ~ N@rr term improvements could include p ainting th e section from the Sher idan -Oxford station area to Broad w ay Plan and pursue fund ing for US 85/Oxford Intersection Improvements Plan and pursu e funding for Oxford Avenue / Navajo Street Intersection Improvements Plan and pursue fund ing for Sheridan-O xford UH Station park-n-Ride or Shared Use Parking 8 .6,3 North Neighborhood ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ The Winslow Crane property is the primary development opportunity in the North Neighborhood. Given the nature of the neighborhood surrounding this area, this planned redevelopment could be sizeable enough with enough critical mass to start changing perceptions of the area . Mixed income housing can be a catalyst for area redevelopment. Metro area redevelopments have often seen the introduction of ta x credit affordable, senior and rental housing as the first housing types into a market to help catalyze future area redevelopment. Although there is currently market support for the development, better connectivity to the Englewood -CityCenter Station and amenities along the South Platte River is critical to attracting future residents to the area . A • stronger, vibrant, more attractive Broadway corridor would also enhance the neighborhood 's • redevelopment potential. , . Short Term Medium Long Term North Neighborhood Action Items (o -3 Years) Term (6 _10 Years) Support current development proposal for mi xed income ✓ housing development through CHFA LIHTC process. Facilitate letters of support from City , Urban Renewal Authorities (URAs), neighborhood organizations, affordable housing groups, and others. Assist the developer of the Winslow Crane property in communicating w ith neighborhoods about the ov erall master plan for the development project Continue to plan and seek funding for Rail Trail improvements commensurate with the timing of development ✓ ✓ Deve lop strategies and programs that encourage exterior ✓ home/yard improvements in the single family residential neighborhoods surrounding the North Neighborhood Work closely w ith the developer on identifying and ✓ attracting appropriate employment to the station area 140 Fe lsburg Ho lt & U//evig (3-5 Years) ✓ • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 T U D Y Medium . . Short Term Long Term North Neighborhood Action Items (o -3 y ) Term (6 -0 y ) The Winslow Crane property is within the General Iron works URA Work with the developer on the potential timing of triggering the TIF mechanism to offset/ assist with public infrastructure costs . Develop subarea plan for the North Neighborhood focusing on neighborhood revitalization and connectivity Work with developer/ help with publici zi ng / branding of the area . Monitor the construction defects issue and consider taking action if it is not resolved in the state legislature. Lake wood and Lone Tree have passed local ordinances allowing "ri ght to repair " before litigation and modifying the requirements of Homeow ners Association 's ability to sue Develop appropriate TOD overlay regulations Plan and pursue funding for the Dartmouth Avenue Separated Bikeway Plan and pursue funding for US 85/Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements Plan and pursue funding for Dartmouth Avenue Intersection Improvements 8 .6,4 West Neighborhood ears (3_5 Years) 1 ears ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ r l ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ The most critical challenges with redevelopment in the West Neighborhood are the current industrial nature of the area and the potential jurisdictional issues . The inadequacy of infrastructure in the area and the lack of connectivity to the surrounding street network are also significant barriers to redevelopment. On the other hand. the regionally central location of the area. coupled with the prospect of improved connectivity to the east side of Santa Fe and the potential to create enhanced amenities along the South Platte River. will enhance the viability of future real estate deve lopment. Additional planning by both Englewood and Sheridan is critical in realizing this potential. . Short Term Medium Long Term Action Item (o-3 y ) Term (6 _10 y ) Develop Englewood and Sheridan cross-jurisdictional subarea plan, which would identify critical businesses to maintain. potential catalytic parcels, prioritized connections , infrastructure needs. appropriate zoning 141 Fe lsburg Ho lt & Ullevig ears (3_5 Years) ears ✓ ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S U O Y ~ As part of this effort. create a working group of Englewood and Sheridan officials w ho wou ld meet regularly to focu s and coordinate redevelopment efforts in th is area and along the Santa Fe corridor (including the Sheridan -Oxford station area) Plan and pursue funding for CityCenter Englewood/ LRT Station Bike / Pedestrian Bridge Continue to w ork inter-jurisdictionally on the creation of improved and better connections to South Platte River Public Finance ✓ ✓ 87 8 .7.1 Special Authoritie s/ Tax Increment Financing ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Special authorities are quasi -municipal organizations intended to address and redevelop deteriorating or "blighted" areas . Two types of special authorities exist: Downtown Development Authorities and Urban Renewal Authorities . Both can employ TIF , which is a special fund consisting of increases in property or sales tax (or both) revenues generated within the specified areas . A base property valuation or base sales ta x level is identified or "frozen ." The ta xing • jurisdictions continue to receive the revenue in the base, and the TIF entity collects the revenue • generated by the levy on the incremental increase above the base. A mayor-appointed authority board governs these authorities , which are designed to address multiple projects over a period of time. The team is recommending the establishment of a ODA for the CityCenter Englewood area , which would also encompass parts of the Broadway Corridor, to potentially provide revenues for needed public improvements in the CityCenter Englewood area and in strategic locations along the Broadway Corridor. There are important differences between DDAs and URAs : ► The timeframes for TIF districts for URAs are 25 years and 30 years for DDAs . ► URAs require a resolution stating that blight is being eliminated while DDAs require a statement indicating that blight is being prevented. ► The City Council or a separate board can administer a URA A separate board must be created to administer a DOA ► URAs don't require a public vote to establish a district and issue bonds. DDAs require a vote to establish the district. They do not have the ability to issue bonds on their own behalf (although they can work with an entity that does have the authority). They do have the ability to levy taxes . ► URAs have condemnation authority while DDAs do not. 8 .7.2 Improvement Districts There are a number of different types of improvements districts. 142 Fe lsburg Holt & Uflevig • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS S -U D Y ~ Business Improvement Districts BIDs are formed by petition and election by commercial property o w ners to provide services such as planning, management of development activities, promotion or marketing, busines s recruitment. and /or maintenance. Public Improvement Districts/ General Improvement Districts / Local Improvement Districts A General Improvement District (GID) in a city is a public infrastructure district that applies an additional property ta x or assessment to a specific improvement area to pay for new public infrastructure. GIDs are commonly used to fund shared infrastructure facilities . They can be initiated by a majority of property owners. Boulder has used a GID to pay for shared parking facilities in its downtown, its University Hills neighborhood, and its Transit Village area . A Local Improvement District (LID) is a public infrastructure district that assesses specific improvement costs to abutting property. It charges an assessment for a specific capital improvement project. A LID is best applied for very specific infrastructure costs relating to a discrete number of abutting properties that directly benefit from the improvements. They are not separate entities but rather are under the full control of the City . The City of Denver created a LID to help pay for the streetscape amenities of the South Broadway street reconstruction. • Title 32 Metropolitan Districts Title 32 Metropolitan Districts (Metro Districts) are often seen particularly in large scaled master planned new development and redevelopment projects where there are major property owners. Several TOD sites in Metro Denver have metro districts including Alameda Station (BMP Metro District) and Belleview Station (Madre Metro District). A metro district is a quasi-governmental entity and political subdivision of the state formed to finance , construct. and maintain public facilities . A wide array of public improvements can be addressed , including: street improvements, water, sewer, drainage, parks and recreation , fire protection, public transportation systems, ambulance, solid waste, and limited security. Metro districts are most often created by a land developer (but require the City's approval of the service plan) to apply an additional mill levy to future development to help pay for infrastructure costs . There is a statutory max imum of 50 mills but no time limit on the duration of the district. Metro Districts have the power to issue general obligation and revenue bonds and have limited condemnation powers. Retail Fees and Programs There are several fees and programs in place that specifically leverage retail sales taxes for local improvements. Tools such as PIFs and Retail Sales Fees (RSFs) have been used in large scale developments in Lakewood and Loveland, for instance, but so far not in Englewood. Public Impr ov ement Fees A PIF is a fee imposed by the developer on retail and service tenants to fund public improvements. PIFs are used to finance public improvements and are collected as a fee charged on sales within a set of negotiated categories and a designated geographic boundary. General 143 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CO R RIOOR NEXT STEPS '> U D v obligation or re v enue bond s may be iss ued. Becau se PIF s are fees. they become a part of the cost of the sale or service and are subject to sales ta x. The fee is admini stered through covenants on the retail lea se and is usually collected by a metro district establi shed as part of a project. Because the additional fee can result in a higher effective ta x rate. the center can potentially be at a disadvantage to competitiv e retail destinations so cities sometimes forego a portion of the ex isting sales ta x rate to offset the cumulative impact of the PIF . PIFs have been used at Belmar and River Point. Retail Sales Fee Similar to a PIF , a RSF is imposed by developers on retail tenants as a percentage of the reta il transaction . It is typically used for retail operations , primarily in the form of marketing . events and promotion s. RSFs are adm inistered through covenants on the retail lease and collected by a metro district or similar entity. Although this tool has been used at the Centerra project in Loveland , it tends not to be widely used . Enhanced Sales Tax Incentive Prog ram Cities use an Enhanced Sales Ta x Incentive Program (ESTIP) to promote new development and /or provide funding for renovations or improvements to local businesses. ESTIPs allow local sales ta xes generated from specific ne w businesse s to be earmarked for local development • improvements. ESTIPs do not require that the project be located in a special district and are • often e xecuted through a formal development agreement on a case-by-case basis. 8 ,7,4 City of Englewood Tools Enterprise Zones All of the station areas examined as part of the Next Steps Study are located in enterprise zones. The enterprise zone program provides ta x incentives to encourage businesses to locate and expand in designated economically distressed areas. defined as areas with high unemployment rates, low per capita income. and /or slo w er population growth. The program encourages job creation and capital investment by providing ta x credits to businesses and projects that promote and encourage economic development activities. Costs eligible for ta x credits include: ► 3 percent investment ta x credit for equipment acquisition ► $500 per employee ta x credit for new and e x panding business facilities ► Two-year credit of $200 per employee. for a total of $400 . for employer sponsored health insurance programs for new and expanding businesses ► Ta x credi t of 10 percent for ex penditures on job training and school-to-career related programs ► Ta x credit of up to 25 percent of e x penditures to rehabilitate vacant buildings at least 20 years old and vacant for a minimum of 2 years 144 Fefsburg Holt & Uflevig • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS !, u [I y 8 .7,5 Economic Development Incentives The incentives outlined below are provided by the City of Englew ood , at the sole di scretion of City Council. and are considered on a ca se-by-ca se basi s. Building Use Tax Reimbursements The City may consider a reimbursement of construction and equipment use ta x generated b y the development of a project. All proceeds of the use ta x reimbursement must be used for purposes such as public infrastructure, eliminating obstacles or eyesores to development. or public improvements such as public spaces . Building use ta x rebates shall not e xceed 50 percent (w ith a maximum rebate to be determined by cost/benefit analysis) of the actual use ta x collected Furniture Fixtures and Equipment Use Tax Reimbursements The City may consider partial or full reimbursement of the use ta xes paid for furniture fi xtures and equipment generated by a project. All proceeds of the use ta x reimbursement must be used for purposes such as public infrastructure, eliminating obstacles or eyesores to development. or public improvements such as public spaces. Rebates of up to 100 percent (with a max imum rebate to be determined by cost/benefit analysis) may be granted for furniture, fi xtures, and equipment use ta x . City Property Tax Reimbursement The City may consider partial or full reimbursement of the City 's portion of property ta x collections for a finite period of time . Reduction in Fees The City may consider offsetting all or a portion of the development fees for commercial or residential projects that meet the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and Subarea Plans (if applicable), and provide a unique and quality project in terms of product type, tenant mi x, and overall physical environment. Rebates of up to 100 percent (w ith a max imum rebate to be determined by cost/benefit analysis) may be granted for building permit fees and development application fees , not to include plan review fees or other contractual fees . 145 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGHT RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS 5 U JJ ~ g.o References Arapahoe County. 2010. Arapahoe County 2035 Transportation Plan. Denver Regional Council of Government (DRCOG). 2011. 2035 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan. February 16 . DRCOG . 2014 . FY 14-15 Station Area /Urban Centers Studies -Project Eligibility Rules . City of Englewood . 1997. North Englewood Smalt Area Plan. City of Englewood . 2000 . CityCenter Englewood Redevelopment of the Cinderella City Mall City of Englewood . 2002 . The Englewood Civic Center Pedestrian Underpass Feas1b11ity Study City of Englewood . 2003 . Englewood and Oxford Station Area Plan. City of Englewood . 2004. Master Bicycte Plan. City of Englewood . 2006. Parks and Recreation Master Plan. City of Englewood . 2009. Ready Set, Action.' An Urban Design Action Plan for the Englewood Downtown & Medical Districts. October. City of Englewood. 2011. Complete Streets Toolbox City of Englewood . 2012 . Master Bicycte Plan Route Development Study and Implementation Program. City of Englewood . 2013 . Englewood Light Raif Comdor Station Master Plan. June. City of Englewood . 2014 . Comprehensive Plan Update. City of Englewood . 2014 . Walk and Wheel Master Plan and Program. City of Englewood. 2015 . Roadmap Englewood 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan Update. E-21 Engineering Inc . and Major Environmental Services, Inc . 2003a . Modified Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Area 1 . South Santa Fe Drive Comdor Englewood, Colorado. September 30 . E-21 Engineering Inc. and Major Environmental Services, Inc. 2003b. Modified Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Area 2. South Santa Fe Drive Comdor Englewood, Colorado. September 30 .. E-21 Engineering Inc. and Major Environmental Services, Inc. 2003c. Modified Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Area J. South Santa Fe Drive Comdor Englewood, Colorado. September 30 . EDA W /AECOM . 2006. Englewood Parks and Recreation Master Plan. September. Elsey Partners . 2013 . Navajo Apartments TOD -PUD Site Plan. 146 Felsburg Holt & Ul/evig • • • • • • ENGLEWOOD FORWARD LIGH T RA I L CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS s T u D y Englewood Urban Renewal Authority. 2000 . Englewood Industrial Urban Renewal Plan. Englewood Urban Renewal Authority. 2002 . Genera! Ironworks Development Plan. Littleton Capital Partners. 2012 . Oxford Station TOD -PUD Site Plan. National Research Center. 2014 . The National Citizen Survey Englewood, co, Community Livability Report Regional Transportation District (RTD). 2000 . Southwest Light Raif Transit Line Major Investment Study RTD . 2006 . Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy. South Suburban Parks and Recreation Website. Accessed November 20 , 2014 at http:/ /www.ssprd .org/Parks City of Sheridan . 2004. Comprehensive Plan. October. Tri-City Planning Group. 1992. South Santa Fe Drive Comdor Improvements Study WHI Investors. 2013. TOD-PUD Stfe Plan. 147 Fe lsburg Holt & Ullevig • • • COUNCIL COMMUNICATION Date: Agenda Item: Subject: September 21, 20 15 11 ci Resolution Adopting the En glewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study Initiated By: Staff Source: Community Developm ent Department John Voboril , Long Range Pl anner II PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION Ci ty Council approved a bill fo r an ordinance authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Regional Transpo rt at ion Distri ct (RTD) on first reading May 19, 2014 and second reading June 2, 2014. Ci t y Council approved a consu ltant contract by motion with Felsburg Holt and Ullevig on September 15, 2014. City Counci l study sessions were held on October 20, 2014 and February 25, and April 13, 2015 to provide updates on project progress. Study sessions were held on June 1 and July 6, 2015 for consultant presentations on study findings and conclusions, and on July 13, 2015 to present the draft document. City Council held a public hearing on the Eng lewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study at September 8, 201 5 regular Council m ee ting . RECOMMENDED ACTION Staff recommends that Council approve a resolution adopting the Eng lewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study as a supplementary City plan document in support of the original Englewood Light Rail Cor ridor Plan, as well as Roadmap Englewood: The 2003 Englewood Co mprehens iv e Plan, and Englewood Forward: The 2016 Englewood Co mpr ehe nsiv e Plan. BACKGROUND, ANALYSIS, AND ALTERNATIVES IDENTIFIED The Englewood Light Rail Corr id or Next Steps Study project was funded through a station area planning grant from the Denver Re gio nal Council of Governments (DRCOG). Planning Process Scope of Work The scope of work for the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Stud y was focused in two areas: a transportation infrastructure feasibility and alternative design ana lysis, and a real es tate development feasibility ana lysis. The transportation infrastructure feasibi lity and alternative design ana lysis looked at transportation infrastructure projects identified in the orig in al Englewood Light Rail Corridor Station Area Master Plan . The real estate development feasibi lity analysis was charged with eva lu ating the four neighborhood areas outlined in the original Englewood Light Rail Corridor Station Area Master Plan in terms of development potential and market readiness, in o rd er to create an implementation strategy timeline for cr iti ca l planning and infrastructure projects . 2 · Next Steps Study Findings: Transportation Alternative Design Feasibility and Evaluation Key transportation infrastructure projects identified in the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Station Area Master Plan were analyzed for constructabil ity, conceptualized in terms of general dimensions and physical location, and cost estimated. Rail Trail The Rail Trail will connect the Big Dry Creek Trail at the southern terminus and include bridge crossings of Oxford, Hampden, and Dartmouth Avenues to the northern terminus at Bates Avenue and Galapago Street. The Rail Trail has been divided into three sections to be developed near, mid, and long term. Short Term: Mid Term: Long Term: Oxford Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge Big Dry Creek to Oxford Station (south section) Little Dry Creek to Bates Avenue (north section) Oxford Station to Little Dry Creek (middle section) Oxford-Clarkson-Dartmouth Bikeway Loop $1 ,602,000 $ 773 ,000 $2 ,604,000 $2 ,558,000 The Oxford route wou ld then connect to a bicycle boulevard treatment east of Broadway, and • continue north on Clarkson to Dartmouth . The Dartmouth portion of the loop wou ld incorporate a • shared bicycle/parking lane similar to the stretch of Dartmouth east of Downing Street. Floyd Avenue Extension The Floyd extension idea was dropped in favor of a pedest ri an bridge at Englewood Station due to high costs. The pedestrian bridge is a long term project with an estimated cost of $7,162,000. Oxford Station Pedestrian Bridge/Tunnel The original conception of the Oxford Station Pedestrian Bridge/Tunnel over Santa Fe Dri ve was dropped due to difficulties in identifying as an acceptab le landing spot on the west side of Santa Fe Drive. Southwest Greenbelt Trail The existing Southwest Greenbelt Trail would be rebuilt to a modern 10 foot width, and would be extended through Rotolo Park and along W. Stanford Drive. A trai l easement along the north side of Windsor Industries would allow the trail to directly connect t o the f uture Rail Trail. Additional Enhancement Projects The Next Steps Study also identified an additional 25 potential enhancement projects for th e station planning area. All projects were classified as short, medium, and long term , and possible sources of funding were identified for each project. • • • • Next Steps Study Findings: Real Estate Development Feasibility Analysis The four neighborhood areas originally identified in the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Station Area Master Plan were analyzed in terms of market readiness for redevelopment. North and South Neighborhoods 3 The North and South neighborhoods are on the verge of seeing the first private investments in redevelopment come out of the ground. The City should begin working with key property owners to develop infrastructure site plans for the North and South neighborhoods, and develop financing mechanisms to help pay for these public amenities that will enhance the design quality of the North and South Neighborhood areas. North Neighborhood -Short Term Initiatives • Continue support for housing tax credits • Assist developers with communication to the existing neighborhood • Work with developer to market site to employment prospects • Monitor construction defects issue North Neighborhood -Long Term Initiatives • Sub-area planning for adjacent neighborhood • Rail Trail Connection to Englewood Station • Dartmouth Avenue Bicycle Improvements • Intersection Improvements -Dartmouth at Santa Fe and Inca South Neighborhood -Short Term Initiatives • Improved Bicycle Markings on Oxford Avenue • Rail Trail Connection to Oxford Station • Transit Oriented Development Overlay Zone District Regulations South Neighborhood -Long Term Initiatives • Develop a shared use parking plan with RTD • Consider use of tax increment financing in conjunction with retail use for site improvements • Continue planning for intersection improvements -Oxford at Santa Fe and Navajo West Neighborhood The West Neighborhood is genera ll y not ripe for development at this time. The City of Englewood shou ld work closely with the City of Sheridan in order to develop infrastructure pla n s for the area, as well as advance design work on the pedestrian bridge project. CityCenter Neighborhood The CityCenter neighborhood area is not immediately ripe for redevelopment at this time. The curre nt reta il market for the area is saturated, and infill sites are generally not readily available. However, there are a number of short term initiatives that the City can pursue and help faci litate 4 · that will bolster economic activity and i nves tm en t in the area . Chief among these initiatives are • bicycle improvements to Floyd Avenue from Sherman to Inca Street, and the con tinu ed support of residential infill opportun iti es. Conformance with Roadmap Englewood: The 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan The Englewood, Oxford, and Bates Station areas are prom in ently highlighted in the vision laid o ut in Roadmap Eng lewood: The 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan. FINANCIAL IMPACT Opinions of probable costs were generated for the major transportation infrastructure projects. The sum of all project opinions of probable cost is $27,195,000. The most cost ly projects include the sepa rat ed bikeway section of Oxford Avenue from Navajo to Bro adway, the Englewood Station pedestrian bridge over Santa Fe Drive, the Rail Trail. These three projects wou ld make good candidates for DRCOG TIP projects, where up to 80 % of constru ction cos t s wou ld be funded through federal transportation dollars. Adoption of th e Eng lewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study does not commit the City to any financial expenditu res. Decisions to commit City do ll ars towards any project w ill be made on an individual project basis. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Eng lewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study Final Document Planning and Zoning Commission Findings of Fact Planning and Zoning Commission July 16 th , 2013 Public Hearing Minutes Resolution • • • • • ~ CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS August 4, 2015 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m . in the City Council Chambers of the Englewood Civic Center, Chair Fish presiding. Present: Absent: Staff: ~E) Bleile, Brick, Freemire , King , Kinton , Knoth , Townley, Pittinos (a rrived 7:05), Fish Madrid (Excused) Mike Flaherty, Deputy City Manager Chris Neubecker, Senior Planner John Voboril, Planner II Harold Stitt , Senior Planner Dugan Comer, Assistant City Attorney 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • July 21, 2015 Minutes Knoth moved : King seconded: TO APPROVE THE JULY 2 1, 2015, MINUTES Chair Fish asked if there were any modifications or corrections. There were none. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Brick, King , Kinton , Knoth , Townley, Fish None Bleile, Freemire Madrid Motion carried. e Ill. FINDINGS OF FACT CASE #USE2015-010 3555 SOUTH CLARKSON STREET. SIGNATURE SENIOR LIVING Knoth moved ; King seconded: To approve th e Findings of Fact Case #USE2015-010 3555 South Clarkson Street, Signature Senior Living as amended. Chair Fish asked that #4 , Conclusions , be changed to read "That the height of the new structure would be in character with the building height limits." AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN : Brick, King, Kinton , Knoth , Townley, Fish Non e Bleile, Freemire ABSENT: Madrid Motion carried . ~ Ill. PUBLIC HEARING #2015-03 NEXT STEPS STUDY Brick moved; Freemire seconded: To open the Public Hearing for Case #2015-03 Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Bleile, Brick, Freemire, King , Kinton, Knoth, Townley, Fish None None Madrid Motion carried. fl) Staff Presentation John Voboril , Planner II , was sworn in. Mr. Voboril asked the Commissioners to correct dates and information on the staff report he prepared. The changes do not have an effect on the case. ·~ Staff recommends the following findings to the Commission: 1) That case 2015-03 was brought before the Planning and Zoning Commission by the Community Development Department. Notice of the public h earing was published in the Englewood Herald July 23, 2015, and on the City website from July 15 to August 4, 2015. 2) That City Council voted to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to develop a follow up Next Steps study on the original Englewood Light Rail Corridor Station Area Master Plan on first reading May 19, 2014, and second reading June 2, 2014. 3) That the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study was advertised in conjunction with The Englewood Forward Planning Campaign in the Englewood Citizen Newsletter in September and November 2014, and January, March, May and July 2015. A postcard mailing to 596 property owners with properties abutting proposed locations for transportation improvements was conducted in January 2015. 4) That e-mai l notices of each Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study meetings were sent via the City's e-notifier system. 5) That three meetings were held by project consultants Felsburg Holt Ullevig with the purpose of gathering public input on the transportation infrastructure feasibility alternatives design analysis. 6) That the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study conforms to the vision, goals and objectives outlined in Roadmap Englewood: 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan as well as the upcoming 2016 Englewood Forward Comprehensive Plan. 7) That Planning and Zoning Commission study sessions were held on February 25 , 2015 , jointly with City Council as a project progress update and on July 7 and 21, 2015 , to review the development and final draft of the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study, and that City Council study sessions were held October 20, 2014, and February 25 , April 13 , July 6 and July 13 , 2015 , to provide updates on project progress and review the development of the final draft of the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study. 2 V • • • • • • 8) That the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study be adopted as a supplementary planning document in support of Roadmap Englewood: 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan as well as the upcoming Englewood Forward 2016 Englewood Comprehensive Plan. ~ Mr. Voboril provided the Commission with background information on station area master planning activities . The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) secured funds from the Federal Government to fund station area master planning to further the goals of MetroVision , the regional planning vision for the entire metro Denver area . These studies are intended to maximize the utilization of the investments made in the Light Rail system. In addition , DRCOG felt that this would help to minimize future traffic congestion and its effects on air quality in the region. ·~ The City of Englewood chose to take the opportunity to enhance the station areas as they are recognized as an asset to the City as well as being the primary growth areas. The original Station Area Master Plan was a development and preferred land use scenario and identification of major transportation infrastructure that would be necessary to implement the land use scenario . ~ The City became eligible for funds to conduct a Station Area Master Plan and DRCOG requested that Englewood allow the City of Sheridan to become a junior partner to the Englewood planning project. -~ The study was completed in conjunction with the Englewood Forward planning process and reinforced by the Walk and Wheel Master Plan and the Comprehensive Plan update. The City was well funded to complete the three planning projects in a short amount of time. :~ The projects were well publicized and promoted in the Englewood Citizen newsletter. The key public meetings were held on November 12 , 2014, February 11 and June 20 , 2015 . The June 20th meeting took place at the Walk and Wheel Fest event where all three projects were able to gather public input. ~ The consultant team was led by Felsburg Holt Ullevig and utilized Bachman PR , Toole Design Group (bicycle planning specialists), Arland (land use economics) and Design Workshop . e Mr. Voboril reviewed the meeting process and the information that was disseminated and gathered through the public meetings. The Next Steps Study consisted of two main components which were examination of the major transportation connections that were identified in the original Station Area Master Plan and the Real Estate Development Feasibility Analysis. The four areas of study included the north area near General Iron Works, the south neighborhood including O xford station , the west neighborhood west of Santa Fe and the City Center neighborhood including areas south of Hampden and east of Elati Street. Mr. Voboril presented the Commission with a map of the four areas. e The major areas identified in the feasibility study include the Rail Trail which is the City's top priority project. The trail will serve the redevelopment that is currently under way at the Oxford station and General Iron Works properties. The plan includes three bridges over Hampden Avenue, Oxford Avenue and Dartmouth Avenue. Additional projects examined through the feasibility process include the Oxford-Dartmouth-Clarkson protected bikeway loop, the Southwest Greenbelt trail improvements and extension into the future Rail Trail, the Floyd Avenue extension 3 and the associated Englewood Parkway extension and piazza redesign. Mr. Voboril listed the ancillary projects that were identified in both Englewood and Sheridan. ~ The projects were prioritized by cost and benefit to the identified neighborhood areas. Mr. Voboril outlined the costs associated with each project including the Oxford station bicycle/pedestrian bridge , the pathway extension to the south to the Big Dry Creek trai I, the section of trail from General Iron Works to Bates Avenue and trail development from Oxford station to Englewood Station to Little Dry Creek. 0 Mr. Voboril described the enhanced off street bike path alon the Sheridan section of Oxford Avenue. The bike loop will be implemented by the use of signage and road markings . A shared bicycle/parking lane as they are used in Denver may be an option for creating the bicycle route on Dartmouth Avenue. B fhe Floyd Avenue extension is not an option due to prohibitive construction costs. A pedestrian bridge would be viable at a lower cost. The Oxford station pedestrian access across Santa Fe from the west is not an option due to the lack of a "landing spot" on the west side of Santa Fe . The City of Sheridan expressed that because the majority of their citizens are further west along Oxford , they did not see a benefit in moving the bridge to the north. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has long term plans to build overpasses at Dartmouth and Oxford along Santa Fe , which would solve the problem. e Twenty five additional enhancement projects were identified during the study and were classified by short, medium and long term projects with potential sources of funding. The real estate feasibility study indicates that the north and south areas are ready for redevelopment due to the number of projects currently underway. Mr. Voboril listed the recommendations from the consulting team. t1J The consultants recommended a shared use parking plan with RTD for the Oxford station , potentially at the current location of Sam 's Automotive at Oxford. Intersection improvements were also recommended . The west neighborhood is not ready for redevelopment at this time; property owners in the area are amenable to improvements but expressed that they are not ready to sell their properties. t] City Center is not currently considered ready for redevelopment as there are not many infill opportunities . It was determined that the area is saturated with regards to retail. A recommendation was made by the consultants to create a Downtown Development Authority to include City Center and South Broadway to unify the downtown areas and assist with financing public improvements. E Short term suggestions include bicycle improvements to Floyd Avenue from Sherman Street to Inca Street to create an east-west route and continued support for residential infill developments . Bicycle improvements should commence later this year. El Additional funds may be available from DRCOG for the Next Steps II and Next Steps Ill planning projects. The Next Steps II study will include 100% engineering of the three rail trail bridges and Next Steps 111 wi 11 be for a variety of projects. B 4 • • • • The Next Steps Study conforms to Roadmap Englewood: 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Vobo ril listed the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and the specific outcomes of the planning project that are in conformance. ~ Comments by the Commission Mr. Brick asked when the marketing of the plan will begin. Mr. Voboril responded that it is not too soon in his opinion to begin marketing employment opportunities, specifically near the General Iron Works property. e Ms. Townley asked if there will be education regarding the bike lane usage . Mr. Voboril replied that there will be a white paper advocacy and incentive program to assist with the education effort. Ms. Townley also confirmed with Mr. Voboril that the the Next Steps Study is an addition to the original Station Area Master Plan. ·O Mr. Kinton asked if a bike sharing program is being considered. Mr. Voboril explained that the density is not yet to the point where a bike share program would be feasible. A bicycle "library" may be an alternative . e Public Comment No members of the public were present to comment. King moved; Townley seconded: To close the Public Hearing for Case #2015-03 Light Rail Corridor Next Steps • Study ·• AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Bleile, Brick, Freemire, King, Kinton, Knoth , Townley, Fish None None Madrid Motion carried. Knoth moved; Brick seconded: To approve Case #2015-03 Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study and forward to City Council with a favorable recommendation. Bleile -Yes , the consultants have identified good opportunities for the City to implement. Brick -Yes, the adherence to the Comprehensive Plan and the regional cooperation with Sheridan are satisfactory. The opportunities for public input were appreciated. Freemire -Yes, these are the next logical steps for the City. King -Yes, the study is consistent with the direction of the new Comprehensive Plan. Kinton -Yes , the study is consiste nt with the planning process and the goals of the City and will improve access to transit. Knoth -Yes , he is looking forward to implementation. Townley-Yes, the plan addressed complex issues and has solid, implementable projects and good vision. It is well aligned with the Comprehensive Plan. Fish -Yes, concurs with the previous comments and feels that it will provide the Commission with good direction. 5 AYES: NAYS: A BST A IN : ABSENT: Bleile, Brick, Freemire, King , Kinton , Knoth, Townley, Fish None None Madrid Motion carried. El IV. PUBLIC FORUM No members of the pub I ic were present e V. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE Assistant City Attorney Comer did not have any comments for the Commission. ~ VI. STAFF'S CHOICE Michael Flaherty reminded the Commission that one of their duties is to review the Capital Plan and he will bring it fo rward to the Commission in the near future . Chris Neubecker reviewed the upcoming topics for the Commission. Accessory Dwelling Units, the AirBnB short term rental issue and cannabis social club regulations. C hair Fish asked if the Commission will be examining regulations regarding historic des ignatio ns; Mr. Neubecker responded that if it becomes a priorit y in the Comprehensive Plan or arises as an issue commu nity wide, it may be considered by the Commission . c~ Commissioner's Choice Mr. Brick commented on the crosswalk at Federal and Bellewood and feels that it enhances safety near the interse ction . Ms. Townley updated the Commission on the 100 Poppies art in sta ll ation at Broadway and Englewood Parkway. The meeting adjourned at 8 :1 0 p.m . luli e Bailey , Recording Secretary 6 • • •· • • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION IN THE MA TIER OF CASE #2015-03 ENGLEWOOD LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS STUDY, FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS INITIATED BY: Community Development Department City of Englewood 1000 Englewood Parkway Englewood, CO 80110 ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Commission Members Present: Bleile, Brick, Fish, Freemire, King, Kinton, Knoth, Townley Commission Members Absent: Madrid This matter was heard before the City Planning and Zoning Commission on August 4, 2015, in the City Council Chambers of the Englewood Civic Center . Testimony was received from staff. The Commission received notice of Public Hearing, the Staff Report, and a copy of the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study which were incorporated into and made a part of the record of the Public Hearing. After considering the statements of the witnesses and reviewing the pertinent documents, the members of the City Planning and Zoning Commission made the following Findings and Conclusions. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. THAT the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study was brought before the Planning Commission by the Department of Community Development, a department of the City of Englewood. 2. THAT notice of the Public Hearing was posted on the City of Englewood website from July 15, 2015 through August 4, 2015 and published in the Englewood Herald on July 23, 2015. 3. THAT the Staff report was made part of the record . 4. THAT no members of the Public testified at the Public Hearing on August 4, 2015 . .. 5. THAT City Council voted to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement wilh the • Regional Transportation District to develop a follow up Nex t Steps Study to the original Englewood Light Raif Corridor Stat ion Area Master Plan on first reading May 19 , 2014 , and second reading June 2, 2014 . 6. THAT the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study was advertised in conjunction with the Englewood Forward plann i ng campaign in the Englewood Citizen Newsletter published in September and November of 2014 , and January, March, May, and July of 2015 and that a postcard mailing list of 596 property owners with properties abutting proposed locations for transportation improvements was conducted in January of 2015. 7. THAT email notices of each Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study meeting were sent out via the City 's e-notifier system . 8. THAT three sets of meetings were held by project consultant Felsberg Holt and Ullevig with the purpose of gathering public input on the transportation infrastructure feasibility and alternatives design analysis. 9 . THAT Planning and Zoning Commission study sessions were held on February 25 (jointly with City Council) as a project progress update and on July 7 and July 21, 2015 to review the development and final draft of the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study and that City Council study sessions were held on October 20, 2014 and February 25, April 13, June 1, July 6, and July 13 , 2015 to provide updates on project • progress or review the development and final draft of the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study. 10. THAT goals from the comprehensive plan are supportive of the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Plan. CONCLUSIONS 1. THAT the Study is a logical follow up to the original Englewood Light Rail Corridor Station Area Master Plan. 2. THAT significant public outreach and opportunities for partic ipation were made available over the course of the Study . 3. That the Study provides the City with direction for future planning and implementation efforts over the course of several years. 4 . That the Study addresses complex issues, includes solid implementable solutions, and is support ive of the original Englewood Light Rail Corridor Station Area Master Plan vision. 2 • • 5. That the implementation projects identified and investigated in the Study will improve the Englewood community's access to transit. 6. That the Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study (the Study) identifies redevelopment opportunities for the ·city to pursue through implementation of pedestri~n and bicycle connections to the light rail stations. I • 7. That the Study furthers the goal of regional cooperation by including the City of Sheridan as a planning partner. _..,_ ~ 8 . That the Study conforms to the goals and objectives of Roadmap Englewood: The 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan. 9. That the Study is consistent with the direction of Englewood Forward: The 2016 · Englewood Comprehensive Plan. RECOMMENDATION THEREFORE, it is the recommendation of the City Planning and Zoning Commission that Case #2015-03 Englewood Light Rail Corridor Next Steps Study be app roved and adopted by City Council. • The recommendation was reached upon a vote on a motion made at the meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission on August 4 2015, by Knoth, seconded by Brick, which motion states: • AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF CASE #2015-03 ENGLEWOOD LICHT RAIL CORRIDOR NEXT STEPS STUDY AND FORWARD SUCH RECOMMNEDA TION TO CITY COUNCIL Bleile, Brick, Fish, Freemire, King, Kinton, Knoth, Townley None None Madrid Motion carried . These Findings and Conclusions are effective as of the meeting on August 4, 2015. BY ORDER OF THE CITY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION 3