To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Thomas Reiff, Transportation Planner
Title
Resolution Approving the Town of Castle Rock Downtown Mobility Master Plan
Body
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Executive Summary
As part of the 2017 Transportation Master Plan update there was a recommendation to conduct a Downtown mobility study. Due to the unique character and historical nature of Downtown, traditional ways to improve mobility do not apply. Improvements, such as widening streets, or adding turn lanes at intersections would result in major changes to the Downtown character and charm. This was unacceptable for the community. A primary objective of the study is to identify transportation improvements that maintain the unique character and charm of Downtown while planning for future growth. Therefore, for the past year, Town staff has been working with consultants from Kimely Horn and Associates on the Downtown Mobility Master Plan (DMMP).
The goal of the DMMP is to identify transportation improvement projects that will maintain mobility, reduce congestion, and improve access throughout Downtown. Recommended changes to existing codes and policies are also provided. The DMMP anticipates future growth and classifies projects based on modes (e.g. vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian). Projects are listed from high to low priorities based on projected growth and need. Project ranking can aid staff and Town Council in identifying future Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. This is a fiscally unconstrained plan. All recommended capital projects will be prioritized against those identified in the Transportation Master Plan. This will occur on an annual basis as part of the Town’s annual budget preparation process.
Notification and Outreach Efforts
Public outreach and input has been an important element of the DMMP. The following list shows some of the various efforts the project used to solicit public input.
1. Project web page on Town’s website with ability to provide direct comments and suggestions to Town staff
2. Conducted two public workshops (June 6, 2018 and October 17, 2018)
3. Set up a social media campaign
4. Emails to interested residents from various Town events and survey databases
5. Two meetings with the Downtown Development Authority and Merchants Association
6. One meeting with the Economic Development Committee
7. One meeting with the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce
8. One meeting with the Castle Rock Developer Roundtable Committee
9. Numerous stakeholder meetings with outside agencies, organizations, and Town departments
10. Multi-agency outreach and coordination
11. Presentation and discussion with the Douglas County Transit Solution committee
12. Study session with Town Council (October 2, 2018)
13. Two study sessions with the Public Works Commission (August 6, 2018 and May 6, 2019)
14. Two study sessions with the Planning Commission (August 23, 2018 and April 25, 2019)
15. One study session with the Downtown Design Review Board (March 27, 2019)
16. Several news releases
17. Information tables at public events
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
On October 2, 2018 staff presented the DMMP to the Town Council. During this meeting the scope of the project, as well as the existing and projected transportation conditions were shared with the Councilmembers. In addition, the draft vision and principals were discussed along with the community survey, values, concerns, and ideas. Preliminary recommendations were mentioned, such as additional roundabouts and how to improve pedestrian safety in the Downtown.
Earlier in the year, on August 6, 2018, staff met with the Public Works Commissioners to review the existing and projected transportation conditions, including intersection operations. Staff also discussed the draft vision and principals, results of the community survey, desired transportation improvements, and how people utilize Downtown. This same information was shared and discussed with the Planning Commissioners on August 23, 2018.
Additional discussions and presentations were also provided to the Downtown Design Review Board, and the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown Merchants Association in 2019. These additional discussions were primarily focused on the following issues and plan recommendations.
• Improve pedestrian safety at crosswalks
• Support widening existing sidewalks, but maintain the on-street parking
• Slow traffic, especially on Wilcox and Perry streets
• Support enhanced alley improvements for bikes and pedestrians
• Reduce traffic congestion with roundabouts, but need more public education on how to properly use them
• Consider a transit circulator, especially for downtown events
• Support CDOT Bustang transit stop at Wolfensberger and Wilcox
The results of the April 25th meeting with the Planning Commission will shared with the Public Works Commission at the May 6, 2019 meeting.
Discussion
Downtown Castle Rock is at a turning point with respect to growth and transportation planning. With much of the infrastructure limited for expansion, the Town realizes that it’s time to get creative and look at ways to improve mobility for all users while still keeping the charm and unique character that attracts people to Downtown.
To address this issue, the Town funded a Downtown Mobility Master Plan (DMMP) to identify transportation improvements for vehicles, bikes, pedestrian, and explore transit in the Downtown. Improvement projects in the plan are intended to keep Downtown moving without harming the character, but also be able to accommodate the anticipated growth. Several code changes are also recommended in the plan. Below are some of the more notable recommendations that were established through the public outreach efforts and analysis.
Key recommendations include the following:
§ Construct roundabouts at several Downtown intersections, such as Jerry Street and 5th Street, and Wilcox and South Street.
§ Construct intersection improvements at the I-25 and Wolfensberger interchange
§ Work with CDOT on potentially locating a new Bustang bus stop and park-n-ride at the Wilcox and Wolfensberger intersection
§ Improve pedestrian safety and visibility at intersections and crosswalks with new curb extensions, landscape changes, and increased lighting
§ Develop new sidewalk and streetscape standards
§ Develop a wayfinding signage program for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians
§ Increase access to Plum Creek and Sellers Gulch trails
§ Add short and long term bike parking
§ Enhance the alleys for increased bike and pedestrian mobility
§ Establish a handicap parking standard of at least one space per block
The recommended projects, policy changes, or studies will aid staff and Town Council in future CIP decisions to help accommodate Downtown transportation needs.
Budget Impact
The DMMP has been budgeted from Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 and FY 2019. No additional budgetary impacts are expected. Project recommendations will be considered during the annual budget and CIP discussions.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends the Public Works Commission recommend Town Council to adopt the Downtown Mobility Master Plan.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title.”
Attachments
Attachment A: Resolution
Attachment B: Draft Downtown Mobility Master Plan