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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/02/1999, 3 - CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO AMEND THE BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN TO ELIMINATE BICYCLE LANES ALONG THE 1300 BLOCK OF SANTA ROSA STREET (PACIFIC TO PISMO STREETS). n counat °= March 2. 1999 j ! ac Encu Rpm ; �3 CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM: Michael McCluskey,Director of Public Works Prepared by: Terry Sanville, Principal Transportation Planner t5 SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO AMEND THE BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN TO ELIMINATE BICYCLE LANES ALONG THE 1300 BLOCK OF SANTA ROSA STREET (Pacific to Pismo Streets). CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution denying the request to: (1) Amend the City's Bicycle Transportation Plan to change the designation of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street (between Pacific and Pismo Streets) from Class II Bicycle Lanes to a Class III Bicycle Route; and (2) Remove the existing bicycle lanes along both sides of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street and install curb parking along its east side (about 8 spaces). DISCUSSION The Request Dr. Wesley Hiltbrand, 1340 Santa Rosa Street, requests that the bicycle lanes be removed from the east side of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street, so that curb parking can be restored in this location(letter attached as Exhibit A). Dr. Hiltbrand feels that restoring parking in this location would benefit tenants and patrons of adjacent professional offices and area residents. Bicycle Committee Actions and Recommendations The Bicycle Advisory Committee considered Dr. Hiltbrand's request at its September 23, 1998 meeting. An excerpt from the Bicycle Committee's minutes are attached (Exhibit B). After reviewing a report prepared by the Public Works staff which recommended denial of the request, and after taking testimony from the applicant's representative, the committee voted to approve the request on a 3 - 2 vote. The chairperson, and one other member of the Bicycle Advisory Committee, requested that the item be reconsidered at the Committee's December 10, 1998 meeting. However(consistent with Robert's Rules of Order), since the request for reconsideration did not originate from a member of the "prevailing side" on the issue and no member of the prevailing side supported 3-1 Council Ag6nda Report—Amend Bicycle Transportation Plan/kemove Bike Lanes Page 2 reconsideration, no further action was taken. Members of the Committee that do not support the recommended action have submitted a letter expressing their concerns (attached as Exhibit Q. Previous Council Consideration and Action On October 26, 1993, the City Council adopted the Bicycle Transportation Plan. On November 16, 1993, the Council considered a request from Dr. Hiltbrand to amend the newly-adopted Bicycle Plan to eliminate the Class II bike lane designations along the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street. The Council denied this request (on a 3 - 2 vote), and in 1994 the curb parking along the east side of Santa Rosa Street was removed and bike lanes were installed on both sides of the street. Arguments in Favor of Removing the Bicycle Lanes Doctor Hiltbrand and supporting majority members of the Bicycle Committee felt that the bicycle lanes could be removed because: • With the installation of the four-way stop signs at the Pismo-Santa Rosa Street intersection, traffic must slow down as it approaches the intersection. Therefore, bike lanes are not as necessary to provide for safe separation between bicyclists and rapidly moving traffic. • There is a significant need for parking in the area, and removing the bike lanes and adding curb parking spaces would benefit the neighborhood and adjoining businesses. • There is a need for parking to serve Dr. Hiltbrand's adjoining office building. • Bike lanes on Santa Rosa Street are not continuous and do not extend south of Pismo Street. Therefore,removing the bike lanes from Santa Rosa between Pacific and Pismo Streets is not a significant issue. Arguments Against Removing the Bicycle Lanes The Public Works staff and minority members of the Bicycle Committee felt that the bicycle lanes should not be removed because: • Traffic speeds and volumes on Santa Rosa Street (especially north of Pismo Street) continue to warrant the reservation of space within the roadway for bicycles. The planned widening of the bridge over San Luis Creek, which includes bike lanes, will also facilitate higher vehicle speeds. • This segment of Santa Rosa Street is part of a long range strategy for providing a bicycle linkage between the Santa Barbara Street and the Santa Rosa Street corridors via the Railroad Square area. In 1995 the City Council approved an amendment to the Bicycle Plan to include a Class 1 linkage through this area. With the construction of the City's Multi-Modal 3-2 Council Agenda Report—Amend Bicycle Transportation Plan/Remove Bike Lanes Page 3 Transportation Center project adjoining Santa Barbara Street, this linkage will be complete and Santa Rosa Street should see an increase in bicycle usage. • With the reconstruction of the Santa Rosa Street bridge over San Luis Obispo Creek (between Marsh and Pacific Streets)a continuous bike lane would be provided from Marsh to Pismo Streets. • There is ample parking in the area to serve Dr. Hiltbrand's office project; utilization surveys of parking along the west side of Santa Rosa Street show a significant vacancy rate . These spaces may not be as convenient for Dr. Hiltbrand's patients as those along the east side of the street, especially for elderly and disabled patients. However, spaces could be reserved within Dr. Hiltbrand's off-street parking lot for these patients as needed. • Parking patterns within the surrounding area became an issue when the City installed parking meters along both sides of Pismo Street between Santa Rosa and Osos Streets as a result of senior citizens desires to park closer to the senior center. However, these changes caused downtown employees to park in residential areas on Pismo Street east of Santa Rosa, which in tum made Dr. Hiltbrand's patients park further away. In response to public complaints, the City removed the parking meters for the spaces adjoining Mitchell Park. This action has reduced (but may not have eliminated) the neighborhood concern for parking and the availability for Dr. Hiltbrand's patients. (Reference parking utilization information attached as part of Exhibit D.) • Removing bicycle lanes from Santa Rosa street is inconsistent with adopted City policy which states: In the long term, all City arterial streets should safely accommodate bicyclists through the installation of bicycle lanes. (Reference, Policy D.2, page 7, Bicycle Transportation Plan) Santa Rosa Street, north of Pismo Street, is classified as an "arterial" street by the City's Circulation Element. (Note: south of Pismo Street, Santa Rosa Street is classified as a local access street.) Staff Evaluation of Issues The policy and physical planning issues surrounding Dr. Hiltbrand's request were evaluated in the report submitted to the Bicycle Committee for consideration at its September 1998 meeting (attached as Exhibit D). Dr. Hiltbrand was critical of the staff's evaluation of parking availability on Santa Rosa Street. He maintained that on some of the days that the survey was conducted, he was not working in his office and that patient demands for curb parking would be unusually low on those days. 3-3 Council Agenda Report—Amend Bicycle Transportation Plan/Remove Bike Lanes Page 4 In response to.Dr. Hiltbrand's concern, staff has resurveyed the use of curb parking along the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street in January 1999. The results of this survey are also included (attached as Exhibit D) and show that the vacancy rate for curb parking is still significantly high. The adopted Bicycle Transportation Plan, like all other City Council adopted documents, has as a basic underlying principle that the public owned right-of-way should be used for the greatest benefit of the citizens. Basically, the Plan states that along major roadways (arterials) the greatest benefit is achieved by removal of lanes, or on-street parking thus separating bicyclists from the motorists. On most other streets, the Plan states that bicyclists and motorists can share the roadway. FISCAL IIVIPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with implementing the CAO Recommendation. If the Council decides to support Dr. Hiltbrand's request, City crews would be used to grind off bike and travel lane striping and paint a new center stripe. "T" markings and meters for about eight long-term parking spaces(10 hour)would be installed at a cost of about$400 per meter, for a total of about$3,200. Funding would come from the City's parking fund. ALTERNATIVES The City Council may: 1. Adopt a resolution approving Dr. Hiltbrand's request(sample resolution attached). 2. Continue consideration,with direction to staff if any additional analysis is warranted. ATTACHMENTS EXHIBIT A: Resolution Denying the Requested Bicycle Plan Amendment EXHIBIT B: Sample Resolution Approving the Requested Bicycle Plan Amendment EXHIBIT C: Letter from Wesley R. Hiltbrand (May 22, 1998) EXHIBIT D: Bicycle Transportation Committee Minutes (September 23, 1998) EXHIBIT E: Letter from Bicycle Committee Members Recommending Denial of Request EXHIBIT F: Staff Report to the Bicycle Advisory Committee(August 20, 1998) EXHIBIT F: Summary of Santa Rosa Street Project Parking Study Exhibit 1: Parking Use Map, Santa Rosa Street Exhibit 2: Summary of Santa Rosa Street Parking Study Exhibit 3: Existing Conditions along the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street. Exhibit 4: Santa Rosa Street Bridge Current Conditions Exhibit 5: Santa Rosa Street Bridge Future Conditions Exhibit 6: Bike Lane Connections I:\Everyone\CouncilAgendaReporss\SanmRosaSreetBikeLanes 3-4 EXHIBIT A RESOLUTION NO. ( 1999 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DENYING A REQUEST TO AMEND THE BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN TO CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF THE 1300 BLOCK OF SANTA ROSA STREET FROM CLASS II BIKE LANES TO A CLASS III BIKE ROUTE AND TO REMOVE BICYCLE LANES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE 1300 BLOCK OF SANTA ROSA STREET WHEREAS,the Council finds that provision of bicycle lanes along City arterial streets is an important method for accommodating and fostering bicycle transportation throughout the community and achieving the City's adopted transportation goals; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that the removal of the bike lanes on the 1300 Block of Santa Rosa Street is not warranted because this street segment provides an important link in the community's bikeway network,and WHEREAS, approval of this request is found to be inconsistent with the policies and programs contained within the Bicycle Transportation Plan (October 1993), specifically Policy D.2. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby denies the request to amend the Bicycle Transportation Plan and to remove bicycle lanes from the 1300 Block of Santa Rosa Street. Upon motion of , seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of ' 1999 Mayor Allen K. Settle ATTEST: Lee Price, City Clerk APPROVED: ore Attorney 3-5 EXHIBIT 8 RESOLUTION NO. ( 1999 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AMENDING THE BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN TO CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF THE 1300 BLOCK OF SANTA ROSA STREET FROM CLASS H BIKE LANES TO A CLASS III BIKE ROUTE AND TO REMOVE BICYCLE LANES FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE 1300 BLOCK OF SANTA ROSA STREET WHEREAS, the Council finds that provision of curb parking along the east side of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street has public benefits that exceed the benefits of retaining the existing bicycle lanes and that an exception to bike lane policies for City arterial streets is warranted; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that the removal of the bike lanes on this segment of Santa Rosa Street does not significantly inhibit the attainment of bicycle program goals and objectives as expressed in the adopted Bicycle Transportation Plan(October 1993). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby undertakes the following: SECTION 1: Amends Figure #1: Bicycle Transportation Map of the Bicycle Transportation Plan to change the designation of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street from Class II bike lanes to a Class III Bike Route. Upon motion of , seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of ' 1999 Mayor Allen K. Settle ATTEST: Lee Price, City Clerk APPROVED: Jeff Jorgensen, City Attorney 3-6 Exhibit C -= _ ?j it T :..,_ ,�:' ,• .:. Wesley R. Hiltbrand, D.D.S. jjN - 11998 1340 Santa Rosa L� San Luis Obispo CA. May 22, 1998 Mr. Terry Sanville Bicycle Coordinating Committee San Luis Obispo, Calif Dear Terry, I understand that the committee is undergoing a study of the current and future bike lanes. I would like to suggest that the lane on the East side of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa be eliminated and the parking restored to the professional offices along that block. As I have pointed out to the council on two occasions,to Craig Anderson, and to you personally the lane comes from nowhere and goes nowhere. It runs for the total length of one block In view of the recent meeting to discuss parking in the Mitchell Park area and the public awareness of the ripple effect that has taken place in the neighborhood I feel that restoration is in the best interest of all the people. I would suggest that the block be signed with maximum of two hours, or if studies warrant,that meters of long term nature be placed. The restoration of parking on that block would restore 10-11 spaces which would alleviate some ofthe crunch created by the Senior Center and their no parking, as well as help the residents on Pismo Street. Thank you for considering this and presenting it to the committee_ Wes1e�R H"iltbrand, D.i�, cc. Dave Romero, Councilman Allen Settle, Mayor 3-7 EXHIBIT D SAN LUIS OBISPO BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1998—7:OOPM CALL TO ORDER The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting was called to order at 7:03pm on Wednesday, September 23, 1998 in the Public Works Conference Room, 955 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo, California. ROLL CALL Present: Bruce Collier, Jeanne Smith, Larry Souza, Tim Valentine, and Chairperson Ed Jaster Absent: Craig Anderson; Wes Conner Staff: Terry Sanville,Principal Transportation Planner Jim Hanson, Transportation Assistant PUBLIC COMMENTS Commissioner Collier distributed flyers he discovered in Riverside which promotes friendly bicycling and suggested San Luis Obispo might consider doing something similar. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES Moved by Larry Souza/Bruce Collier to approve the minutes of June 18, 1998 as presented; motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS 1. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM WESLEY HILTBRAND TO REMOVE BICYCLE LANES ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF THE 1300 BLOCK OF SANTA ROSA STREETS (continued from June 18, 1998 meeting). Jim Hanson, Transportation Assistant, reviewed the request received from Wesley Hiltbrand to restore on-street parking and the study conducted for future improvements, possible alternatives, and need for parking at this location. This study was conducted at various times of the day. The study concluded that no additional parking was needed in that particular location and City staff's recommendation is to not grant the request as presented. The Committee discussed the lack of improvements on this street and the vagueness of what improvements are forthcoming, the pavement plan currently in place for all city streets needing repair,possible hazardous conditions by removing bike lanes, and the lack of safe traveling while buses are present on the street. Commissioner Chair Jaster informed Mr. Hiltbrand that after action taken today regarding his request, he has the opportunity of going to the City Council with a request to amend the current approved Bike Plan 3-8 Bicycle Advisory Committee Minutes Page 2 September 23, 1998 Wesley Hiltbrand spoke in favor of his request. He discussed the lack of significant bike riding and the impact the bike lane has made on the neighbors within this one block. He offered various suggestions including alternate bike routes and metered parking. He clearly supports biking and the protection of bikers,however, does not feel this area is highly used by bikers. After further discussion, it was moved by Bruce Collier/Larry Souza to remove the bike lanes and not make plans to replace after the bridge is completed; motion passed (3-2, Commissioners Jaster and Valentine voting no). 3-9 EINISIT E February 2, 1999 E To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: The following letter is a minority report from members of the San Luis Obispo bicycle advisory committee. The issue is removal of bicycle Janes on Santa Rosa Street (near 1340 Santa Rosa Street and Mitchell Park area). The major points to consider in not removing the Santa Rosa bicycle lanes are: 1. Goal of San Luis Obispo bicycle committee is to improve access and safety of bicycle riders on all streets in San Luis Obispo. An important concern of the committee is accessibility and safety of streets leading into and out of the downtown corridor. Removal of bike lanes reduces access to downtown and decreases..the safety of adults and children who utilize Mitchell Park. 2. Long term plans for street improvement involve removal and widening of bridge on Santa Rosa Street (just North of proposed bike lane removal). Improving Santa Rosa Bridge will provide safer access for bike riders going to and from Amtrak Station area, High School Campus and utilizing Jennifer Street Bridge. 3. Automobile usage of parking spaces provided on Santa Rosa Street and adjacent streets to Mitchell Park has been evaluated through a survey conducted by Terry Sanville. The survey indicates.current parking spaces are adequate and removal of bike lanes would only add a couple new spaces resulting in increased congestion, more noise and decreased quality of life in Mitchell Park area. 4. The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Committee is proactive in supporting the Downtown business area and advocates increased development of infrastructure (bicycle lanes) that provides access and safety of everyone using our streets. 3-10 Approving the removal of bike lanes is setting bad precedent and sends a confusing message to the public concerning the City of San Luis Obispo's commitment to bicycle transportation. Sincerely, San Luis Obispo Bicycle Committee Members Edwin H. Jaster(Chair) Craig Anderson r Tim Valentine Wes Come -Met Cc. Terry Sanville 3-11 EXHIBIT F Akk August 20, 1998 TO: Bicycle Advisory Committee FROM: Terry Sanville, Principal Transportation Planner Prepared by: Jim Hanson, Transportation Assistant SUBJECT: A Request by Wesley Hiltbrand to Remove Bicycle Lanes Along the East Side of the 1300 Block of Santa Rosa Street and to Restore On-Street Parking TRANSPORTATION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Review the attached information in preparation for the September 17, 1998 Bicycle Committee meeting. Committee members may also contact Dr. Wesley Hiltbrand or Dr. Rodney Hiltbrand, (805) 544-0671 to arrange a time to meet with them to review their concerns prior to the September meeting. BACKGROUND: Wesley Hiltbrand, 1340 Santa Rosa Street, wrote a letter to Terry Sanville, Principal Transportation Planner, requesting that bicycle lanes be removed from the east side of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street so that curb parking could be restored in this location (See attached Exhibit A). Mr. Hiltbrand feels that restoring parking in this location would benefit tenants and patrons of adjacent professional offices and residents on Pismo Street. Wesley Hihbrand was invited to attend the June 18, 1998 meeting of the Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) to discuss his proposal. Wesley Hiltbrand's son, Rodney Hiltbrand attended the meeting in place of his father and presented their concerns. In response to a suggestion made by a citizen attending the meeting and by Rodney Hiltbrand, the BAC continued its consideration of this issue and directed staff to study parking and bicycle circulation along the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street and in the vicinity. This study was to be completed prior to the September 1998 BAC meeting, so that the committee members could review pertinent data and ask questions of staff and the Hiltbrands prior to the meeting. THE ISSUE: Dr. Hiltbrand's request underscores the ongoing competition for the use of limited space within streets for transportation purposes. The Circulation Element states that: 3-12 The primary purpose of street corridors is to enable the movement of vehicles (automobiles, transit, delivery vehicles, bicycles) and pedestrians. (Reference Policy 5.1 page 17.) This policy does not identify the provision of curb parking as a primary purpose for a street, since City zoning and subdivision regulations require off-street parking to be provided for new development. However, in older parts of San Luis Obispo curb areas are heavily used for parking because off-street parking is limited or non-existent. The essence of Dr. Hiltbrand's request is that the perceived shortage of parking adjoining and near his property, and the provision of additional curb spaces, is more important to the community than maintaining bike lanes along the 1300 block of Santa Rosa. Dr. Hiltbrand feels that the needs of bicyclists can be adequately served by starting the Class II bike lane network one block farther north at Pacific Street, instead of at Pismo Street. STUDY GOALS: The goals of the transportation staff s analysis of this issue were to: • Assess the demand for additional parking along the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street; • Determine the effect that adding parking at this location will have on the existing bike lanes; and • Identify upcoming changes to the bikeway networks that may increase bicycle access to and through the subject location. In order to accomplish these goals staff conducted a parking study in the area, examined the geometry of Santa Rosa Street between Marsh and Pismo Streets, and identified projects planned for the near future that may increase bicycle traffic along the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street. Counts of the number of bicycles using Santa Rosa Street were not done since bicycle traffic during the summer months is not typical of San Luis Obispo's traffic patterns (Cal Poly University and area schools are not in full session). STUDY COMPONENTS: 1. Parking Analysis: Staff identified the areas that would be affected by the installation of additional parking along the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street. The identified areas included the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Santa Rosa Street, the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Pismo Street, and the lot were Dr. Hiltbrand's office is located. The following factors define the extent of this analysis: Dates Surveyed: July 22, July 23, and July 28 Days Surveyed: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Survey Times: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. 3-13 Results: The parking study shows that there were rarely any spaces available in the unrestricted parking fronting Mitchell Park. However, an average of 35 percent (17 spaces) of the unrestricted spaces along Pismo, between Santa Rosa and Toro, were available. Additionally, an average of 33 percent (4 spaces) of the spaces were available in the Hiltbrand's parking lot, and an average of 60 percent (6 spaces) of the metered spaces along the west side of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street were available. The availability of parking along and around the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street indicates that parking needs are being met by existing parking. (See attached Exhibits 1 & 2). 2. Geometric Analysis: The geometry of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street was analyzed to determine how many parking spaces could be added along the east side of the street, and what affect such an addition would have on the bike lanes in this location. Staff measured the length of the east side of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street, taking into consideration the length and location of driveways and other obstacles to parking. Results: Using the City standard of 22 feet per on-street parking space (18 feet adjoining a red zone), it was determined that a maximum of eight(8)parking spaces could be installed in the subject location. The standard width of on-street parking spaces is eight(8) feet. Santa Rosa Street is currently 40 feet wide with the following: Travel lanes: Two lanes, each 11 foot wide Parking Bay: One parking bay (west side), 8 foot wide Bike Lanes: Two lanes, each 5 foot wide Total Roadway Width: 40 feet The installation of an eight foot parking bay along the east side of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa would leave twenty-four feet of roadway. This width is not sufficient to accommodate two standard travel lanes (12 foot each) and yet retain a standard bicycle lanes (5 feet) along the west side of the street. In order for the bike lane to be retained along the west side of Santa Rosa, the following below-standard design would need to be implemented: Travel lanes: Two lanes, each 10 foot wide Parking Bay: Two parking bays, each 8 foot wide Bike Lanes: One lane (west side),4 foot wide Total Roadway Width: 40 feet Given the level of traffic activity along this segment of Santa Rosa Street, and its use by transit vehicles, staff cannot support the use of this below-standard design to maintain bike lanes in a southbound direction. Staff believes that removal of bike lanes on one side of the street and replacement with curb parking will necessitate the removal of bike lanes on both sides of the road to maintain adequate widths for the parking and travel lanes. (See attached Exhibit 3). 3-14 Staff also looked at the option of switching the current arrangement of parking to provide for - curb spaces on the east side of the street (adjoining the Hiltbrand's office), while removing parking from the west side of the roadway. This option was considered in 1993 when the Bicycle Transportation Plan was first adopted. The City at that time felt that it was more important to provide curb spaces for adjoining non-conforming residences (along the west side)than for commercial uses along the east side that have, and are required to provide, their own off-street parking. Role of Santa Rosa Street As Part Of The Bikeway Network: The 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street is likely to be an important link in the City's future bikeway network. Three projects proposed for the near future have been identified as likely to increase bicycle traffic in the subject location. These projects include: • The reconstruction of the Santa Rosa Street bridge over San Luis Obispo Creek; • The designation of Morro Street as a bicycle boulevard (from Santa Barbara Street to Pismo Street); and • The construction of the Multi-Modal Center adjacent to the railroad and Santa Barbara Street between Morro and High Streets. (This project will provide a bicycle connection from Santa Barbara Street through the railroad square area to Santa Rosa Street). The Santa Rosa Street bridge, scheduled for construction within 1 '/z years, will widen Santa Rosa Street and provide room to connect the bike lanes along the 1300 block to those that currently exist north of Marsh Street (See attached Exhibit 4 & 5). It is possible that the increased roadway width provided by the bridge will also enable the installation of additional on-street parking along the west side of Santa Rosa Street. The designation of Morro Street as a bicycle boulevard, and the construction of the Multi- Modal Center, will enhance north-south bicycle access across the City. Northbound bicyclists on Santa Barbara Street, headed downtown, will be able to tum left onto Morro Street at a bicycle-actuated signalized intersection while cyclists bound for north city areas, such as Cal Poly, will be able to turn right at Morro Street, travel through the Railroad Square area and link up with the south end of Santa Rosa Street. In a southbound direction, bicyclists from north city areas will be able to bypass the downtown by riding on Santa Rosa Street until they reach the train station, pass through the Railroad Square area, then access Santa Barbara Street at the newly signalized Morro-Santa Barbara Street intersection. An alternative southbound route would be to travel on Santa Rosa to Pismo Street, tum west on Pismo and then connect with the newly-created bicycle boulevard on Monro Street to continue south until reaching Santa Barbara Street. 3-15 Recently, the City completed the Jennifer-Osos Street bridge that crosses the railroad; and bicycle paths along the railroad are being constructed that will connect Orcutt Road with Jennifer Street. Bicycle traffic using the bridge and connecting railroad bike paths will contribute to and accept bicycle traffic from Santa Rosa Street and Santa Barbara Street and will emphasize their use as a part of the bikeway network. (See attached Exhibit 6). CONCLUSIONS: The transportation staff found the following in its study of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street: • The availability of parking along and around the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street indicates that parking needs are being met by the existing parking. • The installation of parking along the east side of the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street would require that bike lanes be removed on both sides of the street to maintain adequate widths for the parking and travel lanes. • Three projects proposed for the near future have been identified as likely to increase bicycle traffic along the 1300 block of Santa Rosa Street: the reconstruction of the Santa Rosa Street bridge over San Luis Obispo Creek,the designation of Morro Street as a bicycle boulevard, and the construction of the Multi-Modal Center adjoining the railroad along Santa Barbara Street between Morro and High Streets. (The existing bridge crossing the railroad at Jennifer Street already fosters bicycle connections to Santa Rosa Street.) 3-16 T. 9• ♦ -P f � 4 � `' ♦- , • �.Y tip. _ j',. :-, ' Y /�Ja ♦r y � - �' � L' u WX VL • f 1 4� 01 ti I } y a , Exhibit 2: Summary of Santa Rosa Street Project Parking Study Streets and parking lot were surveyed at 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm. Santa Rosa from Pacific to Pismo Date Studied Side of the Type of parldng Average Total number of Percentage of open Range of open Street Number of spaces spaces(9°)Z spaces(%)3 open spaces 3-days Aug.1998' West 10-hr.metered 6 10 60 40.90 Thurs.,Jan.21,1999 West 10-hr.metered 6 10 55 0-90 Tues.,Feb.2,1999 West 10-hr.metered 7 10 72 70-80 Jan.21 8 Feb.2,1999 lWest I 10-hr.metered 1 6 1 10 1 64 0-90 Santa Rosa from Pismo to Buchon Date Studied Side of the Type of parldng Average Total number of Percentage of open Range of open Street Number of spaces spaces(%) spaces(%) open spaces 3-days Aug.1998 West 4-hr.non-metered 0 4 0 0-100 West Blue-handicap 1 3 33 0-100 White(10-min. 0 1 0 0-100 West loading) East jUnrestricted 1 0 1 7 1 0 0-43 Pismo from Toro to Santa Rosa Date Studied Side of the Type of panting Average Total number of Percentage of open Range of open Street Number of spaces spaces(%) spaces(%) open spaces 3-days Aug.1998 1 Both I Unrestricted 17 48 35 5-48 Pismo from Santa Rosa to Osos Date Studied Side of the Type of parking Average Total number of Percentage of open Range of open Street Number of spaces spaces(%) spaces(%) open spaces 3-days Aug.1998 West 10-hr.metered 3 7 43 43-71 Unrestricted 0 1 0 0 White(10 min. 1 2 50 0.100 loading) Blue 0 1 0 1 0-100 East lUnrestricted 0 1 16 1 0 1 0.25 Off-Street Parking Lot @ 1340 Santa Rosa (Dr. Hiltbrand's Office) Date Studied Type of parking Average Total Number of Percentage of open Range of open number of spaces spaces(°k) spaces(%) open spaces 3-days Aug.1998 Unrestricted 4 12 33 0-67 Thurs..Jan.21, 1999 Unrestricted 4 12 32 0-92 Tues..Feb.2,1999 Unrestricted 5 12 43 25-50 Jan.21 8 Feb.2,1999 Unrestricted 4 12 1 38 0-92 Notes: 'These days included Tuesday,Wednesday,and Thursday Z Percentage of open spaces=the average of the data collected from each period at the four sample times 3 Range=the range of vacancy rates for the total number of sample periods 3-18 a� W WO s ° V m b m y N CL N N N vO m m�m t aLa_�a i i dCL m'Mm 4o�y L s L. mtdtds bb �J .. 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TING AGENDA DATE -a' ITEM #= San Luis Obispo Council Re- Agenda item for March 2, 1999 Removal of bike lane on the 1300 block of Santa Rosa St. I had petitioned the bicycle committee to recommend to the council the removal of the one block long , orphan bike lane and to reestablish parking, ( creating either 2hr or metered spaces.) In 1993 Mr. Sanville counted 11 spaces(minutes of council meeting Nov. 16, 1993). Now he reports 8. Is this to make the damage done in 1993 more minimal? I will not be in attendance due to a prior commitment. I also have little faith in the fairness and the good sense of the council to evaluate and make the necessary adjustments to the city bike plan. I am tired of whipping this stubborn mule. I would like to stress the following points: I. Five+ years of trial demonstrates this one block lane coming from nowhere and going nowhere serves no useful purpose. In the July survey staff stated- `bike usage was not surveyed as Poly was not in session'. 2. We are doing OK at my building with the present parking. My objection to the poorly conceived study was counting open spaces in my off street parking when we were not even open. I have said nothing negative regarding the street parking results of the survey. When a study is done it should not be set up to give a predetermined result as has been the history of this section. The studies do not honestly reflect the parking and bicycle use in the area. 3. The minoft LQort is a lot of air. It parrots the established policy-does not point out that the south of Pismo connection to the new bridge has no plan for bile lanes. It is reminiscent of the boy who stole marbles and refuses to give them up even when caught in the misguided action. Good planning should allow for change. Also admission that it was wrong. 4. Mr. Craig Anderson who helped draft the plan in 1993 (he was classified as a city employee)has a poor record of attendance at meetings and is very biased in his approach. F is signature appears in the minority report and I would suspect that it was solicited to increase the minority view. He was not even at the meeting in Aug. 1998, to hear the positions taken. 5. I shudder to think of the cost in staff time over 6 years to defend this plan. It is somewhat like the Chorro street debacle. The cost of restripping and restoration of parking is a drop in the bucket. 6. The Senior Center, the Grace church, the neighborhood, the public and the offices on Santa Rosa and Pacific Streets, would all benefit from the restoration of parking in this block. [13u� NCIL 0 CDD DIR t7 FIN DIR VACAO M MT ORNEY ❑FJpEDIRHIEF RECEIVED RKIORIQ 0 POLICE CHF GMT nTFyltle, eRECDIR MAR - 1 1Q99 0 UTIL DIR 0 PERS DI SLO CITY COUNCIL 7. The public relations,the good will in the neighborhood, the added convenience to many and most of the all the good sense to do what is right, indicate that you should restore the parking and eliminate the bike lane. 8. I would also add that even though I have been vocal and a critic of the orphan bicycle lane, contrary to the repeated statements of Mr. Sanville that the perceived motive is only for our uses, I am interested and concerned for the greater good. Wesley R. Hiltbrand, D.D.S. 1340 Santa Rosa St. K TING AGENDA DATE3� A-qq ITEM # Camm ung CO memoizanaum February 22, 1999 TO: Council Colleagues FROM: Dave Romero r SUBJECT: Communication Item: Street Trees in the Laguna Lake Area For many years the City required street tree planting between the curb and crosswalk, with the City selecting the species. Unfortunately, the parkways in the Laguna Lake area are relatively narrow, and many of the species required to be planted were inappropriate for the location. As a consequence,the City has had huge and never-ending costs in repairing curbs, gutters, sidewalks as well as in tree trimming and root pruning. I find that staff has returned to several places three to four times, with a frequency as close as 30 months. In addition,the City is exposed to liability should there be any trip and fall on public facilities which are out of grade because of tree roots. I believe it would be financially worthwhile, and certainly a benefit for our public image if the City were to initiate a program to remove any inappropriate trees in the Laguna Lake area and plant a proper species, either in the parkway or the front yard, thus reducing City liability and City ongoing maintenance costs. I request that the Council direct staff to investigate this possibility and report back prior to budget approval. DR:ss Q'COUNCIL O CDD DIR AO ❑FIN DIR ACAO O FIRE CHIEF [ATTORNEY WW DIR B'CLERKIORIG ❑POLICE CHF 0 MGMT TEAM ❑REC DIR ®'T.0ach'n ❑unL DIR ❑PERS DIR RECEIVED FEB 1 3 1991 SL O C1 i y CLERK MEETING AGENDA DATE ITEM # C m=M=*t mcmomnaum February 22, 1999 TO: Council Colleagues FROM: Dave Romero �e SUBJECT: Communication Item: Mid-block Crosswalk on Hiauera Street between Morro and Chorro It was with considerable dismay that I read in Saturday's Telegram-Tribune that a pedestrian was seriously injured in this mid-block crosswalk(see attached photo and article). For many years we had a traffic signal at this location. The signal was synchronized with a progression of traffic flow down Higuera Street, thus minimizing pedestrian and vehicle conflict. Several years ago this signal was removed and now pedestrians walk across the street at any time, unfortunately at their own risk. There is no doubt that mid-block crosswalks are hazardous and can eventually result in serious injury to a pedestrian. I believe it is incumbent upon the City to do all that it can to make the traffic flow safer in the downtown,therefore, I request Council concurrence to direct staff to investigate reinstalling the traffic signal with a report back in time for budget consideration this year. DR:ss Attachment HWUNCIL 0 CDD DIR BtAO ❑FIN DIR 8'ACAO ❑FIRE CHIEF Q'ATTORNEY 9KW DIR PtLEMOMG ❑POME C„p ❑MCMT TEAM ❑REC D19 ❑ ❑UTIL DIR O ❑PERS DI 1 RECEIVED FEB 2 3199f SLO CITY CLERK i7 S /� LR/. .. ..._.. ... M S ' .; x 1111jimilgir 1, 1111 1115 1 w:Y' Yc b> 4 fi awl � 1i Irrr�i�o�•-7��F�Ji{rF-l�rC .•^� r,f� '.`��c"+fnJ I1...�.7.. tit[ W Robert Dyer/ie1 .... Tribune i 1, -7 dg ;'an was struck by this car Friday aftemoon on Higu..In 6t 01 Inan4_ulsbispp .olice..were'i"rlvestigating the accident. Pedestrian hit on ILSUera Street ■SAN LUIS OBISPO—Rebec- ca Goddard,21,of San Luis Obispo was listed in"stable"condition I}iday night at Sierra Vista Re- gional Center after being struck by car on Higaera Street around 4:15 Sgt Jerry Lenthall said Goddard . ,,,was walking across the street in "front of Ross Dress for Less toward PThe Gap,when she was struck by a fired Honda driven by Susan New, J57,of Oceana The Honda,he said, 4as traveling westbound in the cen- lterlane when the pedestrian was Ihit in the crosswalk q Goddard's injuries were serious, said Lentball. The 800 block of Higuera Street was closed briefly to traffic after the accident Paciflo Ener CcompanyJY Home Enerav Products 2121 Sards Barbara Street. San Luis Obisoo. California 9340 0 D'FIN DIR L'lFIRE CHIEF Mayor Allen K Settle MEETING AGENDA Fe :it c-T ERly o99 �CECHF in 990'Palm Street DATE�-A-fi ► ITEM # Cam muntccc TEAK o'�C DIR San Luis Obispo ❑ '�DIR CA, 93401 ❑ II On Monday, March 8'"our County's citizens will have their last opportunity to address the United States Mineral Management Service's California Offshore Oil &Gas Energy Resources Study(COOLER). This Study has been the object of several years of information gathering by the Camarillo office of the MMS,two million dollars in federal and oil industry funding and the basis of a great deal of community concern. it is now time to commit ourselves to responsible dialogue, gather our thoughts and concerns,and present succinct, knowledgeable comments on the draft report. Many hours have been spent by local citizens from Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties attending MMS Steering Committee meetings voicing the concerns of our citizens, while stressing to the MMS and the steering committee that public input is vital to the outcome of the report. We continue to have concerns that this report does not fully address the impacts which will occur to our environment and local economy. In brief a few of our concerns are: • The socio-eoonomic section needs to be strengthened in its recognition of the impacts of oil development to our almost$400,000,000.00 tourist industry. The impact of Offshore oil spills on the environment needs to be addressed. The adverse effects of oil &gas development to onshore biological and cultural resources is understated. • Air and water quality impacts need to be addressed. • The presence of endangered species at existing infrastructure sites are not accounted for. • The unique interrelationship between business and the environment in San Luis Obispo County is ignored. • The low quality of the oil reserves as a source of energy is understated. Our major concern is that the report could be published as presented, and used In Me fixture as a jusdffmffa r for Offshore Development. While the MMS is promising to study the socio-economic impacts in a separate report, it is important that these impacts be included under the same cover as the COOGER Study. A great deal of information addressing environmental and sock)-economics is available through the Counties, Cities, UCSB Economic Forecast and local Universities. Failure to include this relevant localized information has led to a less than complete analysis of our coastal region and the constraints to Offshore Oil development. Copies of the COOGER Draft Study are on file at the San Luis Obispo&South County Libraries. Executive summaries are available at the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, ECOSLO and on the web at www.mms.gov/omm/pacific. Written comments should be sent to the attention of: Mr. Fred White, Minerals Management Service, Pacific OCS Region, 770 Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo, CA 93010 The Public Hearing will be held Mardi 8°i 1999 at the South County Regional Center, 800 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande. The meeting will begin at 6:30. Your presence is vital. Jo/ Z RECEIVED �hnE wa MAR - t 1999 Business Representative to the COOGER Steering Committee SLO CITY COUNCIL MOING AGENDA CONTAUNICATION DATE a n EyI com p Date: March 2, 1999 IR D6 CAO EN RE CHIEF To: Mayor& MembersWk Council q G EtPOUCE CHF ltGN7 TEAf+1 DIR From: Lee Price, City Cle RE: PENDING MAJOR COUNCIL ITEMS: Given the number of important issues the Council has before them over the next three months, staff met last Friday morning to discuss scheduling these items, keeping in mind individual council member absences and other regular and special meetings. The following is an outline of proposed meeting dates, in addition to those previously scheduled: Meeting Date & Time: Meeting Tvue Item: Thurs. March 11'h 1:30-3:30 p.m. Closed Session Appt'd Officials Evaluations (w/Consultants) Wed. March 16' 4:00-6:00 p.m. Study Session Laguna Lake Dredging (Before Regular Meeting w/dinner break) Wed. March 23' 7:00 p.m. Study Session Water Issues Wed. March 24' 3:30 -6:30 p.m. Closed Session Appt'd Officials Evaluations (Note: change in date/time) (w/CAO& C. Atty.) Tues. April 6'h 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting CDBG Hearing Mon. April 19`h 7:00 p.m. Special Meeting Goals Action Plans Tues. April 20`h Regular Meeting* SL Marketplace Fiscal Study Tues. May 4' 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting* Downtown Parking& Access Plan Mon. May 17`h 7:00 p.m. Budget Workshop Financial Plan Overview Tues. May 18" 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting (tentative agenda not yet determined) Wed. May 19th 7:00 p.m. Budget Workshop General Fund CIP Projects Mon. May 25' 7:00 p.m. Budget Workshop Enterprise Fund Programs * RECEIVED Regular agenda will be kept light to accommodate for the time needed. MAR Z - 1999 SLO CITY CLERK In examining dates, we have considered the following known schedule conflicts: Mayor Settle - unavailable evening of 3/31, and period 4/5-15 Vice Mayor Romero -unavailable 4/12-16 Council Member Marx- unavailable 4/14 Council Member Ewan - unavailable 3/264/4 Planning Commission meets at 7 in Chamber 3/24 ARC meets at 5 in the Hearing Room 4/19