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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKing County/COR Regional Trail Discussion #1 (09/22/2017) Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan Update King County/City of Renton Regional Trail Discussion #1 September 22, 2017 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Renton City Hall Meeting Summary Participants King County Parks (KC) Kevin Brown, Director, Parks and Recreation Division Jean White, Government Relations Administrator Sujata Goel, Government Relations Administrator Frank Overton, Capital Projects Managing Supervisor Tri Ong, Capital Project Manager – Parks Engineer, PE Mike Ullmer, Project/Program Manager Jason Rich, Capital Project Manager City of Renton (COR) Vicki Grover, Transportation Planning & Programming Manager Leslie Betlach, Parks Planning and Natural Resources Director Angie Mathias, Long Range Planner Kelly Beymer, Community Services Administrator Jim Seitz, Transportation Systems Director Cailin Hunsaker, Parks and Golf Director Consultant Connie Reckord, MacLeod Reckord (MR) David Saxen, MacLeod Reckord (MR) Aaron Gooze, Fehr and Peers (FP) Purpose The purpose of this meeting was to collaborate with King County representatives on possible and preferred routing for the (Eastside Rail Corridor, Lake To Sound, and Cedar River) regional trails through the City of Renton, discuss alternative facility types for these corridors, update on the status of the Civic Core planning effort and review proposed cross sections for the corridors in that plan, and review the status of other regional trails/routes (Soos Creek, Lake Washington Loop). This is the first of two planned 2 meetings, with the expectation there will be resolution on the alignment and facility designation for the regional trails by the end of the second meeting. Discussion DESIGN CONCEPT  After introductions, and statement of purpose and goals, MacLeod Reckord presented the preferred and alternative alignments for the Eastside Rail Corridor (ERC), Lake to Sound (LTS), and Cedar River (CR) Trails through the City. Rationale was given for selection of the preferred route and there was general consensus on those routes early in the meeting.  The range of facility types for regional trails was presented by MacLeod Reckord and discussed. It was noted the KC standard of shared use path with gravel shoulders would not be appropriate in the urban segments of the corridors, and alternative standards showing a protected bike lane and sidewalk were discussed.  KC representatives stated support not only for making strong connections through the downtown core with the regional trail alignment, but also for alternative facility standards such as the protected bike lane and sidewalk cross section. SUPPORT FOR THE VISION  KC described the very successful partnerships that are being established with the business community and stakeholders along the ERC (Microsoft, REI, Google, Swedish named) through Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, and encouraged Renton to engage with the Eastside Greenway Alliance to work with third parties who could provide additional support for development of these trail corridors. KC offered to provide points of contact. Renton businesses mentioned as being important stakeholders in these discussions included Boeing, Paccar, Hyatt, and numerous smaller (new) tech companies (5300 jobs) coming into the area.  The Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce were identified as potential stakeholders who could provide plan support and engage with businesses.  Ferry (foot) service to Lake Washington is in discussion and would be another benefit supporting improvements to the non-motorized system in the vicinity of the lake.  KC recommended the Redmond Central Connector powerpoint presentation as a good visual and marketing tool for promoting and securing businesses/stakeholders to support the concept of trail construction through the business core.  Pop-up events, simulations, visuals can be more compelling than simple identification of ‘projects’. The prospect of a fuselage chugging through town on a flatbed was noted as highly unique and extraordinary by visitors (less so by locals); the idea of locating bleachers and posting schedules for its arrival was kicked around and not dismissed entirely. The overall message in this conversation was these are examples of some of the unique aspects of Renton that should be embraced, marketed, and displayed. BOEING  Boeing has developed segments of trail along the future proposed ERC corridor but the segments are private, ”behind the fence”. Some opportunities to engage with Boeing to encourage them to collaborate with King County and the City of Renton on a public trail were identified: 3 o There are employee groups (trail advocates) that are supportive of public/regional trail connections through this segment – identify and engage them. o Boeing likely has trip reduction requirements that need to be met as well as a regional trail facility in immediate proximity to their facility.  City of Renton clarified that Boeing’s requirement for providing public trail access on their property is only a condition in the EIS once they are at full expansion. BNSF  The challenges along the BNSF corridor were discussed. KC had some success at one point getting BNSF to talk about the option of extending the ERC trail in the BNSF corridor adjacent to Coulon Park, but discussions ceased; since then there has been no response from the railroad. The City of Renton has had similar challenges.  In addition, KC has not yet obtained leases from BNSF for the Lake to Sound Trail connecting Tukwila to Renton. It would be desirable to extend the Lake to Sound Trail along the BNSF corridor to the east toward Rainier Avenue. Options discussed included approaching the private property owners to the south of the BNSF ROW (many have loading zones, parking areas in this area) to see if there is potential for a narrow area of acquisition. It was noted that there are several sidings that the adjacent property owners don’t want to lose because they represent value or potential value to tenants.  The City of Renton confirmed that railroad use is on the average of one train per day for Boeing; Rabanco also uses the line as far as Hardie/Shattuck. WSDOT, SOUND TRANSIT, OTHER  There was discussion about the current status of the Transit Center funding, and the importance of identifying and enhancing connections from the regional trail to the new location at Grady Way.  KC noted that Sound Transit is (fiscally) supportive with projects providing access within ½ mile of the station.  KC cited working in partnership with Redmond to lobby Sound Transit on particular issues related to ERC development/access. KC agreed to work with the City of Renton regarding Sound Transit project advancement.  The City of Renton noted that Sound Transit projects are opening up in 2024; future projects included Bus Rapid Transit implementation and (WSDOT) Bellevue to Renton Bus Rapid Transit development.  KC noted the ERC to Ripley Lane connection will happen in conjunction with WSDOT widening. KC will provide information to the City of Renton. CIVIC CORE  Fehr and Peers provided background and input on the status of the Civic Core project, specifically focusing on the corridors identified for regional trail connections. The Civic Core process is moving ahead of the Trails Plan schedule, so it is imperative there is resolution on these issues and agreement between the two plans.  There was considerable discussion about the merits of the various cross sections and alternative configurations along the “Burnett Trail” segment. Specifically where, and whether transit and parking were to be provided; where the best location for raingardens and tree planting would occur; sidewalk, parking, and travel lane widths. 4  King County encouraged Renton to connect the Burnett Trail to the relocated Transit Center at Grady Way.  The City of Renton will provide Fehr and Peers with traffic count information in order to more fully evaluate Burnett Avenue north of Second Avenue and south of Third Avenue to 5th Street. OTHER TRAIL CORRIDOR DESIGN ISSUES  Some design concepts that will be considered along the Burnett Trail include: o Reduction of travel lanes to 11’. o Possible elimination of center turn lane between Second and Third. o Configuring protected bike lane in a way that provides greater separation from travel lanes. o Ensuring walkway does not become ‘cluttered’, with effective width being constrained, with utility poles, mailboxes, light poles, benches/amenities, hydrants, etc. Provide adequate width and create pockets for these amenities/infrastructure. o Relocation of play area to accommodate trail through park.  Review opportunities for enhancing/celebrating the 3 nodes/points of the triangle where trails converge.  Identify and address other big challenge areas, one named in particular was the Logan and Burnett intersection.  The City of Renton noted there is potential for vacating parking on the south side of Houser – it has been discussed at Council level.  Be sure to include alternative alignments in preferred plan, as those routes may be used as interim routes.  The City of Renton will provide information being generated by Otak on the design of the Logan and Airport Way intersection. OTHER ISSUES  King County noted that the Soos Creek Trail connections are not off the table, just lower on the priority list for now.  The City of Renton noted that the one Trail the public desires the most is completing the Soos Creek Trail north of 192nd. Next Steps:  The next meeting will include: o Formalizing the preferred option for connecting the ERC, Lake to Sound, and Cedar River Trail. o Identifying alternative routes for each of the three regional trails. o Identifying trail cross sections for varying segments of both the preferred and alternative routes. o Providing conceptual cross sections noting ROW width at strategic locations along the alignment, for purposes of identifying critical challenges that may be to be addressed by multiple parties. o Identifying how both the Trails plan and the Civic Core plan will show corresponding project improvements through the corridors identified for the regional trails. The second coordination meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2017, from 9:00am to 11:00am at Renton City Hall.