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MEMORANDUM
November 8, 2004
TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Work Session - November 15, 2004 - 5:30 p.m.
Proposed Standards for Downtown Sidewalk Patterns
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is submitting the attached information for
the Work Session scheduled for Monday, November 15, 2004, at 5:30 p.m.
(YuJ) ~ A//Ä
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
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MEMORANDUM
November 8, 2004
TO:
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM:
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
SUBJECT: Proposed Standards for Downtown Sidewalk Patterns
Introduction
Engineering and Planning Services staff has been working with the City Manager's
Office and the Leisure Services Department on proposed standards for Downtown
sidewalk patterns. The intent is to establish a pattern that will guide future public and
private sidewalk improvement projects in the Downtown, and respond to inquiries from
Downtown owners and developers.
City staff presented an initial recommendation at the June 21, 2004 City Council
meeting. At that meeting, City Council members directed staff to:
. Provide additional information about the proposed standards.
. Evaluate conformance with the Downtown Master Plan.
. Solicit input from property owners, key stakeholders and Dubuque Main Street
Ltd.
. Solicit input from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).
City staff has complied with the City Council's directive. The enclosed information is
provided for discussion at the City Council work session on November 15 at 5:30 p.m.
How did development of these standards begin?
Engineering and Planning Services staff initiated development of these standards in
response to inquiries from Downtown property and business owners and developers
who are planning sidewalk repairs and replacements, about what type of sidewalk color
and pattern is appropriate for the public sidewalks along their properties. A number of
these inquiries have been for properties in the Old Main Historic District.
To date, City staff has relied on the City's Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines for
Historic Districts and on previously-approved sidewalk improvements for guidance.
Sidewalk Paving Pattern
Page 2
Some sidewalks in the Downtown have been replaced. Many sidewalks, especially on
side streets, are the standard grey concrete. Without a cohesive, uniform paving pattern
for the Downtown sidewalks, however, a variety of patterns and colors exists. As a
result, staff is not able to provide clear direction to owners and developers.
How do the proposed standards comply with the Downtown Master Plan?
The City Council recognized the importance of the historic, architectural and cultural
resources of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods with the adoption of the
Downtown Dubuque Master Plan in 2004. The Downtown Master Plan lists the
following priority actions related to the Downtown sidewalk paving patterns:
. Complete the implementation of the Downtown streetscape improvements along
the remainder of Main Street from 1st to 14th Streets. The streetscape connection
will reinforce the linkages between downtown residential and commercial uses.
As a starting point, the streetscape I landscape guidelines developed for the
historic districts can serve as a model.
. Strengthen the connectivity between the Port of Dubuque and the CBD including
the Cable Car Square shopping area.
What is the project area?
The project area for the Downtown sidewalk patterns generally is bounded by Bluff
Street to Main Street and 14th Street to the Locust Street Connector, with an extension
along 5th Street to the Port of Dubuque entry.
What are the proposed standards for Downtown sidewalk patterns?
Sheet #1 shows the proposed Downtown Sidewalk Pattern. The pattern has a broom
finish, saw cuts and small charcoal pavers. It uses "bump-outs" with a stamped
herringbone pattern to define "No Parking Zones" and provide spaces for street trees
where right-of-way is wide enough. The proposed standards for the Downtown
Sidewalk Pattern vary in color and layout depending on location as follows.
Main Street Pattern
Sheet #2 shows the Main Street Pattern. This pattern presently is found on Main Street
from 9th Street to 5th Street through the former Town Clock Plaza pedestrian mall. Here
the pattern is a wide (11 ') buff-colored concrete sidewalk with 8' traffic-calming "bump-
outs" of quarry red concrete stamped in a herringbone pattern.
In the Old Main Historic District and the Upper Main District, there will be fewer
restrictions of on-street parking because the right-of-way is narrower. The sidewalk
pattern in these districts will have fewer "bump-outs" of quarry red concrete.
Sidewalk Paving Pattern
Page 3
In accordance with the Downtown Master Plan, the Main Street Pattern is proposed for
continuation along Main Street both north and south of the Town Clock area as follows:
. Old Main District from the Locust Street Connector to 5th Street
Upper Main District from 9th to 14th Streets
Side Street Pattern
Sheet #3 shows the Side Street Pattern. This pattern is a narrow (6') standard grey-
colored concrete sidewalk with a 5' parkway of brick red concrete stamped in a
herringbone pattern. The grey-colored concrete sidewalk uses a crushed-limestone
aggregate concrete. The brick red portion uses a finish with shake-on hardener to
match the Flat Iron Park sidewalk.
In accordance with the Downtown Master Plan, the Side Street Pattern is proposed for
the following streets:
. 3rd Street from Main to Bluff Streets
. 4th Street from Iowa to Bluff Streets
. 5th Street from White to Bluff Streets
. 8th Street from Locust to Bluff Streets
. 9th Street from Iowa to Bluff Streets
. Locust Street from 4th to 5th Streets
Washinqton Park and Librarv Sidewalk Pattern
Sheet #4 shows the Washington Park and Library Sidewalk Pattern, which is very
similar to Flat Iron Park This pattern is a narrow (6') buff-colored concrete sidewalk with
a 5' parkway of brick red stamped concrete with a herringbone pattern. The brick red
portion uses a finish with shake-on hardener. This pattern will be used at:
. Carnegie-Stout Public Library -- Locust Street and 11 th Street frontages
. Washington Park -- all street frontages
ADA Compliant Accessible Ramps
Sheet #5 shows ADA compliant accessible curb ramps at street intersections with the
recommended sidewalk paving patterns. The textured surface will be quarry red.
How do the proposed standards comply with the Streets cape Design Guidelines?
Sidewalks are addressed in the Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines for the Historic
Districts of the City of Dubuque, Iowa as follows:
. Recommended improvements include: preservation of original historic paving
and limestone curbing, and materials for new sidewalks and crosswalks that are
consistent with the historic materials such as brick pavers and crushed-limestone
aggregate concrete.
Sidewalk Paving Pattern
Page 4
. Acceptable improvements include: substitute materials that simulate original
paving, such as colored concrete pavers and/or stamped concrete.
What input was received from property owners, key stakeholders and Dubuque
Main Street Ltd.?
City staff attended a meeting of the Dubuque Main Street Ltd. (DMSL) Board of
Directors and staff on July 28, 2004 to present the proposed standards and take input.
Board members were supportive and agreed with the City's approach to conduct an
open house to obtain stakeholder input. There was also general consensus that this
recommendation was consistent with the recommendations from the Downtown Master
Plan.
With the cooperation and assistance of DMSL, City staff sought input from Downtown
business and property owners on the proposed standards for Downtown sidewalk
patterns. Invitations were mailed for an Open House with City and DMSL staff on
August 18, 2004 at the NICC Downtown Center. Session #1 ran from 11 :30 a.m. - 1 :00
p.m. and Session #2 ran from 4:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Enclosed are the list of attendees
and comments received.
Generally, these stakeholders were supportive of the proposal and of the City limiting
the property owners' cost share as much as possible. Interest in expanding the
proposed standards to the Bluff Street I Cathedral area was expressed.
What input was received from the Historic Preservation Commission?
The proposed standards for Downtown sidewalk patterns will pass through the Old
Main, Jackson Park, and Cathedral Historic Districts. One of the Historic Preservation
Commission's duties is to conduct an advisory design review of these proposed public
improvements based on the City's Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines for Historic
Districts, and then provide a recommendation to the City Council.
City staff reviewed the proposed standards with the Historic Preservation Commission
at their June and August meetings. The Commission found the proposed Downtown
Sidewalk Standards are consistent with the City's Streetscape and Landscape
Guidelines for Historic Districts. Interest in expanding the proposed standards to Bluff
Street was expressed.
The Historic Preservation Commission also recommended:
1. That design options be considered for the 1200-1300 blocks of Main Street to
allow for street trees with smaller sidewalks and parkways of either green space
or the stamped brick pattern. City staff concurs that this is an acceptable
alternative in residential areas.
Sidewalk Paving Pattern
Page 5
2. If owners of property outside of the historic districts would like to request a
different sidewalk pattern for their property, they would have to receive approval
from the City Council. City staff concurs with the Commission's recommendation.
3. If owners of property in historic districts would like to request a different sidewalk
pattern for their property, they would have to have the sidewalk pattern reviewed
by the HPC, who then would forward a recommendation to the City Council for
final approval. City staff concurs with the Commission's recommendation.
What is the projected construction cost?
The projected construction cost has been estimated based on the following parameters
developed by the Engineering staff:
Main Street Pattern Costs:
. Buff-colored concrete 11' sidewalk with charcoal paver - $100 a lineal foot.
. Quarry red stamped herringbone 8' "bump-outs" - $72 a lineal foot
. Tree grates are an extra cost.
Side Street Pattern Costs:
. Standard grey-colored concrete 6' sidewalk with charcoal paver - $30 a lineal
foot.
. Brick red stamped herringbone 5' parkway - $45 a lineal foot.
Washinqton Park & Public Librarv Costs:
. Buff-colored concrete 6' sidewalk with charcoal paver - $54 a lineal foot.
. Brick red stamped herringbone 5' parkway - $45 a lineal foot.
Standard Pattern Costs:
. Standard grey-colored concrete 11' sidewalk - $60 a lineal foot.
Average City block - 300 lineal feet.
Main Street Pattern: Estimated cost is approximately $100 per lineal foot for the
buff-colored sidewalk portion, or about $30,000 for each side of one City block ($100 x
300'). Note: quarry red stamped herringbone "bump-outs" and tree grates are not
included in this estimate.
Side Street Pattern: Estimated cost is approximately $30 per lineal foot for 6' wide,
standard grey-colored sidewalk portion, and about $45 per lineal foot for the 5' wide
Sidewalk Paving Pattern
Page 6
brick red stamped herringbone parkways. This is a combined cost of $75 per lineal foot,
or about $22,500 for each side of one City block.
Washinqton Park and Library Sidewalk Pattern: Estimated cost is approximately $54 per
lineal foot for the buff-colored, 6' wide sidewalk portion, and about $45 per lineal foot for
the brick red stamped herringbone 5' wide parkways. This is a combined cost of $99 per
lineal foot, or about $29,700 for each side of one City block.
What is the cost to property owners?
Downtown sidewalk projects will be installed concurrently with the City's public street
improvement program in the Downtown. Amenities also can be installed concurrent
with the installation of infrastructure for other Downtown public improvements.
Property owners would be assessed for the costs of sidewalk improvements. The
following is a typical scenario of the financial impact an enhanced sidewalk
improvement could have on a downtown property owner:
Average City Block 300' in length
Item
Standard grey 11' sidewalk ($60 x 300')
Buff-colored 11' sidewalk ($100 x 300')
Difference
Property owner with 50' storefront:
Cost for standard grey 11' x 50' sidewalk
Cost for buff-colored 11' x 50' sidewalk
Difference
Property owner with 100' storefront:
Cost for Standard Gray 11' x 100' sidewalk
Cost for Buff-colored 11' x 100' sidewalk
Difference
Cost Per Side
$18,000
$30,000
$12,000
Cost Per Block
$36,000
$60,000
$24,000
$3,000
$5,000
$2,000
$ 6,000
$10,000
$ 4,000
Financial resources for property owners:
Property owners would be eligible for the following programs to assist in mitigating the
additional costs associated with the enhanced sidewalk improvements.
Historic District Public Improvement Proqram (HDPIP):
An annual CIP of $100,000 for streetscape and public area improvements in the
Historic Districts. The HDPIP provides 3:1 matching grants on a competitive
basis to neighborhood associations and neighborhood groups for streetscape
improvements in the City's five historic districts. No City funds may be used as
match except CDBG funds.
Sidewalk Paving Pattern
Page 7
The 25% private match may be obtained from assessments of property owners in
the project area; private fundraising; private donations; in-kind services; or
private, state or federal grants.
The HDPIP grant could provide 75% of the additional costs for the enhanced
sidewalk treatments for properties in an historic district.
Neiqhborhood Grants:
An annual CIP of $30,000 for neighborhood improvement projects in CDBG-
targeted neighborhoods. Large grants range from $1,000 - $5,000.
The Neighborhood Grant could provide the 25% match of the additional costs for
the enhanced sidewalk treatments for properties in an historic district using a
HDPIP grant.
Neiqhborhood Infrastructure Proqram:
An annual CIP of $50,000 for repair of public steps and sidewalks, pavement
overlays, hand railing and other infrastructure improvements in CDBG-targeted
neighborhoods.
Financial resources for City projects:
ADA Curb Ramp Construction Project: An annual CIP of $55,000 for the installation of
ADA compliant curb ramps throughout the city; funded with CDBG money.
Repair/Replace Steps/Sidewalks at Library: A one-time CIP to repair and replace
sidewalks at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library where needed.
Washinqton Park Sidewalks: A CIP for reconstruction of the sidewalks around
Washington Park that is not included in the reconstruction of 6th and th Streets, with a
budget of $189,000.
6th Street and 7th Street Reconstruction: Reconstruction of both 6th Street and th Street,
from Locust Street to Bluff Street has been included in the five-year annual street
reconstruction program for about 10 years. The improvement of 7th Street was delayed
initially until after the construction of the Dubuque Museum of Art.
In addition, there are two public works project related to the Downtown sidewalks - Main
Street Historic Lighting (from 1st Street to 5th Street) and the Main Street Overlay CIP
(from 1st Street to 5th Street). The Main Street Historic Lighting CIP has a budget of
$265,000 to replace the existing lights in the Old Main District with the same historic
replica light fixtures installed along Main Street in the Town Clock District. The Main
Street Overlay CIP has a budget of $135,000. The overlay project will be reevaluated to
determine if it needs to be a reconstruction project.
Sidewalk Paving Pattern
Page 8
The City will be reviewing opportunities for additional funding in the upcoming five-year
CIP budget.
Work Session Agenda
The agenda for the City Council work session on November 15, 2004 will be:
Review large display boards with various sidewalk patterns and aerial photos.
Review input City staff sought and what it was.
Review budget estimates and funding resources.
. Questions and answers.
Enclosures
cc David Stuart, Chairperson, Historic Preservation Commission
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager
Gus Psihoyos, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer
Bob Schiesl, Civil Engineer
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#5
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE RAMPS
. . . .
Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-{;678 TDD
planning@Cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org
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November 8, 2004
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall-50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Applicant: City of Dubuque, Engineering Department
Location: Downtown
Description: Proposed Standard for Sidewalk Paving Pattern
District: Old Main, Cathedral and Jackson Park
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the proposed standards for
downtown sidewalk paving pattern at the June 17 and August 19, 2004 meetings.
Discussion
Mike Felderman, Civil Engineer, presented the proposed standards, and spoke in favor
of the request. He noted that the Engineering Department, working with other City
Departments, is proposing to create a paving pattern standard for Downtown sidewalks.
He reviewed the proposal to extend the existing Main Street Pattern from 5th to 9th
Streets south along Main Street to the Locust Street Connector and north along Main
Street to 14th Street. He noted that some of the side streets off of Main Street would
have a special sidewalk pattern. He added that the sidewalks around Washington Park
and Carnegie Stout Public Library would also have a special sidewalk pattern similar to
that found in Flat Iron Park.
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager, explained that the Historic Preservation
Commission is an advisory design review body to the City Council for these types of
public improvements in the historjc districts. She added that the City Engineering and
Planning staff would like to have an approved standard for sidewalk paving patterns to:
1) Implement a cohesive uniform paving pattern in Downtown, and 2) Enable staff to
sign-off on projects that meet the standard. There were no public comments.
The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the proposed sidewalk standards.
Interest in expanding the proposed standards to Bluff Street and accommodating street
tress and green space along parkways was expressed. The Commission commended
the Engineering Department for being forward thinking in developing proposed
standards for sidewalk paving patterns.
Service
People
Integrity
R.,pon>ibility
Innovation
Teamwock
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
November 8,2004
Page 2
Recommendation
By a vote of 6 to 0 at the June 17, 2004 meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission
recommended:
. If owners of property outside of the historic districts would like to request a
different sidewalk pattern for their property, they would have to receive approval
from the City Council.
. If owners of property in historic districts would like to request a different sidewalk
pattern for their property, they would have to have the sidewalk pattern reviewed
by the HPC, who then would forward a recommendation to the City Council for
final approval.
By a vote of 6 to 0 at the August 19, 2004 meeting, the Historic Preservation
Commission:
. Found the proposed Downtown Sidewalk Standards are consistent with the City's
Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines for Historic Districts, and
. Recommended that design options be considered for the 1200-1300 blocks of
Main Street to allow for street trees with smaller sidewalks and parkways of
either green space or the stamped brick pattern.
Respectfully submitted,
~~/~
David Stuart, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
cc:
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager
Gus Psihoyos, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer
Bob Schiesl, Civil Engineer