JFK Sidewalk Installation Report and PetitionTHE CITY OF
DUB E
~-~-~
MEMORANDUM
April 28, 2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: John F. Kennedy Road from Asbury Road to the Northwest Arterial -
Sidewalks
The City Council requested that the question of whether sidewalks should be installed
on John F. Kennedy Road north of Asbury Road be placed on the agenda.
City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends that if the City Council requires the
installation of sidewalks, that the property owners be given the opportunity to construct
said sidewalks prior to August 31, 2007. After that date, a special assessment project
would be presented to the City Council to complete the sidewalk construction on the
remaining parcels in the corridor.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
~~ ~A
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
THE CITY OF
DuB E
~-~~
MEMORANDUM
April 27, 2007
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manag
FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer ~
.~
SUBJECT: John F. Kennedy Road from Asbury Road to the Northwest Arterial
- Sidewalks
INTRODUCTION
The City Engineering Department seeks City Council direction for the process
and timing of installation of sidewalks on John F. Kennedy Road from Asbury
Road to the Northwest Arterial.
BACKGROUND
The requests for sidewalks along the John F. Kennedy Road north of Asbury
Road have been numerous over the past ten years. Since October, 2006, three
additional requests have been made which sought City Council action on the
matter.
After requests for sidewalks along John F. Kennedy Road were made in 1998
and 1999, the Engineering Department prepared improvement plans and
assessments based on preliminary approval of the project by City Council. At the
July 6, 1999 public hearing, the City Council rejected the project due to
objections from the property owners who cited high assessment values and lack
of pedestrian usage.
In preparation of the John F. Kennedy Road Reconstruction Project from Spring
Valley to City limits in 2002, Engineering had included the installation of
sidewalks with the project. At the April 15, 2002 public hearing on the plans for
that project, the City Council approved the elimination of sidewalks from the
project.
DISCUSSION
Pedestrian traffic on John F. Kennedy Road from Asbury north has increased
steadily over the past several years due to increased development along and
adjacent to this corridor. The Wynstone Development and the proposed
Kivlahan Subdivision add 99 single-family lots west of John F. Kennedy Road.
The recent construction of an apartment complex at the end of Raven Oaks Drive
has added 64 dwelling units. These developments, plus the completion of the
Northwest Arterial Bike-Hike Trail, will no doubt cause an increase in future
pedestrian traffic along this corridor.
The most recent requests note a near car/pedestrian accident due to walking in
the street because of snow along the curb, the need for a safe path for children
walking to Eisenhower School, mothers with baby strollers in the street,
inaccessibility for a handicapped child in a wheelchair who lives in the
neighborhood, and access to the bus route and shelter.
By City Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, Chapter 42 (see attached),
sidewalks are required along the right-of-way for ail new construction where the
street has curb and gutter. Sidewalks are also required in all new subdivisions
as the lots are improved. Improving accessibility throughout the City has been
mentioned by the City Council, as outlined in the attached Goals and Objectives
from the Comprehensive Pian. The Envision 2010 selected an Integrated
Walking/Biking/Hiking Trail System as a top 10 idea.
In a related sidewalk construction project to provide safe pedestrian traffic along
Pennsylvania Avenue and Radford Road to the Eleanor Roosevelt Middle
School, the Engineering Department prepared plans and assessments for the
project. Each property owner was given the opportunity to construct their own
sidewalk to City specifications prior to the start of the City's assessable project.
This resulted in only two parcels to be constructed by the City's contractor and a
91.5% decrease in the contract amount (from $75,000 to $6,470).
Since considerable time and effort were expended in preparing the plans and
specifications for the Radford Road/Pennsylvania Avenue Sidewalk Project, with
over 90 percent (90%) of the property owners constructing the sidewalks prior to
the City project, the Engineering Department is seeking City Council concurrence
on a more efficient process that will have the same end result of the Council's
directives.
RECOMMENDATION
Should the City Council direct the installation of sidewalks on both sides of John
F. Kennedy Road from Asbury Road to the Northwest Arterial, it is recommended
that the property owners be given the opportunity to construct said sidewalks
prior to August 31, 2007. After that date, a special assessment project would be
presented to City Council to complete the sidewalk construction on the remaining
parcels in the corridor.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
The City Council is requested to provide direction on constructing sidewalks
along John F. Kennedy Road from Asbury Road to the Northwest Arterial, and if
it is decided to install sidewalks, to direct the Engineering Department to work
with the affected property owners to voluntarily construct said sidewalks prior to
an assessable project in 2008.
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Bob Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
Ron Turner, PLS
Jon Dienst, PE
Jane Smith, Engineering Assistant
CHAPTER 42 SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
City Code requirements supporting a bikelpedestrian (sidewalk) network
Sec. 42-17. Subdivision Design Standards:
(b) Installation Of Improvements: Public improvements including streets, sanitary sewers,
storm sewers, water mains, street lighting, street trees, and sidewalks shall be installed in
accordance with the City standards.
See. 42-20. Streets:
(b) Right Of Way:
(l) The right of way shall be measured from lot line to lot line and shall be sufficiently wide
to contain the street pavement, curbs, shoulders, sidewalks, utilities, street lighting and
street trees placed within the right of way.
(k) Sidewalks:
(1) Sidewalks shall be required on all public street frontages and constructed in accordance
with the City standards.
(2) Sidewalks shall be placed four feet (4') behind the curb parallel to the street, unless an
exception has been permitted by the City Engineer to preserve topographical or natural
features or to provide visual interest, or unless the subdivider shows that an alternative
pedestrian system provides safe and convenient circulation.
Sec. 42-24. Improvement guarantees.
(e) Sidewalk Installation: Sidewalk installation shall be the responsibility of the owner of
property abutting the public right of way. This responsibility shall extend to all
successors, heirs and assignees. Sidewalk installation will not be required until the
development of a lot has been completed. In sparsely developed subdivisions, sidewalks
on developed lots will not be required until fifty percent (50%) of the lots approved by
the plat have been developed. All vacant lots shall have sidewalks installed upon
development of eighty percent (80%) of the lots approved by the plat.
2002 CITYOFDUBUQUE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Goals and Objectives supporting a bikelpedestrian (sidewalk) network
LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN GOALS
1. To protect and enhance the viability, livability and affordability of the
city's residential neighborhoods while integrating multifamily
development throughout the community.
1.3 Connect and interrelate neighborhoods with greenbelts or other pathways, commercial
nodes or public facilities.
1.6 Provide neighborhood amenities throughout the community in an equitable manner.
8. To provide physical accessibility throughout the city.
8.1 Encourage and facilitate urban accessibility by walking, cycling and/or public transit as
well as by auto.
8.2 Encourage new development concepts that by design enable people to walk to work,
school, day care, shopping and recreation.
8.3 Facilitate, where possible, enhanced accessibility within existing development.
8.4 Encourage the development of pathways that link the community together in a cohesive
manner.
8.5 Encourage the provision of access to persons with disabilities.
TRANSPORTATION GOALS
9. To establish improved hike and bike routes in the city to encourage
alternative modes of transportation.
9.1 Develop a comprehensive regional system of bikeways and/or multi-purpose trails which
minimize conflicts between motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
9.2 Provide a more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly transportation network.
9.3 Consider relevant bicycle and pedestrian elements in all new transportation projects.
9.4 Encourage development patterns more compatible with non-motorized travel.
INFRASTRUCTURE GOALS
5. To provide for, maintain and improve safe, accessible public sidewalks
and steps throughout the community, where possible.
5.1 Maintain and improve the condition of public sidewalks, steps, walks and handrails.
5.2 Ensure reasonable removal of snow and ice accumulations from public sidewalks, steps
and walks.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY GDALS
1. To create a sustainable environment that successfully balances urban
growth and development with ecological constraints.
1.3 Identify, preserve, and promote linkages or connections of open/green spaces.
RECREATION GDALS
1. To provide a safe park and recreation system that continues to meet the
community's needs for useable and accessible park and open space.
1.2 Identify the type of parks, park facilities and hike/bike trails lacking in the community.
ENVISION 2010 TOP 10 BIG IDEA
Supporting abike/pedestrian (sidewalk) network
Integrated Walking/Biking,/Hiking Trail System
Create an integrated trail system throughout the Dubuque and Asbury communities to
encourage recreation and wellness.
Connect all of the trail systems to the Port of Dubuque Riverwalk, Heritage Trail, E.B.
Lyons and Mines of Spain.
Develop safe, paved trails, with a corresponding website and maps, plus restrooms,
benches and bike racks.
March 21, 2007
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:
We, the undersigned residents of Lots 1 thru 11, Block 17, Clover Hi11s Subdivision,
whose back property abuts John F. Kennedy Road between Asbury Road and Kaufmann
Avenue, object to the placement of sidewalks on the East side of John F. Kennedy Road.
We feel that this section does not warrant sidewalks due to the following:
/ Need
/ Public safety
/ Accessibility/Maintenance
/ ExpectationslObligatians C'7
/ Financial burden of sidewalk assessment per` _
2
3.
4.
5.
6~
7.
8.
9.
11.
12.
~; ~,
13.p~~l, i~~,~,ti~~-~'t~~ ~~
14.
15.
16.
17. C'
18. ~ ~~`~
Street Address
2291 Gordon Drive
2291 Gordon Drive
2299 Gordon Drive
2299 Gordon Drive
2315 Gordon Drive
2315 Gordon Drive
2333 Gordon Drive
2343 Gordon Drive
2361 Gordon Drive
2381 Gordon Drive
2381 Gordon Drive
2395 Gordon Drive
2395 Gordon Drive
2419 Gordon Drive
2419 Gordon Drive
2455 Gordon Drive
2455 Gordon Drive
Honkamp Krueger 8~ Co
2345 John F. Kennedy Rd
"~*~' ~
~ ~ ~
~1'e b h
5~i-00
N
583-0055
~3
7
€~77
~~
582-0751
582-0751
556-9247
556-9247
582-7344
583-5945
588-3023
588-3023
583-1749
583-1749
556-2617
556-2617
556-4253
556-4253
556-0123
`Sgnature s Pro a Owner
1. ??~~'L
rage i or i
Jeanne Schneider -Sidewalks on JFk
From: "Nancy McKillip"
To: ,,,,,,,,
Date: 05/06/2007 12:07 PM
Subject: Sidewalks on JFk
Here we go again;sidewalks on JFK. How many times are we going to have to go through this? The person(s)
who complained about no sidewalks on the East side of Kennedy Road needs to realize that this is the residential
side of JFK and would be an extreme hardship on the property owners. Close to half of the property owners are
senior atizens, how do you expect us to clear snow and ice from a sidewalk 188 feet from our house? My
husband owns a business, works long hours and would have to do this in the dark. He would have to haul a
snowblower down Gordon, up Kaufman and then JFK. Sounds like fun doesn't it? It's going to be dark, cold and
slippery. What happens if he or other property owners should slip and fall, who's going to be held responsible?
Another problem with sidewalks behind our houses is our homeowners insurance is going to increase, more
liability, our resale value will decrease. Who in their right mind would buy a house that has sidewalks in front and
in back?
We have a patio door in our kitchen that overlooks our back yard, I spend a lot of time in the evening in my
kitchen and on my deck. Know how long iYs been since I've seen anyone walking along JFK, TWO WEEKS!
There are sidewalks on the other side of the street, where the businesses are located. Our side is residential and
all of our visitors come to our front door, not down our backyard.
A final thought, skateboarders. I can see the ambulances now.
Nancy McKillip
2419 Gordon Dr.
563-556-2617
563-590-2980
file://C:\Documents and Settings\jschneid\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\463DC4FSD... 05/07/2007
~iaewa.ixs on ~rx
Jeanne Schneider -Sidewalks on JFK
rage i or i
From: "Kluesner, Kevin"
To: ,,,,,,,,
Date: 05/07/2007 2:33 PM
Subject: Sidewalks on JFK
I wanted to let you know that I am for sidewalks along JFK but am unable to attend tonight's meeting because of
work. I live at 3220 Spring Valley Road. I have walked this stretch of road, as have my family members, and it
would be nice to not have to walk in the grass along JFK. I have three children, finro of them okd enough to walk to
Walgreen's, Subway, and Uncle Ikes Music to name a few. I do think that with the walking trail along the arterial,
that if a side walk was in place, the amount of foot traffic woukd increase. If the argument now is this stretch of
road is not used for walking much it is probably because there is no sidewalk and this is a very heavily traveled
road to walk along the edge.
file://C:\Documents and Settings\jschneid\Local Settings\Tem~\XPgrpwise\463F38D4DB... 05/07/2007
(05/07/2007) Jeanne Schneider -Sidewalks on JFK
From: <stoffel29(d~mchsi.com>
To: <rdbuol~cityofdubuque.org>, <amichalski@cityofdubuque.org>, <kbraig~city...
Date: 05107/2007 3:25 PM
Subject: Sidewalks on JFK
Honorable Mayor Buol, City Manager, and Council Members:
We read with interest the Sunday TH front page article concerning sidewalks on
JFK between Asbury and the Northwest. Arterial and to the newly installed bike
path. We respectfully encourage you to finally require sidewalks to installed.
As property ovmers in the Arbor Oaks area for 29 years and parerrts of children
who attended Eisenhower School; we have repeatedly tried to get these
sidewalks in. The -owners note that no one would use them. Have they noticed
the bare grass path visible by the middle of the summer and the paths through
the snow where the sidewalks should be?
We find it hard to beleive that the safety and convenience of the children
attending Eisenhower and their families is constantly compromised by the lack
of sidewalks. With the new resider#ial neighborhood adjacent to Spring Valley
steadily growing, this problem will only be compounded. When the City Leisure
Services offers summer programming at the Eisenhower grounds, many area
children are put at risk.
In addition, the city must recognize that there is foot traffic in the area
because of the bus stop located on top of the hill on JFK across from the
funeral home. You cannot reach it by sidewalk. Because of my previous work at
Hillcrest Family Services, 1 know there are many compromised adults living in
the area who. do not drive who -need access to that bus stop and to the Asbury
Plaza by foot.
I applaud the attempt in this administration to "go green" and being strict
about sidewalks is a basic step. If sidewalks were the norm, some short stop
trips by cars could be eliminated. According to a study by the Netherlands
referred to in the Wall Street Journal of Friday, May 4, if all trips shorter
that 7.5 kilometers in the Netherlands currently made by car were made by
walkers or bicyclists, the country would reduce its carbon emissions by 2.4
million tons. While the US and Dubuque are not quite at that point yet,
sidewalks are an essential first step.
The health benefds of walking, of course, are obvious. Perhaps if our city
culture could value walking more with our young children, we wouldn't have
such dilemma when they all grow up and need their own parking spaces at high
school and become obese.
Please contact us if you have any questions about our position.
Thankfully,
Jan and Bill Stoffel
2905 Fox Hollow Road
Dubuque, IA 52001
USA
563-556-8413
rage ~