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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 ~