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HomeMy WebLinkAbout055-R-176/5/2017 55-R-17 A RESOLUTION To Adopt a Complete and Green Network Policy in Construction Projects within the Public Right -of -Way and Public Spaces WHEREAS, Complete Streets is a concept that addresses the livability and environmental needs of our community with comfortable corridors that focus on various users including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation riders, which is commonly referred to as the "Complete Streets"; and WHEREAS, increased walking and bicycling offers the potential for cleaner air, greater health of the population, reduced traffic congestion, less reliance on fossil fuels, more efficient use of right-of-way space, and assist in the management of stormwater runoff and encourage permeable surfaces, which are more commonly referred to as the "Green Streets" concepts; and WHEREAS, on January 27, 2014, City Council adopted Resolution 6-4- 14 "To Provide for the Consideration of Complete and Green Network Approach in Construction Projects within the Public Right -of -Way and Public Spaces"; and WHEREAS, the City of Evanston seeks to formalize the Complete and Green Streets approach into a policy for construction projects going forward; WHEREAS, the 2014 resolution outlined an approach to the Complete Streets and Green Streets principles and now the City seeks to adopt the attached policy for projects involving the rights -of -way and public spaces in various phases of 55-R-17 work from the planning, design and/or construction for each applicable project within the City of Evanston (the "Complete and Green Network"), NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS: SECTION 1: The foregoing recitals are incorporated herein by reference as though fully restated. SECTION 2: The City adopts the Complete and Green Network policy for appropriate public works right-of-way and public space projects. SECTION 4: Nothing in this Resolution 55-R-17 shall be construed or held to abrogate or limit the City's immunities under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act, 745 ILCS 10/1 et seq. SECTION 5: That this Resolution 55-R-17 shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law. Attest: cl� Devon Reid, City Clerk Adopted: -J W1 L 2 , 2017 Steph4A H. Ha ert , or -2- 55-R-17 EXHIBIT 1 COMPLETE AND GREEN STREETS POLICY -3- CITY OF EVANSTON COMPLETE AND GREEN STREETS POLICY Definitions For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall have the following meanings: COMPLETE Comfortable corridors that focus on various users of all ages and STREETS abilities, including pedestrians, mobility assistance device users, cyclists, motor vehicle drivers and public transportation riders/drivers that allow the users to safely and conveniently move upon, along and across a street. GREEN STREETS Corridors that focus on cleaner air, the greater health of the population, reduced traffic congestion, less reliance on fossil fuels, efficient use of right-of-way space, and assist in the management of stormwater runoff and encourage permeable surfaces. MOBILITY A self-propelled or motorized device used for mobility purposes by ASSISTANCE individuals with a mobility, circulatory, respiratory or neurological DEVICE disability. Mobility assistance devices may include but are not limited to canes, walkers, wheelchairs and scooters. PEDESTRIAN A person traveling by means of self -propulsion of walking or rolling either with or without a mobility assistance device. PROJECT The construction, reconstruction, retrofit, alteration, or repair of any public way, including the work related to planning, design, approval, and implementation processes, improved timing of traffic control signals, new or improved signage, pavement markings, spot repair, re- configuration of travel lanes and any permanent infrastructure that promotes the pedestrian, bicycle and/or public transportation environment in harmony with safe and efficient motor vehicle travel. Projects do not include minor or routine upkeep on the public way such as sweeping, mowing, or interim measures on detour routes. PUBLIC WAY Any passageway (sidewalk, bike lane, street) accessible to the public and designed for travel by pedestrians, mobility assistance device users, cyclists, motor vehicle drivers and/or public transportation riders/drivers. TRANSIT ORIENTED A development pattern created around a transit station that is DEVELOPMENT characterized by higher density, mixed uses, pedestrian environment, (TOD) reduced parking, and a direct and convenient access to the transit station. USER People of all ages and abilities that use corridors, including pedestrians, mobility assistance device users, cyclists, motor vehicle drivers, public transportation riders/drivers. Vision The City of Evanston will implement in all phases of Projects in the Public Way a safe, accessible, integrated and connected transportation network to encourage increased use of healthy, active modes of transportation other than a single -occupancy vehicle. • All Users and Modes The City will consider Users of all ages and abilities, including children, youth, families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and Mobility Assistance Device users when completing Projects in the Public Way. • All Projects and Phases The City will consider Complete and Green Streets principles when designing for new or reconstructing Public Way Projects. Decisions regarding the Public Way shall promote comfortable and effective access for Users, taking into account the surrounding community context and land uses. The City will require developers of new private construction projects that impact the public right-of-way to: • Develop a multi -modal transportation study, if the project is located within or borders a designated Transit -Oriented Development (TOD). • Develop a transportation demand management plan and prove implementation of the plan through annual reports for ten years after the certificate of occupancy is awarded if the developer is seeking a Planned Development or a parking variation for a project with over 100 residential units or over 100,000 square feet of commercial space. Policy The City seeks to develop a Complete and Green network of Public Ways by: • Considering all Users in Public Way Projects. • Linking together transportation networks and developing multi -modal transportation hubs. • Incrementally investing in a series of small improvements, operation and maintenance activities. The City will strive to create a comprehensive, integrated, and connected network of transportation options for all of modes of travel, designed, operated and maintained to enable safe and accessible transportation options for all Public Ways Users. Through this policy the City intends to encourage walking, biking, and using public transportation to produce the public health benefits that result from healthy, active transportation use; improve air quality; reduce traffic congestion; lessen reliance on fossil fuels; improve efficiency of right-of-way use; and improve the management of stormwater runoff and encourage permeable surfaces. Guidelines • City staff will take into account, to the greatest extent possible, Complete and Green Network practices in decisions regarding the use of limited Public Ways, including public right-of- way and public spaces, with consideration given to context and land use. • City staff will consider future Public Ways Projects as opportunities to improve safety, access, and mobility for Users of the Public Ways to further encourage healthy, active modes of transportation, such as walking, using Mobility Assistance Devices, bicycling, and using public transportation. City staff will recommend Public Ways Projects prioritized on investing in the Complete and Green Network in public space planning, funding decisions and maintenance and operation practices. City staff will provide guidance, when sought, on state -of -the -practice transportation demand management solutions for private developer's consideration to promote the use of healthy, active modes of transportation and reduce future strains on Evanston's transportation network. Exceptions This policy shall not apply for Citv-lead Droiects if the Director of Public Works makes a written finding that one or more of the following conditions apply to a specific project: • Financial hardship to the project sponsor. Financial hardships exist when compliance with the Complete and Green Streets policy constitutes a minimum of twenty (20) percent of the total project cost, but in no event more than $1,000,000. • The scope of the relevant Project is limited to minor or routine upkeep on the Public Way such as sweeping, mowing, or interim measures on detour routes. • There is sufficient documentation that there is no feasible way to accommodate improvements for all modes of healthy, active transportation within a Project's scope due to existing structures or corridors, or the use of certain healthy, active modes of transportation are prohibited by law. This policy shall not apply for non -City lead Droiects if the Design and Project Review (DAPR) Committee makes a written finding that one or more of the following conditions apply to a specific project: • Financial hardship to the project sponsor. Financial hardships exist when compliance with the Complete and Green Streets policy constitutes a minimum of twenty (20) percent of the total project cost, but in no event more than $1,000,000. • The scope of the relevant Project is limited to minor or routine upkeep on the Public Way such as sweeping, mowing, or interim measures on detour routes. • There is sufficient documentation that there is no feasible way to accommodate improvements for all modes of healthy, active transportation within a Project's scope due to existing structures or corridors, or the use of certain healthy, active modes of transportation are prohibited by law. • The lead project applicant may appeal the DAPR Committee's final decision on requested policy exceptions to the Transportation/Parking Committee. Such appeal shall be taken by filing with the Transportation & Mobility Coordinator a notice of appeal, specifying the grounds therefor. All of the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken shall forthwith be transmitted to the Transportation/Parking Committee. Appeals from a final decision based upon the review and recommendations of the Transportation/Parking Committee shall be taken to the City Council through its Administration & Public Works (APW) Committee. Documentation of the written findings for both City and non -City lead project will be presented in an annual report to the Transportation/Parking Committee and the Administration & Public Works (APW) Committee. Jurisdiction The City will adhere to this Complete and Greens Streets policy for all Public Ways Projects in the City requiring funding or approval by the: • City of Evanston • Private development The City seeks to encourage collaborations with the State of Illinois, Cook County, the Regional Transportation Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, Pace Bus, Metropolitan Rail "Metra", Union Pacific Railroad, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, local schools and park districts (public and private), Evanston Public Library, local special service areas, neighboring communities, and other stakeholder to enhance the accessibility, connectivity and mobility of local transportation systems. Design The City will follow a flexible design approach that balances the needs of the Public Way Users, and allows for innovative application of accepted and adopted design standards. The City will use the best and latest design standards available, including but not limited to: • AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) • ADA Act (Americans with Disabilities Act) • ATA (Active Transportation Alliance) • CDOT Design Standards (Chicago Department of Transportation) • IDOT Design Standards (Illinois Department of Transportation) • MUTCD (Federal/State Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) • NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials) Context Sensitivity The City will design, implement and maintain context -sensitive Complete and Green Streets that align with the local character, transportation networks, and land uses; and, recognizes the impact of the Projects on the diverse needs and identities of the Public Way Users with respect given to health, social, and environmental equity. Performance Measures The City will measure the success of this Complete and Green Streets policy by applying the following metrics to Capital Improvement Projects on a project by project basis as part of the City's Livability Checklist, as provided in Amendment A: • Improves community walkability • Measured by: added and repaired center lane miles of sidewalks on both sides of the street, number of ADA accessible crosswalks added or repaired, number of street trees added or replaced, and regular intersections and crossings added or maintained. • Improves community bikeability • Measured by: added and repaired center lane miles of bicycle lanes, separated bicycle lanes, protected bicycle lanes, bicycle routes, cycle -tracks, and parallel shared -use paths. • Improves community transit connections • Measured by: added and/or repaired ADA compatible infrastructure to transit infrastructure including bus stops, rail stations, bicycle parking facilities, Divvy stations, and taxicab stands Increases use of green infrastructure • Measured by: types and cost of green infrastructure elements used, including but not limited to: porous pavement, rain gardens/bioswale, and green roofs. Increases equitable access to healthy, active modes of transportation • Measure by: percentage of households of low to moderate income or minority status within 1/4 mile of walking infrastructure or %2 mile of bicycling or transit facilities or green infrastructure within the project's boundaries The City will measure the success of this Complete Streets policy by measuring and reporting on the following metrics on an annual basis. The report shall be delivered to the Transportation/Parking Committee by no later than January 31; in the event of a lack of Committee meetings then the report shall be delivered to the APW Committee by no later than February 28: • Mode -share for healthy, active modes of transportation • Measured by: U.S. Census American Community Survey Commute to Work for mode shares including Public Transit, Walking, Carpooling, Bicycling, and Taxi; and annual Divvy Evanston membership and trips • Air Quality • Measured by: The City's Livability Goal for Greenhouse Gas Emissions reduction, including the percentage of metric tons of carbon dioxide reduced from the City's 2005 baseline as reported annually in the City's Sustainability Annual Report • Public Way User Safety • Measured by: Rates of Citywide injuries and fatalities within the Public Way by mode on an annual basis • Equitable access to healthy, active modes of transportation • Measured by: • Total households within'/4 mile of a bus stop,'/4 mile of a bicycle route/bicycle lane/shared-use path, %4 mile of a Divvy station, or %2 mile to a rail stop • Percentage of total households that are of low to moderate income and minority status within defined transportation access areas • Approved exceptions from the Complete and Green Streets policy • Measured by: the number of projects that received approved exceptions from this policy Implementation The City views Complete and Green Streets as integral to everyday transportation decision - making practices and processes. To this end: • All City Departments, and all other relevant boards, commissions or committees shall incorporate Complete and Green Streets principles into all appropriate plans, manuals, checklists, decision trees, rules, regulations and programs as appropriate. • The Capital Planning & Engineering Bureau of Public Works will include the Complete and Green Street project performance measures as part of the Livability Checklist to all Capital Improvement Public Way projects. • The Design and Project Review (DAPR) Committee will review and approve all required multi -modal transportation studies and transportation demand management plans for new construction private projects. • Public Works and Community Development departments and the DAPR Committee will deliver annually to the Transportation/Parking Committee the annual report with the Sector performance measures; and, a report of the Project performance measurements from the previous year including findings for approved exceptions from this policy. • Community Development will develop guidelines for required multi -modal transportation studies and transportation demand management plans and reports. City Staff will identify current and potential future sources of funding for street improvements and recommend improvements to the project selection criteria to support Complete and Green Streets projects. • When available, City Staff will participate in professional development and training on non -motorized transportation issues through attending conferences, classes, seminars and workshops. • City Staff will review any requests for exceptions to the Complete and Green Streets Policy and related documentation. • The Transportation/Parking Committee will monitor the implementation and impact of this policy based on the goals set out within this policy Amendment A: The City of Evanston's Livability Checklist The City's Livability Checklist is an internal working document that is subject to change at any time. The Checklist is tool used by staff in leading project review discussions at the scoping and project design levels. The elements of the checklist were built off of the STAR Community community evaluation questions. Livability Scoping Checklist - Scoping Level Analysis Project Details Which ward(s) is the project located in? Complete and Green Streets Walkability How will sidewalks be improved or increased? Will crosswalks be added or repaired? Does this project address missing sidewalk links? Bikability How will the needs of bicyclists be addressed by this project? Will bike lanes be added or rehabilitated? Will additional bicycle parking be included in this project? Will bicyclists be more or less protected by implementation of this project? Transit Connections Will additional transit connections be added or repaired by this project? Will additional Divvy stations or bicycle parking be included? Will additional transit amenities (bus shelters, benches, lighting, etc.) be included? ADA Accessibility How does this project improve access for vision impaired? How does this project improve access for mobility impaired? Motorized Vehicles How will this project improve the safety of motorized vehicle use? Green Infrastructure What are opportunities for green infrastructure on this project? How will stormwater management be improved this project? Equitable Access How does this project improve pedestrian access for low-income/under-represented residents? How does this project improve bicycling access for low-income/under-represented residents? How does this project improve transit access for low-income/under-represented residents? How does this project impact multiple users, either positive or negative? How does this project improve access to human services programs (housing, mental health services, transportation, food, and child/elderly protective services) Other City Initiatives Urban Parks and Forest Will trees be added or replaced? Does this project increase the amount of greenspace for public access? Does this project improve or increase habitat? Water How does this improve the responsible management of water resources? How does this project impact the quality of Evanston's source water? Age -Friendly How have age -friendly issues been considered in this scope of work? Will any age -related and/or mobility complaints be addressed on this project? Does this project improve inter -generational interaction? How does this project address needs of older adults? How does this project address needs of residents under 18 years of age? Economic Benefit Will this project have long-term impacts to City revenue? Will this project lower the long-term City expenses? Will this project lower out-of-pocket costs for the residents? Does this project provide work for local businesses (design/construction/maintenance)? Is this project eligible for the Local Employment Program? Does this project support green jobs/green businesses? Public Art Does this project incorporate public art? Lighting How does this project use lighting to improve safety? How does this project improve energy efficiency of lighting? Quality of City Infrastructure How does this project impact long-term maintenance requirements of public facilities? How does this project enhance public spaces (non -roadway)? Does this project increase/decrease the amount of public space? Climate Resiliency How will this project reduce the annual generation of greenhouse gases? How will stormwater management in Evanston be improved? How will this project impact waste generation within Evanston? Will other issues related to climate resiliency be addressed? How does this project protect and restore natural ecosystems? How does this project prevent and manage invasive species (including long term maintenance) How does this project conserve and maintain lands/water for healthy food production? How does this project support pollinator efforts? Community Engagement What is the project's community engagement plan? Health and Wellness How does this project promote healthy, active lifestyles (recreational and commuting) Does this project align with one of the City's active health initiatives? How does this project improve emergency prevention and response? Does this project improve access to fresh, healthful foods? How does this project improve resiliency to natural and human hazards? How does this project prevent and reduce violence? Livability Project Metrics Checklist - Project Design Level Analysis Project Details Which ward(s) is the project located in? Complete and Green Streets Walkability Length of sidewalks improved (ft) Length of sidewalks added (ft) Length of sidewalks removed (ft) Number of crosswalks added Number of crosswalks improved Number of signalized intersections with pedestrian countdowns added Bikability Length of bicycle lanes improved(centerlane miles) Length of bicycle lanes added (centerlane miles) Length of separated bicycle lanes improved(centerlane miles) Length of separated bicycle lanes added (centerlane miles) Length of protected bicycle lanes improved(centerlane miles) Length of protected bicycle lanes added (centerlane miles) Length of bicycle routes improved(centerlane miles) Length of bicycle routes added (centerlane miles) Length of cycle -tracks improved(centerlane miles) Length of cycle -tracks added (centerlane miles) Length of parallel shared -use paths improved(centerlane miles) Length of parallel shared -use paths added (centerlane miles) Length of bike infrastructure removed and not replaced (centerlane miles) Number of bicycle parking locations improved Number of bicycle parking locations added Number of bicycle parking locations removed Number of bicycle parking spaces improved Number of bicycle parking spaces added Number of bicycle parking spaces removed Transit Connections Number of bus stops added Number of bus stops improved Number of bus stops with amenities added Number of bus shelters added Number of bus shelters improved Number of bus shelters with amenities added Number of Divvy stations added ADA Accessibility Number of truncated domes installed? Number of truncated domes improved? Number of signalized intersections with audible detectors installed? Number of signalized intersections with audible detectors improved? Motorized Vehicles Amount of roadway patched (square ft) Length of roadway resurfaced (lane miles) Length of roadway crack -sealed (lane miles) Green Infrastructure Amount of porous pavement added (square ft) Amount of porous pavement repaired (square ft) Amount of porous pavement removed (square ft) Amount of rain garden/bioswale added (square ft) Amount of rain garden/bioswale repaired (square ft) Amount of rain garden/bioswale removed (square ft) Amount of green roof added (square ft) Amount of green roof repaired (square ft) Amount of green roof removed (square ft) Amount of area draining to green infrastructure (square ft) Equitable Access Percentage of households of low to moderate income or minority status within '/4 mile of walking infrastructure within the project's boundaries Percentage of households of low to moderate income or minority status within %2 mile of bicycling infrastructure within the project's boundaries Percentage of households of low to moderate income or minority status within %2 mile of transit facilities within the project's boundaries Percentage of households of low to moderate income or minority status within''/2 mile of green infrastructure within the project's boundaries Project proximity to human services programs (housing, mental health services, transportation, food, and child/elderly protective services) (distance in sq miles) Other City Initiatives Urban Parks and Forest Number of trees planted Number of trees removed The amount of greenspace for public access added (sq ft) The amount of greenspace for public access improved (sq ft) The amount of greenspace for public access removed (sq ft) Number of native -habitat areas added? Number of native -habitat areas improved? Number of native -habitat areas removed? Age -Friendly Number of age -related and/or mobility complaints addressed by this project Economic Benefit Number of local businesses (design/construction/maintenance) contracted on the project Number of local residents employed (during design/construction) Public Art Amount spent on public art Lighting Area (in square feet) of improved safety Annual estimated kwh savings (take number of lights removed and upgrades) Quality of City Infrastructure Estimated impact to annual maintenance responsibilities (change in hours/personnel) Number of amenities added to the public space (non -roadway) Change in public space (increase - decrease) (sq ft) Climate Resiliency Number of project elements used that reduce greenhouse gas generation Number of number of low impact development techniques used Amount of waste generated by project (by lb?/cubic yard?) Amount of native species removed Amount of native species added (also works for pollinator Q) Amount of invasive species removed Amount of non native species added Community Engagement Number of hours of community outreach/approval Health and Wellness Number of project elements used to promote healthy, active lifestyles (recreational and commuting) Percentage of households within %4 mile of walking infrastructure or %2 mile of bicycling or transit facilities or green infrastructure within the project's boundaries Percentage of project that is accessible to emergency apparatuses Project proximity to sources for fresh, healthful foods (distance in sq miles) Length of emergency evacuation route improved (ft) Number of project elements used that address violence or crime generation concerns