At its January 15, 2004 meeting, BPAC reviewed and commented on a draft version of the Pedestrian Circulation and Enhancements Plan for Futures Area 7 (PCEP). This plan is in development in response to a Council request to study the potential for rezoning industrial sites north of US 101, south of SR 237 and west of Lawrence Expressway to residential and commercial zoning districts. As part of this study, Council recognized the need for pedestrian linkages throughout the study area due to unique access to multi-modal options.

In its review of the PCEP, BPAC directed staff to consider various recommendations for additional elements and modifications. A major concern from Committee members was the lack of an identified retail site within the plan area. Community Development staff have indicated that retail businesses will not be likely to develop a site until adequate residential densities are in place. Therefore, it is unlikely that a retail site will be designated within the plan area prior to the implementation of the PCEP. However, additional elements related to the future retail uses have been included within the revised PCEP.

Committee members also recommended that nearby school sites be included as pedestrian destinations from the plan area. The nearby Columbia Middle School and Lakewood Elementary School will be the designated school sites for residents within the study area and have been included in an expanded map area that demonstrates the pedestrian circulation improvements included in the PCEP.

Another added element to the PCEP that was requested by Committee members is the street cross-section diagrams that demonstrate the pedestrian streetscape for major and minor streets. Streets are classified based on their vehicular speed regulations, resulting in wider sidewalk requirements for streets with higher speed limits. All sidewalks within the plan area are required to have street trees and pedestrian-scale lighting placed on the curb side in order to provide a buffer between the pedestrians and vehicles. (Note: the City is working with a design consultant to develop these diagrams, but they are not yet complete.)

The revised PCEP also incorporates several other modifications recommended by the BPAC at the January meeting. Please review the enclosed revised PCEP. Staff recommends that the BPAC approve a motion to endorse the revised PCEP.

The Transportation and Traffic Division has a portion of its budget identified for bicycle and pedestrian related projects. No specific dollar amount has been set aside for bicycle activities, but this year it is anticipated at approximately $10,000. The Bicycle Capital Improvement Program has cited these funds as a primary source for funding. Staff believes their use to fund projects and studies related to the CIP is a high priority. The money is typically also used to fund the utility bill stuffers, promotional items, bike parking devices, and Bike to Work Day.

At this time, staff is seeking input from the BPAC as to potential priorities for minor bicycle related projects other than the ones listed above. Staff recommends that Committee members make suggestions, and the Committee vote as to its recommended priorities for expenditures.