Planning 2013-05-21 Minutes - Work Session - Comprehensive Plan Southcenter / Tukwila Urban Center and Transportation Element

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PC Work Session Minutes Determining an LOS for pedestrians and bikes presents a challenge, despite work done through the federal grant. For example, results showed that in some areas we have an LOS C, although we actually have no pedestrian or bicycle facilities in that location. We are trying to implement projects from Walk and Roll, while we work on new methodology for determining MMLOS. Commissioner McLeod used the example of Starfire, where people park over the river and somehow walk to the site without sidewalks to ask if this is what was meant by "having no service ?" Cyndy used the example of Southcenter Boulevard west of City hall. Analysis indicated an LOS D on both sides of street even though there is a sidewalk on one side only. The 2005 Transit Network Plan was developed by the City with the last Transportation Element update with focus groups, etc. It was not updated for this update.An exciting development is that we are now working on design and work for the undersized bus facilities at the Westfield Southcenter Mall. Expanding and relocating this stop was the top priority from the Transit Network Plan. Once it is complete, Tukwila will have a really nice on- street transit center, perhaps the only one in the area. GMA requires us to plan under fiscal constraint. Revenue forecasts anticipate $71 MM to $105 MM over next 20 years. Thru the impact fee ordinance, multiple zones have been established so that transportation impacts to a certain area are paid for by fees in that area. Cyndy referred to the project list in the Transportation Background Report. Priority A projects are those that are needed to maintain our current LOS levels (sidewalks, roads, transit.) Tukwila can afford to construct projects on this list during the 20 -year planning period given our current priorities. On average, the City must spend $4 MM /year to maintain our LOS. The City must also construct the projects on the B list, but that goes beyond our expected funding ability. More funding is needed. Priority C list projects are also very important, but we don't think we need them or are likely to build them before 2030. $85 to $187 MM additional revenue is needed, which is about $4.8 MM additional per year. Available revenue includes all the taxes that are earmarked for roadway /transportation projects. Tukwila has been very successful at getting grants, and has also used bonds and impact fees to fund transportation projects. However, new revenues are needed or we will need to modify our vision. Commissioner McLeod asked about ideas for new revenue sources. Cyndy explained that a range of new funding sources was palatable to a greater or lesser degree. For example, Tukwila could consider a B & 0 tax, transportation benefit 6 Rf Z: \DCD \PC minutes- -5.21 & 5.23\5-2 1 -13- -Work Session Minutes.doc 6/20/2013