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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2004-02-17 Item 6 - Public Hearing - Extend Unclassified Use Permit for Sounder Station (Longacres)CAS Number: 04-021 Agenda Item Title: Original Sponsor: Timeline: Sponsor's Summary: 1 Meeting Date 02 -17 -04 I I I I I I COUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS Meeting Date 02 17 04 Council Prepared b 1 Mayor's review S.L( N) }t-44-en ITEM INIIORMATION Original Agenda Date: Extension of the Unclassified Use permit for the commuter rail station. Admin. Attachments I Staff report to the City Council with attachments. Initials ITEM NO. Council review JLPJ February 17, 2004 X Public Hearing on the extension of the unclassified use permit for the temporary commuter rail station located at 7301 S. Longacres Way. Recommendations: Approve the request for the extension so that the permit is valid until December 31, 2007. Sponsor: Committee: Administration: Cost Impact (if known): None Fund Source (if known): Meeting Date Action 11 27 00 1 Approval with conditions of the unclassified use permit for temporary commuter rail station. iA1 a eke" o yr- O X4 yk* 1 N 1908 NOTIFICATION: City of Tukwila Department of Community Development Steve Lancaster, Director HEARING DATE: February 17, 2004 Staff Report to The City Council Prepared February 10, 2004 On January 21, 2004, staff mailed a Notice of Application to surrounding property owners and tenants. Notice of Hearing was posted and mailed to surrounding property owners and tenants on February 3, 2004. Notice of hearing was also published in the Seattle Times for publication on January 30, 2004. PUBLIC MEETING: January 29, 2004. FILE NUMBER: L99 -0042 APPLICANT: Sound Transit OWNER: Burlington Northern Railroad Co. REQUEST: Extension of the unclassified use permit for the temporary commuter rail station at 7301 South Longacres Way. LOCATION: 7301 S. LONGACRES WAY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONE DESIGNATION: Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) STAFF: Minnie Dhaliwal ATTACHMENTS: A. Applicant's letter for extension B. Applicant's letter proposing additional shelters. C. Plans Steven M. Mullet, Mayor SEPA DETERMINATION: Sound Transit Tacoma -to- Seattle Commuter Rail Environmental Assessment (FTA and Sound Transit, June 1998) (E98 -0032) 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 Tukwila, Washington 98188 Phone: 206 -431 -3670 Fax: 206 431 -3665 BACKGROUND Sound Transit had originally applied in 1999 for an unclassified use permit for a permanent commuter rail station that would have included a large parking lot, landscaping, transit transfer zone, public art, pedestrian tunnel and permanent materials for platforms and canopies. The City requested substantive information from Sound Transit regarding the proposed permanent station. During this review process and the overall Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning process, it became clear that the permanent station would be an important element of the TOD plan. Sound Transit agreed and proposed to build a temporary station, which they would use for about three years until the permanent station would be in place. The City Council approved the unclassified use permit for the temporary station on November 27, 2000, with a condition that it is valid until February 2004. Since the approval of the temporary station, the city has continued to work towards the master plan of the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) area. Also, since that time the City of Renton has taken the lead on Strander Boulevard Grade Separation project. The extension of Strander Boulevard connecting West Valley Highway in Tukwila to East Valley Highway in Renton, will possibly involve relocation of Union Pacific railroad line eastward to increase the marketability of the land between the tracks and W. Valley Highway. However the issue of UP railroad relocation, the precise location of Stander Boulevard, and therefore the final location of the commuter station and other design considerations are still unsettled. The areas designated for TOD around the temporary commuter rail station are currently under a moratorium, which limits certain development activities and land uses in the area. The moratorium was adopted to preserve the land available for development or redevelopment and restrict land uses that do not implement the vision for the area until the TOD plan and implementing regulations are adopted by the City. The City Council recently renewed the moratorium until August, 2004 and added an exemption to the moratorium for the extension of the unclassified use permit for the temporary commuter rail station. FINDINGS VICINITY /SITE INFORMATION Temporary Station Description The platforms of the temporary commuter rail station are located within the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) right -of -way just south of Longacres Way in the City of Tukwila. The supporting park and ride lot, passenger load zone and bus stops are east of the platforms on the Boeing Longacres site, which is in the City of Renton. There are two passenger platforms 600 feet in length adjacent to the existing BNSF railway tracks with one wheelchair- accessible ramp at the northern end of each platform. The platforms are constructed adjacent to the existing 2 embankment, which is approximately 15 feet above ground level in this location. The platforms are 10 feet deep and have a chain link fence as a railing along the back edge and sides of the platforms. Access to the platforms is via handicap accessible wood framed ramps and by stairs. Each of the platforms has one canopy shelter and a bench. A total of 250 parking stalls are provided on leased Boeing property in the City of Renton. This parking area is fenced off from the remaining Boeing property to the east. The gate on the east side of the BNSF tracks and north of the parking lot is open for two hours in the rooming and two hours in the evening, allowing traffic between the City of Renton and Tukwila. Surrounding Land Uses Primary access to the station is from Longacres Way, which becomes a private two -lane access easement at the east margin of the Puget Sound Energy's right -of -way to Tukwila's city limits with Renton. Boeing Commercial Airplane Headquarters buildings are located to the east, vacant land immediately west; light industrial and Interurban recreational trail west of Union Pacific railroad tracks; and hotels and commercial services along West Valley Highway. No significant changes have taken place in the surrounding land uses since the temporary station was built. SOUND TRANSIT'S REQUEST FOR EXTENSION Sound Transit has asked for a modification of one of the conditions of approval of the unclassified use permit approved by the City Council on November 27, 2000. The condition states that the permit is valid until February 2004. Sound Transit is requesting that the permit be valid for three additional years until February 28, 2007, with the option to extend by one -year increments until February 28, 2012, with the Mayor's approval. The applicant is requesting this extension since the Strander Boulevard Grade Separation project and the City of Tukwila's Transit Oriented Development plans will likely trigger review of their current design and potentially a complete re- design of the permanent station Sound Transit's letter requesting the extension is attached to this staff report. Sound Transit has proposed the following schedule for the design and construction of the permanent commuter rail station: A) Sound Transit will begin the design procurement as soon as 30% design of Strander Boulevard Grade Separation project is completed. B) It will take 11 -15 months for achieving the final design. „C) Construction procurement will follow final design and will take 4 months. D) Construction of the permanent facility will range from 14 -24 months. 3 CRITERIA FOR UNCLASSIFIED USES (TMC 18.66.060) The City Council had approved the original unclassified use permit for the time period of February 2001 February 2004 with the following conditions: 1. Improve Longacres Way in a manner acceptable to the City of Tukwila Public Works including signage, accommodation of cyclists, channelization, illumination and drainage. 2. Provide and maintain trash receptacles on the platform and adjacent to ticket vending machine. 3. Provide an additional kiss and ride area west of the BNSF bridge on Sound Transit property on the south side of Longacres Way. 4. Control vehicular access to the properties to the north and south of Longacres Way between UP and BNSF by a fence or some other means. Applicant met all the approval conditions when the station was built. At this time, applicant is requesting an extension of the unclassified use permit. City Council approval of an unclassified use permit is guided by the nine criteria of the Zoning Code (18.66.060). Following is the discussion of the proposal for extending the original permit relative to the criteria used for granting an unclassified use permit: 1. Where appropriate and feasible, all facilities shall be undergrounded. The temporary station already exists and it is not appropriate or feasible to underground the platforms that are associated with BNSF rail lines. 2. The proposed use will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity. The access to the adjoining vacant lots is secured by chain link fence thus reducing any potential security issues. Special provisions are also in place so that aid and fire equipment can traverse the gate on Boeing property at any time. Also, Sound Transit has security guards at the station for 16 hours each day the train operates. All these provisions were put in place at the time the temporary station was constructed. Based on the feedback the city has received from the users of the station, additional shelters are required to adequately provide cover during inclement weather. Also, the platforms tend to get slippery during cold weather. Applicant has proposed to add two additional shelters, one on each platform to provide additional cover. (See attached letter dated February 11, 2004). Also, they have confirmed that additional maintenance efforts will be made to ensure safe footing for patrons. .3. The proposed use shall meet or exceed the same standards for parking, landscaping, yards and other development regulations that are required in the district it will occupy. The only facilities located in Tukwila are wholly within the Burlington Northern right -of -way. Therefore, our landscaping and similar requirements do not apply. The existing parking lot in Renton has proved to be adequate for the temporary station. Adequate access and lighting of the access were the minimum standards required at the time of the original approval. Also, some 4 improvements on Longacres Way in the form of additional drop -off area were required. No additional items are required to continue to operate this temporary facility. 4. The proposed development shall be compatible generally with the surrounding land uses. No additional development is proposed at this time except two shelters, which will be compatible generally with the surrounding land uses. 5. The proposed development shall to the maximum extent feasible be consistent with and promote the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan and applicable adopted area plans. This is a temporary facility until a permanent commuter rail station is constructed. No additional changes other than adding two shelters are proposed at this time. The city is in the process of planning for the TOD area and the design of the permanent station will be reviewed to make sure it is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan. 6. The proposed unclassified use shall, to the maximum extent feasible, mitigate all significant adverse environmental impacts on public and private properties. Full consideration shall be given to: (a) alternative locations and /or routes that reduce or eliminate adverse impacts; and (b) alternative designs that reduce or eliminate adverse impacts. No additional improvements except two shelters are proposed at this time, thus there are no alternative locations /designs that would reduce significant adverse impacts. 7. In the event that a proposed essential public facility of a countywide or statewide nature creates an unavoidable significant adverse environmental or economic impact on the community, compensatory mitigation shall be required. Compensatory mitigation shall include public amenities, incentives or other public benefits which offset otherwise unmitigated adverse impacts of the essential public facility. Where appropriate, compensatory mitigation shall be provided as close to the affected area as possible. No additional adverse environmental or economic impact on the community is anticipated due to the extension of the permit for the temporary station. 8. For uses in residential areas, applicants shall demonstrate that there is no reasonable nonresidentialalternative site for the use. aThe proposed use is not within a residential area. Therefore, this criterion does not apply. 9. For uses in residential areas, applicants shall demonstrate that the use provides some tangible benefit for the neighborhood. The proposed use is not within a residential area. Therefore, this criterion does not apply. 10. Secure community transition facilities shall be meet the following additional criteria... 5 The proposed use is not a secure community transition facility. Therefore, this criterion does not apply. CONCLUSIONS Staff concurs that the Strander Boulevard Grade Separation project and the City of Tukwila's Transit Oriented Development Plans will likely trigger a re- design of the permanent station. Because we are still working on the master plan of the TOD area and Strander project, the final location and design considerations for the permanent station are still unsettled. The time line proposed by Sound Transit is based on completion of 30% design of Strander Boulevard Grade Separation Project, which they anticipate will be done by summer of 2004. However based on our discussion with the City of Renton, 30% design will likely be done by April 2005. If the rest of the time periods proposed by Sound Transit (design -12 months, construction procurement -4 months and construction of the permanent facility-14 -24 months) are added on to April 2005, the construction of a permanent station is possible anytime between October 2007 to August 2008, depending on if takes 14 months or 24 months to construct. Thus it is likely that the temporary station will be in use at least till the end of 2007. Based on the feedback that the staff has received from the users of the station, additional shelters are needed to provide cover and the platforms tend to get slippery during cold weather. The applicant has proposed to add two additional shelters, one on each platform to provide additional cover and has confirmed that additional maintenance efforts will be made to ensure safe footing. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council adopt the findings and conclusions of the staff report and approve the extension of the unclassified use permit for the temporary commuter rail station at 7301 South Longacres Way until December 31, 2007. If the permanent station is not operational by the end of 2007, any future extensions for the use of the temporary station shall be subject to approval by the City Council. 6 December 24, 2003 Minnie Dhaliwal Department of Community Development City of Tukwila 6300 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, Washington 98188 Dear Ms. Dhaliwal: tde'r -tea ALNIlWWCC Ca AI9O9 Subject: Extension of Unclassified Use Permit File No. L99 -0042 Sound Transit Tukwila Commuter Rail Station Subject File Code tiST7200 On behalf of Sound Transit, I am requesting that the City of Tukwila, Department of Community Development extend the referenced unclassified use permit for Sounder's temporary commuter rail station. The existing permit expires on February 28, 2003. Sound Transit asks to extend the permit for a total of three years, to February 28, 2007, with the option to extend by one year increments until February 28, 2012, with the Mayor's approval. As we have discussed, Sound Transit requires the extension in order to accommodate the efforts of the City of Renton to develop a strategy and secure funding for the Strander Boulevard Grade Separation Project. Sound Transit is now ready to begin construction of the permanent station; however, we have agreed with the City of Renton to postpone construction of the permanent station for up to nine more years. During this time, we intend to coordinate planning of the Transit Oriented Development with the City of Tukwila. The Strander Boulevard Grade Separation Project and the City of Tukwila's Transit Oriented Development plans will likely trigger the need for a review of our current design and, potentially, a complete re- design of the permanent station. Included with this request for permit extension is a description of the current temporary station and a sequence of activities, events and milestones that would take place, assuming Sound Transit designs a revised permanent station. Existing temporary commuter rail station: The platforms at Sounder's temporary Tukwila Commuter Rail Station are located within the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) right -of -way just south of Longacres Way. The supporting park -and- ride lot, passenger load zone, and bus stops are east of the platforms on the Boeing Longacres site, which is in the City of Renton. Attachment A Romsfms ICuuy L E.ueuhvF!' c Dave,Easlrri�.j, rrur dint EramonXi 674" JohmEadenture- PieneCautx ve- RetiarS9cr¢ Seattle$anneilminr tit 6e(Pevue' rurci(rrremat Jadis ,'rawfurcE' Ke mrmierF� orrneiPne nt5em I]av idEnsrow. &Lou ee urrdGrrernb'ieef" S4era I: Itrye Eonuib enr6er DaumiiSTkAclii ariG i. Ir/2e✓6ing6)eState epartnrent of Crmrgti Cateorn,Seeretaii Julis°PBtteasart Kuny eouiiq prinettnel ner Yaydr a y `T6o� a.y: INOa�e/etr t ��J,OR�i; Minnie Dhaliwal, City of Tukwila December 24, 2003 Page Two The temporary commuter rail station consists primarily of two passenger platforms, 600 feet in length, adjacent to the existing BNSF tracks, with one wheelchair accessible ramp at the northern end of each platform. The platforms are adjacent to the tracks at the top of the existing embankment, which is approximately 15 feet above the ground level in this location. The platforms have canopy shelters for commuter rail passengers. Ticket vending machines and other passenger information are located at the northwest comer of the parking area. Benches and trash receptacles are provided on the platforms. Pedestrian connection from one side of the tracks to the other is made by way of the underpass at the railroad bridge that crosses Longacres Way (South 158th Street). Stairs and ramps connect the platform level to the ground level parking lot, bus transit area and pedestrian ways. Sounder's temporary Tukwila Station is currently in use, with service scheduled as follows: Northbound (M -F) 6:54 a.m., 7:09 a.m., 7:24 a.m. Southbound (M -F) 5:11 p.m., 5:26 p.m., 5:51 p.m. Schedule for design and construction of permanent commuter rail station: The following scenario represents a best case or optimal schedule of activities that might be realized in the next three years. As discussed during our meeting on December 16, 2003, the City of Renton has committed to Boeing to resolve the Union Pacific Railway relocation, and reflect such in the 30% design of the Strander Boulevard Grade Separation Project by early summer 2004. As soon as this milestone is reached or is imminent, Sound Transit will begin the design procurement process. Design procurement duration is expected to be 11 to 15 months for achievement of final design. Construction procurement will follow achievement of final design and is expected to take 4 months. Construction of the permanent facility will range from 14 to 24 months. If the final selection for the Strander Boulevard Grade Separation Project calls for relocation of the Union Pacific Railway and a property swap between Sound Transit and the Union Pacific Railway, the start of Sound Transit's work may be impacted. At this time, it is unclear if work could start before completion of the real estate transaction. Currently, Sound Transit's property is a known entity, whereas the property of the Union Minnie Dhaliwal, City of Tukwila December 24, 2003 Page Three Pacific Railway is unknown, especially as relates to any potential contamination of soils or other conditions that may be present. In closing, we emphasize our sincere appreciation of the City of Tukwila's continued cooperation in this matter and understand its own concerns about the consequences of delay. If you require any additional information or have questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 206.398.5324. Galen J. Torneby Project Manager Sounder Commuter Rail Enclosure cc: David Beal, Program Manager, Sounder Project Development GT:ps 02/11/04 TIED 14:32 FAX 12063985216 COMMUTER RAIL ij001 SounloTaarisR February 11, 2004 Minnie Dhaliwal Department of Community Development City of Tukwila 6300 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, Washington 98188 Subject: Extension of Unclassified Use Permit File No. 1.99 -0042, Sound Transit Tukwila Commuter Rail Station Dear Ms. Dhaliwal: Sincerely, thew, David P. Beal Program Manager, Project Development Sounder Commuter Rail Subject File Code #AD9532 As follow up to a conversation you had with Galen Torneby of Sound Transit's commuter rail staff, and as part of our continued effort to receive the referenced permit extension, I offer the following: This spring and summer, Sound Transit will construct improvements to the existing Tukwila interim commuter rail station consisting of the addition of two more passenger shelters similar to the existing shelters. Sound Transit will execute the work using contractors from our small works roster. We expect a total construction duration of 2 to 3 months. Sound Transit commissioned a longevity study last spring to assess the cost impact of extending the temporary station use due to the schedule delay resulting from the Strander Boulevard Grade Separation project and potential relocation of the Union Pacific Railway track. The recommendations contained in this study report consist of typical maintenance activities, which were based on both inspections of the existing facility and good engineering practice, and also incorporated the addition of two more passenger shelters. Cost to provide the additional shelters was estimated at $12,300 each. The actual cost, which may differ from what was estimated, will reduce the amount left for the permanent station budget. It is Sound Transit's understanding that our commitment to add the two shelters will satisfy the City of Tukwila's requirements, enabling permit issuance immediately following the Tukwila City Council Meeting scheduled for February 17, 2004. cc: Galen Torneby, Project Manager, Sounder Project Development Attachment B Chair John ladenburg Pierce County .Executive vice Chairs Greg Nickels Seattle Mayor Mark Olson Everett Councilmember Fred Bailer Issaquah Deputy Council President Jack Crawford Kenmore Councilmember David Enslow Sumner Councilmember Doug MacDonald Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Connie Marshall Bellevue .Mayor Richard Mclvcr .Seattle Councilmember Julia Patterson King County C.ouneilmembe.r Dwight Pat King County Councilmember Kevin Phelps Tacoma Councilmember Larry Phillips Chair. King County Council Aaron Reardon Snohomish County £wcurive Ron Sins King County Executive Claudia Thomas Lakewood Councilmember Pete von Rcichbauer Vice Chair. King County Council Chief Executive Officer Joni Earl