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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 2015-01-08 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKET/0 City of Tukwila Jim Haggerton, Mayor Department of Community Development Jack Pace, Director Tukwila City Council - Planning Commission Joint Work Session Thursday, January 8, 2015 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Tukwila Community Center 12424 42nd Avenue South, Tukwila, WA 98168 L Welcome II. Introductions & Discussion on the existing TIB area III. Rules of Engagement IV. Meeting Goals V. Area Overview VI. Group Discussion & Exercises VII. Summary VIII. Next Step Mayor Haggerton Jack Pace Lynn Miranda Lynn Miranda Moira Carr Bradshaw Derek Speck Matt Rowe, VIA Matt Rowe, VIA Moira Carr Bradshaw Tab1 Al Ilk III 1 1 City of Tukwila Jim Haggerton, Mayor Department of Community Development Jack Pace, Director To: Tukwila City Council and Planning Commission From: Moira Bradshaw and Lynn Miranda, Senior Planners Date: December 8, 2014 Subject: Re- visioning Tukwila International Boulevard District Work Sessions Intent and Process Tukwila is continuing with the required update of its Comprehensive Plan on an element by element basis.' There are three remaining elements, one of which is the Transportation Corridors Element. For this element, staff is focusing on updating the goals and policies related to the Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB) corridor. Since the element's first adoption, many of the policies and action items for the corridor have been implemented. This current planning effort is to check -in on results of the previous decade and a half and to review the vision for the area in light of any change in conditions or community's desires. First Steps Since transforming the TIB area is a high priority for the community2, City Council and Planning Commission participation will be more intensive for this Comp Plan element than for previous element updates. To kick -off this effort, two joint work sessions with the City Council and Planning Commission are organized to revisit the vision for the TIB area. The first worksession on January 8th, 2015 will be a hands -on effort, and an urban design consultant will facilitate the discussion and visualization of the area's future as articulated by participants. The second meeting on February 26 will focus on the implications, challenges, and opportunities to achieving the vision, including hearing from market analysts and retail experts. These work sessions will provide a check -in point to make modifications for the future of the TIB area; subsequently, staff will use the adjusted vision and issues raised as the basis for drafting updates to the goals and policies of the TIB Element. First Joint Work Session Thursday, 8 January 2015 Tukwila Community Center Meeting Room A 5:30— 8:30 p.m. (Food will be available at 5:00) Second Joint Work Session Late February 2015 Date and Time to be Determined 1 A Comprehensive Plan update is required by the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.130 (1)). 2As listed in the main objectives for the Comprehensive Plan, heard through community outreach efforts, from TIB Action Committee (TIBAC), and indicated in the City's Strategic Plan 2015 -2016 Priorities Z:\DCD n Clerk's\PC Laserfiche Packet\2014 PC Packets\Joint CC PC Worksession 1.8.15\REVISED'_TIB Worksessions Cover Memo_NewTimes.doc Background Report on TIB The intent of the attached Background Report is to provide a common understanding of the current conditions and key issues within the TIB corridor. The Report outlines the regional goals and policies that provide the context for the City's planning effort, discusses the vision for the TIB corridor, and explains what has been done over the last 15 years that Tukwila has been responsible for the area. Please take the opportunity to read the Background Report prior to January 8th so that we can have a productive discussion at the first work session. Future Steps • After the two work sessions, Staff drafts a recommended update to the TIB goals and policies in the Transportation Corridors Element • Staff convenes a Community Open House on the draft Element • Planning Commission reviews the draft Element, holds a public hearing, and forwards their recommended draft Element to the City Council • City Council reviews the PC- recommended draft Element, holds a public hearing, potentially develops revisions, and adopts a final version Page 2 of 2 12/18/2014 Tab 2 • 001111[ ,1111111111111111 i i MI Tab 3 «i I j II "'llllllll ul i i Tab4 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS PURPOSE Both local and state travel routes through the City provide strategic regional connections. Two routes — East Marginal Way South and the West Valley Highway — are discussed in the Manufacturing/ Industrial Center element and the Tukwila Urban Center element. Three routes — Tukwila International Boulevard (99), Interurban Avenue, and Southcenter Boulevard — will be discussed in this element. These corridors are important to the region and the City for a number of reasons. (Figure 14) • First, they serve the surrounding residential and employment community with products and services. Community members spend a significant amount of time in these corridors and it is here that they are most likely to meet other members of their community. • Second, these areas offer the best travel routes in the City for both residents and businesses because of transit service and arterial and freeway automobile access. • Third, they are regional throughways- -that are also the front door to Tukwila's residential neighborhoods. They create an impression and are a reflection of the community to the rest of the region. ISSUES For the City's transportation corridors there are similar city -wide con- cerns: • how to maintain or create distinctions of character along linear corridors in order to have visual interest • how to have quality environments with the high travel demands placed upon them • the cost of upgrading the corridors with sidewalks, storm drains, trees, street lights and other amenities Figure 14 Transportation Corridors December 2008 1 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors • conflicts between through traffic and destination traffic and between cars and pedestrians • how to balance the intensification of mix of uses vertically, thereby maximizing the usefulness of the corridor for transit travel, while minimizing the auto congestion • how to expand east /west travel. Tukwila International Boulevard (Highway 99) was a precursor to Interstate 5 and still contains vestiges of the old highway with commercial activity mixed with a few residential buildings. There has been no consistent pattern of development due to past lax regulation of land use by the County. In the past, all frontage property that could provide reasonably flat land was designated for commercial retail and service uses accessed by automobile. There are often abrupt transitions between uses along the highway and the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Interurban Avenue is isolated from most of the community but has good access to the interstate system. It has a mix of office, industrial, commercial and significant recreational uses, with some older single residential units and newer apartment structures. It is the historic beginning and heart of old Tukwila. Except for the river, however, most of the physical reminders of that history are gone. Southcenter Boulevard (from Interurban Avenue to Tukwila International Boulevard) is the newest of the corridors and, unlike the others, it is characterized primarily by office and residential uses, with only limited commercial use. Southcenter Boulevard because of its recent vintage is more conforming and most like a future vision in terms of standards of a corridor. As travel along streets and highways generally becomes more congested, these three corridors offer logistically good access to existing alternative travel such as bus routes and potential rail service. As travel continues to increase over the next 20 years, choices will have to be made that address the growing congestion, the threat of further air quality degradation, and the use of alternative travel modes. The Comprehensive Plan provides a baseline for the future studies that these choices will entail. The Transportation Corridors Element addresses four categories of interest: • Creating areas of focus • Improving private development 2 December 2008 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors • Enhancing and improving transportation choices and facilities • Developing partnerships and strategic plans. Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB)Corridor The Tukwila International Boulevardcorridor is defined as all properties extending from SR 599 south to South 160th Street that abut TIB, plus any adjacent commercial properties (Figure 15). The development along the corridor is old and lacks amenities typical of new development areas. There is a large amount of residential property along the corridor north of South 137th Street (if extended) that tends to be visually and physically isolated by the significant grade changes to either side of the right -of -way and the descent from the plateau to the valley. The majority of the commercial district is south of South 137th Street (if extended); commercial properties north of South 137th Street (if extended) exist as isolated level areas or pieces of land benched into the hillside. The natural features of the corridor are ravines and a valley wall that cuts across the northern section. The southern section is part of a large plateau between the Green River Valley and Puget Sound. The corridor is a jumble of land uses, building types, signs, parking lots, and a wide expanse of roadway. Despite the absence of sidewalks, there are a high number of pedestrians. The appearance of the road itself, coupled with its continuing use as a major arterial, attracts many lower - quality and marginal activities, and some structures show signs of poor maintenance and disinvestment. The corridor has the highest crime and pedestrian fatality rates in the City. It was identified as the highest priority for City action during the Vision Tukwila process, and design and improvement decisions are being made as this Plan develops. With redevelopment, the Tukwila International Boulevard corridor could evolve into a true local center for the residents flanking it. This would necessitate a fundamentally different attitude toward public and private development than has been seen in the past. Deliberate steps will need to be taken to improve the public environment: streets, sidewalks and public areas. The location, intensity and quality of new buildings and renovated buildings will need to be guided. The corridor cannot be viewed as a single, continuous road containing the same kind of uses and buildings forms along its entire length. Rather, different parts should have different degrees of emphasis. For instance, in order to create a sense of a place over time, relatively intensive uses and activities will need to be concentrated into a relatively small area that is walkable and that can be Figure 15 Pacific Highway Corridor December 2008 3 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors Figure 16 Interurban Avenue Corridor served by public transit. Auto - dominated or oriented uses will need to shift away from the center. Part of the area's poor image stems from the criminal activity seen and perceived. Of the 24 Police Department reporting districts, 4 are along the TIB corridor, and Department statistics indicate that approximately 40% of the City's crimes occur along this corridor. Adjacent to the entire length of TIB is a mix of housing from low to high density. Most of the units are over 20 years old. Much of the high- density housing, although not all, lack amenities and are poor quality because of their age. They provide relatively inexpensive housing for the region. Many residents within and immediately adjacent to the TIB - corridor are impacted by social and health problems such as low paying jobs, domestic violence, drug activity, etc. These issues and the transient nature of the community, to an unspecified extent, are increasing the insecurity and images of the criminal character of the area. Interurban Avenue South Corridor Interurban Avenue South consists of three distinguishable sections — a commercial and industrial northern section (between 42nd Avenue South and Interstate 5), a large middle residential, commercial and industrial section (south of Interstate 5 and north of South 152nd [if extended]) and a southern commercial and industrial section (between South 152nd [if extended] to the north and Interstate 405 to the south). (Figure 16) There are three major recreational uses along the corridor, separated by a light industrial district, they are: the King County Green River Trail, Foster Golf Course, and Fort Dent Park. The development pattern of the Interurban Avenue corridor was influenced heavily by the railroad and industrial uses it served. Consequently, a broad mixture of uses and building forms can be found here, often in proximity to one another. Small houses are set amidst industrial activities. Narrow streets and short blocks are common. In contrast are the carefully groomed grounds of the public golf course. The area is in transition, and is principally a corridor for through traffic. Southcenter Boulevard Corridor The Southcenter Boulevard corridor extends from the eastern City limits of the railroad tracks and Grady Way west to Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB corridor). (Figure 17) It is a major east -west corridor for the south King County area, and is a frontage road and alternative to Interstate 405 and SR 518. Along the length of the road there are offices and low -, medium -, or high- density residential uses. There are several 4 December 2008 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors commercial sections, which are primarily for convenience uses and are confined to specific locations. GOAL AND POLICIES Figure 17 Goal 8.1 General Transportation Corridor Southcenter Boulevard Corridor Transportation corridors that are functional, attractive and diverse along their lengths both for the people who live along then, traveling through then and those traveling to visit these areas. Policies 8.1.1 Improve the pedestrian environment with street improvements that include curbs, sidewalks or trails, and regularly spaced street trees. 8.1.2 Provide pedestrian pathways between sidewalks and building entrances and between adjacent properties and buildings to ensure that parking lots are not a barrier to pedestrians within commercial areas. 8.1.3 Develop parking standards that are (1) sufficient to meet typical daily demand, (2) reflect any significant shifts in transit usage in the corridor, (3) encourage shared parking between mixed uses and sites, and (4) includes off -site parking when impact to adjacent uses not affected. 8.1.4 Landscape interior areas as well as perimeter strips in parking lots. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Parking lot landscape standards 8.1.5 Require mechanical equipment and trash and recycling containers to be incorporated into the overall design of sites and buildings and screened from view. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Roof designs to include and conceal equipment • Prohibit dumpsters within front yards • Design standards 8.1.6 Set standards for bicycle parking. December 2008 5 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors 8.1.7 Enforce the amortization of nonconforming adult entertainment uses along the commercial and residential sections of the corridors. 8.1.8 Encourage the development of corridor focal points, while ensuring higher - quality design. 8.1.9 Design processes and standards that achieve higher - quality designs and materials within the commercial and multi - family residential zoned areas than within the commercial/light industrial zoned areas. 8.1.10 Utilize the goals, policies, and illustrations in the Comprehensive Plan for use as Neighborhood Commercial Center design guidelines. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Design guidelines and illustrations 8.1.11 Provide design guidelines and illustrations that explain the harmonious building character desired and the design parameters for development. 8.1.12 Require roof lines to be prominent and to contribute to the distinct characters of the areas. 8.1.13 Seek opportunities to integrate public art into public improvements. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Design competition • Arts Commission 8.1.14 Reduce the dominance and clutter of signs through amortization of existing signs and replacement in compliance with Tukwila's Sign Code. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Sign Code 8.1.15 Preserve signs that are exceptional and significant. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Sign landmarks designation process 6 December 2008 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors • Significant sign amortization exception process • Sign Code 8.1.16 In the event that a light rail system is developed in either the Tukwila International Boulevard (formerly known as Pacific Highway), Martin Luther King, or Interurban corridor, such a system should be designed and constructed to achieve the following objectives: Such a system shall, if appropriate and feasible, include one or more rail stations located a key intersections in order to develop multi -modal transfer areas for buses, automobiles, pedestrians, and /or rail. Such a system shall be designed and located so as to minimize interference with pedestrian and vehicular traffic (including both automobile and truck traffic) along, crossing, and turning on and off the transportation corridor. For the Tukwila International Boulevard corridor, City preference shall be given to locating rail lines and stations at -grade or below grade as necessary to minimize interference with existing traffic patterns. Design of a light rail system shall minimize the adverse effects of bulk, view blockage, and interference with light and air for neighboring properties and public areas. Design of a light rail system shall minimize the potential adverse impacts and maximize the benefits of a rail system on the redevelopment of Tukwila International Boulevard or Interurban Avenue South in a manner consistent with any adopted plans and policies for those geographic areas. Design of a light rail system shall minimize impacts on sensitive areas, including salmon spawning habitat areas. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Sign landmarks designation process • Significant sign amortization exception process • Sign Code December 2008 7 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors Goal 8.2 Tukwila International Boulevard Corridor Goal A Tukwila International Boulevard corridor that is an attractive, safe, and profitable place to live, do business, shop, and work, and is a positive reflection of the City as a whole and of the surrounding residential and business community. 8.2.1 Mitigate transportation impacts associated with regional travel by the use of extensive amenities, transit service, and appropriate siting and design of new uses, including the highway itself. 8.2.2 Give priority to pedestrian safety over vehicle safety in street design. 8.2.3 Improve the street to encourage pedestrian and transit travel, and actively discourage additional lanes in order to protect and enhance the local commercial, residential and pedestrian character. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Wider sidewalk standards • Curb -lined streets • Planted medians with designated left -turn pockets at intersections 8.2.4 Locate transit facilities, potentially including a rail station, within the SR 518 /Pacific Highway vicinity in order to develop a multimodal transfer area for buses, automobiles, pedestrians, and rail. 8.2.5 Include on- street parking stalls for local customer use as a design option for street improvements to enhance redevelopment options. 8.2.6 Underground existing and future overhead distribution lines, including transit operation utilities, in accordance with rates and tariffs applicable to the serving utility. 8.2.7 Design the Tukwila International Boulevard street improvements for the section north of S. 137th Street (if extended) with minimal use of amenities and improvements, reflecting this section's different topography. 8 December 2008 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors 8.2.8 Improve an east -west transportation corridor north of South 144th Street intersecting with Tukwila International Boulevard. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Alternatives study 8.2.9 Improve South 144th Street (including right -of -way acquisition where necessary) between Military Road South and 42nd Avenue South to serve as a significant pedestrian corridor. 8.2.10 Develop standards and design guidelines that recognize the physical difference between the valley wall and the plateau and that retain the hillside's character, including significant vegetation, change of grade, and a sloping trait. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Limited retaining wall height • Limited building size and paved areas 8.2.11 Develop a strategic and financial plan for implementing these Tukwila International Boulevard corridor policies that facilitates private and public investment.8.2.12 Assemble business and resident groups to coordinate the development of the strategic plan, to participate in community policing to monitor and decrease crime along the corridor, and to develop and coordinate an image concept for marketing and design guidance. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Block watch • Apartment managers' and owners' forums • Tenant councils • Chamber of Commerce participation 8.2.13 Maintain the predominately residential use and character between South 128th Street and South 137th Street (if extended), with appropriate zoning and a significant component of vegetated hillside; allow a limited amount of neighborhood- oriented retail activity in residential projects that front on TIB. 8.2.14 Allow heights along the corridor as follows: December 2008 9 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors - six -story heights south of South 154th Street; - ten -story heights south of SR 518 (excluding the area noted below) and on the west side of the corridor north of S. 128th Street; and - three stories north and south of S. 158th Street, as shown in Figure 18. 8.2.15 Appropriately fence outside storage and sales areas with high - Figure 18 quality materials; limit use, size, and location of metal security Highway 99 and other fencing and require concealment with appropriate Height Exception landscaping. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Fencing standards 8.2.16 Allow a diversity of uses along the corridor, including residential, retail, service, light manufacturing, office, and recreational and community facilities. 8.2.17 Create a pedestrian- oriented Neighborhood Commercial Center as a focal area along Tukwila International Boulevard; create a Regional Commercial area south of the Neighborhood Commercial Center and create opportunities for either commercial or industrial uses at the north end of the corridor. 8.2.18 Encourage building design on the east side of Tukwila International Boulevard between South 137th Street (if extended) and South 144th Street to reflect the importance of the area as a visual focal point for traffic through the corridor. 8.2.19 Where significant distant views occur along the corridor, encourage development to recognize and incorporate these into project design. Developments should minimize obstruction of views from nearby projects through appropriate landscape design, building design and site planning. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Design guidelines that illustrate techniques 8.2.20 Provide flexibility in the application of design standards in order to encourage pedestrian- oriented and pedestrian friendly development and to allow creativity in the design process. 8.2.21 Allow commercial use of residentially zoned property where such action expands small and /or irregularly shaped 10 December 2008 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors commercial districts, encourages redevelopment of non- conforming use sites; minimizes vehicular travel on adjacent residential local access streets; front and orients any commercial uses toward Tukwila International Boulevard; creates a site, structures, landscaping and other features that are compatible with adjacent residential district standards and planned character. Interurban Avenue South Corridor Interurban Avenue South has been described as having two distinct characters - -a middle and two ends. The two ends are similar because they intersect with major freeways. The middle section is a mixed -use area and the historic heart of old Tukwila. The middle section also tends to be somewhat restricted because of the valley wall, the river, and Foster Golf Course and Fort Dent Park. The development pattern of Interurban Avenue was influenced heavily by the railroad and industrial uses it served. Consequently, a broad mixture of uses and building forms can be found. Small houses are set amidst industrial activities. Narrow streets and short blocks are common. Parts of Interurban are still in transition, and Interurban is primarily a corridor for through traffic. Goal 8.3 Interurban Corridor Goal A high - amenity multi -modal transportation corridor with a varied Unix of office, commercial, recreational, high - density residential and light industrial uses. Policies 8.3.1 Develop the north section as an area of regional commercial or light industrial uses; the middle and south sections as a mix of residential, commercial or, in some areas, light industrial uses. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Zoning Code 8.3.2 Allow three story buildings within the middle section and allow four story buildings within the Fostoria, Fort Dent, Nielsen Farm, and freeway interchange areas, and allow six stories within the Gateway Drive area and light industrial areas south of I -5 (Figure 19) December 2008 11 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors 8.3.3 Allow residential uses as second -story Figure 19 and above uses in all Regional Interurban Avenue Commercial Mixed Use zoned areas. Corridor 8.3.4 Create a logical and harmonious division between commercial or industrial uses and residential uses by using changes in topography and through appropriate development standards, including street design. 8.3.5 Improve public rights -of -way that connect Interurban Avenue and the river with signage, street parking, paving, and other elements that signify the riverfront. 8.3.6 Develop preferred station sites and rail alignment through the Interurban corridor that maximize service and access to regional services and minimize visual impacts along its entire route. 8.3.7 Work with the transit agency to install transit shelters designed to reflect the historic use of the corridor for public transit. 8.3.8 Provide prominent public art and interpretive markers at highly visible locations, explaining the history of the Interurban Trolley, the river, and other important aspects of the area. 8.3.9 Preserve or commemorate the structures remaining from the turn of the century, in either their present or a nearby location, as determined in a city -wide survey and designation process. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Investigate the possibility of preserving community club building • Historic recognition/preservation incentive program 8.3.10 Locate major gateway features at the north and south freeway interchanges, incorporating such elements as landscaping, lighting, signage, or artwork. Southcenter Boulevard Corridor Southcenter Boulevard effectively extends within the City of Tukwila from the eastern boundary of the railroad tracks to the western boundary at Tukwila International Boulevard. The street acts as a major east /west corridor for the south King County area and is a frontage road and alternative to I- 405/SR518. Office and multi - family buildings comprise most of the developments along the east half of Southcenter Boulevard, 12 December 2008 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors and these act as buffers between the commercial/industrial uses to the south and the residential uses to the north. Goal 8.4 Southcenter Boulevard Goal A corridor of low -rise offices, residences, with localized commercial uses at major intersections all of which act as a buffer to the low - density residential neighborhoods to the north. Southcenter Boulevard Policies 8.4.1 Allow residential uses as second story and above uses in all Regional Commercial Mixed Use zoned areas east of 51st Avenue South. 8.4.2 Maintain the low scale, one to three - story, commercial char- acter of Southcenter Boulevard east of 51st Avenue South. 8.4.3 Balance the competing concerns of uphill residents for maximum views and the community -wide desire for contour - hugging design and angular lines of hillside structures. 8.4.4 Require sloped roof lines along Southcenter Boulevard to imitate the local topography and residential character. 8.4.5 Recommend and pursue with the transit agency an east -west transit service along the Boulevard. 8.4.6 Provide additional pedestrian connections between residential areas to the north and Southcenter Boulevard. 8.4.7 Work with the State Department of Transportation to landscape and maintain the appearance of its properties and provide noise attenuation where technically feasible. 8.4.8 In future improvements incorporate additional landscaping to transform the street into a true boulevard. 8.4.9 Improve landmarks and city identity by: Locating major gateway features at the Interstate 5 interchange with Southcenter Boulevard Redesignating South 154th Street as Southcenter Boulevard. December 2008 13 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors 8.4.10 Emphasize the landscaping, residential character, and hillside traits and character along the Southcenter Boulevard corridor. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: • Sketched examples of form, features, and site layout of desired buildings • Board of Architectural Review Neighborhood Commercial Centers Pedestrian - oriented Neighborhood Commercial Centers, generally focused around key intersections in transportation corridors can help provide the sense of a "people place" that the neighborhoods bordering the corridors need. A Neighborhood Commercial Center not only helps mitigate the corridors' transportation impacts on residential areas, it can also provide a commercial focus for the businesses bordering the corridor. A key element in a successful pedestrian environment is the ability to walk continuously along the front of stores and see into the building interiors (e.g. shop display windows) instead of into parking lots. Thus, standards regarding a site's design -- building setback, landscaping, fencing, signage, sidewalks and automobile access and parking are the important issues. Goal 8.5 Neighborhood Commercial Centers Neighborhood Commercial Centers generally focused around key intersections in transportation corridors that serve multiple neighborhoods, and provide a 'people place" as well as a commercial focus for businesses along the corridor. A key characteristic of a Neighborhood Commercial Center is its pedestrian orientation, with streetfront windows, attractive landscaping, screening, and sidewalks. 8.5.1 Allow a diverse mix of uses, including above - street residential, retail, service, office and recreational and community facilities. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Zoning Code 8.5.2 Encourage the consolidation of existing smaller properties into larger lots through property owner(s) development plans. 8.5.3 Through public and private project design and regulation, create recognizable, compact, pedestrian- oriented Neighborhood Commercial Centers. 14 December 2008 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors 8.5.4 Encourage new construction rather than the conversion of existing residential structures to commercial uses. 8.5.5 Combine parking placement and build -to standards to achieve the compactness of a consistent building wall and pedestrian orientation, creating a focal point emphasis in Neighborhood Commercial Centers. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Parking behind or beside buildings 8.5.6 Incorporate a significant landscape element into the street design within Neighborhood Centers. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Parking behind or beside buildings 8.5.7 Encourage two- to four -story buildings within Neighborhood Commercial Centers to emphasize their importance and desired activity level, limiting commercial uses to two lower levels, except in Urban Renewal areas. 8.5.8 Ensure appropriate structural transitions between commercial and residential zones. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Multi - family and commercial design guidelines 8.5.9 Include substantial areas of glass in the design of ground -level retail and service structures and require building entrances to face the street. 8.5.10 Require developments to incorporate pedestrian amenities and open spaces such as plazas, art, and canopies in order to convey the impression of a town center and community focal point. 8.5.11 Employ appropriate design elements such as slopes, peaks, caps, steps, exaggerated parapets, colors, and lighting to make the rooflines prominent, creating a distinct Neighborhood Commercial Center character. 8.5.12 Work with Metropolitan King County to create distinctive transit stops within Neighborhood Commercial Centers that are integrated with adjacent development and pedestrian December 2008 15 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Corridors connections, with a design that is harmonious with the neighborhood. 16 December 2008 1111110 �� 1 Tab5 1 111 1 'uiiiiiiiii111 k n1 TUKWILA INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD BACKGROUND REPORT IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 11111111111111111111111111111111111111 Transportation Corridors Element Comprehensive Plan Update December 2014 mi irp m 1.8 ; , - PP"^"'" !II 114t111 1 14 c c #11 2015 G U )AT" II, 11 s WT VIA it (; Ter 2014. II, 11 11111111, AG 11111111111 11 LVVS AC s * TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN U1:::::'[„)ATEtt 1,,Doembet 13 , 2014. VA • 11111111111 p a go 1 A C I. Introduction Study Area Planning Background /History II. Challenges and Issues Summary Transformative Boldness Nodes versus Linear Corridor Land Use Vision and Public Infrastructure Design Disconnect Affordable Housing Development Costs and Expected Returns III. Planning Context Puget Sound Vision 2040 Growing Transit Communities Partnership King County Countywide Planning Policies Tukwila Community Input IV. Vision for the TIB Corridor Existing Vision TIBAC's Recommended Vision V. Existing Conditions Discussion Land Use Real Estate Market Public Resources VI. Appendix A Zoning Code Comparison — RC, NCC, and MUO Districts Appendix B Community Connectors & Open House Survey Results Appendix C TIB Businesses — Survey Responses List of Figures 1. Study Area Boundary 2. Study Area Community Facilities 3. Growing Transit Communities TIB Station Area Description 4. Ownership Commercial & Multiple Family Zoning Districts TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I II'I:)A ) I)cccmbor 10 2014. u c 5. Ratio of Improvements to Land Value - 1995 6. Ratio of Improvements to Land Value - 2014 7. Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code Designations 8. Percent of Total Study Area by Zoning Designation 9. Existing Land Uses 10. TIB Businesses by Category — 1995 11. TIB Businesses by Category - 2013 12. Building Heights Maximum Standard 13. Block Size Comparison 14. Recently Purchased Properties by City 15. Tukwila Police Patrol and Reporting Districts List of Tables 1. 1997 Matrix of TIB Revitalization Plan Goals & Challenges 2. TIBAC's Vision — Segment Summary 3. Building Square Footage by Use 4. Significant Building Permit History: 1996 -2013 5. Back of Sidewalk Development and Pedestrian Amenity in New Construction 6. Comparison of City and County Ethnicity 7. Summary of Public Investment in TIB TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP[ DATED. ) I')cccmber 10 20 1 e3 u mi The City of Tukwila has been updating its Comprehensive Plan, as mandated by Washington State growth management legislation, and will adopt the final elements in 2015. Comprehensive Plan policies for the Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB) corridor were last updated in 2009. Since adoption, many of the policies and action items for the corridor have been implemented. This planning effort is the time to check -in on results of that policy implementation, or lack of implementation, and to review the vision, direction, and overall goals for the area in light of any change in conditions or community's desires. The purpose of this report is to provide background information on key issues as the City prepares to revise the goals, policies, and implementation actions related to TIB as contained in the Transportation Corridors element of the Comprehensive Plan, a land use element that previously focused on the commercial corridors of the City located outside of the urban and manufacturing industrial centers. One difference in approach since the 1995 Comprehensive Plan was prepared is the idea to rebrand TIB as more than just a linear Corridor. As a place holder for that idea, staff suggests the term Tukwila International Boulevard District, and hereinafter will use TIB District for the study area. The community repeatedly expressed its desire for the area to be treated as a destination, a place to walk, a place to shop, a place to meet your neighbor, a place to celebrate community. The Background Report on TIB is divided into five main sections: 1. Introduction to the Study Area. A snapshot of the physical characteristics of TIB District study is presented. Included is a brief history of the City's planning and investment efforts for the area since annexation into Tukwila in 1989 and 1990. 2. Challenges and Issues. It is important to clearly understand the obstacles that stand between the community and the achievement of its goals for the TIB District. As such, a summary of the major issues /challenges are presented, so that they can be discussed by the community and policy makers, and addressed when formulating strategies, goals, and policies. 3. Planning Context. Any future planning effort for the TIB District must also consider regional goals and policies regarding growth management, land use, and transportation. This section summarizes PSRC's Vision 2040 and Growing Transit Communities Strategy, and King County Countywide Planning Policies applicable to the planning effort for the TIB district. 4. Vision for TIB. The vision for TIB in the Comprehensive Plan was developed in 1995 — does the Vision need updating? This section presents both the current vision and community advocates' concepts for the Boulevard. 5. Existing Conditions. Information on patterns of development and ownership, zoning, land use, the built environment and urban form, market conditions, public services, infrastructure, circulation, and the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC) is provided as a basis for understanding the existing conditions within the study area. Study Area Snapshot of Tukwila International Boulevard District The study area for this report is shown on an aerial photo in Figure 1. It extends from SR 599 on the north to S. 160th Street on the south, and from Military Road and Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB) on the west to 42nd Avenue South on the east. The corridor encompasses the predominantly commercial and multifamily designated properties abutting TIB. The north border of the TIB district is also one of the several entrances to the City's Manufacturing Industrial Center (MIC) which contains a large share of the region's manufacturing, warehouse, distribution and transportation economic activity, including major facilities of the TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I II'I: }A ) Iicccmbor 10 0 • c4 Figure 1 Study Area Boundary Legend TIB Study Area Source- 2012 Image TUKVVILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN P T On, nn*O0O yid 1I iiugl'^'iiilililll 11'111 V!NVlillW n �II 11 loo op000hoollo 110011.1,1111';'1,1,11,11,11 ,,,,,phohlo 11111111 110101,011100101hoihoh11111.01v.ID 111111111 111'1 IIIIIIIIIIIIII4Yi.gjk,,,Npjjll,I,,„„„„„I. mumulO�o]b,mb n110;h1 nnn non d. �as��x,n4in�i etinkno 00004. iiitain loll WU ill 0IfiliiI1111II•I' (i1 II lilli llulll 1!II R Sri , 44,r1:11 'ft irilowh, II 1 01 ""' 11111111111111111111111111111111„1„1„1111111111111.111111111:! 'nun' 0111011011111......,..„.„.„:„.4.:::,..„.„.211111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 OvolO unuum i �r ihnlr:444' lomhr 414 1111111,1,lb,, k and �q7 .U.4 ' 411 UgG U bi, 4,E wo0.�uuall sgpnwdi Mxrmn »d,u rm�gf la a rgrf r u Boeing Company, King County Airport, and Port of Seattle. South and west of the TIB district is the City of SeaTac, and further south on International Boulevard is the SeaTac International Airport. The natural features of the study area are ravines and a valley wall that cuts across TIB in the section north of S. 138th Street. The majority of the commercial district is south of S 139th St. and is part of a large plateau between the Green River Valley and Puget Sound. South of S 146th Street, the corridor expands from a linear form to include full blocks between Military and TIB. The area could enjoy Cascade Mountain views to the east, should development reach taller heights. The TIB District comprises less than 20 percent of the City's total land area. Nearly 50 percent of the area of the TIB District is single family detached homes, with 1954 the average year of construction. Overall, due to their average age, much of the TIB District's housing stock is dated.' There is a large amount of residential property along the corridor north of S. 139th Street that is visually and physically isolated because of the significant grade changes to either side of the right -of -way and the descent from the plateau to the valley. Commercially designated properties that exist north of S. 139th Street are small, isolated level areas or pieces of land benched into the hillside, making them difficult to redevelop. TIB is an important part of the local and regional transportation and circulation system. The TIB District has convenient highway access that allows for easy vehicular movement within, to, and from the corridor. The LINK Light Rail station is located at the intersection of Southcenter Boulevard and TIB, providing service to SeaTac Airport and downtown Seattle. The LINK Station is also served by a number of King County Metro bus routes, including two bus rapid transit (BRT) routes, one of which provides a frequent connection to the Southcenter, Burien and Renton areas and the Tukwila Sounder Commuter Rail /Amtrak Station. In addition to TIB, other key roadways in the study area are S. 130th and South 144th Streets and Southcenter Boulevard - connecting east -west arterials that link areas east of 1 -5 with areas west of 1 -5. The intersection of S. 144th Street and TIB is an important crossroads and the location of the public /private mixed -use redevelopment project - Tukwila Village. Southcenter Boulevard 1 Taken from Market Analysis for Tukwila International Boulevard Corridor, Prepared by Gardner Johnson for the City of Tukwila, February 5, 2007 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IJI"")1: ATER Iicccmbor 10 0 • c u provides an intercity connection for Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Renton, and connects the LINK light rail station and Tukwila City Hall to the community. Many public and private community facilities are located in or immediately adjacent to this area, including schools, a library, a post office, churches, a mosque, a cemetery, a hospital and numerous clinics, the City's Neighborhood Resource Center, and a Washington State Patrol Office. Community facilities in the area are shown on Figure 2, which provides another illustration as to why the TIB District is a focal point for the community. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP[ DATED. ) I')cccmber 10 20 1 III111IIIIIIII111I1,1,1I1,1,1,1I111IIIII II I,I IIII pull I,IIIIIIII I1,1,1II IIII Figure 2 Study Area Community Facilities gsghttut !tlhftiVkVNnum gtos Legend Q Study Area Boundary ED Public Recreation Overlay 0 L TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN U4'Ii,Ulllilhar,©unlioi11))01, I'ago 8 aIIIPIIIPIIIIIIP lac II'•uIIIPd/ I III sCt' Illy" u min Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB), previously designated as and still often referred to as Highway 99 and Pacific Highway, preceded 1 -5 as the main north -south route in the Puget Sound area. It was a state highway surrounded by unincorporated King County when most of the initial development occurred along and around it. The area annexed to Tukwila in 1989 -1990, and upon community mandate the revitalization of the area became the City's main priority. In 1994, a Transportation Corridors Background Report was prepared for the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan. At that time, the transportation corridors included Pacific Highway, Interurban Avenue, and Southcenter Boulevard. These corridors stood out from the other areas of the City because the development and uses were primarily low scale, commercial oriented to the street and were clearly distinct from the residential neighborhoods and the urban and industrial centers. They did not have the intensity in building size, public services or off -site impacts of the urban and manufacturing centers. Instead, they contained a broad spectrum of uses, and acted more as neighborhood commercial centers for the adjacent residential areas and employers. The 1994 Comprehensive Plan goals and policies for Pacific Highway focused on: • Creating functional, attractive and diverse corridors for adjacent residents and people travelling to and through the area; • Making TIB a positive reflection of the City; Making TIB an attractive, safe and profitable place to live, work and do business; and • Creating focal points around key intersections as pedestrian- oriented commercial business areas. The City began designing and providing a variety of projects, programs, and regulations tailored to the needs of the area. At that time, the City's adopted focus areas were: • Reducing crime and improving safety, including offering expanded human service programs; • Upgrading the infrastructure; and • Creating development incentives and predictability in permitting. In 1997, the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan was prepared to implement the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies. The purpose of the Plan was to guide the redevelopment of the Pacific Highway corridor, and serve as a statement of the City's commitment to and direction for this area. As part of the Revitalization Plan, Zoning Code amendments for the area and the Tukwila International Boulevard Design Manual were adopted. The Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan identified a number of broad goals that have guided the development of the revitalization strategies, as well as challenging conditions to be addressed when formulating strategies to achieve the community goals for the TIB area. These challenges are repeated here in Table 1 as a baseline for evaluating the effectiveness of plans, programs, and investments by the City over the 15 years since the Revitalization Plan was adopted. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I II'I: }A ) Iicccmbor 10 0 • o9 Table 1. 1997 Matrix of TIB Revitalization Plan Goals and Challenges2 u co a) 0) c a) To U rn rn co co 0 0 rn rn Small Parcels Few Vacant Parcels Land Prices Small Market Poor Appearance Poor Quality, Unsafe Streets Lower Income Residential Turnover Reputation of Crime Undesirable Uses Incompatible Regional Plans Limited Resources Greater Prosperity x x x x x x x x x x Sense of Community x x x x x Safe & Comfortable x x x x Multimodal Transportation System x x Healthy Residential Areas x x x x x x x x Attractive, Well- Maintained Area x x x x x x x x The City has been successful in addressing some of the challenges identified in 1997. Poor appearance has improved as a result of significant city investments in curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements along TIB from S. 128th Street to S. 152nd Street. These improvements were designed to improve pedestrian and auto safety, create "curb appeal," bring the infrastructure up to higher standards, accommodate the type of desired future development that brings the building to the back of sidewalk to create more of a street presence, and improve walkability. Other City actions, such as adopting a new Sign Code, creating an urban renewal area, and implementing an aggressive code enforcement effort, are also contributing to improving the appearance of the area. City investments in street infrastructure have improved the degree of safety and comfort. A positive sense of personal safety is still lacking due to the presence of undesirable uses and perceived crime. Comfortable walking conditions are negatively affected due to the lack of streetscape amenities, undesirable uses, and the difficult street crossing conditions.3 Incompatible regional plans are no longer an issue for the revitalization of the TIB District — instead, these plans support the City's direction and efforts. Tukwila has designated TIB as a "local center" where existing and future land use and infrastructure capacity will be used to accommodate some of the City's future growth, supporting PSRC's Vision 2040 goals and policies and the King County Countywide Planning Policies (See Section 3 Planning Context). Also, Sound Transit's LINK light rail alignment serves the community via the station located at Southcenter Boulevard and TIB, and does not bisect the neighborhood by running down the middle of the TIB corridor for its length as originally proposed by Sound Transit. Pacific Highway Draft Revitalization Plan, Dec. 1997 3 Based on public comments gathered at the Community Conversation Meeting (March 6 and 8, 2014) TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IJI'I:')A a I)cccmbor 10, 2014. "rage 1J The City took the bold step of adopting an urban renewal district in the blocks adjacent to the S. 144th and TIB intersection. It then spent $7.5 million and a significant amount of staff time to assemble land into a development parcel that would be big enough for a signature development that would catalyze and demonstrate the intensity and quality of development envisioned for the area. Actions by the Tukwila Police Department have resulted in a decrease in crime. With the seizure of the motels along TIB, the Police Department notes that one year later, crime has dropped 30% on TIB, violent crime has declined 40 %, and there has been a 30% decrease in calls for service4. The periodic implementation of a neighborhood resource center and bicycle patrols has also had an impact on crime, and the installation of video cameras have been an asset for officers. Police Chief Mike Villa, Tukwila Police Department presentation to the Tukwila City Council, September 15, 2014 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP[ DATED. December 10 20 1 Par e 11 c 1 e 1 s& ssLuues Sou There are a number of significant issues that continue to challenge the revitalization of the TIB District. The desired vision for the area is unfulfilled and will likely require continuation of bold actions and more radical changes. Many of these issues were identified by the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC), through surveys of and discussions with community members at the Tukwila Community Conversation Meetings (March 6 and March 8, 2014), in staff interviews with City of Tukwila Department Directors, or highlighted in regional and local land use and transportation plans and policies. In order to organize discussion of the issues, they are summarized here in broad categories; however, they are interrelated and there is much overlap. More details on these issues are addressed in later sections of this report. Ira III's , Ir nna v 1 dness The City has been bold in a number of actions to try and make a difference and change the character of this area. It has implemented an urban renewal program, seized three motels, which were dens of iniquity, and persisted over a decade in pursuit of a catalyst project — Tukwila Village. More boldness is needed. • According to the Growing Transit Communities (GTC) Strategy, the TIB light rail transit community is one of the most diverse in the region. GTC also calls for identifying and promoting community assets as a basis for attracting private and public investment along the south light rail corridor. The City recognized the growing international character of the corridor in the renaming of `Pacific Highway' to `Tukwila International Boulevard.' How should the City continue investing in promoting the culturally diverse communities and businesses along the corridor? What does the vision (a true local center for the residents) mean to the diverse immigrant population that has been settling in the TIB area? • The power of names and perceptions is important. As noted at the beginning of this report, the area has been known as a corridor for vehicles and not as a neighborhood destination for exploring and enjoying. The reality of crime is still high; yet if the reduction in crime from the recent police and judicial action with the motels and their owners proves lasting, then public safety in the District may change significantly. Getting the word out to the region will be an important step. What should the area be called, how should it be marketed, and by whom? • Current regulation requiring amortization of nonconforming adult entertainment is not being enforced by the City. The City Attorney responds that enforcing this City regulation would require a large amount of financial resources and City focus. While the Police Department reports that this type of business does not result in a lot of police service calls, the effect on the community isn't benign because it does result in crimes like prostitution, human trafficking & drug dealing. When is it appropriate for the City to take action and pursue amortization? Are there other actions, such as purchasing the existing lease that would be more expedient and successful than a regulatory action? What are the implications does not enforcing City regulation? • Nonconforming motel structures. Motels along the corridor have been the site for illegal activity. The condition and management of three of the motels resulted in a crime network that was recently broken up by local and federal law enforcement, and resulted in their closure and public seizure. Because the motels are nonconforming, their status for legal operations under the Zoning Code will lapse. What uses should the City consider or seek in their place? What should be done with remaining hotels and motels in the TIB District? TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP[DATED. Iicccmbor 10, 0 1 Flare 1• fi des versus III ,.a ( end III •III u mi • The TIB corridor (from S 160th Street to S. 116th Street) is over three miles in length, which is about a one hour, brisk walk one way. The 1995 regulations were intended to create distinctive nodes of development along the length of TIB. Community members currently think that this linear corridor should not be viewed as a single, continuous street containing similar uses and building forms - different parts should have different emphasis. Similar nodal concepts are emphasized by the Growing Transit Communities Strategy. Along the corridor, nodes of development with a different mix of uses, heights, or character from the rest of the corridor should occur, like a "string of beads ". What actions can the City take to support the vision of distinct areas along the Boulevard? Should the intersection at S. 144th St. and TIB be viewed separately from a transit - oriented center focused around the Link Station in order to create two distinctive types of activity areas? ...aIII d use viii lii•n and IIIP'fra a'lt'ruc'dt'uIIIi, des IIIPIIIPtc'dt' • Adopted City transportation- related goals and policies conflict with community desires for the TIB as a "main street." TIBAC and other community members think that rather than having a goal of moving regional traffic through the area, the Boulevard should become the link that connects the residents and businesses to foster a healthy, sustainable, and desirable neighborhood. The community group asks for lower posted speeds, on- street parking, and additional traffic signals to assist with crossing the street and to assist in controlling vehicular speeds. Although no longer a state highway, TIB is designated by the City as a principal arterial and as such its function is to provide mobility for longer trips and limited access to adjacent property. Can and should the designation and the ultimate function of the street be changed? • Community members feel that it is not safe to walk to destinations within the TIB District. The main street through the neighborhood, although improved with sidewalks, two mid -block crossings, landscaping, and better illumination, does not ease the pedestrian's efforts to cross the street, slow vehicle speeds sufficiently, shift perceptions of the area away from an auto - dominated landscape, or provide sufficient amenity to attract development. To improve walkability and create safe pedestrian routes, community members want more sidewalk improvements on existing side streets to connect residential neighborhoods to TIB, and traffic signals on TIB to facilitate crossings. However, competition for limited public funding and the warrant review procedures may make implementing these changes difficult. usIIIIIIP • The Growing Transit Communities (GTC) Compact calls for the development and preservation of healthful and affordable housing for families along transit corridors in all income ranges. Members of the community also echo this desire. However, public and private housing and mixed use projects designed to improve the quality of the TIB District, such as the Tukwila Village project, may also have the side effect of displacing current low- income residents by raising overall rents in the area or redeveloping low -rent properties. How will the City take a proactive role to maintain existing low income housing? Current adopted strategy is to encourage non - profits to invest in the area's housing in order to improve conditions and maintain a supply of affordable units. This strategy has not been extremely successful with only one complex purchased since adoption of the Revitalization Plan. How many affordable5 units should the City have? The loss of motel units 5Housing Affordability is defined in the region by rents or mortgages that do not exceed 30% of the median income of a household of four in King County. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP[DATEIT December 10, 0 1 "urge 13 min also results in the loss of affordable housing. The development of quantitative policies would ensure that some affordable units are preserved. loin . llrn sCts and ex )tc't'td III :quIIIrIIIP a • Any development or redevelopment in the TIB District must detain its surface water run -off to pre - development "forested conditions." In contrast, development projects in other commercial areas of the City, such as Southcenter, may maintain their existing system of detention. Analysis has shown that infiltration is not possible in much of the study area because of the type of soils and a high water table. Therefore, the use of large constructed detention systems will be required of most new development, adding to their infrastructure costs. • The City of Tukwila is home to Southcenter Mall and surrounding retail projects, one of the most successful retail areas in the Pacific Northwest and whose proximity is a few short miles from the study area. The TIB District cannot compete for the regional retail. In addition, current commercial and residential rents in the TIB District do not financially support redevelopment. What actions can the City undertake to compensate for the lower sales /rents per square foot? What commercial services and retail could be successful? An updated market analysis may provide a better understanding of the financial and market aspects that are shaping this area as an auto - dominated commercial corridor, as well as help shape the appropriate size and character of the regulatory environment that would support an alternative vision for the area. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A ) Iicccmbor 10 0 • "arse 1 1 c IIIItext The City's goals and policies for the TIB District must satisfy regional planning frameworks as well as local goals. et S uIIIPd �1. a To assist in coordinating the multiple municipalities required to plan under the State's Growth Management Act, the Puget Sound Regional Council crafted a multi- county vision for land use and transportation which acts as a framework for counties and cities planning. The VISION 2040 Regional Growth Strategy and multi- county policies were prepared by the Puget Sound Regional Council and most recently updated in 2008. Based on Washington's GMA, VISION 2040 and its multi- county policies are integrated strategies and policies to guide development, environmental planning, and the provision of transportation and services in the central Puget Sound region. Vision 2040 emphasizes sustainability and restoring the natural environment as the region grows, primarily into communities with regional growth centers, in order to reduce growth in rural areas and on the urban fringe. VISION 2040 provides specific guidance for the distribution of population and employment growth into types of places defined as "regional geographies." The largest share of growth is distributed to metropolitan and core cities, including Tukwila, that have designated regional growth centers, such as the Tukwila Urban Center and Tukwila Manufacturing /Industrial Center. Centers are, or are becoming, hubs for regional transportation, high capacity transit, public services and amenities. This development pattern is meant to minimize environmental impacts, support economic prosperity, improve mobility, and make efficient use of existing infrastructure. `II v'iiilll� A It �; Illlllvuulll Hilt l !' �III��IIIPaIII'' 1:aa .m aIII"i'II1eIII a PIII In 2013, a region -wide coalition of businesses, developers, local governments, transit agencies and nonprofit organizations — the Growing Transit Communities (GTC) Partnership — developed a strategy to encourage high - quality, equitable development around rapid transit, and work towards implementing VISION 2040's growth strategy. The GTC's strategy has three main goals: • Attract more of the region's residential and employment growth near high- capacity transit; • Provide housing choices affordable to a full range of incomes near high- capacity transit; and • Increase access to opportunity for existing and future community members in transit communities. There are 24 strategies and actions that address the goals above. They fall into four main groups: Foundation Strategies, Strategies to Attract Housing and Employment Growth, Strategies to Provide Affordable Housing Choices, and Strategies to Increase Access to Opportunity. Within each, there are specific strategies identified for local governments to follow or implement. While these strategies are important to consider during the preparation of the TIB District Element, they will be more important during the station area planning effort around the LINK light rail station and transit hubs along TIB. The four main groups of strategies are described in more detail below. • Foundation Strategies detail the strategies necessary for successful ongoing regional effort in decision - making and implementation at all levels, including local governments, and include building partnerships and promoting collaboration, engaging effectively with community stakeholders, building capacity for community engagement, and evaluating and monitoring impacts and outcomes. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A a ('December 10 0 1 "arse 1E min u • Strategies to Attract Housing and Employment Growth have as their overarching objectives: 1) Make great urban places that are attractive to households and businesses; 2) remove barriers to development; and 3) support development in emerging markets. Strategies within this group include: 1) conducting station area planning; 2) using land efficiently in transit communities; 3) locating, designing, and providing access to transit stations to support transit oriented development (TOD); 4) adopting innovative parking tools; and 5) investing in infrastructure and public realm improvements. • Strategies to Provide Affordable Housing Choices involve understanding the community's housing needs, and preserving existing housing and supplying new housing choices in proximity to transit investments. Recommended strategies include assessing current and future housing needs in transit communities, minimizing displacement, increasing housing resources to support transit - dependent populations; looking for opportunities to partner in regional public sector catalyst investments in TOD; using value capture finance for infrastructure and affordable housing; making surplus public lands available for affordable housing; looking for incentives for affordability; and implementing fair housing recommendations. • Strategies to Improve Access to Opportunity recognize the need to address the diverse housing, transportation, and economic needs of current and future residents so that all people may prosper as the region grows. Recommended strategies call for assessing community needs, and investing in environmental and public health, economic vitality and opportunity, equitable mobility options, equitable access to high quality education, and public safety in transit communities. The GTC Strategy classified transit communities, including TIB, according to the types of strategies that will be most meaningful to help achieve desired outcomes. The GTC Partnership developed an implementation typology to connect strategies to the three overarching program goals: attract residential and employment growth, provide affordable housing choices, and increase equitable access to opportunity. The typology uses a two - matrix "People + Place" framework. Figure 3 GTC TIB typology shows the evaluation of the area relative to its potential. The People Profile assesses residents' access to social, physical, and economic opportunity, compared to the degree to which the households and businesses are at risk of displacement as neighborhood change occurs over time. The Place Profile examines aspects of a community's physical form and activity level, compared to the degree to which physical characteristics may change due to real estate market strength. Using the People + Place assessment, TIB was designated as an "enhance community" type of transit community, which are neighborhoods or smaller centers along the transit corridor. Recommended implementation strategies focus on market catalysts, long -range planning, and economic and community development. Recent and anticipated transit investments have the potential to catalyze considerable community development. However, "enhance community" areas will face challenges to implementing TOD given auto - oriented environments, weak market demand, and limited access to opportunity. Key strategies focus in the short- to mid -term on community development to expand opportunity and social activity, and in the long term on building a physical and social fabric that will attract new investment. More specifically, the following are needed: station area planning with a focus on long -range vision and transitional uses; long —range capital facilities plan with phased infrastructure and public realm investments; community needs assessment and targeted investments; and affordable housing preservation. GTC identified several specific priorities for implementation in the central south corridor (stretching from Tukwila to Fife): • Capitalize on the potential for TOD along SR -99, particularly key BRT and light rail transit nodes. • Improve transit connections, particularly east -west connections between LRT corridors and urban centers. • Ensure effective community engagement with existing and emerging culturally and racially diverse communities along the corridor. • Identify and promote community assets as a basis for attracting private and public investment. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED. I..)eccmber 10, 20 1 Purge 16 u • Encourage the development and preservation of healthy affordable housing that meets the needs of families. The City of Tukwila is a signatory to the GTC Compact. The Compact says that Tukwila will use a full range of tools, investments, and economic development strategies to attract the potential demand for residential and commercial transit oriented development within transit communities consistent with and in furtherance of regional policies and plans. These strategies include the full range of housing affordability. Tukwila will also plan for and promote residential and employment densities within the transit communities that support ridership potential and contribute to accommodating growth needs within each high capacity transit corridor. Below is Figure 3 Growing Transit Communities TIB Station Area Description. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I )A I'1cccmber 10 20 1 Fp r 17 14 Figure 3 Growing Transit Communities TIB Station Area Description 0111110. LIGHT R L B T ANSiT U S <woommomonemunommommommon<mono<mmonnamonwomoun Tukwila International Blvd AREA DESCRIPTION — The Tukwila-International Boulevard MB) transit commu- nity, located in the Cities of SeaTac arrd Tukwik 600 6500 seared by light rail 0000 2050 The station is a multimodal site containing a Park, 8,c6de, and served by bu, rapid tran- sit and a number of other transit routes. Current land use is primarily commercial and multifamily along major roadways and single-family residential at tire periphery. The community is bisected by .5R-518 and SR-99 and 0 dominated by zoom-oriented laird uses as well as anon seeing puking facilities, Although significant improvements have been made along major arterials, neighborhood streets have poor pedestrian and bkyde infrastructure that impedes mlitability, The trail sitcornm un ity has a population of 4,155, with 73 percent minority, making it one af the most diverse tramit ammunities in the regicm. The community is a residential and commercial center for Soma immigrants to the region. The majority of the households in the transit community rent units in multifamily build- ings, Nearly one mo fwe households earns below the poverty level, The community contains little subsidized housing. Overall, affordability for households earning less than 501509 AN is average omnpared with the region, with more ample supply of affordable units for househokis earning up 10 004 of MAI, LOCAL PLANNING — 1f) 2006, tfie City of SeaTac adopted the 501.41 154th Street Station Area Action plan and 'n 2007 adopted implementing zoning and area-specific development regulations, The Ian calls for transit supportive development and a more pedestrian-friendly environment, The City of Tukwilr adopted the TIB Urban Renewal Plan in 2000, includio g. guidelines for pedestrian oriented and denser development. Both cities hope to leverage the proximity to the light rail station to encourage TOD, ILANDusg 11111111 11111i ir,i1,111111Hollooloilliolopvill «rut .1 R 1%1V1111111 1 111111111 Ireao. eu.nrmry P01,11, APIdbl, 4;155 4.237 71395 cormrty 45% Anr 3405 P 18 yews 1€456 75000onoun 11% MAO 041.307 94002' t1.1414.1,1., 1735137,1 2939 tro18I0C 249 235 Enr!,111111111111111111 "lir] n 111 ,l!plion:51,111,,y1,1,1j41,1,1,1„1,1,111,111,1,111,1,1,1,111,1,,I,,y,„1,111,1i,IIIIIPIIIIII,11111"11111111'11111,111,11'1,11111111111111 CAAMINIAIYIt .61117.,A 107, dr.14,1V 1.003 3.012 100 2 i.a,,7012,1 031 11a EI01.17,.17. rt,61 211% 17% rll'll illopoI011111"ll Hilililllwilllilllilm ilil 0001259530L0555511510 0015151515(5000 00004 6100015 G05 KT 3 2,332 2,674 ATO OK/. RANKA tO 51114 Pala 9555 23%, H17A00m000141.50 30% 35% R0I0E100 70% 6555 COIS4 BLOM. VA 00 INCOMIn 50% 443r 111721„bicr, 0 0 0 0 0 70 V 11„ „ „ „ ,111S11100000000011„ „ „ ,111 1„111111111,0111111110,1h1,1111,1111111P11111111,111,IN Corrimunities with potential displacement risk ham weak market strength and therelore .face imminent placement iisk; hawrver, The), alzo exhibit nurnerous,ormunity risk factorstbat 0099050 rwerls for community, stab& maim efforts tr amid future displacement risk shou Pi market farces charge. L imited .e.cem tooppai tunity ndit at. 5m,meoi, attaining resources 101 inuohn 0110050,01 , LIN! 111,11: 111.,11111S11 Mater 2013 TRANSrJcttirATION Slap, 1,1■,do, E.5,11,4,1 Rafl Nanne.d wo.091"tanstt t. mmuuH (1.31001CIE/51gL01E50511 f Atg. i00007291002575E9 ----„,„ 0.:01101 Theon comrnunnies have physical forms and activity levels that 1130010011 i9I strongly ,upport walkable and transit-supportivo niaghbohood, They haw a stronger real estate market that sug- gests there n higher pre,sure for nor, development in the 0001 100100 )11, TRAN97715IENTAP1N ENHANCE COMMUNITY EnhanceCommunity transitcomnlunitiet, are neighborhoods or smaller .10%15 Sound in the South and North cotridols, Recent and antic ipated tonsit investments havethe potential to catalyze consi.derablecmmunity development. However, many MU fa� challenges to implementing TOD given amo-oriented envuonments, weak market demand, and limited a ccess to opportunity Key strategies focus In the 50010 term on community devei- opment to expand opportunnty and social activity, and in the long tetra on building a physicafl and soda I fabric that will attract new Mvestment. Nineteen transit communities, 10010 1550 anynthnrnithenmSer Implementation Approaches„ 01001ara300irn40000001050 Community, 1,2% STRAMAS., Station are. planning, locus on long-range vision and transitional uses Long-range capital facilities plan with pased infrastructure and public reolin if.strnern • 10 nmmmnml3 10040 assement and tatueted I nvegments • Affordable housing pmemtion The Grow[ng Transit Communities wog arn la supported Flagrant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Deve1opment's Sustainable Communities Regional Aanning Grant Program. Fel more iform:A.: 0001 psycorg or contact Ben liakkenta at. 200 011 3205nr bbakkentnpsec org Puget Sound Reglonal Council 11111 Alegen twentre, Suite 150 5eattle. Washington 99i.0,4-1530,20646,1-7090..m.206,007-4825,. pire.org 000 2010 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ill...11A ember 13 , 2014, 111 I ' Page 18 C uuuin t.y C uuuin t. ry d YD annuli ui1 u w mi King County's Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs) support Vision 2040's regional growth strategy, address growth management issues in King County, and provide further guidance for coordinating local planning efforts within the county. The CPPs provide a countywide vision and serve as a framework for each jurisdiction, including Tukwila, in developing and updating its own comprehensive plan, which must be consistent with the overall goals for the future of King County. More specifically, the following policies should be considered during the development of the TIB Corridor element: • KCCP recognize that there is little undeveloped land within the urban growth area (UGA.) Housing and employment growth should be concentrated within urban centers and locally designated local centers where existing and future land use capacity, as well as infrastructure capacity, is used efficiently. Development activity must be focused on redevelopment to create vibrant neighborhoods where residents can walk, bicycle or use public transit for most of their needs (DP -4, 11, and 13). Identify local centers, such as city or neighborhood centers, transit station areas, or other activity nodes, where housing, employment, and services are accommodated in a compact and efficient form and at sufficient densities to support transit service (DP -38). • Residents should be within walking distance of commercial areas, fostering a healthy community through physical exercise and a sense of neighborhood (DP -6). Development patterns should promote safe and healthy routes to schools (DP -7). Local transit systems provide convenient connections to the Urban Centers and elsewhere within the Urban Growth Area. • Use urban design and form elements to integrate development into existing built and natural environments in ways that enhance both the urban and natural settings. These elements include high quality design, context sensitive infill and redevelopment, and historic preservation (DP 39 -42). • Housing opportunities should exist for all incomes and lifestyles throughout the county and with the balanced transportation system access to employment is convenient and reliable. Innovation in the development of a diverse range of housing types is fundamental in accommodating population growth. A diversity in housing types will allow residents to stay within their community as their housing needs change (H4 -13). • The needs of residents should be attended to by a social service system that emphasizes prevention but stands ready to respond to direct needs as well. There is a sense of social equity within our communities and all share equitably in the distribution of and access to parks, open space, and vibrant neighborhood centers (PF -17). Public capital facility needs of regional or statewide importance should be equitably dispersed throughout the county (PF -20). • Policies emphasize economic vitality, climate change and sustainability strategies, and integrating health concepts such as access to healthful food and increased physical activity in planning (DP -8, EC -10). • Business development policies promote an economic climate that is supportive of business formation, expansion, and retention, and emphasizes the importance of small businesses in creating jobs (EC -7). Public- private partnerships should be used to implement economic development policies, programs and projects (EC -8). Also important to the TIB Corridor are KCCP related to people. Cultural diversity of the local community should be celebrated (EC -12). Resources should be committed to address disparity in income and employment opportunity for economically disadvantaged populations (EC -13). • A station area plan should be developed for the light rail station and any transit hubs along the TIB Corridor (T -4). Non - driving population needs should be addressed in the development and management of local and regional transportation systems (T -12). TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A I'.)ccombor 10, 0 19. Argo 19 aC PtIIInaIIIPIII'dt'y" P 3l UV'dt' ° ° ° °° C mmunty C,IIIPV :VIII aa'C<'i .IIIP Between January 10, 2014 and February 21, 2014, Global to Local Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and Community Connectors6 representing the Latino, Somali, Eritrean, Burmese and Arabic - Speaking communities conducted a total of 194 surveys of residents from these populations to gather community feedback regarding housing, business, food access and service needs along the Tukwila International Blvd Corridor. The survey was also made available online. On March 6th and March 8th, 2014, the city of Tukwila held Community Conversation open houses to gather community feedback regarding housing, business, food access, and service needs along the Tukwila International Blvd Corridor. The March 6th Conversation was held at Showalter Middle School; the March 8th Conversation was held at the Tukwila Community Center. Common Themes and Variations Across Communities The following section summarizes and compares the results of the surveys collected one on one by the Community Connectors outreach effort and at the open houses called Community Conversations that occurred on March 6th and March 8th 2014. The survey was also available to the community via the City of Tukwila web -site. The tabulated survey responses are in Appendix B. After reviewing the data collected, there were some clear variances amongst different ethnic groups, and between those surveyed and those attending the open houses. The survey consisted of questions related to four categories: housing, neighborhood, businesses and services. For the most part, common themes surfaced. Housing Community Connectors Survey: The majority of the immigrant/refugee population residing within the boundaries of the Tukwila city limits live in apartment buildings with 1/3 of the Latino and Somali communities either renting or owning a house. Most of the populations also indicated being unhappy with their living situation indicated by the responses of over 60% of Somali and Burmese. However, despite complaints regarding their living conditions, over 50% the Latino population indicated being pleased with their current apartment or home. When asked which things they would change if given the opportunity, the top two responses among all populations was lower cost and an increase in number of bedrooms. Three spaces that all survey respondents would use the most, other than the Burmese, were Playground, Exercise Room and Indoor Sport Court, if it were made available either in their apartment complex or home. However, over 78% of the Burmese population indicated a vegetable or garden space as their top choice. 6 The seven Community Connectors are current residents of Tukwila, with some of them residing in the city for over 10 years, and thus possessing first -hand information on where to best conduct outreach with members of their population and ensure a balanced representation of residents including youth, families, seniors as well as apartment residents and homeowners. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I:' }A 1 1'.)cccmbor 10, 0 1 ',r go 20 Open House Participants: The majority of participants interviewed lived within a house, with the next largest group living in apartments. Few residents lived in mobile homes or condos. When asked which things they would change if given the opportunity, the top two responses among the Open House participants was more /better outdoor space and better maintenance of their building. The participants surveyed at the March 6th open house said they would use Barbeque /Picnic Area, Vegetable Gardening Space and Exercise Room /Equipment the most if available either in their apartment complex or home. For the participants of the March 8th open house, the preference is for Common /Party Room, Vegetable Gardening Space, and Exercise Room /Equipment. Neighborhood Community Connectors Survey: Over 85% of both the Somali and Eritrean population indicated close access to their mosque or church as their top reason for living in Tukwila, with closeness to family and people from their country as their second reason. Several of those surveyed also indicated the desire for a traffic light between S 142nd & s 143rd so that families could have safe and secure access to the mosque from one side of International Blvd to the other. The Latino and Burmese populations indicated closeness to school as their top reason, with both groups responding at a rate of over 65 %. a:.11,(r2 riY( Jr r Across all communities, over 60% of the responses indicated that they planned on staying in Tukwila, with the highest mobility predicted for the Eritrean and Arabic - speaking populations. Both of these communities indicated that while they would like to continue living in Tukwila, the high cost of rent and of the living conditions motivate them to seek housing elsewhere. Several respondents indicated the desire for low income housing in Tukwila as well as access to affordable commercial space so that they may start their own businesses at a reduced rate. Open House Participants: The main reason cited by both groups for living in their neighborhood in Tukwila was that they liked their house /apartment. This response was 88% for those on March 6th, which was higher than the 48% cited on March 8th. Cost, proximity to transportation and work were of similar importance for both groups. The March 8th group cited being close to family and people from their own country more often, showing a higher priority for social needs. New Businesses Community Connector Survey: Hands down, the largest request is for a better and larger grocery store in the neighborhood with WINCO and Safeway listed as their top two choices. Over 1/3 of the responses also requested a large box store, like a Costco or a Walmart be located on TIB. A third choice for residents was a family resource center and a gym with a couple of those surveyed recommending cheaper options for resident use of the Tukwila Community Center. Open House Participants: Similar to the group surveyed by the Community Connectors, the largest requests is for a better and larger grocery store in the neighborhood. Access to quality and specialty groceries was also a recurring theme, with many residents expressing a desire for more organic and local produce. Another popular choice was for more cafes and bakeries, especially along TIB. Very few of these open house participants requested a large box store, like a Costco or a Wal -Mart. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP I..)eccmber 10, 20 1 Fpar ge u Problem Businesses Community Connector Survey: While many residents indicated appreciation for the recent closure of some of the motels on TIB, their top choice as problem businesses were the motels, followed by Deja vu /Showgirls, and casinos as a distant third. Other complaints regarding local businesses referred to the parking lots surrounding some of the Somali businesses on TIB, where due to a lack of security and structure, residents experience unsafe driving and gang activity. Complaints about gang activity was also mentioned in regards to the parking lots surrounding the mini marts and convenience stores like 7 -11. Open House Participants: Responses were similar to the Community Connector surveys - an appreciation for the recent closure of some of the motels on TIB, and their top choice as problem businesses were the motels, followed by Deja vu /Showgirls and casinos. Other complaints regarding local businesses referred to the parking lots surrounding some of the Somali businesses on TIB. Complaints were recorded regarding smoke shops /liquor stores and tenants running illegal businesses, such as car rental agencies also selling vehicles. Access to Services Community Connector Survey: Over 60% of those surveyed did indicate satisfaction with access to services in the area. However, their top choices for new services included a Department of Social and Health Services, a Department of Licensing offices, a health clinic and low income housing. Open House Participants: 56% of participants surveyed on March 6th indicated satisfaction with access to services in the area, while only 42% indicated satisfaction with services on March 8th. The top choice for new service in both groups was for a quality health clinic. Food Access Community Connector Survey: Across all populations, over 60% of respondents indicated satisfaction with food access. However, many of those surveyed asked for lower cost options, as well as a Farmers Market and more Ethnic - specific restaurants and markets. Open House Participants: Both groups surveyed were similarly split on whether or not they could find the kinds of food desired near their homes. Many indicated that they had to travel to neighboring cities to find the type or quality of groceries desired. Those surveyed also often desired the creation of a Farmers Market and access to fresh food. toef4,„fifithyrrspirro/iirril \ ,,,.,,,41,) ICIIIIIhnum iNU 71 i.. Current Shopping Locations Community Connector Survey: Over 80% of survey respondents shop at the Saars on S 144th Street, mainly because it's the only choice available to them (we assume because it's within walking distance of their homes). However, many indicated needing to travel to Burien or Renton to do their grocery shopping. Residents living on Macadam Rd indicated their dissatisfaction with the lack of grocery stores in that area. A small number of responses also said that they have stopped using the food bank because on several occasions they have experienced receiving expired food. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP[ DATED. ) I')cccmber 10 20 1 erse 22 u w mi Open House Participants: Most survey participants purchased their food from a big box store, with Costco and Fred Meyer being the most popular. 50% of the March 6th group and 65% of the March 8th group also shop at a large grocery store. A quarter of the March 6th group cited a small store /butcher /produce stand as a resource versus 10% of the March 8th group, while 23% of the March 8th group purchased prepared food from restaurants in comparison to only 6% of the March 6th group. This indicates that the shopping styles were slightly different between the two groups when occurring outside of a grocery store. aC P mIIIPP uuu IIIP III lty IIP )uuu1 Survey 3uusIIIIIIPesses In partnership with the City of Tukwila, Futurewise, OneAmerica, and El Centro de la Raza (El Centro) surveyed, local businesses on or in close proximity to TIB from June 29 to July 18, 2014. The purpose of the survey was to assess the needs and attributes of the businesses, who are such a dominate factor in the character of the TIB neighborhood. The information from the surveys can help provide direction for the TIB District Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The two most discussed issues by respondents revolved around public safety and affordable housing. A survey summary and detailed responses are included as Appendix C to this report. Survey result highlights are summarized below. Languages spoken The average business provides staff that speaks over 3 different languages. The franchised business such as Arco -AMPM and Bartell Drugs, have staff that together speak 7 languages including English, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Punjabi, Arabic, Japanese, Turkish, and Ethiopian. Ownership and age of business Of the 55 businesses surveyed, 33 reported that the business is locally- owned, 12 are franchised, and 3 are corporate- owned. The average business has also been operating for over 16 years. Reason for locating business on TIB The reason for establishing their business within Tukwila is predominately related to their clientele, location, and affordability. 33% of respondents cited affordability and availability and 21% cited proximity to the airport and density of traffic. Where customers live Most customers for TIB businesses live in Tukwila and neighboring communities. Specifically 72% of respondents reported their customers live in Tukwila /SeaTac. Given the proximity to the airport and a centralized location; however, businesses also serve customers throughout the broader region. How customers get to TIB businesses Respondents mentioned a variety of modes of travel for their primary customers (note: survey respondents could note more than one mode): o Driving - 55 o Walking - 23 o Transit - 21 o Biking - 16 o Taxis - 2 Businesses that expressed higher walking traffic also mentioned the apartment buildings close to their businesses. Many expressed a positive relationship between more housing and an increased customer base. Plans and Attitudes about Future Most businesses plan to continue operating in Tukwila in the upcoming years; 43 (81% of respondents) businesses plan to continue operating, 5 (10 %) businesses have expressed the potential desire to relocate, and 4 (9 %) are unsure. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED. I'.)cccmber 10, 20 1 Purge 23 Generally, most businesses are optimistic about the changes that have occurred in the community over the years, specifically with the shutdown of the motels and plans to construct a mixed -use building and a library on the vacant lots of TIB. 32 (58 %) businesses responded with optimism regarding future planning of Tukwila, while 8 (15 %) businesses responded that they were pessimistic, and 15 (27 %) were unsure. Concerns and Other Issues Slow pace of development. The greatest concern, even for optimistic business owners and managers, is that development has been slow to happen along TIB. Many survey respondents commented about the City's plans to construct a mixed -use development on the corner of TIB and S. 144th St. Many imagine this as being a "fresh start" for their business and the area, but expressed frustration at the fact that the lot has been vacant for over five years. This feeling mirrored the sentiments expressed by a few that plans for development along TIB are promising, but are moving slower than they would like. Similarly, some mentioned that the motels shut down last year have not been torn down. This, they said, gives an unsettling look to the surrounding area that may deter customers coming from out of town or from the airport. City regulations. Several business owners (14) felt that the City's regulations were restrictive to the success of their business. While several owners and managers mentioned that the city had generally been cooperative and supportive during their time on TIB, others have had problems with illegal signs and don't understand the City's sign regulations. Some business owners (particularly food truck operators) have felt that they face obstacles severe enough that they have stopped offering certain services or believe that the City does not want them there and thus they are planning to sell and move away. Some food market owners are confused about health regulations and inspections, which is not under the City's control. Small business owners and managers are also concerned with potentially rising rents as redevelopment happens, and the possibilities of more business relocations, vacant storefronts, or a less active commercial district. Diversity. Many survey respondents mentioned the diversity in the area as an asset, with tight -knit communities along TIB providing loyal customer bases. Others, though, saw their primary business competition embodied by another cultural community, rather than by specific businesses. This perception could lead to a situation where, although the area is diverse, cultural communities tend to live separately and shop at different stores. Safety. A strong majority of businesses surveyed mentioned that the neighborhood had become safer since the motels were closed in 2013. This issue was mentioned frequently when discussing perceptions of the future of the neighborhood. Many owners felt optimistic, in this sense, but also expressed concerns about the continued loitering and petty crime outside of their businesses. Others said that while the police have cracked down on petty crime, they sometimes are slow in responding to larger issues that concern business owners, such as cars stolen off of lots and identity theft. Overall, the sentiment in the community is that while progress has certainly been made, there is more work to be done regarding safety. Of the business respondents that mentioned police patrol, the majority stated that they would like to see more patrol in the community. However, a few respondents mentioned that they appreciated that the police patrolled so often. Another facet of public safety that was mentioned was loitering and delinquents. Many people commented that the reason for the loitering problem is that there are few parks or recreational facilities to occupy youth. The respondents are anticipating the development of the new library and mixed use senior citizen building, but several mentioned that it has been years since any development has occurred. Many people acknowledged the City's efforts that resulted in the closure of the motels, but believe that redevelopment must happen to beautify the area. The abandoned motels are viewed as an eyesore to the community. Interestingly, not everyone agreed with the shutdown of these motels. A few business owners said that they have seen a drop of clientele since the closing of motels and thus it had been bad for their businesses. Those who remain optimistic say that they look forward to the senior citizen development (Tukwila Village) bringing new clients to the community. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP December 10 20 1 Iparse 2 u Affordable housing. There were a variety of views on affordable housing. Some business owners and managers were more likely to be pessimistic about the changes in Tukwila, and while they often acknowledged that the landscape and streets are cleaner, they think the City has done little to address the issue of homelessness. Several business owners associated the existence of affordable housing in Tukwila with an increased crime rate and the increasing number of loiterers around their businesses. One business owner expressed strong opposition to affordable housing, claiming that it creates bad change in the community, however he also noted that his clientele base has never been from Tukwila and that he still anticipates operating his business in Tukwila until he leaves. Those businesses that were optimistic about the community seemed most likely to support an increase in affordable and senior housing, stating that it will bring more business and activity to their stores. Many businesses reported a drop in business activity and related the change to complaints from customers about rising rents for housing. Some businesses commented about the opportunity for more affordable housing, as well as the opportunity for more commercial retail, would help stabilize the neighborhood, especially as it grows and changes. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED. I..)eccmber 10, 20 1 Purge 25 ... x V s , C e III c ioInsIllvt an Uwuu The existing vision for the TIB Corridor is taken from the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan, Goal 8.2 - Pacific Highway Corridor Goal: A Pacific Highway corridor that is an attractive, safe, and profitable place to live, do business, shop, and work, and is a positive reflection of the City as a whole and of the surrounding residential and business community. Images from the adopted TIB Design Manual and the Comprehensive Plan however show a lower density than Tukwila Village, which is a public private partnership being developed at S. 144th Street and TIB. Development Vision - Comprehensive Plan Development Vision - TIB Design Manual The existing TIB Design Manual addresses the community's expectations for a mixed use commercial and light industrial area that functions for, supports and provides useful amenities for pedestrians, while at the same time supporting motorists. Safety is a clear objective as well as improved site design and design quality and greater consistency between sites. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IJI'I:)A ) Iicccmbor 10, 0 1 " "urge • uwuu 1 ACNs Development Vision - Comprehensive Plan ;, momended Vs Iii iiii The Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC) has spent considerable time crafting an updated vision for TIB. TIBAC would like to see the corridor transition from a state highway and transportation corridor into a "main street" style road serving as the central spine of a neighborhood. Rather than having a goal of moving traffic through the area, the Boulevard should become the link that connects the residents and businesses to foster a healthy, sustainable, and desirable neighborhood. TIBAC looked at TIB from S. 160th St on the south to S. Norfolk St on the north. They divided TIB into five segments' based upon existing or future differences in characteristics along the length of the corridor, and set forth the following general policies: • TIB should be clean and attractive. • There should be a vibrant mix of businesses and residential uses, but the actual mix will vary between segments. • The level of pedestrian amenities should vary between segments, with more amenities in the southern areas (from S 160th St to S 146th St). • Walking along the Boulevard should feel safe with more sidewalks along its entire length. Pedestrians should feel safe crossing the Boulevard with signalized crossings where necessary, especially in the heart of the District (from SR 518 to S 1401 St) around the S. 144th Street TIB Intersection. ' TIBAC identified a sixth segment that is outside the boundaries of this report's study area. The segment runs from SR 599 on the south end to S. Norfolk St. on the north and is part of the City's Manufacturing Industrial Center. TIBAC supports the continued use of this area for business, including heavy & light manufacturing, warehouses, office, services, hotels, and other commercial uses. They also support non - motorized and transit improvements when they do not hinder business operations. TIBAC supports a light rail station in this area, and should it be constructed, wants to see this area in the vicinity of the station evolve into a mixed use residential neighborhood. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IJI'I:)A ) I..)eccmbor 10 2J11 "a t Backgrou w °° ep lei ,t Examples of TIBAC's Vision for TIB Segment 1 CAW.'sY;.f I if lot Examples of TIBAC's Vision for TIB Segments 2 &3 Table 2 provides more detail on TIBAC's envisioned streetscape and land use for each segment. A summary of TIBAC's vision, existing conditions /zoning, and preliminary issues to consider for each segment is provided below. Segment 1: S. 160th to SR 518. Transit oriented development (TOD) consisting of a mixed use neighborhood with a combination of retail, offices, eateries, and residential buildings. • This area is currently zoned Regional Commercial (RC) and within '/ mile of the light rail station. There is a very large airport parking facility on the west side of TIB in SeaTac. The current use on the east side of TIB, south of SR 518 is a park and fly and a car rental lot - a significant revenue generators for the City. What would need to be done to make the walk from this area to the light rail station more attractive and safe for pedestrians? Segment 2: SR 518 to S 146th St._Mixed use transit oriented development (TOD) that is pedestrian friendly and walkable with a neighborhood feel, almost like an old -style main street, but development on TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'l;)A,I. the east side of the Boulevard must develop in a way that is sensitive to the adjacent single family neighborhoods. Table 2. TIBAC's Vision — Segment Summary Segment Streetscape Overall Use examples Height Building form 1. S. 160th to SR 518 No on- street parking; Reduced speeds; Additional traffic signals; Awnings providing weather protection; benches; street trees; planters; display windows Commercial and residential with a neighborhood feel Residential including apartments & townhomes in the eastern portion of the block and above street level on the Boulevard; In addition to retail Hotels, Motels; Office, Drive - thrus, Indoor park n fly, Nightclubs, Indoor & small scale manufacturing / warehousing /storage; small retailers; commercial parking in structures; No limit but transition to adjacent residential Bldgs. should: face the street, up to back of sidewalk; parking should be hidden and structured parking encouraged; Wide buildings broken into smaller segments 2. SR 518 to ch S. 146 On- street parking; Reduced speeds; signals at all intersections; Awnings; benches; street trees; planters; display windows Residential including townhomes; In addition to retail - hotels, motels; offices, Drive- thrus, In -door park n fly, nightclubs; indoor auto repair; Indoor & small scale8 manufacturing/ warehousing /storage; structured commercial parking Street level must be commercial Bldgs. should: face the street; up to back of sidewalk; no parking b/w sidewalk and bldg.; structured pkg. encouraged; Wide bldgs. broken into smaller segments 3. ch S. 146 to S. 140th Residential neighborhood with compatible commercial and a neighborhood feel — encourage small scale retail and office and large scale office Residential including townhomes; Hotels, Motels Office, Drive - thrus, In -door park n fly only in structures; Nightclubs Indoor & small scale9 manufacturing/ warehousing Bldgs. should: face the street, up to back of sidewalk, Wide bldgs. broken into smaller segments; hide parking in structures; Commercial or residential at ground /street level 4. S. 140th to No change; pedestrian crossings where Mix of commercial, low impact industrial and Residential including townhomes; Hotels, Motels Office, Drive - thrus, In -door Bldgs. should hide parking with landscaping or behind bldgs. or 8 Small scale < 20,000 sq. ft., no noise or odors, and no large truck deliveries 9 Small scale < 20,000 sq. ft. and no large truck deliveries TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED" I')cccmber 10 2014 S. 130`" needed; residential park n fly, Nightclubs Indoor & small scale 10manufacturing/ warehousing in structures; surface pkg. lots okay; street level residential okay 5. S. 130th to No change; current speeds may not be safe Commercial strip, convenient to Manufacturing, warehouse, storage, office, retail, commercial parking, indoor Should hide parking from TIB; surface pkg. lots for crossing drivers auto repair, restaurants okay SR 599 pedestrians. Complete sidewalks with drive - thrus, taverns, multifamily, including townhouses that are compatible with commercial industrial • The area from SR 518 to S 148th St is currently zoned RC, and within'/ mile walking distance of the light rail station. Currently, zoning north of S 148th is a mix of High Density Residential (HDR) and Neighborhood Commercial Center (NCC) zoning. TIBAC's vision calls for ground level commercial uses along this stretch of roadway, but ground level retail is often difficult to lease. • How can a "node" concept around the light rail station be supported? • Should drive - through uses be permitted in a "node "? Is there sufficient amount of right -of way to allow for on- street parking? Should it be required or optional, as redevelopment takes place? Incentives? • A common theme across all segments is unlimited heights, allowing the market to determine appropriate heights, and ensuring that height is stepped down to limit impacts on adjacent residential areas. Given the shallow depth of the commercial lots on TIB, are unlimited heights appropriate all along this stretch of the corridor? Segment 3: S 146th St to S. 140th St. Mixed use transit oriented development (TOD) that is a walkable neighborhood with a variety of housing types, retail, offices, and commercial uses that contribute to a neighborhood feel, almost like an old -style neighborhood. • This area is currently zoned NCC, and includes the Urban Renewal District and the Tukwila Village project. The intersection of S 144th and TIB is about .7 miles walking distance from the light rail station, requiring most riders to take another mode of travel to the station. Are smaller -scale manufacturing and industrial uses appropriate in this potential TIB "node" and do they contribute to walkability? Are unlimited heights appropriate and do they fit with an "old style neighborhood" feel? • Similar to Segment 2, is there sufficient amount of right of way to allow for on- street parking? Segment 4: S. 140th St. to S. 130th St. A compatible mix of businesses and residential development since the topography limits the amount of developable property that accesses the Boulevard, and most of the single family homes are grade- separated from the Boulevard. • This area along the corridor is currently a mix of High, Medium and Low Density Residential (HDR, MDR & LDR), NCC, MUO, and RC zoning. Should the commercial zones be replaced with one type of zoning allowing a wide mix of uses, including retail, office, services, warehousing and industrial, but with tighter requirements regarding building form and placement, and performance standards governing off -site impacts? 10 Small scale < 20,000 sq. ft. no noise or odors, and no large truck deliveries TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED" I..)eccmber 10, 2014 Purge 3 Segment 5: S. 130th St. to SR 599. A focus of this area on commercial and industrial although residential uses should be allowed as long as compatible with commercial and industrial. • This area is currently zoned MDR and LDR, with Manufacturing Industrial Center /High and Low (MIC /H, MIC /L), and Commercial Light Industrial (CLI) districts on the north end close to SR 599. There is also a small amount of NCC zoned property at the intersection of S 130th and TIB. What type of multifamily housing should be permitted in this area, and where? Will the surrounding commercial and industrial uses require specific design guidelines or performance standards so that it is compatible with residential development? TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED. December 10, 2.01 Par 31 v Jt 1 c 1 1 The TIB District has been governed by the City since 1990, and under a consistent Tukwila policy and regulatory framework since 1995. There have been some adjustments to strengthen tools used to achieve the overall goals for the area. For example, the urban renewal overlay district was created to allow adjustments to height and parking requirements. The following are factors influencing the attainment of the Community's Vision for the TIB district: ...aIIIPd Use • The irregular pattern and small size of existing land parcels & ownership • Higher land values with a stock of older buildings, deteriorated properties, including low valued and aged mobile home parks, motels and apartments (both + / -) • The effectiveness of current zoning regulations in achieving the vision, particularly those addressing the commercial and mixed use districts • City owned properties — motels and vacant land • Urban Renewal District • Parking, building height, street grid, and block size, and their relationship to the built form stalk. VaIlr • Current market conditions, including the total number of households and their low disposable income in the immediate area • The higher cost of redevelopability versus the lower cost of greenfield development • Perceptions of TIB as a high crime, suburban commercial strip, formerly Pacific Highway, State Route 99 • Proximity to airport, light rail, BRT, major interregional freeways • Proximity to major retail, industrial, and transportation concentrations that are associated with large amounts of employment and economic development, as well as competition for the area businesses • Image that the area's improvements are for an auto - oriented commercial area, with a roadway serving regional as well as neighborhood traffic IIII;; uIIrct a • Subsidized housing • Community advocates - Small but active business and resident group — Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC) • Resources and commitments by a modest sized city with substantial economic assets • Criminal /nuisance issues that need to be addressed with public resources • The TIB District and other annexed areas were historically not the focus of King County programs for urban residential and commercial infrastructure and amenities • Street improvements These factors are further discussed in the following sections. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP[DATEIT December 10, 0 1 "urge 32 ...aIIIPd Use Ownership Patterns & Land Value Ownership Patterns A significant real estate and redevelopment issue for the TIB corridor is the parcelization of property into a mixture of small and larger lots. Land in the study area was platted prior to public acquisition of land for the highway in the 1920's. The lots were part of the surrounding residential subdivisions when the State acquired the 100 foot right of way. Consequently, the lot pattern within the study area, especially the lots fronting TIB, is irregular. Some lots are shallow but wide fronting the highway, some are triangular or otherwise small left overs, and some have been reconfigured through acquisition of deep and narrow lots in order to face the highway. The highway right of way, which runs at an angle through the study area, further complicated the lot configurations. Modern real estate, particularly retail and office development, tends to require large and deep lots so that not only larger buildings can occur, but community requirements for setbacks, parking and landscaping can be accommodated. Figure 4 depicts land ownership along the TIB corridor. Currently, there are approximately 338 parcels and 239 different property owners within the study area. The majority of parcels located adjacent to TIB are individually owned, not under common ownership. As seen on Figure 4, parcels without color indicate individual ownership; colored parcels indicate that an owner owns more than one parcel, but it may not be contiguous. The lots that have been aggregated by property owners have tended to develop more readily with development that meets community standards for landscaping and parking, than have the smaller lots. Examples where more recent parcel aggregation has occurred to accommodate new projects are the International Gateway development at the north end of the study area, and the site of Bartell's /Jack in the Box at the intersection of TIB and S. 144th Street. 0000 t muloy 111111 gets . 001011000000000100001g )I 00011 11�11� 1I�dhie°° 0000 II +11100 L The City of Tukwila is another significant land owner on TIB (see parcels colored brown on Figure 4). In 2009 the City aggregated 21 parcels (6 acres) on the northeast and southeast corners of TIB and S. 144th St and established an Urban Renewal Overlay District to encourage the redevelopment of distressed property, assist the community in achieving its vision for a mixed use center and strengthen the commercial district. This is the location of the Tukwila Village project, which will include a branch of the King County Library, the City's neighborhood police resource center, and a plaza /park in combination with other retail, office, live /work, and residential space. The City also owns a vacant parcel of land on TIB between S. 150th and S. 148th Streets and recently purchased two contiguous motel properties adjacent to TIB between S. 146th and S. 144th Streets, as well as a third motel just off of TIB on S. 146th St. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED. Iicccmbor 10, 0 1 " ar9e 33 14 111111110001000011:111,110101,1,11110101 LII:V,11111,111,1101,1111111111 1,111100111111,11111111111111.1111,01.111111 Figure 4. Ownership in Commercial & Multifamily Zoning Districts 81281h P1 1 1, 5128th St - 1.1 130th St 133rd St 5 133rd St S 137th St 11,,,yffir th S150115 Land Use Ownership:* Commercial & Multifamily Zoned Properties *Parcels with color indicate multiple parcels owned by one person /entity (711'!"1 '1111111111111 11 trOr* 81601i S 0 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ()I 'HAI I I) 11,,,,cinhei )01,1 Pago 34 0y )17"71.7"'"' 0- • I._ miipm Y. m� Tukwila Village Project Comparison of Improvements to Land Value Ratio (1995 to 2014) and Redevelopment Potential The improvements to land value ratio indicates the value of investment in property. Typically in high value urban areas there is significant investment not only in property but also in the investment in improvements to the property. High investment relative to the assessed price of land results in a higher number on the index, whereas low investment results in a low number indicating that not a lot of investment has been made on a lot. The colored Figures 5 and 6 allow the reader to compare the ratio of improvements to land values in 1995 to 2013, respectively. On both maps, the lighter colors indicate low investment and the darker colors indicate high investment. Where the improvements to land value ratio has changed, in most cases the ratio has declined, implying that the value of improvements has dropped below the value of the land. The most significant decrease in improvement value is seen in the properties at the intersections of TIB and S 144th St (where the City demolished structures in preparation for Tukwila Village) and TIB and S. 150th St, the parcels east of TIB between S. 144th St and S. 146th St, along S. 154th St east of TIB; and south of SR 518 where the property has transitioned from the Lewis & Clark Theater to an airport - serving car rental lot. The ratio of improvement to land value can also be used as a relatively quick method for assessing redevelopment potential. There is no consensus in either planning practice or real estate development about a simple measure that defines redevelopment: ratios of improvement value to land value used for the purpose are usually between 0.5 and 1.5. Looking at Figure 6 and the parcels with ratios ranging from 0.5 to 1.0, it appears that there are parcels with a high redevelopment potential located along TIB which could support the development of nodes along the corridor. However, some of these parcels with commercial zoning along TIB are only 1 or 2 parcels deep, and many of these parcels are shallow in depth and small in size, making redevelopment into a more intensive use difficult without lot consolidation. One key limitation to this approach for assessing redevelopability is that not all or even a majority of parcels that meet this criterion for redevelopment potential may actually redevelop during a defined planning period. However, it should be noted that any of the parcels could be redeveloped, given strong market forces. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED. Iicccmbor 10" 0 1 Per ge 35 14 Figure 5 Ratio of Improvements to Land Value — 1995 2 1 I SR 599 100 1111111 111111 00 0 0100000 S 140 ST 5 LEGEND Ireurovernentsfratin to land value 0•.5 .6-to II 1.1-2.0 2.1-5.0 • 5.1-10 • 10,1+ S 152 ST 011. 4 ."" 2 1110,111, 1;:l!'lloP;;;;;!1,11E',' 44 ST ST 148 ST ST S 152 ST 4 ST Hilpnwery RetZSdOfl Plan Flgure 88 Land Vale MSP 12a7 CIT-7 8 ST a 1151605T TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED: Depenter 10, 2D14 14 Figure 6 Ratio of Improvements to Land Value - 2014 '10001,, '11'1'1'1'1'1'1'1'1'1'1'1'1 '11111111110 111 1 111,01 0 1 01100111111" 11101111111111111111010 11011111111h 010101011111 001:1111,1:::Hohii, 1111111; 1..,11111 11111111111 11111111111111111111111111'11."1111, 'PH111111111 111111111 11111111 1111111 11111'10'' 010o 1011 1111111111 ,n11111 tlig,1111111111111V111 1111111 Improvements/ratio to land value 0 — .5 .6 — 1.0 1.1 — 2.0 2.1 — 5.0 5.1 — 10 10.1+ TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1111/1111, hrunnhei 10 2011 111 „....i1000011010000000 11 '11.4.1.1.1.1111111i11111111.i1.111.1111.111.111.111.111.i''.111''.111.111'.111'.111.111.111.111'1.111.111,111,111,111,111111i1 .11111 111;11111r r000000101000 0001 '1111111111111.11111111101110IIIII 111.1.111"1',c'i1.,',,o101111111111111111111111111111111 IIII611111111111111111111110IIIIi!r■ ......„,. ll1f111111111111111111111111111111111101, 11111111 100 Olt. MI it, 0 01dt 4000 00, .111 000400000,000000000•J 00,10.000000000000000000000000000000 11111610000000001 160th 1,ago 3! Current Zoning Current zoning districts in the study area include three zones devoted primarily to housing: Low Density Residential (LDR), Medium Density Residential (MDR), High Density Residential (HDR); three mixed commercial and residential use zones: Neighborhood Commercial Center (NCC), Mixed Use Office (MUO), and Regional Commercial (RC); and a zone for commercial, office and light industrial uses: Commercial /Light Industrial (C /LI), Manufacturing Industrial Center /Light (MIC /L) and Manufacturing Industrial Center /Heavy (MIC /H). The most prevalent zoning district in the TIB planning area is LDR which comprises almost 50 percent of the total land area. When combining LDR with MDR and HDR, all residential land comprises 70% of the total area. These zones are generally east and west of TIB with a buffer of commercially zoned parcels fronting TIB. The two most prominent zones fronting TIB are Neighborhood Commercial Center (NCC) and Regional Center (RC).The locations of all the zoning districts within the study area are depicted in Figure 7, and the percent of the total study area by zoning designation is shown in Figure 8. The following summarizes the development regulations for each zoning district in the TIB study area:11 Low Density Residential (LDR) — This zone allows for single family development with one home per lot at a maximum density of 6.7 dwelling units per acre. The zone is characterized primarily by single family households intermingled with legacy small scale commercial and community buildings with several two unit and four unit multi - family developments. Only one single family home may be built on a lot and the minimum permitted lot size is 6,500 square feet; however, there are existing nonconforming homes on lots small than this. There are LDR zoned parcels located in the Urban Renewal Overlay (URO) that may be developed to a greater density under certain conditions. For land not in the URO, future development in the LDR district will most likely be one single family home per parcel. Medium Density Residential (MDR) - This zone provides for the development of multi - family and group residential uses with open spaces at a maximum of 14.5 dwelling units per acre. Single Family developments are permitted within the zone and multifamily is permitted, but in duplex, triplex, fourplex units, or townhouses up to four attached units. The zone is otherwise similar to the LDR zone in terms of allowed uses with retail, commercial and industrial uses generally not permitted. Developments in this zone are subject to a maximum height of 30 feet as well as a maximum total footprint of 50% of the lot (75% for townhomes). The minimum permitted lot size is 8,000 square feet for single family lots and parent parcels for townhouse projects. For multifamily duplex /triplex /fourplex units and townhome projects there is a density limit of one unit per 3,000 square feet. The parking requirement for townhome projects is 1 parking stall per unit and for multifamily it is 2 parking stalls per unit for units that have no more than 3 bedrooms. There is also a recreation space requirement of 400 square feet per unit that needs to be set aside on the property. For land not in the URO, future development in the MDR district will most likely be predominantly townhomes as the code is currently constructed. There are MDR zoned parcels located in the Urban Renewal Overlay (URO) that may be developed to a greater density under certain conditions. High Density Residential (HDR) - This zone provides for the development of multi - family and group residential uses at a maximum of 22 dwelling units per acre, or 60 units per acre for senior citizen housing developments,. This zone is otherwise similar to the MDR zone in terms of allowed uses with retail, commercial and industrial uses generally not permitted. There is also a recreation space requirement of 11 Taken from Draft Memo from Heartland LLC to Lynn Miranda, City of Tukwila LCLIP Analysis — Task 2 Memorandum, dated October 1, 2014. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED. I..)eccmber 10, 20 1 Purge 38 Figure 7 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Designations Tukwila International Blvd Zoning & Urban Renewal Area ti �1� TUB Urban Renewal Overlay (District Commercial Redevelopment Areas Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential Hugh Density Residential HEN_ Neighborhood Commercial Center Regional Cern mere al 1 CIL Manufacturing Industrial Center/Light Indw 'H Man. .tu Hidustrial C ; 0e Heavy lna "rr al TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN .. .0,2014 Figure 8 Percent of Total Study Area by Zoning Designation Commercial /Light Industrial (CLI) 4% Industrial Center /Low. (MIC /L) 1% Neighborhood Commercial Center 7% Medium Density (MDR) 9% Mixed Use Office (MUO) Manufacturing Office (0) r1% Industrial Center /High 2 %, 1 (MIC /H) 1 1% i I IA Regional Commercial. (RC) 14% High Density Residential (HDR) 14% Low Density Residential (LDR) 47% 400 square feet per unit that needs to be set aside on the property for multifamily projects and 100 square feet per unit for senior housing projects. Developments in this zone are subject to a maximum height of 45 feet as well as a maximum total footprint of 50% of the lot, although this total changes to 75% for townhomes and is not applicable for senior housing developments. The minimum permitted lot size is 9,600 square feet for townhome projects. The lot area per unit allowed for multifamily and townhome projects is 2,000 square feet per dwelling unit. The parking requirement for townhome and multifamily projects are same as noted above in the MDR section. For senior housing projects with 15 units or less the ratio is one space per unit; for projects with 16 or more senior units, the minimum is 15 stalls plus 0.5 stalls per unit thereafter. There are HDR zoned parcels located in the Urban Renewal Overlay (URO) that may be developed to a greater density under certain conditions. For land not in the URO, the future use of parcels in the HDR district will most likely be predominantly townhomes or mulit- plexes as the code is currently constructed. Neighborhood Commercial Center (NCC) - Parcels in the NCC zone are generally concentrated around South 144th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard. Additionally, there are small pockets of NCC zoned land scattered in the northern portion of the TIB. This zone is intended to provide for pedestrian friendly areas characterized and scaled to serve multiple residential areas, with a diverse mix of uses. Uses include residential uses at the second story or above when mixed with commercial uses. NCC TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPI:A R I..)eccmber 10, 20 1. are 40 u zoned parcels can be developed to heights of 35 feet or 45 feet if residential is provided. Allowed multifamily densities are not noted in the code and it is assumed to be dictated by the floor plate of the ground level use. Senior housing density may be up to 60 dwelling units per acre. Residential parking ratios are the same as those in the residential zones noted above and commercial ratios are 2.5 stalls per 1,000 usable feet of retail, 3.3 per 1,000 for food markets, and 3.0 stalls per 1,000 usable feet of office. Based on the current zoning the future use of parcels in the NCC district will most likely be commercial (retail or office). Given the parking requirements, required recreation space, and required ground level commercial, mixed use projects are physically not - feasible. Residential Commercial (RC) - Parcels in the RCC zone are generally concentrated in the southern end of the TIB up to South 146th Street. There is a small concentration of seven parcels around South 140th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard that are also zoned RC. This zone is characterized by commercial services, offices, lodging, entertainment and retail activities with associated warehousing and accessory light industrial uses. The zone allows for residential uses at the densities as those zoned in the HDR district, but only on parcels that do not front Tukwila International Boulevard. New developments can be built to heights of up to 35 feet. Residential and commercial parking ratios are the same as those noted above. Based on the current zoning future use of parcels in the RC district will most likely be commercial (retail or office). Given the parking requirements, required recreation space, and required ground level commercial, mixed use projects are physically not - feasible. Mixed -Use Office (MUO) - This zone is bifurcated by Tukwila International Boulevard and is relatively small compared to the other zones in the TIB. The MUO zone has only 13 parcels totaling just over seven acres. It is intended to support professional and commercial office structures, mixed with complementary retail and residential uses. The zone provides for the development of multi - family with open spaces at a maximum of 14.5 dwelling units per acre, or 60 units per acre for senior citizen housing developments. While development in the MUO zone may reach 45 feet, single purpose office development may only be built up to two stories. Multifamily may not be developed by itself and must be incorporated into a project that is at least one level of office or retail. Development standards do not provide a maximum lot coverage percentage. Residential and commercial parking ratios are the same as those noted above. Future use of parcels in the MUO district will most likely be commercial (retail or office) or senior housing as the code is currently constructed. Given the parking requirements, required recreation space, and required ground level commercial mixed use projects are physically not - feasible. Commercial Light Industrial (CLI) - Parcels in the CLI zone are located at the northern most end of the TIB. Of the three parcels that are zoned CLI, one parcel is nearly 12 acres and is improved with the International Gateway West office development. The remaining two parcels contain older structures being used for auto related business and a multi - family project, which totals nearly 7.9 acres. This zone is intended to provide for areas characterized by a mix of commercial, office, or light industrial uses. Permitted uses include adult entertainment, with certain restrictions, automotive services, hotels and lodging, structured commercial parking, storage, banking, data centers, and low impact industrial and manufacturing facilities. Developments can be built to heights of up to 45 feet. Residential and commercial parking ratios are the same as those noted above. Parking requirements are the same as those noted in the NCC zone while warehousing uses require 0.5 stalls per 1,000 square feet of usable area and manufacturing requires 1.0 stall per 1,000 square feet of usable area. Future use of parcels in the CLI district will most likely be office, similar to the International Gateway West. Office (0) - There are only four parcels in the TIB that are zoned 0, totaling 2.6 acres. All of these appear to be unlikely to redevelop given the level of improvements and the medical office use of these buildings relative to the adjacent Highline Medical Center. Because of the improbability of development and the condition of these properties, this zoning district is not assessed. Urban Renewal Overlay (URO) District - The Urban Renewal Overlay District encompasses a portion of the TIB and establishes additional development regulations for the area bounded by South 140th Street to the north down to South 146th Street along with roughly one block to the east and west of the boulevard. The overlay was created to promote community redevelopment and revitalization by encouraging investment that supports well- designed, compact, transit - oriented and pedestrian - friendly residential and TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED" I..)eccmber 10, 2014 IEagc 41 min business developments to activate the surrounding community. The zoning districts within this overlay are LDR, MDR, HDR and NCC. This overlay establishes standards for a cohesive subarea of residential developments with ground floor retail and neighborhood commercial uses. The overlay allows for larger multi - family developments than would be otherwise permitted as well as building heights of up to 65 ft. The overlay requires that 75% of parking be supplied in enclosed structures at a rate of one parking space per dwelling unit that contains up to one bedroom, plus 0.5 spaces for every bedroom in excess of one bedroom in a dwelling unit. Additionally the overlay allows for ground floor live -work units, and establishes a requirement that alternative ground floor uses be of a manner that will activate the space, such as: retail, restaurants, office, or other similar uses that encourage pedestrian activity. Ground floor uses must also provide amenities that add to or create a high - quality pedestrian environment such as benches, art, landscaping, lighting, and street furniture. Other than the stated provisions of this overlay, developments within each zone are subject to the individual zone regulations as stated in previous sections. Mixed Use Nodes The TIB corridor (from S 160th Street to S. 116th Street) is over three miles in length, which is about a one hour brisk walk one way. The 1995 regulations were intended to create distinctive nodes of development along the corridor in order to provide variety and to recognize the different character along the length of the TIB - different parts should have different emphasis. Intensive uses and activities were to be concentrated into small, walkable areas served by public transit. Along this corridor, nodes of development with a different mix of uses, heights, or character from the rest of the corridor should occur, like "a string of beads ". Current City policies use three different zoning districts, Neighborhood Commercial Center (NCC), Regional Center (RC), and Mixed Use Office (MUO), as a basis for differentiating character, use, and height along the corridor. A comparison of permitted, conditional, and accessory uses in each of these zoning districts is included in Appendix A to help identify the differences between them. There are currently no incentives in place in the TIB District that allow for additional density, except for those parcels located in the Urban Renewal Overlay. A question to consider is how effective are these zoning regulations in helping the City achieve the community vision? TIBAC feels the NCC and RC zones along TIB are too limiting for these areas, and that they should have their own zone. They also recommend that a new set of design guidelines be developed for NCC zones. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP[DATED. Iicccmbor 10, 0 1 " a90 The following factors will affect the development of nodes along the corridor: Station Area Planning. Regional and local growth management goals and policies call for developing transit - supportive uses and densities within walking distance of high capacity transit. Consequently, the City should develop a station area plan and regulations that allow transit oriented development (TOD) for the area surrounding the LINK light rail station. This TOD area could become one of the "beads" on the TIB corridor. The City of SeaTac is also preparing a station area plan for the northwest corner of the S. 154th St and TIB intersection, diagonally across the street from the station. Both c ties should coordinate their planning efforts to maximize TOD opportunities. Also, the Unclassified Use Permit for the Station, issued by Tukwila, requires Sound Transit to provide a minimum number of parking stalls for LINK patrons. If the required parking were provided in a structure rather than surface parking, it would improve the ability to develop TOD at the station location because more of the lot would be available for redevelopment and parking for a more intensive use could be better accommodated in a parking structure. u 1 °�gCB8ti1V1Vllllllu� 111111111111111 11\ 1 11111111I111111111 j !II l 1 l'' 1 ) ,\),1„,,,,,,,,,,,10,10 lw%offimilloili, 111 r00000000000000,0 Dooloyo . uriatitio girgttf 11111 11111111111111111111111111111,„Ijjo 1111,111,111p11„, ' w l,a yiuiul rMf, viotsPOtte 1IIIIIIIIII The City also needs to consider what types of uses (e.g., affordable housing, office) should be located in the station TOD. Will the City allow dense housing, office and /or commercial uses to develop next to the station in lieu of free parking? The parking in Tukwila is serving the parking needs of retail /commercial uses in other cities along the Link's route. Parcel size. Currently, the commercial zoning along TIB in some locations goes only 1 or 2 parcels deep, and many of these parcels are shallow in depth and small, less than 7,500 square feet. Parcel aggregation and rezoning will be necessary to redevelop these locations with the types of uses or nodes of development envisioned on TIB. Should these commercially zoned areas be expanded? Parking. Current code provides for a height and increased housing unit density incentive if 75% of residential parking is provided in a screened structure in the Urban Renewal District along with a Transportation Management Plan (TMP) and a requirement for a car sharing program. Should these incentives be expanded to all future mixed use nodes along the corridor? Ground -level Uses in Mixed Use Buildings. The existing zoning code allows residential on upper floors in mixed use developments in Neighborhood Commercial Centers (NCC), and stand -alone multifamily projects in Regional Commercial (RC) districts, if not located on TIB. Active retail and commercial uses on the ground floor are needed to make walking more attractive. However, locally and around the region, it is sometimes difficult to lease required ground floor retail spaces in mixed use developments, and instead, these visible spaces sit vacant. How does this fit with the concept of "nodes" along TIB? In the active, pedestrian- oriented "nodes ", should residential uses on the ground floor be optional, so that a project can more easily respond to the market? Building Form. Current building height maximums adjacent to TIB vary depending on zoning district, ranging from 35 feet to 65 feet (see Figure 12), and some community members would like to see even taller buildings. By allowing taller buildings to accommodate higher, transit - supportive densities, the City TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1,)cccmbor 10, 2014, "age 4 can maximize the usefulness of the corridor for transit travel. However, these districts back up to established single family neighborhoods, where current heights are predominantly one or two stories. How can abrupt transitions in height between uses along TIB and the adjacent single residential neighborhoods be mitigated? Nonconforming motel structures. Motels along the corridor have been the site for illegal activity. The condition and management of three of the motels resulted in a crime network that was recently broken up by local and federal law enforcement, and resulted in their closure and public seizure. Because the motels are nonconforming, their status for legal operations under the Zoning Code will lapse. The City needs to consider the types of uses that could replace the motels, and how they might contribute to the "node concept ". As for the remaining hotels and motels, TIBAC says that hotels, as opposed to motels, should be allowed in all commercial areas of the neighborhood, which would require revising the existing regulations. Existing Land Use Figure 9 is a land use map of the TIB district. There is a wide array and mix of uses. Building types and sizes vary from small single family homes, to multiple story motels, to light industrial boxes, to several places of religious worship. The new multi -story office buildings in the north part of the district orient to the valley and are the most intense development within the study area. On the plateau, motels and apartments are the most intense use of land as they are typically two stories, whereas the other predominant use — commercial services /retail, is one story. Tukwila Village, a mixed use residential development that is being constructed in phases, will start being occupied in 2016 - the four main structures are between 70 and 65 feet in height. Most of the recent projects constructed on TIB are one story, auto - oriented uses, as seen in Table 3 - Significant Building Permit History. While there are a number of parcels containing buildings with a mix of uses, in most cases they are a horizontal mix (side - by -side, one story) rather than a vertical mix (separated by floors in a multi- storied structure). TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED. December 10, 2.01 P ar90 14 1111111111111111111111111111,1111111111110illill 11110111,14111111111:11111 Figure 9 Existing Land Uses 11111111 11 1111111 1111111111111111 ••' : , „ . •132nd S •".• • ,.„•• jut 1.111.„ .„ , , „. 111/ 1 1-1" , , : ! , , ,,••••••,, • 1I---111111!-I:' 1' , • , • . - , • • : • • '"""'" , , : •,1•1111.1- , • 1', • •••1111I111:11,1•11'11.,•11,1•11'1.,11,1•1111.,•!1,1•11111,•!1,1•11111.111,1•11111'1,11111,1•1I.11.11'.'1,1•11':1.1.11'.'1.1.11'111111.1111111111.11'.1,1','111',1,,, • TIB Corridor M. TIE Study Area facturingindustria 1, 111111111 111111111111111111111111m 11111111111111111111111111111111111H Hip Existing Land Uses Single Family Daycare Center Group Home Religious iSchools?Govemment edicaltDental Office Office Park Retail & Commercial Services Restaurants/Fast Food 00°01111111 ,1',1,11,1111'11111'(11(111'1'1111'111111V111, 1111111,11111111,111,1111111111111111,1 1111'111'111 er Auto Sales & Services Hotel; Hotel ortuary?CemeterytCrematory Airport Related IndustriaINVarehouse i772,77,1,! Commercial Parking etr&Sound Transit, Vacant, 0 p1111111111 611 H1111111'1 101111 1111,1 Irillooloy1111101110111111III Illi 11111 11 III ;111,111,11.11.1, 11111111,11111111r11,,11111'11111111111.111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111I111,,,,,11,,11i)111,1,,,, 1°11'11„11,"Il ,,,IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 11111 I I' 111111111111111dluy,,„ mimic mi 1 11 117,1V1)1.111111'1'11'1'il 1'1111111 Hll ji11:,111,11,1 '11111111111 111 5 ter 11 111111,,),IN",' i4r 1111111111111111 5' 160 fl !INN 111(111111111'.1111!1111'.11111111111!11111!1 III)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) 1[100 1111IIIIIIIIIIIIIIi100111 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (111)All 1) 11,,,,cinhei )01,1 Pago 45 u Commercial Uses Figures 10 and 11 show the percentage of total businesses addressed on TIB by broad business type categories in 1995 and 2013, respectively, based on business license data. Comparing the two charts, the most significant change in use across the district was a decrease in automotive related uses and an increase in services and specialty groceries and shops from 1995 -2013. Over this period, many of the businesses, particularly auto repair shops, restaurants, and offices, appear to have only changed names rather than use, most likely when they changed ownership. Currently, the retail, restaurants, offices, and services comprise the largest number of businesses along TIB. There are also more home -based business licenses located in apartments in 2013. The Lewis & Clark Theater is now an Avis Car Rental, and the site of the 21 Club, a casino in 1995, is now the location of a mosque in 2013. A number of businesses, including a restaurant and a car wash, were demolished to make way for the Tukwila Village project. At the north end of TIB are two newer developments - the Gateway West and East office development was constructed in 1999, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was built in 2004. Vacant Land Use There is a limited amount of vacant land bordering TIB. A significant portion of existing vacant land will be redeveloped as part of Tukwila Village. The three motels seized by the Federal Government are planned to be demolished in 2015, two of which are adjacent to each other and could be redeveloped with a community health facility. A vacant 35,000 square foot parcel on TIB between S. 150th and S. 148th Streets is also owned by the City, with no plans for its redevelopment at this time. 111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 00 0 .'�rura 4 mtal /� i00Immoolll i0000,0011llf I IIIOOI00mdfmlfu Motel seized in 2013 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPLATEJ Do enter 10, 2014. Par o 46 Figure 10. TIB Businesses by Category — 1995 Office 10% Service Stations 1% Personal Care 4% Other 3% Hotel/Motel 4% Financial 1% Grocery: Convenience 4% Entertainment 6% Warehouse 1% Automotive Related 18% 111111111111 111111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111 1/1/111///al ' 11 111111111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111,111,11111111111 11111111111 1111111111111111111 services 1% IIIIIIIIIII ,,.„„„„„„ „„„„,,,„„ 11 I;111IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111:11:11:1:11:1III1;1;1;1;1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII „ „ Retail Goods 26% Restaurants 19% Figure 11. TIB Businesses by Category — 2013 Office 13% Service Stations 2% Personal Care 6% Other 2% Hotel/Motel 5% Entertainment 1% Commercial Automotive Parking 1% Related 6% III 1 1 11111 1 1 I 1111111111111111111111111111111111 Restaurants 15% 1111'1111'11...111.1. " 1111i10?Iiii/?,111111111111„11„11„11„111„11„„„„„:: "". 111 1111111111111111111111111111,111,, 1111111 11111 111111 11,111 111111111,111111111111111111, 11°111 11111111 1,1,11,11,,,,,,,,,,,,1,101011111111111111111111111111111111I I ''"' 1111111111111111111111111111111 Grocery: Specialty 6% Financial 6% Grocery: Convenience 2% Services 12% Retail Goods 22% TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IJI""I'11111ATIIIIIIIII1111),11111)ecembe„r 10, 2014 Page 47 Table 3. shows the square footage of all commercial uses in the TIB District. Table 3. Building Square Footage by Use (commercial & multifamily zoned) for TIB Study Area Use Net Square Footage 2+ unit residences 1,285,955 Office 327,692 Industrial engineering building 181,315 Retail & Commercial Services 146,477 Motel & Hotel 141,820 Hospital & medical offices 132,286 Religious Institutions 132,166 Supermarket 57,084 Elementary school 56,593 Auto service & repair 71,716 Storage warehouse 25,158 Restaurant, table service 18,014 Fast food restaurant 17,175 Government building 16,536 Gas & Mini -mart convenience store 8,480 Day care center 7,232 Single unit residences 7,164 Veterinary Hospital 4,934 Built Environment /Urban Form /Design A review of the last 19 years of permitting data shows that the highest value projects that have been built in the corridor are the Intergate West complex, the federal Department of Homeland Security building, and the regionally funded light rail facility. Several new structures were constructed before the 1995 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code were implemented, including the grocery store on S. 144th St and TIB, and two new motels, one each on TIB and S. 146th St. MN))*Nli ogeo !rffirffiffr 1,1111111111.11111111.111111111.1111.11111 mnmm�iai111 pUm 01 o ilh11110111111111111 Intergate West TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE ) De ember 10 201 hl 11I11IIII11111II I lil'a II 4 1, US Dept. of Homeland Security erse 48 ui Table 4 shows the investments in land improvements from 1996 to the present. The north part of the study area has had significant investment in office structures. This northern area also contains an older apartment complex as well as auto oriented uses and vacant land. The land in the neighborhood and regional commercial centers, located in the southern part of the study area, is dominated by auto oriented uses. Although the investments in this southern section has produced upgraded sites with new signs, landscaping and buildings, the orientation of the buildings and site improvements continues to cater to Many of the classic 1950s freestanding neon signs have been removed, even though current policies called for their preservation. During the development of the new sign code, Council opted not to adopt landmark sign regulations when proposed by staff in fulfillment of the policies. The new sign code has been implemented, which has reduced the number of billboards along TIB and reduced overall sign dominance. Table 4. Significant Building Permit History 1996 -2013 Year of permit issuance Place Type of investment Type of development Approximate value of building investment 1996 Highline Medical Center Renovation Interior improvements of north wing $630,000 1996 Ridge Springs Renovation /repair Fire damage to apartment units $630,000 1997 Ramada Limited new two story 38 unit hotel $1.7 million 1998 Intergate West new three buildings, three and four story office over parking with a data center $75.5 million 2003 Department of Homeland Security new four story office $42.7 million 2003 KFC/Taco Bell new One story fast food $734,868 2005 Tukwila International Boulevard Station new light rail stop with bus transfer and parking $31.3 million 2005 Rental Car Service Facility change of use auto service facility $3.2 million 2006 Joint Public Utility District offices new Office and contractor shop $754,036 2007 Riverton Terrace renovation three story 30 unit senior /handicap housing $1.3 million 2007 Walgreens new one story drug store $1.7 million 2008 McDonalds Renovation /new One story fast food $800,000 2011 Taco Time new One story fast food $414,469 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE ) De ember 10 201 Pare 9 11,11,r\‘‘#N f 20.4 Imiipm Y�m u 11,111111,111111111114 0111111001011,111,011,11,11,11 111111111111111111111111111111111111' �y��>a�l�rAA1 110 WI Examples of new single story, auto - oriented development along TIB, and their relationship to back of sidewalk Parking - relationship to urban form A significant policy (Comprehensive Plan Policy, 1995) and design guideline (Tukwila International Boulevard Design Manual, 1999) is to locate off - street parking to the side or rear of a building in order to create a pedestrian rather than an auto oriented streetscape. Table 5 identifies the new commercial structures that have been built, and indicates the extent of conformance with this concept: Table 5. Back of Sidewalk Development and Pedestrian Amenity in New Construction New Building (month /year) Built to Street Includes pedestrian amenity or entrance to sidewalk Built to Corner 1. Link light rail Station yes yes no 2. McDonalds (4/08) no yes no 3. Taco Time (6/11) no n/a 4. KFC/Taco Bell (7/03) no yes n/a 5. Jack in the Box (1/04) no yes no 6. Walgreens (3/07) yes yes yes 7. Ramada Limited (2/97) yes yes n/a 8. Intergate West (6/98) no no n/a 9. Dept. of Homeland Security Building (4/03) no yes n/a Building Height Allowable building heights within the study area range from 30 feet to 65 feet (see Figure 12 Maximum Building Heights Permitted by Zoning District). As discussed earlier in this report under building form, an issue that is tied into building height is the need to mitigate abrupt transitions between the taller, sometimes more massive commercial /multifamily uses along TIB and the 1 -2 story adjacent single family residential neighborhoods. The underlying standard for the Low Density Residential (LDR), Neighborhood Commercial Center (NCC), and Regional Commercial (RC) zones is 3 stories; 4 stories in the NCC if the project includes a TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IJI'I: }A I I')o ember 10, 2014. "ure 0 4 11H Figure 12 Building Height Maximum Standard S12!th St 4, Height Map V/ 61 S 1 aStfl& 1E; 0/ 8140th St 111 139th St 'SA 7 0 5 47/ 110 ppl ail 0.25 0.5 N Maximum Height Limits Tukwila Parcels 7. A 0' 35' 45' 1110 4 Stories Mil 10 Stories MIN 125' =I 65' Urban Renewal District SeaTac Parcels 40' 55' FAA Height Restriction TIB Study Area 1 Miles TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ()I 'HAI I I) 11,,,,cinhei )01,1 Pago 51 1111kWillaill 01100 1111111 Oval 111111 UK II RR ACKGR UN ot residential /commercial mix. No new buildings over one story have been built since the Code's adoption except for the Link Station and the Intergate West and East office projects. Ten years later, an Urban Renewal Overlay zone was created to jump start redevelopment in the area. Heights of six stories are now allowed in the overlay district and permits for five new buildings up to six stories (6/1 construction) will soon be constructed as part of the Tukwila Village development. The Tukwila Zoning Code allows additional structure heights for an area one block immediately north and one block south of the SR 518 and International Boulevard intersection - four stories north of and ten stories south. The Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee, (TIBAC,) a community group, advocates for unlimited building heights on commercially designated parcels within the district, with the caveat that there be building height reductions or step downs when needed in order to match abutting lower residentially zoned parcels. TIBAC believes that unlimited heights would encourage redevelopment and doubts that it would lead to extremely tall buildings in the future. An issue with this concept is that for many blocks of the commercial district, lot depths can range as shallow as 75 feet. The building sizes would therefore potentially vary considerably throughout the district. Current policy stipulates height limits that would conflict with TIBAC recommendations (see Section 4. Vision). Street grid and block size - relationship to urban form TIBAC envisions TIB transitioning from a transportation corridor moving traffic through the area into a "main street" style road serving as the central spine of a neighborhood. However, TIB is designed with 5 lanes of traffic with little on- street parking, and consequently automobile through traffic will continue to be the dominant mode of transportation in the corridor. This raises the question, is there another solution by which a walkable, mixed use neighborhood could be fostered in the district? Street grid and block size play an important role in determining the character and walkability of an area. For example, large blocks with no sidewalks make it more unattractive to walk, particularly along highly trafficked and higher speed streets. More "traditional" neighborhoods have a well- connected street network, small block sizes, and continuous sidewalks. Figure 13 illustrates these factors of street grid and block size for the TIB study area and compares them to the highly walkable neighborhoods of Wallingford and Columbia City. As seen in Figure 13, compared to these other neighborhoods, there is a limited network of streets in the study area, particularly those oriented north /south. Between S. 144th and S. 152nd Streets, block faces along TIB measure 640 feet by 640 feet (average); in some cases blocks measure over 1,000 feet on a side, and many of the existing east /west side streets do not have sidewalks. More "traditional ", walkable neighborhoods have smaller blocks measuring 200 to 400 feet in length, which correlates to more walking because there are more direct routes for pedestrians . In Wallingford, block faces along N. 45th Street measure 230 feet by 320 feet. In Columbia City, block faces along Rainer Ave. S measure 110 feet by 115 feet. Options for establishing a more walkable street network include constructing new, narrower, north /south and east /west streets between Military and TIB, coupled with on- street parking and wide sidewalks with pedestrian amenities. Smaller blocks would allow the interior of the block to be more accessible, so that the more intensively zoned land can be used more efficiently. Along the east side of the corridor where multi - family and commercial and multi - family is adjacent to single family, a consistent eastern zoning edge could be designated that would then become a street with multi - family frontage. A finer street grid would open up more public frontage for new development, resulting in small scale, independent retail and housing lining the new streets. Street width is also an important determinant of retail success. In neighborhood locations, wide streets form a great barrier to success since they make it difficult to establish either an intimate TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Do ember 10, 2014. Par ge 5 Figure 13 Block Size Comparison Block Sizes Wallingford Dv ==NI V �. r � M MI Mil -= ■■NE■ ■■ i• /.A•■ ■■ ■■■■• ■�:� ■■� ■ ■■ ■- IIM•r'i =!■ri••■■. ■ ■•Z■ ■, 1 '■ ■�■ ■� 1 ••_•.6 D 4•hM ■�•■■r5�■ 11111.1. "Mg 1111.''.. 11111:ILIM:1111111111111 j ilulIlIn ufiIIIIn uuuuuI 1111111 II IIII MIIIu■ ■!I MI1 111111p1!VIdUIlIIuii �'I��ll IIJ!ia 1II IInlUUII ‘Icigh a 11IIII Mal FREI 1 411 Columbia City 0.25 0.5 Miles i I TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN U4' 'HA I I) 1 har,©inlim 10, 21110.. agi; 00 RIK neighborhood feel or a community connection.12 These types of street improvements could instigate the redevelopment of the type of walkable, mixed use neighborhood envisioned by the community. However, instead of being oriented to TIB and Military, the neighborhood would turn inward, oriented towards the finer street network and smaller blocks. a stn, Vla r Market Conditions It is difficult to create a sub - profile for the study area because it contains portions of five different census tracts. However, the demographic profile in the study area can generally be described as work force families and new immigrants. Approximately 66 percent of the households make less than King County's median income of $61,000.13 The 2010 census shows that King County's per capita income is $39,313 whereas Tukwila's per capita income is $21,096, the lowest of all the surrounding cities. The majority of households are headed by 35 to 54 year olds. In 2007, a market analysis was prepared for the TIB Corridor Area.14 The following findings are taken from this study: Housing • The TIB area has a general lack of quality amenities, services, and housing options. The actual rate of household growth for this area will depend on the rate of current migration patterns of immigrants to the area and the impact of the Sound Transit Light Rail station and surrounding development. • The TIB area is generally perceived as a higher crime area relative to the rest of King County. This perception is a stigma on the community and is noted by developers and brokers familiar with the South King County market as a hurdle for development. However, the City and its Police Department have made concerted efforts to address this issue (see Police Services, below). These efforts must be continued for new development interests to be peaked. • Retail and commercial service locational decisions typically look at the disposable income and price of housing within the immediate area. The supply of apartments in or near the TIB Corridor was found to demand a lower market value than those projects surveyed beyond the TIB area. However, this may this change with Tukwila Village. • Creating a safer and more attractive environment along the Corridor, with improved commercial amenities and visual enhancements, would create more of a demand and higher prices for housing in the area. 12 Ten Principles for Rebuilding Neighborhood Retail, prepared by Urban Land Institute (2003) 13 "Taken from Market Analysis for Tukwila International Boulevard Corridor," prepared by Gardner Johnson for the City of Tukwila, February 5, 2007 14 «Market Analysis for Tukwila International Boulevard Corridor ", prepared by Gardner Johnson, February 5, 2007. The Study Area for the Market Analysis spans a wider area than the TIB District boundaries, with 1 -5 as its eastern boundary. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A I Do ember 10, 2014. Par ge 5 Retail 1111k0/1 11111111 01100 1111111 Oval 111111 UK II RR ACKGR UN ot For any new retail to be successful, safety issues and walkability within the community should be addressed. With the new sidewalks and burial of overhead wires, the TIB Corridor is slowly becoming a friendlier pedestrian area. However, improvements need to be made with crosswalks to smooth pedestrian movement across TIB. Market driven retail development in the TIB Corridor will likely occur at a slower pace due to the low income, higher crime rate area, which poses greater risks to developers. Intense competition for retailers in the south end from places such as Southcenter, the Landing in Renton, Burien Town Square, and Kent Station also serve to limit the number of potential commercial tenants in the TIB Corridor area. Office • Relative to the over 10 million net rentable square foot office market in the Southend, the entire City of Tukwila market comprises less than 2.5 million net rentable square feet. The City of Tukwila market has historically underperformed the collective Southend market, with an approximate 2.7 percent higher vacancy rate since the first quarter 2001. Gross lease rates in Tukwila have also been less than the Southend market overall. The majority of vacant office space (2007) in the Tukwila office market is Class B (85 %), while the Class A (11 %) and Class C (4 %) product comprise a lesser percentage of total space.15 • Because of considerable office inventory available in the Eastside and Downtown markets, new development in the Southend will not likely occur for some time. However, as rents in the region rise, lower cost alternatives and decreased vacancies may drive some tenants to secondary spaces with excellent accessibility and proximity to amenities, such as restaurants, parks, and shopping. With the southern portion of the TIB Corridor enjoying excellent highway and light rail access, this area of the TIB corridor may have future potential for Class B office development. • There are a number of factors currently limiting office development in the TIB Corridor area —very high vacancy rates in the Southend and Tukwila markets, and the negative image of the Corridor (lower income residents and higher crime) held by the real estate brokerage community. Office users need quality amenities, such as restaurants, parks, and shopping in close proximity for lunch and errands. As the City moves forward with preparing redevelopment policies for the TIB District, the following questions should be considered: • How to attract the right developers and businesses to the TIB area, and who are the "right" ones? 15 While a definitive formula for each class of office space does not exist, the general characteristics are as follows: Class A office space — These buildings represent the newest and highest quality buildings in their market. They are generally the best looking buildings with the best construction, and possess high - quality building infrastructure. Class A buildings also are well located, have good access, and are professionally managed. As a result of this, they attract the highest quality tenants and also command the highest rents. Class B office space — Class B buildings are generally a little older, but still have good quality management and tenants. Oftentimes, value -added investors target these buildings as investments since well - located Class B buildings can be returned to their Class A glory through renovations such as facade and common area improvements. Class B buildings should generally not be functionally obsolete and should be well maintained. Class C office space — The lowest classification of office building and space is Class C. These are older buildings and are located in less desirable areas and are often in need of extensive renovation. Architecturally, these buildings are the least desirable, and building infrastructure and technology is outdated. As a result, Class C buildings have the lowest rental rates, take the longest time to lease, and are often targeted as re- development opportunities. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Do enter 10, 2014. "urge 55 ■ Is there more current market or more specific information on economic development forces in the District — what are the projects /improvements that would catalyze redevelopment? ■ Should the City continue to assemble land and partner with developers if not, what is a likely time frame for development change? ■ Are the development regulations that apply to the TIB study area optimized to assist with /facilitate redevelopment? ■ Should the urban renewal district be expanded? ■ What amenities /public infrastructure investments are needed to support the vision and attract development? High Cost of Redevelopment The type of public infrastructure needed to serve the area and support the desired type of development is available in the TIB District. A question that a business or developer will ask is whether the cost of infrastructure improvements is more or less than in comparable competing areas. There are multiple different utility districts providing infrastructure and services to this area; however, it does not appear that there are any significant capacity issues that would act as a deterrent to the current vision for the area. Water Water supply, as well as water pressure in the area, is adequate for drinking and fighting fires. The area is primarily served by Water District 125, but also Water District 20 and Highline Water. The availability of sufficient amounts of water and at sufficient pressure for fire - fighting is available in all water districts to meet the projected growth in residential and employment population. Adequate pressure to serve buildings as high as six stories is incorporated into the functional plans of all three districts. Sanitary Sewer Sewage is collected by the local districts and transferred to King County's Renton Sewage Treatment Plant. Valley View Sewer District provides adequate infrastructure to serve the TIB District. Surface Water The length of the study area is contained in four different drainage basins — all draining to the Green /Duwamish River. The majority of the study area is within three basins that all have stream corridors that are significantly impacted by the high volume of run -off from the impervious surfaces. Unlike the rest of the City, any development or redevelopment must detain its surface water run -off to "forested conditions," unlike the Southcenter area, which may use its existing impervious cover as a detention standard if and when any site redevelops. Experience has shown that infiltration is surprisingly not possible in much of the study area because of the type of soils and a high water table. Therefore, the use of large constructed detention systems will be required of most new development. To help facilitate development, should the City consider policies to create a regional stormwater detention facility? Undergrounding utilities Phase one of the TIB improvements undergrounded overhead utility lines. The later phases did not. Current policy says to underground existing and future overhead distribution lines "in accordance with rates and tariffs applicable to the serving utility." It appears from the lack of undergrounding in recent street capital projects that it is too expensive, too difficult to coordinate, and therefore no longer a feasible option. Thus, the City should consider modifying the policy regarding the undergrounding of overhead utilities. aces Subsidized Housing The area to the east and west of TIB are primarily established single family residential areas. When topography drops or is elevated above the Boulevard, single family is developed adjacent to the right of TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Do enter 10, 2014. "urge 56 111100111111111 1110111 11 1111111 olevat 111111 UK ACKGR UN oit way. There is a thin strip of multifamily residences and several mobile home parks that generally separates single family residences from the commercial corridor. The majority of multifamily in the area is over 40 years in age and lacking amenities such as recreation facilities, trash enclosures, and landscaping. Housing conditions and supply within the corridor have not changed substantially in the years since the City conducted a planning analysis of the area. There are currently three properties within the study area that are owned by public or non - profits, for a total of 173 units out of the 2,076 multi - family units that are within the area. There has been comment that there are a significant number of housing units within Tukwila used by refugees that are subsidized by the International Rescue Committee (IRC.) The IRC has a list of 30 properties in South King County for their clients and 15 of them are within the study area. On an annual basis, the IRC assists up to approximately 200 refugee households. They subsidize up to one month's rent in these properties and then assist their clients in finding further State and Federal assistance that typically lasts up to 8 months. However, the IRC is not currently placing families in Tukwila because there are no vacant affordable units. Existing City policy in the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan (August 1998) is to encourage non - profit acquisition of multi - family housing thereby preserving as well as improving maintenance and management of some of the area's affordable housing. In the 15 years since the Plan was adopted, one property was purchased by the King County Housing Authority. The City also heard that new housing units would raise the overall rents in the area and could potentially encourage area property owners to improve their existing properties in order to compete with the new rents possible in the neighborhood. Tukwila Village will have 82 new market rate apartments that could potentially create this effect. Conversely, redevelopment could have the negative impact of displacing existing low- income housing. A conversation will need to take place to discuss how much affordable housing the City wants, particularly in the transit -rich areas, and how affordability should be maintained as redevelopment occurs within the TI BD. Residential Rental Licensing & Inspections Program - The mandatory licensing program started in 2011 and all of the rental units within the study area have been inspected for habitability. The study area is included in 2 of the 4 zones of the City. Each year, one zone is subject to inspections and every year each rental site must obtain a license. There is a six page inspection checklist and unit owners are given two opportunities to pass the inspection. If the unit fails two inspections within 30 days, or fails to be inspected at all, the City could declare a unit unfit for occupancy. If compliant with basic occupancy conditions, every rental unit receives a Certificate of Compliance, which is good for four years. In all cases, the units found to be unfit for occupancy have subsequently been repaired and returned to habitability. The inspection checklist creates a minimum quality standard for rental housing in the City. The program provides information to owners on basic health and safety standards that rental units must meet. The larger the complex the more routine the process seems to be for the owner. The owners of single family rental properties are the most reluctant and difficult properties in the program to inspect. According to the Program manager, the old single pane windows are a consistent problem because of the condensation and resulting mold. The only publically funded (subsidized) repair program available to the rental owners is a grant program to provide access improvements to units. Motels & Hotels Motels are distinguished from hotels primarily by the adjoining parking and direct independent access to each room rather than through a central lobby and internal corridors. In Tukwila, motels are treated similarly to hotels in the Zoning Code, in terms of where they may be built. Both are allowed within the Regional Commercial (RC) districts but not in the Neighborhood Commercial Center (NCC). The six motels within a three block area in the NCC district that were made legally non - conforming with adoption TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Do ember 10, 2014. Flare 57 14 L of the 1995 Zoning Code. There are two hotels in the RC district to the north, and one motel in the RC district to the south of the NCC district. Several of the motels are on property and streets that are off the Boulevard and therefore difficult to market with poor visibility to the traveling public. They are not maintained with sufficient attention to detail such as high quality landscaping, to attract the typical traveling customer through word of mouth or good reviews. The condition and management of three of the motels (Great Bear Motor Inn, Boulevard Motel, and Traveler's Choice Motel — see Figure 14) resulted in a crime network that was recently broken up by local and federal law enforcement. This has resulted in the closure and public seizure of three of the six motels in the NCC district. Since then, all three motels, plus a fourth motel and four adjacent properties, were purchased by the City for a total of $6.1 million. Because the motels are nonconforming, their status for legal operations under the Zoning Code will lapse and some alternate use of the properties will be required. The nonconforming motel lots will be difficult to develop for other uses because they are narrow fronting TIB (between 90 -100 feet wide) and deep. Three motels remain in the NCC district as legal non - conforming uses. One in the 14400 block of the Boulevard will continue to provide low cost accommodations because of the quality of the improvements. A second motel located on S. 140th street will also likely struggle because of its location. Figure 14 Recently Purchased Properties by City ,x011 1Y42iikt St l 2 r TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE), De ember 10, 2014 Per ge 58 RIK = City Purchased 3 Motels "ING`fB,YXIt. lononnonouninoonnon000n000n000n000n000n000n000n Each motel site has its unique set of issues regarding success either in continued operations or redevelopment. Community Advocates Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC) is the successor to the Pacific Highway Action Committee. The group has been active on issues related to the community along and adjacent to the Boulevard practically since the area annexed to the City. The event that galvanized the residents and business owners who formed the group in 1995 was the murder of a coffee -stand owner at the corner of South 144th Street and what was then known as Highway 99. Since collaborating with Tukwila Police, the group has gone on to oppose the proposal to locate light rail in the corridor due to concern about potential negative circulation and aesthetic impacts, and to represent business concerns about the impacts to access and parking associated with the sidewalk improvement project. Since organizing, the group has worked at being effective spokespersons and for the area and its problems and needs. They meet once a month to discuss issues and then once a month on Saturday to pick up trash along the corridor. Public Safety and Crime Adult entertainment One adult entertainment use operates on the Boulevard. Current policy and regulation directs the City to amortize nonconforming adult entertainment uses (Policy 8.1.7 and Nonconforming Adult Entertainment Establishments, Tukwila Municipal Code 18.70.110) The Police Department reports that this type of business does not result in a lot of police service calls; however, the effect on the community isn't benign because it does result in crimes like prostitution, human trafficking & drug dealing there. The City Attorney responds that enforcing this City regulation would require a large amount of financial resources and City focus. The City has therefore chosen to not purse displacing this business from the area. Crime Free Multi- housing Program The primary impetus for this voluntary program was reducing /eliminating crime in and around the apartments and motels. The tools that underpin this program, which started in the 1990s, are: • "no- trespassing" agreements, • general Community Oriented Policing review and improvements to site and units, • training and networking of complex managers. In 1997, there were 12 complexes of the 80 multi - family properties in the study area that were participating in the program. Of the current seven participants, two are within the study area: • Mountain View Apartments • Butterfield 4 -Plex TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPLATEJ Do enter 10, 2014. "urge 5 14 TIB District Crime Figure 15 shows the TIB study area (outlined in blue) relative to the Police patrol districts. Two districts, T-7 and T-5 partially encompass the study area. The colored reporting districts more closely coincide with the study area boundaries; however, we are unable to report on crime in the area. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDA-1-Ell 1,,)ecemllee6 16, 2014. Page. 60 14 L Tuk s nal Bo Figure 15 Tukwila Police Patrol and Reporting Districts S12901 PI S 126th SI 3126th SI ,^ 4 S 140th St 5141st St S1425 o151 S 141st d „loil Tukwila Police: Patrol and Reporting Districts* "Black lines and text labels refer to patrol district boundaries, each color represents a different reporting district The TIP StudyArea is split • between the T-S and TJ patrol districts. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UP[DATEll L)ecember 16, 2014. Page 61 RIK The Tukwila Chief of Police provides the following anecdotal information based upon an interview (2014) regarding the TIB area: • The TIB area and the Westfield Mall are the two hot spots for crime within the City. The TIB area has the highest crime rate in the city, and one half of all felony assaults occur on TIB. • With the seizure of the Great Bear Motor Inn, the Traveler's Choice Motel, and the Boulevard Motel, violent crime has decreased 50% along TIB and there has been a 28% decrease in calls for service. The remaining hotels are trying to manage their operations better to reduce crime. • After the closure of the Neighborhood Resource Center on TIB, there was a spike in robberies and aggravated assaults City -wide. • One of the challenges facing the corridor is the growing diversity as immigrant and refugee populations increase. Language and cultural differences makes communication between the residents and the police difficult. Some of the immigrant populations are also more vulnerable to being preyed upon than others, making them more of a target for crime. In some ethnic groups, elders try to address criminal activity, resulting in under reporting of crime. • Significant criminal activity occurs at the LINK light rail station. For example, in the past year, there were 381 calls to the Tukwila Police and 1 to 2 robberies per month at the light rail station. Sound Transit has posted a security guard at the station, but the guard cannot make arrests and consequently is not much of a deterrent to crime. • The increasing demographics of poverty in this corridor impacts the perception of vulnerability and safety. Table 6 demonstrates the diversity of the City of Tukwila relative to the County as a whole. Our diverse communities bring rich experiences of resilience and persistence to succeed. The Tukwila Strategic Plan emphasizes greater connection with all of our community and to that end, the City expects to continue implementing strategies for inclusion and diverse community engagement. The City has taken steps towards initiating conversations with diverse groups through the Community Connector program. What are the best methods for expanding our understanding of, communicating with, and support of the ethnic communities in the area ?16 16 Assault is defined as an unlawful attack caused by one person upon another, and is considered a felony if the attacker uses a weapon in the process. It is not necessary that an attacker injure another person for a court to consider the attempt a felony. Because using a gun, knife, or other weapon could probably result in serious injury if the crime were successfully completed, law enforcement personnel treat this offense very seriously. Battery, in contrast, involves physically harming another person. Together, assault and battery occur at the felony level when a person willfully or with intent to cause serious bodily harm, injury, or damage, hits, strikes, beats, or otherwise injures someone else. Unlike simple assault and battery, felony assault and battery causes significant injury or damage to the victim or is committed against an elderly person or a child. In addition, one of the most significant assault and battery felonies is that of a sexual nature, which forces the criminal to register as a sex offender after completing his or her prison sentence. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Do ember 16 0 1 . ',r so 62 Table 6. Comparison of City and County Ethnicity Community Vision and Facility Design Disconnect Unlike the public infrastructure discussed above, transportation infrastructure is visible. Customers, businesses and development behavior are generally not influenced by what a buried water pipe looks like as long as it functions and serves the adopted land use and future capacity of the area. The design of streets and the number of vehicles that use the street, as well as the functionality of the circulation network, can affect many things such as the type of business that can be successful and the investor who will develop along the street. In addition, the transportation system can have clear impacts on the social equity of the public investment by excluding or discouraging those who cannot or choose not to drive a vehicle or bicycle. Background: History of TIB design Tukwila's jurisdiction for the street extends from S. 152 St on the south to East Marginal Way on the north. The street has gone through three phases of improvements, with the cost of public investment shown below in Table 7. Table 7. Summary of Public Investment in TIB Tukwila International Blvd % Non- Grant funds % Asian/ Phase 1 (S 152nd St to S 138th St) $3,134,000 % Two or $11,075,000 Ethnicity Hispanic % African Pacific % Native % Latino more Total TOTAL White American Islander American American American selected Tukwila (city -wide) 37.5% 17.5% 21.6% 1.0% 17.5% 6.0% 19,107 King 64.8% 6.0% 15.2% 0.9% 8.9% 4.1% 1,931,249 County Community Vision and Facility Design Disconnect Unlike the public infrastructure discussed above, transportation infrastructure is visible. Customers, businesses and development behavior are generally not influenced by what a buried water pipe looks like as long as it functions and serves the adopted land use and future capacity of the area. The design of streets and the number of vehicles that use the street, as well as the functionality of the circulation network, can affect many things such as the type of business that can be successful and the investor who will develop along the street. In addition, the transportation system can have clear impacts on the social equity of the public investment by excluding or discouraging those who cannot or choose not to drive a vehicle or bicycle. Background: History of TIB design Tukwila's jurisdiction for the street extends from S. 152 St on the south to East Marginal Way on the north. The street has gone through three phases of improvements, with the cost of public investment shown below in Table 7. Table 7. Summary of Public Investment in TIB Tukwila International Blvd Local funds Grant funds Total Phase 1 (S 152nd St to S 138th St) $3,134,000 $ 7,941,000 $11,075,000 Phase 11 (S 132nd St to S 116th Way) $735,361 $ 8,484,158 $ 9,219,519 Phase III (S 138th St to S 132nd St) $1,192,319 $ 6,176,288 $ 7,368,606 TOTAL $5,061,680 $22,601,446 $27,663,126 In 1994 before TIB was rebuilt, an alternatives analysis was undertaken for the Boulevard improvements. The scope of the analysis extended from S. 152th to S. 116th Streets. Two alternatives were considered: one option was the one that was chosen and constructed. The second option, which was considered but not built, included all of the same elements and on- street parking between the outside travel lane and the sidewalk from S. 138th Street and south. The analysis also identified failing levels of service at the intersections of S. 140th Street, S. 146 Street and S. 150th Street. The analysis forecast that S. 148 Street would be also be failing by 2020 during the PM peak period. The study authors recommended two new traffic signals at S. 148 and S. 140 Street intersections with interconnects to improve traffic progression. In a subsequent study (Mirai, 2005,) none of the unsignalized intersections along TIB functioned at an LOS of E, which is the adopted "not to exceed" standard. The 2020 modeling forecasts showed LOS F for two intersections along Military Road TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPI:A I')o ember 10, 2014. "urge 63 111161/1111111111 01100 1111111 ulevat 111111 UK II RR ACKGR UN ot and two along 42 Avenue S. The most recent traffic modeling forecasts for 2030 (Fehr & Peers, 2012) again showed no failing intersections in the Study area although LOS does decline at some of the existing traffic signals. Any new traffic signals in the study area would need to satisfy one or more of the nine traffic signal warrants as defined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) ( For the bicyclist, in lieu of bike lanes in the northbound and southbound lanes, a wide (14 foot) "outside" lane was created. The rationale for this decision was that cyclists should be discouraged from using the street because of the high volume of vehicles, the type (trucks and buses) of vehicles, and high vehicular speeds (at the time it was 45 m.p.h.) The wide outside lane however, allows experienced cyclists who are comfortable in traffic to continue to use the route. .111[,111 00110010 11111,111111111 VV11000M0001010110111111111111011 IW �� Y��!�� � �111111�� @!1l�� 1ru'�rt1111'l�li� IAA The street improvements that were installed were a significant change for existing businesses because the existing condition was unlimited access to their properties and parking within and along the right of way. There was a strong desire to minimize impacts to business operations and property owners as part of the design process. The option not chosen, the on- street parking alternative, had many advantages such as helping to reduce speeds and encouraging a pedestrian oriented environment with back of sidewalk building development and entry. The problem with implementing the on- street parking option was that the narrow lots and the need for driveways for most properties minimized the ability to create useable on- street parking in the short term. There were 17 businesses whose access and parking would be most impacted by any change; therefore the least impactful option was chosen. 16 years later, only five of those 17 are still in business on the Boulevard and it is unknown how much of a factor the street design played in the changes. Below are some of the primary concepts that are part of the street design issue. Speed - Community members lobby the City to reduce the speed limit on TIB. Although not a specific policy of the existing Comprehensive Plan, community members have requested a lower speed limit for TIB because existing speeds seemed unsafe and made crossing the street difficult. Comprehensive Plan Policy 8.2.5 says to include on- street parking stalls in order to enhance redevelopment options and Policy 8.2.2 says to give priority to pedestrian safety. There is consensus that vehicle speeds and on- street parking are closely linked and that the number one technique for ensuring pedestrian safety are slower vehicles. Many factors affect the actual vehicle speeds along a street. Two speed elements that the City controls are the "design speed" used in the design process, which determines width of lanes, curb radii, etc. and a set of laws and regulations, including a posted speed limit. A design speed of 40 miles per hour was used for the Phase 1 improvements between S. 152th and S.138th Streets. Therefore, improvements are designed to allow and enable speeds that are at least 40 m.p.h. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Do enter 10, 2014. Par gc 64 1111kWillaill 01100 1111111 Oval 111111 UK II RR ACKGR UN ot The community's desire for slower speeds is understandable for a variety of reasons. A large pedestrian population travels along and across the street, including children. Slower vehicle speeds makes it easier to cross the street in between the signalized crossings. Signalized crossings are at S. 154, S. 152, S. 144 and S. 130 Streets. The distances between those crossings are 693 feet, 293 feet, 2,479 feet and 4,371 feet respectively. (The width of part of Seattle's downtown, from the pig at Pike Place Market to the Convention Center on Pike Street is 2,266 feet or 7 blocks.) Slower vehicle speeds makes it more likely that a pedestrian would survive a collision with a vehicle. The community has also wanted to support the street's businesses. Slower speeds make it more likely that a motorist will notice a business and stop. In 1999, after TIB Phase 1 improvements were finished and while the street was still owned and controlled by the WA State Department of Transportation, the City, in a continued effort to improve safety, requested and gained approval to reduce the speed limit from 45 to 40 mph between S 139 and S 152 Streets. In 2012, after completion of both Phases 1 and 2, the Tukwila Public Works Department commissioned a speed study. In the commercial heart of the district between S 150 and S 148 streets, the 85 percentile speeds were between 38 and 40 mph northbound and 38 mph southbound. Between S 146 and S 144 Streets, the speeds were between 37 and 40 mph northbound and 34 and 36 mph southbound. Along the valley wall north of S. 139 street the speeds were 46 – 49 mph northbound and 48 – 46 mph southbound; for the area north of S 130 street 48 – 51 mph northbound and 51 – 53 mph southbound. The final location was just after the northbound traffic exited to SR 599 and southbound traffic entered from SR 99. The speeds at this final location are 51 – 53 mph northbound and 50 to 49 mph southbound. As a result of the study, the City Public Works Department was able to recommend a further reduction in posted speed limits from 40 mph to 35 mph between S 152 and S 139 streets. Collision information, roadway characteristics and traffic volumes are reported in the speed study. Slower vehicle speeds creates a trade -off for the local community." The cost of a slower speed is that travel time will obviously be increased. The benefit of slower speeds is that the severity of collisions is reduced, braking time is reduced thereby allowing more immediate decisions about stopping or turning into businesses. Walkability and cycling is improved because of reduced noise and perceived and actual safety. If lower speed limits are desired, then engineering and other measures, such as education and enforcement, would need to be implemented. The 85th percentile speed is typically used as a starting point for setting a rational limit but it may be set as low as the average speed based on other factors (Donnell et. al. 2009.) The City engineering staff believes that the current posted speed limits are appropriately set and that actual speeds may continue to become slower as development occurs and traffic and traffic turning movements increase. Local versus regional traffic on TIB or Destination versus Through Traffic. Early in the Tukwila design process for the street improvements, a study of the amount of through versus destination traffic was " The speed at which drivers operate their vehicles directly affects two performance measures of the highway system — mobility and safety. Higher speeds provide for lower travel times, a measure of good mobility. However, the relationship of speed to safety is not as clear cut. It is difficult to separate speed from other characteristics including the type of highway facility. Still, it is generally agreed that the risk of injuries and fatalities increases with speed. Designers of highways use a designated design speed to establish design features; operators set speed limits deemed safe for the particular type of road; but drivers select their speed based on their individual perception of safety. Quite frequently, these speed measures are not compatible and their values relative to each other can vary. (Publication No. FHWA -SA -10 -001, September 2009) TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Do ember 10, 2014. Par ge 65 1111kWillaill 01100 1111111 Oval 111111 UK II RR ACKGR UN ot done. This factor was important in negotiating with the State because the street was part of the State highway system. The 1995 license plate survey showed that during the late afternoon, 10 percent of northbound travel was through and 18 percent of southbound travel was through. In 2005, the City's Transportation System Plan speed study determined that the traffic count on TIB was approximately 18,500 per day, and approximately 70 percent of the traffic was due to local trips. On- street Parking There are no definitive answers about the merits and drawbacks of on- street parking. The range of issues however are summarized here and are primarily based upon a 2008 study (Marshall, et.al 2008) which included a literature review and a study of Connecticut streets. The study evaluated the connection between speed and severity of crashes in a parking versus no parking conditions and discusses the outcomes of its inclusion. In an on- street parking situation, the relationship between vehicle speeds and safety shows parking and un- parking maneuvers frequently reduce the capacity of the adjacent lanes. In addition, a low speed environment (less than 35 mph) is critical in ensuring safe on- street parking use. These low speed conditions help improve safety and in particular when combined with on- street parking, results in a significantly reduced crash rate for the most severe types of crashes. Streets can be actively designed to limit speed and in fact on- street parking is one factor that has been shown to reduce speeds in the cases studied, but on- street parking by itself is not enough. On- street parking can be a tool to help create that right environment. And could be used in situation where the street is part of the destination and the intent is to cause drivers to slow down and recognize that they have reached a place. Study result show that places with on- street parking tend to be safer and more walkable, require less parking and have more vitality. On- street parking is cost — efficient way for a property owner to provide parking as surface lots require driveways, access lanes, landscaping, and walkways — 173 square feet versus 513 square feet. On- street parking is also just one of many mechanisms that help create a specific atmosphere in an activity center. Other mechanisms include overall street design, pedestrian connections, dense /compact development, the land use mix, building street orientation and setback. The ability to easily cross TIB is important and installation of improvements that make it easier to cross is a frequent request. The traffic volume on Tukwila International Boulevard varies from between north and south. In 2010, the 24 hour average south of S. 146th Street was 19,096 vehicles. In 2013, the 24 hour average north of S. 139th Street was 13,693 vehicles. High truck volumes occur along TIB and along S. 144 Street and are similar to the volumes in the Southcenter area. From Southcenter Boulevard to Southgate Park, TIB has three signalized intersections, and two protected mid -block crossings, whereas, 42 Avenue S. will have three signalized intersections when the signal is installed at the 42 Ave. S and S. 144 Street intersection. In terms of scale, the distance along TIB from Southcenter Boulevard to Southgate Park is almost 2 miles or about 40 minutes walking. Current Comprehensive Plan policy - additional east west connections in City Existing Comprehensive Policy states that an east /west transportation corridor north of 144th Street (such as S. 130th Street) should be improved. (Policy 8.2.8) TIBAC says the City doesn't need a new corridor; instead they think the City should focus on curbs, gutter, and sidewalks from residential neighborhoods to TIB. An efficient east west circulation system for the area north of Southcenter Boulevard has not been identified as a transportation need in either of the last two Transportation System Plan updates. S. 130th Street, the most improved east west connector that can be used to travel between Renton, Tukwila and Burien is somewhat circuitous. It has been improved with signals at S. 130th and 132nd Streets on TIB, which assists with that cross valley connection. The community continues to advocate for additional sidewalk improvements on east west connections to the Boulevard. Within the study area, S. 150th and S. 144th Streets between TIB and 42 Avenue S. are scheduled for improvements in 2014 -2015. Other TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Do enter 10, 2014. Par gc 66 14 L streets within the study area that have been prioritized for sidewalk improvements are in order as follows: S. 152nd Street between TIB and 42 Avenue S.; S. 140th Street between TIB and 46th Avenue S; S. 141St Street between TIB and 42 Avenue S.; S. 146th Street between TIB and 47 Avenue S.; S. 130th Street between TIB and Macadam Road S. Current Comprehensive Plan Policy - make S. 144th Street a significant pedestrian corridor The policy recognized the importance of the blocks between Military Road S. and 42nd Avenue S. The City has been successful in funding improvements and has completed the western segment between TIB and Military with pedestrian illumination, street trees and grates, wider sidewalks and bike lanes. The eastern segment is under design and will be constructed with similar improvements, and on- street parking, in the next year. Current Comprehensive Plan Policy - include on- street parking stalls as a design option. The City Public Works Department wants to communicate the need to maintain capacity for through traffic and to provide on- street parking on "frontage streets," similar to the condition in front of Appliance Distributors. It is not clear how this option will work when small narrow lots are redeveloped or if this will be an optional condition that is used at the developer's discretion in which case the corridor will be have varied building and sidewalk edges. They also believe that speeds will become slower as the area redevelops and that when traffic conditions warrant additional signals will be installed. Allan Jacobs, an urban designer renowned for his publications and research on urban design, describes a great street as a street that is "markedly superior in character or quality" and that is visited frequently by people. It: • contributes to community • is comfortable and safe • encourages participation • is remembered • is representative of a community TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE. De ember 16 20 1 Par 67 1111kWillaill 01100 1111111 Oval 111111 UK II RR ACKGR UN ot IA Great Street is memorable as a symbolic or ceremonial place in the city and a venue for events, parades, fairs and other civic events. Great Streets: Community Functions as Great Street has social spaces; they provide plazas, parks, trees, benches and public art, where people can gather, watch other people, or meet friends. These two pictures of the wide Champs Elysees show its evolution with a frontage road (1930s- 1990s) that was used by cars as primarily a parking frontage. The street is 219 feet wide with 82 feet in the middle is devoted to vehicles (TIB is 100 feet.) By the 1970s, politicians noticed that the character of the Champs - Elysees was changing. The grand hotels, luxury boutiques and elegant restaurants began to leave, being replaced by chain stores and fast -food restaurants. From 1991 to 1994 a sweeping rearrangement of the Champs - Elysees was carried out. Much of the construction work was restoring the character of a promenade, which had become an immense open -air parking lot. To do this, the side (frontage) roads were converted, a second row of trees was planted and the entire surface of the pedestrian area was re -paved in granite. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Do enter 10, 2014. Par c 68 1111kWillaill 01100 1111111 Oval 111111 UK II RR ACKGR UN ot R I c Speed Concepts: Informational Guide, Federal Highway Administration, Us Department of Transportation 2009 Marshall W., Garrick N., Hansen G.; Reassessing On- Street Parking, Transportation Research Board: Journal of the Transportation Research Board No. 2046 W:\ DCD\ LongRangeProjects \2014CompPlan_ Update \Transportation_ Corridors \Background_Report \Final _Report \F I NAL_TI B_Bkgrnd_Report_CC &PC.docx TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE[ Do enter 10, 2014. Par e A ZO N111111 ACKGR L UN lit XA CO 'A SO C NCC, A 02100 11111 0000 RC NCC MUD •110001111000 11111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111.11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Adult day care accessory Amusement parks Animal shelters New and used Motorized vehicle sales Gas stations and indoor automotive services Bus stations Theaters Cemeteries /crematories Funeral homes /mortician services Commercial laundries Commercial parking Indoor commercial recreation Machine rentals (not involving a driver's license) Pawnbroker Restaurants; including liquor service Restaurants with drive through windows Taverns /nightclubs Retail sales of large items Retail sales of small items Drive in theaters Repair shop small appliance Yes Conditional Conditional Yes Yes No Yes Condition Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes conditional Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Conditional Yes no No No No Yes Yes Yes No No No No Conditional No No Yes No No No Yes No Yes yes no no no no yes no conditional no no yes no no No yes no no no yes no No TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IJI'I: }A 1 1 I1)o ember 10, 2014. Pare 0 r UN ot RIK No00001111000qm 111111 MINIM!! M I III Single family L No lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll0000llllllllllll0000llllllll0000llllllll0000ll0 .;; 11llllli VIII ®ail IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIII III Yes Yes B& B No No conditional Accessory dwelling No Yes Yes Multi- family (21.8 units per acre) Yes 18 No No Multi- family above commercial ground floor No Yes (no unit limit) Yes (14.5 units /acre) Multi- family for seniors (60 units acre Yes Yes Yes Home occupation No Accessory accessory Extended stay hotels and motels Yes No No Motels Yes No No Hotels Yes No No Greenhouses <1,000 sq. ft. Internet data centers No Conditional No No accessory no Manufacturing involving previously formed metals Conditional No no Manufacturing pharmaceuticals and related products; furniture, fur, clothing, paint, paper plastics, rubber, tile, wood, electrical and digital equipment Yes Yes but19 no Manufacturing food related products Yes but Yes but no Plumbing shops Yes Yes no Wood working shops < 5 people Yes Yes no Outdoor storage Yes No no Warehousing /distribution Yes No no Frozen food locker for family use Yes Yes No Commercial nurseries or greenhouses Yes Yes no Printing, processing, publishing Yes No no 18 With additional restrictions 19 With additional restrictions TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 1c cm bc r 10, 2014. " ar9c 71 14 rmi.„„„„„„„„„„„,„.„, Dwelling unit density RC 21.78 units/acre - 2,000 sq.ft. 70 units/ acre - 622 sq. ft. (in 6 story height area) 85 units/acre - 512 sq. ft. (in 1O story area) No limit (seniors) NCC No prescribed density 60 units/acre -726 sq. ft. (seniors) MIJO 14.52 units/acre - 3,000 sq.ft. Urban renewal overlay No maximum Setbacks (front /side /rear) 20/10/10 6 (12 on TIB /10/10 25/10/10 6-12/0/0 (subject to criteria and review and approval) Setbacks adjacent to Residential 20/10-30/10-30 6-12/10-20/10-20 20/10-30/10-30 6-12/10- 30/10-30 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDA-1-Ell L)ecember 10, 2014. Page. '72 14 A s A II, 11 N )en iukwithinternoti mats Oval oolliKMEN10AKGR UNDRER Rim V ) 0 N uses •n Truary 21, 2011) s CO CON NI 0 S „. 2014; , • unny • neint • „„ urveys for • „„January 10 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UFDDATUEUD„ LUece.mber 13 , 2014. 1::Dage 73 • via REPORT SUMMARY v � a wa Am, Was ya unu. ...www MIME ww PM Ut Rib oo Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Survey March 6th and March 8th, 2014 Report Completed by Max Baker On March 6th and March 8th, 2014, the city of Tukwila held Community Conversation open houses to gather community feedback regarding housing, business, food access and service needs along the Tukwila International Blvd Corridor. This report outlines the results of the surveys as well as results from surveys collected online. DATA RESULTS TOTAL NUMBER OF SURVEYS COMPLETED: 3/6: 16 3/8: 31 Note: Not all participants responded 100% to every question. Some participants responded to multiple choices. Percentages may vary depending on the nature of the question. Please refer to attached Excel spreadsheet for additional information regarding individual population totals. HOUSING % Total: March 6th March 8th 1. Do you live in a a. House 88% b. Apartment 6% c. Mobile Home 0% d. Other: Condo 6% 2. Are you happy with your house /apartment? a. Yes 94% b. No 6% C. Don't know /Did not respond 0% 3. What do you like about it? a. Number of bedrooms 56% b. Cost 63% c. Outdoor space /yard 81% d. Easy to park my car 69% e. Building is well taken care of /in good shape 44% f. Other • Quiet neighbors 6% • Pool and tennis courts 6% • Close to transit 6% • Close to trails 0% • Not a lot of traffic 0% • Central location 0% • TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A ) )occmhor 10 011 RE 74% 16% 6% 3% 87% 13% 0% 35% 45% 61% 48% 35% 3% 0% 0% 3% 3% 3% s,_s1 WININ mattimrafflun unman io v.-Ammo Wrwmfattam 4. What would you like to change? a. More bedrooms b. Larger living spaces c. Lower cost d. Better maintenance of building e. More parking f. More /better outdoor space g. Other 13% 6% 25% 10% 19% 19% 25% 23% 6% 13% 31% 29% • Smaller homes 13% 0% • More living spaces 6% 0% • Better insulation /sound proofing 6% 0% • Better neighbors 6% 0% • Road buffers 0% 6% • Lot size 0% 3% • More bathrooms 0% 3% • Sidewalks 0% 3% • Sidewalks on 164th 0% 3% 5. If you live in or were to move into an apartment, % of Total Residents Surveyed which three spaces would you use most? a. Common /Party Room 31% 32% b. Vegetable /Gardening Space 63% 58% c. Exercise Room /Equipment 25% 52% d. TV /Game Room 19% 13% e. Playground 19% 16% f. Barbeque /Picnic Area 69% 23% g. Indoor Sport Court 0% 29% h. Outdoor Paved Area 13% 10% i. Grass Yard 19% 29% j. Indoor Play Area 0% 13% k. Other • Pool 6% 0% • Parking area 0% 3% • Library 6% 0% • Croquet 6% 0% • Tennis court 6% 0% TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A ) )occmhor 10 011 FDE e75 s,_s1 NEIGHBORHOOD 1. yam v ��N MEI nano mule nen 1. Why do you live in your neighborhood in Tukwila? a. I like my house /apartment b. Cost c. Close to mosque /church d. Close to family e. Close to bus /light rail f. Close to school g. Close to stores and restaurants h. Close to work i. Close to people from my country j. Other % of Total Residents Surveyed 88% 44% 19% 19% 50% 13% 50% 25% 6% 48% 42% 16% 35% 35% 26% 16% 26% 13% • I like Tukwila 0% 6% • Close to freeway 0% 3% • People from other countries 6% 0% • Close to trails 6% 3% • Outside of Seattle w/ similar benefits 6% 0% • Property ownership 0% 6% • Near Renton 0% 3% • Neighborhood w/ sidewalks 0% 3% • Forests and river 0% 3% • Like my neighbors 0% 3% • Size of property 0% 3% 2. Are you planning to move out of Tukwila in the next few years? a. Yes b. No c. Don't know /Did not respond d. If yes, why? • Too expensive • To find better apartment • I want a house • Too far from work • Too far from family • House value down, can't move • Mismanaged school district • Would like to see city improvement of residential areas • Speeding on our street • Neighbors with pitbulls • Larger property • Limited economic opportunities • Less community engagement • Feel less welcome as a white resident • Retired TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A ) )occmhor 10 011 % of Total Residents Surveyed 19% 13% 81% 71% 0% 16% 6% 0% 0% 3% 6% 0% 0% 3% 0% 6% O 3 O 6 O 3 O 3 O 3 O 3 O 3 O 3 O 3 6% 0% RE c /6 s,_s1 v a ma um ma t v IAN ME.; to, raffEwa Mums-Rd KniffiEn 3. What 1 - 2 new businesses do you need in your neighborhood? a. Grocery stores: Winco /Safeway b. Bulk stores: Walmart /Sams /Costco c. Ethnic specific restaurants d. Dollar store on 99 e. Gym (or lower cost at TCC) f. Family Resource Center g. More houses h. Urgent care/ health clinic i. Car wash j. Health food or Natural Food store k. Bigger library I. US bank m. Auto parts n. Dental office o. Ice skating rink p. Laundry q. Cheaper commercial space (to own business) % of Total Residents Surveyed 22% 21% 12% 5% 4% 4% 4% 3% 4. What 1 - 2 businesses are problems in your neighborhood? % of Total Residents Surveyed a. Motels 13% b. Deja vu /Showgirls 13% c. Casino 5% d. Somali businesses 5% e. Mini marts /convenience stores 4% f. Too many mobile homes 2% g. Pavilion 2% h. Liquor store /smoke shops 2% i. Too much fast food 1% 5. Are the services you need (childcare, healthcare, citizenship classes, % of Total Residents Surveyed Government agencies) available in your area? a. Yes 61% b. No 28% c. Don't know /Did not respond 11% d. What services are missing? • DSHS 15% • Health Clinic 11% • Citizenship classes 7% • Child care 5% • Department of Licensing 4% • Low Income Housing 3% • ESL Classes 2% TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A ) )occmhor 10 011 RE c// WIMMI ACCESS TO FOOD f Egrefflunia Musa-En ruww.ta 1. Can you buy the kinds of food you want near your home? a. Yes b. No c. Don't know /Did not respond d. If no, what kind of food is hard to get? • Ethnic specific food • Costco 6% • Food too expensive (need to travel out of area) 4% • Farmer's Market 4% • Lack of Grocery Stores — McCadam Rd 3% • Food Bank is too far % of Total Residents Surveyed 71% 21% 8% 8% 1% 2. Where do you and your family get most of your food? % of Total Residents Surveyed a. Large grocery store 87% • Saars 40% • WINCO 8% • Safeway 7% • Seafood City 3% • SAMS 3% • Thriftway 1% b. Big Box Department Store 55% • Costco 28% • Wal -Mart 17% • Target 3% • Fred Meyer 1% c. Dollar store 17% d. Small store /butcher /produce stand 7% e. Food bank* 16% f. Ethnic grocery store (Halal, Latino, other) 52% g. Restaurants /Prepared food (Subway, fast food, pizza) 16% h. Convenience store (7 -11, Mini Mart, gas station) 13% i. Other • Hardware 1% • Grocery Outlet 1% • Cambodian Store in White Center 1% TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A ) )occmhor 10 011 FDE WIUMN COMMON THEMES & VARIANCES ACROSS COMMUNITIES After reviewing the data collected, several common themes surfaced regarding usage of current services and the need for new ones. HOUSING The majority of residents interviewed lived within a house, with the next largest group living in apartments. Few residents lived in mobile homes or condos. When asked which things they would change if given the opportunity, the top two responses among both groups was more /better outdoor space and better maintenance of their building. Three spaces that residents surveyed on 3/6 would use the most if available either in their apartment complex or home were Barbeque /Picnic Area, Vegetable Gardening Space and Exercise Room /Equipment. For the 3/8 group, they were Common /Party Room, Vegetable Gardening Space, and Exercise Room /Equipment. NEIGHBORHOOD The main reason cited by both groups for living in their neighborhood in Tukwila was that they liked their house /apartment. This response was 88% for those on 3/6, which was higher than the 48% cited on 3/8. Cost, proximity to transportation and work were of similar importance for both groups. The 3/8 group cited being close to family and people from their own country more often, showing a higher priority for social needs. NEW BUSINESSES Hands down, the largest requests came from a desire for a better large grocery store in the neighborhood. Access to quality and specialty groceries was also a recurring them, with many residents expressing a desire for more organic and local produce. Very few of the responses requested a large box store, like a Costco or a Wal -Mart. Another popular choice was for more cafes and bakeries, especially along TIB. PROBLEM BUSINESSES While many residents indicated appreciation for the recent closure of some of the motels on TIB, their top choice as problem businesses were the motels, followed by Deja vu /Showgirls and casinos. Other complaints regarding local businesses referred to the parking lots surrounding some of the Somali businesses on TIB. Complaints were also recorded regarding smoke shops /liquor stores and tenants running illegal business practices, such as car rental agencies also selling vehicles. SERVICES 56 % of participants surveyed on 3/6 indicated satisfaction with access to services in the area, while only 42% did on 3/8. The top choice for new service in both groups was for a quality health clinic. FOOD ACCESS Both groups surveyed were similarly split on whether or not they could find the kinds of food desired near their homes. Many indicated that they had to travel to neighboring cities to find the type or quality of groceries desired. Those surveyed also often desired the creation of a Farmers Market and access to fresh food. CURRENT SHOPPING LOCATIONS Most residents purchased their food from a big box department store, with Costco and Fred Meyer being the most popular. 50% of the 3/6 group and 65% of the 3/8 group also shop at a large grocery store. A quarter of the 3/6 group cited a small store /butcher /produce stand as a resource vs. 10% of the 3/8 group, while the 23 % of the3 /8 group purchased prepared food from restaurants in comparison to only 6% of the 3/6 group. This indicates that the shopping styles were slightly different between the two groups when occurring outside of a grocery store. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A ) )occmhor 10 011 FDE c(9 WIUMN Global to Local / City of Tukwila — Community Connectors Pilot Program Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Survey Conducted January 10, 2014 - February 21, 2014 Report Completed by Alma Villegas Community Programs Manager — Global to Local COMMUNITY CONNECTORS: Monica Davalos — Latino Reina Blandon — Latino Osman Egal — Somali Hafso Abdulla - Somali Helber Moo — Burmese Yasin Abdella - Eritrean Rabeya Suraka — Amharic and Arabic - speaking COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTERS: Samantha Kunze- Garcia - Latino Aisha Dahir - Somali Zeineb Mohammed - Eritrean /Arabic - speaking Linda Mo — Burmese Abdishakur Ahmed — Somali REPORT SUMMARY Between January 10, 2014 and February 21, 2014, Global to Local Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and Community Connectors representing the Latino, Somali, Eritrean, Burmese and Arabic - Speaking communities conducted a total of 194 surveys of residents from these populations to gather community feedback regarding housing, business, food access and service needs along the Tukwila International Blvd Corridor. This report outlines the results of the surveys as well as some additional comments generated during the one on one field outreach. Global to Local's CHPs engaged in a limited capacity in actual survey collection, as their main role was to support the Community Connectors by answering questions that generated throughout the course of the information gathering, as well as provide mentorship support on outreach and city services, on an as needed basis. The majority of the surveys were conducted by community leaders initially identified by the CHPs through their past relationships established as part of the Global to Local Community Leadership Development Program. All seven Community Connectors (also referred to as leaders) are current residents of Tukwila, with some of them residing in the city for over 10 years, and thus possessing first -hand information on where to best conduct outreach with members of their population and ensure a balanced representation of residents including youth, families, seniors as well as apartment residents and homeowners. Community Connectors and Global to Local Community Health Promoters will be attending a community conversation on March 6, 2014 at Showalter Middle School in Tukwila to share information about their experience during the field work data collection process. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A ) )occmhor 10 011 RE s,_s1 vac. um ma umw a DATA RESULTS 1. yam v ��N MEI nano Mule nem TOTAL NUMBER OF SURVEYS COMPLETED: 194 COMMUNITIES SURVEYED: Latino, Somali, Burmese, Eritrean, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Nepali and other Arabic - speaking populations Note: Not all participants responded 100% to every question. Some participants responded to multiple choices. Percentages may vary depending on the nature of the question. Please refer to attached Excel spreadsheet for additional information regarding individual population totals. HOUSING 6. Do you live in a a. House b. Apartment c. Mobile Home d. Other: Condo 7. Are you happy with your house /apartment? a. Yes b. No c. Don't know /Did not respond 8. What do you like about it? Number of bedrooms Cost Outdoor space /yard Easy to park my car Building is well taken care of /in good shape Other • Big space (i.e. living room, bedroom , kitchen, etc) • Closeness to services a. b. c. d. e. f. • Quiet neighbors • Close to work 9. What would you like to change? a. More bedrooms b. Larger living spaces c. Lower cost d. Better maintenance of building e. More parking f. More /better outdoor space g. Other • Mold • Laundry inside unit • Better appliances • Improved heating • Playground • More affordable • Better security • Better management • Cockroaches • Bad carpeting • Bad smell in apartment TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN II'I:' }A )occmhor 10 011 % of Total Residents Surveyed 25% 71% 3% 1% 48% 47% 5% 41% 43% 20% 27% 25% 4% 1% 2% 1% 53% 36% 56% 41% 28% 21% RE c 81 s,_s1 t v IAN Mums-MU KnEizb 10. If you live in or were to move into an apartment, which three spaces would you use most? a. Common /Party Room b. Vegetable /Gardening Space c. Exercise Room /Equipment d. e. f. 9. h. I . k. TV /Game Room Playground Barbeque /Picnic Area Indoor Sport Court Outdoor Paved Area Grass Yard Indoor Play Area Other • Laundry Inside Unit • Pool • Storage • Deck • Bigger Bathroom • Parking Area NEIGHBORHOOD % of Total Residents Surveyed 26% 32% 47% 18% 44% 13% 37% 8% 29% 15% 2. Why do you live in your neighborhood in Tukwila? % of Total Residents Surveyed e. I like my house /apartment 24% f. Cost 17% g. Close to mosque /church 46% h. Close to family 41% i. Close to bus /light rail 34% j. Close to school 53% k. Close to stores and restaurants 35% I. Close to work 15% m. Close to people from my country 35% n. Other • I like Tukwila 4% • Placed here by resettlement agency 3% • Close to freeway 2% • Close to airport 2% • Parks 1% • Two Family Home 1% • Close to nonprofits 1% • Close to mall 1% • Disabled child 1% 6. Are you planning to move out of Tukwila in the next few years? % of Total Residents Surveyed a. Yes 20% b. No 67% c. Don't know /Did not respond 13% d. If yes, why? • Too expensive 80/0 • Too find better apartment 4% • Too many gangs 3% • Too a better area 3% • I want a house 3% • Too far from work 1% • Too far from family 1% • TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A I l )occmhor 10 011 RE c 82 vaw um ma umwaki WIMMI f "m 7. What 1 - 2 new businesses do you need in your neighborhood? a. Grocery stores: Winco /Safeway b. Bulk stores: Walmart /Sams /Costco c. Ethnic specific restaurants d. Dollar store on 99 e. Gym (or lower cost at TCC) f. Family Resource Center g. More houses h. Urgent care/ health clinic i. Car wash j. Health food or Natural Food store k. Bigger library I. US bank m. Auto parts n. Dental office o. Ice skating rink p. Laundry q. Cheaper commercial space (to own business) % of Total Residents Surveyed 22% 21% 12% 5% 4% 4% 4% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 8. What 1 - 2 businesses are problems in your neighborhood? % of Total Residents Surveyed j. Motels 13% k. Deja vu /Showgirls 13% I. Casino 5% m. Somali businesses 5% n. Mini marts /convenience stores 4% o. Too many mobile homes 2% p. Pavilion 2% q. Liquor store /smoke shops 2% r. Too much fast food 1% 9. Are the services you need (childcare, healthcare, citizenship classes, % of Total Residents Surveyed Government agencies) available in your area? a. Yes 61% b. No 28% c. Don't know /Did not respond 11 d. What services are missing? • DSHS 15% • Health Clinic 11% • Citizenship classes 7% • Child care 5% • Department of Licensing 4% • Low Income Housing 3% • ESL Classes 2% ACCESS TO FOOD 3. Can you buy the kinds of food you want near your home? % of Total Residents Surveyed a. Yes 71% b. No 21% c. Don't know /Did not respond 80/0 d. If no, what kind of food is hard to get? • Ethnic specific food 80/0 • Costco 6% • Food too expensive (need to travel out of area) 4% • Farmer's Market 4% • Lack of Grocery Stores — McCadam Rd 3% • Food Bank is too far 1% TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I:)A ) )ocember 10 011 RE e 83 WIWOM 4. Where do you and your family get most of your food? a. Large grocery store • Saars • WINCO • Safeway • Seafood City • SAMS • Thriftway b. Big Box Department Store • Costco • Wal -Mart • Target % of Total Residents Surveyed 87% 40% 8% 7% 3% 3% 1% 55% 28% 17% 3% • Fred Meyer 1% c. Dollar store 17% d. Small store /butcher /produce stand 7% e. Food bank* 16% f. Ethnic grocery store (Halal, Latino, other) 52% g. Restaurants /Prepared food (Subway, fast food, pizza) 16% h. Convenience store (7 -11, Mini Mart, gas station) 13% i. Other • Hardware 1% • Grocery Outlet 1% • Cambodian Store in White Center 1% COMMON THEMES & VARIANCES ACROSS COMMUNITIES After reviewing the data collected, while there were some clear variances amongst different ethnic groups, for the most part several common themes surfaced regarding usage of current services and the need for new ones. HOUSING The majority of the immigrant /refugee population residing within the boundaries of the Tukwila city limits live in apartment buildings with 1/3 of the Latino and Somali communities either renting or owning a home. Most of the populations also indicated being unhappy with their living situation indicated by the responses of over 60% of Somali, Burmese and Eritreans. However, despite complaints regarding their living conditions, over 50% the Latino population indicated being pleased with their current apartment or home. When asked which things they would change if given the opportunity, the top two responses among all populations was cost and number of bedrooms. Three spaces that all residents surveyed would use the most if available either in their apartment complex or home were Playground, Exercise Room and Indoor Sport Court. However, over 78% of the Burmese population indicated a vegetable or garden space as their top choice. NEIGHBORHOOD Over 85% of both the Somali and Eritrean population indicated close access to their mosque or church as their top reason for living in Tukwila, with closeness to family and people from their country as their second reason. Several of those surveyed also indicated the desire for a traffic light between S 142nd & s 143rd so that families could have safe and secure access to the mosque from one side of International Blvd to the other. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A ) )occmhor 10 011 FDE c 84 WIUMN The Latino and Burmese populations indicated closeness to school as their top reason, with both groups responding at a rate of over 65 %. Across all communities, over 60% of the responses indicated that they planned on staying in Tukwila, with the highest mobility predicted for the Eritrean and Arabic - speaking populations. Both of these communities indicated that while they would like to continue living in Tukwila, high cost of rent and living conditions motivate them to seek housing elsewhere. Several respondents indicated the desire for low income housing in Tukwila as well as access to affordable commercial space so that they may start their own businesses at a reduced rate. NEW BUSINESSES Hands down, the largest requests came from a desire for a better large grocery store in the neighborhood with WINCO and Safeway listed as their top two choices. Over 1/3 of the responses also requested a large box store, like a Costco or a Walmart be located on TIB. A third choice for residents was a family resource center and a gym with a couple of those surveyed recommending cheaper options for resident use at the Tukwila Community Center. PROBLEM BUSINESSES While many residents indicated appreciation for the recent closure of some of the motels on TIB, their top choice as problem businesses were the motels, followed by Deja vu /Showgirls and casinos as a far a third. Other complaints regarding local businesses referred to the parking lots surrounding some of the Somali businesses on TIB, where due to a lack of security and structure, residents experience unsafe driving and gang activity. Complaints about gang activity was also mentioned in regards to the parking lots surrounding the mini marts and convenience stores like 7 -11. SERVICES Over 60% of those surveyed did indicate satisfaction with access to services in the area. However, their top choices for new services included a Department of Social and Health Services and Department of Licensing offices as well as a Health Clinic and Low Income Housing. FOOD ACCESS Across all populations, over 60% of respondents indicated satisfaction with food access. However, many of those surveyed asked for lower cost options, as well as a Farmers Market and more Ethnic - specific restaurants and markets. CURRENT SHOPPING LOCATIONS Over 80% of residents shop at the Saars on S 144th, mainly because it's the only choice available to them. However, many indicated needing to travel to Burien or Renton to do their grocery shopping. Residents living up on Macadam Rd indicated their dissatisfaction with the lack of grocery stores in that area. A small number of responses also said that they have stopped using the food bank because on several occasions they have experienced receiving expired food. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UI'I: }A I l )occmhor 10 011 RE c85 N Ct ,0 01 <, N .112 ,C, 0 Ct 6 H- co , , a., -E co v-M1 m E E co 00 > c E E 00 0.] L)kz, we 0 04 CO 0 00 cr CO 00 00 CO N 0 PO1 PP PP PO PP OP P4 10 0 W Pr 11.11 11.11 01 ,s1r W • t M, • a, ,r 00 cr, v-M1 44,1 p4 0 m m or, N 0 '.■1,11.'11 PO 44,1 4,4 . . o 0 • 0 0 • 0 m oc, o o 'ar.1 'ar11 0 0 0 LP 0 0 0 0 M 0 2 4 0 01 m 00 `ar,', r, oo krIr m No LT, 01 NIOr o 4 M 0 UP 0 Z.11,kz. PP P4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 'Pir11 10 oo 00 Pt PP PP OD 0 PO 0 0 °O .4.4 PO PO1 M 0 0 0 Pst 0 Cr, 00 d. k.(0 oo m M. ■Or. m 11.11 <-■ oo N M. Po 0 PP PI ,41r 0 0 0 0 Outdoor space /yard Easy to park my car Quiet Neighbors Close to work and Tennis Courts Close to transit •Zt. <1- 00 m 00- 0 0 !El tri 0 v-M1 CY). 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Ji C TV, ndoor Play Area 0 M m Laundry (Inside) 00 CO rAL? N.11 0 0 0 ou N.11 0 0 0 0 0 !..; 00 0 !..; 0 eir ker 4 - 4 - 4 e-i (0) ,E0 '40?, 00 00 e-i 00 00 CO e-i Na M 0 0 eel 0 00 0 lin 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 !..; 0 g'. 0 g'. 0 !..; * g'. 0 0 !..‘; * 0 0 00 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 Bigger Bathroom as a 8 ..2 Lz. CS 0) -D 8 1:0 u 122 0 Neighborhood 04 etc° oo wtal 01 mo 11.11 .Z M o R.11 N r04. r04. 0 ,-, *, i,IF; * 0 CL 0.1 '1 VI (4) (el ee et CL 05 4-, 05 _c 4-, '76 r, 04 kr' ig re-, *. 0 rii: 0 ... u cu _c 0 s2: oo r.,m r Z41 r,, t , m v . w „ . .- 2 = 8 -0 0 >- 0 00 o E Sr;; E ti E L.C.L o m a 05 2 2 ..o (0 c --o -0 C , -- 0; -5'.. io .l., .. 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S E 2 cu ro E u ED. a E >. 2 ea2, ... .-, ro as 0 0.) ,•••■ ct, o ca .7.; -0 *-• ro _c 4 c c Too many mobile homes Somali business Too much fast food Liquor Stores /Smoke shops Somali Parking at Mosque e-i trw o c 0 N.11 o c, 0.0 lin N.11 lin trl o c ct a4. o fr:;) M 0,1■ 0,1■ w M 0,1■ m M 0,1■ Renters selling cars e-i 4,0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0. 2f) LtD 0 a"): 0 0 • a— e'g,, N g LtD 0 ‘ • YeNe ar ., , , -,tE -' • YeNe ar ., , , ..O...S , * `a* 'arr,'', 'N . CJ 0 0 0 g 0 g 0 g 0 . g 0 0 0 0 0) 76 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dro 0 0 i i 0 0 0 92 0 w• n g 0 0 ▪ 0 0 0 0 ▪ 0 0 a 0 oo ,2 t Ter 00) 53 pg 4 ▪ 0 g 0 g ▪ 0 g g E ▪ 0 0 " 0 * Mini Marts /Conveniece Stores (n g a, * * * * * * * ..c ON Lt - ! 0 0 g 0 0 0 g 0 0 g 0 ,, , ▪ g 4 c 0) * * * * * g 0 0 *4 L 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0)' o4 3 ..c i2o .0 04 _c -o 0 Li c -0 3 o LE- D -C ,....), -,`';'■ a. o -c) Gas Station (76) 0 5 _E 2 4 ;E. 1 -! S' 0 . c 7 3 a a) .a 1 c >. - O E 5M Z • 7 . — F-- a. .!5! 0 .= Z Ith e DSHS Office g Low income housing • 0 00 co co CM • 0 o >0 CM 0 0 CM 00 DO OD e-i e-i CM • 0 00 OD OD 00 CO OD 0 CM • 0 r- 4 CM • 0 • a, CM • CM 0 CM • CM 0 C • 00 0 • a, CM • 0 CM • 0 CM • 0 00- 00 e-i >0 >0 00 00 00 lLl`g 0 IR, M CM 0> 0 00 CM 0 0 00 CM 0 Ol■ CM e-i CM 0 g.0 4 - 4 • a, CM • 0 0 • a, CM CM • 0 00 • a, 0.0 O • 0 O • 0 • a, O • 0 CD CM CM 0 CD CM 0 CM CM 0 CM 0 0 0 CM 0 0 CM 0 0 CM • 0 CM • CM 0 CM • CM 0 CM • 0 CM • 0 CM OP OP M Lr, N OD N gg,:gggg,:gg 00- „ 00 CD CM CM 0 CD CM 0 N N cr, E O • et O >- CO 00 g - 4 Government Services 00 CM CM 0 00 CM 0 but childcare Senior housing Business training Better transit connections Access to Food a 0 -0 0 CM • 0 0 0 • ey N N 0 o 00 in 0» M 00 2 2 c• >” a▪ , 00 O 0 :2 0. 0 1T; `0 2 .E -0 O 00 00 3 o Farmers Market a, 0 0 0 U- CM • 0 00 • 00 O • 0 O • 0 CD 0 0 CD g 00 >00 o 0 0 Lack of grocery stores close to I Fruits, Vegetables Quality Groceries 0 e-i Gluten Free 00 00 00 04 rn 00 00 00 00 g 1-- 00 11?. 0 ▪ 0 :7;!1; NA 0 6 on e-i e-i • 1e. 0 m ern 00 • • r.. -o o 2 0)0 rii: 0 0)0 rii: 0 '5 o 0)- 0 0 0 1.1111 (0) 0)0 00 00 • 00 ▪ 01 rid. rid. e•!. r, 1e. 'NO 0 v. ..?11‘ 00 r•-• g 0 go ▪ ▪ 0 m `.14N.P on 0 N 0 N 00 0, 0 r, 11.1 W1. • 00 6 0 01 00 e-i 4,D [2 4, 0 0 0 co 110. 1.1111 1.1111 ',11g O 0 00 0)0 00 00 11110 4,D 0)0 • 00 0 6 6N‘ 'NO 141. 1, 0 , - u , , 0)- 0 0 0 in 0 0 0 "-0 '' a . ''. ..-.. O 0 t2 t2 FE v, 001 00N g .0 0, 00 c,,„ 00 10 0 110) 0. RA 101 .1,11 00 e 0 .•„, 0 00 m 0 0 M. 00 0 e e. 01 M. 0 0 0 00 00 00 • . 1.1111 Ln 0 0 0 0 0 00 Fr2 5 tt, 0 m m * * * * * 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 e-i 0 o * m N.11 Omrl 0 0 o 8 0 g g g g g 0 geggge 0 0 ommmo 0 0 0 0 0 N 0 - - 4 - 4 0 0 0 a, a, 0 0 0 g: g: a, a, 0 0 0 o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 * * 0 N 0 o * g N N N 0 3 ..-... 76 0 -Fa 2 ,-; c ,--■ o = a, E N 0 ci' 72— -FT; V — , 9 E _0 E" ,z 0 , 'E 2 >: , (i' u, 0 x z L.L 0 E 0 P. = U 0 0 0 VI 2 Ma 0 0 0 0 0 0 g: g: g: g: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 - 4 - 4 Dental Clinic Grocery Outlet Food Bank- Canned food expir 0) 0) 0 u * * * 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Neighborhood: Papa Murphy's Farmer's markets in A s TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATEI Do ember 10 2014. S JO NV S u revise Building' communities Protecting the land' Tukwila International Business Survey Summary Conducted Friday, June 27th through Friday, July 17th, 2014 k lM ,91µ u N Illll I • . b Justice for Affil r< aM Purpose With coordination and planning, Tukwila International Boulevard is envisioned as a major asset to help improve quality of life for the residents of Tukwila through access to goods and services, additional housing options, community services and economic opportunities. In partnership with the City of Tukwila, Futurewise, OneAmerica, and El Centro de la Raza (El Centro) surveyed local businesses to provide direction within the comprehensive plan for the city of Tukwila. Although there are several aspects of public participation and outreach, this specific survey focused on local businesses on or in close proximity to Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB). This area has seen much change over the past years and is expected to undergo further development in the upcoming years. Methodology We acquired a list of businesses along and adjacent to TIB from the City of Tukwila's business license database. Prior to conducting the surveys, we distributed informational flyers on June 27th 2014 (see Attachment 1). The purpose of these flyers was to serve as a notice to the local businesses that the staff from our organizations would be conducting business surveys during the following weeks. On this day, we also acquired information including times of day when business owners might be most readily available, languages spoken by staff at the businesses, and hours of operation. From June 29 to July 18, we conducted the surveys (see Attachment 2). OneAmerica was primarily responsible for conducting surveys amongst the East African and Somali community of TIB. El Centro de la Raza, was responsible for reaching out to the Latino businesses. Futurewise surveyed the remaining businesses. Of the 160 total businesses listed, 55 businesses responded to the survey (a response rate of 34 %). To assure that every business owner or manager had the opportunity to be surveyed, staff approached local businesses several times. The number of visits varied depending on responsiveness of the owners or managers. After two to four times failing to conduct the business survey due to lack of availability or lack of interest by owners or managers, an additional flyer was left at the business that provided instructions on how to complete the survey online. While an online option was made available, no businesses filled it out. The online survey did make it easier for our partners, however, to input survey responses into a central location. Results See Attachment 3 for graphs depicting survey results. Highlights are summarized below. 1 Languages spoken Tukwila is one of the most diverse zip codes in the United States and the survey results illustrate this. We found that the average business provides staff that speaks over 3 different languages. The franchised business such as Arco -AMPM and Bartell Drugs, in addition to Allied Law Firm, have staff that speak 7 languages. The languages spoken by all businesses surveyed included: • English • Punjabi • Somali • Arabic • Korean • Japanese • Chinese • Turkish • Vietnamese • Ethiopian • Spanish Ownership f in i Of the 55 businesses surveyed, 33 reported that the business is locally- owned, 12 are franchised, and 3 are corporate- owned. The average business has also been in establishment for over 16 years. Reason for locating business l The reason for establishing their business within Tukwila is predominately related to their clientele, location, and affordability. 33% of respondents cited affordability and availability and 21 % cited proximity to the airport and density of traffic. Where f r live Most customers for TIB businesses live in Tukwila and neighboring communities. Specifically 72% of respondents reported their customers live in Tukwila /SeaTac. Given the proximity to the airport, and a central location, businesses also serve customers throughout the broader region. How customers t t l businesses Respondents mentioned a variety of modes of travel for their primary customers (note: survey respondents could note more than one mode): • Driving 55 • Walking 23 • Transit 21 • Biking 16 • Taxis 2 Businesses that expressed higher walking traffic also mentioned the apartment buildings close to their businesses. Many expressed a positive relationship between more housing and an increased customer base. Plans and Attitudes f Future Most businesses plan to continue operating in Tukwila in the upcoming years; 43 (81% of respondents) businesses plan to continue operating, 5 (10 %) businesses have expressed the potential desire to relocate, and 4 (9 %) are unsure. Generally, most businesses are optimistic about the changes that have occurred in the community over the years, specifically with the shutdown of motels and plans to construct a mixed -use building and a library on the vacant lots of TIB. 32 (58 %) businesses responded with optimism regarding 2 future planning of Tukwila, while 8 (15 %) businesses responded that they were pessimistic, and 15 (27 %) were unsure. Interest in attending a meeting focused on business owners Approximately half of the businesses surveyed expressed interest in participating in a business - focused meeting to discuss planning issues related to TIB or a promotional event celebrating TIB. Concerns and Other Issues Slow pace of development. The greatest concern, even for optimistic business respondents, is that development has been slow to happen along TIB. Many people commented about the city's plans to construct a mixed -use development on the corner of TIB and S. 144th St. Many imagine this as being a "fresh start" for their business and the area, but expressed frustration at the fact that the lot has been vacant for over five years. This mirrored the sentiments expressed by a few business owners that plans for development along TIB are promising, but are moving slower than they would like. Similarly, some mentioned that the motels shut down last year have not been torn down. This, they said, gives an unsettling look to the surrounding area that may deter customers coming from out of town or from the airport. City regulations. Several businesses owners felt that the cities regulations were restrictive to the success of their business. While several owners and managers mentioned that the city had generally been cooperative and supportive during their time on TIB, others had concerns about signage policies and other regulations. Some business owners have felt that they face obstacles severe enough that they have stopped offering certain services or believe that the city does not want them there and thus they are planning to sell and move away. Small business owners and managers are also concerned with potentially rising rents as redevelopment happens, and the possibilities of more business relocations, vacant storefronts, or a less active commercial district. Diversity. Many survey respondents mentioned the diversity in the area as an asset, with tight -knit communities along TIB providing loyal customer bases. Others, though, saw their primary business competition embodied by another cultural community, rather than by specific businesses. This perception could lead to a situation where, although the area is diverse, cultural communities tend to live separately and shop at different stores. Safety. A strong majority of businesses surveyed mentioned that the neighborhood had become safer since the motels were closed down in 2013. This issue was mentioned frequently when discussing perceptions of the future of the neighborhood. Many owners felt optimistic, in this sense, but also expressed concerns about the continued loitering and petty crime outside of their businesses. Others said that while the police have cracked down on petty crime, they sometimes are slow in responding to larger issues that concern business owners, such as cars stolen off of lots and identity theft. Overall, the sentiment in the community is that while progress has certainly been made, there is more work to be done regarding safety. The two most discussed issues by respondents revolved around public safety and affordable housing. Of the business respondents that mentioned police patrol, the majority of respondents stated that they would like to see more patrol in the community. A few respondents however mentioned that they appreciated that the police patrolled so often. Another facet of public safety that was mentioned was loitering and delinquents. One business owner responded, "I like Tukwila, but not the people." These business owners and managers were more likely to be pessimistic about the changes in Tukwila, and 3 while they often acknowledged that the landscape and streets are cleaner, but they felt the city had done little to address the issue of homelessness. Many people commented that the reason for the loitering problem is that there are few parks or recreational facilities to occupy youth. The respondents are anticipating the development of the new library and mixed use senior citizen building, but several mentioned that it has been years since any development has occurred. Many people acknowledged the city's efforts that resulted in the closure of the motels, but believe that redevelopment must happen to beautify the area. The abandoned motels are viewed as an eyesore to the community. Interestingly, not everyone agreed with the shutdown of these motels. A few business owners said that they have seen a drop of clientele since the closing of motels and thus it had been bad for their businesses. Those who remain optimistic say that they look forward to the senior citizen center bringing new clients to the community. Affordable housing. We found that there was a variety of views on affordable housing. Several business owners associated the development of affordable housing in Tukwila with the increased crime rates and number of loiterers around their businesses. One business owner expressed strong opposition to affordable housing, claiming that it creates bad change in the community, however he also noted that his clientele base has never been from Tukwila and that he still anticipates operating his business in Tukwila until he is forced to leave. Those businesses that were optimistic about the community seemed most likely to support an increase in affordable and senior housing, stating that it will bring more business and activity to their stores. Many businesses reported a drop in business activity related to complaints from customers about rising rents. Some businesses commented about the opportunity for affordable housing, as well as commercial retail, to help stabilize the neighborhood, especially as it grows and changes. Recommendations TIB provides access to transportation, places to acquire goods and services, a variety of employers, and an increased capacity for redevelopment and intensification. Encouraging redevelopment of the area without displacement of residents and businesses requires a number of retention and recruitment strategies to both support the existing residents and businesses as well as attract new housing options and commercial opportunities. The following recommendations address some of the key concerns voiced in the survey responses: • Convene a meeting in fall 2014 for business owners and managers along TIB to discuss and respond to relevant elements to Tukwila's Comprehensive Plan Update. • Coordinate an event that celebrates all businesses along TIB in order to highlight common goals and priorities, as this seems to be an important step for the community. • Add visual elements to the existing sign ordinance to better illustrate what is allowed under the revised code so that business owners will more likely improve their signs. • Provide support for small businesses to add pedestrian- oriented signs to encourage walkability and legibility along the sidewalk. • Encourage greater connectivity between neighborhoods and TIB by expanding streetscape improvements like better sidewalks, lighting, pedestrian signage and crossings. • Develop strategies to preserve housing and commercial affordability to support existing residents and businesses while encouraging redevelopment, enhanced design, and other investments which may raise rents /prices in the area. 4 The following items are included as attachments: 1. Outreach Flyer 2. Business Survey 3. Business Survey Responses 5 Attachment 1. Outreach Flyer 6 We want to hear from you! The City of Tukwila is currently updating its Comprehensive Plan, which sets the goals and policies which will guide the City for the next 20 years. An important part of the plan is supporting a vibrant business district on Tukwila International Boulevard. We want to hear from you, business owners and managers, about your vision for the area to ensure that the City develops policies and programs which help you and your business. Need rnore information? You can learn more about the Conwrehensive Plan here: http:,i'fwww.tukwillaviiia.gov/dcd/dcdconapplan.litml If you would like to leave a comment or question, you may contact Lynn Miranda (Lynn,Miranda@TukwilaWA.gov) of the Tukwila Department of Community Development by calling 206 431-3683. Take u,r survey! We are visiting area businesses to ask you about how the City can support a great business district. No tittle to ctiat? The survey is available online at https://iiiiiiviiv.surveymonikey. com/s•WQF1)YEID. Get Irtv,colvecii There are lots of events coming up regarding Tukwila international Boulevard planning! Join us for a meeting with business owners,. a "walkshop," public hearings, and more Contact Hayley at hayley@futurewise,org or 206-343-0681 x 121 for more information. '40 N E E C A '4' '6' wake for AR 00 lill "" C' A Urewise DAMN; commundthos Protertfry mho Mind Attachment 2: Business Survey 8 Survey of the Tukwila International Boulevard District Businesses Survey Purpose: The City of Tukwila is updating its goals and policies for the Tukwila International Boulevard area. We understand it is difficult to make time to come to a meeting, so we were hoping to spend 15 or 20 minutes with you today to learn what you think about the neighborhood and how the City can improve the business environment here. Business Name: Name and Contact Info: Type of Business: Locally owned, franchise, or agent? Language(s) spoken: How long have you been in business here? 1. Why did you decide to locate your business in this area? O Close to customers O Close to other businesses O Close to my home O Price 0 Other: 2. What do you like best about having your business in this area? 3. What do you like least about having your business in this area? 4. What are your thoughts about the neighborhood's future and its impact on your business? O I am optimistic O I am pessimistic O Not sure Why? 5. Do you plan to continue operating your business in this location? O Yes O No O Not sure If not, why? 9 6. Are there other businesses or services in the area that are important to your success? D Yes D No D Not sure If yes, which ones? 7. Where do most of your customers live? D Tukwila International Boulevard D Tukwila D Seatac O Other: 8. How do your customers get to your business? D Driving D Public Transportation D Walking or Biking O Other: 9. What could the City do to improve this neighborhood and support its businesses? 10.The City is organizing upcoming activities to hear from the business community and develop policies to improve this area. Would you be interested in attending any of the following: An event in September to market or advertise 0 Yes, I am interested. TIB and your business to the community like 0 No I am not interested. the "Taste of Tukwila." 0 Not sure A meeting with business owners to discuss the findings of this survey and possible improvements to the area? If yes, what day(s) of the week and time(s) of day would be best for you? Day(s): Time(s): May we contact you again about these activities? 10 D Yes, I am interested. D No, I am not interested. D Not sure D Yes D No Attachment 3: Business Survey Responses 11 1. Why did you decide to locate your business in this area? 12 11 10 8 6 4 0 7 Proximity to airport and high traffic area 3 Diver'sly of area, community, and culture Affordab ty and 5 Other bus' losses Availability are compatible or create good business 4 3 Established C ost to commercia area, home/convenient surrounded by successful businesses 01. Why did you decide to locate your business in this area? 2. What do you like best about having your business in this area? 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 0 1 4 'Traffic Flow 9 8 7 Se v ig the I.....ocation, divc s ty of community affordabi ty, and community accesibility 02. What do you like hest about having your business in this area? 1 Safcty 6 Closc to other businesses 12 5 Stab ity 3. What do you like least about having your business in this area? 14 12 10 8 6 4 0 12 5 2 4 Crime, p operty Demog ap iics of competition amongst lack of pa king damage and security neighborhoods businesses 5 vaca it ots and mai itenance 03. What do you like least about having your business in this area? 12 govc iment regulation 4. What are your thoughts about the neighborhood's future and its impact on your business? 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 3 15 Pessimistic Not Sure 04. What are your thoughts about the neighborhood's 'future and its impact on your business? 13 Why are you optimistic/pessimistic? 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 13 Closing of Motels 18 1 Positive about growth in Negative about growth in area area Why are you optimistic? 5 4 City restrictions Unsure 5. Do you plan to continue operating your business in this location? 50 45 43 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Continuc opc, all ig in .TIB 5 111111111111 Interesting in rclocati ig/closing Q5. Do you plan to continue operating your business in this location? 14 4 Unsurc If not staying here, why? 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 5 3 Will stay as 0 tg as I can Rent or othc, facto might force mc to move 2 IF not staying here, why? Rcti cd 6 Better locatio to/More visibility 6. Are there other businesses or services in the area that are important to your success? 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 24 0) (J) 3 0 Ti5 0) a. Q6. Are there other businesses or services in the area that are important to your success? 15 7. Where do most of your customers live? 50 47 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Tukwila/Scatac 7 111111111111111111 8 iton, Bu en K ig Cou ity 07. Where do most of your customers live? 8. How do your customers get to your business? 60 55 50 40 30 20 10 0 Driving 23 16 21 Walking Biking lEransit 08. How do most of your customers get to your business? 16 3 Out of towners/Airport 9. What could the City do to improve this neighborhood and support its businesses? 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 0 17 Crime 7 IDeve opment 7 Housing/Affo dability 14 11 1....ess cst ictions on City and community businesses Q9. What could the city do to improve this neighborhood and support its businesses? 17 services 10a. Businesses interested in business meeting 101b., 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 0 Businesses iinterested in business event promoting T Yes 3 Businesses interested in fo 13 ow up meeting INNEMBER No Maybe 6 Weekday mo wigs before Weekday afternoons/evening 10AM 8 Flexible Times that work well for business meeting 18 im Interest in 'follow-up activities m Interest in 'follow-up activities 3 Weekc id afternoon Tab 6 j II 1 IIIIIIIIIII 111111111111 I � 111110 \\ Ilk : IIIIIIIIIIII 1 . \ \ , Urban Land Institute Te Pri p les fo r Rebulidin Nei 7borhood Ret 1 Michael D. Beyard Michael Pawlukiewicz Alex Bond The Urban Land Institute gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Bank of America in underwriting this project. a A Ala eric ABOUT UILII -THE UI I AVOI LAND INSTITUTE ULI -the Urban Land Institute is a non- profit education and research institute that is supported by its members. Its mis- sion is to provide responsible leadership in the use of and in order to enhance the total environment. ULI sponsors education programs and forums to encourage an open international exchange of ideas and sharing of experi- ences; initiates research that anticipates emerging land use trends and issues and proposes creative solutions based on that research; provides advisory services; and publishes a wide variety of materials to disseminate information on and use and development. Established in 1936, the Institute today has more than 20,000 members and associates from some 70 countries representing the entire spectrum of the land use and develop- ment disciplines. Richard M. Rosan President Recommended bibliographic listing: Beyard, Michael D., Michael Pawlukiewicz, and Alex Bond. Ten Principles for Rebuilding Neigh- borhood Retail. Washington, D.C.: ULI -the Urban Land Institute, 2003. ULI Catalog Number: T21 International Standard Book Number: 0- 87420 -922 -6 Copyright 2003 by ULI -the Urban Land Institute 1025 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W. Suite 500 West Washington, D.C. 20007 -5201 Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, elec- tronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permis- sion of the publisher. II LIILII PROJECT STAFF Rochelle L. Levitt Executive Vice President, Policy and Practice Publisher Marta V. Goldsmith Senior Vice President, Land Use Policy Michael D. Beyard Senior Resident Fellow ULI /Martin Bucksbaum Chair for Retail and Entertainment Michael Pawlukiewicz Director, Environment and Policy Education Alex Bond Project Intern, Land Use Policy Nancy H. Stewart Director, Book Program Managing Editor Carol A. Bell Manuscript Editor Betsy VanBuskirk Art Director Book /Cover Design, Layout Diann Stanley- Austin Director, Publishing Operations Cover photograph: Wisconsin Avenue, Georgetown, Washington, D.C. / ©B.R. Wilson. Participants CHAIR Smedes York President York Properties, Inc. Raleigh, North Carolina IDIEVIEILOPIEIRS Richard Lake Managing Principal Madison Retail Group /Roadside Development Washington, D.C. Margaret (Midge) McCauley Director Downtown Works Kravco King of Prussia, Pennsylvania PILAIINIINERS /IIhESIICIVNEI S/ ARCHITECTS H. Cates Givens Principal/Vice President EDAW, Inc. Denver, Colorado Bruce Leonard StreetSense Bethesda, Maryland William B. Renner Associate Principal EDSA /Edward D. Stone, Jr. and Associates Fort Lauderdale, Florida INIARKET ANALYSTS Thomas Moriarity Principal Economics Research Associates Washington, D.C. Leah D. Thayer, Principal LDT Advisors Middleburg, Virginia PUBLIC SECTOR IRE IP IRES IEIINT ATII V IES Ceil Cirillo Executive Director City of Santa Cruz — Redevelopment Agency Santa Cruz, California Barbara Kaiser Redevelopment Bureau Manager City of Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Long Beach, California Roderick S. Woolard Director of Development City of Norfolk Norfolk, Virginia INNER-CITY NO NPR FIT SPECIALISTS Kenneth T. Bacchus President /CEO Housing and Economic Development Financial Corporation (HEDFC) Kansas City, Missouri Hipolito Roldan President Hispanic Housing Development Corporation Tropic Construction Corporation Chicago, Illinois PWIIILIIC /IPIRIIVATIE IFIIIDWAIIAICIAIL SPECIALISTS Michael Banner President /CEO Los Angeles LDC, Inc. Los Angeles, California J. Michael Pitchford Senior Vice President Bank of America Charlotte, North Carolina UILII SEINIII IR RIESIDENT IFIEILILOWS Maureen McAvey Senior Resident Fellow for Urban Development ULI —the Urban Land Institute Washington, D.C. Michael D. Beyard Senior Resident Fellow for Retail ULI —the Urban Land Institute Washington, D.C. Introduction Orenco Station. Hillsboro, Oregon,. iv Over the past five decades, retailing in urban neighborhoods has hollowed out, Leaving most cities and inner -ring suburbs with too Little to support healthy neighborhoods and strong communities. The results are apparent to anyone living in or visiting a 21st century city: commercial streets with deteri- orating buildings, empty storefronts or marginal month -to -month tenants, an undersupply of essential goods and services, social problems, poor pedestrian environments and amenities, and untended streets and sidewalks. The decline of neighborhood retailing has had a profound effect on the desirabil- ity of many urban neighborhoods and communities. The convenient availability of goods and services is a key factor that people consider when choosing a place to live, and neighborhoods without suitable retailing are dramatically weakened. Residents who can afford it, Leave, and potential new residents choose to live somewhere else. In this type of environment, communities cannot be sustained over the long term. The challenges of rebuilding persist not only in Low- income neighborhoods, but also in many other urban locations where retailing never recovered from the shift of buying habits that Led people to suburban shopping centers. Even in some of the most affluent communities —where first - generation, auto - oriented shopping streets have begun to urbanize and take on characteristics of urban shopping districts — redevelopment efforts are often stymied by NIMBYists dilffillot IkJ� II, 11 1UI, 1! 11111011V 111111,44,1111111, Ism 11 I 6iJ u; NRIN ®a MOM taV9111010i1"'„ii q#14 ‘111/11 rr who object to the transition as well as to the changes in character, diversity, and density that the transition brings. In all cases, rebuilding neighborhood retail streets is a difficult, lengthy, and complicated process. It differs significantly from developing a suburban shop- ping center or reestablishing downtown shopping districts, so innovative strate- gies must be employed to restore the neighborhood's vitality and competitive- ness. Neighborhood retail streets are betwixt and between most communities' established retail locations, and they have been largely forgotten or purposely avoided for years by retailers, developers, and shoppers. The reasons are clear: misperceptions about the extent of urban buying power are widespread, retail opportunities are perceived to be greater elsewhere, and the many social prob- lems faced by urban neighborhoods have proved difficult to solve. As a result, even those who live near neighborhood shopping streets are often forced to travel outside their own neighborhoods to shop for goods and services that most others take for granted in their everyday Lives. Opportunities to reestablish retailing along neighborhood commercial streets are great. Through careful planning, new roles can be found for these streets to fill in today's marketplace to better serve neighborhood residents. But a word of The Village at SH•:ollii :; rcon in Arlington, Virginia, is a irr..'5.. of 1940s neighborhood retail buyiilkliirigs an•:; new retail an :: cdr:.tuall d..:•vellolpnroents•. Moor WE;:.n VoIII�c;aa illrn Toronto, •r • caution: Attempts to re- create past glories —a commonly voiced goal— rarely succeed because most urban neighborhoods have changed dramatically over the past few decades, and their position in the regional hierarchy of retail destina- tions has been marginalized by newer concentrations of retailing in wealthier neighborhoods with better access, visibility, parking, security, and retailing environments. The large trade areas that many neighborhood streets once enjoyed have been cut off by newer centers, changes in retail merchandising have rendered obsolete much of the retail space along neighborhood streets, demographic shifts have reduced population densities and buying power, and a critical mass of retailers no longer exists along many of these streets. The result has been lower demand, high vacancies, a poor retail environment, and a failure to adapt to changed competitive circumstances. To achieve long -term sustainability, plans for rebuild- ing neighborhood shopping streets must recognize these changes and embrace solutions that are realistically market - based. It is not enough to base them solely on enlightened public policy goals or the community's wish list, no matter how well intentioned. In spite of the challenges faced by neighborhood retail streets, their future is turning much brighter, and the Urban Land Institute believes that the timing is right to rebuild them. Numerous metro- politan trends are redirecting growth back into existing communities, which has positive implications for the rebirth of neighborhood retailing. Urban lifestyles are becoming more popular among empty nesters, singles, the elderly, and nontraditional households; immigrants are flocking to many neigh- borhood streets as low -cost places to open small businesses, stores, and restaurants; retailers are again inter- ested in urban locations because their traditional suburban markets are satu- rated; states are increasingly concerned about the effects of sprawl and are instituting smart growth policies; pedestrian- oriented, streetfront retail environments are gaining favor with today's consumers; inner -city crime has declined dramatically in the past ten years; and local governments are using increasingly sophisticated plan- ning, regulatory, and financial in- centives to encourage market -based real estate investments in distressed urban neighborhoods. Ihrio rw o Chi iuillu� "@ II u But these positive trends alone are not enough to ensure that rebuilding will occur —even in affluent locations —since it takes far more time and effort to rebuild neighborhood retailing than it took to destroy it. The challenge for the public and private sectors is to work together aggressively to create the environ- ment in which retailing can thrive. If this doesn't happen, retailing will continue to shun neighborhood streetfront locations and choose more competitive sites. Gaining the public sector's commitment is a difficult challenge because cities and states are faced with increasingly limited resources and many new and com- peting obligations. Nevertheless, ULI believes that ways must be found, as part of a long -term strategy, to get started today on the task of rebuilding retail services because the future prosperity of our metropolitan areas depends on it. The revitalization of Id Pasadena, Calliffornia, incorporated new retail trends for shop "irng and entertainment in a historic main street environment. VIII' New IV avein, Connecticut vIIIAI Part of ULI's mission is to examine cutting -edge issues and propose creative solutions for improv- ing the quality of land use and development. To that end, ULI sponsored a charrette on smart growth solutions to devise strategies to realisti- cally restore the vitality of neighborhood shopping streets to create more livable environments and sustainable communities. In June 2003, during is( three days of intensive study of three neighbor- ri '�� hood shopping streets in the greater Washington, r, I D.C., area, teams of planning and development g experts from around the country toured and stud- ied three very different types of neighborhood streets. The teams were made up of leading commercial developers, public planners, nonprofit developers, archi- tects, economic consultants, and property advisers. The three streets were chosen as representative of different types of urban neighborhood environments. H Street N.E., at the edge of a gentrifying neigh- borhood, is an elongated and dilapidated commercial arterial that until the 1960s was one of Washington's major shopping streets; upper Wisconsin Avenue N.W. is a discontinuous, poorly merchandised, and unsightly commercial street in the midst of one of Washington's wealthiest uptown neighborhoods; and the devastated commercial district surrounding the intersection of Charles Street and North Avenue in Baltimore is in one of the poorest and most crime - ridden neigh- borhoods in the city. ULI teams were assigned to each strip and given the following tasks: to deter- mine the critical issues and challenges that neighborhood streets face; to deter- mine the most effective ways to rebuild neighborhood streets to ensure their long -term competitive position; and to set strategic principles to guide commu- nity residents, public planners, and developers in this effort. These principles were consolidated and refined by the three teams so that they could be applied universally to all types of neighborhood streets around the world. ULI had the support and participation of the two cities — Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland —in whose jurisdictions the streets are located. Each provided detailed background information, briefings, and tours for the ULI teams. After much deliberation, the teams adopted the following ten strategic principles to guide communities, developers, retailers, and residents in rebuilding their neighbor- hood retail streets. Tee Principles for Rebuildin Neighborhoo Retail G at Streets It 'Ta Need G kes a Visit) Think Reside Honor t Parking Me rc Ina Make he Is n mntiiia 1 Pedestrian Power ndise and It Hap pen reat Cha Lease �nnpiiiiiie�ms Proactive Re Clean, Safe, an Friend (Extend Day into Vght Manage for C hange ly ly v gat az its NI d G at CIS _ Ipioi King Street, Alllexairndlriia, viol ::i6a„ 2 very revitalization project needs a champion— someone to initiate the (•process, fight to ensure it is done right, and follow through to completion. This is particularly true for rebuilding neighborhood retailing because of the length and complexity of the undertaking. In most situations, the champion will be a person (or a group of people) who is a committed, responsible stakeholder who recognizes the problem, has dreams of something better, and has the pas- sion to overcome obstacles to achieve results. Without a champion, retail revi- talization efforts will most likely get lost among competing needs in a commu- nity when it comes time to fight for attention and Limited resources. In some quarters, neighborhood revitalization efforts are seen as inherently public responsibilities that should be led exclusively by public representatives, because the private sector is often seen as unwilling, uninterested, or unable to do the job itself. Others believe that if a market exists, the private sector will find it and, without government help, lead the way through its own entrepre- neurial efforts. ULI believes that, in most cases, neither extreme is an effective approach. Long -term success will come only when public /private part- nerships are created that marry the public's planning, coor- dination, infrastructure, and public financing tools with the private sector's entrepreneurial savvy, development expert- ise, retailing know -how, and private capital. When new retail markets are just being formed, neither sector can achieve its goals without aggressive assistance from the other. It doesn't matter whether the champion is from the public or private sector, but he or she must make sure that all the other stakeholders are included in the redevelopment effort. IN The champion can be a group or an individual. Possible group champions include a business improvement district (BID), corporation or partnership of businesses, community development group, financial institution, or neighborhood anchor such as a hospital or university. IN An individual champion can be a resident, a business or community group leader, an elected official such as a mayor or councilperson, a property owner, a retailer, or a city staff person. IN The champion should pull together a core group of involved stakeholders to form a public /private partnership entity to guide the rebuilding effort. i� vie lo '44 'Op IN The stakeholders are the people and groups who will be directly affected by the redevelopment and the decisions made by the public /private partnership. Ideally, they will transcend political turnover because the redevelopment effort will last through several election cycles. Politicians may be involved, of course, but they should be willing to remain involved if they Lose future elections or choose not to run. Staying power is essential to long -term success. IN The champion should Lead efforts to develop a process or mechanism to resolve conflicts among the stakeholders and reach consensus. Conflict is healthy, and the champion is ideally positioned to help resolve conflicts and make sure that potential problems and issues are debated and not avoided. By building interest and commitment among diverse stakeholders, a champi an foster the devehrwlprooeunt of a consensus vfisfirw,rp for the street. "ak 1 1 Vi ii etailing has changed forever. Big -box stores and category killers; fortress malls; outlet, Lifestyle, and power centers; catalogs; and the Internet are where today's consumers shop. The competition is fierce, and consumers want it all: low prices, endless variety, the latest designs, parking at the door, and an environment so entertaining that they go there even when they don't need to shop! How can neighborhood streets hope to compete? By providing goods and services tailored to the specific needs of each neighborhood in an environment that is convenient, service - oriented, pedestrian- scaled, and connected to the urban lifestyles of the neighborhood's residents. The oiiuii ng Iproa....- iiirttnl;ra; v=nts that are ...:.......:::.;, sue recruited, and other ^ctiiciir :terr:s„ A tha; :: ou,u ^.3 :11 Visioning 'process will help ensure It at 1P.e city and Iprolpo : :, .y owners are cor•: °:.'t ocd to redeveloping a viii r;a:.t u,urlban reta':ll' street„ The successful rebuilding of a neigh- borhood shopping street will be in- cremental, so it must be based on a shared vision that provides a strategic framework for imagining, analyzing, judging, and implementing each step along the way. The champion of a rebuilding effort is the one best posi- tioned to pull together the diverse partnership of stakeholders to create the long -term vision for the street. Although the champion should make sure that no interests are left behind, the community's vision must be rooted in market realities. Too often, commu- nities have followed the loudest voices and pursued plans that cannot be sus- tained economically, which inevitably leads to disappointment and failure. Rec- ognize that there is often a great difference between what one group of stake- holders may want and what the market will support. Reaching a shared vision requires facing the tough questions upfront, making sure everyone understands the realities of the situation, and setting short -, medium -, and long -range goals that are realistically attainable. There is no cookie -cutter solu- tion that will be effective long term, and pie -in- the -sky doesn't qualify as vision, so it is essential to understand the reality of the street and what is possible before asking what it can become. There is a general rule: Strive to be what you really can be. Most urban streets cannot successfully become Like a suburban mall, and it's doubtful that this would be a good idea even if it were possible. Each retail street needs to be individually crafted to reflect the community, people, lifestyle, and aspirations of its neighborhood because one -size visions do not fit all. The first task of the public /private partnership is to make sure that the vision is shared. Property own- ers, residents, and nontraditional neighborhood anchors, such as churches, colleges, and hospitals, must buy in because they have the most at stake. These players have a strong vested interest in the neighborhood environment because their success depends in part on desirability of their surroundings. Large employers should be actively recruited because they have important resources that can be brought to bear. IN Do not allow the rebuilding process to be "hijacked" by any one group or individual —even the residents. It is only natural that stakeholders have agen- das; bringing these agendas into the open and aligning them are critical. IN Create momentum for the vision by assigning specific roles to each stakeholder and getting them to buy in to the plan. Getting stakeholders monetarily involved in the process may help to ensure their continued involvement and support. IN Identify negative influences that are hindering the redevelopment effort and neutralize or eliminate them as soon as possible; they could be a person, a building, or a neighborhood condition. IN Create an identity for the street that is inventive and reflects the neighborhood. Some neighborhood streets are already place- specific and have identities that can be reinforced or enhanced. In other cases, the identity is either nonexistent or negative —in which case, changing the perceived identity (or overcoming the nonidentity) will be one of the biggest challenges. Allol Visioning will help create and enhance an identity for the street that reflects the neighborhood. • IN Adapt the retail environment to serve and enhance the surrounding neighbor- hood. Serving a broader trade area may be important, but will usually be a sec- ondary goal. IN Recognize that nearby competition not only will dramatically affect the mar- ket for your street, but will also affect the vision you have for its future. IN Hire a leasing professional from day one to coordinate management and recruitment of retail tenants. Recognize that retailers will "vote" on the sound- ness of the redevelopment's vision by deciding whether to rent or not. ,1, �1lalilllllll11�11111Vil11�1iigiii1 M Street, Washington, ID C.. 5 Think R - ;ids tial @ "ugh•de;hn% "n... ;l'2..., .:, ::_;.: :IIy!homes accommoalate `::Y : :.II s,.:; •.l make vo6glhlbQ.,.i hood ^' 6 uccessful retail depends on successful residential 110neighborhoods. Retailing cannot survive in an environ- ment of deteriorating neighborhood housing, declining pop- ulation and homeownership rates, disinvestment, crime, and neglect. Most important, successful retail needs a growing number of high - quality residents because this is what retailers look for. High - quality residents are found in high -, medium -, and Low- income brackets so, individually and as a group, residents need to take ownership of their streets and start changing the negatives in their neighborhoods so the environment is right to attract retailers. Great streets are always surrounded by dense residential development. Where residential growth and revitalization is occurring, retail is primed to follow; it simply will not occur the other way around. Retailers will not be attracted to a neighborhood street, regardless of how much public money they get, unless they see the cash registers ringing, and this depends on the strength of the surrounding residential market. Streets evolve over time, and the quality and amount of the residential development will dictate what type of retail tenant will be interested in Leasing space. The typical pat- tern is for home - grown, startup businesses and creative enterprises Looking for Low -cost Locations to move in first, followed by mass - market national stores and, if the neigh- borhood is very successful, by specialized higher -end retailers. The community should not expect the best stores to move in immediately, but to the extent that higher - quality residential development occurs, retailing will continue to improve. IN Increase homeownership (including condominium ownership) to stabilize the neighborhood and create more stakeholders and customers. IN Residential development creates a customer base for neighborhood- serving retail, especially grocery store and pharmacy anchors. It is important for such stores —which commonly are national chains and require the most parking —to conform to the urban character of the community. IN Encourage mixed -use develop- ments. A mix of housing and offices supports retail by creating more customers, supporting Longer business hours, and bring- ing in rents up to 20 percent higher than would be likely in the same place without the mix of housing and office space. Office components provide daytime retail and restaurant demand, while res- idents add customers in the evening. IN It isn't necessary to attract national retailers to be a success. Successful streets often have a mix of locally owned and operated vendors, especially specialty food stores (sell- ing baked goods, ethnic foods, coffee, and wine), ethnic restaurants, pharma- cies, art shops, antique stores, hardware stores, and service providers (Laundry, video rental, garden). If you sit around waiting for Pottery Barn, nothing else is going to happen. IN Recognize that although neighborhood residential development provides a strong shot in the arm for retailing, it does not provide the only source of demand. 7 r, , IN Encourage mixed - income housing. A big challenge of retail is the recruitment of retail workers, and they need a convenient place to live. A stock of potential workers living close by enhances the attractiveness of the site for retailers. IN Ground floor space does not need to be all retail. If the neighborhood street is too long for shopping the entire length, retailing should be concentrated in designated blocks. Shoppers typically will walk for only three or four city blocks. Residential or office uses should predominate beyond a core walking area. IN Don't underestimate the value of anchors on the street. They help the smaller, independent tenants succeed by drawing customers to the area. °rr'�?�rrrrrtui� Residential units above retail keep the street active around the dock, providing convenience for residents and salles volluune for retailers. 7 honor the Pedestrian Pedestriizin a°r.eirn"utiies entice shoppers iimngr; n•„ 8 "The era when anything developed in an urban neighbor- hood was considered to be better than nothing is over. Desperation has driven many communities to accept devel- opments that are inappropriate for an urban street and antithetical to an enjoyable pedestrian experience. Sub- urban- style, pedestrian- deficient retailing with blank walls facing the sidewalk, parking Lots that disrupt retail continu- ity, throw -away architectural quality, inappropriate building design and scale, and lack of pedestrian amenities are some of the most egregious mistakes that made many urban streets mean and decidedly unfriendly to shoppers. Neighborhood retailing that is rebuilt in these ways has proved unsustainable, failed to generate ongoing improve- ments in retail quality or spin -off activity, and fallen short of attracting the LeveL of customer loyalty from the neigh- borhood or beyond that is necessary for long -term growth. When pedestrians are not honored with a pleasant and enjoyable shopping experience, they usually choose com- peting locations that do a better job of creating such an environment. The first goal for a neighborhood shopping street should be to satisfy the aspirations and enhance the Lifestyles of a neighborhood's residents. Neighborhood retail should not be structured in a way that encourages commuters to move quickly through the neighborhood to reach other neighbor- hoods. Too often, neighborhood streets have evolved in ways that make it easier and more enjoyable for shoppers and commuters to travel to other neighborhoods than to stay and conveniently shop nearby. IN Don't let traffic engineers rule the streets. Accommodating traffic is only one of many goals for successful shopping streets. Retail streets must balance the needs of the pedestrian and the needs of the automobile. Traffic must be calmed, and pedestrian amenities must be added for successful shopping streets to be rebuilt. IN Street width is an important determinant of retail success. In neighborhood Locations, wide streets form a great barrier to success since they make it difficult to establish either an intimate neighborhood feel or a community connection. Successful single- loaded retail streets are rare, so to improve chances for suc- cess, narrow the street or introduce a landscaped median that will tie the two sides of the street together into one retail experience and make it easier for cus- tomers to shop both sides of the street. IN Recognize that street patterns also affect the pedestrian experience. In most cases, one -way streets should be converted to two -way streets to eliminate the raceway effect of one -way arterials and give the streets more of a neighborhood character. IN Convenient parking must be designed to enhance the pedestrian experience and not detract from it. Traffic can be slowed by providing on- street parking — this type of configuration protects shoppers from speeding traffic, allows shoppers to park in front of the store, and creates a stronger connection to the street. IN Encourage multiple entrances to shops so they are accessible from the front sidewalk as well as from off - street parking areas. ILain and br:.:-dc .:..:.da,.wallllcs- otteirn on a Immodest scallle —add siignii iic: •.:`II../ to a it &ghborhood's am :Ab ~.:.::v: - iiaTn pd = strlians and sdnc! lry°:;....r;Ili :: Vlla,s,. (Amster, Pennsyllvanua„ 9 VIISIII IIILIITI( Transparency is critical. Buyers want to see inside the store — they want it to look safe, they want to see that it offers the goods or services they are interested in, and they want to feel comfortable that a salesperson is not hovering to accost them when they walk in the door. The best design provides visibility into the store and not just into a window display. ARCHITECTURE Buildings must look as though they belong in the neighbor- hood, especially in terms of scale, height, and character. Retail is most successful when it is on a single level, but offices and apartments work very well in levels over retail. The neighborhood vernacular should be expressed in the design of buildings. Good archi- tecture improves the quality of 10 I Pedestrian amenities should be added first along the blocks with the greatest concentration of retailing or those with the greatest potential. In some cases, neighborhood shopping streets are too Long and some blocks may no longer be suited for retail. In such cases, clearly designate the blocks that are targeted for retailing and concentrate pedestrian amenities there first. I Sidewalks should be wide enough to accommodate outdoor dining while pro- viding enough room to allow an unimpeded pedestrian flow; tables should be permitted at the curb line to allow window shoppers to stroll next to the shop windows. Rebuilding sidewalks with brick or patterned concrete also can have a positive effect. I Greening the street is necessary to make it more comfortable for pedestrians. Improvements should include tree canopies that provide shade from day one, green spaces where shoppers can linger and relax, and flowers and shrubs that enliven store fronts, tree boxes, light standards, and parking lots. the neighborhood. In revitaliza- tion, it can serve as a model of good design. Flexible guide- lines that allow variation within acceptable ranges may be best. Even convenience stores can be accommodated with good design standards. The standard retail bay in the United States is 30 feet wide by 60 to 90 feet deep. Multiples of this module can accommodate larger users, such as restaurants. Neighbor- hood retail often has regular turnover, and adherence to these standards can help find new users. Windows that offer visibility into the store are good advertising and con- tribute to comfort on entry. Awnings or recessed entries provide comfortable shelter from rain and sun. NDSCAPI Designs for visibility and land- scaping often conflict. Here again, the need for trans- parency and visibility of retail takes precedence. However, in addition to meeting a commu- nity's consumer needs, a retail street can be a place to social- ize or to relax and linger, es- pecially when the hard urban edge is softened and enhanced with high - quality plant mate- rial. Outdoor dining is an instant indicator of safety and congeniality, but it needs a minimum sidewalk depth of ten to 12 feet for convenient pedestrian flow. SII 111A E, LIGHTING, D STREET FURNITURE As in other design media, qual- ity sells— particularly over the long term. Signs, lighting, and street furniture (seating) are low -cost and highly visible ways of projecting a quality image. To ensure consistency and quality, adopt design guide- lines that regulate the scale, typeface, materials, and other design elements of signage, while at the same time encour- aging flexibility and creativity. A critical consideration is whether to allow freestanding or hanging signs on buildings. Flush mounting is desirable because it doesn't intrude into the pedestrian zone, but the need for signage to be visible to motorists and pedestrians should contribute to decisions about sign guidelines. Differen- tiation in retail graphics is both an indicator of unique offerings and a brand identifier. A graph- ics scheme should not prohibit free expression, but should set standards to ensure long -term quality. Lighting and street fur- niture in complementary design families add character and safety — lighting for visibility and seating to attract people to the street. William B. Renner, EDSA / Edward D. Stone, Jr. and Associates , • Landscaping, street furniture, and other pedestrian amenities should be sensi- tively designed so as not to block retail sight lines for motorists or shoppers. IN High visibility for potential customers who are driving or walking by the stores is as important for retail success as easy accessibility and parking. IN Lighting should be bright enough to ensure security in the evening, but sodium vapor —often referred to as "slum lighting " — should be avoided in favor of white lighting, which renders more realistic colors, Less sinister appearances, and a more inviting, comfortable, and reassuring feeling for shoppers. IN Set design standards and work with retailers regarding facade improvements, appropriate historic preservation measures, store signage, awnings, window dis- plays, and advertising. These details indelibly frame the pedestrian experience. The city of San enncein r .g,:..; the of houusiung as a way of Ibiriinng'iinng III'u6e- iinnciuud nng eveir iinng a:..:iv ty and customers for merchants—to commercial street E., 11 Pa rking IS Powe r Easy accessibility, high visibility, a sense of personal security, and adequate, convenient parking are all preconditions for successful retailing, and with- out them retail Likely will fail, regardless of the sophistication of the shopping environment or the quality of the tenants. Parking is arguably the most important of these requirements because today's consumers, condi- tioned by their suburban shopping center experi- ences, expect nothing less than a guaranteed space close to their shopping destination every time they shop. Neighborhood streets that repli- cate the convenience and abundance of suburban parking— albeit in quite different configurations — will have solved one of the great dilemmas that rd 4A A At (Bethesda Row in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., designers Placed parking belhuirnd and to the s'i'de of buildings. This fosters a Ipedestiriiian4iriiendlly environment and alIllows stores' to utilize most of the road frontage. A mix of parlking accommodates different users. Short-term customers can park on the street, while shoppers planning a longer stay can park in the garage.. urban shopping locations face. These are the chal- lenges: How can communities squeeze enough convenient parking into a pedestrian environment where it is not desirable to have Large parking lots facing the street in front of the stores? How can commu- nities configure parking in ways that are clearly organized so that shoppers can find spaces in multiple Locations from block to block? IN Size the street's parking requirements realistically. Recognize that parking needs will usually be less along neighborhood shopping streets than in suburban shopping centers because some urban shoppers will arrive on foot or by transit, shuttle, or bicycle. IN Recognize that parking needs often change over time. If a neighborhood gets improved transit service, parking needs may decline. Conversely, the introduction of additional anchors, changes in tenant types, or a denser concentration of retailers as the street's popularity grows can increase the number of parking spaces needed. IN Provide spaces in a clear, evenly distributed supply of parking that includes on- street and off- street options. Encourage store employees to park away from store entrances. ik DIP 100000000000!m 112 YON un IN On- street parking is critical for some retailers' success because it is the most convenient type of parking and cre- ates the steady turnover of shoppers needed by stop- and -go retailers Like coffee shops, dry cleaners, and specialty food stores. IN Metered parking— whether on- or off - street — should be designed to encourage people to use it. The time Limits should be fairly enforced so that the needed turnover actually occurs, but don't go overboard. Customers will shop elsewhere if they are turned off by unreasonable and inflexible adher- ence to the rules. IN Off- street parking needs to be highly visible from the street, but it should not dominate the landscape, break up the retail district into disjointed parts, or be located farther than one block from storefronts. IN Parking should be user - friendly, starting with dear signage directing cus- tomers to individual lots and lighting that is configured to ensure their personal safety and provide a sophisticated ambiance that makes them feel comfortable at night. IN Innovative parking designs —such as parking behind, above, or below the stores — should be considered in dense, high -value urban Locations. If these configurations are used, parking must be seen as nonthreatening, as visible as possible, and easily accessible, or motorists will avoid it. IN Shared parking should be planned to accommodate the parking needs of different groups of shoppers as they appear at different times of day. This will eliminate unnec- essary spaces that otherwise would sit unused during periods of inactivity. IN Transit (retailer- sponsored shuttles, bus, light rail, and subway) should actively promoted by developers, retailers, and employers because it reduces parking needs, extends the street's trade area, and brings a greater diversity of demand. Cie e E e,:,ch> Honda. O- W be IN Don't forget about bicycle parking. Bicycles are a growing part of the urban Lifestyle and parking for them is cheap to build. The need for bicycle parking is especially important in college communities and in neighborhoods with young, highly educated, and sophisticated residents. The sparking garage at Seventh and Collins, Miami (Beach, (Florida.. 13 Vh _ zhandis Proactively PPlLevuye, Washington.. El L .... etailers are the soul of the neighborhood commercial street, so getting the aright tenant mix and quality will give the street its unique character as well as the diversity of product offerings it needs to compete successfully with more established retail destinations. To achieve this mix, a neighborhood com- mercial street must be managed and operated Like a shopping center —but rec- ognize that having multiple landowners and operating in the public realm enor- mously complicate these tasks. Finding tenants that meet all of these criteria is tough, especially in the early years of rebuilding when a critical mass of retailers is often absent and the en- vironmental and social conditions along the street may not yet be optimal to achieve high sales levels. Complicating this task is the fact that the city cannot rely individually on landlords along neighborhood shopping streets to recruit appropriate high - quality tenants, since they are inclined — understandably —to lease their spaces to whomever is willing to pay the rent. It's not easy for a Landlord to turn down a tenant because it does not fit within a street's overall leasing plan or add to its optimal tenant mix. Retailers also do not like to take risks, but if you have a coordinated merchandising plan and strive for a good tenant mix, the risk to retailers will be reduced. To achieve higher sales, rents, and land values, Landlords along the street need to band together and work proactively with the public sector to merchandise and lease their street in a coor- dinated and mutually sup- portive way. • Establish a quasi - public retail leasing and manage- ment agency to plan and coordinate the street's Leasing strategy, actively recruit tenants, and direct them to appropriate Land- lords and property owners so that leasing deals can be made privately. Recog- nize that the tighter the Leasing control this agency has, the more quickly the street will evolve into a thriving retail destination. rEzz iiia,Gm „d IN As the first priority, hire a leasing and management professional to set up the leasing agency and direct its activities. This needs to be someone who can dynamically "sell" your street and neighborhood, and has a sophisticated under- standing not only of retail leasing but also of shopping center management and public /private partnerships. The Leasing professional should be part of the street's planning and design team, so she /he not only understands the long- term vision of the project but also helps to shape it. IN Develop a comprehensive leasing plan that is flexible and builds on the strengths and competitive advantages that the street and neighborhood already have. Recognize that the plan will need to be adjusted constantly to reflect changing market conditions. IN Context matters. Tailor the leasing strategy to your community and its posi- tion in the regional retail hierarchy. Understand the characteristics of your mar- ket and Location, know your customer and competition, and evaluate nearby retail streets and tenants to guide tenant recruitment. IN Recognize what your street is now and what it can become, and market the space realistically with an eye to the future. Cookie - cutter stores are not attrac- tions in and of themselves, but they do Lend Legitimacy to the location in the eyes of other retailers, and they have advertising clout that helps one -of -a -kind stores. IN Lead the leasing effort with destination- and neighborhood- appropriate retailers. This will lay the foundation for more intense commercial activity as the street matures. IN Initiate the Leasing program along one or two blocks that have the greatest potential. Creating a successful retail nucleus to build around will give momen- tum to the project, stimulate the interest of other retailers, and form a critical mass that becomes a recognizable retail destination for neighborhood shoppers. IN Besides coordinating the leasing program, the leasing and management pro- fessional should provide technical assistance to existing and prospective retail- ers. Financial assistance may also be desirable for facade improvement, building improvements to achieve code compliance, new signage, and the like. She or he should also coordinate maintaining the streetscape and making needed repairs if there is no business improvement district in place. Shopping centers carefully choose ten- ants based on many factors, and neigh- borhood streets must do the same. Tenants should: IS Fit into the street's agreed -upon vision and leasing strategy; IS Fill gaps in the street's retail mix or reinforce specialized tenant concentra- tions; IS Sell merchandise aimed at the street's targeted customer markets; IS Project the right image, aesthetic, and lifestyle orientation; IS Fit within the physical limitations of the available space; IS Be well managed and creditworthy; and IS Be able to afford the rent! 15 Vlake It Happe. Neighborhood retailing will not spontaneously regenerate. Miracles happen in the movies, but they rarely happen in real life. In many communities, market conditions that caused neighborhood commercial streets to decline are still in place, and it takes an aggressive commitment by the public sector in partnership with the private stakeholders to address negative influences before sustainable retail revitalization will occur. Communities have powerful financial and regulatory tools to attract desired pri- vate investment capital if used judiciously. Some of these tools are "carrots" that create a positive investment climate, improve infrastructure, or reward investors who further community goals. Others are "sticks," which may need to be used if carrots are not sufficiently convincing. Communities should be willing to use both to convince Landowners, developers, and retailers that the revitaliza- tion efforts are in their interests. Willingness to exercise regulatory powers to achieve the stakeholders' vision and protect it from negative influences projects a sense of momentum to the stakeholders and potential tenants and enhances the street's appeal as a place to do business. Research carefully what public regu- latory and financial tools are available to achieve your goals and what is required to qualify for them, then determine how you can use them as catalysts to make things happen when and where you want them to happen. Direct public resources to generate the maximum bang for the buck in terms of generating and leveraging private / investment money. ,• — Develop a strong relationship with local financial institutions and non- Piroow;,a :. :ar':,etts, often sponsored by hllDs, add a II f sttyme. odented dknensuon to ineigh hog iioocd ::s;:oIpIpunog streets.. 116 profit organizations, and partner with them to achieve your goals. These 14101 organizations are likely to be more willing than national institutions to lend money to developers of nontraditional urban real estate projects and to neighborhood retailers. They are also likely to be more flexible in terms of what you can do with the money. IN Set up design guidelines and development stan- dards to make sure that new developments as well as facade and other improvements are compatible with the planned character of the street. These standards can control not only aesthetics, but also such con- cerns as the types of stores that are acceptable, store operating hours, building scale and materials, build- ing setbacks, and number of parking spaces required. IN Business improvement districts are quite effective at enhancing both the business and physical environ- ment for retailing and for engaging business owners in the revitalization process. Retailers, however, can- not fund BIDs alone; offices are needed to help pay for BID operations. BIDs or special taxing or assess- ment districts should be set up in the more estab- lished commercial streets where landowners and ten- ants can afford the incremental tax increase. These types of districts should be viewed more as revitaliza- tion tools than redevelopment tools. IN Tax increment financing is best used in districts where major land holdings need to be rebuilt and where infrastructure is substandard or lacking. I "Demolition by neglect" statutes should be added to zoning and land development codes to deter landowners from letting their properties deteriorate to the point that they have to be torn down. Don't be afraid to use eminent domain powers to take control of properties that are aban- doned or neglected. These properties are a cancer, and cannot be allowed to spread blight throughout the neighborhood. However, before proceeding, have a full understanding of applicable Laws in your state, and give the property owner adequate opportunity to correct the problem. IN So- called friendly eminent domain can be useful with some property owners who may be willing to sell a deteriorated property to rid themselves of a prob- lem. This can be an effective tool to assemble property required for a large -scale redevelopment project. IN Use targeted requests for proposals or requests for qualifications to solicit interest in redeveloping key properties. li �, »iii, W erii$11001 0„„0,000. pv0000000 dd Id New (Maven, Coiuniunectiia;ut,. 17 B Ci Sur:re a; ° „.II i IDs keep stand -,: ds kw :_; :aunt's... Ilti ane,e d.:.o r":Il: r:te, , and QI,F•rc;Bt tuk.at. '11 '..•:,t rcY w,::w�'$i ”; :dii ll'.••.; ri'4'Y :Ilh/,.? "..:Ik...pi.v.jj ". .,'U'e 't as : IIeveIuu...,,:, IYuiio' 'ii : :yll ,. Square.. d F dly If a neighborhood shopping street is clean, safe, and friendly, customers will be drawn to their favorite shops even though the street as a whole may still be in transition from failure to success. If even one of these characteristics is absent, some neighborhood residents will continue to shop elsewhere, and few commuters are likely to stop as they drive through. Achieving an acceptable comfort Level for neighborhood shoppers, however, won't happen without a coordinated, holistic approach to addressing the street's underlying problems and deficiencies. To solve these problems, an ongoing management entity for the street should be created to perform many of the tasks that a shopping center manager performs. This organization will need to manage the street in perpetuity, operate it like a shopping center, protect its competitive position against more established retail locations, and ensure that it does not slip back into its old dysfunctional ways. A BID is an effective vehicle to act as the management entity because it has the sup- port of the property owners and has a dedicated income stream to support its activi- ties. If a BID is not available to fill the management role, it may fall to a group of business leaders, retailers, or city government representatives. Think of the street holistically. Work with the city to stringently enforce building health and safety codes to maintain the street's quality, appear- ance, and safety. But make sure the codes are flexible and suitable for older /historic buildings, and don't stymie undercapitalized but legitimate improvement efforts. I Be the advocate for the neighbor- hood —Lobby for scarce resources and ensure that commitments are fulfilled. • Regularly check the pulse of prop- erty owners and retailers to keep on top of issues, concerns, and problems before they spin out of control. IN Enact extra levies and assessments on property owners who neglect their property. This will encourage them to adhere to the neighborhood's standards. IN Provide an extra layer of security along the street. Crime prevention and customer security are keys to bringing the shoppers back, so security guards need to be visible but benign, helpful, and unobtrusive. IN Added police patrols also lend peace of mind for potential retailers and customers, particularly if the area had a bad reputation before redevelopment. But public resources are often stretched thin, and the police alone probably won't be able to solve the problem. IN If homelessness and drug abuse are problems along the street, work closely with city agencies and neighborhood nonprofit organizations to address them. Social services, how- ever, should not be clustered nearby. IN Work with the city to make sure that street people don't overwhelm the street — although when street people begin moving to the area, it is an indica- tion of success! 101 4941,11114110k 1111,111111un IN Security devices such as roll -down metal doors and window grilles should be eliminated or altered so they are see - through and provide visibility to the shop windows. IN Plan holiday and other special events to give people an extra reason to visit and bond with the shopping district. BID staff stand heady krn odfer assistance •do stranded motorists in Birmingham, Alabama.. University Ciity, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.. 19 �d id D. An airtustiic facade creates an Vrnv " °:i::� desturnatioin at irniic,:t Vrn the VV Vaw<:::yuuir::, dust t c IPhiiIIade Ihniia•, y intc flight onger hours equal stronger sales, and strong sales define a successful shop - IIIIIIIIIIIIping street. It's as simple as that! As revitalization accelerates and rents rise, retailers will be unable to survive unless business hours can be extended to capture more business. The way to do this is to identify, plan for, and tap multi- ple markets to keep the cash register jingling throughout the day and after the sun goes down. The evening is the hardest time to keep businesses open even though that's when people have time to shop, and it will take a healthy dose of imagination and hard work to achieve the mix of stores, coordinated hours, and sense of security to create an environ- 'h ment where people are comfortable going out after dark. 20 Different customers can be drawn to the street during different periods of the day, but the revitalization team must implement a comprehensive strat- egy to make it happen. Only in the strongest locations will vital retail streets evolve on their own. In the best of these locations, commuters, residents, and nearby workers can be drawn to the street in the morning for coffee or breakfast, to use neighbor- hood services, and to visit the gym. At midday, office and retail workers will eat lunch, run errands, and leisure shop. In the afternoon, residents and workers will go food shopping, stop at pubs and outdoor cafes, and use neighborhood services. As the evening progresses, neighborhood residents and visitors from other neighborhoods can be drawn out of the house to Leisure shop, visit the gym, have dinner, go to the movies and theaters, and take advantage of the nightlife. This is the ideal that neighborhood commercial streets should strive for. To achieve it requires that multiple sources of demand be brought to the street to broaden the support for retailing. IN Day and night, it's the density and mix of uses that extends the shopping day and creates an exciting urban feel to the street. IN Day and night, it's the proximity and continuity of diverse retailers that cre- ates the opportunities for cross - shopping that makes the street a compelling retail destination. IN Office uses should be recruited because they are "demand anchors" for retail- ing along the street, especially in the morning and at noontime, if they are inte- grated with other activities along the street. If they are self - enclosed fortresses or if they disrupt the retail continuity, they will detract from rather than add to the street. IN Professional tenants such as doctors and lawyers are very desirable because they steadily attract visitors, employ office staff, and serve neighborhood residents —all of whom are potential shoppers. IN Civic, cultural, and entertainment anchors attract a high number of visitors and create the possibility for trip chain- ing and multiple purchases along the street. Nighttime uses such as restaurants, theaters, and cinemas can help com- pensate for smaller daytime popuLations such as office workers. IN Civic uses should be encouraged because they can be attuned to the neighborhood's demographics. A social security office, community center, youth activity center, or department of motor vehicles branch office serves the neighborhood while adding a steady stream of customers to the street. IN Educational facilities, such as university satellite cam- puses, should also be encouraged because they bring teach- ers, students, and educational workers to the neighborhood. A bonus is that they fill off -peak parking spaces. WITH TH i:iS!:; '�:5..: j. ':II la SC (1-10 kir di 'cll'ji:.:: ^: ev6:: iiincy during inter Ihualll En/ dec : atiiulrus and festivals are a great way to attract `::slnniillues to a shopping u: °ea duriing the v=-rein'r q As t oe sun sets, T::"•d Street Promenade in Santa Monica, (.,:nolriro'iia, lights up.. °I .,a vic.!!I•II:z pedestrian :::-naet remains active Ilong afit::: dark:. 21 Ciller :::"us Street, West C;•;ra��n, IFllaairii�tla•. 22 ge ''lan for the long term, but manage for constant change in the short term. Rebuilding a neighborhood retail street is a long reinvestment process, and market realities will undoubtedly continue to change throughout the ongoing Life of the street. If the champion, the city, or the property owners are not pre- pared to support this dynamic in perpetuity —with both their efforts and their money —the revitalization project should not be undertaken. One -shot projects will fail, following a formula will fail, operating on autopilot will fail, and lock- ing a street into an unchanging reality will fail as well. These truisms need to be recognized up front. Rebuilding neighborhood retail should be planned comprehensively as an inte- gral piece of the larger community that surrounds it, and it should be tailored to the realities of the area. Communities should focus their initial efforts on care- fully chosen development nodes to maximize the impact of their efforts, create momentum, and foster faith in the project. As more resources become available, the focus should expand to neighboring blocks and streets. Individual strategies will vary widely because every street is different —each has its own set of prob- lems and opportunities, each has a unique identity that can be capitalized on, and each will evolve over time as entrepreneurship grows. What usually begins di as a street with local retailers will Likely attract regional and national stores as its success builds and its market is reestablished. And even after a critical mass of retailing is achieved, the street still must be constantly managed and nurtured, like a shopping center, to meet fickle consumer demands. IN Treat emerging retail districts as Liv- ing, breathing entities. Build momen- tum by continuously putting energy into them, and they will create energy on their own. 11111111111111111 ,1111, 10000110 III 1111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 11111 1 II 11 1111,111 111111,,"1 1100000001 J1001111 11 110111 1011001,11011011,1,0100V1100,0000111011,1,1,11 W' 111111111 IN Like children, retail streets could grow and change without guidance, but we wouldn't like the results. If you doubt this conclusion, simply visit most of our cities' neighborhood shopping streets. IN Keep close tabs on the markets that you serve, and lease proactively to match the changing demands of these markets. IN Sometimes there is a need to "prune the deadwood" when leases run out. Even when a retailer may be willing to renew its lease, it may no Longer fit into the vision or image of the area. In these cases, the space should be leased to a more suitable tenant. It is not unusual for a shopping center to remove 5 to 10 percent of its tenants every year to remain at the cutting edge of what its cus- tomers want. Neighborhood shopping streets need to be willing to do the same. IN Monitor emerging trends, problems, and conflicts closely so that they can be dealt with quickly. An ongoing conflict resolution process should be established to resolve conflicts among stakeholders. IN An ongoing central point of reference and clearinghouse for information should be operated to serve existing and potential customers, tenants, and investors. IN Representatives of the business community and citizen leaders should develop and nurture Long -term relationships with public sector representatives who have responsibilities for the district to get an appropriate share of attention and funding. Public officials should likewise reach out to the business and citizen Leaders. Strong two -way working relationships will help to achieve both public and private goals over the long term. At h'iio State University, Hiigh Street, in Column us, Ohio, its undergoing a revitalization that will include 250,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, t, and entertainment space. 23