HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 2011-11-10 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKETJim Hu� lHHuvor
Department Of Commllnil v Development .ka'ckP(Ice, Director
CHAIR, BROOKE ALFORD, VICE CHAIR, THOMAS MCLEOD, COMMISSIONERS, LOUISE
STRANDER, DAVID SHUMATE, MIKE HANSEN, AARON HUNDTOFTE, AND JERI
FRANGELLO- ANDERSON
Planning Commission Worksession
November 10, 2011 6:30 PM
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
Call to Order
Attendance
Adoption of 10/2 Minutes
Walk Roll Briefing Jaimie Reavis
Southcenter Plan Comprehensive Policy Revievv Lynn Miranda
Adjourn
(Informational Safety Article enclosed)
h;llll :Solithcenter Botilevcarcl.:Sinte 100 Ttilorila, ff'ushin ton 91188 Phone Fax 200-431-3005
x
City of Tukwila
Planning Commission
Planning Commission (PC) Minutes
Date: October 27, 2011
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
Present: Brooke Alford, Chair, Thomas McLeod, Vice Chair, Commissioners, David Shumate, Aaron
Hundtofte, and Jeri Frangello- Anderson
Absent: Commissioners, Louise Strander and Mike Hansen
Staff: Nora Gierloff, Deputy DCD Director, Lynn Miranda, Senior Planner, and Wynetta Bivens,
Planning Commission Secretaiy
Chair Alford opened the Nvorksession at 6:3(_) PM.
Minutes: Commissioner McLeod made a motion to adopt the September 22, 2011 minutes.
Commissioner Frangello- Anderson seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously
approved.
Marty Grisham, Emergency Manager, Fire Department, gave an overview on the Emergency Management
preparedness activities in Tukwila. He provided the PC with a handout that showed the highlights of
activities in Emergency Management. HistoiN was given on the Fire Department assuming the responsibility
of Emergency Management. The Emergency Operation Center -,vas initially located at the Police Department
but has moved to Fire Station 51. An invitation was extended to the Planning Commissioners to tour the
Emergency Management Center. In order for Emergency Management to be organized in away that is in
compliance with the state law, it is required to have a Director of Emergency Management. Chief Olivas is
the Tukwila Emergency Management Director. Tukwila Emergency Management has re- aligned local
activities with the State and Federal partners in Emergency Management.
A training exercise recently took place, and the Mayor, Council Members, and over forty -eight employees
participated in a 4 -day Integrated Emergency Management Course. Training will be a big focus in 2(_)12.
Emergency Management is currently advertising a new position for a Community Emergency Response Team
Coordinator (CERT) /'Public Educator.. Also, a neiv Emergency Management ivebsite is in the process of
being designed.
Work on the Howard Hanson dam is complete! However, the measures taken are vet to be tested.
Lynn Miranda, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development, gave a briefing on the Southcenter
Plan. She talked about the planning process, background, existing conditions, issues, and opportunities, and
where the plan is now., The Urban Center is approximately 1,(_)(_)(_) acres in size, which is one of the larger
Urban Centers in the region, which have several major activity areas, and amenities. Explanation was
provided on hovv and why the Southcenter Plan is formed. The Comprehensive Plan and Goals Policy for the
Southcenter Plan was adopted in 1995 to reflect the regional direction for the Cities. An update of more
specific policies occurred in 2004. The Comprehensive Plan is providing the backbone for the Southcenter
Plan. Noted was the importance of creating a framework of special places, different goals, incentives for
development, and strategies for implementing the Southcenter Plan. Also, noted were the economic, market
forces, and their effect on achieving the vision for the Southcenter Plan, the challenges, and the next steps for
moving foixvard.
Page 1 of 2
PC Minutes
October 27, 2011
Due to concerns expressed by the stakeholders, the City Council directed staff to reduce the scope of the
project and revise the draft plan that was in place. The current plan consists of Book I, the Vision Statement;
Book II, Development Regulations; and Book III, Implementing Actions and Investments.
Nora Gierloff, Deputy Director, Department of Community Development, suggested that the Commissioners
start fresh on the review process for the revised document. She also suggested that public outreach and the
public hearing takes place the first quarter in 2012. The Commission vvas asked to think about whether they
will be interested in taking public continents during their Nvorksessions. Commissioner Alford and McLeod
both expressed their preference to wait and hear public comments during the public hearing. Commissioner
Hundtofte agreed, although he vvas open to hearing public comments during vvorksess ions if it would prevent
a lot of changes to the plan later.
Commissioner McLeod shared his experience on the American Planning Association (APA) Conference he
attended in Portland. He talked about several of the sessions he attended, one of which was the Washington
Planning Short Course. He said the conference ivas fascinating and he thanked the City allowing him the
chance to attend.
Nora Gierloff commented that the City would support other Commissioners if they are interested in attending
the next time there is an APA Conference.
An updated copy of the Planning Commission Rules and Procedures were provided to the Commissioners.
Submitted By: Wynetta Bivens
Planning Commission Secretaiy
Adjourned: 8:10 PM
Page 2 of 2
2
COM PREHENSIVE TUKWILA
CENTER
PURPOSE
Urban centers are described in King County's Countywide Planning Policies as areas of
concentrated employment and housing, with direct service by high- capacity transit. They are to
encompass a wide range of land uses, including retail, recreational, public facilities, parks,
residential, and open space.
In 1995 T43i,- Tukwila's uUrban cQenter -(T4X-), Southcenter. was designated one of the region's
urban centers, in keeping with a desire for development as a high- density, regionally oriented,
mixed -use center.
The vision for Southcenter is consistent with Puget Sound Regional Council's Vision 2040, the
adopted regional growth strategv which provides guidance to cities and counties for
accommodating future growth. The strategv is designed to preserve resource lands and protect rural
lands from urban -tvve development by p romoting infill and redevelopment within urban areas to
create more compact, walkable, sustainable and transit friendly communities.
All levels of government in the central Puget Sound's four counties use Vision 2040 as a regional
framework for making local decisions. King Countv was required to nrepare broad Countywide
Planning Policies (CPPs) that comply with both the growth principles of the Growth Management
Act and the more directive policies of the Multi Countv Planning Policies (Vision 2040).
Under this strategv the maioritv of the region's emplovment and housing growth is targeted to
occur in Metropolitan Cities and Core Cities. Tukwila is a Core Citv with a designated urban center
intended to become a compact, sustainable community where housing and iobs are located in a
manner that provides for easy mobility and accessibility.
Planning for a regional urban center as defined by the Countywide Planning Policies earns
preferential treatment by the transit providers for fixed -rail transit service and other transit service
and facility improvements. The idea is to help ensure the long -term economic viability and
competitiveness of urban centers in the region as energv costs escalate, congestion increases and
consumer preferences shift. In 2002, the City began a planning process to create a plan for
ina,': ri�ynt tl-2 T, -.!a Urban CantrrSouthcenter A primary focus of the Plan was retaining
the C'�a urban center's competitive edge and economic strength as retail developmenteenter-
growsth within the region.
The Citv held six Ppublic workshops and found that participants supported the following concepts:
1) making the TUG Southcenter area a more attractive destination for shopping and leisure
activities;
eGembe -F Q OOS Dreft, November 2011 1 13
TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Southcenter, Tukwila"„ Urban Center
2) relieving critical congestion points, improving circulation, and making alternative modes
of transportation available;
3) supporting existing businesses and attracting new; and,
4) creating opportunities for residential development in appropriate areas.
It was proposed that an initial catalyst of public investment in key areas would be needed to
leverage this vision of enhanced and diversified economic vitality.
The policies set forth in this Comprehensive Plan element support and extend the qualities of the
existing center that have been responsible for its economic success in the past, and expand on these
characteristics. Land use polices focus on flexibility in xa and diversity of uses. Urban design
policies provide a vision for the community, to be achieved through public and private sector
initiative and cooperation. Transportation and circulation policies emphasize accessibility as a key
factor, as well as choice in transportation modes and routes. These policies will reinforce future
competitiveness and will create an urban center that gives identity to the City for the surrounding
neighborhoods and for the region.
ISSUES
The i•ilc Urh -r:i Cv tgrarea comprising Southcenter currently provides regional comparison
shopping, major discount shopping, major facilities for incubator businesses, entertainment, and a
full range of professional services. It encompasses more intensely developed areas such as
Westfield Shoppingto Southcenter Mall and Andover Industrial Park, transportation facilities
such as the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak station, and natural features and amenities such as
Tukwila Pond, Minkler Pond, and the Green River._
Retail uses dominate the Tuhwila Ui en ConterSouthcenter: Westfield Shoppingtown Southcenter_
Mall. in the northwest corner of the center, is the largest regional shopping mall in the Seattle area.
Warehouse uses are more prominent in the nd-c -d planning, area to the south._
A goal of growth management is to integrate housing and iob Growth in order to reduce the need for
lone conunutes. and to keep living and working communities easily accessible to each other.
Southcenter is considered a significant employment center within the Puget Sound region,
providi Q iobs to residents and nearby communities. However. considerable residential
developmentt is needed in the urban center to meet the City's housing targets. ConseClUently, the
vision for Southcenter responds by expanding opportunities for housing. accommodating the
maiority of the City's proiected housing needs, and addressinjay the types of amenities and
infrastructure needed to attract quality housing.
The '_a L 43an C nt vision for Southcenter takes into account the King County Countywide
Planning Policies criteria for urban centers and has been formulated by recognizing that "the intent
of the Countywide Planning Policies is to encourage the growth of each urban center as a unique,
vibrant community that is an attractive place to live and work, will support efficient public services
including transit, and responds to local needs and markets for jobs and housing" (King Countv
Ordinance No. 11446, Section D2, lines 25 -28).
2 WALong Range ProjectsiSouthcenter PlanlComp Plan 20111Edited Ch10 -TUC PC 11.11docx.docx
4 Dec bar 009N dvernber 2011
Southcenter... Tukwila Urban Center
The goals and policies of this element recognize that t1 path for higher-density
growth will take place during and beyond the 20-year horizon of the Countywide Policies. While
thas_ urban. centers play an integral role in the regional vision, the Countywide Policies clearly
delineate that the form and function of these centers will be determined at the local level. The
characteristics of the Urban C_vzrSouthcenter are compared ell-11,11-CO mait page (Fi
with the King County Countywide Planning Policies in Feure 22 and the -Pugv, Ejaimdc Rcrgl&�
2920 Man.
Dcoambsr200gDraft, November 2011 1 35
Sou thcen ter, Tukwi la' Urban Center
Amended Countywide Planning Policies Recommended T ism
Urban Center Criteria Urb for Southcenter.
Tuk w-ila's urban c enter
1 Planned for 20 years T— !Jk Wilc, L:r an C cn. 76outhce ter planned for 30+
2 Total land area of up to 1.5 square miles (1,440
acres)
3 Requires 15,000 employees within one -half
mile (walking distance) of a transit center
4 Average of 50 employees per gross acre
5 Average of 15 households per gross acre
6 Emphasis on mass transportation and non-
motorized modes, while lessening dependency
on single occupancy vehicles
7 Promotion of high caliber urban design
standards and support for capital public
improvements
Receives first priority for development of high
capacity transit center and regionally funded
support infrastructure
9 Receives other funding and streamlined permit
processing incentives
years
I rep med `l ..I wala Cvt:tzrSouthcenter aft-a- is
approximately 1.35 square miles
The area is planned to allow this density.
Th-� T u? aAa- b,: a C" mtcrSouthcenter is planned to
allow this density.
Specific rl L'aMn C—rrA rSouthcenter areas are
planned to allow residential uses, particularly
in the area within walking distance of the Sounder
commuter rail/Amtrak station and the bus transit
center.
Strong motorized and non motorized connections
are planned between the TLC urban center and the
Sounder commuter rail/Amtrak station.
Enhanced bus transit facilities serve
in pr-ofin}Wy the TUC urban center core includine
bus rauid transit (BRT). Additional potential forms
of high capacity transit (HCT) directly serving t--
TUC Southcenter include bus rapid t+afisit (B a
local area transit routes and future phases of light
rail. Roadway improvements, including enhanced_
streetscapes, will improve auto, transit. bicvcle and_
pedestrian movement and access. An enhanced
street network will improve mobility.
Facilities developed will recognize the actual
and projected need and demand for motor
vehicle, bicvcle, pedestrian, and transit facilities.
Design standards and high quality public/ private
capital improvements are key to
attracting the types of development that will
achieve the vision for :Southcenter.
A Sounder commuter rail/Amtrak station and a bus
transit center is
located in thr TUC'Southcenter. Ensuring that
additional high- capacity transit facilities serve the
TT TCurban center will require active City
involvement in regional planning processes.
Via a SEPA planned action for the- TUCSouthcenter
Plan.
Figure 22 Countywide policies compared to .Southcenter, Tukwila's Vurban C—center
4 MILong Range ProjectslSouthcenterPlanlComp Plan 20111Edited Ch10 -TUC PC 11.11docxdocx
6 Denn mbor 2,098November 2011
TUKWILA COM
Southcenter, Tukwila"s Urban Cente�
Southcenter, T4e Tukwila's sg T U I- Wila- IJ cCenter, is an economically vibrant, motor
vehicle oriented area. It owes much of its success to a high level of regional accessibility arE
effieie t local- r rlc a and in the oast, a lack of competition within the region, as well as the
30+ year vision and vigor of its development community.
The land use, design and transportation portions of the TUC Southcenter Plan focus on what it takes
to keep the area's successful economic engine running, and to make Southcenter more competitive
and attractive over the long term transitioning Southcenter dw-T into a great place for working,
shopping, doing business, living ander playing. Great places contribute to the well -being of people
and communities. An area made up of great places will continue to attract people and their
expenditures. These attracted expenditures, in turn, provide the City of Tukwila the fiscal means to
continue providing our community with excellent public services and improvements.
The vision for the Tukwila rtba Gent r' Southcetater's next 30 -50 years futufe foresees a high
density area with regional employment, walkable, as well as auto oriented shonoine and
entertainment districts, areas of high quality housing i n eeneei* w4 n ear water amenities and within
walking distance of the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak station and the new bus transit center.
skepping, and recreational opportunities for business people, residents, and visitors. Support for
interlinked transit and a pedestrian system to supplement an improved road Yf4,em network are
included in the future; as well as the sensitively treat enhancing the accessibility to the
Citv's natural such as Tukwila Pond, Minkler Pond, and the Green River.
Achieving this long -range €utur-e- vision of an economically and environmentally sustainable
community is anticipated to be a gradual process. It should be Dursuedaehie-vW by reinforcing the
T°°'°,,,il Tt +af G --�itjvr'sSouthcenter's strengths and increasing its overall attractiveness throu'2h a
combination of public and private investment. This would support both new and existing businesses
and the continuation of market- sensitive transitions.
Notable future features include:
Improved connection between Westfield Shoppingte Southcenter Mall and Tukwila
Pond Park.
A core area of high quality, walkable retail, entertainment, housing, public spaces and
employment creating a memorable destination within the region.
Anchor areas linked by frequent transit service (5 to 10 minute busses or shuttles),
enhanced with public and private pedestrian facilities, and development standards
supporting this type of built environment._
High quality transit and pedestrian facilities, focusing on creating strong connections
between the TUC zona-Mall and the Sounder commuter rail/Amtrak station.
Overall improvements to the network of streets, trails, sidewalks, and other infrastructure.
iPOM94b ^r ?00BDreft, November2011 15
Encouragement of pedestrian oriented environment through building and streetscape
desi €�..ru:;standards and 2uid.elines.
Awareness of the needs of existing businesses while facilitating the area's market
sensitive transitions.
'ul: i r .te SO L ttheenter's Boundaries
Northern_ Properties south of Interstate 405
Southern Southern property lines of properties on south side of 180th Street
Eastern The center of the Green River between 180th Street and the southern boundary of
properties which abut the south side of the Strander Boulevard alignment, thence
eastward to the City limits.
Western
Toe of west valley wall
Q
b
0
Mto 5ak
i
180th 5t
Figure 23 Tukwila's u -Urban C-center (T-UGSouthcenter) boundaries
GOALS AND POLICIES
The following goals, policies, and strategies have been formulated to reflect the established vision
of the T ik U r-ba a 4en tew for Southcenter. These policies will help achieve the desired form and
function of 4i,--Tukwila's ]3urban C-center over the 30 to 50 -year planning period.
6 WALong Range ProjectstSouthcenter PlaniComp Plan 20111Edited Ch10 -TUC PC 11.11docxdocx
eeem er 20 0 A November 2011
TUKWILA C
These goals and policies cover the issues of land use, urban development, and transportation and
circulation. They aim to develop and protect the long -term economic and environmental
sustainabilit v<" of Urb�an Centefsouthcenter by creating an attractive and
functional environment to live and recreate, as well astl t retains its reputation as a good place to
work, shop, 4we— and do business, and cunja— rax rea
Goal 10.1 Land Use
Th-C T dinb Pa l,'rba will contain an intense, diverse mix of uses, which will
evolve over time. The character and pace of this evolution will have4qeeff set by a combination of
guidelines, regulations, incentives, market conditions, and proactive private /public actions which
reinforce existing strengths and open new opportunities, and the desire for a high quality
environment for workers, visitors, and residents.
Land Use Policies
10.1.1 Recognize 41°x:, Tukwila tlrban. CaAefSouthcenter as a regional commercial /industrial
area, with opportunities for hi duality, mixed use transit oriented development,
including housim ,rzf;idont1 vcicppm served by a balance of auto, pedestrian,
bicycle and transit facilities. (Figures 24 and 25)
GD d r'ra t3 land use -with City f-a Ality imprc rc-r t:,, ft y, t c>rt io c:liti s-
si %h a, 'xan —sit and tract'ufed- parking e-a" ily ao—ce:i`,' Od by :;trees and
fro nn fr& viay-a.Exvand the areas where residential uses are permitted.
Figure 24 Envisioned�P l.=s 'a £,'i ti: high- density development in Southcenter
D&camber2098Draft, November 2 11 1 79
TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Southcenter, Tukwila' Urban Center
Up�netl bu�Wing bays ro break 6 —ploi rooh ombmeMed PxhNMUra alemenh to r Lau imnspanM
up length d buiidleg �i wiNs sfrvwral e,pression aeote vertiml appeamnre I only M pppar srodea
PedesMa WWI
tiuildibg
fdmda
Grand I-— 1de.m-d
Canopi,s osd overhangs by m—i'D "d d.1R,g TmnspvreM k
m
to shaker pedestrions ground floor
Figure 25 Tffk l,'r m, Cj7,& Envisioned medium density development in Southc enter
10.1.2 Public and /private investment shall facilitate and encourage overall growth and
redevelopment in Urban G&nSouthcenter.
10.1.3 Tukwila Urban Center (Southcenter) "Districts." T. TUCSouthcenter encompasses a
relatively large area containing a wide variety of uses. To create a more coherent urban
form and enhance the Center's long -term competitive edge within the region this Plan
&eek-&4�guide development and change to create distinct areas where the character,
forms, types of uses and activities benefit, complement, and support each other.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Public Amenities Plan.
Development regulations that allow avoro building heights within
each district implemepA t he Plan.
Design guidelines that promote a high quality urban environment and facilitate a
range of pedestrian activity, where appropriate.
M.
Transit service and station improvements, as coordinated with transit providers.
Business leader /community member involvement in district development.
Utilize flexible zoning regulations to allow uses including residential, retail and light
industrial, where appropriate for each district's purpose.
Develop regulations to address setback and lot coverage restrictions that allow
for future street expansions, new streets and other circulation improvements.
8 WALong Range ProjectslSouthcenter PlanlComp Plan 20111Edited Ch10 -TUC PC 11.11docx.docx
101 DeGe4 200 N dvember 2011
Desi2n of r-ehiteetuf^l Review standards to enforce quality landscape and
design.
it a €ew
ste -age i n F e nt e i ð,, 3a within
10.1.4 Tukwila Urban Center (South€: rater) Residential Uses. The maiority of the Citv's
future housinsi needs will be accommodated in the urban center in order to preserve our
existing residential neighborhoods. Allow residential development in proximity to water
amenities
or within walking distance of the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak station or the bus
transit center, subject to special design standards and incentives.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Develop standards and incentives for providing a varietv of different tvpes of open
spaces (e.2.. plazas, narks, public private) that are used to attract residential
development and, as the area intensifies, balance out the increasingly dense
environment.
Use access to transit facilities and amenities to instigate surrounding residential and
mixed use development.
Goal 10.2 Urban Development
Encourage and allow a central focus in the northern Portion of the -Tu-k-n r<',:� tlrt:
C or ter'Southcenter are., Throuehout Southcenter. the natural and built environments Mao are
attractive, functional, and distinctive, and supports a range of mixed uses promoting business,
shopping, recreation, entertainment, and residential opportunities.
Urban Development Policies
10.2.1 Natural Environment. Recognize, protect, and enhance the open space network by
augmenting existing parks, enhancing access to passive and active recreation areas such
as Tukwila Pond, Minkler Pond and the Green River; and by improving air and water
quality and preserving natural resources; thereby effectively integrating the natural and
built environments in the TtilZv-:la Ursa -n C ntzrSouthcenter. In addition, recomize that
a en space amenities are attractors for a wide ranize of uses, including housine and
office.
tuber 0- 0 Dr ft, November 011 1 1 1
TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Southcenter, Tukwi la' Urban Center
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
GaAelics ee
Seek opportunities for Ppublic /private partnerships
Promote JJuse of indigenous plant materials
Promote Uuse of water saving plant materials
Promote Uuse of plant materials with wildlife habitat value
Implement the Master Plan and Wwater quality improvement program for Tukwila
Pond Park
10.2.2 Green River. In conjunction with the City's Shoreline Management Pro ram and flood
protection goals for the Green River. as Southcenter redevelops maintain or improve the
River's visual and phvsical accessibility for residents, workers, businesses and civic life,
A. M R
I^ Develop a vegetation plan for the mid -slope bench of the levee that ensures view
corridors are maintained at appropriate intervals when sections of the levee are set back
in accordance with the City's approved Shoreline Management program's levee profile.
C Develop a plan that ensures that the potential public access points at street ends
identified in City's Shoreline Management Program are implemented as redevelopment
occurs in Southcenter.
10.2.32 Streets, Streetseape, and Pedestrian Environment. Create a "complete street
network that establishes a finer grained street grid. reflects the demand and need for
motor vehicles, transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists; provides a safe, convenient,
attractive, and comfortable pedestrian and bicycling environment that eliminates
potential conflicts and promotes safety for all modes of travel; and reinforces the
different functions of streets by creating distinct identities for major rights -of -way.
(Figure 26)
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Coordinated with the City Public
Works Department to create a Street Master Plan foT t ,1 c- S3u ✓c: •zathat
establishes a finer grained street system for the Southcenter Area and requires
development to share in the cost of providing new streets.
Employ mechanisms and incentives by which a finer grid system and public frontage
improvements can be implemented by the Street Master Plan.
10 WALong Range ProjectslSouthcenter PlanlComp Plan 20111Edited Ch10 -TUC PC 11.11docx.docx
121 Dav-s 2098Novernber 2011
TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Southcenter, Tukwila's Urban Cente�
0 Coordinate with the Public Works Department to prepare an access manaRement
plan for the Southcenter area which reciuires the consolidation of Ddriveways and
access points eansolidati wherever possible
0 Use Ddevelopment regulations to maximize visibility at intersections for safety
Develop 9streetscape design standards that reflect distinct street type, identity, mode
of transportation served, and design goals
0 UDdate the Street Tree Plan for the Southcenter area (Cl3D)
Seek additional fundin-a for construction of the Dedestrian bride over the Green
River, connectin(- the Mall to the Sounder commuter rail/Amtrak station.
(To be inserted)
Figure 26 Example of r_r -*ap Cex- erenvisioned Southcenter streetscape_
10.2.4 Site Development. Create regulations and design guidelines to result in high-quality
site design and contribute to the creation of hesp4ableeniovable and safe pedestrian
environments through the use of site design techniques that may-include but are not be-
limited to:
integration of architectural, site design, and landscape elements;
the co-existence of motor vehicle, transit service, and pedestrian traffic (Figure 27);
implementing physical and natural elements that enhance an area's overall aesthetic,
including street orientation (Figure..- 27 rdid 28).
encourasze extension of the street grid systern
10.2.5 Siting and orientation of buildinas and parkins- lots should create an environment that is
conducive to walkine in the northern Dart of the Southcenter area. particularly in the area
between the Mall. the bus transit center and the Sounder commuter rail/Aintrak station..
11 Over the short to midterm, focus vublic and orivate investments and regulations on
Dro frontinv Baker Boulevard between the Mall and the Sounder station.
10.2.64 Require interior vehicular connection between adjacent parking areas wherever possible.
D&oombe-r 2009Draft, November 201 1113
TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Southcenter. Tukwi la' Urban Center
10.2.7-5 Development standards should consider the needs of land owners, developers, and-
businesses, and the community.
Figure 28 ''u- ki -,d-! Ell yin Con4erSouthcenter site development building orientation to street
10.2.86 Parking. Ensure an adequate supply of parking for visitors, employees, residents and
customers. Provide a variety of flexible regulations, strategies and programs to meet
parking demands. On -going needs shall also be assessed to ensure approl)riateade"atO
parking requirements and to encourage efficient and effective use of land in parking
design (Figure 29).
12 W.ILong Range ProjectslSouthcenter PlanlComp Plan 20111Edited Ch10 -TUC PC 11.11docx.docx
141 Docombar 098Novem er2011
1M.
Southcenter. Tukwila Urban Center
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
oil geif_g
Conduct a public oarkina structure feasibility study. including siting, potential
funding sources and mechanisms.
49 All th 114'ex;b,;l;t„ 13 p st.,,� d a
b
Investigate alternative parking strategies such as shared parking, transit tradeoffs,
etc.
Look for opportunities for on- street parking in areas planned for higher pedestrian
activity. particularly in the TOD Districts
Develop approi)riate standards and guidelines for parking design and layout to
suotaort the tvt)e of devel.ot)ment envisioned in each of Southcenter.'s districts.
ts for- trees
and Plante c wi 7 g l a t th of
.�uua 1 a nd
Factor Ppedestrian safety and convenience into parking lot design standards.
des ar-king lot Di 1zt"
s
and-
between rite&
Continue Commute Trip Reduction Programs and other Transportation Demand
Management Programs. Incorporate the Growth Transbortation Efficiencv Center
(GTEC) into transDortation and land use planning in Southcenter
10.2.9-7 Building Design. Promote high quality, market feasible architecture in the T
Canter-.Southcen.ter. with attention to standards and guidelines which:
a ?909Draft, November 2011 X13'
Figure 29
Landscaping in
parking areas
TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
gut center, Tukwila's urban Center
a. Promote an appropriate display of scale and proportion;
b. Give special attention to developing pedestrian oriented features and streetfront
activity areas such as ground floor windows, modulated building facades, rich
details in material and signage;
c. Provide quality landscape treatment;
d. Provide an appropriate relationship to adjacent sites and features and;
e. Encourage overall building quality, and sensitivity to, and respect for, the area's
important natural amenitiesf-eatur -es such as the Green River and Tukwila Pond.
Include property owners in developing urban design guidelines to ensure that the intent
of this policy is met.
10.2.109 Signage. Develop a directional sign program to aid Moth- uedestrians. bicvclists, and
motorists in wavfinding through WIrv,-.4 -Urban Cente Southcenter. ;Revise sign
b
n 1 t th d es i gn F the s t ni et+ ffe F ilit bt s
eepAr-ibu�e visual eensisteney at stfeet level and for- passing fnaterists, and promote ti ui v v i r.
b
lity retailing and business develepm ite to "eeneepArated" mixed use
afee vilth th T u kwila T T,-1,a Center.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Identify appropriate design guidelines and locations for directional signage for
shopping, access to amenities and leisure activities, in order to alleviate congestion
in key corridors and intersections
10.2.113 Parks, Open Space, and Public Amenities. Support plans, policies, projects, and
programs to expand and improve the parks, open space, and other amenities in the
T CeFAe Southcenter and seek opportunities to develop new facilities that
enhance the overall experience of employees, residents, business owners, and visitors.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Design guidelines that ensure that uses and structures adjacent to parks recognize
and complement open spaces and public amenities
Prevare standards and guidelines for oParks and open spaces that ensure w=ig access
to sunlight, a sense of security, seating, landscaping, accessibility, and connections
to surrounding uses and activities
Develop strategies for public private partnerships that will result in public open
spaces to serve as focal points and settings for special events and activities
Coordinate with Tukwila's Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that
Southcenter's narks and oven svace needs are integrated into the Parks Plan.,
14 WALong Range ProjectslSouthcenter PlanlComp Plan 20111Edited Ch10 -TUC PC 11.11docx.docx
16 1
�Y ?O98November 2011
Encourage programs for open space and other public amenities (Figure 30)
(Lo bL inserted)
Figure 30 E 'er 11 7 r3' a Centernvisioned >Southcenter open space amenity
10.2.120 Economic Development. Actively promote development in tho Toll ila Urban
(1:' n.tc. °Southcenter by supporting existing uses, identifvin2 appropriate uses by
district developing design guidelines, imDroving
existing and providing necv in rea"u3a amenities, adopting workable regulations,
investing in public improvements; and proactively developing programs and incentives
to attract new businesses, investing in infrastructure and public amenities, and
encouraging business owners and developers to invest in the quality of both the built and
natural environment.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Support public /private partnerships to enhance existing and future business activity
in the 'rul>wila Urb- n- Ovnte- rSouthcenter
Improve infrastructure through the Capital Improvement Plan that reflects
L nban C ter outhcen.ter policies
Create distinct iodie r-ev cv.° of development standards for each district
Prioritize the use of public investments to fund moiects necessary to catalvze
economic development.
Goal 10.3 Transportation and Circulation
A balanced transportation network that complements t-h.e Tit,' P la l'I7L -ax Co-ntc-rSouthcenter land
use and design policies and provides access for all transportation modes to, from, and within the
center.
10.3.1 Regional Access. Promote transportation and transit services and facilities, as well as
traffic management systems that increase and improve access to and from thz Tukwila
Ufb ff. C Southcenter for all transportation modes; encourage a range of solutions,
including but not limited to local circulator systems, regional serving park -n -ride sites,
connections to regional rail alignments, and regional and local high occupancy vehicle
systems.
2 009Draft, November2071 1i -1 7
TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Southcenter, Tukwila"s Urban Center
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Implement alternative bus transit modes such as airport, hotel and rail station
shuttles, and a local circulator service
Y r1c with t- ai t pr o -vi r:; to &-ve1c a n -ftlnd re-gion&I pad: `$3' c-
c�
era traffic and N'.f, -;loll impact: an the ��;an Ccntar .''.re mi*imiz
gh citc d n -nd it anagoA Bent
Work with transit providers to coordinate regional and local rail and transit systems,
including bus rapid transit, commuter rail, light rail and monorail, that directly serve
the TU-C urban center and facilitate access to alternative travel modes
Develop, in conjunction with appropriate transit providers, additional transit
facilities and routes in thc. Tu'ui la Urban --C r..t: rSouthcenter
Continue workina with Sound Transit, the City of Renton, and the Union Pacific and
BurlinLyton Northern Railroads to fund and complete the Strander Boulevard
connection between the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak Station and the Citv of
Tukwila, including the pedestrian -only underpass beneath the Union. Pacific lines.
10.3.2 Local Access. Support the development of a continuous, comprehensive public street
network that serves all transportation needs, allows a range of travel route choices, and
facilitates access within the auk Urban Co a Southcenter for both motorized and
non motorized transportation modes.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Prepare and adopt Aa street and sidewalk system Master Plan
Coordinate with land use planning efforts to ensure that improvements in the
transportation and circulation system are parallel with projected growth and desired
mode split in tho Tu kw4 Urban Cz:i rSouthcenter
A Capital Improvement Plan that reflects T-ahw la Urb -an 'C.2r Southcenter policies
Expansion of the street network
Acquisition of rights -of -way for future street use
Acquisition of railroad rights -of -way for pedestrian and bicvcle paths
Street and utility rights -of -way retention
Develop Aauxiliar pedestrian ways to link major activity areas
16 MILong Range ProjectslSouthcenter P1anlComp Plan 201 ilEdited Ch10 -TUC PC 11.11docx.docx
181 D ccember 00SN avem er2011
TUKWILA COM
f
Streetscape Improvement Plan with distinct identities for major streets and strategies
for pedestrian- oriented improvements and linkages such as new pathways, arcades,
awnings, sidewalk eating areas, and special displays
Conduct periodic traffic flow studies
n �„a :s3 mint n (,7; 7 t' w h enever L,1
LiS Yearay Acv t. �ossible
Development of connector streets and service streets
Desian intersections and sidewalks to promote bedestrian safetv and foster walking
as a viable mode of transportation
Additional signalized pedestrian crossings
10.3.3 Transit Service and Facilities. In an effort to provide the greatest benefit to
employees, business people, shoppers, visitors, and residents of tho TukvAla U
-ont Southcenter, promote the development and enhancement of transit service and
facilities; coordinate with regional transit agencies to enhance existing and future bus
and rail facilities; ensure consistency in planning between land use and transportation to
create compatibility between motor vehicles, transit, and pedestrians. (Figure 31)
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Work with regional transit providers to integrate the Tukwila Urban Center into the
regional light rail network
To be inserted)
Figure 31— Ttt.' vi'a L'rbn -Y Col. Southcenter transit facility
10.3.4 Transportation Alternatives. Ensure that land use, urban design, and transportation
and circulation actions for employees support and reinforce transportation alternatives,
including the Commute Trip Reduction programs, Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) programs, Rideshare programs, and related projects and programs (i.e. parking
provisions for alternative transportation modes).
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Support for businesses in implementing the Commute Trip Reduction Program and
related transportation demand management programs
Encourage alternative transportation modes
Develop standards that complement and support alternative commutes such as
bicvclin2 and vanpools.
�ca r &F QOOg raft. November 2011 j1 yu
TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Southcenter, Tukwila" Urban Center
10.3.5 Pedestrian Network. Create a non motorized transportation network by exploring the
use of railroad rights -of -way as pedestrian paths; utilizing public /private funds to
augment the existing network, and create connections between sites, within sites, and
from building entrances to the street.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Public /private funds to augmented the pedestrian network
Implement the recommendations in the Walk and Roll Plan Aeemprehe
rZ m st l w ith „lementnti.,,�, strategies p th bh
r pn„ .t m srnees and p rivate
develepmefit
Development standards to augment the public and private pedestrian network and
sidewalk and trail system
Require safe, direct pedestrian connections from sidewalks to building entrances
18 WALong Range ProjectslSouthcenter PlanlComp Plan 20111Edited Ch10 -TUC PC 11.11docx.docx
201 Dcoq 9ftvem er 2011
FEATURE
What Do We Mean By "Safe
we think about plan
en
or safe communities, we
need to start by asking two basic
questions. What do we mean by safe?
And what do we mean by dangerous?
For the past twelve years, Morgan
Quitno, a national research and publish-
ing company has released its annual
Safest and Most Dangerous Cities reports.
These reports enjoy widespread media
coverage. But Morgan Quitno only looks
at crime categories murder, rape, rob-
bery, aggravated assault, burglary, and
motor vehicle theft to determine, as the
report puts it, "which cities and metro-
politan areas were safest and most dan-
gerous."' Is an exclusive focus on crime
the best way to measure how "safe" our
communities really are?
University of Virginia planning pro-
fessor William H. Lucy has instead
focused on crime and on another aspect
of safety: motor vehicle accidents. Lucy
measured rates of fatal motor vehicle
accidents (a sadly common occurrence)
and rates of homicide -by- stranger (rare,
but a crime widely feared) A startling
pattern emerged: the most dangerous
parts of the metro areas were the most
rural, exurban sectors. For example,
rural Grundy County, Illinois (popula-
tion just over 37,000) was, by Lucy's
1 City Crime Rankings, 12th Edition (Morgan Quinto
Press, 2005).
2 William H. Lucy and David Phillips, Tomorrow's
Cities, Tomorrow's Suburbs (Planners Press, 2006).
by Evan Lowenstein
measure, more dangerous than Cook
County (Chicago). Why? Because the
death -by -auto rate was three times high-
er than the rate in Cook County.
Lucy's research provides an important
service to planners by highlighting that
while crime is the danger that preys most
on Americans' imaginations, there is
more to safety and danger than just
crime.
How can planners make for safer
communities? One step is to scrutinize
the way our communities are designed
and laid out. Planners and public safety
officials must look through the other's
lens to learn more about what can make
their community safer.
William Lucy's research shows us that
the single most important thing we can
do to increase the safety of communities
is reduce the risk of high -speed automo-
bile accidents. High -speed two -lane local
roads and wide arterials are the riskiest
for motorists and for pedestrians.
Seventy -seven percent of fatal auto
accidents occur at high -speed in acci-
dents on rural roads.' In addition, in
many of the fast growing suburban and
exurban regions of the country, the rate
of pedestrian fatalities is going up, even
though fewer people are walking'
According to an American Associa-
3 William H. Lucy, "Watch Out: It's Dangerous in
Exurbia," Planning (November 2000).
4 Mean Streets 2004: How Far Have We Come? (Sur-
face Transportation Policy Project, December 2004).
5 NCHRP Report 500: Vol. 10, A Guide for Reducing
Collisions Involving Pedestrians (Transportation
Research Board, 2004).
tion of State Highway and Transportation
Officials sponsored report, "a pedestrian
hit at 40 mph has an 85 percent chance
of being killed, while at 20 mph, the
fatality rate is only 5 percent. The dan-
ger is exacerbated by the fact that these
roads located in increasingly residential
areas often lack- adequate aprons, side-
walks, and crosswalks.
Of course, while automobiles pose a
major safety challenge, crime is also a
real danger in our communities. Crime
prevention is not the work only of law
enforcement, but also very much the
purview of planners. "Crime prevention
through environmental design" (com-
monly referred to by its acronym,
OPTED) is an approach that recognizes
that "the proper design and effective use
of the built environment can lead to a
reduction in the fear and incidence of
crime and an improvement in the quality
of life." JS� "Understanding CPTED"
The way uses are separated or mixed
within a community can also influence
the type and incidence of crime. Busi-
nesses and houses sited together within
mixed -use neighborhoods can recipro-
cally watch one another, as their occu-
pied and vacant hours tend to be
complementary. Mixed -use development
enables more "24 -hour neighborhoods,"
which can mean more eyes and feet on
the street more hours of the day and
night. Development characterized by
separation of uses and significant dis-
tance from community cores often expe-
rience longer response times from police,
ambulance, and fire services.
Density of development affects safety
too. Despite the safety concerns often
raised in opposition to higher- density
development, research shows that well
designed, higher- density development
can actually curb crime. An Urban Land
Institute study of Greenwich, Connecti-
cut revealed that higher- density housing
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS JOURNAL NUMBER 64 FALL 2006
21
was substantially less likely to be bur-
glarized than its lower- density, single
family counterparts .6
Making communities safer through
planning and community design poses
many challenges and more than a few
dilemmas. In its "Sustainable City
Progress Report," the City of Santa Mon-
ica, California describes one such dilem-
ma. The city has implemented traffic
calming measures to improve bicycle and
pedestrian safety, addressing the increase
in the number of reported accidents
involving motor vehicles and pedestri-
ans. However, fire trucks have difficulty
navigating the speed
bumps and traffic
circles, and emer-
gency response times
have worsened.
Planners can play
a vital role in mediat-
ing these discussions
and helping the
community balance
conflicting needs.
Can more and brigh-
ter lighting improve
safety without chang-
ing the character of How do we make our comrftunities'safeolaces for.kids to w'up ih?
the neighborhood?
Can landscaping be lush, or will this just
create more places for intruders and
attackers to hide? Do high- density and
mixed -use development, sidewalks, and
bike lanes fit with the character of rural
areas? Does turning drivers into cyclists
and pedestrians ever increase risk?
Informed, creative community design
can help address these challenging
questions.
Professional and citizen planners, as
key designers of our communities, are
critical to this process. By focusing on
the real dangers, planners and other
public officials can apply design solu-
tions that make our communities look,
feel, and be safer.
Evan Lowenstein runs Green Village Consult-
ing, a Rochester, New York firm dedicated to
sustainable development; <wwwgreenvillage.us
5 Marcus Felson and Richard B. Peiser, Reducing
rime through Real Estate Development and Manage
nent (Urban Land Institute, 1997).
0 Cul -de -Sacs
William Lucy and colleague
David Phillips explain in their
book Tbmorrow' Cities, Tbmorrow's Suburbs
that cul -de -sac streets may be more dan-
gerous to drivers and pedestrians than
many planners and residents think. Com-
mon belief is that cul-de-sacs are safer for
children' because they prevent through
traffic and slow traffic down. But Lucy and
Phillips point out that .cul -de -sacs' superi-
or safety,,; while touted by real estate agents
and accepted as fact by tens of millions of
Americans, is not backed up eriipirically in
plannmg and transportation research;:
Understanding CPTED
by Timothy Crowe
CPTED is based on the theory that the
proper design and effective use of the built
environment can lead to a reduction in the
fear and incidence of crime and an
improvement in the quality of life. CPTED
concepts can be applied to an individual
building as well as to an entire neighbor-
hood.
Using design to foster security has its
origins in the early history of the develop-
ment of communities. Early Sumerian
codes (4,000 BC.) identified the impor-
tance of respect for property rights, while
the Codes of Hammurabi (2,000 BC.)
introduced the responsibilities of builders
to their clients. Eighth century Chinese
practitioners of Feng Shui promoted the
design of harmony in space from the size
of the smallest rooms to the planning of
cities. Native American cliff dwellers at the
same time were developing hierarchies of
family and community identity and pro-
tection through the design of living space
building impregnable living areas on the
face of cliffs accessible only by ladders.
CPTED is based on three overlapping
strategies: natural access control; natural
surveillance; and territorial reinforcement.
Access control is a design concept
directed at decreasing crime opportunity._
Surveillance is directed.at keeping intrud-
ers under observation. Traditionally, access
control land surveillance have emphasized
mechanical or organized crime prevention
techniques. More. recent approaches to .the:
physical of environments; have
shifted the emphasis to natural crime pre
vention techniques..
This shift in emphasis has led to the;
concept of territoriality, which suggests'
that physical design can create or expand;
a sphere of influence so that users develop
a sense of proprietorship a sense of'teriti:
torial influence and potential offenders
perceive this territorial influence.
Provide clear border definition of con-
trolled space. Boundaries may be identified
physically or symbolically, and can include.
fences, shrubbery, or signs. The underlying
principal is that a "reasonable individual'
must be able to recognize the transition
from public to private space.
Provide clearly marked transitional
zones. It is important to provide clearly
marked transitional zones so that users
know when they are moving from public
to semi public to private space.
Place safe activities in unsafe locations.
Safe activities serve as magnets for norrhal
users. Within reason, this strategy may be
used to overcome problems on school
campuses, parks, offices, or institutional
settings.
Redesign or revamp space to increase the
perception of natural surveillance. The per-
ception of surveillance is more powerful
than its reality. Hidden cameras do little to
make normal users feel safer. Likewise,
abnormal users do not feel at greater risk
when they are oblivious to surveillance
potentials. Windows, clear lines -of- sight,
and other natural techniques are often
as effective as the use of mechanical or
organized (e.g., guards) methods.
Excerpted from Timothy Crowe,
"Understanding CPTED," in PCJ #16.
22 PLANNING COMMISSIONERS JOURNAL NUMBER 64 FALL 2006