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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDN 2019-11-26 Item 2C - Update - Southceneter Plan ImplementationCify of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee FROM: Jack Pace, DCD Director BY: Lynn Miranda CC: Mayor Ekberg DATE: November 8, 2019 SUBJECT: Update on Southcenter Plan Implementation ISSUE The Southcenter Plan was adopted by Council in 2014 and received a Governor's Smart Communities Award in 2015. The Plan is intended to orchestrate the type of growth and change in Southcenter that is in keeping with the community's vision for transforming a suburban pattern of development to a more urban, walkable neighborhood characterized by a mix of higher density uses, including residential, that is organized around parks and open spaces with convenient connections to bus and rail service. How can the City continue influencing implementation of this vision? What actions have been taken to date? BACKGROUND The Southcenter Plan implementation measures are grouped in 3 main categories and outlined below. The individual actions are prioritized by level of need and timing. Projects should be undertaken as opportunities arise and City resources are available. It is intended that City investments in quality capital improvements and collaborations with the private sector will create public spaces, new streets, and streetscape conditions that are supportive of the vision, will enhance the pedestrian environment, and create an attractive setting. These actions should be viewed as a flexible planning tool that allows re -prioritization of projects based on available resources and changing circumstances, needs and conditions. • The Public Space and Amenity projects are intended to attract housing, stimulate a new level and quality of development within the area, enhance walkability, and strengthen pedestrian connections between activity areas. • The Streets, Circulation and Mass Transit actions are required to support goals for enhancing access for transit and vehicles, breaking up the mega -blocks, improving circulation within and access to the urban center, improving transit service and facilities, and making attractive streetscapes. • The Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility projects are intended to extend the network of existing trails and paths, connect activity areas (including Tukwila Station, the Green River and Interurban Trails, Tukwila Pond, and neighborhood and shopping areas) and provide a viable alternative to the car as the area becomes more walkable. DISCUSSION The following projects have been completed or are underway: 9. Public Space and Amenities 65 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 Multifamily Housing Incentives - Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) was enacted to encourage development of market rate and affordable housing in the area zoned for Transit Oriented Development (TOD). This has been a key incentive for the "pioneer" housing developers in the urban center, including Washington Place and the Sterling 55+ apartment complex. - Since plan adoption and as a result of City commitment to the vision, approximately 535 residential units have been constructed or underway in the TOD district within walking distance of the Tukwila Station and the Southcenter Transit Center. Tukwila Pond Park Improvements As part of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan Update, a preliminary conceptual rendering of Tukwila Pond will be created that will serve as the starting point for moving into the larger Master Planning effort being funded through the Lodging Tax (approved by Council - $125,000). The Master Plan will include elements of connectivity between Tukwila Pond and the Southcenter/Urban District. To date, no funding has been allocated to improve Tukwila Pond water quality. 2. Street/Circulation Network & Facilities Wayfinding — A wayfinding program for pedestrians and bicyclists was included as part of the improvements associated with the new bridge over the Green River (see below) and installed along the Green River Trail. The City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is interested in expanding the wayfinding plan in locations around the Southcenter area. Strander Blvd extension — Per Council direction the project was stopped and funding returned. Breaking up the mega blocks with new streets. Southcenter Plaza and Washington Place have contributed to a finer block and street grid system by creating half -streets with a configuration consistent with TUC standards. As larger parcels redevelop, additional half - streets will be 3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Pedestrian Infrastructure/Path between Baker Blvd and Tukwila Station - Constructed a signature pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the Green River and sidewalk improvements, providing a more direct route linking the TOD neighborhood with Tukwila Station. - Successfully obtained a $100k Sound Transit System Access Grant to construct pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements along this route scheduled for completion in 2021. These include: o An at -grade, pedestrian -activated signal and crossing of West Valley Highway (WVH) at the bridge's east terminus location. o A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of the Interurban Trail and Longacres Way. o Pedestrian and bicycle improvements on Longacres Way between WVH and Tukwila Station. These improvements are anticipated to be completed in 2021. Baker Blvd "Complete Street" improvements - Using a $1 M in King County grant funding, two travel lanes were converted to on -street parking and bike lanes on Baker Blvd between Christensen Road and Andover Park West. Baker Boulevard is the designated pedestrian/bicycle "spine" linking the Mall and Transit Center, the evolving TOD neighborhood, the bridge over the Green River, and the Tukwila Station. INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 3 • Pedestrian -oriented streetscape — in the TOD district along Andover Park East, new development, including the Sterling +55 residential project, Hilton Express, and Holden assisted living facility have been placed at the back of sidewalk with active ground floor uses and sidewalk improvements including street trees and new signature pedestrian lighting. Development along Baker Blvd have improved the public sidewalk with street trees and public benches. • Signature Tukwila bike racks and bicycle repair stations were installed at Odin Brewery and Bicentennial Park. Funding was from a CMAQ grant. • Three recent development projects have included pedestrian pathways to viewing points along the Green River. • As redevelopment occurs adjacent to Tukwila park, pedestrian access through the site to the Park boundary is encouraged during design review. FINANCIAL IMPACT None at this time — informational only. RECOMMENDATION 1. The City needs to continue allocating resources to actions that will implement the vision for the Southcenter Plan, and work with private developers and other public agencies as opportunities arise. 2. Through the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, continue the master planning process for Tukwila Pond Park and seek additional funds for construction. 3. In 2020/21 workprogram, seek additional funding for: • Improving and monitoring Tukwila Pond water quality. • Updating the City's Transit Plan to better coordinate bus, Sounder, and bus rapid transit (BRT) service to, from and within the urban center. • Seek funding for the design and construction of a path connecting the Interurban Trail to WVH where the new pedestrian crossing will be located east of the bridge terminus. 4. As redevelopment occurs, continue requiring public frontage improvements to enhance walkability, and break up the mega blocks to create a finer grid system for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. ATTACHMENT Southcenter Plan Excerpt from Section 1.6 Recommended City Actions 67 Attachment Southcenter Plan Excerpt from Section 1.6 Recommended City Actions Tukwila Pond Improvements Tukwila Pond Park is a 25-acre City -owned park in the middle of Southcenter's retail district. Nearly 23 acres of the park have been left in a natural state and serve as a passive recreation and wildlife preservation area. The westernmost 2.3 acres have been developed and feature picnic tables, trails, viewing platforms, green belt and restrooms. About 19 acres of the park are open water, used by a variety of waterfowl and other birds and wildlife all year round. In 2006, members of the Tukwila City Council, Planning Commission, Parks Commission, and City staff participated in an intensive design workshop to generate ideas and a vision for the future of Tukwila Pond, which were then incorporated into the Tukwila Pond Conceptual Design Report. The conceptual design is based on the intersection of the urban environment with the natural environment and the public's interaction with both. The intersection of these two environments provides an opportunity to explore the edge of each and for people to weave in and out of this edge. The design encourages pedestrians to walk "on the edge" along the eastern and southern boundaries of the Park; to sit "at the edge" along the northern shore; and be "within the edge" in the Tukwila Pond Park. Some of the key elements of the design include installation of a boardwalk across the northern edge of the pond, walkways on the southern end of the pond property, extension of viewing platforms, and additional viewpoints into the pond and adjacent wetlands. Improvements to Tukwila Pond Park should be accomplished simultaneously with the pond water quality improvements described in Section 1.6.1.3 Water Quality. Mid Term Actions The City will pursue the following projects in the first phase of Tukwila Pond improvements: a) A path/floating boardwalk connecting the east and west sides of Tukwila pond to Andover Park West via the Pond's northern edge. b) Tukwila Pond Park enhancements on the western edge of the Pond (additional pathways, extension of viewing platforms, additional plantings, wetland restoration). c) Explore the feasibility of and implementation steps for expanding the footprint of Tukwila Pond Park when redevelopment of the property to the south of the Park occurs. Long Term Actions The City's final phase of Tukwila Pond related actions include designing and constructing the enhancements on the northern edge of the Pond. The City will coordinate with developers as new retail or mixed -use development occurs on parcels adjacent to the park. a) Tukwila Pond Esplanade An attractive public esplanade will be designed and funded (in part or in its entirety) by the City. Once design, engineering and construction funding for the esplanade are in place, and when the parcels at the northern pond edge choose to redevelop, new construction should be designed with pond -fronting retail and restaurant activities, providing an active waterside promenade to augment the shopping, eating and other uses in the urban center. A primary .• facet of its intended role is its ultimate envisioned connection to the regional shopping area and the Mall to its north. i) Elements: (1) Location: This esplanade shall be located along the pond's northern shore, and stretch from the park along the western side of the pond to the public sidewalk on Andover Park West on its eastern end. (2) Orientation: The esplanade shall be connected to Strander Boulevard and to the Mall along a street designed with public amenities and preferably with a central median as a linear open space connection. (3) Dimensions: The esplanade shall be a minimum twenty-five (25) foot wide. (4) Lighting: Sufficient lighting will be provided to create a safe and pleasant night-time environment. Along the esplanade, pedestrian height double -head pendant street lights shall be provided. (5) Amenities: Street furnishings such as benches, trash receptacles, kiosks and stands for vendors, banners, and flowering pots will be integrated into the design. (6) Design: The northern esplanade is envisioned as on urban water edge, with horoscope, street trees and lighting, and other street amenities. The creation of a grand monument at the lynchpin of the Mall connection and the pond edge is recommended as a focal point and central gathering place. The pond edge beyond the esplanade shall maintain the pond's riparian environment. The design and materials of the esplanade should reflect the character of the Pacific Northwest, with wood deck and railings to reflecting Pacific Northwest design character. Tukwila Pond Water Quality Tukwila Pond suffers from poor water quality, primarily due to elevated levels of phosphorus, which cause algal blooms in the dry summer and early fall months. This is due to a combination of factors that include: lack of freshwater input and air circulation through the pond in the dry months of the year; inputs of phosphorus from seasonal stormwater run-off, and accumulation of phosphorus in the sediments of the pond during the year, which serve as an ongoing "source" of this nutrient to the pond water. In addition, the lack of shade and the shallowness of the pond allow high water temperatures in the summer and light penetration through the whole water column, both of which promote algal growth. These conditions also contribute to low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, a factor that limits fish and other aquatic organisms and can cause fish kills. Algal blooms, in addition to being visually unattractive, can cause unpleasant odors and can become toxic (to pets or humans, if ingested). Short Term Actions a) Water quality improvements. Water quality improvements to be implemented by the City shall include the following measures: (1) Alum treatment (a substance that is pumped into the pond, settles to the bottom and prevents phosphorus from being released into the water column); and (2) Air circulation using pumps to push air out into the pond along lines laid on the bottom to improve the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. b) Improve storm water treatment. 70 The City will work with all properties discharging surface water to the pond to ensure that existing storm water collection and treatment systems are properly maintained. Proper maintenance of these facilities will reduce the amount of phosphorus and other pollutants reaching the pond to the maximum extent feasible under current conditions. c) Over the very long term, install alternative stormwater treatment as the area on the north redevelops. Mid Term Actions a) Water quality improvements. Aquatic vegetation plays a significant role in the water quality of ponds. An increased variety of aquatic vegetation to use excess nutrients, along with the installation of shading wetland vegetation, would moderate algae blooms in the pond while also increasing diversity for wildlife enhancement. Long Term Actions a) Water quality improvements. (1) Once the alum injection and air circulation systems are installed, the City will monitor water quality and will continue to operate the systems during the summer and fall months to maintain the desired water quality in the pond. (2) The City will monitor performance of the stormwater bioswales. Finely Grained Street Network Arterials are currently spaced approximately 1,200 to 2,500 feet apart to form a grid pattern in the Southcenter area. The blocks are very wide, with few collector streets serving the properties within the blocks. Numerous access driveways and dead-end streets act as collector streets. New public and private streets will begin to be implemented by the City and/or private developers on an on -going basis as significant redevelopment occurs, based on the requirements set forth in TMC Chapter 18.28 New Streets. The added streets will gradually make the urban center's street grid pattern a more finely grained network, improving capacity and mobility for pedestrians and autos, including emergency vehicles. New access streets will also reduce the number of curb cuts needed on the major arterials, thereby reducing the number of traffic accidents. Traffic flows on the arterials will be more orderly. See TMC Chapter 18.28 for new thoroughfare designs. Pedestrian Walkway leading to Tukwila Station 1) Elements: Location: The pedestrian walkway will link Baker Boulevard, the pedestrian bridge, and Tukwila Station, terminating at the western entrance to the station. As it leaves Christensen Road, the walkway should be generally aligned with the Bow Lake Pipeline right-of-way; however alignment is subject to change to ensure alignment with the pedestrian bridge and pose the least impact on adjacent properties. The path shall also provide connections to the Green River and Interurban Trails.