Planning Commission Meeting Date: September 15, 2022
To: Member of the Planning Commission
From: Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Title
Discuss a Planning Commission Resolution with Recommendations to City Council on the Draft Capital Improvement Plan Pedestrian and Bikeway Analyzation.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield Planning Commission is asked to discuss and make a motion on the resolution providing recommendations to City Council on the Capital Improvement Plan Pedestrian and Bikeway Analyzation.
Summary Report:
At the August 2022 Planning Commission (PC) meeting, Public Works Director/City Engineer Dave Bennett provided a staff report on the work being done with Alta Planning + Design on incorporating the City of Northfield (City)-adopted Pedestrian, Bike, and Trail System Plan with the City’s Five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Matthew Drydahl with Alta Planning + Design presented to the PC. From the discussion, Commissioner Schroeer requested a resolution be drafted to City Council, so the PC could provide recommendations to that body on current and future pedestrian, bicycling, and other non-motorized transportation improvements to the city’s roadway and trail infrastructure.
Attached is the draft resolution, which includes Mr. Schroeer’s recommendations to Council on the Draft Capital Improvement Plan Pedestrian and Bikeway Analyzation, as presented. The resolution is intended to request that the City Council take certain
Remaining Report is copied from the August PC Meeting:
The City of Northfield (City) adopted a Pedestrian, Bike, and Trail System Plan in 2019. The plan included strategies to help the City develop a more comfortable, safe, and connected network of trails, bikeways, and walkways throughout the City. The City is now in a position to implement a vision of attracting more people to walk and bike in Northfield. A primary goal
for bicycling is to provide a facility that helps people of all ages and abilities feel comfortable and safe. A primary goal for walking, in addition to having a sidewalk or path to walk on with a buffer from the street, is to have safe and comfortable places to cross the street.
The City is working with Alta Planning + Design, a nationally recognized firm dedicated to active transportation and healthy communities. They are building off the City plans and goals for all ages and abilities and are assisting with providing more detail in the five-year Capital Improvement Plan for walking and biking improvements.
The attached draft report explores what types of bikeway and pedestrian crossing improvements
are possible and desirable in Northfield. Staff will be sharing this information with Council and then with the public. Staff will be asking Council for policy feedback related to five recommendations below:
Recommendation 1: Capital Improvement Plan
Split the sidewalk/trail/bike construction category and fund at a level that allows multiple projects per year. This should include sidewalk construction, all ages and abilities bikeways, and pedestrian crossing improvements.
Recommendation 2: Preferred Bikeway Type
Identify a preferred bikeway type in Northfield.
1. Identify the preferred bikeway type for retrofit projects like overlays or unprogrammed bikeway improvements. Recommend a two-way protected bikeway with two-foot concrete bike buffer as a form of physical separation.
2. Identify the preferred bikeway type for reconstruction and reclamation projects. Recommend a raised two-way protected bikeway. Includes a separate space for people walking and bicycling where space allows.
Recommendation 3: Bikeway Connections and Bikeway Continuity
For unprogrammed sections of the “proposed bikeway corridors” add to scope and implement with quick build approach. This would include striping, signage, and concrete bike buffer.
Recommendation 4: Concrete Bike Buffer
Explore a demonstration project with a concrete bike buffer as a form of bikeway separation.
Recommendation 5: Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
Use the pedestrian origin and destination map to prioritize pedestrian crossing improvements.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
Costs will be programmed into the CIP. Council can set aside certain amounts annually to complete stand-alone pedestrian crossing improvements and bikeway improvements.
Tentative Timelines:
August 16, 2022 Draft plan shared with City Council
August 18, 2022 Draft plan shared with Planning Commission
September Public Input Meeting
October 4, 2022 Council accept final plan recommendations