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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-13-104 - Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS) Phase 1 REPORT TO: Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee DATE OF MEETING: December 2, 2013 SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Director of Planning PREPARED BY: Sarah Coutu, Policy Analyst (519-741-2200 ext. 7069) Natalie Goss, Senior Planner(ext. 7067) Tina Malone-Wright, Senior Planner (ext. 7765) Garett Stevenson, Planner (ext. 7070) Brandon Sloan, Manager of Long Range & Policy Planning WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards DATE OF REPORT: November 22, 2013 REPORT NO.: CSD-13-104 SUBJECT:PLANNING AROUND RAPID TRANSIT STATIONS (PARTS) PHASE 1: PROJECT PLAN AND BACKGROUND REPORT RECOMMENDATION: That staff proceed with Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS), as informed by the Phase 1: Project Plan and Background Report, generally in accordance with the sequence and timing outlined in Appendix B to report CSD 13-104 and subject to business planning and purchasing processes. BACKGROUND: The Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS) project was introduced to Council through report CSD-12-150which was presented at the November 12, 2012 Council Strategy Session. Phase 1 of the project was identified in the 2013 Business Planning Priorities (Report CAO-12- 044) and later ranked as a high priority Corporate Project. The PARTS Phase 1: Project Plan and Background Report represents completion of this phase of work. REPORT: The Region of Waterloo, in association with a consortium to be selected, is designing and constructing the ION light rail and adapted bus rapid transit line and station stops through Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. Currently, there are twelve (12) station stops identified in Kitchener (one future light rail station stop is shared with Cambridge). The intent is to begin adapted bus rapid transit (aBRT) between Fairview Park Mall and Cambridge within two years andto commence light rail transit (LRT) service in Kitchener and Waterloo in 2017. LRT has the potential to be a major factor in the long-term growth and continued economic prosperity of our area. With it, comes the potential for continued change in areas close to the stations. In order to help ensure and confirm there is a proper framework to guide growth and stability in these locations, the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo are now embarking on the detailed planning for the future of land and infrastructure within a ten (10) minute walk of each LRT station stop. The intent is to Community Building Strategy and to complete as much detailed planning as possible in time for the opening of LRT. 3 - 1 In Kitchener, the detailed planning initiative is referred to as Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS). Among other things, PARTS will investigate and confirm land use, engineering and community infrastructure, streetscapes, urban design, transportation implications and transportation demand management techniques,etc. within walking distance of station stops. This project is being undertaken with certain givens.The scope of the PARTS project does not include discussion on the merits of rapid transit,the location and design of the actual rapid transit line or stations, municipal or other agency infrastructure requirements or relocations within the rapid transit alignment and several other matters. The City is actively participating in technical discussions regarding the construction of LRT through other forums. PARTS Phase 1: Project Plan and Background Report Planning around each of the station stops in Kitchener will be a comprehensive, multi-year process involving various stakeholders and a significant amount of community engagement. Before beginning this extensive work it would be beneficial to develop an overall project plan including an investigationof existing conditions and background information, identifying the study areas and the scope of work and prioritizing a future work plan. Planning staff, with the assistance of several other business units in the City along with representatives from the Region and other agencies, conducted numerous tasks in Phase 1 of PARTS which have culminated in the preparation of a Project Plan and Background Report. The key components include: Compilation of existing condition data and background information Confirmation of recommended station study areas Preparation of overall goals to guide the creation of the Station Study Area Plans Identification of the primary work,project teams andkey deliverables for future phases Development of an overall work program for Phase 2 and the prioritization andtiming for the Station Study Area Plans In order to proceed with PARTS, it was important to understand which land required further study in the next few years. Based on the analysis conducted in Phase 1, there are six recommended station study areas as illustrated in Appendix A. Some of the station study areas include a grouping of multiple station stops. Confirmation andrefinement of the limits of the station study areas (including the focus and influence areas) will occur as part of the preparation of each Station Study Area Plan. A draft station study area is also recommended for land in Kitchener that is near the Sportsworld/Cambridge future LRT station stop. Given the magnitude of work that is anticipated in PARTS Phase 2 and the individual station study area plans,along with other staff resource priorities, it is not feasible to undertake all of this work at the same time. With the goal of completing the most important Station Study Area Plans by2017, this requires the prioritization and appropriate sequencing of work. Based on the analysis conducted in Phase 1,it is recommended that the plans be undertaken in the sequence andgeneral timeframes outlined in Appendix B to this report. The PARTS Phase 1:Project Plan and Background Report (attached as Appendix C) provides a summary of the above information, includes a volume with more detailed existing conditions and background information and outlines how best to proceed with future Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations in Kitchener. 3 - 2 PARTS Phase 2: Corridor-wide Initiatives Through PARTS Phase 1 it was determined that some of the key work required is best prepared for all of the Kitchener Station Study Areas at once. As a result, PARTS Phase 2 is recommended to consist of five corridor-wide initiatives: Interim Direction Communications Approach Urban Design Guidelines Sanitary Sewer Capacity Analysis Transportation Demand Management These initiatives are further described in the Phase 1: Project Plan and Background Report and are summarized in Appendix B. PARTS: Station Study Area Plans Once the corridor-wide initiatives in PARTS Phase 2 are nearing completion, it is recommended to begin the Central Stations Study Area Plan; which is the highest priority. It is expected that the deliverable may include: refinement of the study area boundaries, a preferred future development concept, 3D modeling/visualization, potential land use changes for the recommended focus area , built form plans/guidelines, connectivity plans, transportation demand management and parking strategies, cultural heritage resource conservation, sustainability plans,public art considerations and recommendations for any related infrastructure or streetscape improvements that may be required in the future. The proposed sequencing andtiming for the station study area plans is outlined in Appendix B. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The PARTS Phase 1 project most directly aligns with the Community Priorit FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Approximately $25,000 from the Planning Studies Growth (Capital DC) account was utilized for Phase 1. Through significant staff efforts this equates to about one third of the budgeted amount. The costs savings will be carried over to Phase 2 and transferred to the Study Area Plans which will require more detailed technical review. The upset budget limit for all of the 5 initiatives in Phase 2 is $70,000. This amount can be allocated from existing funds in the same Planning Studies account and from a Transportation Demand Management account. At this time, an early estimate of the preparation and technical review of the Central Stations Study Area Plan is in the range of approximately $150,000-200,000, depending upon the depth of the community engagement approach that is selected. The preparation of a detailed Terms of Reference in 2014 will further refine this cost estimate. These costs would primarily be funded through Capital/Development Charges and other potential partnerships and would continue to be subject to budget and purchasing processes. Eventually, it is expected that each Station Study Area Plan may recommend actions, such as prioritizing a specific streetscape or sanitary sewer improvement, that should be considered in future Capital Budget, and where appropriate Development Charge, programming. 3 - 3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: along with a Your Kitchener article to signify the commencement of the upcoming projects. One of the recommended initiatives for PARTS Phase 2 is to further develop a communications approach for engaging stakeholders and the broader community in each of the Station Study Areas.An update report will be provided in March/April 2014. Formal notice and consultation will be required for the interim direction initiative in PARTS Phase 2 and additional engagement may occur for other Phase 2 initiatives. CONCLUSION: The PARTS Phase 1: Project Plan and Background Report provides a significant amount of contextual information about areas around the station stops that, combined with work prepared by the Region, forms a good baseline to begin with Kitchener-specific initiatives and Station Study Area Plans. Certain station study area plans and sequencing of work are recommended in order to balance resources with the intent to complete the station study area plans by the time LRT is operational. The recommended approach will allow for a framework to be developed to guide transit- supportive development and investment in areas within walking distance of the ION rapid transit system. Proceeding with comprehensive studies at this time will help ensure that there is a common blueprint to follow for the future. These areas will continue to evolve over the next 5-, 10-, 20-, 50+ years. As such,staff is recommending to proceed with the Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS) projects generally in accordance with the timing outlined in Appendix B. Any project prioritization, resourcing and financial implications continue to be subject to business planning, budgeting and purchasing processes. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO Community Services Department Attachments Appendix A - PARTS Recommended Station Study Areas Appendix B - PARTS Recommended Work Program Appendix C - PARTS Phase 1: Project Plan and Background Report (Volumes 1 and 2) 3 - 4 PARTSRecommendedStationStudyAreas AppendixA 3 - 5 Appendix B (CSD-13-104) Planning Around Rapid Transit Station (PARTS) Recommended Work Program Phase 1: Project Plan and Background Report 2013 Phase 2: Corridor-wide Initiatives Interim Direction Communications Approach Urban Design Guidelines Sanitary Sewer Capacity Analysis Transportation Demand Management 2014 Central Midtown Rockway Fairway Block Line Stations Station Stations Station Station Study Study Study Study Study Area Plan Area Plan Area Plan Area Plan Area Plan 2014-2015 2015-2016 2015-2016 2016-2017 2016-2017 3 - 6 PARTS Phase 2: Corridor-wide Initiatives There are 5 independent initiatives that are required to be completed for all of the Kitchener Station Study Areas, preferably in advance of each subsequent plan. Each initiative will go through a review process by others and will require project support. Project Manager: Manager of Long Range and Policy Planning Interim Direction It is anticipated that there will be continued redevelopment interest in properties that are in proximity to station stops before each station study area plan can be completed. In order to provide some guidance for development proposals to meet, or not prejudice, the objectives for these transit- supportive locations it may be necessary to implement some interim direction utilizing one or more options/tools. A number of options are outlined within the PARTS Phase 1: Project Plan and Background Report. A public process to consult stakeholders is required before any formal interim direction, such as an amendment to the existing Official Plan and/or Zoning By-law, can be applied. The deliverable is a staff report to Committee of Council outlining a recommendation for interim direction. Working Team: Senior Planner (Policy Section)-Lead, Planner (Development Section) Communications Approach PARTS Phase 1 identified that community engagement for the station study area plans will be important and could occur via a wide range of methods and tools. Further investigation and discussion is required in order to determine the preferred communications approach that balances engagement with resources and timing. The deliverable is a staff report to Committee of Council in March or April 2014. Working Team: Senior Planner (Policy Section)-Lead, Communications Staff, Deputy CAOs input Urban Design Guidelines The preparation of corridor-wide urban design guidelines will provide efficiencies considering the likelihood that similar design principles will be expected in each of the station study areas. It is anticipated that a similar approach to the Mixed Use Corridor Design Guidelines will be utilized (overall objectives and guidelines followed by area specific guidelines). It is expected that the content from these guidelines will become part of an updated design brief . Working Team: Senior Planner (Urban Design)-Lead, Planner (Development Section), Urban Designer Sanitary Sewer Capacity Analysis Further assessment of future sanitary sewer capacity is recommended. The City has a model of our system and the current estimated capacity. Various scenarios have been considered if future development was to occur under current zoning conditions. A high level review was considered as part of PARTS Phase 1 which did not identify any major known issues with the system should future growth occur in the immediate term. As part of PARTS Phase 2, a range of general density numbers will be explored in concert with the sanitary model. It is expected that with each station study area plan a more detailed review of sanitary impacts will be explored for development scenarios. It is important to consider the connected system and not each area in isolation. Working Team: Senior Planner (Policy Section)-Lead, Engineering Technologist, GIS Technician Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategy Similar to the Urban Design Guidelines, there are likely common approaches to TDM that can be further explored and proposed. Each subsequent station study area plan could then add direction or recommendations that are specific to that context. Working Team: TDM Coordinator-Lead, Planner (Development Section), Policy Analyst 3 - 7 Appendix C PARTS Phase 1: Project Plan and Background Report (Volumes 1 and 2) Please Note: Appendix C can be viewed online at: http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/Planning-Around-Rapid-Transit.asp 3 - 8