HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-07-080 - Sidewalk Installation on Emma Avenue~ ~, ~
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Development &
Technical Services
Report To: DTS Committee, Chair - Christina Weylie
Date of Meeting: June 18, 2007
Submitted By: Grant Murphy Director of Engineering, Development and
Technical Services
Prepared By: Jim Oakley, Project Manager, Engineering Technical Services
Wards} Involved: 1-Bridgeport-Centre
Date of Report: May 31, 2007
Report No.: DTS-07-080
Subject: Sidewalk Installation on Emma Avenue
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council waive its normal policy of installing sidewalks on both sides of all streets,
in regards to Emma Avenue specifically, and approve Option 2 as stated below.
0 tion 2: That Emma Avenue road width be decreased by 1.1 m to provide a minimum
width of 6.1 m (face of curb to face of curb}, a 1.5m standard width sidewalk be installed
behind the curb on the north side only, and further that four on-street parking spaces be
eliminated.
BACKGROUND:
The reconstruction of Emma Avenue, Briar Avenue and Moore Avenue (Emma Ave. to Shanley
St.) has been identified as a priority for a full reconstruction and has been budgeted through
triple funding for the 2007 construction season. The existing infrastructure, has reached the end
of its service life and requires full replacement. Emma Avenue is about 70 meters long and runs
between DeKay St. and Moore Ave., and currently does not have sidewalks on either side of the
street.
COMMUNICATION:
A letter was sent to 76 residents and /or owners in the area, on April 19, 2007 inviting them to
an Open House/Information Centre on May 10, 2007. AQuestionnaire/Survey was enclosed
with this letter that included a question of whether or not a sidewalk should be installed on
Emma Avenue. There were four options presented to the neighbourhood.
REPORT:
0 tion 1: No sidewalks to be installed.
This option would result in Emma Avenue being reconstructed to match existing conditions, and
that no sidewalks would be installed on this street.
0 tion 2: Install sidewalk on north side only (Guelph St.).
This option would require that Emma Avenue road width be decreased by 1.1m to provide a
min. width of 6.1 m (face of curb to face of curb), a 1.5m standard width sidewalk be installed
behind the curb on the north side only, and further that on-street parking be eliminated.
Currently there is permitted parking (4 spaces) on the south side only.
This option would not require that the large hedge (18m in length), located in the street right of
way along the side yard of 31 DeKay St. be removed, but that some hedge trimming and
additional landscaping would be required behind the new sidewalk.
0 tion 3: Install sidewalk on south side only (Briar Ave.}.
This option would require that Emma Avenue road width be decreased by 1.1 m on the south
side only to provide a width of 6.1 m (face of curb to face of curb) and a 1.5m standard width
sidewalk be installed behind the curb on the south side.
This option would require that a large hedge ~22m in length) located in the street right of way,
along the side yard at 100 Moore Avenue be removed, significant tree root damage to two large
private trees would occur, 30m of retaining wall (0.4m above the sidewalk} be installed, and
additional landscaping would be required behind the new sidewalk.
0 tion 4: Install sidewalk on both sides.
This option would require that the existing road width of 7.2m Mace of curb to face of curb) be
maintained, and a 1.5m standard width sidewalk be installed behind the curb on both sides of
the street.
This option would require that two large hedges ~a total of 40m in length} along the side yards of
31 DeKay St. and 100 Moore Ave. be removed, a utility pole on the south side of Emma Avenue
be relocated, significant tree root damage to five large private trees would occur, resulting in the
possible removal of two of these trees, 70m of retaining wall (0.4m above sidewalk} be installed
behind the new sidewalk, and additional landscaping would be required to accommodate this
lower grade change.
SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS:
The owners of 31 DeKay St. and 100 Moore Avenue were very adamant that their hedges not
be removed, and that they felt that sidewalks on Emma Avenue were not warranted.
All four directly affected properties at X100 & 104 Moore Ave. and 23 & 31 DeKay St.) are
apposed to any sidewalks on Emma Avenue.
A petition was circulated by the owner of 23 DeKay St. opposing any sidewalk installations on
Emma Ave. This petition had 12 signatures representing 9 different addresses) in opposition to
any sidewalk installations. A copy of this petition is attached to this report.
The results of the Questionnaire/Survey, and Petition concerning this sidewalk issue are as
follows:
Option 1: Ten addresses wanted no sidewalks on Emma Ave.
Option 2: Two addresses wanted sidewalk on the north side of Emma Ave.
Option 3: Two addresses wanted sidewalk on the south side of Emma Ave.
Option 4: Three addresses wanted sidewalk on both sides of Emma Ave.
Transportation Planning reported that, given the municipality's focus on the promotion of
alternative modes, walkability and connectivity for pedestrians, as supported by the sidewalk
policy, pedestrian charter, and neighbourhood design initiatives, it is their view that the design
should incorporate a sidewalk on at least one side of the street if possible. Further that if an
option is chosen that eliminates the four parking spaces, it would not be a significant concern to
Transportation Planning.
Fire Prevention reported that while a 6.1 m road width is not ideal it would be acceptable, as the
Ontario Building Code only requires 6.Om clear width for private fire access routes. At 6.1 m road
width however, parking would not be acceptable on either side at any time.
Community Services reported that there not any City trees in the area proposed for the new
sidewalk. However, it did provide its opinion on the potential impact on the affected private
trees. In addition to the fact that some options may require the immediate removal of private
trees, actions by the City could also make it responsible for future costs should the construction
of new sidewalks cause private trees to decline, die or become safety risks in the future. Of the
four options 3 & 4 are the least desirable Options 3 & 4 would cause significant tree root
damage to 2 to 5 privately owned trees, resulting in the possible removal of two of these trees.
This reconstruction project is scheduled for a construction start of July 30, 2007.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Option 1, would have no increased cost implications.
Option 2, would add an additional cost of $4,000.00.
Option 3, would add an additional cost of $10,000.00.
Option 4, would add an additional cost of $25,000.00.
CONCLUSION:
Inconsideration of all of the above presented information, including the concern for the affected
property owners, private tree protection, and the need to provide a safe pedestrian passageway
on this street for the area residents, it is the recommendation of DTS Engineering Services,
That Council waive it's normal policy of installing sidewalks on both sides of all streets
and approve Option 2: That Emma Avenue road width be decreased by 1.1m to provide a
min width of 6.1 m (face of curb to face of curb}, a 1.5m standard width sidewalk be
installed behind the curb on the north side only, and further that four on-street parking
spaces be eliminated.
Jim Oakley, Project Manager
Engineering Technical Services
Grant Murphy, Director,
Engineering, Development
and Technical Services