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PC Minutes 1996-07-301 1 ARROYO GRANDE PLANNING COM1VIISgION JULY 30, 1996 The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission met in special session with Chairperson Tappan presiding. Present were Commissioners Deviny, Keen, Titus and Lubin. Associate Planner Scott Spierling and Public Works Director John Wallace were in attendance. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARING - CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, APPLICANT; REVIEW OF SHORT RANGE AND LONG RANGE CIRCULATION STUDIES AND RECOMMENDATION FOR PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES; MARTY INOUYE OF OMNI -MEANS, REPRESENTATIVE Associate Planner Scott Spierling provided background information on the Highway 227 bypass. The concept had been around since the 1960's and in the early 1990's the State adopted legislation requiring Congestion Management Programs (CMP) be adopted. San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) prepared the CMP for the region and analyzed the impacts of growth on the regional transportation system. When a state highway is found to be below a certain Level of Service (LOS), a method to raise the LOS had to be formulated or state funds could be lost. Highway 227 through the Village area (Branch Street) was in this category and options to raise the LOS have been studied in the Long Range Traffic Study, the Short Range Traffic Study and the proposed update of the Circulation Element. In 1994, the City of Arroyo Grande and SLOCOG entered into an agreement to expand the studies to include a Sphere of Influence Amendment for the Fredericks' property and for the GenCom, Inc. project. The studies were overseen by the Long Range and Technical Advisory Committees. These studies, minus the update of the Circulation Element which is awaiting selection of preferred alternatives, are ready for Planning Commission review and recommendation to the City Council. Associate Planner Spierling introduced Marty Inouye, representing Omni - Means, who prepared the studies. Mr. Inouye discussed the parameters of the Short Range Traffic Study; reviewed the history of the project; and, presented the alternatives: Alternative 1 - East/West Branch Street modified channelization; Alternative 2 - Raised Medians; Alternative 3 - Enhanced Bike Lanes; and, Alternative 4 - One -Way Couplet Incorporating Nelson Street. Mr. Inouye stated that Alternative 2 with slight modification was determined to be the preferable alternative and utilized overheads to illustrate the proposal. He also discussed Caltrans' comments; Proposal 2a - incorporating painted rather than raised medians; and Proposal 2b - pedestrian bulb -outs. There was discussion with the Commission regarding planting the median; the loading zone near Nevada; short term parking on the street; and the proposed flashing yellow pedestrian signal. John Wallace, Public Works Director discussed staff comments presented in the Traffic Commission minutes attached to the staff report. Mr. Wallace introduced Jill Peterson a Traffic Planner in his office who worked on this project. Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 2 July 30, 1996 Chairperson Tappan opened the public hearing. Bill Hart, 116 Hart Lane, - requested a more complete notice of public hearing. Regarding the Nevada/Bridge /Branch Streets intersection he feels it is a mistake to put more intensive traffic on Mason and indicated that he favors a signal to alleviate the problem. Barbara Horner, 263 Larchmont Drive - a business owner on Branch Street, indicated that consideration should be given to bike lanes on Branch Street for safety of children and other bicyclists. Eugene Jud, Cal Poly instructor, 750 Leff Street, San Luis Obispo - teaches Transportation Planning at Cal Poly; stated his personal opinion that a signal at the Nevada/Bridge /Branch Streets intersection would be a mistake; supported alternative 2; and discussed different types of islands and visibility of the various types. Howard Mankins, 200 Hillcrest Drive - commented regarding the noticing for the hearing; expressed concern with extending West Branch Street to Grand Avenue to alleviate stacking problems; discussed a previous plan which directed traffic to alternative streets; suggested truck traffic utilizing an old truck route; and asked about the width of the proposed median. Faith Wescom, 203 E. Cherry Avenue - expressed concern with Caltrans telling the City what to do and expressed her concern with noticing for meeting. Randy Ouimette, 327 Noguera Place - asked how the annual parades associated with the City festivals would be affected by the median, he stated that they were an important part of the quality of life of Arroyo Grande. Tom Runels, 586 Valley Road - commented that today's trucks could not make the turns that the old truck route required. With no further comments from the audience, Chairperson Tappan closed the public hearing. Commissioner Lubin expressed concern with trucks on Branch Street and how they would be affected by medians; agreed with the Cal Poly instructor's comments on visibility of medians; determined that he was not in favor of one -way streets; expressed concern with retaining the environment and current small town City image; concerned with amount of Caltrans input; supported the concept of specific bike lanes; but is' unsure how all issues will be accommodated. Commissioner Deviny asked about maintaining the Highway 227 designation for Branch Street. Mr. Wallace replied that the designation could be removed, but the City would then assume liability and maintenance costs. Commissioner Deviny expressed disagreement with the Caltrans concept that a crosswalk would cause accidents; supported making medians "car friendly "; suggested re- routing bikes to residential area to allow trucks more utilization of street; supported raised medians; and discussed the difficulty of making left turns onto Nevada Street. 1 1 1 1 1 Arroyo Grande Planning Commission ; ': Page 3 July 30, 1996 Commissioner Keen discussed the width of'the street with the proposed improvements and stated that one side would be sufficient for the parades to utilize; discussed improved aesthetics with planting in the median; suggested that a better traffic flow would result; agreed with re- routing bikes to residential areas if possible; commented on Caltrans planning being "accident driven" while the City was attempting to improve the traffic flow; expressed concern with no left -turns being allowed onto Nevada; recalled that the concept of joining West Branch and Grand had been stricken due to money and other considerations; and agreed with not having a traffic signal at Nevada and Branch. Commissioner Titus stated that she was not in favor of a raised median which will cause more problems than it will solve; would like to see bike lanes included; and stated that seniors have been continually asking for visible crosswalks. Mr. Mankins interjected comments regarding delivery trucks which utilize the current middle lane on Branch Street for deliveries. Chairperson Tappan discussed the proposed truck loading areas as described in the plan; inquired about the realignment of the driveway at the Chevron station; discussed bike lanes; expressed concern that the left turn onto Nevada Street was currently unsafe; expressed support of the median at Bridge Street; agreed with the Cal Poly instructor's suggestion to define the medians more clearly; discussed entrance and exit into specific businesses; and expressed concern to staff that the noticing for the meetings was not clear and specific for the public, but acknowledged that the studies do cover a lot of ground. There was discussion regarding size of trucks currently accommodated; possible restriction of delivery hours; need for pedestrian signal at this time; various types of signals that could be utilized; the use of bulb -outs; proposed turn- radius and the alternative route for emergency vehicles; the use of rolled curb versus standard curb; the concept of painted versus raised median; and the need for bike lanes. Mr. Wallace stated that bike lanes were not recommended through the Village for a variety of reasons, he stated that bike lanes were proposed along the creek in the future. Specific direction was provided to place the cross walk on the west side of Bridge Street; to approach the improvements without the pedestrian signal until necessary; and to provide the alternative emergency vehicle route along Nelson and Mason Streets. After discussion by the Commission regarding the above issues, the following action was taken. On a minute motion by Commissioner Keen, seconded by Commissioner Lubin, and unanimously passed, to recommend Alternative 2 of the Short Range Traffic Study final report to the City Council with the comments and recommendations made this evening. The Commission took a short break. PUBLIC HEARING - LONG RANGE TRAFFIC STUDY Associate Planner Spierling introduced the Long Range Traffic Study as improvements intended to take place in the next ten to fifteen years unless an unexpected change in funding occurs. He noted that the alternatives are schematic in location, it is not possible to determine how individual properties will be affected until the necessary engineering studies are concluded. This is a planning document and at this point there is no funding available, the study is to identify preferred alternatives with further study and hearings required. Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 4 July 30, 1996 Associate Planner Spierling introduced Mr. Marty Inouye of Omni -Means who prepared the study. Mr. Inouye utilized overheads to introduce the major components of the study: • State Route 227; • alternative alignment of Brisco Road /Highway 101 interchange; • future Circulation Element; and, • AB 1600 fee update. Mr. Inouye discussed the working papers which were prepared for these studies and then combined into an administrative draft. The stated public input will be considered prior to the final document being prepared. He discussed the background of Omni -Means and its function as a traffic consultant in these studies; utilized the overhead projector and presented an evaluation matrix which had been utilized to analyze each alternative; discussed the proposed corridor and options for the extension of Highway 227 to Highway 101; presented options for Highway 101 and Brisco Road intersection. Chairperson Tappan opened the public hearing for discussion on Highway 227 bypass. Buddy Jaquith, 623 Myrtle Street, - expressed concern with the noticing for the meeting. He stated that residents in this area will be required to disclose that their property may be condemned at sometime in the future and asks the Planning Commission to consider the effect on the neighborhood and to clarify the area to be studied; stated that draft documents should be available for public review; and asked for specific consideration over the route through the existing neighborhoods. Mike Titus, 404 Lierly Lane, - utilized one of staff's overhead maps to show that there are many residential areas established along some of the suggested bypass corridors and they should receive consideration. Heather Jensen, 569 May Street, - addressed the economic benefit to the City that would result by establishing an interchange at El Campo, adjacent to the Fredericks' property. Tony Lees, 311 Noguera Place, - read articles from September /October 1993 newspapers which reported Citizens Against Proposed 227 Bypass (CAP 227) addressing the City Council and the Council vote to cancel the 227 bypass through residential areas. Royce Parker, 129 E. Cherry, - agreed the bypass should not go through any residential area and asked if thought had been given to changing the location of Highway 227 to Price Canyon Road. Mike Frederick, - expressed concern with where the bypass route would go specifically; stated that the bypass concept continues to rise due to the need to address the truck traffic on Branch Street; stated that an alternative should be devised that doesn't involve existing neighborhoods; noted that the route is a two lane highway not a freeway; presented letter from Village merchants surveyed by Bob Lund which expressed support of re- routing Highway 227 off Branch Street to alleviate traffic. 1 1 1 1 1 Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 5 July 30, 1996 Ed Dorfman, 289 La Cresta, - referenced his letter in the Planning Commission packet regarding the Cherry/Traffic Way options 4 -5 -6 which all show Traffic Way going through his property; expressed concern with the expense involved; stated he intends to develop his property but this could stop him; and stated that the City already has a right -of -way (ROW) to continue Traffic Way south to join Highway 101. Scott Lathrop, Lucia Mar Unified School District representative, - reported that his board was not in favor of any option relating to Stanley; stated that safety was an issue regarding utilization of this property and doesn't feel it is a good location; and stated that the District was open to discussion but they intend to utilize the school. Jim Harris, 615 Myrtle, - stated that he was not in favor of option "B" which involved Stanley Street and commented that option "C" would affect less . people; stated that regarding the proposed roundabout at Brisco Road, he had lived on the East Coast and had experience with roundabouts which were tricky at first but worked well on the whole. Dick Franks, 879 Fair Oaks, - stated that he feels the City is fortunate to be moving in a positive direction; stated that the studies under review had been studied by the Traffic Commission and the Long Range Planning Committee and contained excellent suggestions for the benefit of the citizens and business in the Village; noted that progress might affect the life style of some citizens but overall the property values in the area would increase; and urged the Planning Commission to recommend option "6B" to the City Council Mayor Pete Dougall, 801 Mesa Dr, - stated that he felt three (3) problems should be solved: • move the heavy traffic out of the Village; • how to connect with the Fredericks property; and • address traffic to Lopez Lake. He suggested exploring other alternatives such as Highway 227 being designated along Oak Park Boulevard and an extension of Traffic Way to the Fredericks property, to be suggested to the City Council by the Planning Commission. Lee Webb, 116 Vista Dr, - stated that he has a financial interest in the property at Traffic Way and East Cherry Avenue with Mr. Dorfman; stated that he would like to support the Mayor's idea of exploring Oak Park Boulevard as an optional route for 227 since it goes to San Luis Obispo and seems logical; suggested that a more specific route should be drawn to relieve the resident's apprehension regarding potential impact on their property; and stated that they would be unable to develop their property until a more specific route was determined. Marie Cattoir, 195 Orchid Lane, - stated that if the City was to proceed with the annexation to the south, an interchange at El Campo would be imperative; stated that access to the Village would be made easier by a fully developed frontage road; stated that she is against splitting Traffic Way /Cherry Street property which has been designated commercial for years; supported Mr. Frederick's development of his property as he has been very considerate of other areas while pursuing his interests; and reiterated the right -of -way through Trinity Way as an option. Kevin Lee, 1090 Fox Canyon Rd, - stated that he runs a business in the Village and needs traffic to be successful but the existing flow is detrimental and stated that he supports the El Campo interchange. Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 6 July 30, 1996 Associate Planner Spierling noted to the audience that there was a list in the lobby so that the audience can sign up for notice of future hearings. Grace Stillwell, - involved in the Stanley area; agreed with Mayor that Oak Park would be a good alternative route; expressed concern that the school would be impacted if the Stanley route is pursued; noted the possibility of indian artifacts; expressed concern with noise from large trucks; and expressed belief that the Planning Commission would work out something for the benefit of the entire community. Vernon Frederick, - raised the issue of drainage on Newsome Creek and potential for flooding. Danny Pace, 330 Traffic Way, - owns property and has a tenant on it in the area of Traffic Way; expressed concern with the tough decisions the Planning Commission must face; questioned the closure of the freeway off -ramp by the Mobil Station which could affect all the neighboring businesses and asks for consideration. With no further comments from the audience, Chairperson Tappan closed the public hearing. Commissioner Deviny stated that it was his understanding that this bypass was being studied due to the Congestion Management Plan identifying Highway 227 as having an unacceptable Level - of- Service (LOS) and inquired if the bypass would be necessary if the Highway 227 designation were moved from Branch Street. Associate Planner Spierling agreed that the City was attempting to mitigate the unacceptable LOS in response to findings in the Congestion Management Plan and potential loss of state funding if some action were not taken. Jill Peterson, Traffic Planner with John Wallace & Associates stated that the law was unclear on whether the bypass would be required by the State if the state highway designation were removed from Branch Street. Steve Devencenzi of SLOCOG, stated that conditions can change and the City would have a valid argument against having to construct a bypass if the state highway designation were removed from Branch Street. Commissioner Deviny stated that public opinion seems to support the El Campo interchange which is schematic at this point but definite direction would define the actual route. Commissioner Keen stated he would like to explore the option of re- designating Highway 227 from Branch Street to Oak Park Road if that would remove Caltrans influence over the City's actions. Mr. Wallace replied that the City could take control of Highway 227 through a relinquishment action but the City would then take on the liability and maintenance. Commissioner Keen stated that there was still a need for a connection from El Campo to Huasna Road; discussed attempt to collect the traffic from the canyons and move it to Highway 101; stated that route to El Campo appears best; discussed previous City Council determination; agreed that there may be some decline in property values during construction but felt confident that ultimately there would be increases; and stated that he doesn't favor the connection along the property at Traffic Way and Cherry. Commissioner Titus disagreed with disturbing the area around Stanley which would change the nature of the Village; stated that most of the trucks come from the wineries on Huasna and supported bypass from Huasna to El Campo; and would be interested in Oak Park Road as an alternative for Highway 227. Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 7 July 30, 1996 Commissioner Lubin thanked the audierice'for their input; expressed concern with apparent lack of concern for existing neighborhoods; asked about option "C "; and potential to take the road closer to the Fredericks property. Mr. Inouye replied that Branch Mill is very steep terrain; stated that the scope of work in these studies was to identify corridors; and, discussed possible routes for re- distribution of traffic. Commissioner Lubin expressed support for changing Highway 227 to Oak Park Road; supported an El Campo interchange; re- emphasized concern with need for residents to disclose potential condemnation of their property; and concern with vague corridors as opposed to specific routes. Chairperson Tappan expressed disappointment that maps did not pinpoint streets and asked what type of funds would be lost if Highway 227 were re- designated. Mr. Wallace replied he was uncertain as to an exact dollar amount, but the State has been clear that if the local agency has to upgrade a road due to growth then they must bear the cost. Steve Devencenzi, SLOCOG stated that the City can suggest that there be a shift in designation for Highway 227, but they do not make the decision. The County would be a primary player in the discussions, there have been some discussions on this matter but it involved Price Canyon Road and it would be a long and involved process to achieve. Chairperson Tappan stated that the major concern was the traffic through the Village and the development of the Frederick's property. Although progress is painful sometimes, the Commission doesn't want to displace any residents. There should be further study of mitigating the noise caused by the trucks; the area of Cherry and Traffic Way should remain intact; the extension of Traffic Way should be further explored; the businesses along Traffic Way should be impacted as little as possible; taking the traffic out further will not solve the problem; and stated that utilizing Stanley as a connection would accomplish the stated goal. The Commission discussed the need for multiple corridors being studied and not definite routes at this stage of the study; the impact on property owners and property values; necessity for property owners to disclose potential bypass; potential change to the character of the Village area; and where to best divert traffic. Chairperson Tappan would have liked City Attorney opinion regarding disclosure. Associate Planner Spierling states that once a specific corridor of study has been identified through this process, the necessary engineering studies can occur to precisely identify locations. John Wallace, Public Works Director describes process that will occur if the Planning Commission and City Council adopt a plan for a specific corridor. A project study report will be prepared to look at specific alignment in detail of sound measurements, drainage, effect on neighborhoods, etc. This is a very expensive type of study that identifies specifics. Commissioner Tappan asks for a timeframe to allow neighbors to know effect on their neighborhood. Mr. Wallace indicated some portions of study area are well known and others will require more study, funding is a problem, and it is difficult to give an exact timeframe. Commissioner Deviny stated that the City has determined to acknowledge that growth will occur, to be proactive in dealing with it and make the hard decisions such as this. He also discussed including a recommendation that Oak Park be studied as an alternative designation of Highway 227. Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 8 July 30, 1996 Commissioner Keen discussed the business impact of moving the Highway 227 designation from Branch Street. He stated that he would like to see both Price Canyon Road and Oak Park Boulevard studied as alternatives for the Highway 227 designation if it is changed from Branch Street. Commissioner Lubin agrees but expressed concern with plan 6b going through the residential area along Stanley; agreed with the need to move forward but not comfortable with impacting established residential areas. Commissioner Deviny expressed concern that option 6c would not accomplish necessary goal. Commission discussed how to best advise City Council regarding this difficult decision. Commissioner Keen discussed figure 24 and overheads presented this evening and how it could be modified with a frontage road connecting to El Campo. Mr. Wallace discussed the physical location of the concept and stated that they would look at the option. Commissioner Keen felt it would have less impact on properties on the south end. He stated that connecting at Stanley on the north end seems the only alternative to accomplish the stated goal. Motion by Commissioner Keen, seconded by Commissioner Deviny: Use plan 6b, eliminate the leg through Cherry Avenue, extend the frontage road with Trinity Avenue being the connection between the frontage road and the bypass, include the connection to Fair Oaks Avenue. Discussion on the motion followed: Commissioner Lubin agrees with change at bottom, would like to see route re- directed away from Stanley. Thinks more needs would be satisfied and the plan would be more feasible. Commissioner Keen stated that if it is moved out on Huasna, the concept of the bypass would not be accomplished. He would like to move it but that defeats the purpose. Commissioner Tappan agreed that moving road would lose the traffic pattern than was necessary. Commissioner Titus suggested straightening the road on a Huasna bypass so people in the Stagecoach area would not go through village. The Commission discussed straightening the road which will be very expensive construction and moving it that far out would not accomplish the necessary traffic pattern. Associate Planner Spierling asked for clarification regarding the Traffic Way offramp, should it remain or be removed. Commissioner Keen replied that it should remain and indicated that it was part of his motion. Commissioner Lubin stated that he would prefer to see more alternatives because he is not comfortable with going through the residential area. 1 1 Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 9 July 30, 1996 Chairperson Tappan called for a roll call vote: AYES: Commissioner Keen, Deviny, Chairperson Tappan NOES: Commissioner Lubin, Titus The discussion moved on to the motion to recommend that the City Council explore the redesignation of Highway 227 from Branch Street to Oak Park Boulevard. This was made as a motion by Commissioner Keen, seconded by Commissioner Deviny, and passed by unanimous agreement. The Commission took a short break. Chairperson Tappan opened the public hearing for discussion on Brisco Road interchange. Howard Mankins - stated that all proposed alternatives affect his property; the GenCom, Inc. project will place intensive additional traffic on this intersection and it was approved with this acknowledged; widening the underpass would be very expensive; stated that any alternative would affect his ability to sell or lease his property and would be considered inverse condemnation and would be vigorously contested. Steve Devencenzi, SLOCOG - stated that they are supportive of the concept of a roundabout because it would cause the least impact and be the most reasonable to construct; stated that they are conducting a "Major Investment Study" which will study the freeway corridor from El Campo to the north end of San Luis Obispo; and encouraged the Commission to support the roundabout option. Mayor Pete Dougall, 801 Mesa Dr - stated that more alternatives are required; suggested that the most obvious way to cross the freeway would be at Halcyon and would like to have more information as to why it will or won't work. Chairperson Tappan suggested that the cemetery is the most obvious stumbling block in that area. Dick Franks, 879 Fair Oaks - stated that the main impediment to a bridge over the freeway would be the necessary size of the structure on the Halcyon side of the freeway. With no further comments from the audience, Chairperson Tappan closed the public hearing. Commissioner Keen asked about the possibility �f having the roundabout on one side of the freeway only and if that would be sufficient to alleviate the need for widening the underpass. Mr. Inouye stated that they had not analyzed that option, the goal is to keep the traffic flow moving and a single roundabout has not yet been used. Commissioner Keen stressed that option would have the least impact on the property owners in the area due to the requirement for less land; expressed interest in receiving more information on roundabout/signal combination; and stated that he was not yet ready to vote on this issue. Commissioner Titus stated that she was unprepared to vote. 1 1 1 1 1 1 Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 10 July 30, 1996 Commissioner. Lubin agreed with Commissioner Keen but added concern with hook ramps and fact that they would significantly change El Camino. Commissioner Deviny stated that he had experience in Boston with roundabouts and asked if it was possible to enter the roundabout from the freeway on the El Camino side. There was discussion of this concept. Commissioner Deviny also expressed opposition to the hooks ramps as proposed; asked about the cost of widening the underpass (approx $6 million) versus the roundabout (approx $2.2 million); noted that GenCom had paid a fee that amounted to 150% of the current traffic mitigation fee; and requested more information on roundabouts before voting to support one. The Commission discussed splitting the document and sending on the portion where there was consensus; discussed the benefit of an overcrossing at Rancho Parkway without freeway ramps; and stated that they were not in favor of losing established commercial properties along El Camino Real. A motion was made by Commissioner Lubin, seconded by Commissioner Keen to recommend Option 4 to the City Council with the following suggested changes: adding a roundabout/ signalize the south side of the intersection at Brisco; and insert an overpass at Rancho Parkway without hook ramps. After further discussion it was determined that the review of the roundabout issue be returned to the Planning Commission prior to City Council review, but the rest of the document could be forwarded to the City Council for review. There was further discussion regarding the grade of the overpass. The motion was withdrawn. A motion was made by Commissioner Lubin, seconded by Commissioner Keen, and unanimously agreed upon: • the Short Range Traffic Study will go to the City Council with the recommendations made this evening; • the Long Range Traffic Study for the Highway 227 bypass will be forwarded to the City Council with the recommendations of the Planning Commission. • the Long Range Traffic Study for the Brisco interchange will return to the Planning Commission with a report on the feasibility of roundabouts; an overpass at Rancho Parkway; removal of hook ramps; and the least impact possible to the commercial property along El Camino. PLANNING COMMISSION /COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ITEMS AND COMMENTS - None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. Letter dated 7 -30 -96 from Tony Marsalek 2. Letter dated 7 -30 -96 from Coker Ellsworth Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 11 July 30, 1996 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, on a motion by Commissioner Keen, seconded by Commissioner Deviny, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 p.m. to the regular meeting of August 20, 1996. ATTEST: Breese, Commission Clerk AS TO CONTENT: William Tapp Scott E. S ierlin Ass ciate Plann P g, Chairperson 1 1 1