SUBJECT: GENERAL BUSINESS
Title
Moffat Street Extension Open House
Body
DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development
PRESENTER/PREPARER: Todd Bjerkaas, Director of Planning & Development
Russell Pennington, Town Engineer
Wendi Palmer, Civil Engineer
FISCAL INFORMATION:
Cost as Recommended: N/A
Balance Available: N/A
Budget Line Item Number: N/A
New Appropriation Required: N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
None
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
At the September 12, 2017 Board of Trustees Meeting a design contract for the Moffat Street Extension and Bridge over Coal Creek was awarded to Felsburg Holt Ullevig (FHU). An open house was requested by the Board and was included in the contract with FHU. An open house was conducted to allow early and effective input from residents and the public.
On December 6, 2017 Town Staff and FHU Staff hosted an open house from 5:00 - 6:30 PM at the Erie Community Center for the Moffat Street Extension and Bridge over Coal Creek. Exhibits showing the conceptual alignment, enhancement elements and bridge profile were provided to show location, content and a series of design options. Comment forms were used to obtain input from the community. The comment forms and exhibits were also posted on the town website to ensure that all Erie residence had the opportunity to input.
Town Staff received 32 comment forms.
One of the questions asked on the comment form was: “This project will provide connection between the Coal Creek Trail and the extension of Moffat Street. Is this a connection you might use?” There were 20 yes’, 9 no’s and 3 did not respond.
In reviewing the comment forms it appears that 19 were in support of the connection and 12 were not.
Several of the positive responses were for easier access to businesses in Downtown Erie. This would benefit existing businesses and could revitalize the Down Town Business District. This shows up in the written comments and the response to question 8, which had 15 responses choosing Increase patronage at Downtown businesses and restaurants as a primary benefit. We also received positive feedback to questions 5 and 6 on amenities and aesthetic elements to give direction to Staff and FHU on the appearance of the bridge.
One of the main concerns from those that do not support the bridge is the fear of increased traffic in Historic Erie. If the connection is made, Town staff would monitor the traffic patterns, and investigate methods to mitigate the impact. Town Staff does anticipate current traffic patterns to change once the new K-8 school opens north of the existing high school.
ATTACHMENTS:
a. Summary of Comments
b. Talley of Forms
c. Comment Forms
d. Open House Exhibit - Conceptual Alignment
e. Open House Exhibit - Enhancement Elements
f. Open House Exhibit - Bridge Profile