SANDAG APPLICATION 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization February 6, 2009 Submitted to: San Diego Association of Governments 401 B Street, Suite 800 San Diego, CA 92101
Submitted by: City of National City 1243 National City Boulevard National City, CA 91950
Submitted by:
City of National City Director, Brad Raulston City Engineer, Maryam Babaki Traffic Engineer, Stephen Manganiello In Partnership with:
3916 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103 619 294-4477 Principals, Mike Singleton & Kurt Carlson Senior Associate, John Taylor Associate, Jenny An
Table of Contents
SANDAG Application Cover............................................................................................... 1 SANDAG Project Summary............................................................................................... 3 Project Description............................................................................................................. 4 Location Map & Existing Conditions........................................................................... 5 Master Plan..................................................................................................................... 8 Street Sections................................................................................................................ 10 3-D Simulations.............................................................................................................. 11 I: Land Use & Transportation Characteristics of Area Around the Proposed Capital Improvement Project I.1 Intensity of Planned Development......................................................................... 14 I.2 Entitled Development Density................................................................................ 14 I.3 Transportation Demand Management................................................................. 16 I.4 Urban Design Characteristics & Community Context.......................................... 18 I.5 Sustainability.............................................................................................................. 20 I.6 Universal Design......................................................................................................... 20 II: Quality of Propose Capital Improvement Project II.A Support for Public Transit....................................................................................... 21 II.B Providing Transportation Choices.......................................................................... 22 II.C Community Enhancement..................................................................................... 23 II.D Addressing Project Area Issues.............................................................................. 25 III: Proposed Capital Improvement Project Readiness III.A Major Milestones Completed............................................................................... 28 III.B Evidence of Local Commitment............................................................................ 28 Scope of Work & Project Schedule.................................................................................. 29 IV: Matching Funds............................................................................................................. 30 Project Budget................................................................................................................ 30 Project Revenues............................................................................................................ 30 Cost Estimate...................................................................................................................... 31 Attachment A: Letters of Local Support.......................................................................... Attachment B: Notice of Exemption............................................................................... Attachment C: Resolution passed by City of National City...........................................
Smart Growth Incentive Program CAPITAL GRANTS Application Project Title:
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Sponsoring Jurisdiction:
City of National City
Application Checklist Eight (8) hard copies and one (1) CD of the complete SGIP application (including all attachments) Completed application form Resolution or minute order authorizing the application Vicinity maps showing project locations, entitled land developments related to the projects, and local/regional street, bicycle, transit, and highway facilities within and near the project area Site plan, renderings, and typical cross sections depicting project-level detail as available, not to exceed 11x17 inches Documentation of support for the project from community groups or individuals (recommended but not required) Aerial photo and other photographs depicting existing conditions Use-it-or-Lose-it Policy and Program Implementation and Oversight Requirements have been read Person Authorized to Submit Application: I certify that I have reviewed the TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program Guidelines and the information submitted in this application is accurate and in accordance with these guidelines.
Name
Title
Signature
Date
1
Project Summary
This project summary may not exceed one page in length. Project Title:
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Exact Project Location:
8th Street between Harbor Drive (8th Street Trolley Station) and D Ave.
Project Description:
The 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization Project is a logical extension of the National City (NC) Boulevard Revitalization project, a previous SGIP grant project. The 8th Street Project will tie together the area’s previous urban core redevelopment efforts including the award-winning Southwestern College Education Village at the intersection of NC Boulevard and 8th Street, a new Chamber of Commerce building, state-of-the-art public library, the renovation of historic Brick Row at A Avenue & 9th Street, along with several new mixed-use development projects. The western portion of the project focuses on the area from the 8th Street Trolley Station to NC Boulevard. Elements for the western project area to be funded in part by the SGIP include: new lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, street trees, Class II bicycle lanes, an “Historic Walk and Mural” with decorative safety lighting and railings for the freeway underpass, pedestrian improvements at the I-5 northbound on-ramp, landscaped median islands for traffic calming and access control, and creation of a new plaza at the trolley station with new lighting, furnishings, an information kiosk, enhanced paving and landscaping, and ADA upgrades. The eastern portion of the project focuses on the area between NC Boulevard and D Avenue. SGIP funds will be used in part to narrow 8th Street between NC Boulevard and D Avenue from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane / intermittent median islands to allow for wider sidewalks, corner bulb-outs, enhanced crosswalk striping, new ADA curb ramps with detectable warning pads, landscaped median islands, and alternating angled and parallel parking. To further enhance the public realm, SGIP funds will be used in part to implement new lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, street trees and plantings, an information kiosk, benches, bike racks and other street furnishings. At the intersection of NC Boulevard and 8th Street (the heart of the corridor), SGIP funds will be used in part to enhance the NC gateway with new vertical supports for the pedestrian bridge structure, corner bulb-outs, ADA upgrades, lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, signature palm trees and plantings. One block to the east, SGIP funds will be used in part to develop a new “Market Square” on A Avenue at 8th Street where pedestrians can congregate for future farmer’s markets and street festivals. Ultimately, the 8th Street project will invigorate smart growth and revitalize a critical transit / pedestrian corridor for the benefit of local businesses, residents, visitors and the region as a whole. SGIP Funds Request:
$2,000,000
Matching Funds:
$1,500,000
Total Project Cost:
$3,500,000
Sponsoring Jurisdiction:
National City
Primary Contact Person:
Maryam Babaki
Title:
City Engineer
Street Address:
1243 National City Boulevard
City and Zip Code:
National City, CA 91950
Phone:
(619) 336 - 4383
E-mail Address:
mbabaki@nationacityca.gov
Other Project Partners:
N/A
(may not exceed $2,000,000)
SGIP Funds + Matching Funds
Smart Growth Opportunity Area Identifier:
Fax:
(619) 336 - 4397
SD SE-1 Southern portion of SD SE 8t St. between Harbor Dr (8th Street Trolley Station) & D Ave.
Smart Growth Incentive Program Guidelines and Call for Projects – FY 2009 to 2010
3
Project Description
Project Description Project Setting: A Vibrant Vision for the Future The City of National City (NC) has a strong and compelling vision of Downtown NC as a vibrant, regional mixed-use town center. NC took the initiative in 2005 by adopting a Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) that focuses on creating an urban core alive with retail shops, offices, cafes, hotels, and pedestrian plazas for the benefit of local businesses, residents and visitors. Keying at the intersection of NC Boulevard and 8th Street, high-rise residential and mixeduse buildings are envisioned to give definition to a new downtown core as first floor shops, cafes, and offices invigorate the street life. Farther east along 8th Street, mid-rise and townhouse residential buildings arise and create opportunities for families, students, singles, and empty-nesters to live near accessible bus and trolley transportation. NC is committed to creating a regionally central, vibrant, urbane neighborhood center. In this effort, NC has cultivated the award-winning Southwestern College Education Village at the intersection of NC Boulevard and 8th Street, a new Chamber of Commerce building, state-of-the-art public library, the renovation of historic Brick Row at A Avenue & 9th Street, along with several new mixed-use development projects. These sites have been supported by the completion of a previous SGIP grant project which funded streetscape enhancements along NC Boulevard between 7th Street and 12th Street and creation of a public plaza at NC Boulevard and 9th Street, known as Morgan Square. The public investment in the NC Boulevard right of way has served as a catalyst for civic and private reinvestment within this area, providing further evidence of the City’s strong commitment to delivering Smart Growth development to Downtown NC. The 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization Project is a logical extension of the NC Boulevard SGIP Revitalization project, which will tie together the previously discussed redevelopment projects and encourage additional Smart Growth infill development. Within the project area the City has provided for a substantial investment in storefront facade improvements, a recycling program, and funds for utility undergrounding. In addition, the 8th Street project is located within the Downtown Property Business Improvement District (PBID), enabling local businesses and property owners to receive special benefit services such as regular sidewalk sweeping and steam cleaning, removal of bulky items, trash receptacle emptying, tree and shrub planting and maintenance, initiation of beautification projects, and an underwriting advertising coop for hotel and retail. With the adoption of the DSP and Plan EIR, the Downtown PBID associated with 8th Street can now be the focus of the City’s redevelopment efforts and investment. The infill projects can occur on land controlled by the redevelopment agency, and on several parcels that have major redevelopment potential. NC’s longstanding National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
support for affordable housing will be evident in this infill effort. A primary factor in supporting smart growth, jobs / housing balance and the local business market, will be a substantial increase in residential population already entitled along the NC Boulevard corridor. Adopted policies and property entitlements are in place to allow the project area to continue to redevelop, utilizing principles supported by SANDAG as part of their Regional Comprehensive Plan and Smart Growth Objectives. However, the area needs visible signs of further public investment and a vision for what it can become. The proposed project will represent a significant level of public investment that will leverage private investment to encourage multi-modal transportation and smart growth development. Project Objectives: The project objectives are as follows: 1) strengthen the physical and visual link between the 8th Street Trolley Station and NC Boulevard to encourage walking, cycling and transit use, 2) improve pedestrian safety, access and mobility, 3) reduce vehicle speeds through traffic calming, 4) enhance the public realm through creation and activation of public open spaces, and 5) invigorate smart growth and revitalize a critical transit / pedestrian corridor for the benefit of local businesses, residents, visitors and the region as a whole. The western portion of the project focuses on the area from the 8th Street Trolley Station to NC Boulevard. Project objectives include new lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, street trees, Class II bicycle lanes, an “Historic Walk and Mural” with decorative safety lighting and railings for the freeway underpass, pedestrian improvements at the I-5 northbound on-ramp, landscaped median islands for traffic calming and access control, and creation of a new plaza at the trolley station with new lighting, furnishings, an information kiosk, enhanced paving and landscaping, and ADA upgrades. The eastern portion of the project focuses on the area between NC Boulevard and D Avenue. Project objectives include narrowing 8th Street between NC Boulevard and D Avenue from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane / intermittent median islands to allow for wider sidewalks, corner bulb-outs, enhanced crosswalk striping, new ADA curb ramps with detectable warning pads, landscaped median islands, and alternating angled and parallel parking. To further enhance the public realm, the project will implement new lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, street trees and plantings, an information kiosk, benches, bike racks and other street furnishings. At the intersection of NC Boulevard and 8th Street, project objectives include enhancing the NC gateway with new vertical supports for the pedestrian bridge structure, corner bulbouts, ADA upgrades, lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, signature palm trees and plantings. One block to the east, at the heart of the corridor, project objectives include development of a new “Market Square” on A Avenue at 8th Street where pedestrians can congregate for future farmer’s markets and street festivals. Page 4
Project Description: Location Map
8th St. Trolley Station
7th Street D Avenue
C Avenue
B Avenue
A Avenue
National City Boulevard
Roosevelt Ave
Hoover Ave
8th Street
9th Street
Education Village Plaza Street
Key
City Hall
Project Study Area
Kimball Park
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
SANDAG Smart Growth Boundary
Page 5
8th Street Smart Growth Corridor Revitalization: West Project Site Existing Conditions
Current pedestrian connections suffer from poor lighting, sidewalks and tree grates in disrepair, and traffic against the curb.
The pedestrian environment under the bridge is a negative factor that discourages walking. It is noisy, dark and traffic is not offset far enough from the walkway.
Excessive left turns into and out of this busy gas station has resulted in conflicts with through traffic, pedestrian and cyclist routes.
8TH STREET TROLLEY STATION
The current station has no sense of place and does not accommodate pedestrian circulation. The station’s connection to the street is undefined and is missing various amenities
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Freeway off-ramp alignment conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists. Left turns are difficult without a traffic signal.
Roosevelt Avenue
Hoover Avenue
8th Street
This intersection has an excessively large turning radius encouraging high speed turns and is lacking in crosswalks or signage indicating yield to pedestrians.
Page 6
8th Street Smart Growth Corridor Revitalization: East Project Site Existing Conditions
C Avenue
B Avenue
7th Street
The area has remnants of a walking business district but a lack of continuity and deficient sense of place has divided the area.
D Avenue
Lack of amenities at transit stops can have a negative effect on ridership.
A Avenue
National City Boulevard
Roosevelt Avenue
The current pedestrian bridge and mural is blocked by the traffic signal assembly and misses the opportunity to create a gateway and pinch point for traffic calming.
8th Street
9th Street
Speeds and roadway width on 8th Street currently make it a difficult place for pedestrians to cross.
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Popular market is on a block owned by the redevelopment agency which is the center of redevelopment efforts but consists mostly of surface parking lots.
The current pedestrian environment is dominated by the roadway, lacks safety buffers, is discontinuous, and is missing points of interest to support existing storefronts.
A variety of low density buildings are an inefficient use of land and do little to support the business district.
Page 7
8th Street Smart Growth Corridor Revitalization: West Project Master Plan
Median island with lighting and historical banners provides traffic calming and entry into downtown NC.
A new Class 2 bike lane extends from Harbor Drive to Roosevelt Avenue.
New community murals, night lighting, & pedestrian railing with neon glow effect to enhance the pedestrian experience at the under pass.
The proposed change in curb radius, crosswalk, and signage at the northbound I-5 ramp slows turning traffic and improves access.
Trolley Stop Navy Owned Parcels
Hoover Avenue
Roosevelt Avenue
8th Street
9th Street The new Trolley Plaza improves universal access and connectivity.
A future project proposes a modified southbound off-ramp with a traffic signal to slow traffic and reduce pedestrian conflicts. (Not a part of this proposal; requires coordination with CALTRANS)
Replacement of street trees, historical way finding banners on new light posts, and sidewalk enhancements will greatly improve the pedestrian experience west of I-5.
The potential mixed-use infill projects will enliven the pedestrian experience.
Median provides access control, slows traffic, and extends the design treatments to the NC Gateway.
Key Potential Development
Existing Buildings
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
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8th Street Smart Growth Corridor Revitalization: East Project Master Plan
7th Street
Road diet from 4 lanes to 2lanes, widened sidewalks, street trees, lighting with historic way finding banners, bike racks, benches, bulb-outs, kiosks, cross walks, & landscaped median islands improve pedestrian access and calm traffic.
C Avenue
B Avenue
Alternating angled and parallel parking buffers the pedestrian environment and calms traffic. Reverse angled parking is also being considered.
D Avenue
The intersection at A Avenue represents the heart of the 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization.
A Avenue
Holiday Inn
The gateway to National City is marked at the intersection of NC Boulevard and 8th Street by a pedestrian bridge with mural, banners, and four signature palm trees.
National City Boulevard
The proposed development replaces the existing Holiday Inn garage with large storefront windows to display retail on the ground floor with 118 apartment homes above.
8th Street
Roosevelt Avenue
City Owned Parcel Education Village
Bayview Towers
9th Street Existing Morgan Square connects to Market Square through a pedestrian walk and creates opportunities for cafe spillover.
Historic Brick Row
New Market Square, located between 8th and 9th Street on A Avenue, supports Farmers’ Market and street festivals.
High density mixed use projects, with office, food markets, lofts & residential uses
The master plan proposes a mix of housing types to meet different needs, ranging from live-work to lofts to townhomes and apartments.
Key Potential Development
Existing Buildings
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 9
8th Street Smart Growth Corridor Revitalization: Street Sections The proposed street sections expand storefront and pedestrian zones, reduce roadway widths to calm traffic, encourage walking, cycling, transit use, and improve connections to Smart Growth activity centers. Major features for the west segments (S.1): • Infilled street trees • Sidewalk repair and infill pavers • Historic way finding banners on street light posts • Restriped roadway allowing for 5’ bike lane • Median islands with palms, double light standard and banners
Street Section: S.1
Major features for the east segments (S.2):
S.1: 8th Street Existing Cross-section between Trolley Station and Hoover Avenue (facing west)
S.2: 8th Street Existing Cross-section between NC Blvd. & D Avenue (facing west)
• Reduced from 4 lanes to 2 lanes with center turn lanes • New street trees and street furnishings • Sidewalk expansion with intersection bulb-outs and enhanced crosswalk markings • Historic way finding banners on street light posts • Alternating parallel and angled parking • Median islands with palms, double light standard and banners
Street Section: S.2
S.1: 8th Street Proposed Cross-section between Trolley Station and Hoover Avenue (facing west)
S.2: 8th Street Proposed Cross-section between NC Blvd. & D Avenue (facing west)
Typical Intersection Improvements National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 10
Eastbound 8th Street: View at I-5 overpass Major elements shown on the simulations are listed below, see relevant descriptions of the improvements in the main body of the application: • New bike lanes • New street lighting and historical way finding banners • Improved pedestrian crossings and reduced turning radius for the northbound on-ramp to I-5 • New street trees replacing missing trees and trees in poor condition • New median island to provide traffic calming and add aesthetic value • New community murals at underpass • New safety railing and dedicated day/night lighting system at the underpass
Existing Conditions: Day Time
Proposed Improvements: Day Time Simulation
Existing Conditions: Night Time
Proposed Improvements: Night Time Simulation
1
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 11
NC Boulevard and 8th Street intersection: View looking east at NC Gateway
Existing Conditions
Proposed Improvements: NC Gateway Simulation
Major elements shown on the simulation are listed below, see relevant descriptions of the improvements in the main body of the application: • New traffic signal assemblies to provide clear view of mural • Vertical support members that frame the street • New accent palms at each corner that act as visual markers for the intersection • Special effect lighting on the mural for night viewing
2
• Bulb-outs to provide shorter pedestrian crossing and narrow the street for traffic calming • New median including light poles with historic banners • Upgraded pedestrian ramps compliant with ADA standards
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 12
A Avenue and 8th Street: View looking south on A Avenue to Market Square
Existing Conditions
Proposed Improvements: Market Square Simulation
Major elements shown on the simulation are listed below, see relevant descriptions of the improvements in the main body of the application: • New street lighting with historical way finding banners • New gateway arch for Market Square • New kiosks for transit and public information
3
• New palmettos at each corner of the intersection to create a sense of place and scale • Narrowing of the street to provide wider sidewalks, landscaped median islands, and traffic calming • Bulb outs and enhanced crosswalks at intersections • Alternating parallel and angled parking (Reverse angled parking is being considered as well.)
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 13
I. Land Use and Transportation Characteristics of the Area Around the Proposed Capital Improvement Project & II. Quality of Proposed Capital Improvement Plan
I. Land Use & Transp ortation Characteristics of the Area Around the Proposed Capital Improvement Area 1. Intensity of Planned Development in the Smart Growth Opportunity Area Project Site
SANDAG’s Boundary for NC D Ave
NC Trolley Station
lvd NC B
In February 2005 the City Council approved and adopted the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP). The DSP is “form-based” in that it emphasizes building forms over individual land uses for achieving walkable neighborhoods, energy and resource efficiency, mixeduse and transit-oriented development, and transportation demand management solutions. The 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization project is located within the DSP boundary. The project corridor and adjacent locations / land uses were analyzed as part of the DSP EIR. Therefore, conforming development projects along the corridor are exempt from higher-level environmental review, which results in an expedited approval process. The process involves a consistency review which includes project compliance with clearly defined Smart Growth polices and development standards.
2. Entitled Development Density Within a 1/4 mile Radius of Proposed Capital Project Site, Mix of Uses, and New Affordable Housing Development. Dwelling Units
No. of Affordable Housing Units
No. of Affordable Housing Units Restricted to Very-Low Income Residents
Estimated Gross Lease Area for Retail Use
Estimated Completion
Project
Status
(DU)
DU/ Acre
Victorian Heights++
Completed
8
12
0
8
-
Completed
Bay View Suites ++
Completed
170
258
170
0
14,360
Completed
Revolution R1, R2
Entitled
204
151
-
-
154,408
2011
Revolution Centro
Construction
61
51
-
-
-
2009
Holiday Inn II
Entitled
171
198
-
-
8,130
2012
Harbor View
Construction
75
112
-
-
13,500
2009
Nautica Twin Towers
Entitled
366
138
-
-
29,000
2013
Park Lofts
Entitled
306
158
-
-
3,800
2011
National City Plaza
Submitted
352
180
-
-
-
2011
Bay View Tower II
Entitled
88
138
-
-
11,000
2011
Skyline Village
Submitted
12
-
12
-
-
2012
182
8
234,198
Total Development
1,813
++ denotes Affordable Housing Development National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 14
I. Land Use & Transportation Characteristics of the Area Around the Proposed Capital Improvement Area Entitled & Potential Development Diagram within a 1/4 mile Radius of the Project Site Victorian Heights++ Bay View Suites ++ Revolution R1, R2 Revolution Centro Holiday Inn II Harbor View Nautica Twin Towers Park Lofts National City Plaza Bay View Tower II Skyline Village++ Potential Development Sites ++ denotes Affordable Housing Development
Entitled Development Diagram within a 1/4 mile Radius of Project Site
Existing Land Use Diagram within a 1/4 mile Radius of Project Site Single Family Detached Single Family Attached Multi Family Mixed-Use Commercial Light Industry Transportation Education Institutions Military Recreation Undeveloped
Existing Land Use Diagram within a 1/4 mile Radius of Project Site National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 15
I. Land Use & Transportation Characteristics of the Area Around the Proposed Capital Improvement Project 3. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Characteristics The proposed infill projects associated with this corridor will be subject to a consistency review as part of the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) Development Review Process. In order to support smart growth concepts, increase transit use and improve cost efficiencies associated with parking, the City requires submittal of a TDM plan as part of the consistency review. The City will consider reductions in off-site parking requirements if the project exemplifies industryaccepted best management practices for parking such as: • Moderate to high densities that support shared use and parking resource turnovers • Mixed use within a 10-minute walk zone that decreases parking demand • Inclusionary affordable housing that decreases parking demand • Senior or assisted housing that decreases parking demand • Maximum parking facilities provided for tenants and residents to assure excessive and subsidized parking does not occur • Unbundled parking costs passed on to tenants and residents through leases or for sale costs, which encourages walking, biking and transit uses
• Shared parking strategies for offset peak uses where demand for parking is at identifiable offset periods such as residential and retail uses • Car sharing programs where membership is paid for by the development or through an association or assessment • Transit pass purchases paid for by the development or through an association or assessment • Priority parking for vanpool and carpool users • Non-reserved tenant and resident spaces that uses parking supply at higher efficiency levels • Developer or agency supplied shuttle to the trolley station The 8th Street project may also serve as a catalyst for future rapid shuttle bus service to provide residents and visitors a faster connection between the 8th Street Trolley Station and downtown places of interest such as Education Village, the proposed Market Square, City Hall, the public library and Kimball Park. The City will leverage efforts being made on the I-805 Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project to assess the feasibility of expanding the project’s feeder transit system (which will provide connecting service between the Plaza Boulevard BRT station and the 8th Street Trolley Station) to include rapid shuttle bus service for the downtown loop.
Key
Existing Transit System National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Bus Transfer Point
929 (bus route)
Bus Stop
932 (bus route)
5 min. walk
955 (bus route)
10 min. walk
962 (bus route)
15 min. walk
963 (bus route)
Page 16
Key Class 3 Bike Route
Existing Bicycle Facilities
Key Class 1 Bike Path Class 2 Bike Lane Class 3 Bike Route
Proposed Bicycle Facilities National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 17
I. Land Use & Transportation Characteristics of the Area Around the Proposed Capital Improvement Project 4. Urban Design Characteristics a. How do the urban design characteristics of the project area support smart growth?
b. For the project area, is there adopted guidance in place such as urban design guidelines, specific area plans, or form-based codes that regulate the design of buildings and infrastructure to support smart growth?
NC is committed to creating a regionally central, vibrant, urbane neighborhood center. In this effort, NC has cultivated the awardwinning Southwestern College Education Village at the intersection of NC Boulevard and 8th Street, a new Chamber of Commerce building, state-of-the-art public library, the renovation of historic Brick Row at A Avenue & 9th Street, along with several new mixeduse development projects. These sites have been supported by the completion of a previous SGIP grant project which funded streetscape enhancements along NC Boulevard between 7th Street and 12th Street and creation of a public plaza at NC Boulevard and 9th Street, known as Morgan Square. The public investment in the NC Boulevard right of way has served as a catalyst for civic and private reinvestment within this area, and provides further evidence of the City’s strong commitment to delivering Smart Growth development to Downtown NC.
In February 2005 the City Council approved and adopted the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP). The DSP is “form-based” in that it emphasizes building forms over individual land uses for achieving walkable neighborhoods, energy and resource efficiency, mixeduse and transit-oriented development, and transportation demand management solutions. Since the 8th Street project is located within the DSP boundary, all conforming development projects must apply for approval through the DSP Development Review Process. The process involves a consistency review which requires project compliance with clearly defined Smart Growth polices and development standards. The review criteria provide urban design guidelines for building forms, scale, uses, textures, densities, mass, architectural articulation, frontage, universal access for pedestrians, cyclists and transit, parking and transportation demand management strategies, etc.
The 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization Project is a logical extension of the NC Boulevard Revitalization project, which will tie together the previously discussed redevelopment projects and encourage additional Smart Growth infill development. With the adoption of the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) and Plan EIR, the 8th Street corridor can now be the focus of the City’s redevelopment efforts and investment. Currently, the corridor is well-serviced by transit, including multiple high-frequency bus lines, transfer points and stops, and light rail connections at the 8th Street Trolley Station. The majority of existing storefronts have good frontages with zero lot lines and large display windows. There are a minimal number of buildings with increased setbacks and only a few surface parking lots. To provide incentives for existing businesses and encourage infill development, the City has provided for a substantial investment in storefront facade improvements, a recycling program, and funds for utility undergrounding along the project corridor. In addition, the 8th Street project is located within the Downtown Property Business Improvement District (PBID), enabling local businesses and property owners to receive special benefit services such as regular sidewalk sweeping and steam cleaning, removal of bulky items, trash receptacle emptying, tree and shrub planting and maintenance, initiation of beautification projects, and an underwriting advertising coop for hotel and retail.
c. Identify the mix of public and private land uses in the project area and how the uses meet local needs for goods, services, entertainment, etc. within walking distance of residents or employees.
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
In April 2004, a management plan was approved for the creation of a Downtown National City Property Business Improvement District (PBID). This effort was initiated by a partnership between the City and a group of significant, small and long-term business and property owners. The goal was to implement special benefit services to clean up the district and promote the urban core of Downtown NC. This district represents a diverse mix of people and residences within mere blocks of local businesses and full-service public facilities, such as the award-winning Southwestern College Education Village, Chamber of Commerce, Civic Center / City Hall, Police and Fire Stations, a new state-of-the-art public library, Kimball Park, Morgan Square, the 8th Street Trolley Station, and high-frequency bus lines. NC has identified pioneer businesses such as Historic Brick Row, McDinni’s Restaurant, Napoleone’s Pizzeria, Niederfrank’s Ice Cream and Big Ben’s Market as “landmarks”. Through City incentive programs such as the 8th Street Storefront Improvement Program and Business Technical Assistance Program, services are available to these businesses to encourage civic pride, sustainability and future growth. The 8th Street project lies within the Downtown PBID and will help deliver many of the “special benefit services” identified in the management plan such as streetscape enhancements, new tree and shrub plantings, information kiosks, banners / way finding signs, “gateway” signs and structures, venues for special events (i.e. the proposed Market Square on A Avenue), and establishment of a better physical and visual link to the 8th Street Trolley Station. Page 18
I. Land Use & Transportation Characteristics of the Area Around the Proposed Capital Improvement Project
Benefit Zone 2
y ndar t Bou c e j o Pr
SANDAG Smart Growth Area
Benefit Zone 1
Downtown National City Property Business Improvement District National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 19
I. Land Use & Transportation Characteristics of the Area Around the Proposed Capital Improvement Project 5. Sustainability
6. Universal Design
As previously stated, the project lies within the Downtown National City PBID. The district strives to apply sustainable business practices to its special benefit services for public rights of way and sidewalk operations. Examples include environ-friendly trash / recycling receptacles, LID solutions for tree and shrub plantings / storm water management, and “green” beautification projects, etc. Through the DSP Development Review Process, the City works closely with developers to incorporate sustainable design principles into their projects. Revitalization of the 8th Street Corridor will continue to promote sustainable practices found in both LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEEDND) and LEED for New Construction. Examples include:
Universal design is an approach to creating environments and products that recognize the diversity of users, regardless of their ability or age. Universal design is a value, not a set of dimensional requirements. It challenges designers to think beyond code compliance and incorporate special features that meet the needs of diverse users without segregation or separate accommodation. State-of-the-art facilities in the project area such as the Southwestern College Education Village and new public library display good examples of universal design. National City (NC) is committed to the goal of universal design to meet the needs of all users. Evidence of universal design is displayed through the City’s completion of a previous SGIP grant project which funded streetscape enhancements and ADA upgrades along NC Boulevard between 7th Street and 12th Street and creation of a public plaza at NC Boulevard and 9th Street, known as Morgan Square. The proposed 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization Project will also employ the latest standards for universal access, such as installing detectable warning panels at curb ramps and other transition areas between the sidewalk and street, dual curb ramps at each corner to provide 90-degree angles with the roadway, ladderstyle crosswalks and corner bulb-outs at intersections to improve driver visibility of pedestrians, reduce pedestrian crossing distances, and calm traffic, and enhanced paving for the public spaces at Market Square and the Trolley Station plaza. In addition, utility undergrounding will be provided for the eastern project area (NC Boulevard to D Avenue) through an agreement with SDG&E. This will greatly enhance visual lines of site along the corridor, allow for enhanced streetscaping, and remove common obstructions for disabled persons such as large service poles. In addition, future development projects will be required to incorporate universal access design elements through the DSP Development Review Process to assure compliance with Title 23 and the latest ADA standards.
• Non-residential components of the project are at an average density of 5.0 FAR or greater per acre. • Residential components are within 1/2 mile walking distance of ten diverse uses. • Affordable rental housing represents at least 15% of total rental units priced for households up to 50% of area median income, and at least 10% of for-sale housing is priced for households up to 80% of the area median income. • Walkability is improved through increased activity at the street level with storefronts, building-height-to-street proportions of 1:3, and continuous sidewalks along all blocks. • The improved 8th Street Trolley Station will include increased lighting and a new information kiosk. All lighting will utilize energy efficient standards and be time controlled. • Public space will be enhanced with the new Market Square at A Avenue and its visual and physical connection to Morgan Square. The public spaces for the project are within 1/6-mile walking distance of 90% of future dwelling units and business entrances. • A Farmers’ Market at Market Square will promote communitybased and local food production to minimize environmental impacts and increase direct access to fresh foods. • Community outreach will be encouraged and celebrated through creation of a community mural at the I-5 underpass and through the use of historic plaques and banners. • Project design anticipates building reuse and adaptive reuse to extend the life cycle of existing building stock as well as preservation of existing trees. • Storm water management will be mitigated through the use of pervious surfaces for groundwater recharge and green swales at the medians. • Recycled materials will be used for roadways, sidewalks and curbs. Demolished concrete from the project will be recycled. • LED or energy efficient lighting will be employed to reduce energy consumption National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 20
II. Quality of Proposed Capital Improvement Plan A. Support for Public Transit Describe how the completed project will support the use of regional public transit service in the project area. The 8th Street project will support the use of public transit by improving access to the 8th Street Trolley Station and regional bus lines, enhancing the public space at transit facilities, and encouraging new mixed-use and transit-oriented development. The corridor is well-serviced by bus and light rail connections. However, the pedestrian environment is not conducive for encouraging walking and bicycle access to these transit facilities due to poor lighting, minimal buffers between pedestrians and vehicles, challenging crossing locations, outdated pedestrian facilities, and poor aesthetics. The 8th Street project will provide wider sidewalks with corner bulb-outs, enhanced crosswalk striping and new ADA curb ramps with detectable warning pads at intersections to improve driver visibility of pedestrians, reduce pedestrian crossing distances, calm traffic, and improve pedestrian access and mobility. The project will provide a new plaza at the 8th Street Trolley Station with new lighting, furnishings, an information kiosk, enhanced paving and landscaping, and improved universal access and connectivity to the sidewalk. The many bus stops along the corridor will be reconfigured with new historic street furnishings, shade trees and an improved walking environment. In addition, the project will install Class II bike lanes along 8th Street from Harbor Drive to Roosevelt Avenue to further improve access and connectivity between Downtown and the trolley station. The five-foot wide bike lanes will not only benefit cyclists, but will also provide a buffer between pedestrians and traffic by pulling vehicles away from the curb. The smart growth aspects of the proposed infill projects will increase the number of people within walking distance of the existing transit stops. Inclusionary affordable housing and the potential for senior housing will also support increased levels of transit use. Creation of public spaces such as the proposed Market Square on A Avenue will serve as a new “place of interest” for residents and visitors, leading to increased local and regional transit use. The 8th Street project may also serve as a catalyst for future rapid shuttle bus service to provide residents and visitors a faster connection between the 8th Street Trolley Station and downtown places of interest such as Education Village, the proposed Market Square, City Hall, the public library and Kimball Park. The City will leverage efforts being made on the I-805 Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project to assess the feasibility of expanding the project’s feeder transit system (which will provide connecting service between the Plaza Boulevard BRT station and the 8th Street Trolley Station) to include rapid shuttle bus service for the downtown loop.
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Bay View Towers
NC Boulevard & 8th Street
Page 21
II. Quality of Proposed Capital Improvement Plan B. Providing Transportation Choices Describe how the infrastructure changes being proposed will directly improve pedestrian and bicycle access and reduce vehicle miles traveled in the project area. If the street is being redesigned, how will the new design prioritize access for pedestrians and bicyclists? The infrastructure improvements for the 8th Street project will greatly improve pedestrian and bicycle access to transit facilities, local retail establishments, and other downtown places of interest such as Education Village, Chamber of Commerce, Civic Center / City Hall, Police and Fire Stations, public library, Kimball Park, and Morgan Square. Residents, visitors and employees will be less reliant on automobile use due to enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities and improved safety and connectivity. Currently, the 8th Street corridor is well-serviced by bus and light rail connections. However, the pedestrian environment is not conducive for encouraging walking and bicycle access to these transit facilities due to poor lighting, minimal buffers between pedestrians and vehicles, increased traffic volumes and speeds, challenging crossing locations, outdated pedestrian facilities, and poor aesthetics. The project objectives will strengthen the physical and visual link between Downtown and the trolley station, and activate and enhance the existing public realm along the corridor. The project will narrow 8th Street between NC Boulevard and D Avenue from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane / intermittent median islands to allow for wider sidewalks, corner bulb-outs, enhanced crosswalk striping, new ADA curb ramps with detectable warning pads, landscaped median islands, and alternating angled and parallel parking. Collectively, these features will buffer pedestrians from traffic, improve driver visibility of pedestrians, reduce pedestrian crossing distances, provide traffic calming, and improve pedestrian access and mobility. These improvements are consistent with the adopted DSP and Plan EIR. To further enhance the public realm, the project will implement new lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, street trees and plantings, an information kiosk, benches, bike racks and other street furnishings. At the heart of the corridor, the project will enhance the NC Gateway at NC Boulevard and 8th Street to let visitors know “they have arrived”. Improvements include new vertical supports for the
pedestrian bridge structure, corner bulb-outs, ADA upgrades, new lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, signature palm trees and plantings. The many bus stops along the corridor will be reconfigured with new historic street furnishings, shade trees and an improved walking environment. The project will install Class II bike lanes along 8th Street from Harbor Drive to Roosevelt Avenue to further improve access and connectivity between Downtown and the trolley station. The five-foot wide bike lanes will not only benefit cyclists, but also provide a buffer between pedestrians and traffic by pulling vehicles away from the curb. In addition, utility undergrounding will be provided for the eastern project area (NC Boulevard to D Avenue) through an agreement with SDG&E. This will greatly enhance visual lines of site along the corridor, allow for enhanced streetscaping, remove common obstructions for disabled persons such as large service poles, and provide excellent incentives for future infill development. The 8th Street project will also enhance two key public spaces. The first is a new plaza at the 8th Street Trolley Station. Improvements include new lighting, furnishings, an information kiosk, enhanced paving and landscaping, and improved universal access and connectivity to the sidewalk. The second key public space is on A Avenue at 8th Street. This area, proposed as Market Square, is designed as a festival street with large open market structures on both sides of A Avenue. Building ground floors will have large bays to support Farmer’s Markets and other pedestrian activities. The street will be narrowed with bulb-outs and new paving to identify pedestrian space. Market Square will flow into Morgan Square, Historic Brick Row, and the City Chamber of Commerce Building, directly drawing pedestrian traffic from 8th Street and NC Boulevard, and strengthening the connection along A Avenue to Kimball Park, City Hall and the new public library. Market Square will serve as a new “point of attraction” for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users, encouraging new mixed-use and transit-oriented development.
Morgan Square National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 22
II. Quality of Proposed Capital Improvement Plan C. Community Enhancement Describe how the proposed improvements enhance a sense of place and create destinations for people in the project area. How will the design features of the proposed improvements activate public places within the area and attract private investment? A prime example of NC’s commitment to creating destinations and activating public space is supported by the completion of a previous SGIP grant project which funded streetscape enhancements along NC Boulevard between 7th Street and 12th Street and creation of a public plaza at NC Boulevard and 9th Street, known as Morgan Square. The public investment in the NC Boulevard right of way has served as a catalyst for civic and private reinvestment within this area. Examples include signature projects such as the award-winning Southwestern College Education Village at the intersection of NC Boulevard and 8th Street, a new Chamber of Commerce building, state-of-the-art public library, and renovation of historic Brick Row at A Avenue & 9th Street, along with several new mixed-use private development projects. Many of the concepts and design features that made the NC Boulevard Revitalization project a success will be incorporated into the 8tH Street Corridor Revitalization project. One of the main goals of the 8th Street project is to activate public spaces by enhancing the connections between residences, local businesses, transit facilities and places of interest. Starting from the 8th Street Trolley Station, we want people to know they have arrived in National City. This will be accomplished by creating a new plaza at the trolley station to include new lighting, furnishings, enhanced paving and landscaping, and improved universal access and connectivity to the sidewalk. An information kiosk at the plaza will direct visitors to Downtown NC. After leaving the plaza, a new tree-lined sidewalk, Class II bike lanes, and NC history banners attached to new light poles will guide and direct pedestrians and cyclists along 8th Street east towards the NC Gateway, located at the intersection of 8th Street and NC Boulevard. Prior to arriving at the NC Gateway, their journey will take them along an “Historic Walk and Mural” through the currently dark and uninviting freeway underpass, reinvigorated with decorative safety lighting, railings and a prominent Community mural. National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
After passing through the underpass, more trees and lighting with historic banners / way finding signs will comfort travelers as they make their way towards the heart of downtown. Upon arrival at the NC Gateway, all four corners of the intersection will be highlighted with signature palms, historic lighting and banners. As travelers look up they will see a pedestrian bridge stretching across 8th Street, decorated with an historic mural and retrofitted with new vertical supports for optimum viewing. From this point eastward, the street will narrow from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane / intermittent median islands to allow for wider sidewalks including new lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, street trees and plantings, an information kiosk, benches, bike racks and other street furnishings. These features will activate the public realm and provide space for retail activities and cafe spill out. Currently, the sidewalks along 8th Street are too narrow for significant retail activity to occur. Intersections become activated with pedestrian enhancements such as corner bulb-outs, ladder-style crosswalks, and new universal access curb ramps. The roadway is further narrowed by landscaped median islands and alternating angled and parallel parking. Collectively, these streetscape enhancements will buffer pedestrians from traffic, improve driver visibility of pedestrians, reduce pedestrian crossing distances, provide traffic calming, improve pedestrian access and mobility, and create a sense of place no longer dominated by vehicles and asphalt. While perusing the new influx of bookstores, coffee houses, cafes, delis, and retail shops, travelers will turn south to find the highlight of the 8th Street revitalization project, a new “Market Square”. Located on A Avenue at 8th Street, the new Market Square is designed as a festival street with large open market structures on both sides of A Avenue, conveniently flowing into Historic Brick Row and Morgan Square. Building ground floors will have large bays to support Farmer’s Markets and other pedestrian activities. The street will be narrowed with bulb-outs, new paving, historic lighting, banners and plaques, an information kiosk, palm trees and plantings, benches, bike racks and other street furnishings, all strategically placed to identify and activate pedestrian space. Located at the crossroads of three major Downtown multi-modal corridors, Market Square will draw patrons from Education Village, the Chamber of Commerce, and mixed-use high-rises on NC Boulevard, retail shops, offices and transit centers along 8th Street, and Kimball Park, City Hall and the new public library along A Avenue. Market Square will serve as a new “point of attraction” for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users, a public investment that will encourage new private investments in mixed-use and transit-oriented development.
Page 23
II. Quality of Proposed Capital Improvement Plan
O N
G
M
C A
B
L
F1
E D
P
H
I
F2
K J
Proposed Potential Development Opportunities Retail (SF) Office (SF)
No. of D.U.
Residential Type
No. of Stories
A
10,000
10,000
-
-
2
B
16,000
16,000
6
live-work
3
C
30,000
20,000
118
mid-rise
5
D
40,000
-
120
high-rise
9
E
12,000
-
18
loft
5
F1
110,000
-
224
apartment
8
F2
-
-
12
townhouse
2
G
-
-
12
apartment
3
H
-
-
10
stacked townhouses
4
I
-
-
8
stacked townhouses
4
J
-
-
4
townhouse
2
K
-
-
8
stacked flats
4
L
23,000
23,000
12
loft
5
M
23,000
23,000
12
loft
5
N
-
-
4
townhouse
2
O
-
-
6
apartment
3
P
18,000
-
12
apartment
5
Total
282,000 SF 92,000 SF 586 D.U.
Above table shows the potential development opporunities along 8th Street. See Community Enhancement.
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 24
II. Quality of Proposed Capital Improvement Plan D. Addressing Project Area Issues a. List any distinct needs identified by the local community that will be addressed by the project objectives (such as but not limited to improving pedestrian access for special populations such as the elderly or disabled, or enhancing public safety). National City is over 100 years old, and is home to thousands of longtime residents. As such, pedestrian safety and accessibility is a top priority. The most prominent needs presented by the Community are: 1) enhancing the physical and visual connection between Downtown NC and the 8th Street Trolley Station (western project area), and 2) improving pedestrian accessibility and reducing vehicle speeds (eastern project area). The 8th Street Revitalization project will deliver the necessary improvements to address the needs of the Community. The western portion of the project focuses on the area from the 8th Street Trolley Station to NC Boulevard. The corridor is wellserviced by bus and light rail connections. However, the pedestrian environment is not conducive for encouraging walking and bicycle access to these transit facilities due to poor lighting, minimal buffers between pedestrians and vehicles, challenging crossing locations, outdated pedestrian facilities, and poor aesthetics. The project objectives strengthen the physical and visual link between these locations. For example, a new plaza is planned for the trolley station to give the station identity and welcome residents and guests into NC. Other improvements for the western project area include ADA upgrades, new lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, street trees and furnishings, an information kiosk, Class II bicycle lanes, an “Historic Walk and Mural” with decorative safety lighting and railings for the freeway underpass, pedestrian improvements at the I-5 northbound on-ramp, and landscaped medians for traffic calming and access control. The eastern portion of the project focuses on the area between National City Boulevard and D Avenue. Increased vehicle speeds and volumes, coupled with an undivided four-lane roadway crosssection make crossing 8th Street a challenge, particularly for the elderly and disabled. This portion of 8th Street is also a common walking route for local elementary school children, providing a direct connection between residential neighborhoods to the north and Central Elementary School to the east. To address these challenges, the project will narrow 8th Street between NC Boulevard and D Avenue from two lanes in each National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
direction to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane / intermittent median islands to allow for wider sidewalks, corner bulb-outs, enhanced crosswalk striping, new ADA curb ramps with detectable warning pads, landscaped median islands, and alternating angled and parallel parking. Collectively, these features will buffer pedestrians from traffic, improve driver visibility of pedestrians, reduce pedestrian crossing distances, provide traffic calming, and improve pedestrian access and mobility. These improvements, which are consistent with the adopted NC DSP and Plan EIR, will likely cause vehicular traffic to divert to Plaza Boulevard (via NC Boulevard from the west and Highland Avenue from the east), which is an underutilized four-lane arterial immediately south of and parallel to 8th Street, due to projected increases in vehicle travel time generated by the traffic calming measures. b. Please identify any cultural or natural resources within the project area. Explain how such resources have been addressed in the project design. National City has a rich history and culture. The City’s renovation of Historic Brick Row and newly constructed Morgan Square, with its “portals through time”, pay tribute to historic events and cultural diversity that transformed National City from a small agricultural town to an industrial leader in ship-building, to a modern, urbanized community. The 8th Street project ties directly into these cultural centers. The project’s proposed interpretive signage, “gateways”, and historic banners will display similar themes and help highlight the City’s cultural resources. The project’s “Historic Walk and Community Mural” planned for the freeway underpass will lead visitors into the City’s urban core and cultural centers. At the NC Gateway, new support columns, lighting and accent palms will better highlight the pedestrian bridge and historic mural. No natural resources exist within the study area.
Page 25
III. Proposed Capital Improvement Project Readiness & IV. Matching Funds
III. Proposed Capital Improvement Project Readiness
A. Major Milestones Completed Item
Date Completed or Anticipated Completion Date
Feasibility Study
January 19, 2009
Environmental Clearance
Notice of Exemption - February 3, 2009
Right-of-Way Acquisition N/A Final Design
May 2010
B. Evidence of Local Commitment a. Describe how community involvement in the development of this project. Explain community planning efforts that led to this project, community workshops, or other meetings that have been held, and stakeholder groups that have participated. The design of the 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization project is predicated on years of public outreach and community involvement. The project seeks to improve health, safety and quality of life through pedestrian enhancements, traffic calming and creation of open spaces. The 8th Street project is consistent with the NC Downtown Specific Plan (adopted in February 2005) and Plan EIR. In addition, this project addresses many of the concerns from the Community as outlined in the City’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (adopted in May 2007) and Downtown NC Property Business Improvement District Management Plan (approved April 2004). The following key issues / requests were raised during a series of meetings and community workshops in preparation of the aforementioned documents: 1) enhance the physical and visual connection between Downtown NC and the 8th Street Trolley Station, 2) improve safety and accessibility along the corridor, 3) reduce speeding, 4) provide wider sidewalks with attractive paving, street furniture and better lighting, and 5) create public open spaces that support cultural resources. Many of the project’s design elements were implemented to address these community concerns. For example, project design for the western segment will strengthen the physical and visual link between Downtown NC and the 8th Street Trolley Station by creating a new plaza at the 8th Street Trolley Station with new lighting, furnishings, an information kiosk, enhanced paving and landscaping, and improved universal access and connectivity to the sidewalk. In addition, the project will provide ADA upgrades at curb ramps and transition areas, new lighting with historic banners / way National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
finding signs, street trees, Class II bike lanes, an “Historic Walk and Mural” with decorative safety lighting and railings for the freeway underpass, pedestrian improvements at the I-5 northbound onramp, and landscaped medians for traffic calming and access control. Project design for the eastern segment addresses community concerns regarding safety, access, speeding, inadequate sidewalk widths and amenities, and lack of open public spaces. The project will narrow 8th Street between NC Boulevard and D Avenue from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane / intermittent median islands to allow for wider sidewalks, corner bulb-outs, enhanced crosswalk striping, new ADA curb ramps with detectable warning pads, landscaped median islands, and alternating angled and parallel parking. Collectively, these features will buffer pedestrians from traffic, improve driver visibility of pedestrians, reduce pedestrian crossing distances, provide traffic calming, and improve pedestrian access and mobility. To further enhance the public realm, the project will implement new lighting with historic banners / way finding signs, street trees and plantings, an information kiosk, benches, bike racks and other street furnishings. The project will also deliver a new “Market Square” at A Avenue where pedestrians can congregate for future farmer’s markets and street festivals, conveniently flowing into Historic Brick Row and Morgan Square. Letters of support for the project from the National City Chamber of Commerce (on behalf of the local businesses), the National School District, and the Naval Base San Diego are included as attachments. Also included is a letter of acknowledgement from San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) regarding construction and funding of the utility undergrounding portion of the project. b. Please identify known opposition from community planning groups, business associations, community development corporations or other stakeholders in the project area, and how their concerns are being addressed. No known opposition from community planning groups, business associations, community development corporations or other stakeholders in the project area have been identified.
Page 28
Scope of Work & Project Schedule The project deliverables and completion dates are summarized in the following table. A detailed construction cost estimate with line items, quantities and unit prices is also included in the application.
Deliverables
Completion Date
Execute Grant Agreement
July 2009
Final Construction Plans & Docs for Utility Undergrounding (SDG&E)
September 2009
Final Construction Plans & Docs for Remaining Project Improvements
May 2010
Construction Contract Award for Remaining Project Improvements
June 2010
Utility Undergrounding Construction
June 2010
Striping removal and replacement with new lane lines and bike lanes (w/ signage) between Harbor Drive and Roosevelt Avenue to enhance multi-modal transportation
October 2010
Pedestrian walkway enhancements at I-5 freeway underpass, including decorative safety lighting, safety railing w/ LED lighting, and Community Mural running full-length of both underpass walls
October 2010
New Plaza at 8th Street Trolley Station to improve universal access and activate public space: features include new paving and ADA upgrades at transition areas, an information kiosk, new xeriscape planting, permeable unit paving, decorative metal fence, and low-water-use, state-ofthe-art irrigation system for new plantings
December 2010
New canopy tree plantings, replacing missing or poorly performing trees, between trolley station and NC Boulevard: plantings includes 40, 24” box trees and a low-water-use, state-ofthe-art irrigation system
December 2010
Reconfiguration of roadway, sidewalks and intersections on 8th Street between National City Boulevard and D Avenue, including A Avenue improvements for new Market Square, to calm traffic, enhance the walking environment, and activate public spaces: work includes striping removal and replacement with new lane lines, crosswalks and parking stalls, new median islands, new corner bulb-outs, new universal access curb ramps, asphalt removal, concrete curb and gutter removal and replacement with new, concrete repair, new concrete paving, new permeable unit paving
February 2011
Installation of period-style street furnishings in project area, including 38 benches, 14 decorative April 2011 trash/ash cans, 5 traffic control bollards, and 10 bicycle racks Installation of custom design identity gateways and light poles w/decorative banners identifying April 2011 historical themes of National City, including one large gateway structure approx. 50’ length x 22’ height for new Market Square Installation of Nine (9) new Phoenix Canariensis (20’ BTH) at key identity/gateway locations April 2011 to enhance the pedestrian experience and sense of place. A low-water-use, state-of-the-art irrigation system will be provided for the tree plantings Installation of Eighty-eight (88) new Washingtonia Robusta Palm Trees (20’ BTH) between May 2011 National City Boulevard and D Avenue to enhance the walking environment, improve the cultural identity of the district, and provide a stronger connection to the historical character of National City. Trees will be planted in permeable decomposed granite planters. A low-water-use, state-ofthe-art irrigation system will be provided for the tree plantings National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 29
Project Funding Matching Funds Funding Source
Amount
City of National City Tax Increment Funds
$ 500,000
Rule 20A Funds for Utility Conversions
$ 1,000,000
Total Matching Funds Available
$1,500,000
Project Budget: Capital Project Expenses Item
Amount
Engineering Project Management
$ 75,000
Contract Engineering: Engineering and Design (PS & E)
$ 260,000
Environmental Documentation
$ 5,000
Right-of-Way
$ 0.00
Construction Construction Management
$ 60,000
Construction Contract
$ 3,100,000 Total
$ 3,500,000
Project Revenues Source
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
$ 1,500,000
$ 500,000
-
-
$ 400,000
$ 100,000
-
-
$ 1,000,000
-
-
-
State Funding Source: N/A
-
-
-
-
Federal Funding Source: N/A
-
-
-
-
In Kind: N/A
-
-
-
-
$ 2,900,000
$ 600,000
-
-
TransNet SGIP Local Funding Source: National City Tax Increment Local Funding Source: Rule 20A Funds for Utility Conversions
Total
Maximum Amount of SANDAG Participation: 57% National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Page 30
Detailed ConstructionCost Estimate Description
Qty.
Cost Estimate Summary Unit
Unit Cost
Total
1
Benches
38
EA
$990.00
$37,600
2
Decorative Trash/Ash Cans
14
EA
$1,354.00
$19,000
3
Bollards
5
EA
$740.00
$3,700
4
Gateway Structure (A Avenue)
1
EA
$200,000
$200,000
5
Bridge / Traffic Signal Structure (National City Blvd.)
1
EA
$100,000
$100,000
6
Kiosk at Trolley Station & A Avenue
2
EA
$10,000.00
$20,000
7
Historic Light Poles with Banner Supports
60
EA
$2,500.00
$150,000
8
Historic Light Poles, 2 Fixture with 2 Banner Supports
2
EA
$4,000.00
$8,000
9
Historic Banners
64
EA
$150.00
$9,600
10
Historic Walk Interpretive Panels/ Fence Panels
20
EA
$250.00
$5,000
11
Bicycle Storage Rack/Locker
10
EA
$1,100.00
$11,000
12
Railing Under the I-5 Bridge with LED light strips
460
LF
$40.00
$18,400
13
6’ Ornamental Iron Fence
120
LF
$75.00
$9,000
14
Mural under the Freeway, both Sides
1
LS
$25,000.00
$25,000
15
Demo - Curb & Gutter
12,808
SF
$4.00
$51,200
16
Demo - Asphalt w/ Concrete Underlay
20,000
SF
$5.00
$100,000
17
Concrete Repair
1
LS
$15,000.00
$15,000
18
Unit Paving (including base)
10,878
SF
$12.00
$130,500
19
Concrete Paving (including base)
13,590
SF
$7.00
$95,100
20
Pedestrian Ramp
46
EA
$3,000.00
$138,000
21
6” Curb & Gutter per G-2 (Type G)
3,770
LF
$40.00
$150,800
22
Median Curb & Gutter, per G-6 (Type B-1)
1,590
LF
$20.00
$31,800
23
Center Medians, stamped concrete (includes base)
9,544
SF
$8.00
$76,400
24
Decomposed Granite Tree Planters (including base)
12,291
SF
$1.50
$18,400
25
Soil Preparation
7,444
SF
$0.50
$3,700
26
Trees - 24” Box
40
EA
$900.00
$36,000
27
Palms - 20’ BTH (Pho Can)
9
EA
$15,000.00
$135,000
28
Palms - 20’ BTH (Was Rob)
88
EA
$750.00
$66,000
29
Landscaping
7,500
SF
$3.00
$22,500
30
Irrigation Line
5,500
LF
$2.00
$11,000
31
Irr. Controller
1
EA
$3,500.00
$3,500
32
Irr. Backflow Preventer
2
EA
$2,500.00
$5,000
33
Irr. Stainless Steel B.P. Cover
2
EA
$1,800.00
$3,600
34
Irr. Water Meter
2
EA
$30,000.00
$60,000
35
Irr. Valves
12
EA
$750.00
$9,000
36
Irr. Bubblers
130
EA
$25.00
$3,300
37
Traffic Control
1
LS
$15,000.00
$15,000
38
Signing, Striping, & Pavement Markers
1
LS
$30,000.00
$30,000
39
Mobilization
1
LS
$20,000.00
$20,000
40
Utilities undergrounding
1
LS
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
Construction Subtotal
National City 8th Street Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization
Construction Subtotal $ 2,847,100 + Construction Contingency $ 252,900 SUBTOTAL $ 3,100,000 + Project Soft Costs $ 400,000 GRAND TOTAL $ 3,500,000
$2,847,100
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Attachments
Attachments
Attachment A: Letters of Local Support National City Chamber of Commerce......................................................................... United States Naval Base San Diego............................................................................ National School District................................................................................................. SDGE................................................................................................................................ Attachment B: Notice of Exemption............................................................................... City of National City Planning Department................................................................ Attachment C: Resolution passed by City of National City Resolution.......................................................................................................................