CITY OF COVINA
First & Last Mile
TRANSIT STATION PLANNING FINAL REPORT December 2020
Acknowledgements CITY OF COVINA Rafael Fajardo, City Engineer Raphael Guillen, Transportation Analyst, Project Manager Nuala Gasser, Senior Housing and CDBG Economic Development Manager
SCAG Javier Aguilar, Senior Regional Planner
KTUA Joe Punsalan, Principal Jacob Leon, Associate, Project Manager Juan Alberto Bonilla, Senior Planner Jorge Nozot, Planner Sureena Basra, Planner
CEJ ENGINEERS, INC Joaquin Cervantes, Principal
Table of Contents 1
INTRODUCTION
2
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
3
RECOMMENDATIONS
1
1.1 Project Overview............................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 City Profile.......................................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Study Area ......................................................................................................................................... 2 1.4 Objectives of the FLM.................................................................................................................... 3
5
2.1 Community Outreach Plan Overview....................................................................................... 6 2.2 Contingency Plans Addressing COVID-19 Pandemic........................................................ 6 2.3 Target Audience.............................................................................................................................. 6 2.4 Community Advisory Committee (CAC)............................................................................... 6 2.5 Citywide Community Engagement.......................................................................................... 7 2.6 Community Outreach Plan Strategies and Materials........................................................ 8 2.7 Project Survey.................................................................................................................................. 9 2.8 Community Engagement Events............................................................................................. 13
15
3.1 Recommendations Overview.....................................................................................................16 3.2 Pedestrian Treatments.................................................................................................................16 3.3 Bicycle Treatments........................................................................................................................18 3.4 Transit Access Treatments.........................................................................................................19 3.5 Urban Greening Treatments......................................................................................................19 3.6 Placemaking....................................................................................................................................20 3.7 Landscape Treatments................................................................................................................ 22 3.8 Recommendations........................................................................................................................26 3.9 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................33
City of Covina First/Last Mile Transit Station Planning
List of Figures Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure
1-1: Study Area............................................................................................................................ 2 2-1: Online Survey Results.....................................................................................................10 3-1: Potential Pedestrian Recommendations............................................................... 30 3-2: Potential Bicycle Recommendations....................................................................... 31 3-3: Potential Placemaking and Transit Access Recommendations.................... 32
List of Tables Table 3-1: Proposed Planting Palette............................................................................................. 22
Appendices Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix
IV
A: SurveyMonkey Outreach Summary B: Online Story Map Comments C: Citrus Avenue Rehabilitation Project (Courtesy of CEJ Engineers Inc.) D: San Gabriel Valley Bikeshare System (Courtesy of Toole Design) E: Wayfinding Signage Project Downtown Covina (Courtesy of 789 Inc.)
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Overview 1.2 City Profile 1.3 Study Area 1.4 Objectives of the FLM
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW
1.2 CITY PROFILE
The Covina First/Last Mile Transit Station Planning Project will focus on active transportation and placemaking improvements along Citrus Avenue to help connect the existing Metrolink Covina Station and Foothill Transit’s Covina Transit Center with nearby destinations.
The City of Covina is located within the East San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County. It neighbors the cities of Glendora to the northeast, Azusa to the northwest, Irwindale to the west, West Covina to the southwest, Pomona to the southeast, and San Dimas to the east. The City is approximately seven square miles.
The City of Covina First/Last Mile Transit Station Planning (FLMTSP) project is designed to enrich and strengthen the community and support connectivity to the Metrolink station. The project will improve conditions for walking and bicycling within the City of Covina and will connect the surrounding jurisdictions to provide greater access to jobs, goods, and services without the need to drive. The purpose of the project is to add active transportation elements on Citrus Avenue to help connect the existing Metrolink Covina Station with the new Foothill Transit Center/Park and Ride facility and other business and civic destinations in the City of Covina. The project also consists of improving first/ last miles connectivity, enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety, add tree canopy, median landscape, traffic calming, street lighting, and appurtenances.
Figure 1-1: Study Area 2
According to the 2018 U.S. Census, Covina has a population of 48,403. In the same survey, the reported population is 51 percent White, 24 percent some other race, 14 percent Asian, five percent two or more races, four percent African American, and two percent American Indian and Alaska Native.
1.3 STUDY AREA Due to the unique roadway features of Citrus Avenue, the project study area has two separated segments. These two segments are separated by the Metrolink railway just north of San Bernardino Road. One segment runs along Citrus Avenue from San Bernardino Avenue to Covina Boulevard. The other segment, runs along Citrus Avenue from Badillo Street to Workman Avenue, as shown in Figure 1-1 below.
CHAPTER 1 Introduction
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE FLM The City currently has design concepts completed with recommendations for a segment of Citrus Avenue (refer to Appendix C). This first and last mile project will support the recommendations for the rest of the corridor. Objectives of the Covina FLMTSP is to improve conditions for walking and bicycling within the City of Covina and the surrounding regions. The FLMTSP provides guidance to improve the preliminary engineering designs that include: » » » »
Enhanced center medians Bicycle improvements Pedestrians improvements Lighting and signage Wayfinding signage
Metrolink Covina Station
3
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
Downtown Covina
Homes at Italia Street
4
Covina Senior Center
Chapter 2 COMMUNITY OUTREACH 2.1 Community Outreach Plan Overview 2.2 Contingency Plans Addressing COVID-19 Pandemic 2.3 Target Audience 2.4 Community Advisory Committee (CAC) 2.5 Citywide Community Engagement 2.6 Community Outreach Plan Strategies and Materials 2.7 Project Survey 2.8 Community Engagement Events
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
2.1 COMMUNITY OUTREACH PLAN OVERVIEW
2.4 COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)
Throughout the planning process the City was committed to collaborating with the community, stakeholders, and City staff. The City engaged the community through a series of online workshops, surveys, online maps, and other meetings to gather feedback for the project.
The project team coordinated efforts with the City to form a Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC consisted of organizations that are community, transportation, and commerce related. The project team made initial contact and asked CAC members for help in promoting the workshops by distributing notices to their members via their websites and social media forums.
2.2 CONTINGENCY PLANS ADDRESSING COVID-19 PANDEMIC The project team’s top priority throughout the planning process was the safety and welfare of the community they represent and work with. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic triggered necessary safety measures regarding public gatherings of any size. State and local regulations prohibited large social gatherings which required the project team to conduct all community workshops and stakeholder meetings online via Zoom.
2.3 TARGET AUDIENCE The target audience for the FLMTSP is anyone that lives, works, or plays within city limits, as well as commuters who use the Metrolink Covina Station. Throughout the planning process, it was important to gather feedback from people of all ages and demographic backgrounds, therefore requiring a diverse set of outreach strategies. Additional emphasis was placed on underserved communities that disproportionately lack easy and comfortable access to transportation, public transit, and residents that live adjacent to Citrus Avenue. Key messages and outreach strategies were developed to gather feedback, paying particular attention to the Hispanic/Latino community, since they account for 58.7 percent of the population according to the 2018 US Census. The team also used the City’s database of previous resident and stakeholder involvement to maximize outreach.
6
2.4.1 CAC MEMBERS » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »
City of Covina Community Development Department City of Covina Public Works Department City of Covina Housing Department City of Covina City Manager’s Office Covina-Valley Unified School District Covina Valley Council Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Covina Chamber of Commerce Covina Downtown Merchants Association Covina Police Department Metrolink Foothill Transit Caltrans District 7 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Traffic and Parking Advisory Commission Emanate Health
2.4.2 CAC MEETINGS The scope of work included six coordination and update meetings to discuss progress, schedule, and outstanding items. Additionally, a total of two CAC meetings took place to further discuss progress, gather input, and coordinate outreach efforts. A summary of the two CAC meetings are discussed on the next page.
CHAPTER 2 Community Outreach
CAC Meeting 1 The first CAC meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom on September 2, 2020. The meeting covered the project’s focus on ATP improvement along Citrus Avenue to connect to the Metrolink station. Preliminary engineering designs were also presented and online outreach methods such as the website, survey, and comment map were shared with participants. One of the CAC members made a comment concerning the high traffic volumes in the morning at Cypress Elementary School and said the issue of safety should be addressed. CAC Meeting 2 The second and last CAC meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom on November 19, 2020. The meeting reviewed community survey results as well as high-level planning recommendations. Recommendations were based off the feedback collected from the surveys, story map, stakeholder discussions, and field work conducted by the project team. There were several comments regarding concerns over street trees obstructing sidewalks and buses, traffic near Foothill Transit Station, and wayfinding signage. These comments were recorded and addressed.
2.5 CITYWIDE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The FLMTSP’s scope of work included citywide community engagement via two virtual community workshops and two in-person surveys at the Covina Metrolink Station and the Downtown Dine-out event. The following tools and strategies were used to replace the in-person community workshops: » Created SurveyMonkey surveys that included questions based on the discussion topics planned for each community workshop. » Distributed the survey two weeks prior to the scheduled online workshop via appropriate online communication channels. » Online workshops and its accompanying presentations and discussions took place via Zoom. » People were continuously directed to the FLMTSP’s Esri Story Map for project updates, announcements, surveys, and downloadable exhibits.
Social media posts 7
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
2.6 COMMUNITY OUTREACH PLAN STRATEGIES AND MATERIALS The following tasks were completed during the development of the FLMTSP: » Coordinate with City on compiling list of stakeholders. » Conduct City staff meetings. » Prepare online flyers and other community outreach announcements. » Create one online survey. » Create one online GIS-based map survey. » Conduct one in-person survey at the Covina Metrolink Station. » Conduct one in-person survey at the Downtown Covina Dine-out Event. » Conduct two online community workshops. » Compile public participation comments into a summary report. A variety of outreach materials were designed to maximize community engagement. Because of Covina’s diverse population, all outreach materials were designed in both English and Spanish. Materials created include: » Flyers, post cards, social media posts, and press releases. » Online maps and surveys. » Interactive outreach exhibits. » Other as-needed workshop exhibits and presentations. Materials and announcements were approved by the City at all times and were posted to appropriate city and stakeholder communication outlets, such as social media pages, city website and newsletters.
2.6.1 PROJECT BRANDING Project branding was created for all outreach materials and presentations. The branding was based on the City’s official Brand Guidelines, including approved fonts, colors, and use of the City’s official logo.
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CHAPTER 2 Community Outreach
2.7 PROJECT SURVEY The FLMTSP consisted of two surveys that provided the team both general and detailed understanding of central Covina and along Citrus Avenue pedestrian and bicycle opportunities and constraints.
2.7.1 ONLINE SURVEY The online survey included questions that provided general feedback on Citrus Avenue’s needs. The online survey utilized SurveyMonkey with quick and concise questions to solicit input. Paper versions of the survey were not distributed at workshops and pop-up events as planned to mitigate risk due to COVID-19 concerns. However, the link to the online survey was shared during each workshop to all participants. Questions were geared towards how people felt walking and biking from and to the Covina
Metrolink Station and along Citrus Avenue, as well as what kinds of general improvements they would like to see added. The six figures on the following two pages depict results from the survey. There were a total of 28 online surveys completed. According to the results of the online survey, over 85 percent of the participants prefer to see high-visibility crosswalks along Citrus Avenue. Sixty-three percent prefer to see enhanced landscaping and enhanced sidewalk elements along Citrus Avenue. Sixty-three percent of respondents answered that street trees and a vegetation buffer to motor vehicles and to provide shade would encourage them to walk more along Citrus Avenue. In addition, 91 percent of respondents answered that bike lanes on the street would encourage them to bike more along or across Citrus Avenue.
Online survey 9
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
Figure 2-1: Online Survey Results
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CHAPTER 2 Community Outreach
11
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
2.7.2 ONLINE MAP SURVEY An interactive online map survey was also made available to the public and stakeholders through the FLMTSP’s website and announced throughout all the workshops. This online map allowed users to navigate to the areas around the Covina Metrolink Station or along Citrus Avenue where they wanted to provide feedback on and identify mobility challenges and desired mobility options. This type of input provided the team a geo-referenced source of information that was used for general understand-
Online map survey 12
ing and analyses which allowed residents to provide comments in case they were not able to participate in one of the online workshops. There were a number of comments made on the online map survey. The comments included concerns regarding lack of shade and traffic calming elements such as street trees and median landscaping. Other comments included concerns about pedestrian and bicycling safety, such as unwalkable streets and bike lanes not being delineated.
CHAPTER 2 Community Outreach
2.8 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS A total of four community engagement events took place during the planning process, including: » One in-person survey at the Covina Metrolink Station » One in-person survey at the Downtown Dine-Out » Two online workshops These options were presented to the Community Advisory Committee for their direction on preferred format, location, and dates.
2.8.1 IN-PERSON SURVEYS A total of two in-person surveys were conducted as part of the community engagement process. One survey took place at the Covina Metrolink Station on September 2, 2020 from 8:30AM to 10:30AM, while the other one took place on the same day from 5PM to 7PM and was conducted at the Downtown Dineout event. These pop-up surveys had supporting maps and design boards highlighting the critical elements of the plan. These pop-ups allowed survey respondents to discuss various issues and understand the opportunities and constraints for the various design treatments. While attendance for both in-person surveys were low due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a few people who attended the Downtown Covina Dine-out expressed excitement for the project and were looking forward to the proposed recommendations.
In-person survey at the Covina Metrolink Station
In-person survey at the Dowtown Dine-Out Event 13
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
2.8.2 ONLINE COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS Community workshops are valuable in order to gather community input or to help focus subsequent engage¬ment efforts on specific locations. The project team scheduled two online community workshops via Zoom to support the FLMTSP. The purpose of the community workshops was to educate residents and stakeholders on the project’s goals and objectives, as well as to gather input on existing issues, priorities, and goals. The two workshops included participation from the following groups: 1. Downtown Merchants 2. The Chamber of Commerce, the public-at-large, and residents and businesses who reside/work adjacent to the Citrus Avenue study area The project team prepared and provided all workshop-related materials and exhibits, including signage and wayfinding details, concept landscape and hardscape designs, location of Citrus Avenue improvements, online maps for comments, and first and last mile treatments. A summary of each workshop is detailed below.
14
Workshop 1 The first workshop was conducted virtually via Zoom on October 20, 2020 and included Downtown Covina business owners and merchants. The presentation covered the project’s focus on ATP improvement along Citrus Avenue to connect to the Metrolink station. Preliminary engineering designs were also presented and online outreach methods such as the website, survey, and comment map were shared with participants. Attendees made comments regarding the lack of lighting and sidewalk infrastructure in Downtown Covina. In addition, there were comments concerning speeding cars in the downtown area, creating an unsafe and noisy environment. Workshop 2 The second workshop was conducted virtually via Zoom on October 27, 2020 and included members from the Chamber of Commerce, the publicat-large, and residents and businesses who reside and work adjacent to the Citrus Avenue project. The presentation covered the project’s focus on ATP improvement along Citrus Avenue to connect to the Metrolink station. Preliminary engineering designs were also presented and online outreach methods such as the website, survey, and comment map were shared with participants. An attendee made a comment regarding the recommended bulbouts and asked where they would be installed and if they would likely impact existing bus stop locations.
Chapter 3 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 Recommendations Overview 3.2 Pedestrian Treatments 3.3 Bicycle Treatments 3.4 Transit Access Treatments 3.5 Urban Greening Treatments 3.6 Placemaking 3.7 Landscape Treatments 3.8 Recommendations 3.9 Conclusion
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
3.1 RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW This chapter presents and discusses the recommendations to transform Citrus Avenue into an identifiable and attractive place that will help connect the Covina Metrolink Station with the new Foothill Transit Center/Park & Ride Facility. The recommendations, which can be found on page 26, are organized by four major categories: » » » »
Pedestrian Bicycle Placemaking Transit
These recommendations will in turn enhance the walking and bicycling experience through the study area. The project will connect the existing and proposed transit facilities with jobs, goods, and services in Downtown Covina and throughout the surrounding area without the need to use an automobile. The following sections provide descriptions of the various treatments proposed for Citrus Avenue.
3.2 PEDESTRIAN TREATMENTS While not universally applied, in general, pedestrian travel in urban areas has long tended to be accommodated with features like sidewalks, crosswalks, dedicated signals, curb extensions, as well as newer innovations like pedestrian scrambles and modified signal timing. Pedestrian improvements help to ensure equitable multi-modal transportation because they serve populations that may not be able to afford a bicycle or likely to ride a bicycle, and instead rely on transit and walking. The following pedestrian treatments are recommended to enhance the safety and comfort pedestrians along Citrus Avenue.
3.2.1 HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSWALK High visibility crosswalks can be installed at existing or proposed crosswalk locations. They are designed to both guide pedestrians and to alert drivers of a crossing location. The bold pattern is intended to enhance visual awareness.
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3.2.2 CURB EXTENSION/BULB-OUT Curb extensions, also called bulb-outs or chokers, extend the curb line outward into the travel way, reducing the pedestrian crossing distance. Typically occurring at intersections, they increase pedestrian visibility, reduce the distance a pedestrian must cross, and reduce vehicular delay. Curb extensions must be installed in locations where they not interfere with bicycle lanes, separated bikeways, driveways, or transit stops. If multiple treatments are needed, additional design features such as ramps or half-sized curb extensions should be considered. In addition, it’s common for cities to have minimum road widths for fire truck access where those widths are not impeded by curb extensions or median islands. These minimums tend to range from 14 feet to 20 feet, with 16 feet and 18 feet being the most common minimum widths. The minimum will depend on the size of the city’s fire trucks and the level of comfort of the fire department with those road widths.
3.2.3 LED CROSSWALKS SIGNS AND INGROUND FLASHERS LED crosswalks signs in combination with inground flashers are special signals used to warn and control traffic at unsignalized locations to assist pedestrians in crossing a street via a marked crosswalk. These sensor actuated flashers cause drivers to yield and break further from a crosswalk. These devices should be installed at locations that experience high pedestrian volumes and that connect people to popular destinations such as schools, parks, and retail. Signals and warning devices should be paired with additional pedestrian improvements, where appropriate, such as curb extensions, enhanced crosswalk marking, lighting, median refuge islands, and corresponding signage.
CHAPTER 3 Recommendations
High visibility crosswalk
LED crosswak sign and inground flasher
Curb extension
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City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
3.3 BICYCLE TREATMENTS Providing for safer, less stressful bicycle travel has occurred much more recently. Especially over the past five years, the state of practice for bicycle travel in the United States has undergone a significant transformation. Much of this may be attributed to bicycling’s changing role in the overall transportation system. No longer viewed as an “alternative” mode, it is increasingly considered as legitimate transportation that should be actively promoted as a means of achieving community environmental, social and economic goals.
3.3.1 BUFFERED BICYCLE LANES Buffered bicycle lanes provide additional space between the bicycle lane and traffic lane, parking lane, or both, to provide a more protected and comfortable space for bicyclists than a conventional bicycle lane. The buffering also encourages bicyclists to avoid riding too close to parked vehicles, keeping them out of the “door zone” where there is the potential danger of drivers or passengers suddenly opening doors into the bicyclists’ path.
Buffered bicycle lane
3.3.2 BICYCLE BOX A bike box is a designated area at the head of a traffic lane at a signalized intersection that provides bicyclists a safe and visible way to wait ahead of queuing traffic during the red signal phase. This positioning helps encourage bicyclists traveling straight through not to wait against the curb for the signal change. Currently, a bicycle box can be found at the intersection of Citrus Avenue and Front Street.
Bicycle box
3.3.3 TRANSITION STRIPING Intersection or mid-block crossing markings indicate the intended path of bicyclists. Colored striping can be used to highlight conflict areas between bicyclists and vehicles, such as where bicycle lanes merge across motor vehicle turn lanes.
Transition striping
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CHAPTER 3 Recommendations
3.4 TRANSIT ACCESS TREATMENTS Improved access to public transit can make transit facilities more accessible to people that lack access to other modes of transportation or that choose to forgo an automobile. People will be more willing to take advantage of transit if physical improvements help its perception as a safe, approachable, attractive transportation option. In addition, physical improvements around stations improve community livability overall and can be a component of neighborhood revitalization.
3.4.1 BUS SHELTERS Sheltered waiting areas provide protection from rain and sun, which improves user satisfaction and may encourage increased transit use.
3.4.2 LIGHTING Improved lighting enhances the feeling of personal safety and may eliminate some barriers to transit use. It improves visibility and safety and can reduce overall risk.
Bus shelter; Ongoing replacement/additions on Citrus Avenue through partnership with Foothill Transit
3.5 URBAN GREENING TREATMENTS The purpose of urban greening is to create environmentally sustainable and livable communities by creating new parks, improving existing parks and green spaces, and planting trees. Urban greening treatments can infiltrate stormwater, improve groundwater recharge, and improve water quality. Additional benefits include reducing urban heat island effects, improving air quality, increasing walkability and increasing neighborhood safety.
Improved lighting
3.5.1 STREET TREES Street trees increase the livability of cities and streets by reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, storing carbon, and providing shade. Additionally, trees along streets reduce and result in more appropriate urban traffic speeds. Urban street trees create vertical visual walls that frame streets, provide a defined edge and help motorists guide their movement and assess their speed. Street trees
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City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
3.6 PLACEMAKING The inclusion of urban elements such as parklets and community gardens encourages walking and provides usable space for all ages. In many cities, these urban elements have helped to transform urban villages and downtowns into walkable destinations.
3.6.1 WAYFINDING SIGNAGE Wayfinding signage is a fundamental element of a comprehensive bicycling, walking, and trail network. It is especially important in supporting and implementing a successful First/Last Mile plan. Effective wayfinding systems communicate designated corridors, destinations, and other points of interest throughout a city. The City of Covina is engaging in a separate wayfinding signage project for Downtown Covina during the development of this document. They are in the process of selecting the preferred “family” of signs that includes welcome, multi-directional, parking lot entry, rideshare zone, and singular directional signs. The following graphics on page 21 depict the signage concepts that the City and local stakeholders will vote on.
Wayfinding signage
Crosswalk art
Graphics courtesy of City of Covina Public Works Department and 789 Inc.
3.6.2 CROSSWALK ART Special intersection paving and crosswalk art provide unique opportunities at intersections to highlight crossings, and key civic or commercial locations while breaking the visual monotony of asphalt. Intersection paving treatments and crosswalk art can integrate context-sensitive colors, textures, and scoring patterns. Paving treatments and crosswalk art do not define a crosswalk and should not be seen as a safety measure. Standard transverse or longitudinal high visibility crosswalk markings are still required.
3.6.3 MONUMENT SIGN Monument signs can serve as powerful tools that welcome people to visit, engage, and enjoy a space or area in a unique way. These signs often reflect the character or personality of the culture and are usually located near popular points of interest or at intermediary gathering spaces along a corridor. 20
Monument sign
CHAPTER 3 Recommendations
Proposed wayfinding signage options for Downtown Covina (Courtesy of Covina Public Works)
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City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
3.7 LANDSCAPE TREATMENTS Transforming a corridor into a welcoming space for people to walk and bike through requires both infrastructure improvements and other supporting elements. A robust planting palette that provides utilitarian and aesthetic benefits is one of these important elements. Citrus Avenue can be further transformed into a beautiful and safe corridor for First/Last Mile connections with the help of a planting palette that showcases attractive trees and plants while balancing the region’s climate and local watering needs.
3.7.1 PLANTING PALETTE A planting palette that is carried throughout consistently between the project’s boundaries assists in the collective experience for Covina residents and visitors. This is supported by the survey participants that indicated that streets trees and landscape treatments would improve their experience along Citrus Avenue. The trees that are highlighted in the following section can provide the much-needed shade that is
valued by pedestrians, bicyclists, and those living and working along the corridor. Certain trees can be used as accent trees at specific intersections or they can be used to create one long, rhythmic, and attractive view down a specific block. The shrubs and groundcovers that are suggested in this section include a variety of woody plants, succulents, and grasses that can be used in pleasing combinations along parkways or wherever there is a center median. Specific color combinations can be used to create functional visual sections along a block or to create interesting focal points. A landscape architect can assist the City in making final decisions when implementing a selection of appropriate planting throughout the corridor. Final planting design should consider the placement of other supporting elements such as wayfinding signage, lighting and art, as well as other infrastructure items such as utility boxes, curb ramps, driveways, gutters, etc. Watering needs and maintenance schedules will also be based on final planting design to ensure plant longevity and aesthetic desires.
Table 3-1: Proposed Planting Palette SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
FLOWER COLOR
TYPE
SIZE HxW (MATURE)
TREES Cassia leptophylla
Gold Medallion
Yellow
Tree
20’x30’
Koelreuteria bipinnata
Chinese Flame Tree
Yellow
Tree
50’x50’
Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Arapaho’ Red Crape Myrtle
Red
Tree
20’x15’
Pistacia x ‘Red Push’
Red Push Pistache
Yellow/Orange/Red Tree
40’x40’
Rhus lancea
African Sumac
N/A
Tree
30’x30’
Aloe striata
Coral Aloe
Coral
Aloe
2’x2’
Dianella caerulea ‘Cassa Blue’
Blue Flax Lily
Blue
Perennial
1’x2’
Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Brakelights’
Mountain States Red Yucca Red
Succulent
2’x3’
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Russian Sage
Purple
Perennial
3’x3’
Westringia fruticosa ‘Mundi’
Low Coast Rosemary
White
Perennial
1’x4’
Carex divulsa
Berkeley Sedge
N/A
Grass
1’x2’
Cistanthe grandiflora
Rock Purslane
Fuschia
Succulent
2’x2’
Lomandra longifolia ‘Breeze’
Dwarf Mat Rush
N/A
Grass
2’x3’
Senecio mandraliscae
Blue Chalksticks
N/A
Succulent
1’x2’
SHRUBS
GROUNDCOVERS
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CHAPTER 3 Recommendations
TREES
Cassia leptophylla
Koelreuteria bipinnata
Pistacia x ‘Red Push’
Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Arapaho’
Rhus lancea
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City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
SHRUBS
Aloe striata
Dianella caerulea ‘Cassa Blue’
Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Brakelights’
Westringia fruticosa ‘Mundi’
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Perovskia atriplicifolia
CHAPTER 3 Recommendations
GROUNDCOVER
Carex divulsa
Cistanthe grandiflora
Lomandra longifolia ‘Breeze’
Senecio mandraliscae
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City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
3.8 RECOMMENDATIONS The proposed improvements for Citrus Avenue are designed to enhance the safety and comfort of all users in order to increase access to jobs, good, and services without the need to drive. The recommendations in this section intend to address existing challenges for pedestrians and cyclists along this corridor, which will help connect the existing Covina Metrolink Station with the new Foothill Transit Center.
3.8.1 PEDESTRIAN RECOMMENDATIONS In order to improve the safety and visibility of pedestrians, high visibility crosswalks and curb extensions/ bulb-outs are being proposed at Shoppers Lane, Rowland Street, Navilla Place, Puente Street, Dexter Street, Center Street, Cypress Street, and Benbow Street. In addition to these improvements, LED signs and inground flashers are being proposed at Shoppers Lane, Dexter Street, Center Street, and Benbow Street. Other high visibility crosswalks can be found between San Bernardino Road and Edna Place.
3.8.2 BICYCLE RECOMMENDATIONS The recommendations also include bicycle improvements to increase the safety of riders. Class II bicycle lanes, with buffer when possible, are being recommended between Workman Avenue and Badillo Street. In order to ease left turns and reduce conflicts between bicyclists and vehicles, bike boxes and transition stripping are recommended at Workman Street, Rowland Street, Cypress Street, and Covina Boulevard. In addition to these bicycle recommendations, a bikeshare system is planned for the San Gabriel Valley, including the installation of 15 hubs in Covina. The system will include a combination of virtual hubs and physical bicycle racks, with opportunities for converting virtual hubs to physical racks and relocating hubs (virtual and physical) as necessary. Recommended hub locations at or near Citrus Avenue include the Foothill Transit Park and Ride, the Covina Station, Civic Center Park, College Street, and Shoppers Lane.
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3.8.3 PLACEMAKING RECOMMENDATIONS The proposed placemaking recommendations intend to transform Citrus Avenue into an active and walkable destination that will encourage social interactions and promote commercial activities within Covina and the surrounding region. Wayfinding signage that is consistent with the existing branding is recommended throughout the entire corridor and at major intersections, such as Covina Boulevard, to provide information about the destinations and points of interest located along the corridor. Additionally, crosswalk art is recommended at Center Street and Covina Boulevard to highlight the existing crosswalks and improve pedestrian safety and comfort. Likewise, monument signs are proposed at Shoppers Lane and Geneva Place to visually signalize the entrance into downtown Covina for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
3.8.4 TRANSIT ACCESS RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations to improve access to transit are being proposed throughout the entire corridor. These improvements are meant to provide safe, approachable, and attractive public transit options to all users. Transit access recommendation include improved lighting, installation of adequate signage, and placement of street trees between Workman Street and Center Street and San Bernardino Road and Covina Boulevard. In additional to these recommendations, the streetlights along downtown Covina have recently been repainted to make them unique to the area. In like manner, the City of Covina are currently in the process of installing 15 new shaded bus shelters with seating and trash receptacles along Citrus Avenue through a partnership with Foothill Transit.
CHAPTER 3 Recommendations
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS ALONG CITRUS AVENUE NEAR SHOPPERS LANE
4
3
2
1
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS 1
Enhanced center median
2
Class II bicycle lanes
3
Lighting
4
Signage and wayfinding
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City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS ALONG CITRUS AVENUE NEAR EDNA PLACE
4
3
2
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS
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1
Enhanced center median
2
Class II bicycle lanes
3
Lighting
4
Signage and wayfinding
1
CHAPTER 3 Recommendations
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS ALONG CITRUS AVENUE AT BENBOW STREET
4 3
1 5
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2
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS 1
Curb extension
4
Signage and wayfinding
2
Class II bicycle lanes
5
High visibility crosswalk
3
Lighting
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LED crosswalks signs and inground flashers 29
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
Figure 3-1: Potential Pedestrian Recommendations 30
CHAPTER 3 Recommendations
Figure 3-2: Potential Bicycle Recommendations 31
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
Figure 3-3: Potential Placemaking and Transit Access Recommendations 32
CHAPTER 3 Recommendations
3.9 CONCLUSION The public engagement process for the FLMTSP project provided the feedback the City needed to continue their various planning efforts along Citrus Avenue. The input that was collected also confirmed several decisions the City had been making for other ongoing related projects, such as the support for wayfinding signage, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and enhanced landscape treatments. The project also highlighted the importance of interagency coordination that is needed to implement and maintain successful projects. The public engagement process confirmed the importance of making safe and comfortable connections
between the transit stations and nearby destinations. Topics like sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, bike lanes, traffic calming, and street trees all ranked as high priority needs for the corridor. Stakeholders, such as the Downtown Merchants, Chamber of Commerce, local school PTA representatives, and other business owners, all shared how important Citrus Avenue is for their community. The information provided in this report will assist the City make adjustments as needed to achieve their goal of transforming Citrus Avenue into a corridor that services residents and visitor to and from the Metrolink Covina Station, Foothill Transit’s Covina Transit Center, Downtown Covina, and other nearby destinations.
Metrolink Covina Station 33
City of Covina FIRST/LAST MILE TRANSIT STATION PLANNING
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