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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - BC - 1999.02.04NOTICE BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION February 4, 1999, 5:30 P.M. CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM "A" AGENDA I. ROLL CALL H. MINUTES OF JANUARY 7, 1999 MEETING III. CORRESPONDENCE IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Public Information Regarding City Trees - Discussion B. Arbor Day (March 5th) - Discussion C. Spring Garden Seminar (March 6th) - Discussion V. NEW BUSINESS A. Beautification Commission Ordinance (3.28) - Revision Considerations B. Renovation of City Property at Westside Alvarado and Hillside Drive - Report C. Removal of City Magnolia Trees on Broadway - Discussion D. Newsrack Update - Report E. Street Tree Planting Westside California Drive/Broadway to Burlingame Ave. - Discussion VI. REPORTS A. Park Superintendent B. Chairman C. Commissioners VII. FROM THE FLOOR CITY o CITY OF BURLINGAME PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT BURLINGAME 850 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame, California 94010-2899 Telephone (650) 696-3770 • Parks / Trees (650) 696-7245 •�O[AT[D� Fax (650) 696-7216 • E-mail: burlrec(�i)aol.com January 11, 1999 TO: Beautification Commission FROM: John Williams, Parks & Recreation Director SUBJECT: FYI - Broadway Streetscape Plan p,vk,- ¢ In 1996 the City hired a consulting firm to work with an 11 member steering committee in the development of a "Streetscape" plan for Broadway (back page of Attachment #1). Numerous public meetings were held over the course of several months and the press reported regularly on the progress of the study. Will McGowan represented the Beautification Commission during this process. Neither Rich Quadri nor I (nor any other Parks & Recreation Department staff member) participated in the study process. I have copied a few pages of the 48 page document that was produced by the consultant and approved by the City Council. Your Commission was never asked to approve or comment on the study. My copy of the study is available at the Parks & Recreation Department and any Commissioners are welcome to come to the Recreation Center and look over the document during normal business hours. If you would like to review it in the evening or on a Saturday morning, please call me in advance so I can make sure it is available. As you can see on report page 15, the original report did not anticipate nor recommend the removal of all the Magnolia trees. The problem arose when it came time to design the project and it became clear that the proposed sidewalk design could not work if the existing trees remained. As you are aware, the first block of Broadway --just east of California Drive --has been rebuilt. On January 4, the City Council reviewed the Public Workers Director's staff report (attached) and considered the options of removing all Magnolia trees in the next block of work or doing a different design. The Council unanimously voted to continue with the original design -- thus, eliminating the existing Magnolia trees. It is my understanding that Public Works has proposed replacing the trees that are removed with new Magnolia trees. Public Works is presently completing project design work and will be prepared to go to bid within a few months. attachments oroo. HONORABLE BURUNGAIME STAFF REPORT MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: December 29, 1998 FROM: PUBLIC WORKS SUBMITTED BY , BY SUBJECT: 1120 through 1199 BROADWAY STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS City Project No. 9511 AGENDA ITEM 7 A MTG. 1 /4/99 DATE RECOiNL IENDATION: Council should review the design for the next phase of the Broadway Streetscape Improvements and provide comments as appropriate after a brief presentation by the project consultant. In particular, Council should provide staff guidance on whether to proceed with a design that incorporates the improvements cited in the 1996 Streetscape Master Plan Report or proceed with an alternate design recommended by the Broadway Improvement District (BID). BACKGROUND: In the summer of 1998 the first demonstration project for the Broadway Streetscape Master Plan replaced the sidewalk and landscaping at the comer of Broadway and Chula Vista Avenue, 1145 Broadway (Wells Fargo Bank). New colored concrete sidewalks and driveways, new trees in tree grates, curb and gutter replacement, and a partial corner bulb -out were constructed for this project. The next phase of the Broadway Streetscape Improvements extends from 1120 Broadway (Town and Country Realty) to 1199 Broadway (Galleria de Farsh) on both sides of the street. Over the last six months staff has worked with the consultant in developing a design based on the 1996 Master Plan. This preliminary design was reviewed by BID members who had concerns with the plan. Following is a discussion of the 1996 Master Plan design and an alternate design which addresses BID members concerns. 1996 Broadway Streetscape Improvements Master Plan from 1120 to 1199 Broadway The attached 1996 Broadway Streetscape Improvements Master Plan recommends new colored concrete sidewalks, new trees in planters at the ends of parking stalls, irrigation, curb and gutter replacement. and bicycle racks. A bulb -out and crosswalk will be completed at the Chula Vista corner with seating, news racks and landscaping. The colored concrete sidewalks, and curb and gutter will have a shade darker than the sidewalk installed at Wells Fargo Bank in response to feedback from the merchants. Asphalt pavement will be replaced in the street as needed for installation of new utilities. All existing ornamental light standards on Broadway will be saved. A major goal of the 1996 Master Plan was to widen sidewalk areas to enhance pedestrian activities. In order to accomplish this, the design includes removing all 15 existing Magnolia trees located in the sidewalk area. This would increase the sidewalk width by as much as five feet at these locations thereby providing better pedestrian circulation and opportunities for outdoor seating. Seventeen 36" box trees would be placed in new landscaped planters located in the remnant triangles at the end of the diagonal parking stalls. Another goal of the 1996 Master Plan was to create pedestrian safety zones with corner bulb -outs at street intersections. The design includes completion of a bulb -out at the corner of Chula Vista Avenue which will extend the sidewalk with landscaping into both the east and westbound parking aisles. The comer bulb -out will have new seating, news racks, and special cross walk treatment. Two loading zones in front of 1151 (Le Croissant) and 1160 Broadway (Stanaway Market) will be eliminated to construct the new bulb -out and crosswalk. Currently Stanaway Market has a loading area in their private parking lot near the rear entrance to their store and the businesses along the south side of Broadway have a rear service entrance from public parking Lot Y off Chula Vista Avenue. At their November 5, 1998 meeting the BID approved the removal of these two loading zones at 1151 and 1160 Broadway. Angled on -street parking stalls will be standardized to eight feet by eighteen feet and the travel lane width will be increased from eleven feet to twelve feet. At their November 5, 1998 meeting the BID approved the loss of eight stalls along Broadway from El Camino Real to California Drive in order to standardize on -street parking and to install the corner bulb -outs. Existing utilities were reviewed as part of the streetscape improvements project. The current storm drainage system for Broadway retains surface water along the curb and gutter in the street. With the creation of the new bulb -outs and triangular parking stall planters, storm water drainage will be blocked during heavy rains potentially flooding businesses. In order to address the flooding potential, the plan includes installing a new 18" diameter storm drain line on the south side of Broadway with catch basins at each triangular planter and corner bulb -out adjacent to the curb and gutter. Alternate Plan as recommended by the Broadway Improvement District On November 5, 1998 the city and consultant team met with the BID to review the improvements for Broadway. The merchant group requested that the city save all the Magnolia trees along Broadway and eliminate the triangular planters to improve drainage and reduce project costs. The attached Alternate Plan shows no angled planters or replacement of Magnolia trees. Retaining the Magnolia trees maintains the current nine foot sidewalk with a reduced width of six feet at the existing trees. With this plan several Magnolia trees will still need to be removed to install the corner bulb -out improvements. In the Alternate Plan the proposed 18 inch diameter storm drain line will need to be located about five to six feet from the face of the curb to avoid severely cutting the roots of the existing Magnolia trees. Unfortunately there is an existing eighty year old water main at this location which will also need to be replaced as a result of the new storm drain line installation. If Council chooses to proceed with the Alternate Plan, all future phases of the Broadway Streetscape Improvements will require water main replacement when installing the new storm drain line. BUDGET AND SCHEDULE: Construction of the 1996 Broadway Streetscape Master Plan from 1120 to 1199 Broadway is estimated to cost $400,000 including $160,000 for the new storm drain system. Funding of $200,000 is available in 1998-1999. An additional $200,000 will be necessary in the 1999- 2000 Streetscape Capital Improvement Project budget for Broadway. The BID Alternate design is estimated to cost $350,000. However, the Alternate will require a new water line at an additional cost of approximately $50,000. Funding for water main improvements is available from the miscellaneous Water Improvements Capital Project. Construction for this phase of the Broadway streetscape is expected to occur in summer 1999. Storm drainage improvements will be required in all future phases of the Broadway Streetscape program due to the installation of bulb -outs and planters. As a result, the Broadway Streetscape Improvements Capital Budget will need to address an increase in funding for each project beyond the currently allocated 2 $200,000. Alternatively, future phases could be completed over a longer time frame (approximately every - other year) maintaining a $200,000 funding level. EXHIBITS: 1996 Broadway Streetscape Improvements Master Plan from 1120 to 1199 Broadway Utilities for 1996 Broadway Streetscape Improvements Master Plan Alternate BID Plan Utilities for Alternate BID Plan c: Parks and Recreation Director, City Clerk, City Manager, City Planner Linda Gates and Michele Scholz - Gates and Associates Broadway Improvement District merchant group - Ross Bruce (AVR Realty) Chamber of Commerce - Georgette Naylor s:\publicworks\author\Brdwy.sr.wpd - December 28, 1998 3 � Broadway design flan ................................................ W11 History In November of 1994, members of the Broadway Improvement District, local merchants, property owners and residents working with the San Mateo County Chapter of the AIA participated in a one day design charette to create a vision for the future of Broadway. The design recommenda- tions developed during this process were a catalyst for the current streetscape master plan project. One of the key goals of the charette was to enhance the business district by improving the pedestrian expe- rience along Broadway. This was to be accomplished in a number of ways. One recommendation was to widen the sidewalk into the "wasted" portion of the street by extending it into the leftover triangle formed by the diagonally parked cars. Another was to create pedestrian seating areas by expanding the corner areas at intersections. The Setting Broadway is a gateway for the Burlingame community. As such, it enjoys both the benefits (retail exposure, strong identity) and impacts (congestion, traffic) of its role as a major auto link between the freeway and the balance of the City. It is a tightly defined 4 block older retail area surrounded by residential neighborhoods. There is a strong link be- tween these neighborhoods and Broadway. Although the majority of people drive to Broadway, of those surveyed, over 2 5 % walked to the area from the surrounding neigh- borhoods. Many commuters use the transit at California Drive and walk along Broadway to the train station. Many users expressed fondness for the older, small town ambi- ance of Broadway. A significant percentage of shoppers surveyed wanted to see store and restaurants open later in the evenings. The desire for evening use is an increasing trend in downtown areas. For the most part, the commercial uses are only one lot deep along Broadway. Rear off-street public parking areas are provided in each block. In a few locations, the retail uses continue down the side streets, for example, the post office is located on Capuchino Avenue. The gas stations which flank the California Drive entry separate the ser- ri vice commercial area along California Drive from the balance of the re- tail uses on Broadway. A third gas station and bank at the El Camino Real intersection define the western limit of the pedestrian -oriented re- tail stores. Thus, today the Broadway retail area lacks presence from both California Drive and El Camino Real. The traffic volume on Broadway is daunting for pedestrians trying to cross the street. Numerous people commented on the lack of seating areas, the dirty, narrow, cluttered sidewalks, the inconsistent sidewalk paving, and the deteriorating condition of walks and store facades. But despite its faults, people still enjoy Broadway. They continually com- mented on its friendly charm and small town atmosphere. They enjoy the European ambiance of outdoor displays, cafe tables and coffee shops. The historic Broadway sign, ornamental street lights, the banners and the decorative pots all enrich the streetscape and their experience. LIMO 0 •VtOut Zoning and Land Use L LEGEND Retail Commercial District Service Commercial District Residential Public Parking Train Station u Urban Design Concept Through the planning process, three clear streetscape improvements on Broadway. Overall Goals Create a distinct image for Broadway which builds up and eclectic ambiance of the area. Create a pedestrian -friendly atmosphere. Develop a streetscape system which enhances the retail vital, the area. To achieve these goals, Broadway must be designed as a distinct place with clear entries and edges. Extend streetscape treatment into side streets. _ T 0 Create gateways to increase awareness of Broadway LINCOLN AYEYYE f— Create pedestrian areas at intersections, .to support retail vitality and enhance pedestrian experience. Create gateways to increase awareness of Broadway Create link to Hotel District and Bay I I Celebrate arrival into Burlingame Define edge of retail area to protect residential from commercial impacts. Use alleys to link parking areas to Broadway IS] .................................................................................'. Overall Recommendations` . Celebrate Broadway as a gateway to the Burlingame community. . Increase awareness of Broadway's presence when approaching from surrounding area. Widen sidewalk area to enhance pedestrian activities which in turn support retail uses. . Develop a unifying palette of street furniture and amenities. . Strengthen links to rear parking areas on alleys and sidestreets. . Create "outdoor rooms" at intersections and alleys. . Define edge of retail area to protect residential neighborhoods. u Broadway Street Edge Ornamental pedestrian lights with banners enrich the present streetscape and set the stage for future improvements. Ma- ture Magnolia trees provide a strong visual canopy, unifying the retail area and softening views of buildings. The Broad- way Improvement District has made efforts to further beau- tify the street with ornamental pots and annual color; main- tenance of the pots is on a voluntary basis and has met with mixed success. The sidewalk is a hodgepodge of paving ma- terials, and roots from existing trees have broken and heaved the narrow walks creating potential tripping hazards. The width of the sidewalk (9 feet) limits opportunities for out- door display and cafe areas or public seating. Existing park- ing meters, pots, trash containers, trees and lights fill the limited sidewalk area. The proliferation of newsracks cre- ates visual clutter and impedes pedestrian traffic. Objectives Develop a streetscape which encourages pedestrian use. • Create a streetscape that retains historic/eclectic charm of the area. • Repair deteriorating sidewalk. IETAu- u wuuuu 61PAP g a A-TF- FhPM4WJ � { ,s,_, Sidewalk improvements Recommendations Where existing magnolias are healthy and do not conflict with adjacent uses, they should be retained. Their roots should be pruned and damaged sidewalk replaced. Where existing Magnolia trees are in poor health or conflict with adjacent uses, these trees should be removed and replaced with new street trees located in the left -over triangle in the street created by diagonal parking (pop -outs). New trees should be automatically irrigated. To the extent possible, pop -out tree locations should be aligned with property lines to avoid visual conflicts with store entries and signage. Except where existing trees are maintained, pop -outs should occur every 4 to 5 stalls. • Avoid locating pedestrian amenities where they can obstruct circulation. Concentrate them in extended sidewalk areas at corners or alleys. Maintenance of pots, planters and special landscape areas should be planned, and those areas automatically irrigated, not dependent on volunteer efforts. • As appropriate, incorporate street art, murals or tiles into streetscape design to provide a unique character for the street. . %� &CaM JJv JJ-vuaJ ava 11CYY UCCJ, a\Claala 111G"ILAAY %a c'. allowing for more pedestrian in sidewalk snace Street tree placement 15 � Acknowledgements ........................................ STEERING COMMITTEE Martin Dreiling, Chairman, Architect Ross Bruce, Merchant David Constantino, Merchant Jerry Deal, Architect David Hinckle, Merchant / Property owner Noel Lemos, Merchant / Property owner William McGowan, Landscape architect, Beautification Commission Rosalie O'Mahony, Council member Irene Paimerou, Property owner Charles Rothenbuecher, Merchant Jim Stanaway, Merchant / Property owner CITY STAFF Dennis Argyres, City Manager Meg Monroe, City Planner Ralph Kirkup, Director, Public Works CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS A.C. "Bud" Harrison Marti Knight, Mayor Rosalie M. O'Mahony Frank J. Pagliaro, Jr., Vice Mayor Mike Spinelli Mary Janney