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CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM |
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Department: |
Transit |
Commission Meeting Date: May 7, 2019 |
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Staff Contact: |
Robert Nugent, Transit Administrator
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Recommendations/Options/Action Requested: |
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Select the area along the south side of Bob Billings Parkway, between Crestline and Iowa, as the final site for the Lawrence Transit Transfer Hub and authorize staff to work with the University of Kansas on necessary preparations and analysis leading to a design proposal, if appropriate.
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Executive Summary: |
On June 19, 2018 the City Commission received the final consultant report “Lawrence Bus Transfer Location Analysis.” The goal of the study was to identify a location that could function as the primary location for transit users to transfer from one route to another which would ultimately make the system more effective and efficient. This location would serve the coordinated efforts of City of Lawrence Transit and KU on Wheels systems.
The analysis utilized a comprehensive public engagement process throughout the length of the study. This step was critical in verifying the qualities of a transit transfer location from the public’s perspective as well as contributing to the credibility of the site selection process.
Multiple sites were identified as potential transit transfer locations. These parcels were either publicly owned or available for development. Each site was also determined to be of sufficient size to accommodate the operational requirements of a transfer location. Sites were eliminated if landowners had programmed the sites for other uses, if the acquisition cost was high, or if access to the site (ingress/egress) negatively impacted bus maneuvering. Ultimately, five candidate sites were selected for additional analysis:
This site currently operates as the on-street transit transfer location in downtown Lawrence. Staging along northbound Vermont Street currently consists of seven, curbside linear bays. The amount of linear space available for staging buses is extremely limited and causes operational issues and difficulties for those using the service.
This site is approximately three-quarters of an acre and is situated on the east side of Vermont Street. The site currently functions as a surface parking lot serving downtown offices and retail.
This site comprises two to three acres of a larger parcel owned by the University of Kansas. A portion of this site is currently utilized in support of KU housing operations.
This site is on the west side of Stewart Avenue just south of Lawrence Fire Station #5 and owned by the KU Endowment Association. It has been previously developed, but it is currently a clear site.
This site would feature an off-street transfer location. The site consists of two to three acres of a larger parcel owned by the KU Endowment Association.
These five candidate sites were evaluated based on proximity to transit populations, operating characteristics, and public and stakeholder input to determine the top two locations. The current transfer location on Vermont Street between 7th Street and 8th Street and the site at 1941 Stewart Avenue between 19th Street and 20th Street were presented as the best candidate locations.
Upon receipt of the report the City Commission stated serious reservations about the final two locations. Instead they felt the location at Bob Billings Parkway and Crestline Drive merited another evaluation. Since the property is owned by the University of Kansas the City Commission directed staff to ask KU for a revaluation of the Bob Billings Parkway and Crestline Drive location.
In November the University of Kansas responded to the request by issuing a letter stating their preference of location for the construction of a transit transfer hub. This location is situated adjacent (to the south) of Bob Billings Parkway between Crestline Drive and Iowa Street.
In the recent 2018 and the previous 2014 location analysis the University of Kansas made the final decision as to what properties controlled by the University of Kansas and KU Endowment were preferred for a future transfer hub. However, in both studies the Bob Billings Parkway and Crestline Drive site was considered one of the top seven candidate locations by the consultants. Staff believes the location would provide an adequate opportunity for the development of a future transfer hub.
Future decision points for the City Commission will include authorization to enter a land use agreement with KU, relevant professional services agreements for technical assistance in evaluating the site and designing improvements, and the project construction procurement process. Staff will keep City Commission apprised as discussions with KU proceed and timelines are identified.
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Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor |
Safe, Healthy, and Welcoming Neighborhoods Innovative Infrastructure and Asset Management Core Services Collaborative Solutions |
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Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source): |
There is no fiscal commitment from the recommended action at this time. Future fiscal impacts will be funded out of the Transit Fund, which includes sufficient funds for the construction of the future Transit Transfer Hub. |
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Attachments: |
Lawrence Transit Center Location Analysis 2014 21st Street Corridor Public Engagement 2014 Lawrence Bus Transfer Location Analysis 2018 Transit Transfer Location Analysis Presentation 2018 SHNA Support for Transit Hub 2018 KU Transit Hub Site Preference 2018
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Previous Agenda Reports: |
June 19, 2018 Regular Agenda Item #4 Receive the bus transfer location analysis and direct staff as appropriate.
July 21, 2015 Regular Agenda Item 2a Receive transit center location analysis update and provide direction to staff regarding proceeding with the location of the northeast corner of 21st Street and Iowa Street for the site of the transit transfer center.
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(for CMO use only) |
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