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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-1998sp SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING STUDY SESSION ON THE AUBURN DOWNTOWN PLAN / TRANSIT STATION MAY 11, 1998 6:00 PM Auburn City Hall Council Work Area Minutes I. INTRODUCTION Mayor Booth called the special meeting of the Auburn City Council to order at 6:10 p.m. in the Council Work Area of Auburn City Hall. Mayor Booth and the following members of the City Council were present: Jeanne Barber, Sue Singer, Pete Lewis, Trish Borden, Fred Poe, Gene Cerino and Rich Wagner. Staff members present included: Planning and Community Development Director Paul Krauss, Senior Planner Bob Sokol, Associate Planner Shirley Schultz, Fire Chief Bob Johnson, Finance Director Diane L. Supler, City Attorney Michael J. Reynolds, City Engineer Dennis Dowdy, Special Projects Engineer Jack Locke, Senior Engineer Dennis Selle, Traffic Engineer Steve Mullen, and Deputy City Clerk Cathy Richardson. Mayor Booth explained the purpose of the meeting is an information session to discuss the Auburn Downtown Transit Station. II. DOWNTOWN VISION STATEMENT Planning and Community Development Director Paul Krauss explained the Auburn Downtown Transit Station remains a timely issue for the City. Events are staffing to accelerate which lead to the Downtown Plan implementation and the Transit Station being ready to receive passengers in 1999. The Transit Hub, Downtown Plan and 3rd Street ramp project are being worked on concurrently. City staff and the Citizen Committee's participation and discussion with the community vision have been extensive. Mr. Krauss stated that, although the final Transit Station plan is still in the design phase, property acquisition on some SpeciaiCity Council Meeting Minutes May 11,1998 Page 2 parcels around the Station would begin in the next few weeks. Property acquisition would be initiated by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in the near future. Plans for the design of the Transit Station are being developed. Mr. Krauss stated the impact of these projects on the City is tremendous. Within the next eighteen to twenty-four months, approximately forty million dollars will be expended toward public infrastructure improvement in downtown Auburn. The Downtown Plan will simplify acquiring environmental approvals, increase downtown parking, upgrade and improve the downtown street system, increase potential retail space, modify pedestrian access, and increase potential revenue. The vision is the private sector will, in turn, reinvest revenue back into the downtown area. Senior Planner Bob Sokol stated the Downtown Task Force Committee has been meeting since November, 1997. The main issues dealt with by the Committee were the 3rd Street grade separation, the Downtown vision, the Downtown Market Study, Transit Station, and land use in the larger downtown area. A draft Downtown Plan is expected by July, 1998 for review. A draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is expected by September, 1998 with a final EIS and Downtown Plan completed by December, 1998. Mr. Sokol explained that the draft Downtown Vision Statement involved significant public involvement and interviews. Images of different types of development were used in determining preference in design and style for the downtown area and Transit Center area. The purpose of the Downtown Vision is to provide a visual and textural framework for the goals of the Downtown Plan. It can be used as a promotional document and as a basis for design guidelines for future development. The Committee determined that public preference indicated a strong desire to retain the historical value and small town feel in the downtown area. Public safety and comfort (especially in the proposed parking structure), maintenance of public areas, additional residential areas, and parking structure design were also high priority issues. The preference for structure design was for brick and traditional materials retaining the historical heritage, large windows, awnings, mixed use of building materials for multi-story structures, and pedestrian retail orientation for ground floors. The inclination for street design was a center planted median, right of way landscaping, special paving for pedestrian crossings and sidewalks, decorative Special City Council Meeting Minutes May 11, 1998 Page 3 light poles, underground utilities, integrated art, and retaining a pedestrian oriented district. The general consensus on the Transit Center design was for use of traditional materials, possibly a railway station clock tower, and open space lawns. And for the parking garage to blend in and be constructed of brick and traditional materials and possibly have ground floor retail. The preference on downtown housing was for ample landscaping, balconies, well modulated facades, gabled roof lines, mixed use retail on the ground floor with apartments above, and for set back construction for buildings over two stories. Mr. Sokol asked that Council review and submit comments on the draft Downtown Vision. A revised, final version of the Downtown Vision will be presented to Council for adoption in June. In response to questions from Councilmembers Wagner and Lewis, Mr. Sokol stated that building height requirements may not be addressed in the draft Downtown Vision and should be. The data gathered by the Committee indicated that the height of the structure need not be restricted, but the preference is for a "set back" design for the upper stories to minimize the impact of taller buildings. One particular area identified for redevelopment is just south of Sunbreak Caf~, tying in the needs of residents desiring to live near the transit center or in the downtown area. Having residents living in the downtown area is an important part of increasing a sense of security, III. DOWNTOWN MARKET STUDY Greg Easton, Property Counselors reported on the Summary of Market Analysis. The purpose of the market analysis is not to predict the future, but to look to the future and identify potential opportunities for development. This provides a basis for developing a physical plan for the downtown area regarding structure placement, land usage, and a strategic plan. Auburn is a major employment center, which creates great economic strength and opportunities for further development. Auburn also has a large residential trade area with an average income of $60,000 per family per year. The market area will increase with a projected population growth of 227,000 by the year 20'10 and to over 250,000 by the year 2020. Mr. Easton recapped the development influences and economic performance of the downtown area as it exists today. Auburn retains strong apparel and Special City Council Meeting Minutes May 11, 1998 Page 4 accessories businesses, a major food retailer, and a mix of single, multi-family, and senior housing which creates a balance between residential and business development. Future opportunities in growth in the region, the market area, and prosperity for existing businesses affirm tangible support for the Transit Station. The market study indicates an immediate need for continued growth in office development with incremental growth in retail development and a very strong opportunity for growth in housing development. The market analysis projects an additional 90,000 to 300,000 square feet of retail development within the downtown area by the year 2010. The lower end of this range represents continued growth at a moderate rate. The upper end represents an aggressive approach in both the private and public sectors, and a cooperative effort of promotion of Auburn for business opportunities. Due to the medical and governmental employers in downtown Auburn, there is also potential for creation of additional multi-story office development. Growth in all employment sectors could absorb perhaps 15,000 square feet per year. A full service lodging structure in a prominent location with visibility from SR18 and close to SR167 would be a particular attraction to the downtown area, but may require some cooperative investment by the City and the private sector. Residential development at present is affordable and has a very low vacancy rate. Residential accessibility to a transportation resource would provide a strong attraction for future development in downtown Auburn and potential for an immediate 100 units of housing and a sustainable level of housing absorption of 25 to 50 units each year. Mr. Easton pointed out that achievement of these opportunities would require participation by both the private and public sector. Actions by the public sector could start by projecting a business and development friendly City. This can be accomplished by streamlining the permit process for residential and commercial projects through preparation of an Economic Impact Statement for the downtown plan, providing information and feasibility for potential for private projects, investment in public facilities and downtown amenities, and assemblage of some key properties for demonstration projects to create the identity and image the City would like to project. Councilmember Lewis requested clarification of locations, rental costs, and the type of structures of the projected communities in and around the Transit Center. Mr. Easton responded that rents throughout Auburn are slightly less than other communities located within King County. The housing provided throughout the city is quality housing that is attractive to a wide range of consumers. There is a Special City Council Meeting Minutes May 11, 1998 Page 5 shodage of affordable housing throughout the region. The trend is for more downtown housing which is close to goods and services, public amenities, jobs, and public transit. IV. THE TRANSIT CENTER Associate Planner Shirley Schultz spoke regarding the conceptual design of the Transit Center. Ms. Schultz referred to a 1995 schematic design developed by a University of Washington student group and a currant draft schematic design developed by Arai/Jackson Architects and Planners. Some conceptual design changes are in the location and design of the parking structure and the transit area moved to a circular pattern rather than a linear pattern. Parking capacity remains at 150 spaces. This allowed for more maneuverability, efficiency in space, bringing more parking downtown for dual use, and brought the transit route closer to the current Metro route for ease in circulation. The current design also brought less motorized traffic through the pedestrian traffic areas. Ms. Schultz pointed out that this is not a final design but a concept of where facilities might be placed. In response to questions from Councilmember Lewis, Ms. Schultz pointed out the location of the Transit Center would be incorporated with an elevated pedestrian bridge over the tracks, which is a requirement of RTA. The circular formation of the transit area also allows for use of different sized buses. Mr. Krauss spoke to the fact that the current plan is more schematic and basically lays out the components to see where they work more efficiently. It will be revised as to structure, public space and public connections to Main Street. Ms Schultz emphasized the surrounding land use and the downtown vision will play a major pad in determining design of the Transit Center. Special Project Engineer Jack Locke pointed out that the Transit Center schematic design was originally designed to accommodate an Amtrak Station. Councilmember Lewis expressed concern with the adequate size of the current Transit Center design in relation to future population growth. Mr. Sokol advised that the parking needs were projected to the year 2010. The bus hubs can accommodate ten to twelve buses and street design will allow adequate space for additional parking facilities to be built in future if necessary. The current plan allows for flexibility in placement of facilities. SpeciaiCity Council Me~ing Minutes May 11,1998 Page 6 Ms. Schultz described some potential land purchases by RTA in connection with the Transit Center and the street improvements that would occur to A Street as part of the RTA project and to 3rd and C Streets as part of the ramp project. Ms. Schultz distributed and summarized handouts on public comments regarding the Transit Center and a schedule for completion. Ms. Schultz passed around for Council's viewing, enlarged photographs of some of the structures contained in the Draft Downtown Vision and recapped public comments in connection with them. The scheduled completion date for the Transit Center is December, 1999. In response to questions by Councilmembers Lewis and Singer, Ms. Schultz stated that the design period is relatively short. Ms. Schultz clarified right-of-way properties for the railroad. Councilmember Borden requested clarification of a structure and the pedestrian plaza shown on the design. Ms. Schultz stated the structure is an existing structure occupied by Lynn's Antiques, Truitt facade, and Pastime Tavern. Harold's Plumbing is also located in this structure in addition to approximately thirty-five apartments on the upper level. The design lacks a pedestrian plaza at this time, but the consensus is that it be added back into the design. Councilmember Wagner questioned who would be in charge of analyzing bus traffic. Ms. Schultz stated it would be a cooperative arrangement between the City and Metro. In response to a question by Councilmember Poe regarding a commercial property located on West Main, west of the railroad tracks Ms. Schultz stated that she believed it to be on the list of contacts for RTA for property acquisition. V. TRANSIT CENTER BUDGET AND AVAILABLE FUNDS Mr. Jack Locke distributed a project funding and budget handout. Mr. Locke explained that the station is divided into two parts. One part being the station campus which are the sites the RTA requires. Mr. Locke expanded on Councilmember Poe's question on the Don Small property on West Main. It is not known at this time whether this property would be redeveloped, upgraded, or purchased by RTA. Mr. Locke reviewed the funding to come from RTA and King County Department of Transportation (DOT) together with the City of Auburn. Total budget is $12.6 million. RTA will contribute approximately $10 million, King County $1.5 million, and the City will contribute $1.1 million in Transportation Improvement Board Special City Council Meeting Minutes May 11, 1998 Page 7 funds. RTA will be the active developer of the project doing all of the on-site land acquisition, construction and construction management. King County DOT will act as technical advisor. In response to questions from Councilmembers Lewis and Wagner, Mr. Locke stated that, up to this point, control of development of the downtown plan has been under the control of the City with minimum input from RTA. The major elements of the Transit Center are a parking garage with retail facilities, a parking lot with warehousing of land for future parking lots if desired, a pedestrian over- crossing, a bus hub, and a furnished shelter. Mr. Locke explained a shelter would be used for shod increments of time. W~th commuter rail and bus transfer a station is not necessary. The retail areas of the parking structure could be used during inclement weather. In the event of Amtrak coming into the City in the future, there would be ample land for a station structure. Councilmember Poe questioned the control of the proposed retail space within the parking structure. Mr. Locke stated that RTA would construct a shell. Constructing public restrooms is a consideration of the City. RTA will not provide funds to build or maintain restrooms. Restrooms could be constructed in the retail area of the parking structure. Some options regarding the retail area are that it could be managed by the developer, by a broker, or by a property manager. This issue, and the income it would generate, are issues that would be brought before the Council. In response to question by Councilmember Wagner, Mr. Bob Sokol corrected a misstatement made earlier in the meeting. The first draft of the Transit Center was created by OTAK in 1995 when the Commuter Rail Station Siting Study was done. University of Washington students created the model. The parking structure was relocated to get it closer to the downtown core and adjacent businesses. VI. RTA INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Mr. Locke stated that total development of the station, including off-site and storm mitigation, is approximately $16 million. The City will provide about 30%. A tri-party agreement between RTA, City of Auburn, and King County is in the being developed. Special City Council Meeting Minutes May 11, 1998 Page 8 VII. QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION Councilmember Poe commented that no new data was included in the Draft Downtown Plan and requested more specific information be provided. Mr. Sokol stated that a full draft plan would be provided in July, 1998. Councilmember Lewis requested more comprehensive visioning for the Downtown Plan. Mr. Krauss responded that the Downtown Plan is just one component of the City's Comprehensive Plan. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Approved on the day of ,1998. Charles A. Booth, Mayor n am, City Clerk f:%clerk\council%98M5-11