Burnside Couch Urban Design Project

West Burnside and Couch West Burnside and Couch City Council PresentationCity Council Presentation

April 11, 2007April 11, 2007

Commissioner Sam AdamsPortland Office of Transportation

Begin Preliminary Engineering on Begin Preliminary Engineering on West Burnside and CouchWest Burnside and Couch

Vision Vision Capture a onceCapture a once--inin--aa--generation opportunitygeneration opportunityCreate one of the safest streets in PortlandCreate one of the safest streets in PortlandUnlock the hidden value of real estate along Burnside and CouchUnlock the hidden value of real estate along Burnside and CouchCreate the greenest street in Portland Create the greenest street in Portland –– A model for other CitiesA model for other CitiesHandle all Burnside stormwater onHandle all Burnside stormwater on--site to prevent combined sewer overflowsite to prevent combined sewer overflowPeak Oil/Greenhouse Gases: Reduce reliance on oil and reduce COPeak Oil/Greenhouse Gases: Reduce reliance on oil and reduce CO22 pollutionpollutionEstablish the image of Burnside as the Green Meridian of PortlanEstablish the image of Burnside as the Green Meridian of PortlanddExpand PortlandExpand Portland’’s interconnected streetcar/rail systems interconnected streetcar/rail systemConnect east and west Portland with new express streetcar optionConnect east and west Portland with new express streetcar optionCreate Public spaces and plazas with public art and greeneryCreate Public spaces and plazas with public art and greenery

A Review of the ProblemsA Review of the ProblemsBurnside is Burnside is dangerous for pedestriansdangerous for pedestrians

Long pedestrian crossingsLong pedestrian crossingsExcessive vehicle speedsExcessive vehicle speedsInadequate safe crossingsInadequate safe crossings

Burnside is in poor repair and Burnside is in poor repair and needs to be rebuiltneeds to be rebuiltBurnside Burnside unattractive and unpleasantunattractive and unpleasant

Narrow sidewalksNarrow sidewalksCrowded transit stopsCrowded transit stops

•• Burnside Burnside discourages economic developmentdiscourages economic developmentNo onNo on--street parking, street parking, Challenging retail environmentChallenging retail environmentCreates a barrier north and south between neighborhoods and distCreates a barrier north and south between neighborhoods and districtsrictsLack of investment, inactive storefronts, poor frontagesLack of investment, inactive storefronts, poor frontagesNo left turns, fails to provide adequate access No left turns, fails to provide adequate access

Burnside is a Burnside is a highlyhighly--polluting streetpolluting streetCongestion and idling creates significant, unnecessary air polluCongestion and idling creates significant, unnecessary air pollution tion Significant stormwater is directed to combined sewer overflowSignificant stormwater is directed to combined sewer overflow

Funding Funding Principles for Project FundingPrinciples for Project Funding

City assumes funding responsibility for:City assumes funding responsibility for:Basic street rebuild and safety improvementsBasic street rebuild and safety improvements

City seeks funding partners for:City seeks funding partners for:Enhancements beyond the basic street rebuild and safetyEnhancements beyond the basic street rebuild and safety

Project must maximize:Project must maximize:Overall return on investmentOverall return on investmentFederal funding Federal funding Private redevelopment & private investment into the projectPrivate redevelopment & private investment into the project

Funding Funding Potential Funding SourcesPotential Funding Sources

Development AgreementsDevelopment AgreementsFHWA FundsFHWA FundsFTA FTA -- Small StartsSmall StartsFederal Earmark Federal Earmark System Development ChargesSystem Development ChargesTax Increment FinancingTax Increment FinancingGeneral Transportation RevenueGeneral Transportation RevenueEnergy Tax CreditsEnergy Tax CreditsLocal Improvement DistrictLocal Improvement DistrictNew onNew on--street parking meter Revenuestreet parking meter Revenue

Funding Funding

Project Cost Project Cost Planning LevelPlanning Level----Low Confidence EstimatesLow Confidence Estimates

Street ImprovementsStreet Improvements $41 m$41 mStreetcarStreetcar $39 m$39 m

(Basic Street Rebuild $20 m)(Basic Street Rebuild $20 m)

Funding Funding Cost Comparison for Street ImprovementsCost Comparison for Street Improvements

Burnside OnlyBurnside OnlyEnhanced Existing AlternativeEnhanced Existing Alternative $37 million$37 million

Burnside Couch AlternativeBurnside Couch Alternative $41 million$41 million

Stakeholder Advisory CommitteeStakeholder Advisory Committee2000 2000 -- 20072007

FrankFrank PhilipsPhilipsCentral Eastside Industrial CouncilCentral Eastside Industrial Council

JerryJerry PowellPowellGoose Hollow Foothills LeagueGoose Hollow Foothills League

MichaelMichael PowellPowellWest End Steering CommitteeWest End Steering Committee

Lidwien RahmanLidwien RahmanWillamette Pedestrian CoalitionWillamette Pedestrian Coalition

Tad SavinarTad SavinarRegional Arts and Culture CouncilRegional Arts and Culture Council

KathleenKathleen SchultzSchultzHarsch Investment Properties LLCHarsch Investment Properties LLC

Emily SimonEmily SimonKerns NeighborhoodKerns Neighborhood

Chris SmithChris SmithNorthwest District AssociationNorthwest District Association

Bruce SpeidelBruce SpeidelPortland Business AlliancePortland Business Alliance

JohnJohn TessTessHistoric Old Town Vision CommitteeHistoric Old Town Vision Committee

PaulPaul VerhoevenVerhoevenOld Town/Chinatown Neighborhood AssocOld Town/Chinatown Neighborhood Assoc..

MichaelMichael WhitmoreWhitmoreKerns Neighborhood AssociationKerns Neighborhood Association

DennisDennis WildeWildeGerding/Edlen DevelopmentGerding/Edlen Development

Michael HarrisonMichael HarrisonPortland Bureau of PlanningPortland Bureau of Planning

JimJim KautzKautzEast Burnside AssociationEast Burnside Association

DougDoug KlotzKlotzWillamette Pedestrian CoalitionWillamette Pedestrian Coalition

David KrauseDavid KrauseDowntown Community AssociationDowntown Community Association

SusanSusan LindsayLindsayBuckman Community AssociationBuckman Community Association

Julie LukasikJulie LukasikCentral Eastside Industrial CouncilCentral Eastside Industrial Council

Denyse McGriffDenyse McGriffPortland Development CommissionPortland Development Commission

Don MerktDon MerktRegional Arts and Culture CouncilRegional Arts and Culture Council

Alix NathanAlix NathanDowntown Community AssociationDowntown Community Association

Mark NeiburMark NeiburGoose Hollow Foothills LeagueGoose Hollow Foothills League

AnnAnn NilesNilesPearl District Neighborhood AssociationPearl District Neighborhood Association

Richard H. Parker, Jr. Richard H. Parker, Jr. Central Eastside Industrial CouncilCentral Eastside Industrial Council

MichaelMichael BoardmanBoardmanHillside Neighborhood AssociationHillside Neighborhood Association

ElisaElisa BostonBostonGoose Hollow Foothills LeagueGoose Hollow Foothills League

LizLiz CavanaughCavanaughPortland Family EntertainmentPortland Family Entertainment

CatherineCatherine CiarloCiarloBicycle Transportation AllianceBicycle Transportation Alliance

GrahamGraham ClarkClarkPortland Bureau of PlanningPortland Bureau of Planning

AngelaAngela CrawfordCrawfordGoose Hollow Business AssociationGoose Hollow Business Association

TroyTroy DossDossPortland Bureau of PlanningPortland Bureau of Planning

Patricia GardnerPatricia GardnerPearl District Neighborhood AssociationPearl District Neighborhood Association

Don Genasci Don Genasci Northwest District AssociationNorthwest District Association

Phil GoffPhil GoffPortland Bureau of Planning Portland Bureau of Planning

Aviva GronerAviva GronerNorthwest District AssociationNorthwest District Association

RichardRichard HarrisHarrisCentral City ConcernCentral City Concern

Stakeholder Advisory CommitteeStakeholder Advisory Committee

Vision StatementVision Statement

Humanize BurnsideHumanize Burnside““Burnside will be PortlandBurnside will be Portland’’s most diverse and s most diverse and interesting street. Known as a interesting street. Known as a ‘‘people placepeople place’’ it it will be comfortable yet exciting will be comfortable yet exciting –– a place to walk, a place to walk, congregate, work, live and visitcongregate, work, live and visit.. As a gateway to As a gateway to PortlandPortland’’s most dense neighborhoods, and s most dense neighborhoods, and diverse and interesting districts and activities, diverse and interesting districts and activities, there is safe access for pedestrians as well as there is safe access for pedestrians as well as vehicles.vehicles.””


Guiding PrinciplesGuiding Principles

Recognize and enhance the diverse character of Burnside and CouchSupport and encourage a mix of businesses and usesEliminate Burnside as a barrierRecognize Burnside and Couch as a multi-modal corridor


Community decision on use of rightCommunity decision on use of right--ofof--wayway

Exercise in setting priorities and establishing trade-offsSet amount of right-of-wayMany competing demands

PedestriansBikesTransitCarsSafetyEnvironmentService vehiclesStormwater

NeighborhoodsNeighborhoods

Kerns

Buckman

Old Town/Chinatown

PearlNorthwestDistrict

Goose Hollow

Other ParticipantsOther ParticipantsBusiness PartnersBusiness Partners

Portland Business AlliancePortland Business AlliancePearl Business AssociationPearl Business AssociationFriends of Burnside CouchFriends of Burnside CouchPortland Business AlliancePortland Business AlliancePortland Streetcar Inc.Portland Streetcar Inc.

Agency PartnersAgency PartnersPortland Development CommissionPortland Development CommissionBureau of PlanningBureau of PlanningBureau of Environmental ServicesBureau of Environmental ServicesBureau of Parks and RecreationBureau of Parks and RecreationCity ForesterCity ForesterMetroMetroTRIMETTRIMET

Commissions and Professional AssociationsCommissions and Professional AssociationsDesign CommissionDesign CommissionPlanning CommissionPlanning CommissionAmerican Society of Landscape ArchitectsAmerican Society of Landscape ArchitectsAmerican Institute of Architects

PhotoPhoto

American Institute of Architects

A Short HistoryA Short History19991999 20022002 20032003 20042004 20052005 20062006 200720072001200120002000

EastEastBurnside/CouchBurnside/Couch

City CouncilCity CouncilAdvanced PEAdvanced PEMarch 2006March 2006

Economic Economic AnalysisAnalysis

June 2005June 2005

ScopingScoping

Burnside/Couch Plan Burnside/Couch Plan Adopted UnanimouslyAdopted Unanimously

by by City CouncilCity CouncilNovember November

20022002 West West Burnside/CouchBurnside/Couch

AlternativesAlternativesAnalysisAnalysis

December 2006December 2006

Draft Draft Technical Technical

RefinementsRefinementsAugust 2005August 2005

Additional Community OutreachAdditional Community Outreach

Alternatives AnalysisAlternatives Analysis

Urban DesignUrban Design

TransportationTransportation

EconomicsEconomics

StreetcarStreetcar


Enhanced Existing

Preferred Alternative

Three-lane 2/1

Three-lane 1/1/1

5-4-3

Evaluation SummaryEvaluation SummaryLocation/Measure of Effectiveness How well does each alternative address the evaluation criteria?

Evaluation Scale Poor Medium Good

No-b

uild A

ltern

ative

Enha

nced

Exis

ting

5-4-

3 Alte

rnati

ve

Thre

e-lan

e (1/1

/1)

Thre

e-lan

e (2/1

)

Trun

cated

Cou

plet

Prop

osed

Cou

plet

TRAFFIC EVALUATION Auto Safety

Pedestrian Safety Vehicular Operations

Access/Circulation Transit Operations

Surrounding Roadways Ability to Accept Diversion Park Avenue to 15th Avenue

Auto Safety Pedestrian Safety

Vehicular Operations Access/Circulation Transit Operations

Surrounding Roadways Ability to Accept Diversion 19th Avenue to 24th Place

Auto Safety Pedestrian Safety

Vehicular Operations Access/Circulation Transit Operations

Surrounding Roadways Ability to Accept Diversion URBAN DESIGN EVALUATION 2nd Avenue to 24th Place

Human Scale Urban Form

Urban Identity Linkages

Sustainability ECOMONIC EVALUATION 2nd Avenue to 24th Place

Potential Development Opportunities


Preferred AlternativePreferred Alternative

Street Improvements with streetcar

Couch

Burnside

NW 2ndNW 19thNW 24th Place

Expansion of the downtown one-way street grid

A Closer Look at Burnside and CouchA Closer Look at Burnside and Couch


Preferred AlternativePreferred Alternative

Upper WestUpper West Central WestCentral West Lower WestLower West

22ndndA

ve.

Ave

.

Par

k A

ve.

Par

k A

ve.

19th

Ave

.19

th A

ve.

2424thth

Pla

ceP

lace

Lower Burnside and CouchLower Burnside and Couch


22ndndA

ve.

Ave

.

Par

k A

ve.

Par

k A

ve.

19th

Ave

.19

th A

ve.

2424thth

Pla

ceP

lace

Burnside

4th

Ave

.

5th

Ave

.

Typical Street Plan on Burnside from 3rd to 8th

Low

er B

urns

ide

Low

er B

urns

ide

Low

er B

urns

ide

Low

er B

urns

ide

Low

er B

urns

ide

Low

er B

urns

ide


100 foot Right100 foot Right--ofof--wayway

Low

er B

urns

ide

Low

er B

urns

ide

A Closer Look at Burnside and CouchA Closer Look at Burnside and Couch60 foot Right of Way60 foot Right of Way

Low

er C

ouch

Sidewalk Parking Lane Lane Parking SidewalkLow

er C

ouch

Couch at NW 3rd Avenue

Low

er C

ouch

Low

er C

ouch

New Gateways and Public SpacesNew Gateways and Public SpacesLo

wer

Bur

nsid

eLo

wer

Bur

nsid

e

22ndnd and Burnside Gatewayand Burnside GatewayAlexis Greek Restaurant

Salvation Army

Central City Concern

Burnside

2ndA

ve.

Low

er B

urns

ide

Low

er B

urns

ide

Low

er B

urns

ide

Low

er B

urns

ide

Park Block CrossingPark Block Crossing

Burnside

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Gateway OpportunitiesGateway Opportunities

3rd and Burnside4th and Burnside 2nd and Burnside

Park Blocks 3rd and Burnside

Central Burnside and CouchCentral Burnside and Couch


22ndndA

ve.

Ave

.

Par

k A

ve.

Par

k A

ve.

19th

Ave

.19

th A

ve.

2424thth

Pla

ceP

lace

A Closer Look at Burnside and CouchA Closer Look at Burnside and Couch60 foot Right of Way60 foot Right of Way

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Sidewalk Parking Lane Lane Parking Sidewalk

A Closer Look at Burnside and CouchA Closer Look at Burnside and Couch60 foot Right60 foot Right--ofof--wayway

Cen

tral C

ouch

Cen

tral C

ouch

Sidewalk Parking Lane Lane Parking Sidewalk

Cen

tral C

ouch

Cen

tral C

ouch

Couch at NW 10th Avenue

New Green Public SpacesNew Green Public SpacesC

entra

l Bur

nsid

eC

entra

l Bur

nsid

e

Burnside at NW 10th Avenue

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

10th Ave.

Oak Street

Burnside at 10th Avenue


9’10’10’9’

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Cen

tral B

urns

ide


15 th Ave.

16 th

Burn

side I - 405

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

15th and Burnside

A Closer Look at Burnside and CouchA Closer Look at Burnside and CouchC

entra

l Cou

chC

entra

l Cou

ch

Burnside Between 16th and 17th

1818thth 1919thth and Burnsideand Burnside

Burnside

Alder

18th

19th

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

1818thth 1919thth and Burnsideand BurnsideC

entra

l Bur

nsid

eC

entra

l Bur

nsid

e

Fireman’s Memorial Plaza and 19th Avenue Streetcar Stop

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Cen

tral B

urns

ide

Burnside at 17th Avenue

Upper BurnsideUpper Burnside


22ndndA

ve.

Ave

.

Par

k A

ve.

Par

k A

ve.

1919thth

Ave

.A

ve.

2424thth

Pla

ceP

lace


9’10’10’9’

Upp

er B

urns

ide

Upp

er B

urns

ide

A Closer Look at Burnside and CouchA Closer Look at Burnside and CouchU

pper

Cou

chU

pper

Cou

ch


Burn

side

20th Place

Mor

rison

19th

Upp

er B

urns

ide

Upp

er B

urns

ide

20th Place and Burnside

Project HighlightsProject Highlights

MitigationMitigationStreetcarStreetcarCarbon FootprintCarbon FootprintGreen Streets SystemGreen Streets SystemSafetySafetyEconomicsEconomics


Church and Cathedral Church and Cathedral School Stated ConcernsSchool Stated Concerns

SafetyNoiseVibration Air QualityOperations


Mitigation for Church and Mitigation for Church and Cathedral SchoolCathedral School

Sound InsulationSound Insulating WindowsRoof top air handling systemWall with gates on 17th and CouchBollards with chains in furnishing zoneCurb extensionsTraffic signals at every intersectionDesignated drop off zoneVibration dampening slab for streetcar

Project HighlightsProject HighlightsRoof top air handling

Sound insulation

Insulated Windows

Traffic Signals

Drop-Off Zone Bollards and chains

Curb extensions

Vibration track slab

Couch at 16th Avenue

Project HighlightsProject HighlightsAlternative Streetcar AlignmentsAlternative Streetcar Alignments


Streetcar Alignment SelectionStreetcar Alignment SelectionWhy is Burnside and Couch the Best Why is Burnside and Couch the Best Alternative?Alternative?

Minimal impact to capacity Minimal impact to capacity Minimal impact to traffic operationsMinimal impact to traffic operationsMaximizes planned parking (supports adding 200 Maximizes planned parking (supports adding 200 parking spaces)parking spaces)Utilizes existing IUtilizes existing I--405 bridge crossings on Burnside 405 bridge crossings on Burnside and Couchand CouchNo conflicts with existing or planned bicycle facilitiesNo conflicts with existing or planned bicycle facilities



Peak Oil ReportPeak Oil ReportResolution Sponsored by Commissioner Resolution Sponsored by Commissioner Saltzman, Adopted by Council in 2007Saltzman, Adopted by Council in 2007

Peak Oil Task Force convened with Peak Oil Task Force convened with Office of Sustainable Development supportOffice of Sustainable Development support

““The City can play aThe City can play acatalytic role by setting a catalytic role by setting a positive examplepositive example””

Project HighlightsProject HighlightsPeak Oil Report RecommendationsPeak Oil Report Recommendations

1. Reduce total oil and natural gas consumption by 1. Reduce total oil and natural gas consumption by 50% over the next 25 years.50% over the next 25 years.

(c) Require City bureaus to set reduction targets for (c) Require City bureaus to set reduction targets for their operationstheir operations


4. Support land use patterns that reduce transportation needs, 4. Support land use patterns that reduce transportation needs, that that promote walkability, and provide easy access to services and promote walkability, and provide easy access to services and transportation options.transportation options.

(d) ensure (d) ensure ……housing near transit stops that will support the use housing near transit stops that will support the use of transit and generate fares to make transit more of transit and generate fares to make transit more sustainable.sustainable.

(g) build and maintain a street network that supports bicycle (g) build and maintain a street network that supports bicycle and pedestrian trips.and pedestrian trips.

(h) provide pedestrian(h) provide pedestrian--friendly public spaces and other friendly public spaces and other amenities near Centers and other areas of compact amenities near Centers and other areas of compact development.development.


5. Design infrastructure to promote transportation 5. Design infrastructure to promote transportation optionsoptions…… and prevent infrastructure investments that and prevent infrastructure investments that would not be prudent given fuel shortages and higher would not be prudent given fuel shortages and higher prices.prices.

(b) invest in infrastructure that meets access and (b) invest in infrastructure that meets access and mobility needs with less fuel.mobility needs with less fuel.

(e) Continue to expand the LRT, Streetcar and bus (e) Continue to expand the LRT, Streetcar and bus systems.systems.


6. Encourage energy efficient and renewable 6. Encourage energy efficient and renewable transportation choicestransportation choices

Project HighlightsProject HighlightsFuel Consumption ReductionsFuel Consumption Reductions

Fuel Consumption Methodology

Fuel Consumption Alternatives Analysis

Project HighlightsProject HighlightsReduced Vehicle Emissions/Carbon FootprintReduced Vehicle Emissions/Carbon Footprint

Project HighlightsProject HighlightsGreen Street OpportunitiesGreen Street Opportunities

Creating a Green Street System includes:Absorbing storm water from 31 acres of impervious areaPlanting 400 new trees (216 on Central and Lower Burnside)Creating 2.6 acres of new public open space

Burnside Burnside 87,000 s.f. (2.0 Acres)87,000 s.f. (2.0 Acres)CouchCouch 26,800 s.f. ( .6 Acres)26,800 s.f. ( .6 Acres)


Four of the ten most dangerous intersections for pedestrians are on West Burnside

Excessive Crashes Between Excessive Crashes Between Vehicles and PedestriansVehicles and Pedestrians


Excessive Crashes Excessive Crashes Between VehiclesBetween Vehicles

“Burnside…contains Portland’s highest concentration of ‘High Collision Intersections’…”

Project HighlightsProject HighlightsPotential Pedestrian Potential Pedestrian Safety EnhancementsSafety Enhancements

Interim safety improvements are Interim safety improvements are proposed for the intersection ofproposed for the intersection ofBurnside and 8Burnside and 8thth AvenueAvenueCurb extensions where possibleCurb extensions where possibleEnhanced street lightingEnhanced street lightingAdd countdown pedestrian Add countdown pedestrian headsheadsCreate side street green delay Create side street green delay phasephaseEnhance pedestrian signageEnhance pedestrian signageEnhance crosswalk markingsEnhance crosswalk markings

An Even Closer LookAn Even Closer LookRedevelopment: Jobs, Housing and Redevelopment: Jobs, Housing and Economic Benefit over 20 YearsEconomic Benefit over 20 Years

JobsJobs 1,1601,160HousingHousing 1,2651,265Net Assessed ValueNet Assessed Value $1.4 billion$1.4 billionNet New Annual Taxes Net New Annual Taxes $28 million$28 million

Project BenefitsProject BenefitsMaximizes pedestrian and auto safetyMost pedestrian orientedMaximizes development potentialBest Urban DesignGreatest return on investmentCreates public gathering spacesReduces fuel consumptionReduces vehicle emissionsSustainably processes stormwaterExpands streetcar systemStimulates commerceLeverages public resourcesGrass roots community developed project

Community VisionCommunity VisionHumanize BurnsideHumanize BurnsideBurnside will be PortlandBurnside will be Portland’’s most diverse and interesting s most diverse and interesting

street. street.

Known as a Known as a ‘‘people placepeople place’’ it will be comfortable yet it will be comfortable yet exciting exciting –– a place to walk, congregate, work, live and a place to walk, congregate, work, live and visitvisit..

As a gateway to PortlandAs a gateway to Portland’’s most dense neighborhoods, s most dense neighborhoods, and diverse and interesting districts and activities, and diverse and interesting districts and activities, there is safe access for pedestrians as well as there is safe access for pedestrians as well as vehicles.vehicles.

put the Center back put the Center back into the Central Cityinto the Central City

The Burnside and CouchThe Burnside and Couchimprovementsimprovements……

Documents

Burnside Couch Urban Design Project