Planning Commission

AGENDA EUGENE PLANNING COMMISSION Bascom‐Tykeson Room—Eugene Public Library Phone: 541‐682‐5481 100 W. 10th Avenue www.eugene‐or.gov/pc Eugene, OR 97401 The Eugene Planning Commission welcomes your interest in these agenda items. Feel free to come and go as you please at any of the meetings. This meeting location is wheelchair‐accessible. For the hearing impaired, FM assistive‐listening devices are available or an interpreter can be provided with 48 hours notice prior to the meeting. Spanish‐language interpretation will also be provided with 48 hours notice. To arrange for these services, contact the receptionist at 541‐682‐5481. Telecommu nications devices for deaf assistance are available at 541‐682‐5119. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 – REGULAR MEETING (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) 11:30 a.m. I. PUBLIC COMMENT The Planning Commission reserves 10 minutes at the beginning of this meeting for public comment. The public may comment on any matter, except for items scheduled for public hearing or public hearing items for which the record has already closed. Generally, the time limit for public comment is three minutes; however, the Planning Commission reserves the option to reduce the time allowed each speaker based on the numbe r of people requesting to speak. 11:40 a.m. II. CLUTAC EMX ANALYSIS Staff: Carolyn Burke, 541‐682‐8816 1:00 p.m. III. UPCOMING MEETING AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Staff: Carolyn Burke, 541‐682‐8816 1:15 p.m. V. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF A. Other Items from Staff B. Other Items from Commission C. Learning: How are we doing? Commissioners: Steven Baker; Jonathan Belcher; Rick Duncan; Randy Hledik, Chair; Jeffery Mills; William Randall (Vice Chair) PC AIS PACKET, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 - PAGE 1 of 9 PC AIS PACKET, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 - PAGE 2 of 9  AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY September 17, 2012 To: Eugene Planning Commission From: Carolyn Burke, City of Eugene Planning Division Subject: CLUTAC EmX Analysis ISSUE STATEMENT The purpose of this work session is to discuss a draft cover letter and report prepared by a subcommittee of the Eugene Planning Commission and the Eugene Sustainability Commission, known as the Coordinated Land Use and Transportation Action Committee (CLUTAC). This group was formed to review the proposed EmX bus rapid transit corridor expansion in west Eugene within the framework of the Triple Bottom Line. BACKGROUND The CLUTAC group has met several times over many months and has prepared the attached report for the Planning Commission’s consideration. The Sustainability Commission will meet to discuss the same documents on Wednesday, September 19th. NEXT STEPS The City Council will hold a work session on the West Eugene EmX proposal on September 26th. If the Planning Commission and the Sustainability Commission can come to agreement on the report, this information will be forwarded to the City Council prior to their scheduled work session. ATTACHMENTS A. Draft Cover Letter B. Draft Triple Bottom Line Assessment of Proposed EmX Corridor in West Eugene FOR MORE INFORMATION Carolyn Burke, 541‐682‐8816 or carolyn.j.burke@ci.eugene.or.us PC AIS PACKET, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 - PAGE 3 of 9 PC AIS PACKET, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 - PAGE 4 of 9  ATTACHMENT A Date: September 12, 2012 To: City Manager Jon Ruiz, Mayor Piercy and Members of the Eugene City Council From: The Coordinated Land Use and Transportation Action Committee (CLUTAC) Re: Triple Bottom Line Analysis of the West Eugene EmX Corridor Proposal City Manager Ruiz, Mayor Piercy and Councilors: The Coordinated Land Use and Transportation Action Committee (CLUTAC), the joint committee of the Planning Commission and Sustainability Commission, has completed our triple Bottom Line (TBL) analysis of the West Eugene EmX Corridor. Our analysis covered three timeline impacts: construction and start-up, short-term (within five years), and long-term (between five and twenty years). Our methodology assigned a positive, negative or neutral impact to various aspects of the Corridor proposal. These impacts are shown in the enclosed Detailed Table with supporting documents indicated via footnotes. The TBL analysis takes a holistic view of the issues related to social equity, economy and the environment. This results in a balanced perspective of all issues surrounding the topic, in this case, the West Eugene EmX. Based on our analysis, the CLUTAC has determined that the benefits to our community from the West Eugene EmX Corridor far outweigh any potential negative impacts. CLUTAC, therefore, strongly recommends your approval of the West Eugene EmX Corridor. [insert statement about action taken by both commissions on this analysis] Present and past members of CLUTAC Sasha Luftig Jeff Mills Bill Randall Will Shaver Jon Belcher Josh Skov Jessica Bloomfield Heidi Beierle Sue Wolling PC AIS PACKET, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 - PAGE 5 of 9 PC AIS PACKET, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 - PAGE 6 of 9  ATTACHMENT B Triple Bottom Line Assessment of Proposed EmX Corridor in West Eugene Prepared by the Coordinated Land Use and Transportation Action Committee (CLUTAC), a joint effort of the Planning Commission and the Sustainability Commission. In 2011, the Mayor and the City Manager asked the Coordinated Land Use and Transportation Action Committee (CLUTAC) to apply Eugene’s Triple Bottom Line (TBL) analysis to the question, “is a West Eugene bus rapid transit corridor a good idea?” The TBL analysis is a framework that considers the social equity, economic, and environmental 1 impacts, benefits and trade-offs of project alternatives. This document summarizes CLUTAC’s results of the TBL analysis as it applies to the proposed EmX corridor expansion in West Eugene. Eugene has a mosaic of policies, plans, goals, and supporting attitudes among citizens that represent a vision for the 2 community’s development. When considered together, these efforts call for a modal shift away from the car and toward bicycle, pedestrian and transit modes, significant expansion of the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, compact, mixed-use, higher density development along transit corridors, and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation sources. As the Council considers the potential costs and benefits of a new West Eugene EmX corridor, it should consider this overall framework so that our decisions are consistent with the broader vision that citizens and elected officials have assembled over many years. The CLUTAC considered the social equity, economic, and environmental impacts of the proposed corridor during three distinct time periods: 1) start-up and construction, 2) short-term (within 5 years) and 3) long-term. While during construction the impacts are generally negative, the short and long-run benefits of the project far outweigh these initial effects. I. Impacts on social equity:  During construction, there will be decreased roadway access for adjacent households. There will be more particulate matter in the air and a higher level of noise pollution for residents and employees located near the transit line. Overall negative impact.  In the short term, social equity impacts will be the same as long-term impacts, but smaller magnitude in some cases. Overall positive impact.  In the long term, quality of life will improve in adjacent neighborhoods as traffic is concentrated onto the West 11th corridor and air pollution is reduced. The transit rider experience will improve due to shorter wait times, new lighting and security at EmX stations, and more predictability. The new corridor will offer more transportation options for more people, increasing disposable income for families that spend a higher-than-average share of income on transportation. Although some people may find it more difficult to access the transit stops (which will be on average 300 feet farther apart than stops in the current system), the EmX buses will have improved boarding mechanisms for seniors and alter- abled individuals. The corridor will improve pedestrian safety (by improving sidewalks), and bicycle safety (by expanding access and connectivity to the Fern Ridge Path). Overall positive impact. II. Impacts on the local economy:  During construction, some businesses will experience reduced access and revenues; however, construction will create new jobs and a demand for related goods and services. Mitigation measures planned by LTD will reduce construction impacts on businesses. Overall positive impact.  In the short term, some properties will lose value and operational viability; however, there will be increased pedestrian and bicycle access for businesses, and more opportunities for new development along the corridor. Some businesses will also receive site improvements (e.g., additional parking spaces, larger access points). Overall positive impact.  In the long term, there will be an overall increase in investment due to a feeling of permanence in transit 3 infrastructure. Although rental prices may rise along the corridor, land value will increase and new businesses will re- locate there, creating new jobs. Transit riders will have more personal time (commute times will be shorter on the EmX) and the community will experience a greater resilience to fuel price volatility (due to the addition of more transportation options). Overall positive impact. III. Impacts on the environment  During construction there will be an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use due to the operation of diesel equipment and traffic congestion. Construction materials (concrete, asphalt and steel) are very 4 carbon-intensive. Overall negative impact.  In the short term, there will be a net decrease in GHG emissions and fuel consumption due to increased transit ridership and more pedestrian and bicycle use instead of vehicle use. Overall positive impact.  In the long term, the short-term impacts will grow exponentially. A functioning transit corridor will reduce overall traffic congestion, facilitate higher density and higher land values, and reduce pressure to develop elsewhere in the city. The transit project will be a catalyst for additional mode shift from cars to transit, walking and biking. Overall positive impact. 1 PC AIS PACKET, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 - PAGE 7 of 9  TBL Analysis: Detailed Table Social Equity Economy Environment - Decreased roadway access along + 2,852 short-term direct and indirect - Increased energy and materials use; construction corridor for adjacent jobs, adding up to $103 million in increased emissions. 5 households (i.e., getting to and from labor income . - Additional air pollution from traffic homes). - Loss or reduction of access to some congestion due to construction Impacts of - Increased levels of pollution and businesses and properties, resulting delays and operation of diesel particulate matter in the air near in decreased revenues. equipment. construction construction sites due to diesel + LTD mitigation measures to - Removal of an estimated 143 street and start-up equipment use and traffic reduce construction impacts on trees and 61 landscape trees, which congestion. businesses include late night will be mitigated through replanting or - Noise pollution for residents and construction and maintaining replacement (no charter trees or 6 employees located near construction access to all businesses. heritage trees affected). corridor. Same as long-term effects (see below), + Opportunity for new business and + Little net effect on greenhouse gas 7 but smaller magnitude in some cases. housing growth on the transit line. emissions or energy use (start-up - Loss of business property value and negative impacts canceled out by 11 operational viability for some short-term reductions). businesses (total area proposed for + Reduced fuel consumption due acquisition in the project area is to replacing traditional LTD buses Short-term 110,000 sq ft (2.53 acres) or 2% of with more fuel-efficient EmX impacts all 118 properties within project vehicles. 8 (within five boundary) . + Reduced GHG emissions and years) - Potential loss of up to 53 on-street VMTs due to increased transit parking spaces and 18 off-street ridership and more bicyclists and spaces affecting 5 businesses. pedestrians due to enhanced + Access improvements for some infrastructure. 9 businesses. + Increased pedestrian and bicycle 10 access for existing businesses. + Improved access for seniors/alter- + Increased investment due to feeling + Reduction in energy and GHG abled due to easier boarding of permanence of right of way emissions from transportation in 13 mechanisms. infrastructure. West Eugene are effects of a + Improved quality of life in nearby + Improved desirability as a corridor for functioning transit corridor, including 14 neighborhoods due to the new businesses to locate. to varying degrees: concentration of travel in the West + Increased land values along transit + EmX is catalyst for additional th 15 11 corridor and the reduction of corridor. mode shift from cars to transit, 17 traffic in adjacent neighborhoods. - Some businesses will pay walking and biking. + Improved transit rider experience increased rent and may need to + Reduced traffic congestion. (shorter wait times, lighting/security relocate business. + Facilitated density and higher- at stations, more + More money staying in the local value land use. 12 predictability/flexibility, etc.). economy due to residents spending + Assuming higher densities on transit + Increased health benefits due to less less income on gas and vehicles corridor: air pollution. 16 -/+ Creates need for design (due to riding EmX and bike/walk). + Facilitates more active transportation + Greater productivity and/or personal standards or tools to moderate Long-term with increased health benefits. time for bus commuters due to impacts to nearby properties. impacts + Increased access/mobility and reduced commute time. + Pressure reduced on land use disposable income for populations + More jobs due to higher levels of elsewhere in the city (e.g., in that spend a higher-than-average density. neighborhoods seeking to share of household income on + Greater resilience to fuel price preserve character). transportation. volatility because more transportation + Active transportation modes are - Some decrease in access/mobility for options are available when gas more viable. populations that find it difficult to prices go up. + Compact urban form and access wider-spaced transit stops + Lower costs for operating EmX reduced sprawl. (1600ft vs. 1300ft on average). routes compared to equivalent + Improved safety for pedestrians by traditional bus service. (+/-)For additional impacts on water widening sidewalks and moving utility quality, wetlands and storm water 18 poles from the middle to the outside see Environmental Assessment. of sidewalks. + Improved access and safety for bicyclists with connections to Fern Ridge Path. 2 PC AIS PACKET, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 - PAGE 8 of 9 References 1 Triple Bottom Line, City of Eugene. Available at http://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?NID=512. 2 See, e.g. 1) Council-approved policies, including growth management policies, the TransPlan (original and the 2004 update), and the Metro Plan; 2) Council-approved goals, including a 50% reduction in fossil fuel use by 2030 and a “carbon neutral” local government by 2020; and 3) Stakeholder processes sanctioned by Council, including the Community Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP), Infill Compatibility Standards (ICS) and Opportunity Siting (OS), Envision Eugene, Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategic Plan (complete) and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (on- going), and the West Eugene Collaborative (WEC) final report. 3 Federal Transit Administration (2009). Land Use Impacts of Bus Rapid Transit: Effect of BRT Station Proximity on Property Values along the Pittsburgh Martin Luther King, Jr. East Busway. Available at http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/Property%20Value%20Impacts%20of%20BRT_NBRTI.pdf 4 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2009). Potential for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Construction Sector. Available at http://www.epa.gov/sectors/pdf/construction-sector-report.pdf 5 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (2012). Environmental Assessment West Eugene EmX Extension Project. Summary of Possible Impacts, Benefits and Mitigation. Appendix ES-1. Available at http://www.ltd.org/pdf/WEE%20EA%202012/Appendix/Appendix_ES-1_2012_06_21.pdf 6 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (2012). Environmental Assessment West Eugene EmX Extension Project. Chapter 3: Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences (page 117). Available at http://www.ltd.org/pdf/WEE%20EA%202012/EA%20documents/WEEE_EA_Ch3_AffectedEnvironmentandEnvironmental Consequences_2012_06_21.pdf 7 U.S. Government Accountability Office (2012). Bus Rapid Transit: Projects Improve Transit Service and Can Contribute to Economic Development, GAO-12-811. Available at http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-811 8 Duncan & Brown (2012). LTD EmX Property Impact Analysis. Available at http://www.ltd.org/pdf/WEE%202012/D&B%20-%20Technical%20Report%202011-12%20LTD%20rev%202-12.pdf 9 Duncan & Brown (2012). LTD EmX Property Impact Analysis. Available at http://www.ltd.org/pdf/WEE%202012/D&B%20-%20Technical%20Report%202011-12%20LTD%20rev%202-12.pdf 10 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (2012). Environmental Assessment West Eugene EmX Extension Project. Chapter 4: Transportation Facilities. Available at http://www.ltd.org/pdf/WEE%20EA%202012/EA%20documents/WEEE_EA_Ch4_TransportationFacilities_2012_06_21.pdf 11 National Cooperative Highway Research Program (2011). Cost/Benefit Analysis of Converting a Lane for Bus Rapid Transit –Phase II Evaluation and Methodology. Available at http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rrd_352.pdf 12 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration. Chapter 1: Creating Better Bus Systems. Available at http://fta.dot.gov/4393.html 13 Federal Transit Administration (2009). Land Use Impacts of Bus Rapid Transit: Effect of BRT Station Proximity on Property Values along the Pittsburgh Martin Luther King, Jr. East Busway. Available at http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/Property%20Value%20Impacts%20of%20BRT_NBRTI.pdf 14 Transportation Research Board (2012). Bus Rapid Transit and Economic Development: Case Study of Eugene- Springfield, Oregon, Bus Rapid Transit System. Available at http://amonline.trb.org/1sn2af/1sn2af/1 15 Transportation Research Board (2012). Bus Rapid Transit and Economic Development: Case Study of Eugene- Springfield, Oregon, Bus Rapid Transit System. Available at http://amonline.trb.org/1sn2af/1sn2af/1 16 Joe Cortright (2007). Portland’s Green Dividend: A White Paper from CEOs for Cities. Available at http://documents.scribd.com.s3.amazonaws.com/docs/9grp6cwnk01hnrn0.pdf?t=1332875680 17 Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, ICF International and Fehr and Peers. (2011) Metro Orange Line Mode Shift Study and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis. Available at http://lite.metro.net/riding_metro/bikes/images/mol_study.pdf 18 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (2012). Environmental Assessment West Eugene EmX Extension Project. Available at http://www.ltd.org/search/showresult.html?versionthread=5846cd084b147a3da05d11d5fa2c4eff 3 PC AIS PACKET, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 - PAGE 9 of 9