B IKE T RAIL. City of Stoughton Rail Corridor Redevelopment Planning Area

Transcription

1 City of Stoughton Rail Corridor Redevelopment Planning Area P EDESTRIAN R IVER CRO SSING AND B IKE T RAIL O PTIONS Funding for this report was provided by the City of Stoughton, Dane County BUILD Program and DNR River Planning

2 AC KNOLE DGE MENTS C O M M O N C O U N C I L Denise Duranczyk Larry Weiss Paul Lawrence Ron Christianson David McKichan Gerald Olson Pat Schneider Ross Scovotti Gary Locke Jim Griffin Rollie Odland R A I L C O R R I D O R R E D E V E L O P M E N T C O M M I T T E E Helen Johnson, Mayor Ron Christianson, Alder John Neal, Finance Director Rodney Scheel, Planning Director Erica Buss Richard Lazarro Jim Peterson Don Wahlin Ed Bieno P L A N C O M M I S S I O N Helen Johnson, Mayor & Commission Chair Steve Kittelson, Building Inspector & Secretary Jim Griffin, Alder Rollie Odland, Alder Gerald Olson, Alder Eric Hohol Bob McGeever Jim Peterson R I V E R P L A N N I N G C O M M I T T E E Helen Johnson, Mayor David McKichan, Alder Patrick Schneider, Alder Bob Kardasz, Utilities Director Tom Lynch, Parks & Recreation Director Karl Manthe, Streets Superintendent Sandra Black P R E P A R E D F O R : City of Stoughton, Wisconsin 381 E. Main St. Stoughton, Wisconsin P R E P A R E D B Y : Vierbicher Associates, Inc. 999 Fourier Drive, Suite 201 Madison, Wisconsin 53717

3 TA BL E OF CONTENTS Section 1: Background... Page 1 Section 2: Bridge & Trail Options... Page 4 Section 3: Further Plans... Page 7 Appendix A: River Planning Map... Page 10 Appendix B: River Improvement Project Costs... Page 11 1

4 1 BAC KGRO UND In 2005 the City of Stoughton initiated a Railroad Corridor Redevelopment planning process to address future land uses along the City s railroad corridor on the east side of the Downtown. Funding for the process was obtained from the Dane County Better Urban Infill Development (BUILD) Program, with matching funds by the City. The BUILD program has seven objectives to guide communities that choose to participate in the program: Make better use of existing infrastructure. Locate community services, jobs and shopping in close proximity. Stabilize and enhance existing neighborhoods, downtowns and other business districts. Produce housing and jobs for low to moderate-income people. Avoid converting productive farmland on urban fringes and in rural areas. Provide viable options to auto trips by supporting walking, biking, and transit. Have the potential to clean up environmentally contaminated sites. Stoughton s Rail Corridor is made up of a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in a compact area bounded by the Yahara River on the south, an active Wisconsin & Southern rail line on the east and north, and 4th Street and 5th Street on the west. Because of the proximity of the river and the rail line, the area was once the center of industrial employment in the City. This has been gradually changing, as the importance of access to rail and rivers has dwindled for many industries. The City, realizing that many businesses were gradually moving out to more modern and desirable business parks, decided to create a Redevelopment Plan for the Railroad Corridor area. The proximity to the Yahara River, parks, River Bluff Middle School, and Downtown Stoughton gives the area many of the amenities that are needed to bolster redevelopment. In fact, the most common theme that came out of the Plan s opportunities assessment was the potential to develop a bike and pedestrian corridor along the Yahara River and through the Railroad Corridor to connect to the Yahara River Trail north of the redevelopment area. The Railroad Corridor Redevelopment Plan (RCRP) identified a key strategy to the area s redevelopment as developing a parks and open space plan to take advantage of the Yahara River as a natural feature. The Plan realized that improving parks and trails, and their associated recreational opportunities, would go a long way to creating an environment desirable to residential redevelopment. Making the Yahara River, which winds its way through the center of Stoughton, the focus of such an effort was a natural extension of the Plan and its recreational component. The RCRP said that developing a bike/pedestrian corridor and corresponding green space along the Yahara River between 4th Street and Dunkirk Avenue is a goal established by the Steering Committee that will create a valuable public amenity and increase property values in the redevelopment area. The RCRP goes on to say that providing access to the river also presents the opportunity to develop a pedestrian bridge across the Yahara River near 8th Street to provide a connection to Mandt Park. Another Dane County BUILD Grant was sought to build upon the RCRP by going in to more detail on some of the aspects relating to trails and the river front that were discussed in that plan. This document, and the accompanying maps and diagrams, were developed as a result of that 1

5 1 BAC KGRO UND further BUILD Grant in order to provide specifications and costs to implement the trail, pedestrian bridge recommendations, and other river improvements in the redevelopment area. The original planned land use and trail improvements map from the RCRP has been included on page 3. It shows a trail on the north side of the river and along the railroad tracks, with a connection across the river at 8th Street. Related to the Rail Corridor Redevelopment Plan and the detailed BUILD bridge and trail study, the City also received a $10,000 grant from the DNR to identify goals, objectives, and river improvements for the entire Yahara River Corridor throughout the City. The RCRP recognized the importance of the Yahara River as an amenity that should be used to promote redevelopment within the RCRP area. The DNR River Protection Grant provided the additional funding to investigate river-related improvements and restoration in order to foster the conditions that promote redevelopment. 2

6 1 BAC KG R O U N D Rail Corridor Redevelopment Area Map Legend Commercial Property and Buildings Suitable for Commercial Redevelopment Trail Connection to Yahara River Trail Existing Residential Property Stoughton Trailers Property Suitable for Commercial or Mixed-Use Redevelopment Stoughton Trailers Property Suitable for Housing Redevelopment M. St City-Owned Property Existing and Proposed Green Space Proposed Bike and Pedestrian Trail 7th St. E AD GR 5th St. EP Jefferson St. E ST 6t h St. Downtown Stoughton Future Fire Station a in Mill-Fab Property Suitable for Housing Redevelopment - Would Require Business Relocation Du Ya 8th St. 4th St. South St. Highway Trailer Building Proposed Road Access to 4th St. Railroad Corridor Bike and Pedestrian Trail Connection to River Corridor Greenway and Trail ir k nk ha ra Trail Connection to Mandt Park iv e r Dunkirk Park e. Av R Green Way / River Way Bike and Pedestrian Trail Corridor Pedestrian Bridge 3

7 2 BRIDGE & TRAIL OPTIONS Planning Process River Planning Group meetings began on January 31, 2006, where the Group reviewed the objectives of the process and discussed project goals for river planning overall. Potential river crossings, pedestrian and bike paths, and other river restoration projects were discussed at the February 23 meeting. A Improvements/Activities for the Yahara River Corridor, as list of potential projects prioritized by the River Planning Committee was distributed to Group Av. members to rank projects Score Improvement / Activity by priority. Project 4.20 New bridge crossing west of 8th in Mandt Park (see map) priorities were discussed at 4.17 Remove fence along Riverside Park the April 6 meeting. The 4.17 Promote alternate trail route along Academy, Church, and Ridge May 1, 2006 meeting was a 4.15 Additional canoe launch (es) 3.84 Dam abandonment joint River Planning 3.60 New bridge crossing at river adjacent to 8th Street (see map) Group and 3.58 Repair/improve existing canoe launch Redevelopment Steering 3.50 Promote alternate trail loop route along Jefferson and 4th Streets Committee meeting. A 2.84 Repair pier protection at and adjacent to railroad bridge presentation on the Promote business-related river activities preferred (of the original 2.58 Acquire property easements for river trail completion 3) potential bridge 2.58 Bike lane / traffic enhancement along Water St. for trail connection locations at Eighth 2.58 New bridge crossing at Dunkirk Park (see map) Street and at Dunkirk Park 2.25 Misc. Comments - close dam - improve access to river was given. The cost 2.17 Stormwater outflow pipe repair and restoration 2.00 Dam repair/rehabilitation for each crossing was 1.86 Riverbank erosion repair projected to be the same, 1.84 Dam island restoration including fishing dock at about $250, Misc. Comments Close Riverside Drive, make into bike path * Each Group member could rank each item on a scale of 1 through 5, with 5 being the most important Bridge Options The River Planning Group recommended Option #3, the Dunkirk Park crossing. Option #3 necessitates working with the School District, since they own some land on the west side of the Yahara River that is needed for the route. The Group felt that the Dunkirk Park location best achieved the goal of connecting the bike and pedestrian trails on the east side of the City with the rest of the trail system. Appendix A contains a map of the 3 bridge options initially considered, and how they relate to other existing and planned trail and river improvements. A bridge design sheet is included on the following page it shows 2 potential bridge Bridge crossing location at 8th Street. 4

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9 2 BRIDGE & TRAIL OPTIONS designs (both of which would cost roughly the same amount), along with example pictures of bridge designs. The final cost estimate for the bridge was $275,000 (in 2006 dollars). A complete sheet of River Improvement Project Construction Costs, which include the proposed bridge, is included in Appendix B. The bridge is just one of many trail and river improvement measures that are planned other improvements include dam removal, stream bank restoration, and stormwater management improvements. Trail Options Two trail options from Dunkirk Park north to Bridge crossing location at Dunkirk Park. the Yahara River were explored. One followed the rail right-of-way northwest to connect with the existing pedestrian bridge near the rail bridge across the Yahara. The other was north along Academy Street to Church Street, then west on Ridge Street and north and west on Ridgeway Street, to connect with the same existing pedestrian bridge. The rail line was originally thought to be the best option for this trail; however, after further study and exploration, it was determined that the challenges with steep grades on both sides of the tracks would be too difficult to overcome and the alternate Academy Street route was chosen by the River Planning Group and Rail Corridor Redevelopment Committee. Costs for the Academy route are included as part of Appendix B. The estimated cost from the bridge at Dunkirk Park is $29,000 for a paved trail across Dunkirk Park and painting the bike route on existing City streets. Conclusion The bridge and trail routes planned for in this document are a critical part of the long-term ongoing process of redeveloping Stoughton s rail corridor area. They provide access to recreational opportunities that will be needed if high-quality redevelopment is to be attracted to the area. The trail connections and the Yahara River improvements (see Section 3) comprise a comprehensive approach to ecological restoration and river-related recreation that will reconnect the City with its most prominent natural resource. 6

10 3 FURTHER PLANS DNR River Protection Grant Planning Stoughton s primary goals with this project were to define ways to improve its river environment, promote recreational and business activities on and along the river, and improve the community s understanding of the economic value of the Yahara River. The principal challenge of this project was the need to protect the river ecosystem while promoting increased use of the river. This project recommends economically and ecologically beneficial ways to improve access and use of the river after building public consensus for these activities. The City s water front areas are important to the community. Local residents have demonstrated their support for ecologically sensitive improvements to water front areas that promote increased use if they also provide economic advantages for the City. The role the river plays as an amenity for redevelopment is an example of this. Another goal of this project was to create a coordinated approach to protecting the river by forming a permanent river planning organization. A coordinated long-term approach to river planning will increase the efficiency, and effectiveness of river protection activities. The planning project began by identifying major waterfront areas in Stoughton. Then the project produced maps identifying points of public access to these river front areas. Then the project established a river planning group that included members from the private sector (local business owners, recreational users of the river), and the public sector (local government). The project s river planning group promoted communication and coordination between existing groups that were concerned about river activities in the community. The river planning group discussed river related activities and methods to increase river use while protecting the environment. The City will use the report produced by this grant, in conjunction with its other river planning efforts to decide where to expend limited funds on river front improvements. The City has ample park land along the river and would like to link these lands to downtown businesses and the City s recreational trail system. Areas along the river that need rehabilitation or enhancement, such as the eroding shore line, if modified correctly would also benefit the river ecosystem. Stoughton Yahara River Improvements As is apparent from the map in Appendix A, numerous improvements are planned for the Yahara River as it flows through the City of Stoughton. Dam removal, riverbank erosion repair, stormwater outflow improvements, and canoe launch repair and installation are all part of a comprehensive approach to making the Yahara River more accessible to Stoughton citizens, encouraging redevelopment while also making environmental improvements. The photo on this page and those on the following page show some of the locations of the proposed Proposed trail route along west side of river improvements. fence to be removed. 7

11 3 FURTHER PLANS Stormwater outflow improvement. New boat launch and canoe livery building. Stream bank restoration and pier protection at existing railroad crossing. Proposed trail route Riverside Drive. Riverbank erosion repair needed as well. Dam removal and stream bank restoration. Potential fishing dock on island east of dam. 8

12 3 FURTHER PLANS Stoughton Trails The bridge and trail options outlined in Section 2 are part of a larger plan of trail improvements. Other planned trails to complete the trail loop is a trail from the existing Jefferson Street pedestrian bridge south and then east to 4th Street. This trail would require some easement acquisition along the river. From 4th Street the trail would continue along Mandt Park to the preferred bridge crossing at Dunkirk Park (see Appendix A map). One potential trail not outlined on the map is a trail from 4th Street to Dunkirk Park on the north side of the river. Such a trail could occur as part of the redevelopment of industrial property along the river. Riverside Park stream bank restoration area. Riverside Park canoe launch area. 9

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14 Subtotal Dam Options $986, Miscellaneous: 1 Shoreline Restoration Along Yahara River from Railroad to Water Street (assume full length divided by each side) LF 2589 $7.50 $19, Boat launch, seasonal ADA portable toilet with enclosure, Parking lot at Riverside Park with Shoreline Restoration LS 1 $15, $15, Boat launch upgrade in Division St. Park LS 1 $2, $2, Storm sewer outfall repairs EA 10 $1, $10, Public gathering/streetscape facilities at end of Jefferson at Pedestrian Bridge (deck, dock, bike parking, etc) LS 1 $5, $5, Improve existing city building in Division St Park to include concession sales LS 1 $20, $20, Livery Building Rehabilitation (foundation repair, building maintenance) LS 1 $15, $15, Major Storm sewer outfall repairs (North Ave and Adjacent to Railroad Bridge) EA 2 $15, $30, Pier Rehabilitation at Railroad Bridge LS 1 $10, $10, New Trees and shrubs (near toe of slope) to replace fencing at Riverside Park LF 500 $35.00 $17, Subtotal Miscellaneous Options $144, TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST OPTIONS $2,472, Priority 1 High, 5 Low VIERBICHER ASSOCIATES, INC. River Improvement Project Construction Costs - March 23, 2006 City of Stoughton Project Number Construction Cost for year 2006 Item Description Trails 1 Paved Recreational Trail along River parallel to Division St from railroad to North St Measure LF 1552 $39.75 $61, Paint Bike Route on Division, Washington, & Water Streets from North St to Jefferson St. - double line LF 1364 $3.00 $4, A New bridge to replace Existing Pedestrian Bridge & removal of old - Crossing over Yahara River adjacent to Jefferson LS 1 $65, $65, B New Covered Bridge Option to replace existing - Yahara River adjacent to Jefferson LS 1 $150, $150, Paved Recreational Trail along west side of Yahara River From Jefferson to Riverside & Bank Restore (assume easement acquisition) LF 1282 $47.25 $60, Add Trail along edge of Riverside Drive and rip-rapped Shoreline restoration (included additional breaker run base) LF 495 $54.75 $27, Paved Trail to 4th Street with New Bridge or New Pipes in drainage way in Riverside Park (see map) LF 455 $95.00 $43, Paint Bike Route along Jefferson from Water St. to 4th St. Then south on 4th to Mandt Park - double line LF 1953 $3.00 $5, Paved trail along River in Mandt Park to new Bridge including shoreline stabilization (assume full length divided by each side) LF 1632 $54.75 $89, New Bridge from Mandt Park to Dunkirk Park (site 3) LS 1 $275, $275, Paved Trail across Dunkirk Park to Dunkirk Ave LF 360 $39.75 $14, A Paint Bike Route on Academy Avenue from Clay St to Main St. - double line LF 2196 $3.00 $6, B Paint Bike Route on Academy Avenue from Clay St to Veterans Road - double line LF 2165 $3.00 $6, Paint Bike Route along Main from Academy to Church to Ridge to Division to Existing Rail Road Underpass LF 2718 $3.00 $8, Paved trail along railroad from Dunkirk Park to northern trail at the Yahara River including fencing & ramp East South St LF 3471 $60.00 $208, Paved trail along west side of Yahara River from Forton St. north to Yahara River trail along sanitary sewer easement LF 1202 $39.75 $47, New Bridge Across Yahara River from Mandt Park at 8th Street (site 2) LS 1 $250, $250, A Paint Bike Route along 8th St. to South St. - double line LF 711 $3.00 $2, B Paved Bike Trail along East South St. to Rail Road Tracks LF 263 $54.75 $14, C Paint Bike Route along East South St. From Rail Road Tracks to Academy - double line LF 399 $3.00 $1, Subtotal Trail Options $1,341, Dam Site 1 Inspect and Renovate Dam LS 1 $200, $200, Inspect and Renovate Power Generation Building LS 1 $300, $300, Restore Shoreline along dam islands upstream and Downstream from Fourth Street LF 1100 $15.00 $16, ADA Fishing Facility downstream from Fourth St - south side of River LS 1 $20, $20, Remove Dam Water Control Features and abandon power generation capabilities LS 1 $150, $150, Remove Raceway and Power Generation Building LS 1 $300, $300, Units of Estimated Quantity Unit Price Total Amount G:\DATA\COMM.DEV\Stoughton\ River Planning Grant\River Improvement Project Costs.xls