RIVER ARTS DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION PROJECT A section of the Public Meeting #3 December 6, 2012
The RiverWay Plan The Wilma Dykeman RiverWay is a 17 mile corridor along the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers. The Master Plan consolidates 20 years of planning for the redevelopment of the urban riverfront corridor by RiverLink and was adopted by the City of Asheville.
Project History
Project Background This project will implement portions of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Master Plan, the City of Asheville s 2025 Plan and the City of Asheville Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts and Greenways Master Plan and will be coordinated with other City plans and initiatives such as East of the River. nitiatives such as East o Image from Land Use Plan from the 2025 Plan (2000) Image from the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Master Plan (2004) Image from the Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts and Greenways Master Plan (2009)
City of Asheville Website Links to city approved plans that relate to this project can be found at the City of Asheville website: http://www.ashevillenc.gov/
Project Study Area
Project Goals Implement previous plans Create a unique gateway Connect adjacent neighborhoods Promote Smart Growth principles Increase multimodal choices Enhance economic competitiveness & sustainable redevelopment Provide recreational opportunities Promote equitable, affordable housing Enhance economic competitiveness Improve environmental protection and water quality Develop opportunities for streetscapes, amenities, and public art Minimize conflict points for bicyclists and pedestrians Preserve future mobility through access management Provide more transportation choices LIVABILITY Support existing communities Coordinate policies and leverage investment t Value communities and neighborhoods oods
Purpose and Need To improve the existing roadway geometric deficiencies along Riverside Drive and Lyman Street between Amboy Road (SR 3556) and Hill Street (SR 1231); and To enhance the multimodal mobility and system linkages (vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle) along Lyman Street and Riverside Drive by providing efficient and convenient access from Amboy Road to Hill Street.
Purpose and Need
Challenges/Opportunities
Challenges/Opportunities
Precedent Photos
Precedent Photos
Precedent Photos
Railroad Crossing Concepts
Railroad Crossing Concepts
Alternatives Build upon previous work/studies Understand Challenges Take a fresh look at Opportunities Preferred alternative: Improve & Reconfigure intersections Multi-modal access Transit stops, Bridges Stormwater retention features Other (river access, public art, etc) Parks/Open Space Traffic calming measures Railroad crossing modifications
Project Alternatives Segments same in all colors
Recommended Alternative
Typical Cross-Sections All Locations Two 11-foot wide travel lanes Two 5-foot wide bike lanes Two 5-foot wide sidewalks 10-12 foot wide multi-use path Some Locations Median On-street parking
Impacts of Recommended Alternative Impact Category Plants & Animals Water Resources Historic Resources Community Resources Hazardous Materials Land Use Visual Economics Noise Description - Unlikely to impact Threatened or Endangered Species - Minor potential to impact other species -Impacts to streams due to replacement of pipes and culverts - Project lies within floodplain & floodway; permits will be required - Minor impacts on the Riverside Industrial Historic District - Minor impacts on the former Hans Rees Tannery (historic site) - Archaeological monitoring during construction - 0.05 acres of right-of-way within Jean Webb Park and 0.70 acres of right-of-way within city-owned parcel south of Jean Webb Park, planned for future park use - No residential relocations - Four business relocations - Additional right-of-way required from 19 parcels with known contamination - Project supports ongoing redevelopment efforts - No perceptible impacts - No perceptible impacts - No perceptible impacts
Historic Resources NS Railroad Bridge (1910) Old Smoky Park Bridge (1950) Riverside Industrial Historic District (1880-1954) Former Hans Rees Tannery (c. 1917) NS Roundhouse (c. 1926)
Section 4(f) WHY IS YELLOW/GREEN THE RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE? All the alternatives shown on the previous page were screened against the Project Purpose and Need then against federal law. Specifically, Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act protects publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, and historic sites. By law, a Section 4(f) property may be converted to a transportation use only if there is no prudent and feasible alternative and if the project includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the resource. Of all the alternatives considered, Yellow and Green led to the fewest impacts on Section 4(f) resources. However, they do still lead to impacts. Land within two historic resources the Riverside Industrial Historic District and the former Hans Rees Tannery would be converted to a transportation use. At both locations, the additional right-of-way is minor and located adjacent to existing roadways. On-street parking and medians were removed from the proposed cross-section to minimize the new area required. Therefore, these takes count as De Minimis or minor uses. Provide your comments on these Section 4(f) Uses
Section 4(f)
Project Environmental Process Define Project Purpose Stakeholder & Public Coordination Throughout Technical & Environmental Studies Develop Alternatives Screen Alternatives Select Recommended Alternative
Public Involvement
Project Newsletters Project Newsletters
Agency Coordination & Team Work Sessions
Google Earth 3D Model
Discover America's Best Places to Live Article http://livability.com/asheville/nc/attractions/ashevilles-river-arts-district-cresting-success The River Arts District has flourished amazingly well in the last five years. It s continuing to grow; people are purchasing buildings and investing in this area. New construction, building renovation and an influx of restaurants, new businesses and full-time residents have created a hip urban feel down by the river. Events spaces, framing shops, healthand pet-care providers, landscape architects, building suppliers and nonprofit organizations are all adding to the vibe that is the River Arts District.