CITY S GOALS DRIVE MODE CHOICE IN WINSTON-SALEM, NC Taiwo Jaiyeoba HDR, Transit Principal, Atlanta, GA Claire Brinkley HDR, Transit Planner, Charlotte, NC
AGENDA 1. Project Background 2. Project Process 3. Public Involvement Program 4. Public Participation Process Project Goals Route selection Mode selection 5. Public Participation Activities
PROJECT BACKGROUND PREVIOUS STUDIES Legacy Comprehensive Plan (2001, Updated in 2012): Promotes the construction of a modern rail streetcar system to connect destinations in the larger Center City area and be a catalyst for development. Promotes transit connections between Downtown and suburban areas to increase ridership. 2006 Streetcar Feasibility Study: Established concept for streetcar route through urban core. Envisions a plan that encourages new residential development, establishes better transportation linkages and stimulates other parts of the city and surrounding areas.
PROJECT PROCESS Initial Screening Stakeholders Input Conceptual Engineering Ridership Estimates Continuous Public Participation Stakeholders Input Spring 2012 Summer 2012 Fall 2012 Summer 2013 Select a Route Select a Technology/ Refine Route Review and Adoption ROUTE AND VEHICLE OPTIONS ROUTE SELECTION TECHNOLOGY SELECTION / ROUTE REFINEMENT LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM GUIDING PRINCIPLES Principle #1 Principle #2 Principle #3 Principle #4 Early & continuous public involvement throughout the planning process. Adequate opportunities for public input and timely information to citizens. Meet the requirements of Environmental Justice by engaging the traditionally underserved. Adequate notice of public participation activities and sufficient time for public review and comments. Principle #5 Periodic review of public involvement efforts by the City to ensure full and open access to all. Principle #6 East tounderstand materials and website content. Principle #7 Convenient and accessible locations for public forums to encourage participation.
SETTING PROJECT GOALS Enhance Economic Competitiveness Focus development and coordinate investments to maximize economic return and minimize sprawl Encourage a mixture of uses including equitable and affordable housing Protect and enhance the City s distinct character Increase Mobility Options Connect key destinations in urban core Connect to local and regional transit to provide the last mile of service Support existing communities and infrastructure Extend pedestrian connectivity Developed using input from Policy Advisory and Technical Committees made up of key organizational and institutional stakeholders such as Innovator Quarter and WFBMC, WSSU, DWSP, Chamber, DOT Board, PART, RJR, Goler CDC, WSTA, Council Rep., etc.
SELECTING A MODE Streetcar Fixed rail technology, operating in mixed traffic Enhanced Bus Bus option offering physical and technological enhancements Standard Bus Continuation of current local bus service
PROPOSED ROUTE/PROPOSED MODE
PROPOSED ROUTE CONNECTS Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Over 11,000 Baptist Medical Center employees) Winston Salem State University (Approximately 6,500 students) East Winston Commercial Center Downtown Winston Salem (currently has 20,000 employees and 2,500 residents) The Wake Forest Innovator Quarter (6.1 million gross square feet and an estimated 20,000 additional employees) BB&T Ballpark with 300,000 game day and 50,000 non game day visitors annually Downtown regional business and arts center, home to special events venues The Transportation Center, serving nearly 11,000 passengers per day Union Station, possible future destination for commuter and intercity rail
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES 3 Open Houses Planning Workshop 9 Policy/Tech Committee Meetings 11 Focused Group Meetings Briefings with Elected Officials 5 Fact Sheets Public Survey Project Website Social Media
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES Walkshop walking tour of corridors Routing workshop including string activity (each string represented $12 million)
NEXT STEPS FTA Briefing City Council Presentation & Decision
APPENDIX
KEY MILESTONES FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Define Goals and Objectives Meet with Technical & Policy committees Open House Develop and Screen Initial Alternatives Meet with Technical & Policy committees Public Outreach activities Project Website Evaluate Alternatives Meet with Technical & Policy committees Open House Public Outreach Activities Select Locally Preferred Alternative Open House Meet with Technical & Policy committees Project Website
SELECTING A ROUTE Initial Screening of Conceptual Route Alternatives Detailed Evaluation Select Locally Preferred Alternative Spaghetti Map overlaid on: Vacant and Underutilized properties Zoning Districts Historic Districts Activity Centers
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES Public Survey (Over 200 people participated) Project Website Social Media