TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Adam Lindsay, ICMA, NCCCMA, PELA, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Sheila Thomas-Ambat, PE, CCM, CSM, CFM, Public Services Director
Philip Hart, Assistant Public Services Director
Brian McGill, PE, PTOE, City Traffic Engineer
Virginia Small, Transportation Planner
DATE: May 6, 2024
RE:
Title
Supplemental Fayetteville Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan Study
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
Executive Summary:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Integrated Mobility Division recently awarded notice to proceed for a consultant team (Kittelson) to develop a Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan Update for the City of Fayetteville, replacing the most recent plan which was completed in 2018. The study will identify deficient areas in the sidewalk, trail, and crosswalk network throughout the city and develop up to 50 cut sheets for individual recommended pedestrian improvement projects.
To supplement the ongoing NCDOT pedestrian plan update effort, staff in response to the direction provided by Council propose to initiate a City-funded pedestrian study that would focus on specific improvements near K-12 public schools within or servicing the City. This study will not include private schools. There are many instances where children cannot safely walk to school even if they live nearby due to the lack of adequate crosswalks or sidewalks near schools and crossing major streets.
The scope of the Supplemental Fayetteville Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan Study includes a detailed network analysis of all school service areas to identify gaps in the pedestrian network and identify additional sidewalk and crosswalk improvement projects to expand the walkable areas around public schools. The study will develop a methodology to prioritize areas based on student enrollment, number of students walking to school, population density, recent bicycle/pedestrian crash history, and adjacent street traffic volume. The project recommendations will also be prioritized based on equity performance measures, public feedback, and the cost/feasibility of improvements. The study will develop an additional 20 cut sheets for pedestrian improvement projects near schools and is intended to target needs in the City.
Background:
On November 7, 2022 the City Council Agenda Item Request was made by Council Member Thompson to gain support for allocating funds for sidewalks from Raeford Road to Beta Road. Discussion ensued pertaining to sidewalks around schools in the City. Consensus of Council was to direct staff to identify all schools that do not have sidewalks and report back to Council at a future meeting.
On March 6, 2023 work session, Staff presented a draft list of sidewalk projects for approval to construct with General Obligation Bond funding. Discussion ensued pertaining to sidewalks around schools. The City Manager stated staff will research installing sidewalks around schools and will report back.
On September 5, 2023 work session, Staff presented maps of draft sidewalk projects that encompassed areas within a one-mile radius of all public schools. The school analysis indicated approximately 85% of projects were located within a one-mile radius of schools. Staff presented four options to City Council, City Council approved Option 1; to proceed with the projects identified from 2018 Pedestrian Plan and CIP (Funded by General Obligation Bond - $2 million in FY24, $3 million in FY25 & FY26).
On November 6, 2023 a City Council Member Agenda Item Request was made by Council Member Thompson to gain consensus from Council to direct staff to conduct a sidewalk study to ensure the one-mile radius of school connectivity is directly connected to school grounds; these types of safety measures are essential in keeping our children safe. Discussion ensued. Ms. Sheila Thomas-Ambat, Public Services Director, stated that NCDOT is driving the Pedestrian Plan. Consensus of Council was to direct staff to conduct a sidewalk study regarding the sidewalk gaps around schools, using General Obligation Bond funding to pay for the study.
On January 8, 2024 City Council approved the Municipal Agreement with NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) for the update to the Fayetteville Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan. The estimated cost of the Project was $142,500.00 with 50% cost share from the City of $71,250.00. A notice to proceed (NTP) was issued by NCDOT IMD on March 7, 2024. A kickoff meeting was held with NCDOT, City Staff and Consultant (Kittelson) on March 28, 2024. The update is expected to be completed in Spring of 2025.
Based on the November 6, 2023 work session and NCDOT IMD selection of the Consultant, Staff coordinated and received a sidewalk scope and fee to study gaps around public schools. This study will supplement the plan update to the Fayetteville Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan.
Issues/Analysis:
Sidewalk network for pedestrians with focus around schools.
Budget Impact:
Fee of $178,059.96.
Options:
City Council provide consensus on scope of work and fee.
Remand to staff with guidance.
Recommended Action:
Approve the scope of work and fee for the Supplemental Fayetteville Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan Study.
Attachments:
Supplemental Fayetteville Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan_scope
Ped Plan_City Council May 2024 Presentation