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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-16-1995 - V-B 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 16, 1995 Action Agenda Item # SUBJECT: RESOLUTION - PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGIONAL TRANSIT PLAN DEPARTMENT: PLANNING PUBLIC HEARING: Yes X No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: -Mobility Choices -Triangle Fixed Guideway Study, Spring 1995 Slade McCalip/Extension 2595 - 3/7/95 Letter from TTA -TTA Draft Resolution TELEPHONE NUMBERS: - Draft Resolution Hillsborough 732-8181 - 5/5/95 McCalip Memo to Durham 688-7331 Planning Director Mebane 227-2031 Chapel Hill 967-9251 PURPOSE: To consider a resolution concerning the Preliminary •A Regional Transit Plan for the Triangk. BACKGROUND: At the April 21, 1995 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, Ms. Shirley Marshall, TTA Board of Trustees, and Mr. Jim Ritchie, TTA General Manger, presented the Preliminary •A Regional Transit Plan for the lWangk. The preliminary recommendations call for the expansion of the Regional Bus Service and development of a Regional Rail System using self-propelled diesel cars. The goal of the transit system is to provide substantial passenger carrying capacity for congested corridors, incentives for focusing growth, a cost effective transportation alternative for regional communities, and improved mobility for residents throughout the region. The TTA has requested that Board of County Commissioners consider adopting a resolution (similar to the TTA example) by May 31, 1995. The Planning Board will receive a presentation on the Preliminary •A Regional Transit Plan for the 7Wangk at its May 15, 1995 meeting, including a draft resolution (attached) based on the TTA example and comments recommended for inclusion in the Plan. A verbal report will be given of the Planning Board's recommendation at this meeting. Information provided previously by the TTA is attached. A separate memorandum outlining land use planning considerations in implementation of the Plan is also provided. RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends approval of the attached resolution and comments. 2 al TTA Triangle Transit Authority March 7, 1995 The Honorable Moses Carey,Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners P.O.Box 8 181 Hillsborough,NC 27278 Dear Commiss' ,� amrey-: Enclosed are the Triangle Transit Authority's Preliminary Recommendations for a Regional Transit Plan. These recommendations have been developed through over three years of technical study and far reaching community participation. In the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study Process,TTA has worked to involve all of the units of government, as well as the business community, the universities, and private institutions. Hundreds of Triangle Area citizens have given their time and energy to make this work possible. TTA requests that the Orange County Board of Commissioners consider our Preliminary Recommendations for a Regional Transit Plan. These preliminary recommendations call for the expansion of the Regional Bus Service and development of a Regional Rail system using self-propelled diesel cars. Full implementation of this plan will prov time competitive transit options in our most congested corridors. We have found that, with the Triangle's projectEN' growth, like other places in America; no possible system of highways or transit will solve traffic congestion. The regional transit system will provide substantial passenger carrying capacity for congested corridors, incentives for focusing growth, a cost effective transportation alternative for regional commuters,and improved mobility for residents throughout the Region. We are requesting that Orange County, along with the TTA and the Town of Chapel Hill, hold public meetings during April to receive Citizen input on the Regional Transit Plan. This is intended to initiate a review and input process that will assist in evaluating the proposed Regional Transit Plan. TTA is seeking Orange County's response by May 31, 1995. For your reference,we have prepared the accompanying suggested resolution. Your comments and support will enable TTA, in continued cooperation with the Orange County,to move forward with the Implementation Recommendations, which include negotiations with the railroads, further engineering work and planning studies. With a refined Plan, including updated capital and operating cost estimates, we will return to you before an implementation decision is finalized. The Triangle Transit Authority's Board of Trustees appreciates Orange County's support in the development of the Regional Transit Plan. Working together,we can establish a cost effective regional transit system. Sincerely, Sandy Ogbr(Chair Ilk Board of Trustees Suite 206. 50 Park Drive A P.O.Box 13787 A Research Triangle Park A North Carolina 27709 0 Regional Bus:(919)549.9999 A Office:(919)4061710 A Fax(919)990-9127 3 _ RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PRELIMINARY RECOMIYIENDATIONS FOR A REGIONAL TRANSIT PLAN WHEREAS, in •1989, the NC Legislature, Durham, Orange and Wake Counties, the Cities of Durham and Raleigh and the Towns of Cary and Chapel Hill,created the Triangle Transit Authority to finance, provide, operate and maintain a safe, clean, reliable, convenient, energy efficient, economical and environmentally sound public transportation system, in order to enhance mobility and encourage sound growth patterns;and WHEREAS, in 1990, during their joint meeting, the Greater Raleigh and Durham-Chapel Hill- Carrboro Transportation Advisory Committees adopted a Land Use and Public Transportation Action Agenda in which the Triangle Transit Authority, in coordination with local governments and appropriate regional agencies, was directed to evaluate possible corridors and fixed guideway technologies for potential implementation;and WHEREAS,with the support and funding of the State and the participation of the units of local government, the Triangle Transit Authority received a Federal Transit Administration grant and initiated the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study to determine the desirability,feasibility and location of a fixed guideway transit system;and WHEREAS, the Triangle Transit Authority has worked cooperatively with the public, elected and appointed officials, managers and staff from Durham, Orange and Wake Counties,the Cities of Durham and Raleigh, the Towns of Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Carrboro, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon, the NC Department of Transportation , the Triangle Region's Institutions, major employers, economic and real estate development, financial, transportation and other public and private sector agencies,business and community groups,on this Study;and WWHEEREAS, based on the Study and input received from the public, elected and appointed officials, and public and private institutions, the Triangle Transit Authority has developed Preliminary Recommendations for a Regional Transit Plan. NOW,THEREFORE,be it resolved by the Orange County Board of Commissioners that 1. The Orange County Board of Commissioners expresses its appreciation to Nancy Lee Lunn, who is serving as Orange County's appointment to the Triangle Transit Authority's Triangle Fixed Guideway Study Advisory Committee, and for the time and effort of Orange County's staff,who continue to work cooperatively with the Triangle Transit Authority. 2. The Orange County Board of Commissioners has reviewed TTA's Preliminwy Recommendations for a Regional Transit Plan, and requests that the Triangle Transit Authority incorporate the attached comments in the Regional Transit Plan. Consistent with these comments, the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports the adoption of the Regional Transit Plan as the Long Range Transit Plan and the incorporation of the Plan in the Long Range Transportation Plan, by the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MPO Transportation Advisory Committee. 3. The Triangle Transit Authority is hereby encouraged to implement Regional Bus Service improvements at the earliest possible date. 4 4. The Triangle Transit Authority is hereby encouraged to negotiate agreements with the railroads for access to the right-of-way for Regional Rail operation. 5. The Orange County Manager is hereby directed to work cooperatively with the Triangle Transit Authority on the coordination of transit routes with Regional Rail stops and the development of station area plans. 6. The North Carolina General Assembly is hereby requested to establish a permanent funding source permitting the long term implementation of the Regional Transit Plan. 7. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is hereby requested to provide state funds,supporting implementation of the Regional Transit Plan. Passed and adopted this day of 1995 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS 5 FOR A REGIONAL TRANSIT PLAN WHEREAS, in 1989, the NC Legislature, Durham, Orange and Wake Counties, the cities of Durham and Raleigh and the Towns of Cary and Chapel Hill, created the Triangle Transit Authority to finance, provide, operate and maintain a safe, clean, reliable, convenient, energy efficient, economical and environmentally sound public transportation system, in order to enhance mobility and encourage sound growth patterns; and WHEREAS, in 1990, during their joint meeting, the Greater Raleigh and Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Transportation Advisory Committees adopted a Land Use and Public Transportation Action Agenda in which the Triangle Transit Authority, in coordination with local governments and appropriate regional agencies, was directed to evaluate possible corridors and fixed guideway technologies for potential implementation; and WHEREAS, with the support and funding of the state and the participation of the units of local government, the Triangle Transit Authority received a Federal Transit Administration grant and initiated the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study to determine the desirability, feasibility and location of a fixed guideway transit system; and WHEREAS, the Triangle Transit Authority has worked cooperatively with the public, elected and appointed officials, managers and staff from Durham, Orange and Wake Counties, the Cities of Durham and Raleigh, the Towns of Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Carrboro, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon, the NC Department of Transportation, the Triangle Region' s Institutions, major employers, economic and real estate development, financial, transportation and other public and private sector agencies, business and community groups, on this Study; and WHEREAS, based on the Study and input received from the public, elected and appointed officials, and public and private institutions, the Triangle Transit Authority has developed Preliminary Recommendations for a Regional Transit Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Orange County Board of Commissioners that: 1 . The Orange County Board of Commissioners expresses its appreciation to Nancy Lee Lunn, who is serving as Orange County' s appointment to the Triangle Transit Authority' s Triangle Fixed Guideway Study Advisory Committee, and for the time and effort of Orange County's staff, who continue to work cooperatively with the Triangle Transit Authority. 2 . The Orange County Board of Commissioners has reviewed TTA's Preliminary Recommendations for a Regional Transit Plan, and requests that the Triangle Transit Authority incorporate the attached comments in the Regional Transit Plan. Consistent with these comments, the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports the adoption of the Regional Transit Plan as the Long Range Transit Plan and the incorporation of the Plan in the Long Range Transportation Plan, by the Durham-Chapel Hill- Carrboro MPO Transportation Advisory Committee. 6 3. The Triangle Transit Authority is hereby encouraged to implement Regional Bus Service improvements at the earliest possible date. 4. The Triangle Transit Authority is hereby encouraged' to negotiate agreements with the railroads for access to the right-of-way for Regional Rail operation. 5. The Orange County Manager is hereby directed to work cooperatively with the Triangle Transit Authority on the coordination of transit routes with the Regional Rail stops and the development of station area plans. 6. The North Carolina General Assembly is hereby requested to establish a permanent funding source permitting the long term implementation of the Regional Transit Plan. 7 . The North Carolina Department of Transportation is hereby requested to provide state funds, supporting implementation of the Regional Transit Plan. Passed and adopted this the 16th day of May, 1995. ORANGE COUNTY COMMENTS ON THE 7 PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A REGIONAL TRANSIT PLAN FIRST PHASE RECOMMENDATIONS A. That the Plan emphasize that HOV/Busway options will be studied for the I-40 and I-85 corridors in Orange County. B. That the Plan state that the ridership and forecasted ridership for the Regional Bus Service to Hillsborough will be monitored closely (to include an annual rider survey) . C. That the Plan state that TTA will coordinate and provide technical assistance for the development of a Long Range (twenty year) Local Bus Service Master Plan to define local bus service in Orange County (especially service provision between the towns of Chapel Hill\Carrboro and Hillsborough) . D. That the Plan include a Travel Demand Management Element that would increase the marketing and provision of vanpool\carpool services in Orange County. This element could include the construction of Park & Ride lots and access to the realtime ridesharing database in the form of public information kiosks located in Hillsborough, Carrboro and Chapel Hill. E. That the Plan state that more station areas, in addition to the University Station area, will be studied in Orange County for possible extension of Regional Rail Service. Examples of two areas that could be studied are the vicinity of the intersection of NEW NC 86 and I-85 and the Buckhorn Economic Development District area. SECOND PHASE RECOMMENDATIONS A. That the Plan state that a variety of mass transit improvements be implemented in the 15-501 corridor and not just fixed rail. B. That the Plan emphasize the implementation and/or expansion of HOV/Busway facilities that have been found feasible in the FIRST PHASE. C. That the Plan state that Regional Rail service to Hillsborough may be implemented in this phase (depending upon the existing and forecasted ridership on the Regional Bus Service) . g TTA - Triangle Fixed Guideway Study Triangle Transit Authority Spring 1995 What Happens Next? Preliminary Recommendations: Now that the TTA Board of Trustees A Regional Transit Plan for the Triangle has approved the Preliminary Rec- Based on its two year study of the Triangle Region's goals and needs,alternatives for land use and transportation,and public input throughout the planning process,the ommendations for a Regional Tram- TTA has developed a preliminary Regional Transit Plan that includes the following recommendations: sit Plan,local governments and TTA Phase I Recommendations: 1995-2002 will hold joint public meetings in ► Operate regional rail in the NC Railroad(NCRR)and CSX rail corridors connecting nI to.review the recommenda- Durham,Research Triangle Park(RTP),Raleigh-Durham Airport(RDU),Morrisville, -:_ Cary, Raleigh and North Raleigh. (ions and gather and responses before the plan is community input 1 Plan and develop fixed guideway transit for the U.S. 15-501 corridor between po' " Chapel Hill and Durham. 1 Study a rail extension to the Airport and the proposed mid-region hub. finally approved and implemented. ► Use shuttle or feeder bus systems to connect people beyond walking distance to Along with this local review and rail stations; coordinate existing bus services to serve the rail stations. approval process,TTA will negotiate ► Provide direct express and increased local bus service between Chapel Hill and the rail stations at Duke and RTP;and between North Raleigh and the RTP stations. operating agreements with the rail- 1 Extend TTA Regional Bus Service to Apex,Garner,Fuquay-Varina,Hillsborough, roads,complete environmental stud- Holly Springs,Knightdale,North Durham, North Raleigh,Wake Forest,Wendell, and Zebulon. ies,and'determine final capital and ► Preserve rail corridors throughout the region in anticipation of long-term rail operating costs. expansions. 1 Consider high-occupancy vehicle(HOV)lanesfor expansion or new construction TTA will move ahead with the plan of highways. Phase 11 Recommendations:2003-2010 only if—at each stage of the plan- ► Construct and operate a fixedguideway system between Chapel Hill and Durham. ning—local communities support 1 Coordinate construction of an Airport connector with RDU's people mover. the plan,costs appear to be reason- ► Extend the North Raleigh line from Spring Forest Road to the Outer Loop. able,and funding is available. As ► Continue to study HOV facilities for new and expanded highways. Long-Term Recommendations:2020 in earlier phases of this project,your 1 Evaluate expansion of regional rail service to Apex, Garner, Fuquay-Varina, opinions on the Regional Transit Plan Hillsborough, Knightdale, North Durham, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon. and howwell it meets the needs of the About this issuo... This issue of Mobility Choices resents the want more information on the Regional Triangle Region are crucial in build- TTA's Preliminary Recommendations for a Transit Plan,please contact: ing consensus on development of a Regional Transit Plan. The articles describe Juanita Shearer-Swink,ASLA Phases I and II and the Long-term recom- Triangle Transit Authority fixed guideway transit system. At- mendations,outline the benefits of the plan, P.O. Box 13787,RTP,NC 27709 tend a public meeting near and provide answers to some of your ques- (919)406-1710/Fax:990-9127 P 9 youl tions. If you have comments,questions,or Spring 1995, Choices page 2 9 " Triangle Fixed Guideway Study ^.1 Regional Transit Plan ;�z:fUCtt -"O. gi o Durh : '- nge Cotfn ounty =. s - s time, thansWvicaes;- rC1il Will tLtl °attrnQCtifLY10S�Sef�10� iegKKt�S;- ..• _ � \ is : g4,..�'.. Tr>lam .4 ; ;K Ev ll u irrsgtot�cd Fores< Rolesv Wake Cou ,:au s Mght e Suggested Components i •°r _�1 --dVadell Phase 1 Rail Routes /{ • �" Phase 2 Rail Routes " �'' • Phase 2 HOV/Busway r Long-Term Rail Extensions �., • Express Bus Stops V k $",` • Shuttle Bus Stops 50000 FEE1 ' e What are the Benefits of the Regional Transit Plan. I /LINKS THE TRIANGLE A � i° - '^ ` aK �° The proposed regional transit system will work and the fulfillment of the American oiic. Wort., For..i .;" operate along the spine of the Triangle, Dream. ` , t :y ti"":,I _ using existing rail corridors and new tracks east.Du4f W`�wrll be d s}torF~ near the Airport and between Durham The Regional Transit Plan suggests a sys- ride away=�cbout 10 blocks?: .' p tem that accommodates both of these ideas. Durham Bulls fans the station.wig;:` and Chapel Hill. It connects the universi- As we continue to grow,Triangle citizens ' ties,the region's largest cities,the Airport, be a one biockwalk koii the neaar-; will make choices about where they live most major employment centers, and all ball park.AtNCState; rgeti:o�=% and work. Because of the increasing cost major sports and event complexes. Bythe of housing and the increased value of ngwith StateFai�irall"K;. g a year 2020, the planned regional rail Sys- leisure time, more buses will quidrly b'i ftms from.: tem will provide time-competitive transit people are choosing ` `'" � ' "-°` condominiums,cluster homes townhouses the rail station."to ei Carter-, choices for more than half of the region's ' Finley Stadium or the Sfi�te s new: and smaller lot sizes. In the future, the households and over' of its compact and increased near Sports and EntertainmentCompl�c: employees. Linked together by regional p g mobility And,-of course, the line will transit stations will appeal to many house- �P , rail, local buses, and regional express holds. adjacent to the fairgrounds..Why.' buses, citizens will have real, time com- driveandparkbngdistancesfrom: petitive alternatives to the private auto. Commercial development and redevelop- : the gates when you will be able to : /FOCUSES GROWTH AND ment opportunities will also be common take regional rail to a station within around the transit stations.Fortunately,the 100 yards of the main gate2M ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Phase I and II regional rail system serves iTA expech that regional rail,like To some, continued suburban sprawl is many of the locations that Triangle com- newrailtransitsystemsin rail,li6 ' the problem of modern America. It leads munities have identified for more develop- newraieransit ystemsui Portlame to a lack of community identity, loss of ment. Development and redevelopment only a few), will . popular me open space, traffic congestion and air in these areas will resultin lowerlong-term cause it provides real mobility ber pollution. To others,continued develop- public and private costs because the sup- ment of predominantly large-lot, single- porting infrastructure is already in place. Lions to Triangle citizens. family homes is the free market system at (continued on page 3) Spring 1995, Choices page 3 More Benefits... - - ►INCREASES CAPACITY Of 10 CONGESTED CORRIDORS In some roadway corridors, planned For some people, transit choices may /MAINTAINS QUALITY highway construction will enable traffic reap substantial savings of both time and OF LIFE to continue to move smoothly. How- money. Consider the case of a house- Many people have chosen to live in the ever,in many areas,after roadways have hold member who commutes from Ra- Triangle region for its quality of life. They been widened to eight or ten lanes, no leigh to Duke. By using the regional have left areas where growth and oppor- further options will exist to accommo- transit service,this person could reduce tunity were more limited because of op- date the growing flood of automobile the family's auto fleet by one car. Using pressive traffic congestion and uncon- traffic. By 2020, even with completion a monthly pass for regional rail, the trolled urban sprawl. For Fortune of all planned highway projects,ata cost family would be able to save $2,952 Magazine's 1993"Best Cities"article,the of more than $3 billion dollars, 29%of annually. researchers found that if the Triangle re- our peak hour travel will be bumper to gion does not improve its land use and bumper and stop and roll. ►BUILDS ON EXISTING transportation decisions,the region"runs Like other transit systems across America, INFRASTRUCTURE the risk of becoming Los Angeles with the regional transit system will provide Using the existing, underutilized rail seasons." By integrating our land use and alternative choices for travelers in con- lines makes good economic sense,es- transportation decisions, TTA's Regional gested corridors. In the proposed plan, pecially when the taxpayers already Transit Plan is a step toward preserving the regional rail system will provide a own seventy-five percent of the North and improving our future quality of life. time-competitive option for commuters Carolina Railroad. Options that re- PROMOTES GLOBAL who choose to leave their cars behind. quire new guideways, such as light In addition, fixed guideway transit pro- rail or HOV/Busway, would cost a COMPETITIVENESS vides the capability to expand capacity least $.5 billion more than the re- Triangle residents often remark about without the kind of disruption apaci y gional rail system. This large cost their travels to Europe or Japan, where without highway construction. As advantage more than justifies using they have found communities in which ated travel demand increases, regional rail's the existing infrastructure as the basis public transportation is an integral part capacity can increase simply by adding for the system. of the transportation system. As the Triangle grows,we must compete in the cars to a train. At maximum capacity— 'RA's proposed regional rail system is global marketplace. To remain com- three-car trains operating six minutes also flexible. Service can be extended petitive,the Triangle must have a world apart—the regional rail system can pro- wherever tracks exist and whenever a class transportation system that provides vide the passenger-carrying capacity of cooperative agreement with railroad real choices. just as we travel outside the a six-lane highway. can be negotiated. This means that United States and enjoy using superior virtually all of the region's small towns public transportation systems, we must ►PROVIDES ACCESS TO JOBS and outlying communities are included provide visitors to the Triangle with the AND EMPLOYEES in the Regional Transit Plan as pos- level of public transportation expected Employers and employees alike will ben- sible long-range rail extensions. in world-class regions. efit from regional transit. Employerswill be able to attract employees from a larger geographic area. They will also be able to benefit from lower develop- ment costs because fewer parking spaces will be required. Employees, especially low income and disadvantaged workers, will be able to broaden their opportunities. With the j", start of the regional bus system in 1993, job seekers have been able to travel across the Triangle in search of opportu- nities. But the cost in time can be -, substantial; a Durham to Raleigh ex- press bus ride takes 75 minutes. The same trip on regional rail will take only 44 minutes,nearly cutting the round trip commute in half. Self-propelled diesel rail vehicle-Regional Rail Spring 1995, Choices page 4 (questions & Answers 11 What is Regional Rail? The regional rail vehicle is a self-pro- started in Northern Virginia(VRE),Mary- How will the RDU Airport pelled diesel rail car. Although it's not land (MARC) and South Florida (Tri- be connected? currently being used in the U.S., the Rail). These systems began with only RDU Airport is the Triangle's portal to regional rail vehicle is used in Europe peak hour one direction service to ma- the nation and the world. Enabling easy and Australia for short-to medium-dis- jor downtowns. Because of customer connections between air travel and re- tance commuter rail service. The ve- requests,these systems are now adding gional ground transportation is a key hicle is also a descendant of the rail- trains in both directions and mid-day component of the Regional Transit Plan. buses that used to operate here in the services. TTA has coordinated its plans with U.S. Several manufacturers, including Dallas/Fort Worth is also planning a RDU's own long-range master plan, ABB and Siemens Duewag, are explor- regional rail line in combination with which calls for a people-mover system ing the American market and develop- DART's light rail system. The regional between terminals, public parking, the ing a modified vehicle to meet Federal rail route is planned to operate on the rental car area and the planned regional Railroad Administration requirements. Burlington-Northern freight railroad for rail system. TTA hopes to have the Does the Triangle Have Sufficient 42milesbetween Dallasand Fort Worth. airport connector ready intimeforopen- Population Density to Support Improvements include an extension to ing of the people-mover. Fixed Guideway Transit? the airport. Initially,the system will use In the meantime,Triangle residents will By 2020,the Triangle metropolitan area 13 refurbished 1945 vintage self-pro- have easy access to RDU via the re- is expected to have an average popula- pelled diesel cars. gional rail system. From the Morrisville tion density of 414 persons per square Regional rail lines using self-propelled regional rail stop,transit customers will mile (1991 density = 253 persons per cars are also under development in Syra- board shuttle buses for a direct trip to square mile). Metropolitan areas with cuse, New York; Burlington, Vermont; RDU'sterminal. The airport shuttle will similar population densities, like Port- Cape May,New Jersey;North San Diego, meet each and every train for quick and land(310 persons per square mile),Sac- California;and Seattle,Washington. easy connections. ramento(339 persons per square mile), and St. Louis (394 persons per square mile), have developed fixed guideway transit systems. Our market analysis demonstrates that Phase 1 Phase II by 2020, 665,000 people will work within three miles of stations. With this Costs Duke Univ.- Dtn Raleigh- Chapel Hill- Airport concentration of homes and jobs within (in millions) Dtn.Raleigh Spring Forest Rd. Duke Univ. Connector a short drive or bus ride to the stations, the proposed regional rail system will Capital $967 $52 be as successful as other North Ameri- . .8 $165.0 $82.2 can fixed guideway systems. Operating Guideway $3.1-$6.7 $1.4-$3.0 $1.6-$3.4 ' Have other North American Cities Additional Bus $11.9 $12.2 — • Used Regional Rail? Commuter rail lines with some of the attributes of regional rail have been Note:•indicates negligible costs.—indicates not available. BULK RATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID T�q DURHAM,NC 27701 PERMIT NO. 14 Triangle Transit Authority Slade McCalip Suite 206,50 Park Drive P.O.Box 13787 Orange County Planning Dept. RTP,NC 27709 P.O. BOX 8181 Hillsborough,NC 27278 ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT 12 306F REVERE ROAD HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278 11 3; to.`. To: Marvin Collins, Director CC: Gene Bell, Planner III From: Slade S. McCalip, Transportation Planner II Date: May 5, 1995 Subject: Land Use Planning Considerations for A Regional Transit Plan At the Board of County Commissioners meeting held on March 21, 1995 Shirley Marshall and Jim Ritchey of the Triangle Transit Authority presented their Preliminary Recommendations for a Regional Transit Plan. After their presentation Commissioner Gordon requested additional information concerning changes to be made to the Orange County Comprehensive Plan to support the Regional Transit Plan. This memo addresses, in a general manner, the land use/transit planning coordination issues that may arise upon the adoption of Preliminary Recommendations for a Regional Transit Plan. It should be noted that, even if the Regional Transit Plan is not adopted at this time, small area comprehensive land use planning along the rail corridor through orange County is occurring now and proposed for the future. Small area plans in process or under consideration include: a) The Stoney Creek Small Area Plan is currently underway, and the planning process for this project includes consideration of a concept plan focused around a regional rail stop and a neo-traditional development pattern; b) An Economic Development District (EDD) for the area around I-85/NC 86 is a proposed objective for FY 1995-96 as a cooperative planning project with the Town of Hillsborough; and C) The expansion of the I-85/Buckhorn Road EDD is another proposed objective for FY 1995-96. If the Regional Transit Plan is adopted then the primary planning issue will be the location of Regional Rail Stations. Stations could be located by an analysis of the compatibility of such stations with proposed land uses to be developed in association 13 with each small area plan Small area plans found to be compatible with and supportive of regional rail can be further refined to reflect the station area planning goals (which will be cooperatively defined between local governments and the TTA if the Reaional Transit Plan is adopted) . Examples of what the Triangle's Regional Station Area Planning Guidelines might include are the following: a) Transit compatible objectives or standards that site plans in designated station areas would have to meet the subdivision approval, see page 3 (Guide Land Use and Public Transportation, Volume II: Applying the Concepts, The Snohomish County Transportation Authority, December 1993, p. 2-17) ; b) A transfer of development rights program that would preserve farms (and open space) and would allow the creation of villages that would range in size from 60 to 120 acres, see page 4 (Sustainable Cities. Concepts and Strategies for Eco- City Development, Eco-Home Media, 1992, p. 34) ; and C) An assessment of Station Area Plans that have been implemented in other areas and an incorporation of their best attributes, see pages 5 and 6 (The Next American Metropolis, Peter Calthorpe, 1993, p. 150 & 154) . 14 a► � � � •o+ p C �_ I �+ a p p vi 'p w tv os � y 8 Q to 4► v � � tC � d. w � t1 > eo p � A G ..r � h [ 1-y H is •N r+ a r Q � d c o Q o _ s oj QO 0 0 © 0 0 0 D O vet •t r �- N i o a •: I• ���1,,��; \\\\O� •F \\\ I 7:V:. A j O fit\ ..�:z: xis"•. •« �..> . . . v 34 Overall Design 15 adaptable,they claim,and our communities are formed around interest groups and work,rather than by any sense of place or group of individuals.Our center seems to be more abstract, less grounded in place, and our social forms are more disconnected from home and neighborhood. Simultaneously, planning ideology has been polarized between urban and suburban forms. Some have advocated a rigorous return to traditional city forms and an almost pre-indus- trial culture,while others have praised the evolution of the suburban megalopolis as the inevitable and desirable expression of our new technologies and hyper- individualized culture.However rationalized, these new forms seem to have a restless and hollow feel,reinforcing our mobile state and perhaps the instabil- ity of our families. Moving at a speed that allows generic symbols to be recognized, we cannot wonder that the humanmade environment seems trite and overstated. GROWTH AND PRESERVATION In proposing the Pedestrian Pocket,the practical comes first: that land,energy, and resources would be saved,that traffic would be reduced,that homes would Balancing and clustering lobs, be more affordable.-that children and elderly would have more access" that housing,shopping,recreation and childcare,the Pedestrian working_people would not be burdened with long commutes.The social conse- Pocket uses 1/16 the land area of quences are less quantitative,but perhaps equally compelling.They have to do typical suburban development with the quality of our shared world,our commons. Open space and precious agricultural land could be preserved,along with a region's The traditional commons,which once centered our communities with convivial growth. gathering and meeting places,is increasingly displaced by corridors of mobility and the private domain. Our shared public space is given over to the car and A_ lightrta le lkina a its accommodation,while our private world becomes bloated and isolated. As comfortable walkinst distance of all development connects the private world grows in breadth, the public world becomes more remote .several Pockets with local towns and cities to provide an -alternative to freeway con sge Lion. AL !?: cam,� • ► � � Diverse open space + �r �� �M, would be provided In the Pedestrian Pocket; r private yards for the families;open space for a group of hours;central s �I parks to be used by all; 9 courtyards and a"main street' 4 1, , shopping area around the �� P station at the center. Walking paths connect the whole site without crossing any streets. . .. . . _ MM41tumpleld.l. I .. 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In.1 ltaL 1e.Lr .b 17 NEW NEIGHBORHOODS South Brentwood Village Brentwood, California At 14o acres this project represents the size of a quar- There are several unique aspects to this neighbor- ter mile walking radius—and the mix and quantity of hood. First,it incorporates a healthy 3o percent of the uses possible within such an area. Although smaller, site in office and commercial development. These uses denser neighborhoods are certainly possible, this plan line the Southern Pacific railroad tracks and the high- demonstrates the diversity and breadth that a subur- way, creating a buffer while enhancing the site as a ban site can easily incorporate in a classically walkable possible transit stop. Second,the housing is affordable area.The new neighborhood focuses on a village green and is being produced by one of the largest home builders that is surrounded with retail shops, daycare, church, in the State of California. This major builder is dem- and porch-fronted homes.The project envisions a range onstrating that mixed-use,walkable neighborhoods are of iust over coo new homes, including zero-lot-line just as marketable as their standard subdivisions. Fi- carriage homes with alley-accessed garages and ancil- nally,the street system is interconnected,tree-lined and lary units. Retail stores and offices provide the local narrow—all atypical for suburban development.These households with convenient shopping and employment streets and paths will provide the physical and visual opportunities. connections between parks, homes, and shops. c BAL OM ROAD ` 4 w�at�w o 1\/Y I -Y ri i r. = a ii 154 is