03. Proposed Downtown Streetscape ProjectREPORT TO: Mayor and City C
FROM: Jim Hansz, Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Proposed Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project
MEETING DATE: June 21, 1999
BACKGROUND: In February of this year, representatives of the Kalispell Downtown Business
Association approached the City Council at a regular work session with a request that the City
implement more of the recommended improvements identified in the City's Downtown
Redevelopment Plan. This plan was initially prepared and adopted by the City Council by
Ordinance #933 in 1979 and was updated in 1987 with specific recommendations for enhanced
parking and pedestrian streetscape improvements. Improvements made on First Street and 2nd
Avenue East were the City's first effort to implement these recommendations. The proposed
improvements now under consideration are taken directly from the 1987 update.
The project improvements would include the creation of angle parking, adding mid -block
and intersection "knuckles" for pedestrian crossings, and reducing the travel lanes on First
Avenues East and West from four to two from Center Street to Fourth Street West and Fifth
Street East. In addition it is proposed to change Third Street to one-way west bound between the
First Avenues, add street furniture and period street lighting, and to add colored pavers and
concrete at pedestrian crossings. Along with these improvements there would be storm drainage
improvements. The goals of this improvement project are to create a more "pedestrian friendly"
environment, reduce traffic speeds and the severity of accidents, increase on street parking, and
to enhance the appearance of the central business district.
In order to assess the effectiveness and impact of these improvements on the current
downtown community, City staff obtained the support of Robert Peccia and Associates (RPA) of
Helena to perform an analysis of the project. This analysis included an assessment of the overall
impact of the proposed traffic changes, estimated costs of the improvements, and the integrated
impacts of other known traffic improvement projects proposed for construction in the very near
Post Office Box 1997 • Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
Telephone (406) 758-7700 • FAX (406) 758-7758
future. These projects included new City signals on First Avenues East and West at Third Street,
and traffic signal upgrades and coordination throughout Kalispell to be done by MDT. This
report was previously distributed the City Council.
In summary, the RPA analysis concludes that all the stated goals will be met by the
project. On street Parking would be increased by 100%, and safe pedestrian movement would be
greatly enhanced by the reduced time and distance involved in crossing the street. Total traffic
volumes on the First Avenues would be reduced an estimated 10% as drivers move back to Main
Street. These reductions would be somewhat offset between Second and Fourth Streets as traffic
rerouting occurs due to the one way change on Third Street. (Overall, traffic volumes would
continue to be far below the capacity of the street system, a trait shared by virtually all cities in
Montana.) Estimated construction costs for the project are $715,000.00. Additional costs for
engineering, inspection and contingencies may raise the total project cost by 25% from these
initial estimates. Changes in the project scope to extend the improvements an additional block
north on the First Avenues would also increase costs.
RECOMMENDATION: Based on the stated goals for the project, staff recommends
proceeding with the design and construction as soon as possible. There will be a potential for
significant disruption of traffic and business as this project will be underway at the same time
that MDT is working on the US 93 South project. This appears to be unavoidable if the work
must be done prior to the sunset of the Downtown TIF Urban Renewal District.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Expenditures for construction of approximately $715,000 should be
anticipated. Additional costs for engineering, an enlarged project scope, and costs for unforeseen
contingencies should also be anticipated as better information is developed during the design
process. These other costs could raise the total project cost to approximately $900,000.00. Initial
design work could be started and funded from existing specific and discretionary sources within
the current fiscal year Downtown TIF budget. However, in practical terms this is a FY 99/00
effort because of the likely need to advertise for design services. There is not sufficient time
remaining in this budget year to complete this. Funds are included in the 99/00 budget for this
project along with unallocated funds. Other funds from projects budgeted but not anticipated to
be built, i.e. traffic signals, are available. Also, additional funds will be available, over and above
those previously anticipated, due to favorable bid experience on recent projects in the current
budget. The total of all the funds potentially available, from all sources within the fiscal year
2000 Downtown TIF budget, is approximately $1,005,000.00.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Council
Respectfully
James C. Hansz, P.E. ( /
Director of Public Works / City Engineer
Chris A. Kukulski
City Manager
Report compiled June 10,1999