Title
NW 3rd Ave. Sidewalks (B)
Explanation
In July 2013, the FAPS Advisory Board initiated a topographic survey and sidewalk feasibility study for NW 3rd Ave. between NW 13th St. and NW 6th St. and a portion of NW 8th St. between NW 3rd Ave. and NW 4th Ave. in an attempt to fill approximately 2,000 feet of missing sidewalk gaps along these popular pedestrian corridors. The NW 3rd Ave. corridor serves as a shared boundary between CPUH and FAPS therefore both advisory boards have been involved throughout the planning process.
The narrow 30' right-of-way width along with the proximity of obstructing structures to the roadway are limiting factors to the possibility of adding sidewalks to the corridor. The Feasibility Study was conducted to determine design alternatives that balance the interests of the residents, emergency services, utility owners, Public Works, and other stakeholders while providing a safe, pedestrian friendly corridor that meets engineering design guidelines and is able to be constructed within the available budget and right-of-way.
Following a series of design meetings with Public Works staff, the Feasibility Study features a technical analysis of existing design standards, a series of scaled drawings, cross-section alternatives, and cost estimates representing existing conditions along with various proposed sidewalk alignments. Each alternative demonstrates the effects of locating a sidewalk within the constrained right-of-way on either the north or the south side of NW 3rd Ave. These drawings also indicate different options for sidewalk widths ranging between 5' and 6' and the potential consequences related to private property encroachments, on-street parking, utility infrastructure, and other existing obstructions.
The preliminary results of the study & technical review meetings indicate that new sidewalk accommodations are feasible throughout the corridors but will require either private property easements, narrowing of existing travel lane widths, elimination of on-street parking, or some combination of all three.
As a result of input provided by the CPUH and FAPS boards as well as the Public Works Department, the Feasibility Study recommends following the guidelines set forth within Chapter 19 of FDOT's Greenbook as it relates to "Traditional Neighborhood Development" and narrowing the vehicular travelway to accommodate new sidewalks. This solution will allow for a contiguous 5' sidewalk to be located along the southern side of NW 3rd Ave. while also meeting FDOT engineering standards, preserving all existing on-street parking, and no private property encroachments.
The Feasibility Study and presentation outlines the various design and cost alternatives of sidewalk placement. Based on the recommended cross-section, it is estimated that the sidewalk construction will cost approximately $162,000. These estimates will be confirmed and refined throughout the next phase of the project, construction document development.
After receiving approval from both the CPUH and FAPS boards for the Feasibility Study, CRA staff recommends contracting with the engineer of record for the Feasibility Study, MCH Engineering, for the development of Construction & Bid Documents for the project. CRA staff and MCH Engineering will return to each of the respective Boards for additional design review as the construction documents are developed.
The following is a summary of anticipated expenses for the development of Construction Documentation and which CRA District would provide funding.
Fiscal Note
1. Construction & Bid Document Development = $16,110
· NW 3rd Ave. $14,820 = CPUH
· NW 8th St. $1,289 = FAPS
2. Construction = $162,500 (***Estimate) Amount to be refined and confirmed following Construction & Bid Document Development. Construction funds will be requested at a future date once construction documents and cost estimates are complete.
Recommendation:
CRA Executive Director to the CRA Board: 1). Endorse the NW 3rd Ave. Sidewalk Feasibility Study; and 2). Approve the development of NW 3rd Ave. & NW 8th St. Sidewalk Construction & Bid Documents