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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-14 City Council (5)City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Report TO: ATTN: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL POLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEE FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING DATE: SUBJECT: SEPTEMBER 14, 1999 CMR:355:99 PROPOSED SCOPE OF SERVICES FOR THE INTERMODAL TRANSIT CENTER DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REPORT IN BRIEF The Policy and Services Committee has requested the opportunity to review the proposed Scope of Services (attached) for the Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Center Design Development project. This project comprises design development and engineering work to complete the design sketched out at the March 1993 "Dream Team" Urban Design Charrette and subsequently refined by a team lead by the architectural firm of Peter Walker and Partners. Stanford University (Stanford) will manage the project under terms of an agreement with the City. Transportation Division staff will manage Palo Alto’s interests as part of a technical oversight group working directly with the consulting team. The Project consultants, who have already been selected by Stanford, with participation of Transportation Division staff, also conducted the technical analysis phase of the original "Dream Team" design effort. The Policy and Services Committee has the opportunity to review the proposed study approach and timeline to be followed by the consultant team and staff from both Stanford and the Transportation Division. CMR.~:99 Page ! of 4 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Policy and Services Committee review and comment on the attached scope of services for the Intermodal Transit Center Design Development project. BACKGROUND The "Dream Team" design concept envisioned transforming the area surrounding the University Avenue Caltrain station from a generally inhospitable barrier to an attractive gateway to both downtown Palo Alto and to the Stanford campus. A number of components are essential to this goal: Improved safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. More efficient circulation for transit vehicles. Attention to aesthetics and urban design. Traffic calming to facilitate walking and bicycling. In 1997, the City was awarded a $200,000 Petroleum Escrow Violation Account (PVEA) grant to develop the Dream Team design concept, including the following elements: An engineering plan (structural, grading, drainage, and infrastructure). A traffic and circulation plan (motor vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit, as well as vehicle parking). land use/urban design plan for central and adjacent streetscapes. An economic impact evaluation of the entire project. The PVEA grant was augmented by City funds for FY 2000 and an additional $75,000 from Stanford. The project will be closely coordinated with a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) initiative to expand and improve the existing bus transfer center at the University Avenue Caltrain station and VTA’s Caltrain improvement plan funded under Measure B. DISCUSSION The Intermodal Transit Center Project will be undertaken by a consultant group working with a Development Team comprised of City of Palo Alto, Stanford, and SCVTA staff. Overall guidance and policy leadership will be provided by a steering committee of senior management from the City of Palo Alto, Stanford, and the public transit agencies, joined by representatives of the business community, the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee, and citizen-members appointed by the City of Palo Alto. Stanford, through the architectural firm of Rob Quigley Associates, wilI have overall consultant management responsibilities. Stanford’s role is a continuation of its management of the CMR:355:99 Page 2 of 4 technical work done after the Dream Team Charette. In addition, Stanford, as the primary landholder in the study area, has a significant stake in the project. Transportation Division staff will manage Palo Alto’s interests as members of the project Development Team and will work closely with Stanford and consultants all through the study. This arrangement frees Transportation Division staff, which has a heavy workload to carry out, from administrative detail, instead concentrating its attention on substantial technical and policy issues. The project will include the following activities: Analysis of current and future traffic volumes in the study area. Development of accurate base maps of rights-of-way, topography, and infrastructure in the study area. Investigation of engineering conditions and requirements with respect to existing structures, including the E1 Camino Real overpass, railroad bridge, and train station. Analysis of development plans and public improvements programmed in the study area. Development of detailed plans for bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular circulation improvements needed to implement the Dream Team conceptual design (creation of a pedestrian-, bicycle-, transit-friendly environment that also serves as an attractive gateway to both Palo Alto and Stanford). Assessment of real estate and development potential in the study area, including historic preservation issues and property valuation changes due to increased access. Evaluation of the economic impacts of the transportation improvements and improved access to retail and services. Cost analysis for all improvements. The intent of the attached scope of services is to develop an implementation plan and design that is feasible from both a transportation and an engineering perspective, while also contributing to the quality of life in Palo Alto and on the Stanford campus. Through development of a detailed design, including phasing plans and schedules, the visionary objectives of the Dream Team can be made operational in increments that can be implemented as funding opportunities arise. The SCVTA Caltrain Measure B planning process provides one such opportunity. Others may arise through a proposed statewide transportation bond measure and available federal TEA-21 funding. CMR:355:99 Page 3 of 4 ATTACHMENTS A. Scope of Services PREPARED BY: Joseph Kott, Chief Transportation Official DEPARTMENT HEAD: CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: G.GAWF Director of Planning and Community Environment E~IL~ HARRISON Assistant City Manager cc: Planning and Transportation Commission CMR:355:99 Page 4 of 4 ATTACHMENT A Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Study Conceptual Design Study Consultant Scope of Work Revised August 24, 1999 I.INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Project Goals and Objectives The original goal of the Dream Team Urban Design Charrette of March 1993 was to transform the district centerec][ around the University Avenue transit station from a ~genemI. ly inhospitable barrier to an inviting connector effectively linking the downtown, the University, Stdnford Shopping Center and the surrounding residential neighborhoods." Another important objective included =optimizing the effectiveness of the - multi-modal transportation center in servicing the surrounding communities.’- The City was awarded a $200,000 Petroleum Violation Escrow Account (PVEA) grant from the state to further the design development and implementation of the transit center and these particular objectives. The grant is now being transferred to Stanford University and this will be ’a joint project between the City of Palo Alto and Stanford University. More specifically, the immediate goals of that design work are to: Improve access, safety and setting of the various transit services and facilities located in the study area, ther- eby increasing levels of service, use and ridership. - Enhance the movement of pedestrians and bicycles through the area to encourage use of those modes for travel between downtown, the University, Stanford Shopping Center, and nearby services and employment districts including the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and the Stanford University Medical Center. Maintain current levels of private vehicle access to the surrounding uses through the area and associated economic vitality. Create a new and attractive civic space where transportation is prominently featured as an important community component. Preserve and enhance historic resources within the area (i.e., the Southern Pacific Depot and MacArthur Park restaurant buildings, both of which are on the National Historic Register of Historic Places). Test the feasibility of supportive new land uses within the study area, e.g., housing and support commercial. Through development of designs, phasing plans and schedules, divide the visionary objectives of the Dream Team and feasibility studies into an incremental project which can be developed in stages by various funding sources and agencies over time. B.Study Area The study area consists of the area bounded by Alma Circle to the east, Palm Drive to the west, El Camino Park to the north and Wells Street to the south. The core area includes the Palo Alto Transit Center and Caltrain station, proposed public garden, railroad bridge modifications, rotary street improvements, the Stanford Plaza circle and improvements over El Camino Real. Refer to Study Area Map. C. Consultants Consultants wilI include the following: Peter Walker and Partners, an urban design and planning consultant with expertise in large scale, transit-oriented area plans and public worqis projects Brian Kangas Foulk (civil), Biggs Cardosa (structural) and Fehr & Peers (transportation), engineers with experience in the design of large-scale public transportation projects and infrastructure planning for large mixed-use sites Bay Area Economics, an "urban economics consultant Ruth Todd, Stanford University planning staff, will provide historic preservation services II.CONSULTANT SCOPE OFWORK A.Data Collection and Analysis In order to develop more detailed design components, it’will be necessary to analyze certain existing factors and project future conditions to determine the potential for improving safety and circulation through the area and for enhancing the attractiveness of transit services now available. From these baseline conditions and future projections, plan alternatives can be analyzed to forecast levels of improvement associated with transportation in the area. The following work shall be performed by consultants: Analysis of current traffic volumes and forecast of future traffic volumes through the study area, ,including impacts of other circulation system changes in the project vicinity (e-.g. changes approved for "the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Sheraton Hotel expansion, Stanford/Sand Hill corridor, VTA bus stops, bike path to Embarcadero Road, etc.). 2.Analysis of current plans for new development, facilities enhancements or code-required improvements to identify opportunities for leveraging, packaging or coordinating with larger projects. 4.Investigation of conditions and construction issues related to existing structures, especially the El Camino Real overpass, railroad bridge and train station. 5.Evaluation of commute mode choices of local population, nearby employees, and other users including shoppers, patients, University visitors and event patrons within the transit services areas (both existing and future local services). - 6.Assessment of economic impacts of transportation improvements including employment growth, deferred infrastructure improvements, and improved access to retail and services. 7.Assessment of impact on real estate and development potential, including historic preservation issues and property values due to improved access, aesthetic enhancement of surrounding public facilities and infrastructure, and introduction of new land uses. Scope of Services Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Station Project Page 2 8.Review of costs associated with previous recommendations. 9.Review of definition and conditions for historic designation of train station area and MacArthur Park Restaurant. Determination of impact and restrictions of historical designation on future changes to the buildings and area. The University and City will provide consultants with as up-to-date maps as possible, including recent block maps and/or GIS fries showing approximate street configurations, rights-of-way and utility locations, and plans for roadway improvements in the vicinity of the study area (including Sand Hill corridor projects.) In addition, the City will provide available 24-hour traffic counts and AM and PM turning movement counts at study area intersections. The consultants will review available materials to determine what is needed to supplement existing information to fulfill its project approach. The consultant will conduct field observations of the project area to observe existing conditions and to verify the accuracy of existing maps. Meetings:Development Team Meeting #1 Consultant Team Meeting #1 Project Steering Committee Meetings #1 and 2 Deliverables:Working paper on data collection and analysis Topographic survey B. Development of Alternative Preliminary Conceptual Design Plans The consultant team, under the direction of the program manager and supported by the Steering Committee, will develop two conceptual plan alternativ~ and cost estimates that respond to the project goals and objecu es and consider the imphcanons of the analyses. The first alternarave wdl be the Dream Team Phase II Preliminary Feasibility Study, dated April 5, 1994. The second alternative will be loosely based on the Tumlin Study, dated April 1997. The two alternatives will be developed to clearly illustrate the design solution proposed and the components of the plan, as well as cost estimates and potential phasing to implement the improvements. Each of the alternative conceptual designs will address the following: ¯.Engineering plan elements (structural, gradin~ drainage and infrastructure issues) ¯~Frafflc and circulation plan (vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, transit and parking needs) ¯Land use/urban design plan for central and a.d, jacent streetscapes - ¯Economic impact evaluation, including identincation of benefits to downtown and broader community as well as analysis of fiscal impacts of ongoing service costs to University, City, and transit agencies Coordination and summary of consultant cost estimates " - Meetings: Deliverables: Development Team Meeting #2 Consultant Team Meeting #2 Project Steering Committee Meetings #3 and 4 Review meeting with Caltrans, VTA and JPB technical staff Planning Commission Meeting City Council Meeting Design alternatives working paper 2 Conceptual design plans C. Draft Final Conceptual Design Plan Taking into account the input from the Steering Committee, City Boards and Commissions, community workshop, and professional judgment, the consultants will prepare a draft final Conceptual Design Plan for presentation to the Palo Alto City Council that addresses infrastructure, traffid and circulation, land use, urban design, economic elements and revised cost estimates. Consultants will formulate a financin~ plan and schedule for implementation of preferred alternatives, including a description of the sources of-ftinding for needed infrastructure and other capital improvements, the uses of those funds, and the next steps needed for implementation. Scope of Services Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Station Project Page The draft £mal plan will be documented by a study model and a draft report including text, graphics, drawings and photos, as needed to clearly convey the design concept and Final cost estimates. Meetings:De. velopment Team Meeting #3 Consultant Team Meeting #3 Project Steering Committee Meetings #5 Review meeting with Caltrans, VTA and JPB technical staff Community Workshop Architectural Review Board Meeting Planning Commission Meeting Palo Alto City Council Meeting Deliverables:Draft conceptual design plan and study model Draft final report D. Final Conceptual Design Plan The consultants will make revisions to the detailed draft final Conceptual Design Plan to comply with conditions of the City Council review, including revisions to cost esti.mates, if necessary. The final recommendations will also include a draft phasing plan for implementation of the initial project phases. Specific approaches will be identified for recommended funding programs and timelines necessary for program qualifications, capital project initiation and delivery. Meetings:Development Team Meeting #4 Consultant Team Meeting #4 Project Steering Committee Meeting #6 Deliverables:Final conceptual design plan, axonometric drawing, and sketches Study model and photos Text for final report Final cost estimates Phasing schedule Implementation program III.PROJECT PARTICIPANTS, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, AND MEETINGS A.Agencies and Institutions Participating agencies will include: ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ The City of Palo Alto San Mateo County Transit (SamTrans) Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Caltrain Joint Powers Board Stanford University (SU is the principal landowner, the largest local employer and operator of a local transit system, and will participate as an equal partner with the agencies.) B. Staffing Professional staffwith primary responsibility for coordination of the project will be provided by the City of Palo Alto Transportation Division and Stanford University Planning Office. Stanford University will contract with the office of Rob Wellington Quigley, FAiA, to provide program management and manage contracts for consultant services. Maryanne Welton, program manager, will be responsible for day-to-day coordination between consultants, City of Palo Alto, and Stanford University. Technical staff from all of the Scope of Services Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Station Project Page 4 agencies will be brought in as needed to provide expertise and input in the following areas: city planning, land use, and urban design; civil, environmental and transportation engineering; transit planning and operations; real estate, development and property management; community and government relations; and economic planning and development. C.Community Participants More than fifty community members from Palo Alto and other nearby communities participated in the original planning efforts. Three or four key individuals from that ~roup or the community at large will be appointed by the City Manager to resume active participation and to join staffand other officials on a Steering Committee. In addition, the public will be invited to provide input during the design process at a community workshop and public hearings at ARB, Planning Commission, and City Council. D.Steering Committee A steering committee of not more than sixteen pers*ons will consist of officials from Stanford, the four public agencies, three or four community representatives and one or two appointed officials from the City of Palo Alto. The professional staff will be ex-officio and act as staff to the established Steering Committee. Steering Committee members will be responsible for presenting the plans and providing information and updates to their own Boards during the design process. E. Meetings The Development Team meetings will include representatives from Stanford University, the City of Palo Alto, VTA, and consultants as needed. The purpose will be to present work completed to date, determine direction for the next phase of work, and discuss agendas for the Steering Committee and community workshop. The Consultant Team meetings will be working sessions for the review and coordination of work efforts between the different consultants. The meetings will focus on coordination of schedules, work products and presentations, and interaction between consultants and agencies. Steering Committee members will be appointed jointly by the University and City and may include members of the Development Team. These meetings will be working sessions where work-to-date will be presented and options explored for further discussion, development, and direction. The public process will involve presentations to the Planning Commission, Architectura! Review Board, City Council, and one community workshop. Representatives as needed from each consultant f’trm will attend to present their portion of the work and/or to be available for questions during discussions. Two meetings with Caltrans, VTA and JPB technical staff will be scheduled to review the preliminary alternatives and draft conceptual plans. F. Schedule The attached schedule shows a five- to six-month timeline. Specific dates for meetings and completion of each phase will be determined once work begins. Page 5Scope of Services Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Station Project IV.PROCESS MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION A.Program Management The contract Program Manager, Maryanne Welton, has been hired by Stanford University and will be responsible for all normal management activities of the project, including but not limited to: Verifying the project scope ~md developing phasing and scheduling Coordinating activities and interaction of consultants and agency staffs- Setting up and facilitating Steering Committee activities, the community workshop, and public presentauons Coordinating distribution, review, modification, and acceptance ofdeliverables B.Consultant Coordination The core staffand Program Manager will meet with design’consultants to review pertinent information including: ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Previous planning efforts Requirements for the grant funding Current local planningand development climate including political and transportation concerns Prospects of future public funding from local, state and federal sources Related local development and improvements previously approved or in planning phases The Program Manager has obtained aproposal and scope of work from the consultants that indicate which meetings are included in their scope of w6rk and who will attend each one. The proposals identify specific project objectives and end products geared toward immediate and long-term phased implementation of project elements as defined in Sections I and II and that support the original objectives of improved connections between surrounding land uses and enhanced regional transportation opportunities. Scope of Services Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Station Project Page 6 Consultant Fee Summary Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Station Revised August 24, 1999 Consultant Peter Walker & Partners F’ehr & Peers Brian Kangas Foulk Biggs Cardosa Bay Area Economics Quigley .... Contingency Total Meetings 24 20 3 13, 24 Fees $110,745 46,067 65,478 14,796 30,680 46,000 31,400 $345,166 Reimbur- sables $11,100 4,606 3,274 3OO 200 4,600" $24,080 Total $121,845 50,673 68,752 15,096 30,880 50,600 31,400 $369~246 Scope o£ Services Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Station Project Page 7