HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/19/2013 10 Downtown Master Plan Issues and Creation of Implementation Committee and Retail Task Force CommitteeBUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No.
For Meeting of: 11/19/2013
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ITEM TITLE: Downtown Master Plan Issues and Creation of
Implementation Committee and Retail Task Force Committee
SUBMITTED BY: Tony O'Rourke, City Manager
Sean Hawkins, Economic Development Manager
Joan Davenport, Strategic Project Manager
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The City Council conducted a public hearing regarding the Yakima Downtown Master Plan
Report on October 21, 2013 with 71 persons providing comments. The Downtown Master Plan
Report was prepared at the City of Yakima request by Crandall Arambula (as well as Thomas
Associates for the Retail Element), after three previous public workshops and numerous
stakeholder meetings with businesses, organizations and property owners.
One of the first steps to address the recommendations of the Plan is to appoint two citizen
advisory committees. The Implementation Committee will include 9 to 12 citizens and be guided
by the City Council Built Environment Committee. The Retail Task Force will include 9 to 12
citizens at the direction of the City Council Economic Development Committee.
An Action Plan has been developed to provide a summary of the necessary implementation
measures for the Downtown Plan Report. Council is asked to consider the following actions:
1. Accept the Yakima Downtown Master Plan Report as a guide for future actions;
2. Authorize the budget for the design of the plaza;
3. Appoint the representatives for the Implementation Committee and Retail Task
Force;
4. Direct staff to prepare the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and SEPA process
for the Downtown Sub -Area Plan;
5. Recognize that each of the projects listed in the Action Steps memo will have a
public participation process and public input will be encouraged.
Resolution:
Other (Specify):
Contract:
Ordinance:
Contract Term:
Start Date: End Date:
Item Budgeted: Amount:
Funding Source/Fiscal
Impact:
Strategic Priority:
Insurance Required? No
Mail to:
Phone:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL:
RECOMMENDATION:
Economic Development
City Manager
See items listed in agenda statement above.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Downtown Plan Action Steps Summary
Upload Date
11/12/2013
Type
Backup Mate HI all
YAK/MA DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN REPORT
ACT/ON STEP SUMMARY- November 2013
The Yakima Downtown Master Plan Report identifies essential
concepts for land use, transportation and design issues, a retail
strategy and implementation framework for the core commercial
area of the Central Business District along Yakima Avenue and the
surrounding vicinity. Establishing implementation momentum early
has been identified as a critical component to success. This summary
provides an over -view of the essential tasks and projects.
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ACTION STEPS
1. Initiate Plaza as the Game -Changer. Develop scope of
work for consultant and initiate the Request for Proposals
(RFQ) process to produce a detailed design for the plaza.
Use Downtown Plan Implementation Committee in process.
Review design alternatives and select preferred design.
Review phasing plans, if any. Consider Economic Feasibility
analysis. Bid documents/process and construction will be
later phase.
Expected Budget for Design of Plaza: $145,000.
Timeframe: 1st Q 2014
2. Appoint Implementation Committee and Retail Task Force members. The
Implementation Committee is proposed to have 9 to 12 citizens and the 3 Council
members on the Built Environment Committee. The Retail Task Force will likely have 9
to 12 citizens and the use the 3 Council Members on the Economic Development
Committee.
Expected Budget for Committees: $10,000
Timeframe: Appoint Immediately
3. Implement Retail Marketing Outreach effort. One of the principal strategies for
attracting new retail investments involves participating in priority conferences and
events, as well as promotional material
Expected Budget for Retail Marketing: $25,000 annually. If Economic
Development funds are available, the budget may be increased to $40,000
annually.
Timeframe: 1st Q 2014
4. Short and Long Term Parking Strategy and Study. Replacement strategies for
parking spaces that will be displaced by the plaza include some low-cost options that
require restriping and new signage. The paving of a new parking lot requires funding.
Upgrade of the Dragon Inn Structure and a new 3rd Street ramp facility into the former
D owntown ReportA can PIn Page 1
Yakima Mall parking garage are longer term projects for employee or event parking
needs. The parking study will also review a market strategy for parking.
Expected Budget for Parking Changes: TBD
Expected Budget for Parking Study: $25,000
Timeframe: Re -stripe CBD 3rd Q 2014, Study 2nd Q 2014
5. Conduct a Market Feasibility Study for Public Market
and Downtown Plan Projects. Contract professional
services of an urban economist to develop recommendations
related to the appropriate size of a public market, assess
market demand for the public market. This analysis will
include an economic review of overall project elements,
implementation issues, expected economic benefits and
performance benchmarks. The timing, phasing and scope of necessary public and
private investment will be analyzed
Expected Budget Market Feasibility Study: $50,000
Timeframe: 2nd Q 2015
Weft
6. Prepare Downtown Subarea Plan for Comprehensive Plan Amendment and
develop SEPA Strategy. Using materials developed in the public process of the
Downtown Master Plan Report prepared by Crandall Arambula (October 2013) and the
Retail Strategy prepared by Thomas Consultants (October 2013) as well as Council
direction and public comments, staff will prepare a Downtown Yakima Subarea Plan as
an amendment to the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. This Subarea Plan is
required for consistency reviews.
Expected Budget for Subarea Plan: existing city staff resources
Timeframe: Begin 1st Q 2014
7. Design Standards/Guidelines. The development of a set of guidelines that provide a
framework for maintaining and improving the urban character of downtown, without
dictating or prescribing a specific style or theme. The guidelines would be the primary
tool for design review process of all new projects or modifications and would address
pedestrian emphasis, architecture, lighting and signage.
Expected Budget to develop Design Guidelines: $75,000
Timeframe: Begin 1st Q 2015
8. Zoning/Regulatory Amendments. Clarify and strengthen essential permitted use
types, site design and improvement standards in the Central Business District. Align
current code to the Downtown Master Plan elements. Consider a Downtown Overlay
process, adjustments to mixed use standards, floor area ratio standards, parking
adjustments to the parking exempt area.
Expected Budget: May be included in Design Standards
Timeframe: Begin 1st Q 2015
9. Yakima Avenue Boulevard Project. The goal for Yakima Avenue is to create a
boulevard atmosphere that is more pedestrian friendly. The Modifications to Yakima
D owntown ReportA can PIn Page 2
Avenue are proposed to occur over several phases. Phase 1 of Yakima Avenue
improvements would include a green median area from Front Street to Naches Avenue.
Expected Budget for Yakima Avenue Median Plan: $65,000
Timeframe: Begin 3rd Q 2015
10. Street Standards for Downtown. A specific set of development standards for public
improvements within the Downtown Area will ensure that all new or modified projects
construct a unified and consistent frontage, sidewalk and fixtures. Much of the design
work has been completed for the existing Yakima Avenue. Standards need to be
articulated and fine-tuned.
Expected Budget for Street Design Standards: $25,000
Timeframe: Begin 1st Q 2016
11.Chestnut Avenue/Retail Frontage improvements. Engineering design study for
street improvements to Chestnut Avenue related to the Retail Main Street" on Chestnut
between Front Street and 3rd Street.
Expected Budget for Street Design Study: $50,000
Timeframe: Begin 3rd Q 2015
D owntown ReportA cbon PIn Page 3
Distributed at th(w
Meeting d I-11, (3
No one on this last has been contacted about a committee appointment — this is for Council
discussion only.
Downtown Master Plan Implementation Committee
Responsibility: Oversight of the downtown master plan implementation process including
recommendations to the full Yakima City Council. This committee would guide the development
of the plaza concept.
Time Commitment: Attendance at one 90 minute meeting per month at City Hall and 2-3 days
yearly travel availability to regional downtowns to learn about their success stories. A one year
commitment is a must.
Potential Committee Members:
• Built Environment Committee Members (3) — Lover, Ensey & Coffey
• Joe Morrier—JEM Development
• Larry Hull — Megalodon LLC
• Joe Mann — Ron's Coin and Book
• Mike Gilmore —Yakima Federal
• Kathy Mercy — Yakima Theatres
• Dave Dion—Yakima Downtown Rotary
• Dave Hargreaves — Yakima Downtown Rotary
• Craig Carroll—Yakima Sportscenter
• Steve Pinza — Second Street Grill
• Laura Rankin — Gilbert Cellars
• Bridget Russell —1 Heart Yakima
• Steve Larsen — Olive Garden
• Victor Renteria — Cafe Vittore
• Luz Guiterrez — Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Jason Stiles — Speakeasy
• Graham Snyder—Cowiche Kitchen Restaurant
• Mike Latimor—Capitol Theatre
• Matt Morgan — Central Valley Bank
• Wescott Edwards — BORArhictecture
• Margarito (Mark) Rodriguez — Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Patricia Byers — Patricia Byers Counseling Services (Larson Building)
• Melissa Brewer— MB Designs
• Fred Mercy — Local Developer
• Mina Worthington — Solarity Credit Union
• Hilary - Marketing
Retail Plan Implementation Committee
Responsibility: Lead the implementation of the retail plan and the overall promotion of the
downtown plan. Lead the City of Yakima's delegation to the RECON Conference in May, 2014.
Time Commitment: Attendance at one 90 minute meeting per month at City Hall. A one year
commitment is a must.
Potential Committee Members:
O Economic Development Committee Members — Lover, Bristol & Coffey
m 2 Yakima Chamber Appointees
® Craig Carroll - Sportscenter
O Dave McFadden — New Vision
O Bill Moultray — Heritage Moultray
m Fiesta Foods Manager
O Liz McGree—JEM Development
O Michelle Wyles — Garden Dance
Claar Tee, Son a
Distributed at th
Meeting
From: Price, CaIly
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2013 2.14 PM
To: Ettl, Dave, Cawley, Micah, Coffey, Kathy; Lover, Bill, Ensey, Rick; Adkison, Maureen, Claar
Tee, Sonya
Cc: O'Rourke, Tony; Caruso, Joe, Osguthorpe, Steve, Hawkins, Sean, Davenport, Joan
Subject: additional comments received
Pit Bull:
Steve Arnold — arnold1620@charter.net
In 1987 when the "Pit Bull" Ban was enacted in the City of Yakima, I was one of the people against a Specific Breed Ban then and
still am today I have heard several time this was put in because a "Man" was killed by two pit bulls Part of this story is sadly true,
part is not. A gentleman by the name of (he does have a name) Walter Feser, who was confined to a wheelchair with his small
daschund on a leash was killed. This horrible incedent was in October 1995, eight years after the ordinance was enacted. Prior to
that time no one had been killed by dogs in Yakima. Obviously the ordinance did nothing to stop this from happening and the sad
attack recently was also not stopped by the ordinance
At the City Council meeting I attended concerning the proposed ban also in attendance was the very repected Dr, Rod Macintosh
who spoke for some time against enacting a specific breed ban. The Council this day voted not to enact a ban Larry Mathews, the
loudest voice pro ban, held a meeting a few weeks later where only supporters of the ban and a city council member were in
attendance At the next meeting the "Ban" was again brought from the floor by Mr Mathews, with no one to speak against it and it
was passed Thank goodness we now have a City Council that attempts to keep everything public.
I feel the City of Yakima, where I have lived for over forty two years should end the "Pit Bull" Ban, then possibly the city should
enact an ordinance dealing with dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners (the real problem) In the Washington State RCW's
numbers 16 08.070, 16 08 080, 16 08 090, 16 08 100, you will find a well written law that deals with any and all dogs that are
deemed dangerous. Please do not single out one breed because of bad owners
Please, as this current council has been doing for the last couple of terms, make a decision on well thought out research not
personal feelings.
If you would like more information, I would be willing to answer any questions you may have
PS I am not now or have I ever been a 'Pit Bull' owner I just adore all animals and do not thinks a Soecific Breed should be singled
out.
Downtown Master Plan:
Wilma Koski — koskiw@gmail.com
A master plan for downtown is the best idea I've seen come forward for downtown. In reading the information
on expanding Millennium Plaza or creating a "town square" in downtown, I think the idea is great. However, I
am reading over and over the concern coming from citizens and businesses alike about parking.
I too am greatly concerned about parking. I have hidden health issues which prevent me from walking long
distances. I use a cane but I still need handicap parking and bathroom facilities. There are hundreds if not a few
thousand like me here in Yakima. I would love to be able to attend a Capital Theater event, go wine tasting and
eat at one of the downtown restaurants but the handicap parking is ludicrous. The handicap parking places are
very few and far between.
Unless a parking garage is built to accommodate the mobile population and some close handicap parking is
made available to those of us who aren't so mobile, any plan is doom to failure because the plan will only deal
with one section of the population. One could have 15 handicap parking places next to the Capital Theater and
they would be filled easily, or 10 near the Second Street Grill, etc..
I would implore you to consider those of us who have handicaps. Most people think of handicapped people as
those in wheelchairs not those of us who are getting older and have age related disabilities. Our population is
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getting older but finding handicap facilities in most downtown businesses is impossible. We may be handicap
but we have discretionary income and like culture and good food also.
Lisa Wallace — lisakwallace@hotmail.com
I'm writing to express my sincere enthusiasm and support for the downtown master plan including the proposed
plaza/event space. I too believe this to be a game changer and exactly the right direction for Yakima. Yakima has
been on the brink of potential for years --it's time to jump off the fence and do. All transformation involves
risk...the time is now to use your leadership and abilities to not just envision what we can be, but to create and
make it our reality.
I returned to the Valley as young professional and have chosen to make my life here. My husband and I live and
own rental properties within the city. My husband also owns a successful business within the city. We chose to
make this our home, we contribute to this community and we're proud of Yakima. We're also desperate for our
city to be more than potential --we're ready for a GAME CHANGER!
Please approve the master plan and take us beyond potential.
Matthew Hargreaves — hargrem@gmail.com
I couldn't be at the meeting today but I really wanted to show my support for the new proposed plans for
downtown Yakima. A vital downtown is an important part of a city and develops community and culture, not to
mention the economic benefits. If you look at the trends in salary and job growth since 2009 the biggest
beneficiaries have been major metropolitan areas (the Atlantic just had an article on this). Yakima will never be a
major city, but I do believe without a viable downtown we will be left behind the curve. We can be so much
more - Yakima needs this and deserves this.
Louise Snyder— louisesnyder@msn.com
I welcome the ideas to improve downtown. You have my support.
Cally Price
Assistant to the City Manager
City Manager, Mayor, and Council Office
129 North 2nd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
Phone: 509-575-6040
Fax: 509-576-6335
www.yakimawa.gov
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