Title:
Title
Approving the Plans and Specifications and Tree Removal for the Meadowview Complete Street Project (T15145500)
End
FileID
File ID: 2019-01856
Location
Location: Meadowview Road between 24th Street and Detroit Boulevard, District 8
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Pass a Motion: 1) approving the Plans and Specifications for the Meadowview Road Complete Street Project (T15145500); and 2) approving the removal of 38 trees to be replaced by 86 trees along Meadowview Road between 24th Street and Detroit Boulevard.
Contact: Zuhair Amawi, Senior Engineer, (916) 808-7620; Nader Kamal, Interim Engineering Services Manager, (916) 808-7035, Department of Public Works
Body
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Memo - Justification for City Tree Removal
3-Tree Removal and Planting Plan Exhibit
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The Meadowview Road Complete Street Project (the “Project”) constitutes the first two phases of a larger project on Meadowview Road. The Project begins just east of Freeport Boulevard and continues to the Meadowview Light Rail Station/Detroit Boulevard and also on 24th Street, from Meadowview Road north to Florin Road. Meadowview Road and 24th Street are significant transportation corridors for transportation and to serve business and industry for the community. Enhancements to the corridor will support redevelopment of vacant properties. These improvements will promote active transportation choices by increasing the ease of walking and biking to the existing light rail station by adding bike lanes, sidewalk improvements, and landscaped medians.
The Project proposes to install signage, a community gateway, and monuments to enhance the Meadowview identity and improve connectivity to schools, businesses, job centers, and transit, including the Meadowview Light Rail Station.
Construction of the Project will require removal of 38 existing trees to allow room to construct bicycle and pedestrian improvements, traffic signal upgrades, median islands, sidewalk upgrades, landscaping, lighting and minor drainage improvements on Meadowview Road between 24th Street and Detroit Boulevard. The Project is replacing and adding 86 trees in the proposed median and landscape areas of the project area. The number and quality of new trees as well as an increase in space for the new trees will result in an improvement over the existing condition. In compliance with City Code Chapter 12.56.040 a design modification was not feasible to avoid removal of the trees and a written notice of the proposal to remove the trees was posted on the trees on January 3, 2020. Pursuant to City Code Chapter 12.56 and City Ordinance No. 2016-0026, the City Council approval is needed to remove the trees for construction of the Project.
Policy Considerations: The action requested supports the City’s General Plan goals of improving the transportation system, expanding public safety, achieving sustainability through reduced dependence on the private automobile, and enhancing livability and economic vitality. The Project provides much needed improvements to the bicycle and pedestrian facilities for continuous mobility and connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, and transit.
Economic Impacts: None
Environmental Considerations:
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) / National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): The City Council approved a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Meadowview Road Streetscape Project in compliance with CEQA on August 8, 2017 (Resolution No. 2017-0313). Following adoption of the MND, Staff filed a Notice of Determination with the Sacramento County Clerk on August 10, 2017. The current action consists of steps to implement the project that was approved and is consistent with the analysis contained in the adopted MND. No further environmental review is required.
The Project is funded in part by federal funds. As a result, the proposed Project is also subject to NEPA requirements. On February 6, 2018, Caltrans approved a Categorical Exclusion for the Project pursuant to the requirements of NEPA.
Sustainability: This Project is consistent with the City’s General Plan goals for the design of complete streets that enable safe access for all users (i.e., pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders) of all ages and abilities. Complete streets are characterized by a comprehensive, integrated, and connected network that incorporate sustainable designs minimizing heat island effects through the incorporation of shading street trees along sidewalks and medians.
Commission/Committee Action: None
Rationale for Recommendation: The Project Plans and Specifications include the removal of 38 existing trees to construct bicycle and pedestrian improvements, traffic signal upgrades, median islands, sidewalk upgrades, landscaping, lighting and minor drainage improvements on Meadowview Road between 24th Street and Detroit Boulevard.
The project is replacing and adding 86 trees in the proposed median and landscape areas of the project area. The number and quality of new trees as well as an increase in space for the new trees, will result in an improvement over the existing condition.
Pursuant to City Code Chapter 12.56 and City Ordinance No. 2016-0026, written justification was provided to the City’s arborist, as designee for the Director of Public Works, who reviewed the justification and recommends approval. The City Council approval is needed to remove the trees in order to complete the Project.
Financial Considerations: The final design of the Meadowview Road Complete Street Project (T15145500), including right of way acquisition, is estimated to cost $2.2 million. There is sufficient funding available in the Meadowview Road Complete Street Project (T15145500) to allow staff to move forward with the tree removal and completion of final design. Staff will return to the City Council in several months for approval of construction of the project.
There are no General Funds planned or allocated for this project.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.