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Project Scope

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 15:59:52 -0800

The streetscape improvement project implements the following four Recommended Actions addressing Winslow Tomorrow Challenge #2:

Winslow and Winslow Way remain the community center of island culture and commerce.

Rebuild Winslow Way infrastructure — including the street, wider sidewalks, lighting, utilities and low-impact drainage solutions. 
Provide amenities on Winslow Way — including trees, gateways, crosswalks, small gardens, seating, art and special treatment of the ravine crossing. 
Involve artists, environmentalists, property and business owners and BIDA in the design of Winslow Way. 
Improve way-finding — including signing of parking, directional signage and informational kiosks.

Physical Limits
The streetscape project improvements are primarily along Winslow Way, extending from Highway 305 on the east to Grow Avenue on the west with minor improvements to intersecting streets: Ericksen, Bjune, Madison and Finch.

Components
In addition to replacing the water, sewer, storm drainage, electrical and cable utilities within the street right-of-way, the the street’s surface features will be improved. Sidewalks will be widened and vehicle travel lanes and parking stalls will be constructed more efficiently. All the components of the design, from street lighting to landscaping to public art will be designed to enhance the eclectic experience of Winslow Way.

Groundwork
This work will build upon the preliminary sketches, conceptual plans and ideas accepted in the City’s Winslow Tomorrow effort. It will continue with extensive business and property owner, artist, special interest, and community involvement to produce design and construction documents for improvements on or near Winslow Way.

Decision Criteria

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 15:57:36 -0800

These criteria were adopted by the Winslow Tomorrow Community Congress on March 5. 2005. They will be used use to assess streetscape design alternatives against our goals and values, supporting sustainability, place making, connectivity and vitality.

Community Identity and Values
Does this scenario reflect community values, encourage diversity, promote a positive community identity, improve social connections and enhance the livability of Downtown?

Economic Vitality
Does this scenario encourage investment in Downtown, support a competitive and financially successful downtown business community and promote local businesses that provide goods and services to members of our community?

Demographic Vitality
Does this scenario attract a diverse population providing an attractive environment for living, recreating, socializing and conducting business? Does this scenario encourage diversity in housing styles and price ranges (including affordable housing) meeting and severing the needs of a diverse population?

Natural Resource Management
Does this scenario acknowledge resource limitations, conserve land, water and energy, limit pollution, protect ecological systems and encourage sustainable building techniques?

Management of Growth
Does this scenario acknowledge growth realities and prevent sprawl by concentrating development where infrastructure already exists?

Character of the Built Environment
Does this scenario represent the desired character; is it innovative, organic, appealing and attractive; does it support creative expression, and reference history, culture and the natural landscape?

Pedestrian Friendly
Does this scenario support a safe and functional pedestrian environment? Does it also provide safety and functionality for persons of varying physical abilities?

Travel Modes
Does the scenario provide multi-modal choices for local and regional destinations, routes and modes and support current and future land use plans?

Circulation
Does the scenario provide choices and improve connectivity for all modes of transportation? Does the scenario allow for continued evolution as innovations, simple solutions and new technologies become available?

Access
Does the scenario maintain or improve physical and visual access to gathering places, neighborhoods, the waterfront, businesses, and travel routes? Does it provide for the needs of persons of varying ability?

Parking
Does the scenario effectively improve the overall parking landscape and meet functional requirements of diverse users?

Regulation
Does this scenario comply with goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan?

Infrastructure
Does the scenario provide an economically and ecologically sustainable solution for the long term (thirty or more years) allowing for upgrading and/or additions of new technologies with minimal disruption and cost?

The following two criteria were added by the Streetscape Advisory Group on May 11, 2007.

City Budget
Does the scenario represent the most cost effective approach to implementing the plans being developed? Does the proposed capital cost and proposed on-going operating budget impact to the City of the scenario represent a fiscally-responsible means of accomplishing the goals of Winslow Tomorrow?

Design/Construction Schedule
Does the scenario reflect the most timely and efficient schedule for design and construction of the project? Does the scenario's design and construction schedule minimize disruption to existing retail and commercial establishments, pedestrian access, and traffic flow?

Photo by Joel Sackett, courtesy of Bainbridge Island Business Association

Arts Planning Opportunities

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:48:22 -0700

The community of Bainbridge Island and the arts, in all forms, are inextricably linked. This is reflected in the art works found in the public realm, vital performance institutions, a museum located in the downtown, and other elements such as sign boards for events and readings. The work of Winslow Tomorrow and previous project discipline reports including Winslow Tomorrow Expectations, Urban Design, Sustainability, Transportation, On Street Delivery & Parking and Street Furnishings & Amenities all reference the importance and function of the arts. This report identifies the proposed implementation of previous arts planning, the integration of current installations of public art and ongoing arts planning efforts.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Arts Planning.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Street & Pedestrian Lighting

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:16:03 -0700

Lighting allows pedestrian and vehicular activities along Winslow Way to continue comfortably into dusk and nighttime hours. The distribution, intensity and color quality of the electric light contribute to the quality of the visual environment at night. The design, size and location of light fixtures contribute to the quality of the visual environment at all times. This report considers available lighting options and discusses aspects of any lighting strategy that must be balanced with other streetscape elements.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Street and Pedestrian Lighting.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Street Furnishings & Amenities

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:49:54 -0700

Physical elements that support the civic life of the community and Winslow Way include a category of objects identified as site furnishings and amenities. The accumulation of individual and community investment in street furnishings is an important part of the rich and idiosyncratic character of the street. These elements support informal gathering and meeting while imbedding the street with individual and community history. The work of Winslow Tomorrow and previous project Discipline Reports including Winslow Tomorrow Expectations, Urban Design, Sustainability, Transportation and On Street Parking & Delivery reference the importance and function of these elements.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Furnishings and Amenities.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Street & Sidewalk Paving

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:01:47 -0700

The physical elements which support the civic life of the community include the paving of the street and sidewalks. This document summarizes the existing paving conditions, reviews community expectations, includes various paving options and offers a recommended paving strategy. It touches upon associated physical, social, environmental, educational, cultural and functional issues.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Street and Sidewalk Paving.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Retained & New Vegetation

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:04:03 -0700

Comments on the preliminary design indicating concerns regarding the regularity of spacing and quantity of trees proposed in the preliminary design have led to a reduction of approximately 30% in the proposed number of trees while continuing to increase the number of trees downtown significantly over current conditions. Opportunities to maintain existing vegetation where possible are identified, as are opportunities for individual and group participation by business and property owners and private citizens in the design and care of street gardens. The proposed design recommends retaining some existing vegetation and brings in additional new vegetation within the proposed program budget and schedule and meets the criteria established by Winslow Tomorrow.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Retained and New Vegetation.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Sustainability

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:04:00 -0700

The Winslow Tomorrow process identified sustainability as an important feature of the streetscape renovation to be included during all phases of the project; design, construction, and operation. The entire project provides a framework for methodologies and strategies to create a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable downtown. Specific strategies for developing sustainable elements of the project can be found in the reports examining storm water, vegetation, parking and delivery, and urban design. The proposed design provides for many opportunities for sustainable elements for the streetscape within the proposed program budget and schedule and meets the criteria established by Winslow Tomorrow.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Sustainability.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Storm Drainage

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:03:27 -0700

The existing storm drainage system is aging and deteriorating and in need of replacement. The proposed storm drainage design provides a hybrid storm drainage system with some conventional and some sustainable components in balance with the other needs of the streetscape renovation. The replacement system proposed will need to meet current code within the proposed program budget and schedule and meets the criteria established by Winslow Tomorrow.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Storm Drainage.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

On Street Parking & Delivery

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:03:08 -0700

The Winslow Tomorrow process identified that although alternative transportation such as walking, biking and public transit should be encouraged, it is absolutely vital to downtown businesses and to the character of Winslow Way to retain and improve downtown parking and delivery access to downtown businesses. The proposed design accommodates parking and delivery within the program budget and schedule and meets the criteria established by Winslow Tomorrow.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: On Street Parking and Delivery.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Transportation

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 09:03:58 -0700

The current transportation system on Winslow Way requires improvements for vehicular channelization, pedestrian movement and accessibility, and bicycle safety. Two intersections require improvements to enhance vehicular movement, connectivity and safety; (1) Winslow Way at Madison Avenue and (2) Winslow Way at Ericksen Avenue. Sidewalks will be wider to accommodate pedestrians and to improve accessibility, and crossing zones will be improved to be safer and more efficient. Bike lanes will be provided where they are applicable, and “sharrow” lanes elsewhere. All aspects of the street will be designed for universal accessibility. The proposed design includes the transportation features as described by this report within the program budget and schedule and meets the criteria established by Winslow Tomorrow.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Transportation.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Permitting Strategies

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 09:03:53 -0700

The renovation of Winslow Way is a complex process and the issue of the timing of construction work requires a thorough understanding of the regulatory conditions the project must meet in order to allow construction to begin on the proposed schedule. The current design and proposed construction timeframe calls for a permitting schedule of approximately 17 months duration that would begin at the end of 2007. This permitting strategy are within the current project budget,
within the project schedule, and meet the criteria established by the Winslow Tomorrow project.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Permitting Strategies.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Budget & Funding

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 09:03:50 -0700

The overall program budget for the Winslow Way streetscape design is proposed to be $20.6 million dollars. This budget includes the redevelopment of all utilities, sidewalks, parking, and travel lanes from Highway 305 to Grow Avenue as presented to the public on the 3rd and 4th of July and amended based on public comments via phone, email, and in person at the subsequent August 1st community forum. The budget is a total program cost, including construction costs and contingencies, professional services fees, and City costs such as property acquisition, outreach programs during construction, and business assistance programs. The budget assumes construction in a single season beginning in spring of 2009. Delay of the project beyond 2009 is anticipated to require increases in the project budget of $2 million or more per year.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Budget and Funding.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Design Standards Deviations

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 09:03:48 -0700

Elements of the current design deviate from current City standards to improve the street as a functional area for pedestrians, bikes, and cars, while also meeting goals to improve the downtown’s economy, safety, and sustainability. These features have been identified as vital to the character of the street and for meeting the criteria of Winslow Tomorrow. Some of the suggested deviations include locating underground utilities on the north instead of the south side of the street, developing alternative street surfacing, alternative curb design, environmentally sustainable storm drain systems, landscaping, lighting, and sidewalks that are wider than current sidewalks but not as wide as the downtown standard, and parking spaces that are sized to maximize the number of on-street parking spaces. The proposed design with the deviations is within the proposed program budget and schedule and meets the criteria established by Winslow Tomorrow.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Design Standards and Deviations.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Water & Sanitary Sewer

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 09:03:41 -0700

The existing water and sanitary sewer systems are aging and deteriorating and in need of replacement to establish a durable, long-term infrastructure for the downtown area. Water and sanitary sewer systems can be replaced within the proposed project budget and schedule while meeting the criteria established by the Winslow Tomorrow process.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Water and Sanitary Sewer.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Urban Design

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 09:03:24 -0700

In an effort to understand the role of potential elements of the Winslow Way Streetscape design, it is important to consider each in the context of the existing and future environment and in relationship to other elements. The Urban Design discipline report describes the role of lighting, vegetation, pavement, and other design elements in the context of three geographic areas — from 305 to Ericksen, from Ericksen to Madison, and from Madison to Grow, and in developing the Winslow Tomorrow themes of art, gardens, and ecology. The context-sensitive design strategy for each area and each location builds on the planning and evaluation process described in previous technical reports and the criteria originally established by the Winslow Tomorrow process.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Urban Design.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

What We’ve Heard...

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:15:38 -0700

Islanders have not been shy about offering their thoughts and ideas on the preliminary streetscape design. A vast majority of those speaking up support the overall approach, and are digging into the details to help refine the plan. Click here to see how the preliminary design is being revised in response to what we’ve heard.

Preliminary Design Report

Tue, 3 Jul 2007 12:52:36 -0700

This document summarizes the preliminary Winslow Way streetscape project design. It identifies the relationship of proposed actions to goals and objectives and highlights critical decision points. As the streetscape design effort has progressed, a number of additional objectives have emerged:
“Getting 50 pounds into a 10 pound grocery bag” speaks to the goal of a balanced use of Winslow Way and a rich community life.
Support the changing and diverse patterns of street use throughout the day and across the seasons.
Design “A Complete Street” for the wide variety of users in a equitable and sensible way.
Amplify the essential character and context of each district.
The Preliminary Streetscape Design adds these objectives to the community aspirations outlined in Technical Document #4: Winslow Tomorrow Expectations.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Preliminary Design Report.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Power & Communications

Fri, 25 May 2007 16:17:20 -0700

The existing overhead power and communication infrastructure within the project area is adequate to meet current needs, but the existing poles are aging and will need to be replaced soon. The Winslow Tomorrow process identified undergrounding utilities as a possible benefit to the pedestrian character of downtown as well as a potential enhancement of the overall aesthetic character of Winslow Way. This report examines the overall layout and utility infrastructure requirements of undergrounding power and communication utilities and discusses the potential benefits and limitations of undergrounding. Design for power and communication distribution undergrounding is within the current project budget and within the project schedule, and meets the criteria established by the Winslow Tomorrow project.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Power and Communications.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Property Acquisition

Fri, 25 May 2007 16:17:04 -0700

The Winslow Tomorrow process identified parking, pedestrian and vehicular circulation needs which might best be met through the expansion of public right of way. While no particular properties are identified for acquisition, and no actions have been taken toward the acquisition of any property, general ranges of and strategies for possible acquisition have been identified for budgeting purposes. The costs associated with property acquisition are broken down into what the least amount and the most amount for acquisition might be. The low end of the property acquisition budget is within the preliminary program budget of 20.5 million — the high range of the budget is approximately $1 million over the budget. This potential budget increase stems from the team’s closer examination of the project area during the preliminary design review, and a more conservative evaluation of potential property costs. The examination revealed several areas within the project scope that could be aesthetically enhanced and functionally improved by the acquisition of additional property. The team acknowledged that despite the potential budget increase, there would be significant cost savings achieved by identifying and studying the entire range of properties for possible acquisition under the initial scope of work The property acquisition strategies proposed are within the current project schedule.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Property Acquisition.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Public Outreach

Fri, 25 May 2007 16:16:48 -0700

Winslow Tomorrow established high community expectations for public outreach and public involvement in the process of developing designs downtown. In this spirit, the Winslow Way Design Team submits the attached detailed public outreach plan which includes detailed discussion of the outreach methods and a detailed timeline for outreach. This report highlights the key challenges, guiding principles, and measures of success of the outreach program, and emphasizes face-to-face as well as on the street, on the boat, and online communication and outreach strategies. The outreach plan is within the current project budget and within the project schedule, and meets the criteria established by the Winslow Tomorrow project.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Public Outreach.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.

Winslow Tomorrow Expectations

Fri, 25 May 2007 07:55:21 -0700

The Winslow Tomorrow process resulted in clear goals, objectives, and design programs for the future of Winslow Way. Exceptional places like Winslow Way are are the aggregate of many components – the rich character and diverse function of the street requires a design process that guarantees balanced decision making to meet the aspirations of the community. This report summarizes the essential tools which will be used to define and guide the design effort, and establishes the process to be used to evaluate all project decisions from the large to the small. Use of these methods is within the current project budget and within the project schedule, and meets the criteria established by the Winslow Tomorrow project.

For the full report in PDF format, click here: Winslow Tomorrow Expectations.pdf. This file may be quite large. Please allow ample time for downloading, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Click here to request a printed copy.