Supports Item No. 2
P&E Agenda
November 4, 1999

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: October 7, 1999
Author/Local: RGM/873-7347
RTS No. 01067

CC File No. 5802
P&E Date: November 4, 1999

TO:	Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Kerrisdale - Parking, Landscaping, and Pedestrian Improvements on West Boulevard - 37th Avenue to 42nd Avenue

RECOMMENDATIONS

A. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services install parking meters on the east side of West Boulevard from 40th to 37th at an estimated cost of $10,000. Funds for this work would be provided from increased parking meter revenues.

B. THAT the portion of the parking area on City property and adjacent to CPR property be paved in 2000 at an estimated cost of $50,000. Funds for this work would be provided from increased parking meter revenues.

C. THAT the balance of the parking area on CPR property, currently leased by the City at a nominal sum, be improved at an estimated cost of $90,000. The funds for this work would be shared between the Kerrisdale BIA($45,000) and the City's Parking Site reserve ($45,000) subject to an agreement with the Kerrisdale BIA to reimburse the City for a prorated portion of the City's $45,000 if the use is less than 5 years.

D. THAT Council approve up to $110,000 of future Arbutus Gardens CAC funds to create a Kerrisdale landscape entry feature on the Ridgeway Greenway at 37th Avenue and West Boulevard, and a boulevard edge treatment, and curb bulges subject to detailed design, further neighbourhood consultation and receipt of the CAC funding.

GENERAL MANAGERS' COMMENTS

The General Manager of Engineering Services RECOMMENDS approval of recommendations A, B, C, and D.

The General Manager of Community Services advises that a report will be forthcoming in the New Year on expenditure of the CAC funds from Arbutus Gardens; however, staff recommend that the expenditure of $110,000 in Recommendation D, is appropriate for this purpose.

POLICY

Parking meters are installed with the support of local businesses to better control street parking.

The Parking Site Reserve is used for parking improvements in Commercial areas.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to improve a portion of West Boulevard from 37th Avenue to 41st Avenue adjacent to the CPR right of way. The area is illustrated in Appendix A. The improvements include the paving of the pot-holed parking area adjacent to the CPR tracks, and the installation of parking meters along the east side of West Boulevard, to better regulate parking. Also proposed are improvements to enhance public safety and appearance along the east side of West Boulevard, as well as improvements, adjacent to the Ridgeway Greenway on 37th Avenue, that will enhance the greenway and create an attractive entrance to the Kerrisdale community.

BACKGROUND

The east side of West Boulevard from 37th to 42nd borders the CPR tracks, and for many years has accommodated angle parking, partly on the street right of way behind the curb and partly on a portion of the CPR ROW that is leased on a month to month basis for a nominal value by the City. This area has a very basic level of improvement and the surface of the parking area is very rough and poorly drained.

The Kerrisdale Business Association has worked with a consultant and City staff, and has prepared a draft plan that would improve this area for the public, and create a more attractive and better defined gateway to the Kerrisdale area. There are four main components to this improvement.

Parking Meters

Parking meters would be installed on the east side of West Boulevard in the Boulevard edge strip created with the above improvement. There are already meters on the west side of the street. The cost of this is estimated to be $10,000 and would be recovered by annual revenues estimated to be $60,000.

Parking Lot and Railway Edge Improvement

This improvement would include the paving of the driveway and parking area that is adjacent to the CPR tracks. This area is not properly improved and is rough and poorly drained. The City would be responsible for the work on City property that is estimated to cost $50,000. Funds for this would be provided from the increased parking meter revenues.

The Kerrisdale Merchants and City would share the cost of the work on the CPR right of way. The improvement would include the paving of this portion of the parking to improve the rough surface, and would repair the existing fencing and improve the landscaping adjacent to the tracks. This parking area would continue to provide free time limited parking. This work is estimated to cost $90,000 and would be paid for by the Kerrisdale BIA. To fund this work the Kerrisdale BIA would pay $45,000 that they have available in a reserve account and the City would pay the balance. The merchants have agreed that they would reimburse the City for a prorated portion of the City's amount if the use of this area is less than 5 years because of the cancellation for any reason of the lease agreement with the CPR. The Kerrisdale BIA would also be responsible for any maintenance costs.

Boulevard Edge Treatment and Curb Bulges

The boulevard edge treatment improves the area behind the existing curb on the east side of west Boulevard. It is proposed that a small landing area with concrete pavers be installed. This would allow the installation of trees along the street; create a safe haven for pedestrians from the parking area adjacent to the tracks; and create a protected area for the parking meters.

The second component centres on the intersections with cross streets, and focuses and improves pedestrian access at these corners. Part of this improvement may install corner bulges on East or West Boulevard or both. Access to the parking area behind the curb is also shifted to these locations.

There needs to be more design work done on this proposal and further public consultation. The improvements including tree planting, and are roughly estimated to cost $80,000. It is proposed that the source of funds for this work be the Arbutus Gardens CAC which has not yet been received.

37th Avenue Gateway/Greenway Improvement

This work focuses on the area at 37th Avenue that is on the Ridgeway Greenway. This work would create a landscaped entrance to the Kerrisdale area and would use portions of the street right of way and a portion of the existing parking lot (that would be slightly reduced). Access would be moved to the south to create a safer exit from the parking area to West Boulevard. These improvements would complement work to be done at 37th and East Boulevard.

This work also needs more design work and is it is recommended that the estimated cost of $30,000 be provided from the Arbutus Gardens CAC (which is not yet received). The Kerrisdale BIA would be responsible for any ongoing maintenance.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

This work has been a collaborative exercise between the City and the Kerrisdale BIA. The Kerrisdale BIA has discussed this proposal both with the BIA members and with the other businesses that are outside of the BIA area from 37th to 39th along West Boulevard. All parties strongly support the proposal. There needs to be more work done on the detailed design of the boulevard edge treatment and the 37th Avenue Gateway/ Greenway improvement, and then more consultation before the design is finalized.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver