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Discuss the Land and Green Ribbon Program Landscape at the Intersection of Highway 75 and Eldorado Parkway
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: June 20, 2016
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Engineering
CONTACT: Mark Hines, Director of Engineering
Emily Braht, RLA, Landscape Architect
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• City Council input and direction is needed regarding Green Ribbon Program Landscape and potential land acquisition at the Intersection of Highway 75 and Eldorado Parkway.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Staff will provide background information related to the Green Ribbon Program and/or land acquisition and will then lead a discussion regarding potential landscaping and required property for the beautification of the intersection.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The Green Ribbon Program is a program created by TxDOT to improve roadway aesthetics and to offset the effects of highways.
• TxDOT, through the Green Ribbon Program works with the city on the design of the project, creates the construction documents, manages the installation, and pays for all plant material, irrigation and all associated costs for installation.
• The city enters into a Landscape Maintenance Agreement (LMA), with TxDOT upon completion of the project.
• The city has participated with TxDOT and the Green Ribbon Program on four different occasions; Industrial Boulevard, Custer Road, Intersection of Wilmeth and Hwy 75, and the Intersection of Hwy 380 and Hwy 75.
• TxDOT has completed the reconstruction of Hwy 75, including the intersection with Eldorado Parkway.
• The Hwy 75 corridor as a whole and the Eldorado Parkway and Hwy 75 intersection in particular, are high-profile locations with Eldorado and Hwy 75 being the first major intersection into the City of McKinney. This area has been mentioned by Council in the past as an important corridor with the Hwy 75 and Eldorado Parkway as a gateway intersection to the city.
• There are two areas of this project for discussion. First, the lower portion of right-of-way property that is associated directly with the vehicular traffic on Hwy 75. This portion of the project would be a Green Ribbon Project. Secondly, the intersection corners that are associated directly with the vehicular traffic on Eldorado Parkway crossing Hwy 75 or accessing Hwy 75 at the intersection.
• The first location to be discussed is the area available for the Green Ribbon Program at highway level. This space is minimal due to the design of the freeway.
• The second location is the upper corners of the Hwy 75 and Eldorado Parkway intersection. TxDOT has indicated that they wish to sell the intersection corner properties and have given the City of McKinney first rights of refusal. If the city owns the property the Green Ribbon Program will no longer be in effect. However, installation of the projects trees and irrigation may be accomplished through the Tree Reforestation Fund.
• There are only three corners that are viable for landscape development: the northwest, southwest and southeast corners. The northeast corner has too much grade change.
• The Engineering Department has reached out to TxDOT to obtain a monetary price for the property. TxDOT has not responded with a direct cost and is looking for the city to propose a price for their consideration.
• The request for direction is two-fold: Does the city wish to pursue the Green Ribbon Program for the areas at freeway level? And, does the city wish to pursue landscaping, which may include purchasing a portion of the intersection in three corners with TxDOT?
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• To be determined.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A