Title
State Highway 5 Downtown Pedestrian Connection Feasibility Study Update
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
(2B: Balance available resources to accommodate the growth and maintenance needs of the city)
Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
(5E: Develop sustainable quality of life improvements within the City of McKinney)
MEETING DATE: April 18, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Engineering
CONTACT: Kim Flom, Assistant City Manager
Gary Graham, Director of Engineering
Blake Sills, Engineering CIP Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Receive presentation and discuss items related to ongoing development of feasible alternatives for enhanced pedestrian linkage and community stitching along State Highway 5 near Downtown McKinney
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Discuss items related to ongoing development of feasible alternatives for enhanced pedestrian linkage and community stitching along State Highway 5 near Downtown McKinney.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The FY23 Capital Improvement Plan budget includes funding under CIP Project ST2234 related to feasibility and preliminary design efforts related to the development of pedestrian connection enhancements east of Downtown McKinney at State Highway 5, including a potential ‘deck park’ structure.
• The North Texas Central Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has committed $1.6 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program funding towards feasibility study efforts and preliminary engineering design associated with the development of an enhanced pedestrian linkage at State Highway 5 near Downtown McKinney. Those funds are expected to be available in Fall 2022. Depending on how NCTCOG/TxDOT/City chooses to advance the project, an agreement between the City and TxDOT made be needed.
• On July 12, 2022, City staff conducted a public meeting to share the three options with the public. An online survey was also conducted as part of the public meeting. The comments received from the online survey are attached to the agenda item.
• On April 28, 2022, staff presented an update to the City Council showing conceptual plans for three options. The City Council provided direction to move forward and conduct a public meeting and requested that staff continue to coordinate with the NCTCOG and TxDOT on the project.
• On October 19, 2021, staff presented an update at the City Council Work Session meeting outlining the goals and outcome of this project, including involvement and coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). The City council provided direction at this meeting to immediately enter into a “Phase 1” professional services contract to begin feasibility study efforts.
• On November 16, 2021, the City Council authorized a professional services contract with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. for the initial (Phase 1) feasibility study related to the development of pedestrian connection enhancements east of Downtown McKinney at State Highway 5, including a potential ‘deck park’ structure.
• Since the initiation of the “Phase 1” study effort in December 2021, staff has been working with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. and NCTCOG staff on developing a framework which will assist in the project’s transition to the public involvement phase and “Phase 2” study efforts estimated to occur later this year.
• An updated presentation has been prepared covering the following areas:
o Study Overview
o Study Timeline
o Alternative Evaluation Matrix Overview
o Overview of Alternatives Considered
o Public Engagement Strategy and Next Steps
• Staff is presenting this informational presentation to receive concurrence on direction as the study progresses into more formal feasibility study efforts, which will require adherence to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and in anticipation of the project, if advanced further, utilizing federal funding administered through NCTCOG.
• Communication Efforts:
o Businesses that may be impacted by one or more of the alternatives presented were previously notified by letter regarding this update, and attempts were also made to provide information to those businesses in-person by the Engineering Department.
o The East McKinney Newsletter encouraged residents to attend or watch the meeting for an update.
o An email was sent to the people who attended the public meeting in July of 2022 and indicated they wanted to receive future updates.
o Social media was used to encourage residents to attend or watch the meeting for an update.
o Information about the meeting was posted on the project page on the website.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A