City of Saint Paul - File #: RES PH 14-93

• File #: RES PH 14-93
• Version: 2
• Type: Resolution-Public Hearing
• Status: Passed
• In control: City Council
• Final action: 7/9/2014
• Title: Approving the Saint Paul long-term streetcar network, and authorizing a detailed study of East to West Seventh from Arcade to Randolph, for the potential of a starter streetcar line.
• Sponsors: Russ Stark

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
7/11/2014	2	Mayor's Office	Signed
7/9/2014	1	City Council	Adopted As Amended	Pass

Title

Approving the Saint Paul long-term streetcar network, and authorizing a detailed study of East to West Seventh from Arcade to Randolph, for the potential of a starter streetcar line.

Body

WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan includes strategy 2.10 Study the feasibility and possible location of new streetcar lines, to help provide balance and choice to the system; and

WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development engaged a team of consultants from Nelson\Nygaard, HDR and Richardson Richter and Associates, with funding from the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative, the Saint Paul Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, the Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority and the City of Saint Paul, in a technical Streetcar Feasibility Study, and identified a network of feasible routes as well as a priority corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, on December 6, 2013, released the draft study and recommendations for public review and set a public hearing for January 24, 2014; and

WHEREAS, notice of the hearing was published and mailed to the early notification system list and other interested parties; and

WHEREAS, public testimony was accepted via Open Saint Paul and at two Open Houses held on January 15^th and 16^th, 2014; and,

WHEREAS, a public hearing on the Streetcar Feasibility Study was conducted by the Planning Commission on January 24, 2014, at which all persons present were allowed to testify; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission referred the draft study and conclusions to the Transportation Committee for consideration, review of the public testimony, and recommendations; and

WHEREAS, on February 10, 2014, the Transportation Committee forwarded its recommendations to the Planning Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered the public testimony and the recommendations of the Transportation Committee;

WHEREAS, on February 21, 2014, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the long-term network of feasible streetcar routes for Saint Paul, including 7 lines: East 7^th, Grand, Payne, Rice, Robert, Selby, and West 7^th; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission also recommended authorization for staff to proceed to a more detailed analysis of the Starter Line corridor, comparing the potential benefits of streetcars to enhanced bus service, specifically for East-West 7^th Street from Arcade to Randolph, with the purpose and intent to:

·      Improve transit connectivity;

·      Enhance the attractiveness of transit service; and

·      Catalyze development through transit investment.

This next study will include (among other elements) an examination and recommendation for routing through Downtown Saint Paul; a more detailed analysis of capital, operating, and lifecycle costs; and an economic development potential breakdown, including a close study of the impacts of modern streetcar lines in other cities in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the City Council held a public hearing on the Streetcar Feasibility Study and the recommendations, at which all interested persons were heard.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby approves the long-term network of feasible streetcar routes for Saint Paul, including 7 lines: East 7^th, Grand, Payne, Rice, Robert, Selby, and West 7^th; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council authorizes staff to proceed to a more detailed analysis of the Starter Line corridor, comparing the potential benefits of streetcars to enhanced bus service, specifically for East-West 7^th Street from Arcade to Randolph, with the purpose and intent to:

·      Improve transit connectivity;

·      Enhance the attractiveness of transit service; and

·      Catalyze development through transit investment.

This next study will include (among other elements) an examination and recommendation for routing through Downtown Saint Paul; a more detailed analysis of capital, operating, and lifecycle costs; and an economic development potential breakdown, including a close study of the impacts of modern streetcar lines in other cities in the United States.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council directs staff to wait to initiate its detailed analysis of the West 7th Street portion of the East to West 7th streetcar line until the County of Ramsey concludes its transit-related studies of the Riverview corridor.