HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Planning Commission - Meeting Date: 1/7/2016 WORKSHOP MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
GLENDALE CITY HALL
CONFERENCE ROOM 2-A
5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE
JANUARY 7, 2016
5:15 PM
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at approximately 5:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Dobbelaere, Harper, Hirsch, and Vice Chairperson
Lenox and Chairperson Johnston were in attendance.
Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Gallegos and Moreno were absent and excused.
City Staff Present: Tabitha Perry, Assistant Planning Director, Jon Froke, AICP, Planning
Director, James Gruber, Assistant City Attorney, and Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary.
Special Guest: Jennifer Pyne, Valley Metro Project Manager, Megan Casey, Community
Outreach Coordinator, Darrell Jackson, Glendale Star and Matt Dudley, City of Glendale.
ITEM:
1. VALLEY METRO - WEST PHOENIX / CENTRAL GLENDALE (LIGHTRAIL)
TRANSIT CORRIDOR STUDY
Ms. Jennifer Pyne with Valley Metro provided the Commission with a brief overview of the
Valley Metro - West Phoenix / Central Glendale (Lightrail) Transit Corridor Study and
Recommendations.
Ms. Pyne stated that Valley Metro initiated a transit corridor study for the West Phoenix/Central
Glendale area to identify high-capacity transit service options to connect downtown Glendale to
the existing light rail system. She said Glendale had partnered with the City of Phoenix and the
community to determine a route location and a type of transit that would best serve the area. She
explained that they were at the end of the study. She noted that Valley Metro had completed two
levels of technical analysis and was currently conducting the final level of study on two types of
transit which were light rail and bus rapid transit. She explained on the map the three route
alternatives identifying Glendale Avenue, Camelback Road/43rd Avenue and Camelback
Road/Grand Avenue/51st Avenue. She stated that in addition Valley Metro was also conducting
a focused analysis of the Downtown Glendale area. As a result of that study, a recommended
downtown route was suggested as an option on Glenn Drive west of 51st Avenue.
Ms. Pyne discussed the alternatives, advantages and disadvantages of the types of transit being
evaluated. She pointed out the highest ridership and capacity comparisons as well as economic
development opportunities. She noted the many public outreach activity events and
presentations that were held to secure community input and awareness. She explained that the
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most interest came from the Camelback Road opportunity and the connection to Grand Canyon
University. She stated that there had been mixed feedback with the Glendale Avenue option
with some concern that it might impact existing businesses.
They recommend light rail as the transit type with the recommended route being Camelback
Road to 43rd Avenue to Glendale Avenue, crossing over to 51st Avenue then north to Glenn
Drive to conclude in front of the Civic Center. She indicated the next step was to obtain and
incorporate additional public input. She noted that public meetings will be held January 19 and
20, 2016.
She noted this was the recommendation that will be brought before City Council in March or
April as the preferred route. She stated that if approved, the preferred alternative will proceed
into the design and environmental phase. Operation was scheduled for 2026.
Chairperson Johnston asked if the intersections would stay open while construction was taking
place. Ms. Pyne explained there were no construction plans yet, but they do their best to ensure
accesses to affected businesses.
Commissioner Hirsch asked if there was any data on which businesses remain after the light rail
construction. He would like to see some data on how many businesses survive after a major
construction exposure. There was no data available since there were too many variables and it
being very difficult to track.
Commissioner Hirsch also inquired as to what the incentive was for the City of Phoenix to help
fund the light rail from Camelback to 43rd Avenue in Glendale. Ms. Pyne explained that both
cities have been involved throughout the entire process. She also provided information on where
the funds would come from including federal and regional funding. She added that the City of
Glendale and Phoenix will participate in cost sharing discussions for the remainder of the cost.
Mr. Matt Dudley explained further noting that each city would pay their share 50/50 along 43rd
Avenue given that this was a regional transportation network project that will connect the entire
system.
Commissioner Hirsch noted he was still unclear as to why Phoenix would be on board with most
of light rail going through Glendale.
Commissioner Lenox noted that light rail would go both ways therefore they would also receive
some benefit.
Commissioner Harper discussed possibly including ASU West in the future.
The Commission discussed other possibilities.
Chairperson Johnston asked if business owners will know ahead of time when construction will
begin to make arrangements for business traffic. The response was yes.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Jon Froke, AICP, Planning Director, informed the Commission that he will be at the Scenic
Corridor voting meeting on February 4. The Corridor will extend from 51st Avenue west and
south to Bell Road.
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ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Commissioner Harper made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Hirsch seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m.
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