August 1, 2012 City Council Meeting

TL;DR

The city council received an extensive update on the I-40 Boulevard project, including its historical context, current status, and proposed designs for various sections. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the merits of elevated versus at-grade designs, particularly for the Western Avenue and core downtown areas, with public comments largely advocating for an at-grade solution. The Council directed staff to hire an independent consultant to further study alternative designs and their cost implications for these contested sections.

Key Decisions & Votes

Hire consultant for I-40 Boulevard alternatives study

01:05:00

The Council directed staff to hire an independent professional consultant to evaluate alternative designs, including at-grade options, roundabouts, and slip lanes, for the Western Avenue/bridge section and the core section of the I-40 Boulevard, along with their associated cost parameters and traffic functionality.

Approved

Upcoming Community Events

Unspecified date, on the 13th

Friends for a Better Boulevard Town Hall Meeting

Farmers Market

Financial Matters

City bond funds for Boulevard enhancements

City has allocated bond funds to enhance landscaping, hardscaping, and other elements not covered by the ODOT project.

Cost assessment of Boulevard alternatives

Discussion on the need for a comprehensive cost assessment of various design alternatives (at-grade, elevated, roundabouts) for the Boulevard, with previous estimates for bridge square footage, embankment, and retaining walls mentioned.

Public Comments

5 citizens spoke

Public speakers strongly advocated for an at-grade Boulevard, expressing concerns that elevated roadways create urban blight, inhibit economic development, and separate downtown areas. They urged the Council to prioritize long-term urban planning, walkability, and explore all design alternatives, even if it means adjusting the project timeline.

At-grade Boulevard preference Concerns about urban blight from elevated roadways Impact on economic development and property values Importance of walkability and pedestrian-friendly design Need for long-term urban planning vision Re-evaluation of existing designs and exploration of alternatives Compromise in project outcomes

Coming Up

Tabled

Study of alternative designs for the Western Avenue/bridge section of the Boulevard
Study of alternative designs for the core section of the Boulevard

Deadlines

Project completion goal: 2014
ODOT aims to bid West Section: Fall/Early Winter
ODOT aims to bid Bridge Section: Spring 2013
ODOT aims to bid East Section: Next Spring

Watch For

Recommendations from consultants for the core section (streetcar, park, convention center integration)
Additional updates on the railroad bridge section design
Consultant's report on Boulevard alternatives and cost assessments

Agenda Summary

I-40 Boulevard Project Update and Discussion

Presentation by City staff and ODOT officials on the history, current status, and future plans for the I-40 Boulevard, covering proposed designs for the West, Bridge, Core, Railroad, and East End sections. The discussion included traffic projections, urban planning implications, and the debate over elevated versus at-grade designs.

Information Only

Meeting Summary