october 2, 2013 public meeting display boards

7/27/2019 October 2, 2013 Public Meeting Display Boards

1/18


2/18

Welcome to the Crystal City StreetcarEnvironmental Assessment Community Forum

WelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcome

Or, contact the study team at:[email protected]

Public CommentMessage Line: 571-482-9734

Crystal City StreetcarP.O. Box 18023

Washington, DC 20036

To learn more about the studyor to submit your questions

or comments, visit our website:

www.crystalcitystreetcar.com

Tonights meeting focuses on:

Future No Build & Build Conditions

Streetcar alignment

Preliminary results of the Environmental Assessment

Crystal City Sector Plan Opportunities for public comment and questions

Presentation will be given at 7:00 p.m.


3/18

The Crystal City Streetcar Project will:

Establish a modern fixed rail streetcar line linkingPentagon City, Crystal City, and Potomac Yard, andconnecting to the Columbia Pike Streetcar line

Serve as a complement to and extend the existing transitnetwork, which includes Metrorail, Metrobus, OmniRide,and Virginia Railway Express (VRE)

Arlington County, in cooperation with the Federal TransitAdministration, has initiated an Environmental Assessment(EA) of the Crystal City Streetcar Project to:

document the project elements, evaluate the potential environmental impacts,

and identify mitigation strategies, as necessary.

Photo rendering of Crystal City Streetcar

WWWWh hhhaaaat tt t i iiissss t tt thhhheeee CCCCr rr ryyyyssssttt taaaal ll l CCCCi iiittt tyyyyStreetcar Project?Streetcar Project?Streetcar Project?Streetcar Project?


4/18

The No Build alternativeis the existing transportationnetwork (both roads andtransit) along with

improvements that areplanned for construction.Arlington County iscommitted to a number oftransportation improvementsincluding:

Improvements to thestreet network identifiedin the Crystal City SectorPlan

Construction of the

Crystal City PotomacYard Transitway

Construction of theColumbia Pike Streetcar

These improvements are

considered part of theFuture No Build condition.

No Build AlternativeNo Build AlternativeNo Build AlternativeNo Build Alternative


5/18

Build AlternativeBuild AlternativeBuild AlternativeBuild Alternative

Stops CCS will have 6 northbound

stops and 6 southbound stops Each stop will have:

Raised Platform foreasy, level boarding

Open Shelter Ticket Vending Machines Benches and trash cans

8 stops will be built as part ofthe Crystal City Potomac YardTransitway project

These will be reusedby the streetcar project 4 new stop locations will

be built by the CCS

Tracks

Standard railroad gaugeembedded into the pavementin existing right-of-way

Overhead wires will powerthe streetcars

Storage and Maintenance

CCS will include a vehicle storage facility Planned facility will hold up to 8 streetcars

Facility could be incorporated into a building

Power Substations CCS will require approx 5 substations

Substations require about 20'x30of space

Locations will be determinedin design phaseSubstation With Architectural

Treatment (Norfolk, Virginia)

To integrate the Crystal City Streetcar (CCS) into the existingtransportation system, a number of elements will be newly-constructed as part of the project:

Seattle, WADublin, IrelandPortland, ORTacoma, WATacoma, WA

Streetcar characteristics:

Modern

Electric-powered

Low floor vehicles Carry up to 115 passengers

(seated and standing)

Vehicles


6/18

The Crystal City Sector Plan identified a proposed streetcar route that was the starting point forthis assessment. Examination of the Sector Plan route identified a variety of concerns that couldbe addressed by refining a portion of the route. The streetcar route refinement is only slightlydifferent than the original alignment but reduces community impacts while effectively supportingthe urban design and growth policies contained in the Sector Plan.

Sector Plan AlignmentSB alignment between 12 th St.& 18 th St. follows Clark-Bell St.

Refined AlignmentSB alignment between 12 th St.

& 18 th St. is adjacent to Route 1

Alignment DevelopmentAlignment DevelopmentAlignment DevelopmentAlignment Development


7/18

Alignment DevelopmentAlignment DevelopmentAlignment DevelopmentAlignment Development

The Refined Alignment locates the southboundstreetcar tracks immediately adjacent to the eastside of Jefferson Davis Highway between 12 th and18 th Streets, yet at grade with Clark / Bell Street

The Refined Alignment would: Be generally consistent with the Sector

Plans vision for this area; Provide direct access to the Crystal City

Metro station; Maintain potential for found sites with

sizes feasible for redevelopment; and avoid potential conflicts with:

o Retail shops, corridors and other

Underground spaces;o Low clearance of Crystal Square 5 over

Clark / Bell Streeto Bus operations on Clark / Bell Street

north of 18 th Street

The Crystal City Sector Plan showed thesouthbound streetcar tracks along the west side ofClark / Bell Street between 12 th and 18 th Streets

The Sector Plan envisions new developmentparcels between Clark / Bell Street and JeffersonDavis Highway north of 18 th Street primarily as aresult of the reconfiguration of roadwayinfrastructure

Sector PlanStreetcar Alignment

RefinedStreetcar Alignment


8/18

Relationship to Other LocalRelationship to Other LocalRelationship to Other LocalRelationship to Other LocalTransportation ProjectsTransportation ProjectsTransportation ProjectsTransportation Projects

CCPY TransitwayThe Crystal City Streetcar is beingplanned in coordination with the CrystalCity / Potomac Yard (CCPY) CorridorTransit Improvement Project, which will:

provide exclusive transit lanes(or Transitway) for buses throughoutportions of the Route 1 corridor in

Arlington County and City ofAlexandria

develop station stops that willeventually be used for both busesand streetcars

Columbia Pike StreetcarThe Crystal City Streetcar is beingdesigned to tie in at its northwest endwith the eastern point of the proposedColumbia Pike Streetcar Project, allowingextended transit access to points west inArlington County along Columbia Pike.


9/18

Natural EnvironmentNatural EnvironmentNatural EnvironmentNatural Environment

Project is located in an UrbanizedEnvironment with few natural features.

Coordinated with VA Department ofEnvironmental Quality, Department ofGame and Inland Fisheries, Departmentof Conservation and Recreation-NaturalHeritage Program, and the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service.

Natural Resource Nature of Effect

Rare / Threatened / Endangered Species No Resources Present

Wetlands No Resources Present

Waterways No Resources Present

Wildlife Habitats No Resources Present

Ecologically Sensitive Areas No Effects on Resource

Water Quality No Effects on Resource

Floodplains No Effects on Resource

Typical environments to be impacted by the proposed streetcar


10/18

Cultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural Resources

Cultural resources include: National Register of Historic

Places Listed Historic Districts,Buildings, and Structures

Area of Potential Effect -Archaeological Sites

Possible effects could include: Changes to exterior appearance Affecting the view of or from

resource Disturbing or destroying theresource

National Register - listed properties(George Washington MemorialParkway and Aurora HighlandsHistoric District) are well outsidethe area in which effects on historicproperties would occur.

The results of this analysis indicatethat the Crystal City Streetcarproject will have no effect on historicproperties or archaeological sites.


11/18

Environmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental Justice

Executive Order 12898 Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income Populations

Environmental Justice evaluates potential impacts to minority and low income populations

Conclusion: Minority and low-income populations are not disproportionately affected by the project

Potential Minority Populations Potential Low Income Populations

Population Type StudyCorridorArlington

County

Total Population in 2010 11,701 207,627

Minority Population in2010

(% of Total Population)

3,137(27%)

76,766(36%)

Population for whomlow-income is

determined in 20109,128 194,187

Low-Income Populationin 2000 (% of Populationfor whom low-income is

determined)

646(7%)

13,556(7%)

Minority and Low-Income Populations in Study Corridor

Source: 2010 U.S. Census Source: 2010 American Community Survey


12/18

Noise & VibrationNoise & VibrationNoise & VibrationNoise & Vibration

Noise and vibration levelswere monitored at locationsrepresentative of typicalbackground levels and at allnoise-and vibration-sensitivelocations. All residences &sensitive locations areconsidered in the analyses.

Long term monitoringsites provide informationon how noise levels varyduring the day and night

Short term monitoring

sites provide informationabout the geographicchanges in noise levels

Vibration sitescharacterize vibrationlevels in the corridor


13/18

Noise & VibrationNoise & VibrationNoise & VibrationNoise & Vibration

Example Noise Source

(at a Given Distance)

Sound Pressure

Level in dBA

Example Noise

Environment

Human Judgment of Noise

Loudness

Commercial Jet Takeoff (200 ft) 120 Threshold of pain

Pile Driver (50 ft) 110 Rock MusicConcert* 16 times louder than the

sound of passing cars

Ambulance Siren (100 ft) 100 Very loud

Motorcycle (25 ft) 90 Boiler Room * 4 times louder than thesound of passing cars

Highway Vehicles (50 ft) 80 * Twice as loud as the soundof passing cars

Passing Cars (25 ft) 70 Urban Daytime * Reference Loudness

Normal Conversation (5 ft) 60 Busy Office * Half as loud as the soundof passing cars

Light Traffic (100 ft) 50 Suburban Daytime * as loud as the sound ofpassing cars

Bird Calls (distant) 40 Rural Daytime QuietSoft Whisper (5 ft) 30 Quiet Bedroom Very Quiet

__ 20 Recording Studio Just Audible

__ 0 Threshold of hearing

Sound Pressure Levels (in dBA) of Typical Noise Sources and Environments

Studies in other cities have found that the noise and vibrationfrom streetcar operations are generally compatible with anurban environment. Mitigation may be needed for particularlysensitive locations or near sharp curves in the track. Thereare usually bells and horns on streetcars. In general theseare only used for emergency situations. A detailed noise andvibration analysis will be prepared and documented in theEnvironmental Assessment.

Existing background noiselevels in the study areawere measured and rangedfrom 50-70 dBA. The soundof a running streetcar istypically in the range of

40-60 dBA at 50 feet.

The only detectable vibrationlevels recorded wereassociated with passing

freight trains. Freight trainsgenerate significantly highervibration levels than theproposed streetcars wouldgenerate due to the weight ofthe vehicle and the conditionof the tracks.

StreetcarStreetcarStreetcarStreetcar


14/18

StreetcarStreetcarStreetcarStreetcarOperations / SafetyOperations / SafetyOperations / SafetyOperations / Safety

How will the streetcar function within traffic? Streetcars operate like other vehicles Controlled by the same traffic signals Streetcars will mostly travel in their own,

designated travel lane In some areas, will travel in mixed-use lanes,

meaning other vehicular traffic will use the same lane

In the design phase, a detailed operational plan will bedeveloped. Areas that need special traffic control will beidentified, analyzed and incorporated into the design. Adetailed traffic simulation of the entire streetcar routewill be included in the Environmental Assessment.

How will cyclists be affected? Safe bicycle travel will be considered in

the design phase Bike lanes are being added or modified as

part of the No Build Alternative to assuresafety for bicyclists

Will it be dangerous for passengers tryingto board the streetcar on Crystal Drive?

Most boarding will take place curbside no need to cross travel lanes

Center platforms will be accessed bysignalized crosswalks

Safe streetcar operations are paramount in the design process. Thestreetcar design will provide for safe interactions with vehicles,pedestrians and bicycles. The Crystal City Sector Plan provides a plan forcontinuous sidewalks and bike routes, which will be maintained throughthe streetcar design. All streetcar facilities will be designed in compliancewith the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Proposed cycle track adjacent to Seattle streetcar (Source: Alta) Bike lane adjacent to Portland streetcar track


15/18

Transportation Policy Directive #8:Implement the proposed alignment andenhanced surface transit technology (streetcar),as shown on the Surface Transitway Map, anddesign stations as integral elements of the builtenvironment.

Crystal City Sector PlanCrystal City Sector PlanCrystal City Sector PlanCrystal City Sector Plan

The Crystal City Sector Plan represents the results of a community planning effort to develop a preferredvision for the next generation of development in Crystal City throughout the next 40 years.

Goals 1. Create a high quality public realm that strengthensthe sense of place.

2. Provide a mix of uses by balancing office,residential, retail, cultural and civic usesamong several defined neighborhood centers.

3. Relate architectural and urban design to thehuman scale.

4. Enhance multimodal access and connectivity.5. Incorporate sustainable and green building

principles into all urban and architectural design.

6. Preserve the integrity of the single-familyneighborhood to the west.

7. Ensure Crystal Citys long-term economicsustainability.

The Streetcar project supports the Sector Plan goals.


16/18

Crystal City Sector PlanCrystal City Sector PlanCrystal City Sector PlanCrystal City Sector Plan

Vision StatementCrystal City is one of Arlingtons great urban centers and is well positioned for futuresuccess. In this vision, Crystal City will grow into a community of neighborhoods withactive, pedestrian-focused streets, quality architecture, and a rich urban character.Principal features will include:

Well-defined public and complete streets that provide equally for traffic andpedestrians, and are great places to experience;

Very high quality public parks that are accessible to all;

Vibrant street-level retail throughout Crystal City to attract and serve residents,workers and visitors alike;

The calming and humanizing of Jefferson Davis Highway with expansivelandscaping and attractive building frontages along its edge;

Fully integrated and accessible multimodal transit that links neighborhoodsand communities within Crystal City and beyond; and

A full mix of uses typical of a complete, urban community.

Environmental AssessmentEnvironmental AssessmentEnvironmental AssessmentEnvironmental Assessment


17/18

Current Project Timeline

Environmental AssessmentEnvironmental AssessmentEnvironmental AssessmentEnvironmental AssessmentAnd Project MilestonesAnd Project MilestonesAnd Project MilestonesAnd Project Milestones

Current Study Project Schedule

2013 2014

Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Baseline Conditions

Assess Environmental Effects

Prepare Draft EA

Notice of Availability

Public Comment Period

Public Meeting

Prepare Final EA


18/18

Please take a few moments to share your views with the studyteam to help us better meet the needs of the community.

Be sure to include your contact information if youd like toreceive future updates as the project progresses.

To learn more about the study or tosubmit your questions or commentsat a later time, visit our website:

www.CrystalCityStreetcar.com

Or, contact the study team at:Email: [email protected]

Public CommentMessage Line: 571-482-9734

By mail:Crystal City Streetcar

P.O. Box 18023Washington, DC 20036

We Encourage Your Feedback!We Encourage Your Feedback!We Encourage Your Feedback!We Encourage Your Feedback!

october 2, 2013 public meeting display boards

Documents