2017-01-09 · City Council · Agenda Packet · January 9, 2017 City Council Meeting · Agenda Packet

City of Stockbridge Bringing People Together STOCKBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Judy Neal Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Councilman Elton Alexander Council Meeting Agenda January 9, 2017 6:00 PM Councilman John Blount Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Councilwoman Neat Robinson CITY MANAGER Michael Harris CITY CLERK Vanessa Holiday Council Chamber 2nd Floor DEPUTY CLERK Randi Rainey 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Website: www.cityofstockbridge.com CITY ATTORNEY Michael Williams Phone: 770­389­7900 Fax: 770­389­7912 AGENDA COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017 6:00 PM Mayor & City Council Judy Neal, Mayor Anthony S. Ford, Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander, Councilman John Blount, Councilman LaKeisha Gantt, Councilwoman Neat Robinson, Councilwoman I. Invocation II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Call to Order IV. Roll Call Administration Michael Harris, City Manager Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk Michael Williams, City Attorney Present Absent Councilman Alexander Councilman Blount Mayor Neal Mayor Pro Tem Ford Councilwoman Gantt Councilwoman Robinson V. Adoption of the Agenda VI. Adoption of Minutes for 11/14/2016, 11/29/2016 Draft Minutes of November 14, 2016 Draft Minutes of November 29, 2016 Organization Appointment of City Attorney:_____________________________ pursuant the City Charter, Section 2.12.040, the City Attorney shall be appointed at the first meeting of the Mayor and Council in January of each year Page | 3 CEREMONIAL Item # 1 ­ Proclamation­ Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Celebration Presented by: Mayor Neal Item # 2 ­ Proclamation­ National Human Trafficking Awareness Day Presented by: Mayor Neal Item # 3 ­ Letter of Commendation presented to 2016 Stockbridge High School Football Team Presented by: Mayor Neal Item # 4 ­ Letter of Commendation presented to Eagle's Landing Christian Academy Football Team Presented by: Mayor Neal PUBLIC COMMENTS All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in with the City Clerk prior to the beginning of the meeting. You must sign your name, address, and phone number. You will be able to address the Mayor and Council for three (3) minutes. OLD BUSINESS Item # 5 ­ Presentation­ Stockbridge Bicycle Pedestrian and Trail Plan Presented by: Madie Fischettie, ASLA of WLA Studio Item # 6 ­ Ordinance­ Banning Smoking in Vehicles Containing Minors Presented by: Councilman Blount NEW BUSINESS Item # 7 ­ Resolution­ Condemning Smoking in Vehicles Containing Minors Presented by: Councilman Alexander Item # 8 ­ Resolution­ Main Street Memorandum of Understanding Presented by: Kira Harris­ Braggs, Main Street Manager January 9, 2017 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389­7900 Page | 4 Item # 9 ­ Resolution ­ Engineering Services Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager Item # 10 ­ Resolution­ to Introduce at the Regular 2017 Session of the General Assembly of Georgia local legislation providing for the revision of the Corporate City Limits of the City of Stockbridge Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney DISCUSSION Item # 11 ­ Discussion ­ Scheduling Ceremonial Presentations Presented by: Mayor Neal Item #12 ­ Discussion ­ Amending the 2017 Council Meeting Schedule ­Presented by: Mayor Neal CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS Michael Harris COUNCIL'S COMMENTS Councilman Alexander Councilman Blount Mayor Pro Tem Ford Councilwoman Gantt Councilwoman Robinson MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Judy Neal EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts) January 9, 2017 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389­7900 Page | 5 I. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorney­client privilege as provided in Georgia Code section 50­14­2(1) and 50­14­3(b)(1)(A). The subject discussed was {identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorney­client discussion}. II. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property as provided in Georgia Code section 50­14­3(b)(1)(B). III. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or disposal of real estate as provided in Georgia Code section 50­14­3(b)(1)(C), IV. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50­143(b)(1)(D). V. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50­143(b)(1)(E). VI. Meeting to discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee as provided in Georgia Code section 50­14­3(b)(2). VII. Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an agency as provided in Georgia Code section 50­14­3(b)(2). VIII. Pursuant to the attorney­client privilege and as provided by Georgia Code section 50­14­2(1), a meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the agency or any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee may be directly involved and the matter discussed was {identify the matter but not the substance of the discussion.}. IX. Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by law as provided by Georgia Code section 50­14­3(a)(1). January 9, 2017 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389­7900 Page | 6 ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS All meetings will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please check the city's website www.cityofstockbridge.com or contact City Hall offices at 770.389‐7900 for information.  Main Street Advisory Board Meeting ‐ Friday, January 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  All City offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. City services will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.  Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting – Monday, January 23, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board Meeting – Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  Council Work Session – Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber. Motion to Adjourn. January 9, 2017 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389­7900 Letter of Commendation January 9, 2017 As elected officials of the great City of Stockbridge, Georgia, it is both our pleasure and duty to recognize great programs such as the 2016 Stockbridge High School Football program. And, whereas this honorable body commends rare athletic achievement, and gives special honor and commendation to those athletic teams who pursue such excellence that they become examples for the youth of this community. Once again, the Stockbridge High School Tigers continue to make us proud! The 2016 season was magical going on a 13-0 run and finishing the season at 13-1; hailing as Region Champs and returning to the State Semi-Finals. Coach Kevin “The Admiral” Whitley, and a talented coaching staff have brought a tradition of winning to Tiger Nation. The 2016 season was another impressive year for the Tigers: Region 4AAAAA Champs, Coach Kevin Whitley Region 4-5A Coach of the Year, 13 All-Region Team selections including: Defensive Player of the Year Benton Cox, First Team selections: Benton Cox, Jalen Holston, Marquez Ezzard, Austin Donaldson, Kenderick Duncan, Kelton Dawson, Chris Hall and Nasir Greer; Second Team selections: Aaron Robinson, Brandon Lopes, Mike Price, and Honorable Mention selections: Abu Bangura, Jordan Douglas, Jordan Brown, Wesley Guilford, Nidarius Alexander, and Ryan Massey. We look forward to another exciting year for the Tigers in 2017! We commend the Stockbridge High School Administration, led by Principal Eric Watson, for your leadership both in the classroom and on the field. Having a great athletic program offers many of the Tigers an opportunity to continue their athletic and academic careers with well-deserved scholarships. This body honors the Tigers and wishes you the best of luck in your future endeavors. ________________________________________ Judy Neal, Mayor ________________________________________ Anthony S. Ford, Councilmember _____________________________________ Elton Alexander, Councilmember ________________________________________ LaKeisha Gantt, Councilmember _____________________________________ John Blount, Councilmember ________________________________________ Neat Robinson, Councilmember Whereas: e Mayor CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN JANUARY 4, 2017 Prepared for: CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE, GEORGIA ADOPTED: JANUARY 9, 2017 Page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MAYOR Judy B. Neale CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL Anthony S. Ford LaKeisha T. Gantt Elton Alexander John Blount Neat Robinson CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE STAFF Michael C. Harris, City Manager Justin Kilgore, GIS Specialist/Planner Kira Harris‐Braggs, Main Street Manager CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET ADVISORY BOARD Shomari Furtch Alison Ramsay Ebony Gurndy Anika Potts Tavaras J. Powell Mildred Reed Terry Sanders Anthony Ford Kathryn “Kat” Vallish Kira Harris‐Braggs CONSULATANT TEAM WLA Studio ii This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements Executive Summary 1) Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 4 Project Process Plan Goals and Objectives 2) Existing Conditions Inventory ...................................................................................................... 8 Policies, Zoning & Development Regulations System Appraisal and Evaluation 3) Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Network Development ................................................................ 26 Project Recommendations 4) Recommendations and Implementation Plan ........................................................................... 38 Project Implementation Plan Funding Options Policy Development and Implementation Strategies ILLUSTRATIONS Illustration A Illustration B Illustration C Illustration D Illustration E Illustration F Illustration G Illustration H Illustration I Illustration J Illustration K Illustration L Illustration M Study Area Northwest Quadrant Recommendations Northeast Quadrant Recommendations Southwest Quadrant Recommendations Southeast Quadrant Recommendations Walt Stephens Road – Proposed Improvements Red Oak Road – Proposed Improvements Davis and Old Conyers Roads – Proposed Improvements Rock Quarry Road – Proposed Improvements Flippen Road – Proposed Improvements North Henry Boulevard – Potential Crossings Proposed Greenway Routes MLK Sr. Trail – Proposed Extension Appendix A – Public Meeting Presentations Appendix B – Cost Estimates for Physical Improvements iv CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan The Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan (SBPTP) was developed through a collaborative process involving a team of stakeholders from the community and relying heavily on public input. The plan provides details on the existing condition of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the city and opportunities for future improvement. The SBPTP is intended to guide investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the future and outlines priorities for the city. It includes the following sections: 1) Introduction: This section includes an outline of the project process and gives an overview of the tools used throughout the project to gather input from the community including in‐person open house sessions, work sessions with key stakeholders, and public survey. This section also includes a description of the purpose of the plan and overarching goals. The primary goal of the SBPTP is to provide active (non‐automobile) transportation opportunities to the citizens of Stockbridge both within the city limits and to the surrounding region. The City of Stockbridge does not currently have a Comprehensive Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trail Plan. The plan aims to make recommendations to develop an integrated pedestrian and bicycling network that accommodates a wide range of users and abilities from children to seniors. By developing a Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan the city will provide a safe, connected and efficient transportation system for the citizens of Stockbridge. 2) Existing Conditions: This section provides an assessment of the existing bicycle and pedestrian network, noting pedestrian gaps and deficiencies and key opportunities and constraints throughout the city. Included in the assessment are existing policies, zoning and development regulations as well as an appraisal of the physical system and existing city assets. Stockbridge has many sidewalks in the core downtown area but they are not well connected to neighborhoods and parks. An existing greenway trail does not connect to the regional system or provide offroad routes to community resources such as schools and parks. Major north‐south thoroughfares in the city limits are lacking any pedestrian or bicycle amenities. While there are several bike lanes in the southern half of the city, and trails and sidewalks exist throughout, gaps in the system create a lack connectivity. 3) Bicycle, Pedestrian & Trail Network Development: This section outlines the process used to develop and prioritize the plan elements ultimately selected for inclusion in the SBPTP. This section includes mapping of high priority crossings, connections, and routes and lists the prioritized plan elements. Plan elements include basic information like description of existing conditions, potential improvements, and costs for planning, design, and completion. The plan includes solutions to provide better pedestrian access across major thoroughfares in the city (SR 138) as well as recommendations for offroad trail systems. Gaps in neighborhood sidewalk systems are addressed in the plan. The plan explores the need and makes recommendations for off‐road paths with 2 regional connections to the nearby PanolaArabia Mountain PATH trail. 4) Recommendations & Implementation Plan: This section outlines a phased implementation program based on staff and public input. Potential funding options are identified for plan elements. The implementation plan also describes the relationship of the SBPTP to past planning documents and recommends revisions to city policies to facilitate implementation of the SBPTP. The plan looks at both public and private sector funding sources for capital improvements and future planning efforts. The CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN SBPTP addresses both policy efforts and educational opportunities for the city. Key action items include extension of existing streetscape and greenways, ordinance recommendations, and elimination of gaps in the sidewalk network. Illustrations for physical improvements are included at the end of the report. Cost estimates for individual projects are included in Appendix B. CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION Figure 1: Stockbridge City Hall. (http://stockbridge.municipalcms.com/files/images/City_H all_‐_Summer_07‐15‐2011_083218.JPG) The City of Stockbridge Stockbridge is located just east of the junction of I‐75 and I‐675 in northwest Henry County. The city is located approximately 20 miles south of Atlanta and is part of the Atlanta Regional Commission planning area. The population estimate for 2015 for Stockbridge is 28,202 persons1. Nearly one third of the population of Stockbridge is under the age of 18 and less than seven percent is over the age 65.2 Existing active transportation amenities within the city limits include parks, Reeves Creek Trail, sidewalks and streetscape areas (see Chapter 2 for a full description of existing conditions). Project Process The consultants began work on this plan in February 2016. After a meeting with city staff, the consultants began the process of conducting inventory and analysis of the existing bicycle, pedestrian, and trail facilities within Stockbridge. The study area boundary 1 Accessed online at http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215 /1373704,00 (11/28/16) 2 Ibid. Figure 2: Consultants conducting in person survey for citizen input for plan (Unless noted, all photos by author, 2016) was the city limits with attention given to connections to county and regional resources. Since the city limits of Stockbridge are irregular, some areas outside of the city limits were considered in linear connections to avoid recommendations with gaps. In addition to physical inventory, the consultants also reviewed existing policy, zoning and development regulations in regard to active transportation options in the city. During the inventory and analysis process the consultants conducted a survey both online via the city website and in person at Main Street public events. Results of the public survey were tallied and helped define key project areas and project goals and objectives. The consultants presented inventory and analysis and proposed project options to the public and Main Street Advisory Board members. Input from these public sessions helped guide final recommendations and project priorities. The consultants conducted the project in three phases: 4    Phase One: Inventory and Analysis – Data was collected throughout study area, including physical data, natural and cultural resources, evaluation of existing facilities and input from citizens. Phase Two: Opportunities – Collected data was reviewed, opportunities were identified and presented graphically upon project maps. Additional public input was gathered. Phase Three: Strategy – Final bicycle, pedestrian and trail plan strategy was developed along with supporting mapping and graphics. The plan will be presented before City Council for final approval. PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of the City of Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan (SBPTP) is to plan for a convenient and comfortable active (non‐auto based) transportation system for local trips within the community and connections with regional trail systems. The plan identifies access points, preferred alignments, key potential road crossing options, design elements, regulatory requirements, preliminary cost estimates, and potential sources of funding. The SBPTP expands on and responds to recommendations set forth in several previous studies such as the 2012 City of Stockbridge Livable Centers Initiative 10‐year Update and the 2016 Henry County/Cities Joint Transportation Plan. The plan’s primary goal is to offer options for active transportation to city residents and visitors. The planned bicycle and pedestrian routes are intended to provide convenient access to community resources within Stockbridge, reduce reliance on auto transportation, and improve safety for all user groups regardless of age and ability. Project goals and objectives for the SBPTP were developed with input from the public and CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Figure 3: Public giving input for project prioritization. stakeholder groups such as the Main Street Advisory Committee. Citizens were asked to “vote” for their favorite projects and favorite project configurations. SURVEY RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:    Citizens DO value bicycle and pedestrian resources Citizens DO want additional resources Citizens value connectivity and facilities Priorities:    Network – expand and improve active transportation network Safety – prioritize safety (especially for vulnerable users) when planning network additions to trails and intersections Culture – nurture a culture which incentivizes active transportation for health, fitness, and to improve the environment (1) Trails  Recreation  Protect natural and cultural resources  Provide SAFE off‐road connections for walkers/bikers (2) Sidewalks  Complete the network  Provide standards for development (3) Intersections  Accessibility  Signals (4) Bicycle Facilities  Bike lanes  Improved alternative transportation connections  Focus on neighborhoods/schools/retail PROJECT GOALS Project goals provide guidance that helps direct where the citizens of Stockbridge see the city in the future. Goals for this project include: Safety and Health: enable people to safely walk, run or bicycle in and through the city. Accessibility: develop a non‐automobile focused system that is accessible to all ages and abilities. Community: encourage citizen interest and participation in pedestrian and bicycling activities. PROJECT OBJECTIVES Project objectives specifically describe the project purpose and the outcomes desired from the SBPTP. The primary objective of the plan is to provide a plan for development of resources for all potential users of the pedestrian and bicycle system.         Link to regional PATH system and local trails Link to Main Street area and city retail hubs Link to community destinations such as schools, residential areas, parks, community centers, etc. Provide connections and access to natural areas Increase north‐south connectivity by adding more pedestrian and bicycle routes Provide design standards for well‐designed, visible, and safe crossings Minimize conflicts between people biking and walking and automobiles and address safety and security of bicycle and pedestrian route users Provide for connectivity between existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities Sustainability: develop community assets that are both environmentally and economically sustainable. Figure 4: Example of a project board with citizen vote priority dots. 6 Page intentionally left blank. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN CHAPTER 2 – EXISTING CONDITIONS Policies, Zoning Regulations and Development JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES TRANSPORTATION PLAN - 2007 This document evaluated and made countywide recommendations to improve roadway conditions including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The document concludes that as “a rapidly suburbanizing area, Henry County, like many other counties in this situation, is experiencing an increase in need for transportation improvements of all types, including better sidewalk, bicycle path, and public transportation networks.”3 Public transportation is limited within the county with on‐demand transit for elderly and citizens with limited mobility. As part of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan process, the planning group developed additional criteria specific to Henry County to supplement Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans. The plan included priority areas for improvements which had: • “Proximity to Key Locations – proximity to schools, libraries, parks and other public facilities; • Network Definition – Connecting existing segments of the sidewalk network; 3 Joint Henry County/Cities Transportation Plan – 2007, Accessed online via http://www.co.henry.ga.us/transportationplanning/ CTP.shtml). • Connectivity – Access between major bicycle and pedestrian origins and destinations; • Roadway Expansion Opportunities – locations where roads are planned to be reconstructed or constructed along new alignments and new pedestrian and bicycle facilities can be added; • Protection of Right‐of‐Way – opportunities to encourage developments to provide adequate right‐of‐way for bicycle and pedestrian facilities as new developments are constructed; and, • Consistency with Other Plans ‐ the consistency with the GDOT Statewide Bicycle Plan, ARC Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, and local plans.”4 Several of the Priority Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning areas identified in the report are within the Stockbridge city limits. One of the objectives outlined in the Transportation Plan is: “Provide travel choices for residents and visitors.” The following policies outlined in the report support this objective: • “Policy 1.2.1: The County and Cities will support a balanced and multimodal transportation system that serves the mobility needs of all segments of the population, accommodates all travel modes, and promotes community economic development needs. • Policy 1.2.2: Highway investments will include provisions for alternative travel modes, such as transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities, to create multimodal transportation corridors to serve travel needs, as appropriate. 4 Ibid. 8 • Policy 1.2.3: Context‐sensitive design approaches should be used where appropriate in transportation project development to balance the needs of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, land use and development, and safety considerations. • Policy 1.2.17: Henry County and its Cities will identify the need for improvements in the pedestrian and bicycle networks in key areas, such as downtown areas, commercial nodes, school complexes, government office areas, and other locations where pedestrian activity is present. These needs will be identified, as appropriate, in the Capital Improvement Programs of each jurisdiction. • Policy 1.2.18: Henry County and its Cities will provide where deficient and require new development to construct sidewalks for areas within one mile of public facilities such as schools, libraries, government buildings, hospitals, etc. and will encourage sidewalks in all other areas. • Policy 1.2.19: The County will construct sidewalks on both sides of all thoroughfares, on both sides of collector streets, and on one side or both sides of requested local streets as desired based on available resources. • Policy 1.2.20: Henry County and its Cities will pursue funding opportunities from federal, state, and regional agencies and private‐nonprofit programs to improve the pedestrian and bicycling environment. • Policy 1.2.21: The County will consider the construction of bicycle lanes with a minimum width of four (4) feet consistent with the GDOT’s and the County’s standards on all new or reconstructed roadways within the County, where feasible (excluding limited access CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN roadways and local streets). Wherever bicycle lanes are not feasible, justification will be included as part of the roadway preliminary design process. Alternative routes will be identified. • Policy 1.2.22: The County will provide a connected network of bikeways, as needed, and sign them appropriately. • Policy 1.2.23: The County will study and identify off‐road bicycle trail opportunities as part of its on‐going transportation planning activities. • Policy 1.2.24: Henry County will share information and participate in ARC’s regional bicycle and pedestrian planning program so that bicycle issues and opportunities in Henry County can be incorporated into ARC’s regional planning programs. • Policy 1.2.25: Henry County should participate in ARC’s regional planning activities to capitalize on any opportunities for the planning and development of multi‐use trails. • Policy 1.2.26: Henry County Planning and Zoning Department and Public Works Department shall coordinate with the County’s Parks and Recreation Department, adjacent county jurisdictions, and GDOT to determine locations where future pedestrian, bicycle paths, and trails are needed and desired. • Policy 1.2.27: The County/Cities Land Development Regulations will be reviewed and modified to encourage better pedestrian and bicycling environments in emerging developments, existing developed areas, and redeveloping areas. • Policy 1.2.28: Henry County and its Cities shall maintain a list of recommended pedestrian and bicycle system improvement projects implementation. for • Policy 1.2.29: The planning and development of mixed use developments in the County and Cities shall facilitate and improve existing opportunities for walking and bicycling. • Policy 1.2.30: Bicycle parking racks should be provided at all public transportation facilities and stations (i.e. express bus stations, etc.). • Policy 1.2.31: Henry County and its Cities will support the preservation of abandoned railroad and utility rights‐of‐way for walking, bicycling, or multi‐use trails and potential future transportation corridors. • Policy 1.2.32: Henry County and its Cities shall promote public education programs aimed at pedestrian and bicycle safety, especially for children. • Policy 1.2.33: Henry County and its Cities will explore opportunities and implement projects as appropriate to create safe routes to schools. • Policy 1.2.34: The County and Cities will ensure that all school speed zones meet the standards for signs, markings, and other safety features recommended by the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).5” The report specifically outlines transportation priorities for the City of Stockbridge that affect alternative transportation including: widening Rock Quarry Road; synchronizing traffic lights, and intersection improvements along Fairview Road. JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (CTP) – UPDATE 2016 One of the new initiatives that updates the original 2007 CMTP is an initiative known as “Healthy Henry.” This effort highlights “an important aspect of the transportation network that has traditionally received less attention during planning.” Healthy Henry aims to battle obesity in the community by promoting healthful lifestyle habits. Active transportation choices support this goal.6 The Healthy Henry plan advocates capitalizing on opportunities in Henry County for greenway trails along “creeks, rivers, utility easements, and railroad corridors, to connect to neighboring county trail systems, and to provide school access and connectivity.”7 The types of “Healthy Infrastructure” advocated in the CPT Update supported by the recommendations in the SBPTP include greenway trails, sidepaths, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and nature trails. Several goals of the CTP Update are supported by the SBPTP. Goal 4: Protect and enhance the county’s and cities’ environmental quality. 4.1 Minimize air quality impacts of transportation investment 4.2 Preserve the county’s natural and environmentally sensitive areas 6 5 Ibid. “Transportation Planning,” August 2016, accessed November 30, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/transportationplanning/ CTP.shtml., 3. 7 Ibid., 31. 10 Figure 5: Greenway Trail Opportunities in northern part of Henry County as identified in Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update – 2016, Jacobs. Goal 9: Enhance citizens health and quality of life through transportation improvements. 9.1 Increase access to parks and schools via active transportation infrastructure 9.2 Provide comfortable, safe, and convenient options to walk to nearby destinations 9.3 Provide access and connections to regional trails 9.4 Prioritize at least 50% of bicycle and pedestrian improvements in an appropriate areas with high demand corresponding to active transportation focus areas identified in the needs assessment process8 The report identifies several routes in the Stockbridge city limits with “congestion needs.” Primary congestion corridors include Eagle’s Landing Parkway and North Henry Boulevard (SR 138 and SR 42). Secondary congestion corridors include East Atlanta Road, Red Oak Road and Flippen Road.9 The report identifies SR 138 as a regional truck route. 8 9 Ibid., 4. Ibid., 20. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN The CTP Update identifies North Henry Boulevard and Eagle’s Landing Parkway as primary access corridors. The report states that “access management is most needed in commercial and industrial corridors where unmanaged access to local land uses can generate significant traffic congestion and safety concerns.” Mapping identifies an extension of Rock Quarry Road from North Henry Boulevard north to East Atlanta Road as a priority access management corridor.10 The CTP Update includes an analysis of “walking propensity” and identifies several areas within Stockbridge as priority areas: North Henry Boulevard, Flippen Road, and Eagle’s Landing Parkway. The report recommends improvements for areas where there are currently gaps in the sidewalk network and also have a high walking propensity.11 The CTP identifies pedestrian safety needs and notes that many of the pedestrian crashes that have occurred in the county are in the Stockbridge area clustered in “higher density activity 10 11 Ibid., 23‐24. Ibid., 34. corridors where pedestrian activity is more frequent.” The reports identifies North Henry Boulevard, Flippen Road, and Eagle’s Landing Parkway as areas that “contain the highest density residential developments in the county, generate the most pedestrian traffic, and require the greatest amount of pedestrian facilities and safety measures.”12 boundary was roughly bounded by Davis Road to the north, Rock Quarry Road to the east, Walt Stephens Road/Red Oak Road to the south, and I‐75/I‐675 to the west. The area included the traditional downtown and commercial areas long Henry Boulevard (SR 138) as well as adjacent residential areas. Weaknesses identified in this report included: Pedestrian safety needs outlined in the CTP Update include:     North Henry Boulevard: traffic calming, pedestrian improvements, reduced speeds, access management, improved signage Eagle’s Landing Parkway: access management, traffic calming, improved signage, operational improvements13    The plan identifies one specific roadway project in the Short Term Work Program within Stockbridge. Rock Quarry Road is scheduled to be widened from Eagle’s Landing Parkway to SR 138, adding one lane in each direction. The design for this project is currently underway.   The plan identifies several projects within the Stockbridge city limits pertaining to the SBPTP but few of these projects are included in the county’s short term work program. The short term work program does include a Countywide Greenway Trail Master Plan. The purpose of this study is to “drill down specifically on greenway trails alignments, feasibility, and costs.”14  CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE LIVABLE CENTERS INITIATIVE, 10-YEAR UPDATE, 2012   “Auto‐oriented existing land uses Lack of design standards for new construction along North Henry Blvd A built form which encourages driving Combination of development patterns, existing facilities, and distances mean that much of the study area is not walkable Poor ADA accessibility for pedestrians along North henry Boulevard Lack of sidewalk connectivity on key streets Lack of ADA‐Compliant facilities at intersections Hostile environment for bicyclists along north Henry Boulevard Narrow local streets create safety concerns for bicyclists Lack of bike racks”15 The study identified several alternative transportation projects and goals to improve pedestrian and bicycle policies. Several of the projects have been implemented by the city since the study was released. New major pedestrian facilities in the traditional downtown and adjacent neighborhoods have been implemented and include new sidewalk, curb and gutter, landscaping, and pedestrian lighting. This study concentrated on the areas adjacent to Hwy 138 within the city limits. The study area 15 12 Ibid., 35. 13 Ibid., 35. 14 Ibid., 69. Tunnell‐Spangler‐Wallsh & Associates, et al, City of Stockbridge Liviable Centers Initiative 10‐Year Update, As Adopted ed. (n.p.: City of Stockbridge, GA, 2012)., 14‐35. 12    Figure 6: Newly implemented streetscape improvements in the traditional downtown area. The report includes specific recommendations for many residential and side streets including replacement of existing curb and gutter, landscaping, and sidewalks. The report includes a recommendation that the city adopt a “citywide standard for typical street sections and layout, as well as tree types and styles for all street furnishings to be used for the proposed pedestrian facility projects.”16     16 2030 JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (Adopted 2009) The 2030 Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Plan is a document that outlines the community’s vision for the future and details plans to implement that vision. The report includes analysis of existing and future land use, zoning, natural and cultural resources, and infrastructure. 18 Recommendations specific to the City of Stockbridge include: following  “Encourage adjacent homeowner associations to work together to study ways to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between them. Provide public facilities and buildings that are accessible and visitable to persons with disabilities and the elderly. Improve pedestrian accessibility to and across the North Henry Boulevard (SR 138/42) Corridor. Implement requirements for non‐vehicular improvements as part of a proposed North Henry Boulevard (SR 138/42) overlay district.  The LCI Study promotes the pedestrian and bicycle policies: Ibid., 96 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Design new buildings to support walking and bicycling with basic urban design elements. Continue coordination of joint bicycle facilities with Henry County, the ARC, and surrounding areas. Implement requirements for non‐vehicular improvements for all future transportation projects.”17   17 The implementation of recommendations outlined in the LCI study to increase connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists The adoption of a street connectivity ordinance to establish restrictions on block sizes and connections between developments The commissioning and adoption of a conceptual corridor master plan to identify greenway and collector road locations A partnership with the PATH Foundation to master plan a trail system Ibid., 92‐92. “Henry County Board of Commissioners,” 2030 Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Plan, March 27, 2012, accessed November 20, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/planningzoning/CompLa ndUsePlan.shtml. 18 The Short Term Work Program from the CMP includes the following recommendations. Those that have not been completed are shown in bold. Many of the projects have already been implemented on at least one side of the road. Table 1 – Selected Projects from Short Term Work Program, Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Master Plan Project Cost* Responsible Party/Funding Town Center Streetscape (Love Street to Hwy 42)19 $12,000,000 City of Stockbridge/ General Extension of Rock Quarry Road to Old Conyers $1,560,000 City of Stockbridge, GDOT, Road and Valley Hill Road (started in 1999 and is HCDOT/ General Fund, SPLOST ongoing) Multiuse trail for Reeves Creek Phase 1: From $900,000 City of Stockbridge/ General Dabney‐Hunter Simmons Park to Tye Road Fund, LCI, TEA Old Downtown Square Sidewalks, streetscapes $1,000,000 City of Stockbridge/ General (Barry Street) Fund, LCI, SPLOST, TEA Flippen Road from North Henry Boulevard to Walt $500,000 City of Stockbridge and Henry Stephens Road Bike Lanes, Sidewalks County/ General Fund, LCI, SPLOST, TEA Tye Street Improvements, including curb and $400,000 City of Stockbridge, HCDOT, Sidewalks (started in 2000)20 GDOT/General Fund, SPLOST Miller Road to Miller Court (sidewalks) $50,121 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Neal Avenue from North Henry to Oakland $152,544 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Boulevard (sidewalks)21 Mann Boulevard from North Henry to Oakland $163,440 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Boulevard (sidewalks)22 Woodhaven Drive from North Henry to Old Atlanta $12,000 City of Stockbridge/ General Road (sidewalks)23 Fund, SPLOST Sheppard Drive from North Henry Boulevard to end $16,650 City of Stockbridge/ General of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks)24 Fund, LCI, SPLOST, TEA Appleton Boulevard from Flippen Road $25,500 City of Stockbridge/ General (sidewalks)25 Fund, SPLOST 26 Fairhaven Court (sidewalks) $19,650 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Fairhaven Road from Flippen Road to Fairhaven $11,325 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Court (sidewalks)27 Club Place from Club Circle to end of street $41,878 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST (sidewalks) 19 Project is partially completed Improvements are on west side of road only from N. Henry Blvd to Smith Barnes Elementary School 21 Improvements are on west side of road only 22 Improvements are on east side of road only 23 Improvements are on west side of road only 24 Improvements are on east side of road only to Old Atlanta Rd 25 Improvements on north side of road only 26 Improvements on east side of road only 27 Improvements on north side of road only 20 14 Glendale Court from Appleton Boulevard to end of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) Lombardy Way from Fairhaven Court to Fairhaven Blvd (sidewalks)28 Fairhaven Blvd from Sheffield Court to Fairhaven Court (sidewalk)29 Nolan Street from South Berry Street to the dead end (sidewalks) First Street from Tye Street to South Berry Street (sidewalks) Second Street from Tye Street to Railroad Street (sidewalks) Child Street from Tye Street to end of street (sidewalks) Sheffield Court from Fairhaven Court to Fairhaven Boulevard (sidewalks) Church Street from Berry Street to Wilson Avenue (sidewalks) Jennings Way (Cemetery Street from Second Street to Wilson Street (sidewalks) Duvall Drive from East Atlanta Road to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) Parkwood Drive from West Burke Street to Davis Road (sidewalks) Stockview Terrace from Creek Circle to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) Lambert Drive from North Henry Boulevard to end of street (sidewalks)30 Lane Drive from North Henry Boulevard to Spring Street (Curbs, Gutters, and Sidewalks) Lake Drive from Lambert Drive to Lake Terrace (sidewalks) Lake Terrace from Lake Drive to end of street (sidewalks) Creek Circle from Davis Road to Davis Road (sidewalks)31 Bridge Park Court from Creek Circle to cul‐de‐sac Landover Drive from Davis Road to Davis Road (sidewalks) Ridge Run from Landover Drive to Landover Drive (sidewalks) 28 Improvements on west side of road only Improvements on west side of road only 30 Improvements on east side of road only to Lake Terrace 31 Improvements are on one side only 29 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN $4,650 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $24,000 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $24,000 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $75,000 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $65,376 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $166,164 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $98,064 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $17,790 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $51,494 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $87,168 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $147,858 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $68,644 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $8,510 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $121,490 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $34,867 $71,913 City of Stockbridge/ General Fund, SPLOST City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $41,404 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $37,275 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,900 $35,700 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $15,105 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Meadow Ridge Drive from Davis Road to cul‐desac (sidewalks) Angela Court from Meadow Ridge Drive to cul‐desac Rebecca Court from Meadow Ridge Drive to culde‐sac (sidewalks) Shields Road from North Henry Boulevard to Davis Road (sidewalks) Meadow Ridge Way from Shields Road to cul‐desac (sidewalks) Meadow Ridge Court from Meadow Ridge Way to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) Club Circle from Club Place to Club Circle (sidewalks)32 Wren Court from Club Circle to Club Place (sidewalks) Club Drive from North Henry Boulevard to Club Place (sidewalks)33 Ceresa Drive from North Lee Street to end of road (sidewalks) Center Street from North Henry Boulevard to West Burke Street (sidewalks) Iron Horse Way from Northbridge Drive to end of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks)34 Engine Run from Central Line to end of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks)35 Northbridge Drive from Flippen Road to end of culde‐sac (sidewalks)36 Shortline Court from Central Line to end of cul‐desac (sidewalks)37 Pullman Lane from Central Line to end of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks)38 Central Line from Iron Horse Way to Seaboard Drive (sidewalks)39 Seaboard Drive from Northbridge Drive to Old Atlanta Road (sidewalks)40 Sideline Court from Seaboard Drive to end of cul‐ $25,125 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,900 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,900 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $501,216 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $7,545 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $8,250 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $64,500 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,180 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $116,151 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $45,218 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $13,215 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $13,905 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,825 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $25,125 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,900 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $6,600 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $25,500 $19,650 City of Stockbridge/ General Fund, SPLOST 77 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $14,475 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST 32 Improvements are on one side only Improvements are on east side only 34 Improvements are on west side only 35 Improvements are on east side only 36 Improvements are on north side only 37 Improvements are on east side only 38 Improvements are on east side only 39 Improvements are on north side only 40 Improvements are on west side only 33 16 de‐sac (sidewalks)41 Northern Run from Seaboard Drive to end of cul‐desac (sidewalks)42 Beacon Street from Old Atlanta Road to Hillcrest Drive (sidewalks)43 Wilson Street from Wilson Avenue to Jennings Way (Cemetery Street) (sidewalks) South Berry Street from Nolan Street to Second Street (sidewalks)44 North Henry Boulevard to end of Bowen Street (sidewalks) West Burke Street from Burke Street to Center Street (sidewalks) South Lee Road, North Henry Boulevard from Rock Quarry Road to East Atlanta (sidewalks and streetscape)45 Davis Road from Clark Park to Highway 42 (Sidewalks and Streetscape)46 $8,400 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $9,360 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $130,752 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $156,902 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $115,497 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $108,960 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $625,000 City of Stockbridge/LCI City of Stockbridge/ LCI Grant Tunnel under railroad between Gardner Park and $900,000 Clark Park City of Stockbridge/ Federal Grant, General Funds Burke Street to Love St, Berry Street, Jennings Way to Dabney Hunter Simmons Memorial Park (Streetscape and Sidewalks/trails)47 *Costs as projected in 2009 City of Stockbridge/ LCI, SPLOST, TEA 41 Improvements are on south side only Improvements are on north side only 43 Improvements are on east side only 44 Improvements are on west side only to Wilson Avenue 45 Portions are complete 46 Portions are complete 47 Improvements include curb and gutter and sidewalks on west side of road 42 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Public comment through Preliminary Visioning Workshops helped shape the “One Henry” CMP. Common comments from these sessions pertaining to the SBPTP include    “Preserve/create greenspace Connections – parks with trails, sidewalks, trails and roads to connect neighborhoods Intersection improvements”48 Community input also garnered the following comments regarding transportation in Stockbridge: “Require housing developments to provide a high level of both auto and pedestrian connectivity to surrounding land uses and streets.”49 For natural and cultural resources, citizen desired the creation of “additional nature parks with trails and other recreational opportunities.”50 The Vision Statement for the Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive plan is as follows: “Henry County’s vision for the future is a smarter land use pattern that conserves rural character by focusing new growth in high quality neighborhoods and schools centered around a wide variety of accessible commercial and public services. There will be improved mobility, more choice and enough jobs for every household to live and work in Henry County. During the next 20 years, Henry County and its cities are committed to work together will all elements of the community to achieve this vision.”51 The SBPTP supports this vision with goals to improve active mobility and provide facilities for access to community, commercial, and neighborhood assets. The plan advocates for public investment in infrastructure such as streetscapes and activity centers that include sidewalks and open space. The SBPTP supports several policies outlines in the “One Henry” CMP. Land Use Policies52  “LU‐7: Encourage walkability, interaction among businesses, clear visibility of entryways, and centralized open space.  LU‐9 Enact clear design guidelines so that streets, buildings, and public spaces work together to create a “sense of place.”  LU‐26: Create walkable, safe, and attractive neighborhoods throughout the community, where people have easy access to schools, parks, and necessary services (grocery store, drug store) without having to travel by car.” Transportation Policies53  “T‐1: Maintain an efficient and reliable multi‐modal transportation network to support efficient land use, minimize traffic congestion, and facilitate community‐wide and regional circulation. 51 48 “Henry County Board of Commissioners,” 2030 Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Plan, March 27, 2012, accessed November 20, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/planningzoning/CompLa ndUsePlan.shtml. 49 Ibid., 3‐7. 50 Ibid., 3‐8. “Henry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan: Community Assessment,” accessed November 30, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/planningzoning/pdf/Co mpLandUse/HenryCommunityAssessment.pdf. 52 “Henry County Board of Commissioners,” 2030 Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Plan, March 27, 2012, accessed November 20, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/planningzoning/CompLa ndUsePlan.shtml, 6‐1 – 6‐3. 53 Ibid., 6‐8 ‐6‐9. 18 Figure 7: Diagram from ARC Walk. Bike. Thrive! document showing how a focus on short trips will allow the region to maximize the benefits associated with more walking and biking. Recommendations in the SBPTP support this goal.      T‐4: Require sidewalks in all new developments. T‐7: New and reconstructed roadways will be designed to accommodate multiple functions, including pedestrian facilities, parking, bicycle routes, public transit (if applicable) as well as local vehicular circulation. T‐8: Ensure that new developments will be designed to be conducive to walking and biking. T‐9: Require bike lanes, a broad bicyclefriendly shoulder, or a parallel multi‐use path for all widening, and new construction roadway projects for all collector and arterial streets. T‐14: Support creation of a communitywide pedestrian/bike path network.” ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION WALK. BIKE. THRIVE! The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) commissioned a study to assess needs and provide recommendations to improve the regional bicycle and pedestrian network. Stockbridge is in the ARC study area. The ARC CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN outlines a vision for a more walkable and bikable Atlanta area. The report outlines guidelines for both physical facilities and policy implementation to help guide future improvements. The ultimate goal is for the region to have a strong network of WalkFriendly and Bike‐Friendly Communities connected by a strong regional trail system. The final recommendations contained in this document helped shape recommendations for both the SBPTP network and policy recommendations. The report outlines criteria for expanding the regional trail network. Facilities which are considered “Regional Trails” should achieve the following:     “Assists with meeting the goal of having at least one regional trail in every county in the region Improves trail access to or within an Equitable Target Area Connects to an existing Trail of Regional Significance Connects to an Activity Center or High Demand Area   Connects to a federal, state, or local park Meets a minimum standard for initial feasibility (runs along a riparian, greenspace, railroad, or utility corridor)” Should an entity such as the City of Stockbridge wish to receive funding from ARC for regional level trails, the trails should meet the following criteria:       “Be at least 12 feet wide to allow for comfortable passing even when users in the opposite direction are walking or biking two‐abreast, and wider in dense areas where demand is likely to be high. Meet or exceed guidance put forth in AASHTO’s Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities for physical separation from the roadway if built as a “sidepath”. Include wayfinding signage that provides information about popular destinations. Provide safe, convenient crossings that minimize delay and out‐of‐direction travel for people walking and bicycling. Include support facilities at trailheads and along the route including seating, trash cans, water fountains, bathrooms, bike parking, and/or public art. Accommodate the full range of bicycle types, including cargo bikes, tandems, recumbants, tag‐along/trailerbikes, and bicycle trailers.”54 GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLANS Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is “now partnering with Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety (PEDS) and Georgia Bikes to increase the safety of people who walk and ride bicycles in Georgia.” These organizations are engaged as the state develops its latest Strategic Highway Safety Plan. GDOT announced in March 2016 that over three years a total of $613,710.00 will be invested to promote programs that “make it safer for Georgians to walk and ride bikes.” 55 Other GDOT manuals oriented to bicycle and pedestrian improvements were consulted in the production of the SBPTP, but many of these publications are more than ten years old. Reports Include the GDOT Pedestrian and Streetscape Guide (2003), Georgia Guidebook for Pedestrian Planning (2006), Georgia Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Statewide Route Network (1998). EXISTING STOCKBRIDGE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS Several development guidelines within the existing development ordinances for the city support the development of bicycle and pedestrian amenities. For example: 8.36.050.A.2 ‐ Planned town development district (PTD) “The PTD sets forth a framework for traditional neighborhood development (TND) and MUND 54 “Walk Bike Thrive!: Atlanta Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan (2016),” 2016, accessed November 15, 2016, http://www.atlantaregional.com/transportation/bic ycle‐‐pedestrian., Part 1 ‐ 21. 55 “Bicycle and Pedestrian,” accessed November 20, 2016, http://www.dot.ga.gov/PartnerSmart/Public/PressR eleases/NewPartnerships‐PEDSandGABikes‐3‐216.pdf. 20 that encourages pedestrian‐scale residential and nonresidential activities to be designed in such a way as to reduce the number and type of vehicle trips, limiting traffic congestion and thereby improving air quality. MUND, in addition, incorporates multifamily residences into a PTD with an emphasis on vertical and horizontal integration of residential and nonresidential uses. Conventional development (CD) is also permitted in a manner to promote clustering of residences. Each of these development types are designed to set aside areas for recreation and open space, enhance pedestrian and bicycle movement, and provide buffers between residential and nonresidential activities. A master development plan may contain one or more of these types of developments. Also, net densities herein are in accordance with the benchmarks established by the Henry County/Cities Joint Comprehensive Development Plan.”56 8.36.180 ‐ Conservation residential subdivision. F. Development Standards 16. Multiuse Paths57 “Multiuse paths are required. Such paths shall be constructed to connect each residential lot to the largest portion of green space and required amenities located in the subdivision and those commercial, office, and industrial areas inside and outside the subdivision as required in subsection (F)(16)(b) of this section. Multiuse paths may not be constructed in lieu of streets or alleyways; however, private alleyways may be counted towards the multiuse path requirement where at least a ten foot (10′) wide easement is granted for public use and the private alleyway is demarcated according to this 56 “Code of Ordinances,” MuniCode, accessed November 30, 2016, https://www.municode.com/library/ga/stockbridge/ codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8PLDE_CH8.3 6ZO_ARTIIAMCOPRGRWEPR_8.36.050PLTODEDI. 57 Ibid. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN subsection. Multiuse paths shall be a minimum of four inches (4″) in depth, ten feet (10′) in width with demarcations, either by different shaded surfaces or a solid or dashed line, to designate that at least four feet (4′) of the width of the path is for pedestrian use and the remaining portion of the width of the path may be used for bicycles and golf carts. Multiuse paths shall be constructed of concrete, asphalt, some pervious material approved by the city or a combination thereof. If pervious material is used, it shall not be a loose material (e.g., wood chips, gravel, sand, or dirt) and it shall have a life span comparable to or better than that of asphalt.” 8.36.100 ‐ Multi‐family residence district. D. Multi‐family residential district 5. Development Standards q. Multiuse Paths “(1) Multiuse paths are required in all developments developed under the standards of this district. Such paths shall be constructed to connect residential lots with all the amenity areas of the development. (v) Multiuse paths shall be constructed of concrete, asphalt, some pervious material approved by the city or a combination thereof. If pervious material is used, it shall not be a loose material (e.g., wood chips, gravel, sand or dirt), and it shall have a life span comparable to or better than that of asphalt. Multiuse paths shall be a minimum of four inches (4″) in depth, ten feet (10′) in width with demarcations, either by different shaded surfaces or a solid or dashed line, to designate that at least four feet (4′) of the width of the path is for pedestrian use while the remaining portion of the width of the path may be used for bicycles and motorized carts.” Figure 8: Floyd Chapel Baptist Church, a historic resource near downtown Stockbridge. Figure 9: Multi‐use path at Clark Community Park (Photo, City of Stockbridge.) System Appraisal and Evaluation EXISTING BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND TRAIL NETWORK There are a number of sidewalks and pedestrian amenities within the City of Stockbridge. Past efforts including the LCI study have led to numerous projects including the addition of many sidewalks within neighborhoods. Several major thoroughfares in the southern portion of the city include bike lanes. For example despite being a nine lane road in some areas, Eagle’s Landing Parkway includes bike lanes and sidewalks from I‐75 to Country Club Drive. The Reeves Creek Trail offers an off‐road multi‐use trail option to Stockbridge’s citizens. Off‐road multi‐use paths can also be found at all local parks. However, the system in Stockbridge lacks real connectivity. There are few north‐south pedestrian and/or bicycle connections. Safe traversable interstate crossings are limited to on‐road resources at Eagle’s Landing Parkway. Parks and Greenways are not linked together. The following sections highlight assets within the city limits. Existing conditions specific to proposed project areas are described in Chapter Three. MARTIN LUTHER KING, SR. TRAIL In 2015, the Stockbridge City Council voted to rename portions of downtown streets Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail. The designation covers portions of Berry and Railroad Streets and honors King who was a native of Stockbridge. King preached his first sermon at Floyd Chapel Baptist Church (see Figure 8) which is in close proximity to the trail. King attended the Rosenwald School (no longer extant) which was located at the corner of Tye and Second Streets. The streetscape project associated with the MLK Sr. Trail includes pedestrian scale lighting, landscaping curb and gutter, and sidewalks. Community Development Block Grants funded the project. Stockbridge Main Street advocates extending the project to Rock Quarry Road and adding spurs to historic sites along the route. PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ASSETS Memorial Park Memorial Park is located in the Tye Street neighborhood at the corner of Jennings Way (Cemetery Street) and Wilson Street. This park includes pavilions, playgrounds, basketball court, and a walking loop path. The park also serves as a trailhead for the Reeves Creek Trail. 22 Figure 10: Aerial image showing intersection of Reeves Creek Trail with the Memorial Park loop trail. (Aerial from Henry County GIS.) Gardner Park Gardner Park is north of downtown off East Atlanta Road. The city‐owned portion of this park is approximately ten acres and includes hard surface walking paths, picnic pavilions and tennis courts. Henry County Cochran Park which is the adjacent 18 acres and includes active recreation ball fields. Clark Community Park Clark Community Park is nearly twelve acres and includes playgrounds, hard surface walking paths, picnic pavilions, and a dog park. The park is located north of downtown off Davis Road. The park is separated from Gardner Park by a steep railroad embankment. City Hall/Town Green The greenspace adjacent to Stockbridge City Hall is well used for public events and gatherings. While there is no formalized trail system in this area, public sidewalks surround the town green and connect to the traditional downtown area. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Mearle Manders Conference Center Mearle Manders is a conference and events facility just north of the traditional downtown area. While there are no formalized pedestrian or bicycle facilities at the center, portions of the Clark Community Park trails pass adjacent to the Conference Center building. The center is accessible to City Hall and the traditional downtown area by sidewalk. Figure 11: Town green outside city hall. Citizens use this space for festivals and gatherings such as Screen on the Green and Tasty Tuesday Food Truck nights in the summer. north‐south route in the city frequently. There are several surface street overpasses to the rail line including North Henry Boulevard and a newly constructed overpass at Rock Quarry Road. The railroad easement includes steep embankments in the northern part of the city. Figure 12: Parking for Reeves Creek Trail off of Flippen Road. The trail route follows a creek, sewage, and power easements. REEVES CREEK TRAIL Reeves Creek is a three mile hard surface multiuse trail. The trail runs along a utility corridor from Flippen Road to Memorial Park. There is a parking lot on Flippen for eighteen cars. The trail is largely shaded and includes floodplain areas. The trail crosses Tye Street between Misty Ridge Road and Red Oak Road. This crossing includes a striped crosswalk and signage. UTILITY AND TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS Several major utility and transportation corridors exist within the city limits. A major power easement cuts through the southern portion of the city. The easement runs east west and roughly parallels the northern side of Walt Stephens/Red Oak Road. Another power easement runs roughly north‐south in the area extending north from the current alignment of Rock Quarry Road. Sewer easements exist along most of the creek corridors in the city. The other major obstacle to connectivity is the north‐south interstate corridor (I‐75). While this interstate provides a vital transportation connection between Stockbridge’s citizens and the Atlanta area, its grade and the few crossings limit surface connectivity. NEIGHBORHOOD AND SCHOOL ASSETS Many of the neighborhood developments in the southern part of the city include swim and/or tennis amenities. An existing neighborhood trail runs east‐west along Rum Creek in the Monarch Village neighborhood. The Pine Grove neighborhood in the northern portion of the city includes a common swim and tennis club area as well as walking trails developed in the northern end of the neighborhood. The Eagle’s Landing Country Club (private) includes 27 holes of golf. This is not a public golf course. Additional amenities at the Country Club include swimming and tennis. Schools within the city limits include:    Red Oak Elementary School: 20 acres Stockbridge Elementary School: 15 acres (site includes a closed HCBOC building) Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (private) A major barrier to east‐west surface connectivity is the Norfolk Southern freight line which bisects the city. The train moves through 24 Page intentionally left blank. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN CHAPTER 3 – BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND TRAIL NETWORK DEVELOPMENT Introduction The recommended improvements in this section include both upgrades to the physical facilities for pedestrians and cyclists in Stockbridge and recommendations for improving policies and ordinances to support walking and biking. Illustrations of improvements are included at the end of the report. Costs associated with the individual projects are listed in Appendix B – Cost Estimates for Facilities. Figure 15: Adjacent to road hard surface multi‐use trail. The following are examples of some of the physical facilities and upgrades recommended in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Network Plan. MULTI-USE TRAILS Figure 16: Elevated boardwalk multi‐use trail. SIDEWALKS AND STREETSCAPES Figure 13: Off‐road hard surface multi‐use trail. Figure 14: Off‐road soft surface multi‐use trail. Figure 17: Streetscape with site furnishings. 26 Figure 18: Sidewalk with vegetated buffer. Figure 22: Sharrows. (https://www.nacto.org) Figure 23: Bike boxes. (https://www.nacto.org) Figure 19: Sidewalk with no buffer. Figure 20: Mid‐block crossing and striped bike lane. BICYCLE FACILITIES Figure 21: Separated bike lane. (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov) CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Figure 24: Bike rack. Project Recommendations The project study area is shown on Illustration A. Illustrations B‐E depict the city in four quadrants and show the potential upgrades to the pedestrian and bicycle network. ROADWAY TRAIL/SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS Walt Stephens Road (Illustration F) Existing Conditions Spanning 1.75 miles in length (within the city limits of Stockbridge), Walt Stephens Road extends east from Speer Road, crosses I‐75, and terminates at Flippen Road. As this route travels east, beyond Flippen Road, it becomes Red Oak Road. The typical existing cross section consists of a grassed shoulder and drainage swale along with two vehicular travel lanes within a 120’ right‐of‐way. Proposed Improvement Options 1. Two 12 foot shared travel lanes allow bicyclists who are more comfortable traveling with vehicular traffic to utilize the roadway. Shared lane markings are proposed as a notification to drivers that bicyclists may be present. Curb and gutter can be utilized as a method of separation between vehicular and pedestrian traffic and to assist in stormwater management. A planted buffer adds an additional level of separation between a 10’ multi‐use trail on the northern side of the roadway and a 5’ pedestrian sidewalk on the road’s southern edge. Planted buffers with multiple levels of understory plantings and tree canopy will assist in slowing and treating stormwater runoff and visually softening roadside conditions. Pedestrian scale lighting provides safety and comfort for those using this route at night. 2. Two 12 foot travel lanes accommodate vehicular travel and separated lanes are provided for bicyclists. Striping and other pavement markings signify these separate uses. A planted buffer separates pedestrian travel via five foot sidewalks on the northern and southern end of the roadway from both bicycle and vehicular traffic. Updated lighting standards improve upon the safety and comfort of this route. Plant material assists in the management and treatment of stormwater while improving upon the aesthetic character of the Walt Stephens Road corridor. 3. With two 12 foot travel lanes, bicycle lanes, and a planted buffer; this option is very similar to Option 2. However, Option 3 replaces the five foot sidewalk along the northern edge of the roadway with a ten foot multi‐use trail. This two‐way hardscape trail can accommodate a variety of uses and provides bicyclists a route with further separation from vehicular traffic. Landscape and lighting updates are proposed as well. Preferred Option Option 3 was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. Red Oak Road (Illustration G) Existing Conditions Stockbridge’s Red Oak Road corridor spans on mile between Flippen Road and Rock Quarry Road. The 60 foot right‐of‐way area consists of two travel lanes and a grassed swale on either side of the roadway. Proposed Improvement Options 1. Two proposed 12 foot shared travel lanes with curb and gutter accommodate both vehicular and bicycle traffic. A planted buffer along the curb and gutter adds a 28 level of separation between a 10 foot multiuse trail on the northern side of the roadway and a five foot sidewalk along the road’s southern edge. While minimal, the remainder of the available 60 foot right‐ofway can be planted with attractive and low maintenance plant material. Lighting improvements are also proposed. 2. Dedicated bicycle lanes separate vehicular and bicycle traffic. A planted buffer is shown between the bike lanes and a 5 foot sidewalk along the northern and southern edge of the roadway. Plant material and pedestrian scale lighting standards are proposed to be installed outside of these hardscape improvements. Preferred Option Option 1 was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. Old Conyers Road (Illustration H) Existing Conditions This route extends one mile (within the city limits) northeast from East Atlanta Road, towards Cotton Indian Elementary School, Stockbridge High School and Hwy 138. The 50 foot right‐of‐way consists of a grassed shoulder, drainage swales and two travel lanes. Proposed Improvement Considering the limited right‐of‐way area available, the proposed improvements to this corridor focus on features that will get the most use from residents and offer the largest impact to accessibility. Two 12 foot travel lanes with shared lane markings increase safety for bicyclists while a curb and gutter system and planted buffer separate five foot pedestrian sidewalks. Pedestrian lighting is proposed to increase visibility and encourage use. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Davis Road (Illustration H) Existing Conditions Extending 1.75 miles east from North Henry Boulevard and terminating at Parkwood Drive, this route becomes Burke Street near Clark Community Park. Davis Road connects multiple neighborhoods with the goods and services available to residents along N Henry Boulevard and downtown Stockbridge. Pedestrian facilities are not present, except for a short span leading east away from the North Henry Boulevard intersection. Desire lines in the form of worn footpaths can be seen along the roadside where residents frequently walk, indicating the need for improved pedestrian facilities. The 50 foot right‐of‐way span consists of grassed swales, vegetation, and two vehicular travel lanes. Proposed Improvement With a similar right‐of‐way and development character, the proposed transportation improvements along this roadway are much like those proposed for Old Conyers Road. 12 foot travel lanes with shared road markings increase safety for bicyclists while a curb and gutter system and planted buffers separate five foot pedestrian sidewalks from vehicular and bicycle use. Lighting updates are proposed to accommodate use of the proposed facilities during the early morning hours and at night. Rock Quarry Road (Illustration I) Existing Conditions This roadway extends 2.5 miles north from Eagles Landing Parkway to N Henry Boulevard. The typical cross section includes a 100 foot right‐of‐way with two travel lanes, grassed drainage swales and minimal landscape plantings. Sidewalks exist where neighborhood entrances and businesses have recently been constructed, however much of the route is without designated pedestrian pathways and no bicycle facilities exist along this road. Proposed Improvement Options 1. Four (two northbound and two southbound) vehicular travel lanes are proposed along with a curb and gutter system to create separation and assist in the handling of stormwater. A planted buffer then divides this roadway from a ten foot wide multi‐use trail along one edge of the roadway and a five foot sidewalk along the other. The remaining space allows for grading and additional planting improvements as well as pedestrian scale lighting to be installed. 2. Like Option 1, four lanes of vehicular traffic are proposed. Devoted bicycle lanes are placed outside of the vehicular travel lanes. A planted buffer of variable width then separates these bicycle lanes with a 10 foot multi‐use trail along one side of the road and a five foot pedestrian sidewalk along the other. Space remains for any earthwork, lighting or landscape improvements outside of this profile. 3. Two dedicated bicycle lanes are proposed, bordering four vehicular travel lanes. Spacious planted buffers separate these travel lanes with a five foot pedestrian sidewalk on both sides of the road. A planted buffer and lighting improvements are both proposed along the outer edge of the proposed sidewalks to assist with the functional and aesthetic improvement of this corridor. 4. Four travel lanes are proposed with space for strategically located mid‐block crossings along the roadway. These crossings can be signalized to allow for pedestrians and bicyclists to traverse the roadway safely. A 6” curb and planted median increases vehicular and pedestrian separation at these mid‐block crossings. Along the outer edge of the vehicular lanes, a planted buffer separates a 10 foot multi‐use trail and a five foot pedestrian sidewalk. Space remains for planting and lighting improvements along the outer edge of this roadway profile. Preferred Option Option 4 was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. Flippen Road (Illustration J) Existing Conditions The three mile segment of Flippen Road which travels north from Hudson Bridge Road and connects with North Henry Boulevard offers the opportunity to link many residents living on the southern end of Stockbridge with city amenities. While pieces of this stretch of roadway are outside of the city limits, many neighborhoods are located along this road and would greatly benefit from pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements. With a trail head for Reeves Creek Trail located along Flippen Road, allowing for additional pedestrian and bicycling facilities here could effectively increase accessibility to parks, businesses and residential communities. The current roadway section consists of an 80 foot right‐of‐way with two travel lanes and grassed drainage swales outside of the vehicular lanes. I‐75 crosses Flippen Road one mile north of Hudson Bridge Road creating a challenging space with limited horizontal clearance for roadside pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Proposed Improvement Options 1. Two 12 foot vehicular travel lanes are lined by a curb and gutter system with a planted buffer. A 10 foot multi‐use trail along one edge of the roadway and a 5 foot sidewalk 30 along the other allow for the separation of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Space remains outside of the hardscape trail and sidewalk for updated landscape plantings, required site grading and the installation of lighting standards. 2. Dedicated bicycle lanes are placed alongside two 12 foot vehicular travel lanes. A planted buffer then separates these lanes from a 10 foot multi‐use trail along one side of the roadway and a five foot sidewalk along the other. The location of these hardscape features can be adjusted horizontally to allow for larger or smaller plant buffers alongside the roadway. Improved lighting is proposed to increase visibility and pedestrian safety. 3. As with Option 2, this layout sites dedicated bicycle travel lanes alongside two vehicular travel lanes. These are separated by white striping and are denoted with typical symbols and markings for easy identification. A wide planted buffer then separates these uses with pedestrian scale lighting standards and 5 foot sidewalks on either side of the roadway. This layout allows for the maximum amount of plant material and vegetation. Preferred Option Option 1 was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. North Henry Boulevard (Illustration K) Existing Conditions Beginning at Daniel Drive, traveling southeast to Brown Road, 3.5 miles of North Henry Boulevard are located within Stockbridge’s city limits. Sidewalks and facilities for pedestrians are present, with some exception. Given that there are limited crossing roads and thus limited signalized crosswalks, it is difficult for CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Figure 25: Existing conditions along North Henry Boulevard. pedestrians to easily cross to the northern or southern side of this street. Proposed Improvement Many times when pedestrian crossings are not provided or are placed a long distance from one another, street crossing occurs in unsafe locations. To reduce this risk, mid‐block crossings can be used to offer marked, signalized and protected areas for pedestrians to traverse vehicular routes. Signalized crossings are proposed at the following crossroads along N Henry Boulevard: 1. Davidson Parkway 2. Brush Creek Court/Shepherd Drive 3. McCain Creek Trail Preferred Option When given the opportunity to choose between the three proposed crossing locations, Davidson Parkway was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. However, multiple crossing points would strengthen the safety along this corridor. POTENTIAL GREENWAY ROUTES (Illustration L) Reeves Creek Trail Extension Completed in 2014, the existing segment of Reeves Creek Trail consists of a 10 foot wide concrete multi‐use pathway located along the edge of Reeves Creek with boardwalks and bridges crossing the creek bed where necessary. There are two trailheads for this greenway. One is located on the eastern side of Flippen Road just north of the creek. The other is located at Memorial Park, which is south of Downtown Stockbridge. Both allow for car parking. The trail follows the southern edge of the Glynn Addy and Wild Wind subdivisions and crosses Tye Street halfway along its 1.5 mile length. The majority of this greenway is shaded, however segments of the trail emerge from the dense tree canopy found along Reeves Creek and travel through an existing power easement. The proposed extension of this greenway would cross Flippen Road and travel west along Reeves Creek before shifting north to connect to Davidson Parkway; a total span of approximately two miles. This would allow easy access to the greenway trail and Memorial Park for those living in the residential neighborhoods along Davidson Parkway. The treatment of the site should be similar, with the trail placed in order to avoid large trees and sensitive natural features along the creek. Brush Creek Trail Clark Community Park is a heavily used recreational amenity for Stockbridge residents. This park is located near a largely residential area and is just north of the city’s downtown district. The proposed Brush Creek Trail would generally follow the route of Brush Creek, which Figure 26: Existing Portion of Reeves Creek Trail flows from Clark Community Park, through Gardner Park and across East Atlanta Road. The pathway would travel east with Brush Creek through woodlands and be easily accessible by residents. Ultimately, this would change direction and move north, connecting with Old Conyers Road near its intersection with Mays Road close to Stockbridge Middle School; spanning approximately 1.5 miles. This trail would offer a quick link for residents to walk, run or bike downtown. With public events already happening near City Hall and more and more work being done to promote and improve upon the downtown district and city center; this link could provide a critical pathway to shopping, dining, recreation and many other amenities found at the center of the city. Rum Creek Trail Residents on the western edge of Stockbridge currently do not have a safe, comfortable or easy route to use when accessing the center and eastern portions of Stockbridge. A proposed four mile greenway trail along Rum Creek could offer access for all of those living in the many neighborhoods along the creek corridor a recreational outlet and a functional trail used to travel throughout the community. Beginning at a possible trailhead near the intersection of Rock Quarry Road and Red Oak 32 Rd, the trail would move southeast, and then shift southwest; wrapping around the Carrington Ridge and the Retreat and Eagle’s Landing apartments. The proposed greenway trail would then cross over Rock Quarry Road and continue southwest, eventually traveling beneath I‐75 towards the Red Oak community. The pathway would follow Rum Creek before connecting with Blackhall Road near Lake Spivey. Patrick Henry Parkway Trail Rock Quarry Road becomes Patrick Henry Parkway after traveling south across Eagle’s Landing Parkway. As Patrick Henry Parkway continues south, it parallels I‐75 before ending at its intersection with Jodeco Road. It bounds the western edge of the Eagles Landing community and allows vehicular commuters a local north‐south route through this southern portion of Stockbridge. A 3.75 miles greenway trail is proposed along this route to connect residents in nearby neighborhoods with Patrick Henry Parkway, Eagles Landing Parkway, Rock Quarry Road, Jodeco Road and State Route 42. The trail begins on the western side of Patrick Henry Parkway, across from the terminus of Country Club Drive. The pathway then travels south, along Patrick Henry Parkway, before turning east and utilizing the space provided by an existing power easement. The trail then heads north, along Peach Drive, passing in front of Flippen Elementary School and north towards Wolf Creek and Dailey Lake. Traveling alongside the eastern path of Wolf Creek, the trail then heads northeast towards State Route 42 and Eagles Landing Christian Academy. An important historic feature is located along this proposed trail. A Woodland Era Mound CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN exists within the vacant area between 2480 Patrick Henry Parkway and I‐75. According to a report prepared by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourist Product Development Division, this mound was created by Native Americans around 1,000 A.D., during the Woodland Period. A small park surrounding this historic landscape feature could be located along the proposed greenway. Interpretive signage could relay the history of the site and Native American occupation within Stockbridge. PROPOSED FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY While many of the roadside facilities described within this report strictly utilize the public right of way, in some instances the proposed route of the greenway trails travels through privately owned land. It should be noted that right‐ofway negotiations will be required where this occurs. The corridor needed for greenway trails is often created through the use of an easement when placed on private property. This can be a critical tool when strategically linking pedestrian and bicycle routes to allow residents easy access to their daily needs. Keeping within the public right of way is sometimes not the most efficient form of travel and if successfully negotiated, an easement placed upon private property can allow for a more direct route, which often increases use. It should be noted that additional funds and documentation will be needed prior to construction in order to acquire necessary property or negotiate easements. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) can provide guidance on the documentation and submittal requirements for this process, especially as it relates to the use of federal funding for project implementation. Figure 27: Regional Trail System Concept from ARC Walk. Bike. Thrive! Plan, pg 20. The red star shows the location of Stockbridge relative to the trail network. Preferred Option During the public review process, the potential greenway route locations were scored equally. The overall response for the construction of greenway trails was strong. With the success of the recently completed Reeves Creek Trail, the demand for such a facility has been proven and use should expand with the installation of similar projects. Henry County proposes funding to connect the Paola Mountain Greenway Trail to Austin Road Middle School. Austin Road is outside the incorporated city limits, but this effort helps realize the possibility of a connection between the city and the Panola‐Arabia Mountain trail system. Proposed greenway routes within the city would connect to trails in the county to become part of this network. The overall goal of any off‐road multi‐use trails should be to tie into the existing Atlanta region network of trails including connections to the Arabia‐Panola Mountain PATH trail. A recent agreement between the PATH Foundation and 34 MLK SR. HERITAGE TRAIL CONTINUATION AND CONNECTIONS (Illustration M) Spur Trail to Cultural Resources MLK Sr. Heritage Trail begins in Downtown Stockbridge and travels south, crossing beneath North Henry Boulevard and traveling alongside an active rail line before terminating at Rock Quarry Rd. Recent streetscape improvements, including updated ADA compliant road crossings, new concrete sidewalks, and pedestrian scale lighting exist along this roadway beginning downtown, continuing along Berry Street and eventually ending near 2nd Street. Structures significant to the cultural history of Stockbridge exist near this updated streetscape and spur trails to these resources could link visitors to Downtown Stockbridge and city residents to these locations. Floyd Chapel Baptist Church While his son is likely the most widely‐known member of the King family, Martin Luther King Sr. was also a key figure in the civil rights movement. Before serving as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and joining the board of the NAACP’s Social Action Committee, Martin Luther King Sr. became a licensed preacher in Floyd Chapel Baptist Church at age fifteen. It was here that many first heard him speak from behind the pulpit. A trail connection to this cultural landmark along with interpretive signage could emphasize the cultural significance of the church and assist in educating visitors and local citizens of its importance. Green Front Café Located at the intersection of Berry Street and 2nd Street, the Green Front Café is recognized as another significant cultural resource near CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Downtown Stockbridge. One of the first public restaurants in the city, the Green Front Café became a neighborhood staple after Carrie Mae Hambrick took over ownership and operation of the eatery in 1949. Mrs. Hambrick faithfully served her community for years and is a beloved figure in the history of Stockbridge and Henry County. A street in the city is named after her and the second Saturday of May is celebrated as Carrie Mae Hambrick day throughout Stockbridge. The local branch of the NAACP named an annual community service award in honor of Mrs. Hambrick in 2010. In 2015, Stockbridge dedicated the Carrie Mae Hambrick Cultural Arts and Enrichment Center, located in the downtown area. Much like Floyd Chapel Baptist Church, the Green Front Café and residents and visitors could benefit from a spur trail leading to the restaurant site with signage and interpretive items describing the history and significance of this cultural resource and the lifelong community service of Carrie Mae Hambrick. Continuation/Completion of MLK Sr. Heritage Trail Streetscape Improvements As previously described, the MLK Sr. Heritage Trail has recently undergone streetscape updates, improving the pedestrian experience and connecting residents within the neighborhood south of Downtown Stockbridge with the civic and commercial amenities within the area. This streetscape treatment could be extended along this road until its termination at Rock Quarry Road. Currently, no pedestrian facilities exist along this section of roadway. This approximate .75 mile extension would complete the connection between Downtown Stockbridge and Rock Quarry Road. Potential Trailhead Location, Interpretive Signage Point, Link to Reeves Creek Trail If the updated streetscape features or other non‐vehicular facilities are installed along the southern stretch of MLK Sr. Heritage Trail, this could set the stage for a link to Reeves Creek Trail and Memorial Park from the road’s intersection with Rock Quarry Road. The relatively new and widely used Reeves Creek Trail is only 200 foot from MLK Sr. Heritage Trail at the greenway’s eastern edge. A link could be constructed between the two, with a trailhead at this new connection. Opportunities for interpretive signage educating trail users on the natural and cultural features of the area could add additional interest to the greenway experience. Preferred Option The potential trailhead location with interpretive signage and a link to MLK Sr. Heritage Trail from the Reeves Creek Trail was determined as the preferred project from this category during the public review process. Figure 28: Historic Green Front Café adjacent to the Martin Luther King, Sr. Trail. 36 This page intentionally left blank. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN CHAPTER 4 – RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Project Implementation Plan Projects detailed within this report are listed below, along with cost information and a proposed timeline for implementation. Additional info, such as miscellaneous sidewalk infill opportunities is also included. As these Symbol $ $$ $$$ $$$$ ID infill projects primarily affect residents within specific residential neighborhoods, they are not listed along with the wider‐reaching priority projects and can be accomplished as budget allows. Costs specific to projects are detailed in Appendix B. Estimated Cost Range $1 ‐ $50,000 $50,000 ‐ $250,000 $250,000 ‐ $1,000,000 $1,000,000 + Table 2: Project Implementation Plan –Plan Recommendations Description Cost Project Year 1‐2 3‐4 5‐6 7‐8 9‐10 Priority Projects Design and Construction (Public Right of Way) D‐1 Walt Stephens Road improvements $$$$ X D‐2 North Henry Boulevard/Davidson Parkway crossing $ X D‐3 Flippen Road improvements $$$$ X D‐4 Rock Quarry Road improvements $$$$ X D‐5 Trailhead location, interpretive signage point, link to $$ X Reeves Creek Trail D‐6 Red Oak Road improvements $$$$ X D‐7 Davis Road improvements $$$$ X D‐8 Old Conyers Road improvements $$$$ X D‐9 Continuation/completion of Martin Luther King Sr. $$$$ X Heritage Trail improvements D‐10 Tunnel under railroad between Gardner Park and $$$ Clark Park Design and Construction (Public Right of Way/Potential Property Purchase or Easements Required) D‐11 Spur trail to Floyd Chapel Baptist Church $$ X D‐12 Spur trail to Green Front Café $$ X D‐13 Reeves Creek Trail extension – $$$$ X X X Flippen Road to Davidson Parkway D‐14 Brush Creek Trail – $$$$ X X X 38 Clark Community Park to Old Conyers Road D‐15 Rum Creek Trail – $$$$ Rock Quarry Road to Blackhall Road D‐16 Patrick Henry Parkway Trail – $$$$ Eagles Landing to GA 42 D‐17 Extension of Rock Quarry Road to Old Conyers Road $$$$ and Valley Hill Road ID X X X X X X X X Description Miscellaneous Sidewalk Infill (to be completed as possible/ongoing improvements) D‐18 Miller Road to Miller Court (sidewalks) D‐19 Club Place from Club Circle to end of street (sidewalks) D‐20 Nolan Street from Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail to the dead end (sidewalks) D‐21 First Street from Tye Street to Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail (sidewalks) D‐22 Second Street from Tye Street to Railroad Street (sidewalks) D‐23 Child Street from Tye Street to end of street (sidewalks) D‐24 Sheffield Court from Fairhaven Court to Fairhaven Boulevard (sidewalks) D‐25 Church Street from Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail to Wilson Avenue (sidewalks) D‐26 Jennings Way from Second Street to Wilson Street (sidewalks) D‐27 Duvall Drive from East Atlanta Road to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐28 Parkwood Drive from West Burke Street to Davis Road (sidewalks) D‐29 Stockview Terrace from Creek Circle to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐30 Lane Drive from North Henry Boulevard to Spring Street (curb and gutter, sidewalks) D‐31 Lake Drive from Lambert Drive to Lake Terrace (sidewalks) D‐32 Lake Terrace from Lake Drive to end of street (sidewalks) D‐33 Bridge Park Court from Creek Circle to cul‐de‐sac D‐34 Landover Drive from Davis Road to Davis Road (sidewalks) D‐35 Ridge Run from Landover Drive to Landover Drive (sidewalks) D‐36 Meadow Ridge Drive from Davis Road to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐37 Angela Court from Meadow Ridge Drive to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐38 Rebecca Court from Meadow Ridge Drive to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐39 Shields Road from North Henry Boulevard to Davis Road (sidewalks) D‐40 Meadow Ridge Way from Shields Road to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐41 Meadow Ridge Court from Meadow Ridge Way to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐42 Wren Court from Club Circle to Club Place (sidewalks) D‐43 Ceresa Drive from North Lee Street to end of road (sidewalks) D‐44 Center Street from North Henry Boulevard to West Burke Street (sidewalks) D‐45 Wilson Street from Wilson Avenue to Jennings Way (sidewalks) D‐46 North Henry Boulevard to end of Bowen Street (sidewalks) CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN X Cost $$ $ $$ $$ $$ $$ $ $$ $$ $$ $$ $ $ $$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $$$ $ $ $ $$ $ $$ $$ Funding Options POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES A number of options exist for the financing of projects outlined within this report. Federal, state, local and private funds can be leveraged and combined to assist in the realization of these proposed bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements. The methods below are separated into three categories: Federal and State Funding, Local Funding and Private Funding. A variety of projects have been identified within this report. Some of the funding programs listed may only apply to a certain type of planning and installation effort. For example, the Georgia Heritage Grant, which is administered through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division, is focused on the preservation of properties and archaeological sites throughout the state. This potentially applies to the projects such as the establishment of a link from the Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail pedestrian improvements to Floyd Chapel Baptist Church or pedestrian and bicycle facilities nearby the Woodland Mound found along Patrick Henry Parkway. However, this grant may not apply to roadside improvements along Walt Stephens Road. While investigating possible funding sources, it is important to be aware of the intent and requirements of the grants or awards provided. FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING Dollars distributed by the federal government can be used to pay for design and construction of transportation facilities. Often, state agencies such as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) assist in allocating these funds based on a project’s potential positive impact on the health, safety and welfare of citizens. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the Atlanta Region’s local federally funded Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), assists with the dispersal of these funds. Many federal funding sources are aimed at reducing trips via motorized vehicles and therefore assist in the implementation of alternate modes of travel, i.e. multi‐use trails that allow citizens to travel to work or provide access to nearby amenities, rather than funding trails used strictly for recreation. Generally, federal funds provide up to 80 percent of a project’s overall cost, with the local municipality responsible for the remaining 20 percent of funding. Often, a local or regional plan calls for certain upgrades to be installed when reconstruction (road widening, sidewalk reconstruction, maintenance, etc.) of roadway features occurs. These upgrades include bike lanes, markings, buffer plantings and other improvements. GDOT uses federal or state funds to provide these updates as necessary and where called for in established planning documents. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) offers financial support for programs aimed at the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. This GOHS Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Grant could supply up to three years of supplemental funding for such programs. Many public sources are listed below. These are all worth reviewing as potential funding options. Other resources may be available and it is advised that the City of Stockbridge reach out to GDOT and other state and federal agencies to receive further information for funding possibilities as projects are implemented. While some of the programs listed below will not offer the amount of financial support as others and a few strictly 40 provide for technical assistance, each could be a helpful tool during the design and construction Funding Program Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) Safe Routes to School Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program Transportation Alternatives (TA) Railway‐Highways Crossing Program Recreational Trails Program Land and Water Conservation Fund Historic Preservation Fund Grant Georgia Heritage Grant Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Grant Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Source GDOT of proposed improvements described within this report. Table 3: Federal and State Funding Local Match Website Information N/A http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Local/LMIG GDOT N/A USDOT 20% FHWA/ARC 20% http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_ quality/cmaq/ FHWA/GDOT/ ARC FHWA 20% 10% https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/factsheet s/transportationalternativesfs.cfm http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/xings/ FHWA 20% http://www.gastateparks.org/grants/rtp NPS/DNR 50% http://www.gastateparks.org/grants/lwcf NPS/DNR 40% http://georgiashpo.org/node/2265 NPS/DNR 40% http://georgiashpo.org/node/2266 NPS N/A https://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/index.htm GOHS 1st Year – 0% 2nd Year – 20% 3rd Year – 40% N/A 
Grants
 HUD/DCA CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN http://www.dot.ga.gov/DS/SafetyOperation /SRTS https://www.transportation.gov/tiger/about http://www.dca.state.ga.us/communities/C DBG/index.asp LOCAL FUNDING Infrastructure bonds and local sales taxes are the primary tools used for local funding of bicycle and pedestrian projects. One such tool, Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEEs), generates up‐front capital for states or local authorities to pay for transportation projects using future federal reimbursements. This allows municipalities more flexibility with project timelines and can allow for the project to be implemented sooner than traditional payas‐you‐go federal funding methods. GARVEEs are typically used for large highway projects, such as major corridor projects. Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) are established to assist underdeveloped areas by pledging property taxes over an agreed upon threshold towards redevelopment and improvement projects within the district. In addition to other uses, this method can be used to fund public works or improvements, clearing and grading of land and the purchase of equipment. One example of this is Atlanta’s BeltLine Tax Allocation District, which was established in 2005 to assist with the implementation and construction of a network of public parks, multiuse trails and transit improvements. Another useful tool for funding projects within commercial areas is the establishment of a Community Improvement District (CID). During the creation of a CID a geographic area is defined and business owners within this location self‐impose and agree to an increased property tax rate to contribute towards the betterment of their district. The business owners will then work together to decide how best to use these additional funds within their immediate area. Examples of this method put to work in the Metro Atlanta area include the Buckhead, Lilburn, Perimeter CIDs. Gwinnett Place and Many capital projects within Georgia are financed using Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds. This program allows for additional sales taxes paid by consumers in a specific county to be used for improvements to public facilities. Henry County currently utilizes SPLOST funds for a variety of projects, including many transportation and recreation projects. SPLOST funds would certainly be an appropriate tool to support the proposed bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements listed within this report. PRIVATE FUNDING Many private companies and organizations offer financial assistance to projects aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles and improving communities. One benefit of expanding infrastructure to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians is that citizens begin to use these facilities as alternative transportation routes and therefore, become more active by bicycling and walking where they previously may have driven. This potential improvement to health, safety and welfare throughout communities can create many private grant opportunities. Aside from traditional public funding sources, crowdfunding has become a popular format in recent years for direct donations and support of community improvements. Websites, such as ioby.com (In Our Back Yard) specifically focus crowdfunding on neighborhood improvement projects. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has worked with this site in the past for funding and the site has assisted with the overall funding of approximately 100 projects that make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This example 42 illustrates the potential for many sources of funding available, other than the traditional providers sought by municipalities. A few organizations that could assist in the implementation of the facilities found in this report are listed in the following table. The level of potential funds vary between each organization and certain recommended projects within this report may be more appropriately funded by these programs than others; however, private organizations (and individual donors) can be a valid source of financing for the design and construction of this report’s proposed improvements. Table 4: Private Funding Funding Program Miscellaneous Grants/Partnership Opportunities Community Grant Program Community Grant Program Miscellaneous Grants Source PATH Foundation People for Bikes Walmart Foundation Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Kaiser Improvement Grant Permanente Miscellaneous Advocacy Grants Advance Crowdfunding In Our Back Opportunities Yards (IOBY) Local Match N/A Contact and Website Information https://pathfoundation.org/ 50% min http://www.peopleforbikes.org/pages/gra nt‐guidelines http://giving.walmart.com/apply‐forgrants/ http://www.rwjf.org/en/how‐wework/grants‐and‐grant‐programs.html N/A N/A N/A http://www.kpgagives.org/process.html N/A http://www.advocacyadvance.org/grants N/A https://www.ioby.org/about Policy Development and Implementation Strategies CITY INPUT INTO FUTURE JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES CMP and CTMP EFFORTS Part of the SBPTP is the evaluation of existing federal, GDOT, Henry County, and Stockbridge codes and ordinances to determine how these documents support bicycling and pedestrian activities within the city. The consultants reviewed existing land use policies, codes and other documents to identify areas where conflicts exist or new concepts can be adopted. This section summarizes these findings and makes recommendations for the city on which local codes, ordinances and policies should be strengthened to better support pedestrian and bicycle systems. Both the Henry Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) and the Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan (CMTP) include multiple policies and projects that support the goals, objectives and vision of the SBPTP. As these documents are revisited in the future, it is recommended that active transportation remain a priority for locations within Stockbridge. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN The City of Stockbridge should continue to stress multi‐modal transportation in any future updates to the CTMP. Key projects are identified in the plan that will help strengthen active transportation connectivity within the city (see Chapter 3.) Several areas can be highlighted to help strengthen the policies pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle facilities.    Conservation and Environment: an emphasis on these issues will present an opportunity to capitalize on the energy savings, fossil fuel reductions and air quality benefits that can be attributed to bicycle and pedestrian transportation. The number of trips made by bicyclists and pedestrians is a fundamental benchmark of the quality of the City’s environment. Stockbridge should participate annually in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project to standardize a bicycle traffic count program and measure success. Schools: the national Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) Program provides funding to increase opportunities for children to walk or bicycle to school. Mode share data for the number of children who walk, bike, ride the bus or are driven to school should be collected by the county as part of the annual data collected for school transportation. School site location should be considered a priority factor with reference to the potential for children to walk or bike to school. Public Safety: any recommendations pertaining to active transportation help support public health and safety. Bicycling and walking provides opportunities for increased physical activity, reductions in traffic injuries and fatalities, and cardiovascular disease and obesity prevention. ZONING AND LOCAL CODES Stockbridge has adopted zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations for land use and development within the city. In general, the zoning ordinances are good, but they need to emphasize a stronger connection between land use and transportation, especially bicycle and pedestrian travel. Ongoing efforts to integrate form‐based codes and improved guidelines for the city’s public realm will support this process. The current Stockbridge Code of Ordinances is available online at: http://www.municode.com/library/ga/stockbri dge/codes/code_of_ordinances. A general recommendation would be to modify the local ordinances to provide a balance approach to both on and off‐street bicycling, transportation, recreation and support facilities including a stronger connection between mixed use zoning, compact land use and a more detailed guideline for bicycle parking and amenities within the traditional downtown area. This report recommends some additions to the Title 7 – Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. There are currently no definitions pertaining to bicycles or greenways. Sample language would include: Regulation of the Use of Bicycles and Other Non‐motorized Vehicles on Park Trail and Greenway Systems. (a) Definitions. As used in this section, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, the words and terms used in this section shall have the following meanings: (1) Bicycle. A non‐motorized vehicle with two (2) or three (3) wheels tandem, a steering handle, one (1) or (2) seats, and pedals by which the vehicle is propelled, and also bicycles with helper motor rated less than one (1) brake 44 Figure 29: Illustration of shared access between commercial developments. horsepower which produce only ordinary pedaling speed up to ten (10) miles per hour. (b) Use of the Greenway System. Nonmotorized vehicles as defined herein may use the system of Greenway and park trails designated as such by the city so long as any user of such a vehicle complies with all traffic regulations applicable and so long as the operator shall stop or otherwise yield the right‐of‐way to pedestrian traffic. No non‐motorized vehicle shall exceed a speed of ten (10) miles per hour while being operated on the Greenway or park trail systems. Off‐street parking regulations should amended in the following sections: be 8.36.200 – Old Downtown Overlay District 8.36.230 – High rise mixed‐use overlay district 8.36.050 – Planned town development district 8.36.100 – Multi‐family residence district CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN The zoning ordinances regulate additional aspects of land development including offstreet parking landscaping, signage and other development standards. Off‐street parking is the most applicable regulation directly affecting bicycling and pedestrian safety. Requiring shared access for new development will help reduce the number of curb cuts along commercial corridors (see Figure 29.) The current off‐street parking regulations only provide for automobile parking and do not take bicycle parking into consideration. Bicycles should receive equal consideration when calculating parking needs with specific calculations provided for determining the amount of bicycle parking provided by district type. Design and location standards for bicycle parking should be clearly stated to provide for safe and convenient access to all commercial and multi‐family residential areas. Sample text could read: Multi‐family residential uses [or insert different overlay/use] shall provide bicycle parking at the rate of one bicycle parking space for each 20 motorized vehicle spaces but not more than 50 total bicycle parking spaces are required for any single development. Non‐residential uses with an off‐street parking requirement for motorized vehicles of at least 15 spaces and not more than 40 spaces shall provide a minimum of 2 bicycle parking spaces. Non‐residential uses with an off‐street parking requirement greater than 40 spaces shall provide bicycle parking spaces to 5% of the total number of spaces required up to 100 spaces. Bicycle parking should be located in secure, visible areas, sheltered from rain as possible. Short term bicycle parking should also be included as a routine element in streetscape design for all commercial, institutional and mixed‐use streetscapes. All schools should provide secure parking for a minimum of 10% of the student/faculty population. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY The development of any new economic or tourism development strategies should include references to diverse transportation systems including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. It is recommended that future economic or tourism studies include the following recommendations:   Financial and Community Resources: bicycle tourism can play a role in attracting visitors to the area and providing non‐motorized tourism options within the city along planned greenways and multi‐use paths. Maintain and Improve the City’s Physical Environment: an increased emphasis on multi‐modal transportation choices or the promotion of a city‐bike program can help  to achieve targets in the reduction of air pollution. Institutional Resources/ Economic Development Program: recycle‐a‐bike programs offer the opportunity for entry level jobs which teach the needed and valuable skill or bicycle repair. The program can be geared as a youth development program or as a tool to provide skills to unemployed workers looking for jobs. COMPLETE STREETS POLICY There is a growing national trend toward integrating bicycling, walking, and transit as a routine element in highway and transit projects. This movement has developed under the name “Complete Streets” and this policy has been adopted by over 900 agencies nation‐wide. GDOT is one of the agencies which has adopted this policy Context‐Sensitive Design Online Manual ver 1.0. This policy covers design pertaining to state routes. A locally adopted Complete Streets Policy would help strengthen an emphasis on access by citizens to multimodal transportation. According to Smart Growth America, an ideal Complete Streets policy:     Includes a vision for how and why the community wants to complete its streets Specifies that ‘all users’ includes pedestrians, bicyclists and transit passengers of all ages and abilities, as well as trucks, buses and automobiles Applies to both new and retrofit projects, including design, planning, maintenance, and operations, for the entire right of way Makes any exceptions specific and sets a clear procedure that requires high‐level approval of exceptions 46       Encourages street connectivity and aims to create a comprehensive, integrated, connected network for all modes Is adoptable by all agencies to cover all roads Directs the use of the latest and best design criteria and guidelines while recognizing the need for flexibility in balancing user needs Directs that Complete Streets solutions will complement the context of the community Establishes performance standards with measurable outcomes Includes specific next steps for 58 implementation of the policy PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN It is recommended that the City of Stockbridge engage in a Parks and Recreation Plan. This plan would have a direct connection to pedestrian and bicycling amenities, especially in terms of promoting physical activity, bicycle touring, mountain biking, and shared‐use paths. A Parks and Recreation Plan can help achieve some of the goals outline in the CMTP so long as the facilities are accessible to non‐motorized travel. The access points to the parks (including trail systems) should be designed so that local users can travel to the facilities without needing to travel by car. Specific recommendations could include:   Park and Trail Network: set goals to complete connections between existing park facilities as a connected multi‐use path for recreation and transportation use. Equitable Distribution of Facilities across the Community: include having a bicycle facility 58 “The Ten Elements of a Complete Streets Policy,” Complete Streets, 2016, accessed November 20, 2016, https://smartgrowthamerica.org/resources/the‐tenelements‐of‐a‐complete‐streets‐policy/. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN  within one mile of all residences in Stockbridge. Encourage Public Involvement/Provide Environmental Education Opportunities: include physical activity promotion, support of bicycle clubs, National Bike Month events, Share‐the‐Road safety programs, community bike programs, summer bike camps, etc. PARTNERSHIP WITH PATH FOUNDATION The municipality may choose to partner with an advocacy group such as Atlanta’s PATH Foundation to help raise supplementary funds for creating bicycle and pedestrian multi‐use trail infrastructure. This group has a proven track record for raising money and serving as a consultant to oversee construction and project administration for bicycle infrastructure projects. Since Stockbridge is in close proximity to the Arabia Mountain PATH project, this relationship would be potentially beneficial to both the city and the Foundation. BIKE & WALK FRIENDLY COMMUNITY Long term goals for Stockbridge include potentially becoming a Bike Friendly Community, a designation from the League of American Bicyclists. Categories of evaluation for this designation include: Engineering:    Does your community have a comprehensive, connected and wellmaintained bicycling network? Is bike parking readily available throughout the community? Is there a Complete Streets ordinance or another policy that mandates the accommodation of cyclists on all road projects? Education:    Is there a community‐wide safe routes to school program that includes bicycling education? Are there bicycling education courses available for adults in the community? Does your community educate motorists and cyclists on their rights and responsibilities as road users?  Is there an active bicycle advocacy group in the community?59 Walk Friendly Community Designation is a similar process and includes a combination of education, advocacy, and built projects. It should be a city goal to pursue both Bike Friendly and Walk Friendly designations once capital improvements have been implemented and the network has been strengthened.60 Evaluation:     Is there a specific plan or program to reduce cyclist/motor vehicle crashes? Does your community have a current comprehensive bicycle plan? Is there a bicycle advisory committee that meets regularly? Does your community have a bicycle program manager? Enforcement:    Do law enforcement officers receive training on the rights and responsibilities of all road users? Does your community have law enforcement or other public safety officers on bikes? Do local ordinances promote safety and accessibility for bicyclists? Encouragement:    Does your community have an up‐to‐date bicycle map? Does the community celebrate bicycling during National Bike Month with community rides, Bike to Work Day or media outreach? Does the community host any major community cycling events or rides? 59 “Quick Assessment,” August 27, 2014, accessed November 15, 2016, http://www.bikeleague.org/bfa/quickassessment/community. 60 “WFC: How to Get Started,” accessed November 15, 2016, http://www.walkfriendly.org/get_started.cfm. 48 ID Table 4: Policy Updates Description 1‐2 Planning and Policy Update Projects P‐1 Adopt a city‐wide Complete Streets policy P‐2 Begin a Safe Routes to School Program including educational efforts P‐3 Form a city bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee and designate one city staff member as a program manager for bike and pedestrian improvement projects P‐4 Integrate bicycle and pedestrian recommendations into future economic and tourism promotion efforts P‐5 Pursue partnership with PATH foundation for future improvements P‐6 Implement changes to zoning and development code to encourage development friendly to cyclists and pedestrians P‐7 Begin programming such as community cycling and walking events P‐8 Complete a Parks and Recreation Plan (could be a joint effort with Henry County) P‐0 Pursue Bike and Walk Friendly Community Designation CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Project Year 3‐4 5‐6 7‐8 9‐10 X X X X X X X X X ILLUSTRATIONS Illustrations This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN IllustraƟon Project Study Area A Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon (1) Northwest Quadrant Recommendations B Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon (2) Northeast Quadrant Recommendations C Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon (3) Southwest Quadrant Recommendations D Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon (4) Southeast Quadrant Recommendations E Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon Walt Stephens Road - Proposed Improvements F IllustraƟon Red Oak Road - Proposed Improvements G Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon Davis and Old Conyers Roads - Proposed Improvements H IllustraƟon Rock Quarry Road - Proposed Improvements I Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon Flippen Road - Proposed Improvements J Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon North Henry Boulevard - Potential Crossings K IllustraƟon Proposed Greenway Routes L Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon MLK Sr. Trail - Proposed Extension M Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN APPENDIX A – Public Presentations APPENDIX A This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN 09/09/2016 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan INTRODUCTION Project Team: City of Stockbridge • City Council Anthony S. Ford, LaKeisha T. Gantt, Elton Alexander, John Blount, Neat Robinson • Administration and Community Services • Main Street Advisory Board Shomari Furtch , Alison Ramsay , Ebony Gurndy , Anika Potts , Tavaras J. Powell, Mildred Reed , Terry Sanders , Anthony Ford , Kathryn “Kat” Vallish, Kira Harris-Braggs WLA Studio Madie Fischetti, Keyes Williamson, Cameron Yates 1 09/09/2016 WHY DEVELOP THIS PLAN?  City of Stockbridge does not have a Comprehensive Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trail Plan  Several Bike Lanes, Trails and Sidewalks throughout the City, are limited due to topography, and right of way constraints. The overall goal of developing a Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan is to provide a safe, connected, and efficient transportation system for the citizens of Stockbridge. Supporting objectives include: a technically sound and feasible program of investments • Identifying Creating a safe system which minimizes modal conflicts • Developing an integrated pedestrian and bicycling network that • accommodates a wide range of users and abilities from children to seniors PROJECT APPROACH & SCHEDULE SUMMER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER Appendix A Phase One: Inventory and Analysis - Data is collected throughout study area, includes physical data, natural and cultural resources, evaluation of existing facilities, input from citizens Phase Two: Opportunities - Collected data is reviewed, opportunities are identified and presented graphically upon project map, narrative is provided; Additional public input is gathered Phase Three: Strategy - Final bicycle, pedestrian, and trail plan strategy is developed along with supporting mapping and graphics, presentation is developed and brought before City Council for final approval 2 09/09/2016 WHAT WILL THE FINAL PRODUCT BE? Master Plan Report and Mapping • What, where, when, who, how much • Recommendations for policy, programming, and infrastructure improvements • Standard cross sections and guidelines Then What Happens? • City implements policy recommendations • City launches Education and Encouragement Initiatives • Develop capital plan for bicycle and pedestrian improvements/projects • Design and construct infrastructure improvements CURRENT TASKS • • Survey Compilation and Analysis: analyze input from citizen survey Key Stakeholder Input: gather input from key stakeholder groups (such as Main Street Advisory Board) for input on priority areas and • projects Mapping: complete mapping of existing facility location; natural and cultural resources and regional connections • Potential Connections, Routes, and Improvements: identify critical intersections and areas for improvements, key routes, and connection points both within the city and region Appendix A 3 09/09/2016 INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS Type of Data Collected: • Public Input (Survey) • Crash Data • Environmental Inventory • Pedestrian Facilities • Bicycle Facilities • Intersection Conditions (ADA Compliance) • Other Studies (Regional and Local) Such As • Stockbridge LCI Study, 2012 • Henry County Comprehensive Transportation Plan, 2007 • ARC Walk, Bike, Thrive, 2016 Appendix A 4 09/09/2016 Quadrant 1 Quadrant 2 Appendix A 5 09/09/2016 Quadrant 3 Quadrant 4 Appendix A 6 09/09/2016 ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES - TRAILS Reeves Creek Trail offers a mostly shaded pathway and easily accessible trailhead Martin Luther King, Sr. Trail creates the opportunity to link parks near downtown area and Reeves Creek Trail Clark Community Park and Gardner Park both feature shaded pathways primarily used for walking; connectivity is an issue Linking the western and eastern portions of the city currently divided by I-75 will be reviewed as part of this study. Currently, bike lanes exist but a more comfortable crossing could encourage a higher rate of pedestrian trave. Appendix A 7 09/09/2016 CULTURAL RESOURCES Locations influence trail routes, parks or interpretive elements; could include the Green Front Café, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church near downtown and the Woodland Mound along Patrick Henry Pkwy PUBLIC INPUT/SURVEY Type of Data Collected: • Public Input • Survey conducted online and in person • Summer 2016 • Approximately 95 responses • Crash Data • Environmental Inventory • Pedestrian Facilities • Bicycle Facilities • Intersection Conditions (ADA Compliance) Appendix A 8 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 1: Respondent’s age. Age Range # % Under 16 2 2.3% 17‐24 1 1.1% 25‐34 14 15.9% 35‐44 22 25.0% 45‐54 27 30.7% 55‐64 14 15.9% 65+ 8 9.1% Q2: How often do you walk or ride a bike between work/school and home or to run an errand? Frequency # % Daily 18 18.6% Weekly 19 19.6% Bi‐weekly 9 9.3% Monthly 10 10.3% Never 41 42.3% SURVEY FINDINGS Q 2A: If YES (I walk or bike), what is your primary reason? Q 2B: If YES (I walk or bike), what is your typical destination? Reason # % Destination # % Exercise 50 54.3% a. School 2 1.8% Recreation 11 12.0% b. Work 4 3.6% Commuting/transportation 2 2.2% c. Retail 8 7.3% Running errands/shopping 5 5.4% d. Community Center/Church 7 6.4% Mountain biking 1 1.1% e. Library 7 6.4% N/A 23 25.0% f. Park 43 39.1% g. Other* 13 11.8% N/A 26 23.6% * Other included: around neighborhood; friend’s houses Appendix A 9 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 2C: If NO, why don’t you walk/bike in Stockbridge? Lack of Pedestrian/Bicycle Facilities # % Lack of crosswalks 3 2.7% Lack of sidewalks 15 13.5% Lack of pedestrian signals across roads 4 3.6% Lack of midblock crossings 3 2.7% * Other included: don’t have a bike; don’t like to walk Bike lanes 13 11.7% Off street bike paths 14 12.6% Off‐road (mountain bike) trails Concerns about safety while walking/biking 0 0.0% 19 17.1% Condition of sidewalks is poor 4 3.6% Uneducated motorists Disabled, elderly, or unable to walk/bike 5 4.5% 2 1.8% Other 7 6.3% SURVEY FINDINGS Q 3: Please rate the following statement; Stockbridge lacks connectivity in pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Q 4: Please rate the following statement; The City of Stockbridge has adequate pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Response # % Response # % Strongly agree 42 44.2% Strongly agree 2 2.1% Agree 30 31.6% Agree 10 10.5% Undecided 15 15.8% Undecided 19 20.0% Disagree 5 5.3% Disagree 26 27.4% Strongly disagree 3 3.2% Strongly disagree 38 40.0% Appendix A 10 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 5: Which is the most important factor to encourage more walking and/or biking in Stockbridge? Response # % Nature trails 26 15.0% Other________________ 3 1.7% Off‐road hard surface trails 28 16.2% Dedicated bicycle lanes/trails 32 18.5% Wider sidewalks 22 12.7% Wider paved shoulders 13 7.5% Better pedestrian scale lighting Improved intersections crossings(crosswalks, signalization, etc.) 40 23.1% N/A 5 2.9% 4 2.3% Response # % SURVEY FINDINGS Q 6: Do you use the Reeves Creek Trail? How often? Response # % Yes 44 47.8% 1+ times/week 11 25.6% No 48 52.2% 1+ times/month 10 23.3% Several times/year 16 37.2% 1 time/year 5 11.6% N/A 1 2.3% Appendix A 11 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 7: Do you use any regional trails (such as Panola-Arabia Mountain Trail)? Response # % Yes 50 No N/A Response # % 53.2% 1+ times/week 6 12.0% 34 36.2% 1+ times/month 18 36.0% 10 10.6% Several times/year 14 28.0% 1 time/year 9 18.0% N/A 3 6.0% SURVEY FINDINGS Q 8: Are there any specific streets that you see as a safety concern for pedestrians and bicyclists in the City of Stockbridge? Eagles Landing Pkwy 3 Austin Road 1 Old Atlanta Rd 1 Rock Quarry Rd 12 Fairview Rd 3 Banks Road 1 Panola Road 1 East Atlanta Rd 7 Walt Stephens Rd 7 MLK SR Heritage Trl 3 Center Street 1 Scarborough Rd 1 Red Oak Rd 3 Flat Rock Rd 1 Speer Rd 1 Hwy 138 6 Hudson Bridge Rd 2 Gardner Road 1 Stagecoach Rd 1 Tye Street 5 North Henry Blvd 2 Hearn Road 1 Swan Lake Rd 1 Davis Road 4 Shields Road 2 Hwy 42 1 West Burke Rd 1 Flippen Rd Appendix A 14 12 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 9: Are there any specific streets that would benefit the most from improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists in Stockbridge? Rock Quarry Road 9 Old Conyers road 4 Center Street 1 Patillo Road 1 Flippen Road 7 Walt Stephens Road 7 East Atlanta Road 5 Tye Street MLK SR Heritage Trail North Henry Boulevard 4 Flat Rock Road 1 Red Oak Road 1 3 Gardner Road Hudson Bridge Road 1 Shields Road 1 1 Speer Road 1 Davis Road 4 Eagles Landing 4 Parkway Connect the Parks 2 Jodeco 1 Stagecoach Road 1 Fairview Road 2 Millers Mill Road 1 Swan Lake Road 1 Hwy 138 Hwy 42 2 Old Atlanta Road 1 West Burke 1 4 3 SURVEY FINDINGS Survey Results Conclusions: • Citizens DO value bicycle and pedestrian resources • Citizens DO want additional resources • Citizens value connectivity and facilities Priorities: Network – expand and improve active transportation network Safety – prioritize safety (especially for vulnerable users) when planning network additions to trails and intersections Culture – nurture a culture which incentivizes active transportation for health, fitness, and to improve the environment Appendix A https://utown.ubc.ca/sites/utown.ubc.ca/files/styles/adaptive/public/gallery/Oct-212013/WnR_schoolbus.JPG?itok=XygWm9A6 13 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS (1) Trails (2) Sidewalks •Recreation •Protect Natural and Cultural Resources •Complete the Network •Provide standards for Development •Accessibility (3) Intersections •Signals (4)Bicycle Facilities •Bike lanes •Improved alternative transportation connections •Focus on neighborhoods/schools POLICIES Complete Streets • Requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation Walk Friendly Community •National recognition program developed to encourage cities establish a high priority for supporting safer walking environments and improve a wide range of conditions related to walking, including safety, mobility, access, and comfort Bike Friendly Community •National recognition program developed to encourage the “5 E”s in bike-able communities: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Evaluation, and Enforcement Appendix A 14 09/09/2016 CONNECTIONS - REGIONAL Walk Bike Thrive!: Atlanta Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan (2016) CONNECTIONS REGIONAL Arabia Mountain PATH Appendix A 15 09/09/2016 T YPES OF PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE FACILITIES Off-road hard surface multiuse trail Off-road soft surface multiuse trail Streetscape Sidewalk with buffer On-road hard surface multi-use trail w/ buffer Elevated boardwalk trail Sidewalk with no buffer Mid-block crossing BICYCLE FACILITIES https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ Striped Bike Lane Separated Bike Lane Bike Racks/Bike Parking Appendix A Sharrows & Bike Boxes https://www.nacto.org 16 09/09/2016 WHAT WILL THE MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS LOOK LIKE? WHAT WILL THE MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS LOOK LIKE? Public Meeting – Project Prioritization Photo courtesy of City of Brookhaven Appendix A Photo courtesy of City of Brookhaven 17 09/09/2016 WHAT WILL THE MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS LOOK LIKE? Priority Project Name Location Facility Type Type of Project 1 Jones Creek Trail Extension West of Main Street 12’ Multi-Use Trail Master Plan 2 5’ wide sidewalk West Road Sidewalk with Buffer Construction Documents 3 Martin Luther King Sr. Trail Railroad Street Streetscape Construction Documents 4 Long Branch Trail City Park to City Limits 12’ Multi-Use Trail Master Plan 5 8’ wide sidewalk South Road, City Limits to West Road Sidewalk with Buffer Construction Documents 6 Bicycle Lanes Broad Street, City Limits to Main Street 5’ Striped Bicycle Lane Construction Documents WHAT DO YOU THINK? Questions for Today What are your major concerns towards the pedestrian and bicycle modes in the City? Appendix A What do you think will help? What are some additional concerns or suggestions you have for us? 18 09/29/2016 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN & TRAIL PLAN Project Priorities Presentation September 29, 2016 INTRODUCTION Project Team: City of Stockbridge • Administration and Community Services • City Council WLA Studio • Madie Fischetti • Cameron Yates Appendix A 1 09/29/2016 WHY DEVELOP THIS PLAN?  City of Stockbridge does not have a Comprehensive Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trail Plan  Several Bike Lanes, Trails and Sidewalks throughout the City, are limited due to topography, and right of way constraints. The overall goal of developing a Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan is to provide a safe, connected, and efficient transportation system for the citizens of Stockbridge. Supporting objectives include: a technically sound and feasible program of investments • Identifying Creating a safe system which minimizes modal conflicts • Developing an integrated pedestrian and bicycling network that • accommodates a wide range of users and abilities from children to seniors PROJECT APPROACH & SCHEDULE SUMMER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER Appendix A Phase One: Inventory and Analysis - Data is collected throughout study area, includes physical data, natural and cultural resources, evaluation of existing facilities, input from citizens Phase Two: Opportunities - Collected data is reviewed, opportunities are identified and presented graphically upon project map, narrative is provided; Additional public input is gathered Phase Three: Strategy - Final bicycle, pedestrian, and trail plan strategy is developed along with supporting mapping and graphics, presentation is developed and brought before City Council for final approval 2 09/29/2016 WHAT WILL THE FINAL PRODUCT BE? Master Plan Report and Mapping • What, where, when, who, how much • Recommendations for policy, programming, and infrastructure improvements • Standard cross sections and guidelines Then What Happens? • City implements policy recommendations • City launches Education and Encouragement Initiatives • Develop capital plan for bicycle and pedestrian improvements/projects • Design and construct infrastructure improvements CURRENT TASKS • Potential Connections, Routes and Improvements: Identify critical intersections and areas for improvements, key routes, and connection points both within the city and region • Identification of Priority Projects: Present potential projects to key stakeholders and the public, prioritize future efforts Appendix A 3 09/29/2016 INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS Type of Data Collected: • Public Input (Survey) • Crash Data • Environmental Inventory • Pedestrian Facilities • Bicycle Facilities • Intersection Conditions (ADA Compliance) • Other Studies (Regional and Local) Such As • Stockbridge LCI Study, 2012 • Henry County Comprehensive Transportation Plan, 2007 • ARC Walk, Bike, Thrive, 2016 Appendix A 4 09/29/2016 ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES - TRAILS Reeves Creek Trail offers a mostly shaded pathway and easily accessible trailhead Martin Luther King, Sr. Trail creates the opportunity to link parks near downtown area and Reeves Creek Trail Appendix A Clark Community Park and Gardner Park both feature shaded pathways primarily used for walking; connectivity is an issue 5 09/29/2016 ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONNECTIONS Linking the western and eastern portions of the city currently divided by I-75 will be reviewed as part of this study. Currently, bike lanes exist but a more comfortable crossing could encourage a higher rate of pedestrian travel. ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES CULTURAL RESOURCES Locations influence trail routes, parks or interpretive elements; could include the Green Front Café, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church near downtown and the Woodland Mound along Patrick Henry Pkwy Appendix A 6 09/29/2016 PUBLIC INPUT/SURVEY Type of Data Collected: • Public Input • Survey conducted online and in person • Summer 2016 • Approximately 95 responses • Crash Data • Environmental Inventory • Pedestrian Facilities • Bicycle Facilities • Intersection Conditions (ADA Compliance) SURVEY FINDINGS - SUMMARY Q 2A: If YES (I walk or bike), what is your primary reason? Q2: How often do you walk or ride a bike between work/school and home or to run an errand? Reason # % Frequency # % Exercise 50 54.3% Daily 18 18.6% Recreation 11 12.0% Weekly 19 19.6% Commuting/transportation 2 2.2% Bi‐weekly 9 9.3% Running errands/shopping 5 5.4% Monthly 10 10.3% Mountain biking 1 1.1% Never 41 42.3% N/A 23 25.0% Appendix A 7 09/29/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 2C: If NO, why don’t you walk/bike in Stockbridge? Lack of Pedestrian/Bicycle Facilities # % Concerns about safety while walking/biking 19 17.1% Lack of crosswalks 3 2.7% Condition of sidewalks is poor 4 3.6% Lack of sidewalks 15 13.5% Uneducated motorists 5 4.5% Lack of pedestrian signals across roads 4 3.6% Disabled, elderly, or unable to walk/bike 2 1.8% Lack of midblock crossings 3 2.7% Other 7 6.3% * Other included: don’t have a bike; don’t like to walk SURVEY FINDINGS Q 3: Please rate the following statement; Stockbridge lacks connectivity in pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Q 4: Please rate the following statement; The City of Stockbridge has adequate pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Response # % Response # % Strongly agree 42 44.2% Strongly agree 2 2.1% Agree 30 31.6% Agree 10 10.5% Undecided 15 15.8% Undecided 19 20.0% Disagree 5 5.3% Disagree 26 27.4% Strongly disagree 3 3.2% Strongly disagree 38 40.0% Appendix A 8 09/29/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 8: Are there any specific streets that you see as a safety concern for pedestrians and bicyclists in the City of Stockbridge? Eagles Landing Pkwy 3 Austin Road 1 Old Atlanta Rd 1 Rock Quarry Rd 12 Fairview Rd 3 Banks Road 1 Panola Road 1 East Atlanta Rd 7 Walt Stephens Rd 7 MLK SR Heritage Trl 3 Center Street 1 Scarborough Rd 1 Red Oak Rd 3 Flat Rock Rd 1 Speer Rd 1 Hwy 138 6 Hudson Bridge Rd 2 Gardner Road 1 Stagecoach Rd 1 Tye Street 5 North Henry Blvd 2 Hearn Road 1 Swan Lake Rd 1 Davis Road 4 Shields Road 2 Hwy 42 1 West Burke Rd 1 Flippen Rd 14 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 9: Are there any specific streets that would benefit the most from improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists in Stockbridge? Rock Quarry Road 9 Old Conyers road 4 Center Street 1 Patillo Road 1 Flippen Road 7 Walt Stephens Road 7 East Atlanta 5 Road Tye Street MLK SR Heritage Trail North Henry Boulevard 4 Flat Rock Road 1 Red Oak Road 1 3 Gardner Road Hudson Bridge Road 1 Shields Road 1 1 Speer Road 1 Davis Road 4 Eagles Landing Parkway 4 Connect the Parks 2 Jodeco 1 Stagecoach Road 1 Fairview Road 2 Millers Mill Road 1 Swan Lake Road 1 Hwy 138 Hwy 42 2 Old Atlanta Road 1 West Burke 1 Appendix A 4 3 9 09/29/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Survey Results Conclusions: • Citizens DO value bicycle and pedestrian resources • Citizens DO want additional resources • Citizens value connectivity and facilities Priorities: Network – expand and improve active transportation network Safety – prioritize safety (especially for vulnerable users) when planning network additions to trails and intersections Culture – nurture a culture which incentivizes active transportation for health, fitness, and to improve the environment https://utown.ubc.ca/sites/utown.ubc.ca/files/styles/adaptive/public/gallery/Oct-212013/WnR_schoolbus.JPG?itok=XygWm9A6 SURVEY FINDINGS (1) Trails (2) Sidewalks •Recreation •Protect natural and cultural resources •Provide SAFE off-road connections for walkers/bikers •Complete the network •Provide standards for development •Accessibility (3) Intersections •Signals (4)Bicycle Facilities Appendix A •Bike lanes •Improved alternative transportation connections •Focus on neighborhoods/schools/retail 10 09/29/2016 CONNECTIONS REGIONAL Arabia Mountain PATH T YPES OF PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE FACILITIES Off-road hard surface multiuse trail Off-road soft surface multiuse trail Streetscape Sidewalk with buffer On-road hard surface multi-use trail w/ buffer Elevated boardwalk trail Sidewalk with no buffer Mid-block crossing Appendix A 11 09/29/2016 BICYCLE FACILITIES https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ Striped Bike Lane Separated Bike Lane Bike Racks/Bike Parking Sharrows & Bike Boxes https://www.nacto.org WHAT WILL THE MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS LOOK LIKE? Priority Project Name Location Facility Type Type of Project 1 Jones Creek Trail Extension West of Main Street 12’ Multi-Use Trail Master Plan 2 5’ wide sidewalk West Road Sidewalk with Buffer Construction Documents 3 Martin Luther King Sr. Trail Railroad Street Streetscape Construction Documents 4 Long Branch Trail City Park to City Limits 12’ Multi-Use Trail Master Plan 5 8’ wide sidewalk South Road, City Limits to West Road Sidewalk with Buffer Construction Documents 6 Bicycle Lanes Broad Street, City Limits to Main Street 5’ Striped Bicycle Lane Construction Documents Appendix A 12 09/29/2016 WHAT DO YOU THINK? Please help us Prioritize Projects What are the TOP project priorities for walkers and bikers in Stockbridge? What will help Sotckbridge become a more LIVEABLE city? Take some voting dots. Use your dots to vote! Use all dots for one project OR spread your dots among several projects. All of the potential projects will appear in the master plan report, but this will help us prioritize what matters to YOU. ORANGE: Favorite Project Dots eg: I want facilities along Rock Quarry Road! BLUE: Favorite Type/Facility Dots eg: I like the multi-use trail and bike lanes along Rock Quarry Rd! WHAT DO YOU THINK? Projects to Prioritize • Potential Greenway Routes (off Road, multi-use paths) • North Henry Blvd – Accessibility Amenities (additional pedestrian crossings) • Road Specific Improvements: • Davis Road • Old Conyers Road • Walt Stephens Road • Red Oak Road • Flippin Road • Rock Quarry Road • MLK Sr. Trail (completion, spurs to cultural resources, tie into Reeves Cr Trail) Appendix A 13 09/29/2016 WHAT DO YOU THINK? BLUE: Favorite Type/Facility Dots eg: I like the multi-use trail with a sidewalk configuration best. ORANGE: Favorite Project Dots eg: I want facilities along Rock Quarry Road! (I used 2 of my 3 votes) Appendix A 14 APPENDIX B – Cost Estimates for Physical Improvements The following cost estimate was created by referencing unit prices and design fees found within projects similar in type to those proposed. Individual elements and features have been listed separately to allow for the City to remove or add items as appropriate during future planning efforts. The full proposed length of each project may not be built at once. Because of this, the price per linear foot for applicable projects is listed to allow for a cost estimation at any planned length. APPENDIX B This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Item Walt Stephens Road ‐ 1.75 miles Price/LF Option 1 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $0.15 $40.00 $48.00 $20.00 $10.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $360.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $399,888.72 Total Construction Cost for 1.75 Miles $3,332,406.00 Option 2 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $48.00 $20.00 $10.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $329.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $365,515.92 Total Construction Cost for 1.75 Miles $3,045,966.00 Option 3 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $48.00 $20.00 $10.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $352.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $390,463.92 Total Construction Cost for 1.75 Miles $3,253,866.00 Red Oak Road ‐ 1 mile Option 1 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $0.15 $40.00 $16.00 $7.00 $4.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $309.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $196,194.24 Total Construction Cost for 1 Mile $1,634,952.00 Option 2 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $16.00 $7.00 $4.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $278.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $176,552.64 Total Construction Cost for 1 Mile $1,471,272.00 Old Conyers Road ‐ 1 mile Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $0.15 $40.00 $11.00 $5.00 $3.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $279.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $176,869.44 Total Construction Cost for 1 Mile $1,473,912.00 Davis Road ‐ 1.75 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $0.15 $40.00 $11.00 $5.00 $3.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $279.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $309,521.52 Total Construction Cost for 1.75 Miles $2,579,346.00 Rock Quarry Road ‐ 2.5 miles Option 1 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Additional Travel Lane (12', incl. both sides) Dashed Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $72.00 $1.50 $40.00 $31.00 $13.00 $7.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $407.00 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $644,688.00 Total Construction Cost for 2.5 Miles $5,372,400.00 Option 2 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Additional Travel Lane (12', incl. both sides) Dashed Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $72.00 $1.50 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $31.00 $13.00 $7.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $398.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $631,461.60 Total Construction Cost for 2.5 Miles $5,262,180.00 Option 3 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Additional Travel Lane (12', incl. both sides) Dashed Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $72.00 $1.50 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $31.00 $13.00 $7.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $376.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $595,821.60 Total Construction Cost for 2.5 Miles $4,965,180.00 Option 4 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Additional Travel Lane (12', incl. both sides) Dashed Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Mid‐Block Crossing (8 total, each incl. items listed below) Curb (6") Concrete Walkway/Transition (8') Signage Crosswalk Striping Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $72.00 $1.50 $7.00 $29.00 $12.00 $6.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $370.00 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $586,080.00 Total Construction Cost for 2.5 Miles $4,884,000.00 Flippen Road ‐ 3 miles Option 1 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $40.00 $35.00 $15.00 $8.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $340.50 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $647,222.40 Total Construction Cost for 3 Miles $5,393,520.00 Option 2 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $35.00 $15.00 $8.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $332.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $631,350.72 Total Construction Cost for 3 Miles $5,261,256.00 Option 3 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $35.00 $15.00 $8.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $309.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $588,582.72 Total Construction Cost for 3 Miles $4,904,856.00 Reeves Creek Trail Extension ‐ 2 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Boardwalk/Bridge (10' width, approx. 10% of trail length) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings $25.00 $41.00 $50.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 Total/LF $224.04 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $283,903.49 Total Construction Cost for 2 Miles $2,365,862.40 Brush Creek Trail ‐ 1.5 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Boardwalk/Bridge (10' width, approx. 10% of trail length) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings $25.00 $41.00 $50.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 Total/LF $224.04 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $212,927.62 Total Construction Cost for 1.5 Miles $1,774,396.80 Rum Creek Trail ‐ 4 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Boardwalk/Bridge (10' width, approx. 10% of trail length) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings $25.00 $41.00 $50.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 Total/LF $224.04 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $567,806.98 Total Construction Cost for 4 Miles $4,731,724.80 Patrick Henry Parkway Trail ‐ 3.75 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings $25.00 $45.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 Total/LF $178.04 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $423,023.04 Total Construction Cost for 3.75 Miles $3,525,192.00 MLK Sr. Heritage Trail, Spur Trail to Floyd Chapel Baptist Church ‐ .25 mile Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Total/LF Estimated Engineering and Design Fees Total Construction Cost for .25 Miles $25.00 $45.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 $178.04 $28,201.54 $235,012.80 MLK Sr. Heritage Trail, Green Front Café ‐ .25 mile Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Total/LF Estimated Engineering and Design Fees Total Construction Cost for .25 Miles $25.00 $45.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 $178.04 $28,201.54 $235,012.80 Continuation of MLK Sr. Heritage Trail ‐ .75 mile Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Lighting (at 50' intervals) Total/LF Estimated Engineering and Design Fees Total Cost for .75 Mile $25.00 $0.15 $20.00 $22.50 $4.80 $2.00 $50.00 $124.45 $59,138.64 $492,822.00 Item Unit Unit Price Quantity Potential Trailhead Location with Reeves Creek Trail Link at MLK Sr. Heritage Trail Grading Complete Asphalt Parking Lot with Entry Drive (20 spaces) Precast Bumper Block Parking Lot Striping (20 spaces, 6" white striping) Parking Lot Striping (6" yellow striping at entry drive) Pavement Marking (Accessible Parking Symbol) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Lighting Signage Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Landscape Plantings Total LS $20,000.00 1 $20,000.00 SF $3.00 6,750 $20,250.00 EA $50.00 20 $1,000.00 LF $1.00 360 $360.00 LF $1.00 48 $48.00 EA $30.00 2 $60.00 SF $4.50 2000 $9,000.00 EA $5,000.00 8 $40,000.00 EA $250.00 4 $1,000.00 EA $1,000.00 2 $2,000.00 EA $1,000.00 2 $2,000.00 LS $20,000.00 1 $20,000.00 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $11,571.80 Total $115,718.00 N Henry Boulevard Mid‐Block Crossing (quantities per each crossing) Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Curb (6" height) ADA Ramp Concrete Walkway Signage Crosswalk Striping Plant Material Engineered Soils LS $3,500.00 1 LF $15.00 80 EA $750.00 2 SF $4.50 64 EA $2,000.00 4 LF $2.00 224 LS $1,250.00 1 CU YD $50.00 20 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees Total $3,500.00 $1,200.00 $1,500.00 $288.00 $8,000.00 $448.00 $1,250.00 $1,000.00 $1,718.60 $17,186.00 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN WLA Studio 675 Pulaski Street, Suite 1000 Athens, Georgia 30601 Phone (706)543-5459 Email. info@wlandstudio.com www.wlandstudio.com Proposed Revised 2017 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE 4640 NORTH HENRY BLVD. STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281 2017 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE 2nd MONDAY OF EACH MONTH IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER 2nd FLOOR AT 6:00 P.M. January 9, 2017 February 13, 2017 March 13, 2017 April 10, 2017 May 8, 2017 June 12, 2017 July 10, 2017 August 14, 2017 September 11, 2017 October 9, 2017 November 13, 2017 December 11, 2017 CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 5:30 P.M. 2017 WORK SESSION MEETINGS ARE HELD THE LAST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH (EXCEPT WHERE NOTED*) IN THE LEVI MEETING ROOM - 2:00 P.M. January 31, 2017 February 28, 2017 March 28, 2017 April 25, 2017 May 30, 2017 June 27, 2017 July 25, 2017 August 29, 2017 September 26, 2017 October 24, 2017* November 28, 2017 December 19, 2017* VOTING ON EMERGENCY ITEMS ONLY ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN AND THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND