34
Appendix H • Public Involvement Summary Memorandum, J. Robertson and Company, Dec. 2014
Appendix H
• Public Involvement Summary Memorandum,
J. Robertson and Company, Dec. 2014
Appendix HPage 1 of 32
Appendix HPage 2 of 32
East Aberdeen Mobility Project Preferred Alternative Selection Report Public Involvement Summary – December 2014 December 31, 2014
Overview The East Aberdeen Mobility Project team conducted a variety of outreach activities to ascertain and test public priorities and preferences. These activities included, but were not limited to:
• Property Owner and Neighbor Interviews • Property Owner and Resident Mailing • Two Community Open Houses (Open House 1 = 45 attendees; Open House 2 = 80 attendees) • Port of Grays Harbor and City of Aberdeen Briefings • Online Preferences Survey • Project Fact Sheet • Web Presence and Updates at ghcog.com • FAQ Document • Fielding Public Inquiries
Key conclusions are outlined in the “Critical Questions” section below. Community open house notices, agendas and other public engagement materials and findings are reproduced here in the form of appendices, as follows:
• Appendix A: Stakeholder Feedback • Appendix B: Open House Notices and Agendas • Appendix C: Project Information Sheet, September 2014 • Appendix D: Project FAQ, November 2014 • Appendix E: Additional Web Survey Comments • Appendix F: Open House 2 Comment Cards • Appendix G: Letter to Residential Property Owners / Residents • Appendix H: Letter to Project Manager from Guest House Inn
Appendix HPage 3 of 32
Public Priorities and Preferences Summary At the first open house and through a subsequent web survey, the public identified Option C, the Chehalis St. Overpass, as the preferred alternative and prioritized overall project objectives. Both were presented at the second open house in December 2014. Votes are shown below:
Which mobility improvement option would best improve traffic flow on US12?
Objective Open House 1
Votes Web Survey
Votes Total Votes
Option A: Heron St. Flyover – two lane ramp on Heron St. adjacent to Five Star Dealership with roundabout at US 12/Newell St. (RENDERING SHOWN IN ORIGINAL)
0 22 22
Option B: Benn St. Texas-T – one way ramps in US 12 center lane with overpass at Benn St. and roundabouts at west and east end of ramps. (RENDERING SHOWN IN ORIGINAL)
0 9 9
Option C: Chehalis St. Overpass – roundabout at US 12/Newell St. with overpass at Chehalis St. (RENDERING SHOWN IN ORIGINAL)
19 40 59
Total Votes 19 71 90
Which project objectives are most important? (Community Votes)
Objective Open House 1
Votes Web Survey
Votes Total Votes
1. Ease congestion on US 12 for vehicles and freight 10 60 70 2. Reduce blockages that impede shopping and
neighborhood access 4 46 50
3. Improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists 6 30 36 4. Identify solutions that can be implemented quickly
and cost-effectively 7 28 35
5. Identify solutions that minimize impacts to businesses
8 23 31
6. Improve vehicle access via eastbound lanes to neighborhood north of US 12
1 11 12
Total Votes 36 198 234
Please share any additional suggestions or concerns in the space below: Thirty-six additional comments were recorded and considered in the alternatives evaluation process, and are attached here in Appendix E.
Appendix HPage 4 of 32
Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Feedback
Introduction • The East Aberdeen Mobility Project is looking at the stretch of US 12 from eastern gateway of Aberdeen
(Top Foods) to Wishkah River Bridge – show Project Limits aerial map (attached).
• East Aberdeen Mobility Project goals: o Ease congestion into/out of Aberdeen o Easier access to businesses and neighborhoods o Improve emergency vehicle access/reduce train blockages into Gateway Plaza o Make it easier to walk and bike around area
• Want to start by reaching out to those currently impacted by existing mobility issues o Incorporate your suggestions for potential improvements o Avoid further complications as we develop solution alternatives
• Have a few questions for you – should take ½ hour or so
• If anything else comes to mind after today, please don’t hesitate to contact me (bring biz cards) o Overall Go-To: Vicki Cummings at COG (360) 537-4386
Questions
1. First, when you consider the various mobility issues in this general vicinity, what do you consider to be the single most important challenge / opportunity for improvement?
2. Fast-forwarding a bit, when we present mobility improvement alternatives a few months from now, what features or changes do you hope to see reflected?
3. If not already mentioned, is there anything in particular you DON’T want to see happen as a result of this study or any future changes?
4. Do you have specific recommendations for improving mobility in the area? What would you do to accomplish the project goals I described earlier?
5. (OPTIONAL) The COG and Port are looking for readily-implementable, practical, cost-effective solutions – and will look at a variety of state and federal funding mechanisms to help finance future improvements. If we encounter funding gaps, do you think local property owners would be willing to participate in an LID or similar local financing structure to help move key projects forward?
6. We’re proactively reaching out to area businesses, rail and shipping stakeholders and bike/pedestrian interests. Is there anyone else you would recommend we talk to before getting too deep into this planning effort?
7. (Business Owners) Is there anything in particular you want us to understand about the way customers and/or delivery trucks enter and exit your property?
8. (Rail) What types of solutions can you imagine being proposed that would be non-starters for rail and shipping interests? What are the most ideal (realistic) solutions for improving rail mobility in the area?
9. (Specific to Bike/Ped) Given the fact that we need to keep moving vehicle traffic and rail freight through the area (designated State highway and rail corridor) – and that this is a highly-visited commercial area – what do you think can be done to make it easier and safer to walk and bicycle through here?
Appendix HPage 5 of 32
Stakeholder Participants Stakeholder contacts included, but were not necessarily limited to the following individuals:
• Mayor Simpson, City of Aberdeen • Commissioner Cauldwell, Port of Grays Harbor • Commissioner Stan Pinnick, Port of Grays Harbor • Commissioner Jack Thompson, Port of Grays Harbor • Gary Nelson, CEO, Port of Grays Harbor • Harry Bennets (owner), Gateway Plaza property • Cary Bozeman, Bozeman Group, ARM • Irene Brown, Wal-Mart • Mike Burgess (owner), Dairy Queen • Kelly Chrisman, Water to Go • Josh Connell, PSAP • Jasvir Dahliwa, (owner) Guest House Inn • Michael Dickerson, Our Aberdeen • Charity Dixon, Goodwill • Mathew Fredrickson, Big 5 Sports • Dru Garson, CEO, Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. • Chuck Gibson, Mikes Meats • Julianne Hanner (owner), McDonalds • Lillian Hett, Top Foods • Angel Housden, Guest House Inn • John Martin, McDonalds • Jackie Meeks, Starbucks • Mike Odell, Five Star Motors • Tim Quigg • Scott Reynvaan, ARM • Saul Riyas, KFC • Jeremy Segar, Aarons • Andrew Shelor, Wal-Mart Washington Real Estate Manager • Greg Skarberg, Happy Teriyaki • Larry Sorensen, PSAP • Dorian Wylie, UPS Store • Staff, Taco Bell • Staff, Shell Station • Staff, HR Block • Staff, Ross • Staff, Staples • Staff, Pat’s Barber Shop • Staff, Baskin Robbins • Staff, Consistent Cups Espresso • Department of Ecology / ICF International, Hoquiam EIS
Appendix HPage 6 of 32
In addition, the consultant team met with the Core Decision Making Team (City, Port, COG and WDOT) on an as-need basis and also held two work sessions with WSDOT.
Stakeholder Responses (Interviews and Open House 1) • Guest House not supportive of any change or construction that blocks hotel visibility from highway,
impair parking capacity or divert traffic (especially the interim solution that would place an overpass through their property).
• No more trains stopping in front of store (if we can’t move rail, try something else) o Why does train stop in front of stores? o Why can’t trains have a switch yard farther out? o Can we at least get a train schedule so we can plan for blockages? o Ensure medical access to property
• Open to rerouting of road, but not if it’s a bypass – we need to be easy to access o Traffic circles sound like a good part of the solution o Traffic has increased over the past two years, so needs to be addressed
• Important to maintain transit access (note, bus stop located in Goodwill parking lot) o The pedestrian crossing between Guest House and Five Star Ford is very dangerous o Also need a rail crossing bar at the Log Pavilion – you can’t see the train until it’s upon you
• Deliveries....our trucks come every other day during business hours; access the store via Top Foods o More directional signage would be helpful
• Short-term priority: Fix rail practices
• Long-term priority: Build overpass (long-term due to potential cost)
• Identify and address whatever is causing train to stop for 20+ minutes and back up all the arterials o Why can’t trains pass through at 3 AM vs. noon?
• Do not divert (commercial) traffic from Gateway mall area o Whatever changes occur, we need to maintain easy access and visibility o If you install an overpass, you might want to allow for a sign variance allowing higher signs o We just invested $3 million to upgrade our facility
• Please improve the pedestrian crossing at Five Star Ford o Consider making the entire study area commercial only (safety issues for existing residents)
• Was Wal-Mart required to finance any rail or road improvements as part of its major expansion?
• Can you create an underground access point into Super Center from Aberdeen side? o Can we add another lane to WA 12? o Or, add another lane by ramping over?
• Would be nice to have a left-turn into Mike’s Meats, other businesses on north side
• Need a safer crosswalk at Dairy Queen
• Need a sidewalk and island at Shell Station / Five Star Ford
• Why do we have such poor train scheduling? They should run at night, or at least reduce number of cars being shipped during business hours
• The train traffic is primary problem o Priority is a new overpass
Appendix HPage 7 of 32
o Start overpass at Lion’s Park to use existing grade
• Not a fan of traffic circles, but could get used to it if it helps solve access problem
• Deliveries...we have two FSA trucks per week and one Pepsi o Trucks have to park on east side of facility as Dairy Queen very protective of their parking on
north side
• Like the idea of a bridge over the rail tracks
• We may actually benefit from the rail blockages, as customers who can get into Super Center come into our store on the north side
• It seems Tyler Street light really slows traffic moving east/up the hill toward Aberdeen
• Ok with using traffic circles
• Can’t train traffic be rerouted? o We never know the train schedule o Employees and customers alike continue to get stuck o Need train schedule and directional signage o Considering doing a study to see how much revenue/labor is lost during train blockages
• What happened to the access point that used to be located adjacent to Shell?
• Deliveries...some trucks go west across bridge, then come back east o Others turn left at second light and access property via Top Foods route or Good Will gap o Noon-4 deliveries: Swift, Wal-Mart, other vendors) o 11-12 PM deliveries: break, Coke, Pepsi, etc.) o Night deliveries (12-3 AM): Various
• We plan to get regional Wal-Mart PR person involved; expect additional outreach
• Not excited about the idea of higher rail speeds o We have a lot of pedestrian and transit shoppers
• FYI, Super Center grand opening in Sep. 10
• (Worked in rail for 20 years, including stints on line in question)
• Not sure why trains have authority to stop/block traffic o Should confirm who has authority to cause or prevent stoppages o Consider police action if necessary o There are quite a few train/car collisions occurring right now
• Most delays seem to be happening when trains come into Port o Can trains be reduced in size? o Can coordination be better at bridge crossing (bridge tender)? o FYI, train speed is 5 mph on bridge, 20 mph before and 10 once over o What about parking train cars BEFORE Gateway area while getting bridge arrangements settled o Need a larger sorting yard, as that’s where some of the slowdown is occurring o At a minimum, trains should run at night, 12-5 AM
• Deliveries...we have trucks arriving at 3 AM twice per week
• Not interested in giving up an access point to my property to solve periodic train delays o It seems an overpass would only be to serve Wal-Mart; if that’s the case, then we might sue to
protect our access point o If not, and there is a workable solution, consider focusing on the western access point to limit
impact to Dairy Queen and McDonalds.
Appendix HPage 8 of 32
o Or, have the overpass empty on Wal-Mart’s empty parcel adjacent to DQ
• Primary goal is improved crossing at E. Heron to Wal-Mart
• No crosswalk, let alone smart crossing signal
• A local child was killed trying to navigate that crossing, which makes it personal
• We need to eliminate the “short cut” at Shell...too dangerous
• Support an overpass solution for cars
• Not a fan of traffic circles
• How do large trucks (e.g. log trucks) safely navigate?
• Won’t a traffic circle use more land than a simple traffic light solution?
• Seems like we can simply better program signals to improve traffic flow
• If we can’t immediately fix train blockage problem, consider establishing a marine emergency station on the river
• Rail improvements may be dependent on oil shipping contract
• Top priority – continual access to Gateway when/despite trains running o Grade separation solution o Trains coming into our community = $, so need to find solutions for all of it to work o Need to address some of the “rough” rail crossings (bumpy)
• No one gets backed up at the 1st (easternmost light) by Top Foods; mobility affected somewhere after that
• If possible, would be nice to address the fact that people headed to other locations tend to use the Top Foods parking lot as a speedway
• Don’t block off access in a way that only allows entry into Wal-Mart at the expense of others
• Deliveries....48-53 ft trailers arrive early and late o Other businesses know our schedule and try and time deliveries in between
• Doesn’t Wal-Mart need to help finance transit improvements as part of its Super Center expansion? o How did Wal-Mart secure approval for construction so close to riverfront?
• Mobility problems caused by trains o Can’t we just move rail? o Need constant access for vehicles at Gateway Center, even if trains running/stopping
• Support overpass solution, but may need bigger sign to maintain visibility o We have a lot of bicycle customers, and need to maintain access for them o Don’t shrink our parking lot
• During any future construction phase, please coordinate with rail and minimize impacts to businesses o Stay away from busy shopping months
• Contact Port Commissioner Jack Thompson – that’s his District, and Gary and/or other key staff at Port.
• Safe and efficient – bike/ped not a priority, but important to address and necessary for grant $...it all needs to be coordinated. We’re also competing and need to coordinate with Aberdeen revitalization, Seaport, others who are looking for funding.
o Don’t think elevating the rail is going to happen (economics). We’re competing with everyone for rail dollars/Tiger Grants...Port of Centralia in line to get the next one
o Port of GH working with state and feds to make rail a priority o Overpass for vehicles is down the road
• Look at going underneath bridge for access near Ford dealership
Appendix HPage 9 of 32
• Close 2-3 of the five crossing to the mall
• Do something to show the public we’re doing something
• Deliveries are via full size semi-trucks and occur Tuesdays/Wednesdays and Friday/Saturday between 12 midnight and 3 am.
• Main problems caused by blockages - Not affected by foot traffic. With two lanes blocked it is impossible for customers to make a left turn into KFC. Cars cutting through the parking lot instead of turning at the light.
• Biggest problem is the area behind I the business is not well lit, too dark. Having problems with people getting into the dumpster.
• Deliveries and pick-ups occur in front of the store (right in, right out). Standard delivery trucks all the way up to full size semi-trucks are used. Peak pick up times 3:00pm – 4:30 pm daily.
• Main problems caused by blockages - It is impossible for customers to make a left turn into parking lot on most days. Cars use the parking lot as a through street when the highway gets backed up.
• Deliveries are via full size semi-trucks and occur late night. They enter the parking lot directly off of the highway; don’t use frontage road at intersection.
• No complaints about traffic backing up, they like it. • Issues – Poor lighting conditions, occasional transients entering business, and people using Taco Bell
parking lot to do business at Starbucks. Starbucks does not have enough parking. Additional feedback presented at open house 2 via note cards is provided in Appendix F.
Appendix HPage 10 of 32
Appendix B: Open House Notices and Agendas The following organizations were mailed direct invitations prior to each open house:• Quinault Indian Nation • Chehalis Tribe • City of Aberdeen • Port of Grays Harbor • Grays Harbor Transit
• Aberdeen Fire Dept. • Grays Harbor PUD • PSAP • Aberdeen Revitalization Movement • WSDOT Olympic Region
PSAs were distributed to the following media outlets prior to each open house: • The Daily World • The Vidette • North Coast News
• Jodesha Broadcasting • KDUX, KXRO, KBKW,KGHI • Quinault Nation News, Nugguam
Appendix HPage 11 of 32
East Aberdeen Mobility Project Community Open House #1 Tuesday, October 14, 5:00-7:00 PM Port of Grays Harbor Commission Chamber
Program
1. Open House/Information Stations 5:00-5:45
• Project Purpose and Objectives
• Option A - Heron St. Flyover Alternative
• Option B - Benn St. Texas-T Alternative
• Option C - Chehalis St. Overpass Alternative
• Driving Roundabouts
2. Preferred Alternative Presentation 5:30-6:00
• Background
• Public Input
• Key Features
• Next Steps
3. Station Questions 6:15-7:00 *Please complete and turn in your Preferred Alternative Survey before leaving, or vote online at www.eamobility.org.
Notes and Questions:
Appendix HPage 12 of 32
East Aberdeen Mobility Project Community Open House #2
Please join us.... The Grays Harbor Council of Governments (GHCOG) invites you to attend a second open house to learn about the alternative selected for traffic and safety improvements in the US-12 highway corridor, in and around the vicinity of Gateway Plaza. The open house is scheduled for: Wednesday, December 17th, 5:00-7:00 PM Rotary Log Pavilion 1401 Sargent Blvd., Aberdeen Staff and consultants will be on-hand to present the alternative recommended for further action, answer questions and note any comments you may have at multiple project “information stations”.
About the Project The need for the East Aberdeen Mobility Project was initially identified in the US 101 Regional Circulation Project completed in 2007. The project is funded through a federal grant and local match is provided by the Port of Grays Harbor. The goal of the project is to reduce or eliminate traffic disruption caused by lengthy train delays, and to generally improve traffic flow, access and safety throughout the corridor. For more information, please visit www.ghcog.org. Under Latest News you can view or download the Open House #2 Agenda, FAQ sheet, or past project information. For questions, please contact Vicki Cummings, GHCOG, at 360-537-4386.
Appendix HPage 13 of 32
East Aberdeen Mobility Project Community Open House #2 Wednesday, December 17, 5:00-7:00 PM Rotary Log Pavilion, Aberdeen
Program
1. Open House/Information Stations 5:00-5:30
• Project Purpose and Objectives
• Preferred Alternative - Chehalis St. Overpass
• Other Options - Heron St. Flyover/Benn St. Texas-T
• Driving Roundabouts
2. Preferred Alternative Presentation 5:30-6:00
• Background
• Public Input
• Key Features
• Next Steps
3. Station Questions 6:00-7:00
• Roundabout Video *For more information, please visit us online at www.ghcog.org *For more information on roundabouts, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/safety/roundabouts/
Notes and Questions:
Appendix HPage 14 of 32
Appendix C: Project Information Sheet, September 2014
Appendix HPage 15 of 32
Appendix HPage 16 of 32
Appendix D: Project FAQ, November 2014 The following information is being provided by the East Aberdeen Mobility Project planning team in response to questions raised by potentially-impacted property owners and other stakeholders during various public outreach activities. For more information, please review the project fact sheet and other materials available online at www.ghcog.org, or contact Grays Harbor Council of Governments Executive Director, Vicki Cummings, at 360.537.4386 / [email protected]. → Why is the East Aberdeen Mobility Project needed in the first place?
• The US 12 “gateway corridor” is experiencing several challenges related to congestion and safety. Congestion issues result from a combination of factors, including parked trains blocking ingress and egress points at adjacent commercial business destinations, the timing of signalized traffic lights and geography. There’s simply no room to solve these challenges by widening the highway. These issues are expected to intensify as additional cargo is shipped through the corridor in the future.
→ If trains are the main reason for mobility delays, why don’t we just move the rail line?
• Project planners are seeking a financially-viable solution. Per federal law, rail has priority over vehicular traffic. Even if the rail line could be moved, it would be prohibitively expensive to permit and relocate the route over a waterway. In addition, building an elevated rail line might improve traffic flow, but not necessarily increase safety.
→ Is this really just a project to help transport oil?
• No. The Port of Grays Harbor is projecting growth in a variety of customer markets, including grain, cars and other materials. Additional trains are coming, even if oil does not. The current level of train traffic causes significant traffic impacts, which must be corrected even if there is no additional train traffic.
→ You’ve presented three action options. Aren’t there other possibilities?
• The engineering team examined 10 distinct options. In the end, the three alternatives presented to the public were deemed best-suited to achieving project goals, which include: easing congestion, improving safety, limiting impacts to businesses and property owners, and being implementable from both an environmental and cost perspective.
→ Have people indicated a preference among the three alternative solutions?
• Yes. At our first public meeting and through a subsequent electronic questionnaire, participants expressed a clear preference for what is being labeled the “Chehalis Street Overcrossing” option. This solution provides an alternative route for vehicle traffic into and out of the Gateway Plaza via an overpass in the event that a train is blocking grade level access. It also replaces existing traffic lights at Newell Street with a roundabout so that traffic can maintain a steady flow, while also providing easier and safer access to businesses and residences on the north side of US 12.
Appendix HPage 17 of 32
→ The alternatives you’re exploring appear to be long-term solutions. Are any interim solutions being explored?
• The complexity of the problem requires a long-term solution. Unfortunately, it will take several years to secure funding and permits for any of the three alternatives. In the interim, the design team is looking at ways to ensure emergency response capacity within or into the Gateway Plaza area when a train is blocking normal entrance points. The team is also working with rail operators to identify potential safety enhancements at rail crossings. While there has been some discussion about building a temporary roadway into the Plaza, an acceptable solution has yet to be identified. Challenges include funding, permitting and safety.
→ All of your proposed options include the installation of a roundabout. Aren’t roundabouts difficult to navigate (I think I hate them)?
• According to WSDOT, if you’re anxious at the thought of driving a roundabout for the first time, you’re not alone. While most drivers get that ‘deer in the headlights’ look initially, studies show
after drivers use roundabouts, they like them. While roundabouts are new to the Grays Harbor area, approximately 120 roundabouts have been installed throughout Washington State as of 2014, including one in Ocean Shores and 34 in the Olympia vicinity. The benefits of roundabouts include:
o Improve Safety – Studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than traditional
stop sign or signal-controlled intersections. A 37 percent reduction in overall collisions A 75 percent reduction in injury collisions A 90 percent reduction in fatality collisions A 40 percent reduction in pedestrian collisions
o Reduce delay and improve traffic flow o Less expensive – Building a roundabout and a traffic signal is comparable but
considering long-term maintenance cost between the two, roundabouts save between $5,000 and $10,000 per year.
→ Won’t roundabouts impede traffic?
• Contrary to many peoples' perceptions, roundabouts actually move traffic through an intersection more quickly, and with less congestion on approaching roads. Roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic. Unlike intersections with traffic signals, drivers don’t have to wait for a green light at a roundabout to get through the intersection. Traffic is not required to stop – only yield – so the intersection can handle more traffic in the same amount of time. Studies by Kansas State University http://www.ksu.edu/roundabouts/ measured traffic flow at intersections before and after conversion to roundabouts. In each case, installing a roundabout led to a 20 percent reduction in delays. Additional studies have found that roundabouts contributed to an 89 percent reduction in delays and 56 percent reduction in vehicle stops.
Appendix HPage 18 of 32
→ Can logging trucks, fire engines and large vehicles navigate roundabouts?
Roundabouts are designed to accommodate vehicles of all sizes, including logging trucks, emergency vehicles, buses, and recreational vehicles towing a boat. Many roundabouts are designed with a truck apron, a raised section of pavement around the central island that acts as an extra lane for large vehicles. The back wheels of the oversize vehicle can ride up on the truck apron so the truck
can easily complete the turn, while the raised portion of concrete discourages use by smaller vehicles.
→ How would these changes impact pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users?
• Modern roundabouts are designed to be safer for pedestrians than traditional intersections since vehicles are moving at a slower rate of speed. Pedestrian facilities are included in all three overpass solutions. In addition, at-grade pedestrian crossings would be improved and train crossings secured to prevent collisions and enhance safety for all modes of transportation. Transit users would continue to use existing stations for pick-up and drop-off.
→ How can I get involved or share my input?
• The Grays Harbor Council of Governments and Port of Grays Harbor will host a second community open house on the East Aberdeen Mobility Project on Wednesday, December 17, starting at 5:00 PM at the Rotary Log Pavilion. Interested parties may also contact COG Executive Director, Vicki Cummings, directly at the telephone number or email address listed above.
Appendix HPage 19 of 32
Appendix E: Additional Web Survey Comments 1. Traffic circles on hwy 12? Geez. Large rigs, RV's, and some older folks will have one hell of a time. Reroute
tracks.
2. Behind mall and alongside the river. I envision drivers over-using Blue Slough. We'll see large rigs and motor homes diverting through Cosmopolis to Westport and the south beaches -- congestion and re-routing issues for the South Side. Less traffic to Ocean Shores and the north beaches. Folks will go elsewhere. Negative impact on already shaky businesses in Aberdeen and Hoquiam. Step back, folks. Take a breath and clear your minds. Of course, I may be completely off my rocker, but better to think this through than settle on options like these. Good luck to us all.
3. Roundabouts can really slow down traffic if put in heavily used area. Well timed signals are a better, safer, alternative. Please do your homework before imposing such a thing on an already critical throughway.
4. Either of the three would be better than what we have now. Having the train block access to businesses for as long as it does now is unacceptable. Safety is a concern, too--I know the ambulances can sneak under the railroad bridge to access the area, but I bet the fire trucks can't.
5. Any thoughts or concerns about the Wishkah Bridge opening and backing traffic (Westbound) up onto and through the round about? Especially during summer high traffic? Option C does the one thing I see a critical need for.... removing more of the traffic lights that impede every bit of traffic flow. More should be removed on Wishkah and Heron through the downtown. Traffic counts should show several of those controlled intersections have far less cross traffic than other areas (such as 1st and F Street accessing the High school!) Think the roundabout should be extra large too. When they are 'small' folks that are unfamiliar or pulling trailers (travelers) & trying to watch all the highway signs for directions to South Beaches & North Beaches are more inclined to have accidents as they try to watch/ read/ maneuver & change lanes while in a roundabout. City should also close the side angled street on the West Side of the Wishkah Bridge that runs into Market Street. It serves no purpose any more other than a perceived short cut. Those that continue onto F street block all other turning traffic and it gets backed up onto the bridge. F Street & Market is the correct intersection controlling all that traffic. Eliminate that angled street and the traffic flow there will improve and the controls will cycle faster as it is then only 2 ways instead of 3. Why not eliminate the intersection by Top food also? Don't you think folks thinking they can get in or out faster will increase the problems of accidents there too? Or, hold up traffic because they decide to 'wait' and block lanes while waiting for the trains to pass? I like the controlled access in C. Reminds me of some of the things that were done in Renton at South Center to control the random congested traffic along SS Boulevard and 405. If you’re going to make improvements, do them right! Options A and B are terrible for where it places the vehicles coming into the Wal-Mart parking lot.... now you create traffic as many try to make their way back to the other side of the mall (Top Food end) & then back again to leave.
6. Roundabouts rock!!! I think they are the best thing since Ed and Duncan.-MJLE
7. I hope the Texas T would preserve access from the surface when trains do not impede traffic. The illustration of the Texas T makes a bit more sense with eastbound traffic into the T and west bound traffic out of the T, assuming driving on the right side when on the two way leg of the T.
8. Was there a study of the cost to move the railroad to the south side of the Chehalis River?
9. Roundabouts are the last thing we need. And the rout for walkers is long!!
10. Another project that should be considered, as it would solve almost all of the problems associated with East Aberdeen, would be a rail tunnel. The east portal would be somewhere along the Aberdeen bluff near Sargent Blvd, going beneath US 12. The tunnel would then proceed west, under the bluff towards Aberdeen at a 1% downward gradient until it reaches an elevation for which the top of the tunnel vertically clears the bottom of the Wishkah River, before sloping up at a 1-2% gradient in order to re-emerge at the west portal near the west end of the Aberdeen Rail-yard. Constructing such a tunnel would clear up many of the issues associated with running a busy rail line along a busy highway and mall. Re-location of the Aberdeen rail yard (a separate project done before the tunnel) would free up a lot of Aberdeen's waterfront to development, and would also increase effectiveness of local rail line by providing a new modern rail yard (to be built elsewhere), something
Appendix HPage 20 of 32
that the PSAP has stated it wants to build. With a tunnel, you would also be able to remove the 100 plus year old Rail Bridge over the Wishkah. Also, with the railroad underground, no businesses or homes would have to be demolished, and the existing railroad right of way along the mall could be utilized for left turn lanes into the mall entrances, freeing up traffic in the right lane of eastbound US 12. This project would cost a lot, and would need federal funds (grants), but it provides the most benefit for everyone, by reducing congestion, separating the railroad from traffic, increasing economic opportunities for Aberdeen associated with a freed up waterfront, and would also increase the railroads effectiveness at moving freight through Aberdeen in a safe and economically viable way. Lastly, a complaint and concern... focusing only on projects and solutions for the highway, is not only the wrong approach, but is ignoring the main problem, the railroad. Whatever you end up doing to the highway, even a bridge, is a band-aide to a much more difficult problem of a railroad (or a city built around a railroad) that can no longer function effectively where it currently sits. If you truly want to fix the problems in east Aberdeen, then you need to look at projects involving the railroad as well. Whether that be re-locating the railroad, elevating it, making a tunnel, or closing crossings. If you’re going to spend taxpayer money studying solutions to a problem, then study all of the solutions, not just the ones that require less work, and only delay the problem further. Thank you for the opportunity to comment and take this survey. Please take these comments under advisement.
11. I actually like the Texas-T idea best, except that it requires round-a-bouts at each end which I find a frustrating overkill. However, I do like the idea of it running along Hwy 12 right past all of the businesses before you get to "Downtown". It's a great eye-opener on the way in and creates mental boundaries. I chose C because it only requires one roundabout limiting confusion by guiding traffic from either direction to the overpass at the same point. I'm wondering if the blue printed building image is the visitor center.
12. It took 10 minutes to decide which 3 above to check. That proves that there MUST be work done in most (if not all) of the areas above! We need safety above all else, traffic flow, commerce and tourism to make this work. We must make certain ANY and ALL impacts to any given business or home owner are fairly addressed and will NOT cripple them nor have any long-term detrimental costs. Thank you! Gregory
13. A round about on our major artery in town will cause more traffic problems than good if we could get rid of the roundabout the fly over is not bad a bad option
14. Even changing it to a roundabout won’t ease traffic congestion for local shoppers during high traffic seasons,
15. Please expand the back roads BEHIND taco bell, KFC, Michaels meats, and the health food store regardless, because shopping these areas itself creates stoppage from crossing the highway. It would help locals and out-of-towners.
16. Next; let's drive Wal-Mart out of our town.
17. Where are the options for the least impact to the environment and beauty of our most precious asset the gorgeous river and harbor view as you come down the bluff?
18. The area needs to be bigger to better show a representation of how the roads will work across from one end of highway 12 leaving to Central Park to Wishkah Street Bridge.
19. This is a hideous idea whose impetus lies largely in the Port of Grays Harbor's plans to increase rail traffic while transporting crude oil products. Furthermore, the options presented are aesthetically abysmal. The concrete required to construct all options would be - subjective - a blight on an area that has already suffered from a substandard built environment. We don't need to turn Aberdeen into a concrete jungle: we're having enough troubles as it.
20. Support crude by rail in Grays Harbor!
21. I am choosing the lesser of three evils simply because of the roundabouts. I believe that option B is the simplest and will cause the least confusion. The roundabouts are going to do nothing but cause accidents. The simplest solution to provide access to Gateway would be the Texas T with stop lights to access either side of the highway (as it currently does) and omit the roundabouts. Unless someone can give a viable explanation for them that makes sense other than "to slow traffic". Traffic will slow in the event of an accident on the roundabout for way longer than a train would.
22. Why are we accommodating the train, the train should accommodate the town. move the tracks behind Wal-Mart at the park and let rail pay for it. It’s 2014; they have engineers that can come up with a plan to move the
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tracks then we can focus on the rest. EX. congestion we know an upgrade is due, it would be better off. Not dealing with the train on the HWY 12 side of things
23. Most important! We need a separate lane for bicycles and a separate raised lane or sidewalk for walkers. Let's think of the environment and of future eco friendly tourism.
24. Option d. Raise the tracks above road level.
25. I don't see the need for a roundabout, but I do see the need for a overpass for shopping
26. The roundabouts are my biggest concern. Leave the lights. Roundabouts are dangerous. I have seen more accidents due to people not being able to navigate through them. The street lights give people a right of way that the roundabouts don't.
27. I'd like to see illustrations that show all ramps and overpasses. The pictures are cropped too tight.
28. Why do you need a roundabout? Those are the most retarded and dangerous things I have seen. You have to consider just how much traffic is going to be going through this one intersection...that is way too much for one intersection...no roundabout find another way.
29. OPTION B NO ROUBDABOUT
30. How about a bridge extending East River Street over the Wishkah River into the west end of the Wal-Mart parking lot?
31. Quite the road and access conundrum in east Aberdeen.
32. The installation of a round about as you come in to town is not going to reduce congestion. It will do the complete opposite. What about the truck traffic? What about the clam tide weekends? Roundabouts will not benefit.
33. The roundabout idea is stupid. It will only impede traffic not improve it.
34. I like 3, 1, and 2 in that order. Traffic congestion in the area has become a nightmare with the railroad frequency increase and the Wal-Mart expansion. Seems the 2 should share in the costs to come.
35. NO ROUNDABOUT
36. I attended tonight's (10/14/14) presentation at the Port of Grays Harbor so I have information about options A, B, and C but it would be good if people could get this information from this survey by being able to enlarge the graphics for the three options. I don't know if a person could read the text even with a magnifying glass.
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Appendix F: Open House 2 Comment Cards
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Appendix G: Letter to Residential Property Owners / Residents
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Appendix H: Letter Sent to Project Manager from Guest House Inn
To Whom It May Concern: I am representing the Guesthouse International Inn & Suites; this letter is regarding the East Aberdeen Mobility Improvement Project. As I look over the proposed options A, B and C, I do have many concerns. What kind of impact on the city, as well as the hotel and the employees of the hotel. I want to express my opinion on these options and there possible effects.
I would like to start by saying we greatly oppose options A and B. With option A: the Heron Street Flyover. This option would not work for several reasons first it would have a negative impact on the guesthouse as well as the other large businesses in our surrounding area, the easy access to the businesses would be gone, the visibility of the hotel from the incoming traffic and the views that our guest expect would be gone, this in itself would be an eye sore, just as the confusion it will bring to the drivers, and confused drivers cause accidents. This option also makes any bicycle lanes obsolete.
Option B: Benn St. Texas T, this option would affect the city of Aberdeen in such an overwhelming negative way. This option would either dissolve or relocate at least 9 local businesses somewhere else, it would devastate the city and community of east Aberdeen. This option also does not take pedestrians or bicyclists in account. I also believe this option similar to option A would only cause confusion of many drivers which could lead to several accidents.
Option C: Chehalis St. Overcrossing seems to be the only reasonable option. Not only would it not affect the businesses of Aberdeen yet it would open up so many other great things for our city. It would open access to the river, I believe the crime rate in that area would decline due to the fact that it would now be lit up and open, so criminal activity would be more detoured from that area. This option takes pedestrian and bicyclist in consideration as well. Also by looking at the diagrams this option would ease traffic with no confusion everything is very straight forward. I also believe it makes the roundabout useful unlike the other two options.
In addition option A and B I believe would detour any of our normal drive by guest (which is roughly 30 % of our business) to continue on to other cities due to the difficulty they would have in locating us as well finding a way to get back to us once they are over the little Wishkah bridge. This would definitely hurt the Guesthouse financially as well as the city; our city depends on our lodging tax to fund several activities in this area, for example: the splash festival, greater Grays Harbor (visitor center), jazz festival, Aberdeen Museum, art promotion, Aberdeen Revitalization Movement and many more. The fewer guest we get the fewer dollars Aberdeen gets, which is a negative affect for all involved.
If we lose business, it imminently affects my staff, the lower our occupancy means lower revenue in turn gives the hotel less payroll hours available. I employ 20 employees which 90% of them are single income families. This would absolutely negatively impact my employees as well as their families.
In conclusion, if we had to choose one over another we are in definite favor of option C, and definitely oppose options A and B.
Thank you,
Guesthouse International Inn & Suites Angel Housden
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