Document Kennewick_doc_d9d94e7545

A-1 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary This document summarizes the results of personal interviews conducted with 37 individual stakeholders in October and November 2009. Following is a summary of responses organized under each interview question asked. The summary statement under each question represents the interviewer’s attempt to identify the primary theme from all responses generated. Each interview was conducted as a conversation, focusing on areas relevant to the particular stakeholder and using the interview questions as a guide Stakeholders Interviewed Arculus Design & Technical Services - Steve Mallory, AIA, CSI Auto Dealers - Ken Williams Ben-Franklin Transit - Tim Fredrickson Ben Franklin Transit - Kathy Mullens Benton County - Mike Shuttleworth Benton County - Susan Walker Benton County Commissioner - James Beaver Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCG) - Art Tackett Benton PUD - Jim Sanders BNSF Railroad – Jan Ruby Jr CID - Keith Martin Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership - Tim Dalton Housing Authority City of Kennewick - Karlene Navarre Kennewick City Manager - Bob Hammond Kennewick General Hospital - Glen Marshall Kennewick Mayor - Tom Moak Kennewick Police Chief - Ken Hohenberg Kennewick School District - Doug Carl Port of Kennewick - Tim Artnzen Property Owner - Rudolph Jesering Tri-Cities & Olympia Railroad – Randolph Peterson Tri-Cities Rivershore Enhancement Council (TREC) - Kris Watkins Tri-Cities Young Professionals Group - Tyler Adams Tri-Cities Young Professionals Group - Melissa McAloon Tri-City Bicycle Club - John Ittner Tri-City Herald - Rufus Friday Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Edison Valerio Tri-City Home Consortium - Carol Evans Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce - Lori Mattson Tri-City Visitor & Convention Bureau - Kris Watkins TRIDEC - Carl Adrian TRIDEC - Kayla Pratt Three Rivers Community Roundtable - Mike Schwenk UDAT Member - Skip Novakovich Union Pacific Railroad – Terrel Anderson General Background 1: Describe your organizations interest or responsibilities in the Kennewick community and the Tri-City Area. Warm up question – did not record answers 2: As a place to do business and live what do you think are Kennewick’s greatest assets?  The Columbia river and shore line  An educated population  Community’s “can do” attitude  Central regional location  Pro-business attitude from city council  Community thinks regionally  Room to grow to the west  Low cost of living  Still has small town values  Excellent climate  Pro business attitude in community  Hard working service clubs  Varied recreational opportunities  Cooperative attitude  Leaders have the big vision  Downtown – unique stores  Clean, well kept image  Many quality transportation links ---PAGE BREAK--- A-2 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan  Booming local economy  Great public education system  An active port 3: Describe your organization’s (personal) interest or responsibilities in the BB/RR revitalization area. Warm up question – did not record answers 4: How would you describe your organization’s impact in the BB/RR revitalization area over the last 5 years? Warm up question – did not record answers 5: Given current conditions how would you describe the likely future evolution of the BB/RR revitalization area? Warm up question – did not record answers SWOT Assessment 6: What would you say are the major or opportunities of the BB/RR revitalization area? Summary Statement The major or opportunities of the district include:  the visual and physical access to the Columbia River,  the close proximity to the historic downtown,  the suitability of the district redevelopment potential,  Clover Island, Duffy’s Pond potential  the Port’s commitment to improvement, and  good circulation and access infrastructure. Summary of Most Significant Comments  Vibrant downtown historic area  Riverfront utilization potential  Can see river shore form bridges  Clover Island as it is and potential  Duffy’s Pond redevelopment potential  Proximity to downtown activities  A unique area to region and state  Current uses make redevelopment possible  Good automobile access  Infrastructure/transportation links  Port’s ownership and involvement  River based views and use  Is in a transition period  Water views from entire district  Cable bridge  The one area where major redevelopment can take place  The one chance to create a “go to “ place  Central to metro area  Entry portal to downtown  Good circulation within the district  Sacagawea trail  Port’s commitment to the area  Opportunity for mixed income housing  Historic downtown sign good  View of the bridges  Grain elevator reuse potential  Potential warehouse reuse  Partnership with the Port  Underutilized/valued land 7: What would you say are the major weaknesses or threats of the BB/RR revitalization area? Summary Statement The major weaknesses or threats to the district include:  the overall rundown appearance and underutilized land uses,  negative public perceptions,  lack of a major destination activity,  significant road blocks to revitalization including multiple small landownership’s, Corps and Tribes  a lack of appropriate zoning regulations and design standards,  difficult pedestrian and biking circulation and  no community endorsed revitalization plan. Summary of Most Significant Comments  Run down trailer parks ---PAGE BREAK--- A-3 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan  Difficult working with all the various interests  Little diversity - “outside” views not welcome  Levees  RR ROW cuts off downtown  RR have significant control  Community negative perceptions - “that’s the way it has always been” attitude  No consistent land use  No theme to area  Corps control of dikes  Difficult identifying how to “get started”  Multiple ownerships – difficult to create partnerships  Auto dealers not the best use of space  Truck traffic and speed on Columbia Drive  Small property parcels  General overall appearance  Interior transportation circulation a problem  Too much sprawl  Difficult a create “a place” critical mass  Current owners not interested in development  Inappropriate zoning  Most current uses must go or change  Lack of city support or follow through  No amenities on the trail  Duffy’s Pond in current condition  Old hotel near SR-395  Run down housing  No destination activity  View shed needs to be protected  Future uncertain  Not perceived as safe  Homeless population at Duffy’s Pond  Not on the way to anything  No public awareness of the area  Port Duffy’s Pond plan just a vision – can’t be implemented  Lack of design standards  No direct access to river  No contact with the water  The RR’s are a major distraction An Agenda for the Future 8: How can we capitalize on the riverfront, Duffy’s Pond, Columbia Park, and other recreational assets in the BB/RR revitalization area? Summary Statement We can capitalize on the recreational assets in the BB/RR revitalization area by:  Creating a clean safe and attractive district which the community will frequent  implementing the Port’s Duffy’s Pond Plan,  creating a point destination recreational activity  promoting mixed uses that expand public shopping, dining, living and recreational choices,  maximizing water contact and views,  capitalizing on the existing regional trail system and  making strong visual and physical connections with the historic downtown area. Summary of Most Significant Comments  Reduce and enhance the levees  Enhance Clover Island  Encourage mixed use  Create actual contact with water  Market the Clover Island Inn  Make it a lifestyle area  Create activities/festivals to occur in the area  Create levees similar to Columbia Park  Help existing business  Port plans should proceed  Develop a pride of ownership  Make the boat basin more user friendly  Manage pool levels  Provide appropriate directional signs  Buying more property in Duffy’s Pond area  Reroute and underground power lines  Create links to wine industry  Create a complete urban village  A “knock your socks off” development – world class ---PAGE BREAK--- A-4 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan  Implement UDAT plan elements  Remove blight  Make a place to live/work/play  Enhance trails and connections  Increase directional signage  Market the area amenities to target businesses  Create walking, shopping areas  Destination activity like an ice rink  Grass over the levees  Create a 24/7 community  Mixed uses along water’s edge  Create a dog park  “get on with it”  Look to other communities that have done it  Prioritize and enhance pedestrian safety  Establish consistent business hours  Create a regional draw  Direct contact with river  Create and implement design standards 9: How can we develop linkages between the river, downtown, school and civic campus, and other adjacent development areas? Summary Statement Linkages connecting the river, downtown, civic center and other development areas can be created by:  enhancing pedestrian/biker amenities throughout the district including an effective direction signage system  calming traffic along Columbia Drive, Washington Street and Fruitland Street  strengthening and improving pedestrian/biker amenities along Washington Street, Columbia Drive, and Fruitland Street  investigate constructing an overpass/underpass of the RR crossings on Washington Street, Benton Street or Fruitland Street  Connecting the district with other regional amenities by trail and water connections Summary of Most Significant Comments  Expand the trail system  Create a water taxi to Richland and Pasco  Create a public dock near Fruitland Street.  Make pedestrian friendly improvements along Washington Street, Fruitland Street and Benton Street  More parking incorporated in and along pedestrian corridors  Stairs up to the levees  No need for new connections  These connections are not important  Develop design themes for the various subareas  Develop a directional sign system  Get trucks off Columbia Drive  Traffic calming on Columbia Drive  Too far to muke a real link  Implement elements of the UDAT plan  Improve bike and pedestrian access on and off the bridges, especially the able bridge  Trail connections down Washington and Fruitland to downtown and civic center enhanced  Create bike lanes on bridges  Upgrade the RR crossings  Improve sidewalks throughout the district  Fill in the frontage gaps along retail streets  Pedestrian overpass over the RR  Create continuous pedestrian routes through the district  Underpass the RR crossing  Build green  Create a linear park along Canal Drive  Walking, biking as alternative to be promoted more  Improve RR crossings  Complete trail along levee through Duffy’s Pond  Benton is the best pedestrian bikers corridor  Change Washington and Fruitland into boulevard design  Streets not pedestrian friendly or safe 10: What businesses, industries, commercial, or other uses should we target for the BB/RR revitalization area in general and each of the 7 specific neighborhoods therein in particular? Summary Statement The businesses, industries, commercial, or other uses we should we target for the BB/RR revitalization area include: ---PAGE BREAK--- A-5 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan  employment generating uses such as retail shops, specialty stores, eating establishments, overnight accommodations, service sector offices, recreational activity support services  uses that bring citizens and visitors to the area such as art galleries, book stores, arts and craft outlets, entertainment venues, wine industry theme services and a major recreation point destination  uses that capitalize on the location of trail activities and the rail lines such as bike/kayak rentals, excursion trains up the valley or to Hanford  uses that contribute to a 24/7 district such as clubs, theaters, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops. Summary of Most Significant Comments  Recruit fine restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores  Art galleries  Exploit wine country theme  Retail along Columbia Drive will be difficult  Tourist oriented family activities create a point destination activity  Arts and crafts markets  Resort hotel/motel  Encourage mixed uses  Fisherman’s Wharf atmosphere  Revitalize existing business  Mixed retail uses  Office space  Corporate headquarters  Places to meet and linger  Tourist, retail, in area 7 and light manufacturing warehousing in area 4  Unique specialty shops  Create an arts and entertainment center  Develop regional attractions  Office/retail/housing mixed uses  Upscale housing  Develop clover island to the max  24/7 community  Night life  Small performing arts venues  Excursion train along river  Dinner train back – to Prosser  Cultural events  Expand and enhance auto services in area 2  Improve the train depot  Performing arts center  Implement the port’s Duffy’s Pond plan  Attract new business types to the community  Develop theme for the area  Live/work  Medical offices and clinics  Develop an incubator and incubator programs for small business 11: What are your thoughts about auto row and what role will or should auto sales and service activities have in the BB/RR area? Summary Statement We should address the auto sales/services activities in the BB/RR district by:  creating an auto district theme  enhancing the Columbia Drive streetscape ROW to ROW adding new sidewalks, street lights, signage, street trees, and a median strip  create gateways to area 2 from SR 305 interchange  assisting in façade improvements and general property fix up  assisting owners in creating an association to market area Summary of Most Significant Comments  Develop an “auto” theme to area  Major streetscape improvements  Make it a “happening” place  Creates a poor to district  Ugly junky appearance  No future  Move them to another corridor  Concentrate auto services from SR 395 to Fruitland Street  Enhance building appearance  Fix up facades, repair paint buildings  Enhance the strip  Install additional traffic circles  Seems to work as is ---PAGE BREAK--- A-6 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan  Unsure of auto sales value to area  Assist with façade loans  Should stay and fix up the streetscape 12: What are your thoughts about Area 4 and what role will or should rail-oriented salvage, shipping, and warehousing activities have in the BB/RR area? Summary Statement We should address the current uses in Area 4 by:  encouraging and assisting the market initiated relocation of current salvage, scrape and recycling uses  screening with various landscape techniques uses unable or unwilling to relocate  developing use specific design standards  assisting the reuse of existing buildings to uses such as wine industry based activities  work with the RR’s to reduce the size and impact of their trackage and rights of way Summary of Most Significant Comments  Area needs to “people service” area  Move them out  Not sure it is important  Shift this use out to the finely area  Restore RR station to serve as a wine industry venue  Convert warehouses to vine tasting rooms  Clean up where we can  Develop design standards  Should be moved out to big Pasco  Need to reduce the width of the RR ROW  Retain the buildings but reuse  Screen it or hide it  Leave it to market transition  Not a problem  Landscape the area  Transition to high tech  Bring in other uses 13: What kind of housing opportunities should we seek to retain and enhance, and/or attract to the area and what kind of housing occupants should we seek to retain and/or attract? Summary Statement We should capitalize and maximize the opportunities for housing within the district by:  retaining and enhancing the current single family neighborhood in Area 3  encouraging mixed income, mixed use and mixed age projects  allowing for rental and ownership products  providing for high densities in Areas 1, 6, and 7  maximizing the river views for upper income housing Summary of Most Significant Comments  Allow for market rate housing  Provide for retirement and “empty nesters”  Ensure that multifamily rentals are available  Place housing near the levee  Maintain low density in some areas  Include the housing authority as a partner  Housing up over the levees  Mixed use – retail on ground floor  Mixed income looking over the levee  Maximize high density  Allow for high rises (above 5 stories)  Mixed type – rentals and condos  Upper price market units  Mixed income and use  Push the housing, have it lead  Upscale condos  Preserve single family area 14: What public improvements should we make to BB/RR revitalization area that would support your proposals above? Summary Statement We should take the following public improvement actions to promote the revitalization of the BB/RR district: ---PAGE BREAK--- A-7 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan  ensure that adequate water, sewer, irrigation and storm drainage systems are in place  put in place appropriate zoning and landuse regulations  develop a brand theme for the district  implement traffic calming along Columbia Drive and Fruitland Street  upgrade the streetscape including bike lanes along Columbia drive from SR – 395 to SR-397, Washington Street from the levee to 6th Street, Fruitland Street form the levee to 1st Street and Benton Street from Columbia Drive to 3rd Street  investigate underpass/overpass at RR crossing on Washington, Benton and Fruitland Streets  develop a new public space/square and make improvements to Fruitland Park  assist the Port in property assembly for redevelopment and implementation of the Duffy’s Pond plan  create additional water access by developing a new river inlet area or floating pier  create a public point destination such as a museum or performing arts venue  promote and assist in the presentation of events, festivals, farmer’s market  utilize appropriate public funding for micro/façade loans Summary of Most Significant Comments  Upgrade public infrastructure  Create events, activities  Develop a point destination such as museums, Farmer’s Mkt.  Implement port’s plan for Duffy’s Pond  Create small pocket parks  Improve streetscape along Columbia Drive  Public environment image improved  An inlet in from the river  Assemble property  Be dramatic actions  Central public gathering place square  Tighten up land use regulations to eliminate unwanted uses  Create public access to water  Traffic calming  Cascade walk  Link Clover Island to east downtown  Upgrade all of the streetscapes  Install an RR ROW over pass at Washington Street or Benton Street  Create bike lanes on Columbia drive, Washington and Fruitland  Improve Fruitland Park  Trails, sidewalks, landscaping, open space, public gathering places  Set up several micro loan programs  Underground power lines  Public art  Investigate realigning Columbia Drive from Washington to Gum Street to provide additional uplands for Duffy’s Pond  Increase lighting throughout area 15: Who should take the lead or be responsible for making each of these improvements – the City, Port, private sector? Summary Statement Responsibility for implementing the improvements needed to revitalize the RR/BB district should be with:  The Port as lead  A partnership of Port and City  The City as lead  A special purpose entity Summary of Most Significant Comments  City primary lead  Port should be a major player  Don’t do join implementation – city should control  Port should lead the way  City/port partnership  Port should lead – city support  City needs to stop planning and get on with it  City support to the Port’s efforts  City to provide infrastructure , port to provide development expertise  Find a local project ‘champion” to promote work  Special entity if well put together  Uncertain/changing city priorities ---PAGE BREAK--- A-8 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan 16: How should we finance these public improvements and/or private development projects in the BB/RR revitalization area? Summary Statement Financing public improvements and or public/private projects in the BB/RR district will have to consider the following issues:  public bonding or levy’s will be difficult if not impossible  use of condemnation will not be popular  a non government project “champion or spokesperson” should be recruited ASAP  a clear and understandable revitalization plan needs to be developed  city priorities need to match up with recommendations  a clear financing plan should be developed that lays out the “what”, “where”, “when” and “why”  the benefits in return for development needs to be very clear for the public  a new pioneer use in the district could show immediate success  identify other partners, such as, the PUD, Housing Authority and Council of Governments Summary of Most Significant Comments  Need “good” spokesperson for project  Visuals of plan  Get public buy in  No new taxes  No special business area organization  Must create private sector buy in  Bid’s, lid’s, public/private partnerships  No new taxes  No condemnation  Make a good case for public support  Find a major pioneer  Start with a good foundation and create success  Build a good case for public expenditures  This will be tough  City to reroute funds from south ridge and vista  Benton PUD to help underground power lines  Public bonds and levy’s  Grants, Loans  Changing city priorities  Inform to the public clearly about what when where why.  Must be sold to public – how does it benefit me?  Leverage local funds  Bring in many partners  LID type of funding  Private lenders need to be involved  Community needs to be sold before they will pay  Develop a clear well understood funding plan  Special purpose tax recovery programs  A logical case for public spending must be presented  Need to show results soon  Start with “low hanging” fruit  No bonding or levies Added Comments Do you have other comments or suggestion that would be useful in shaping a BB/RR Revitalization Plan?  Native Americans need to be involved  Previous plans did not have stakeholder support  Area not much in common with downtown  Corps has too much control over area outcomes  Council of government has approximately $100k available for lending in the area  People get corps fatigue  Area needs to be branded  Mixed city priorities a problem  City/port relationship is a problem  Council needs to approve plan first  General feeling that UDAT plan was impractical  Can the city follow trough?  Involve the tribes  Tumble weeds and floating debris are a problem at foot of causeway to Clover Island ---PAGE BREAK--- A-9 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan Interviews of Railroad Representatives Terminal Superintendent BNSF RR – Jan Ruby Jr  BNSF operates 2 main lines through the Tri-Cities. The mainline runs across Columbia River on the RR bridge just east of the Cable Bridge then south along the Columbia River to Vancouver, then north or south. The secondary line runs across the same bridge through Kennewick then up the Yakima Valley and over Stampede Pass.  Weight and locomotive availability mostly dictate which route is used. The mainline takes almost all of the traffic.  BNSF operates on approximately 5 or 6 lines in Kennewick along the study area, several of which are owned by Union Pacific.  BNSF runs 4 trains of 10 to 20 cars daily through the area. RR traffic is declining on this route.  BNSF has 2 customers in the study area – AmeraGas and Twin City Foods.  BNSF crossing policy is 10 minute maximum blockage without train moving, if work requires a longer stay they will move train to open crossing briefly after 10 minutes.  BNSF is generally opposed to the reduction of ROW.  BNSF would cooperate with upgrading the crossings.  Reaves Geary in the Public/Private Division [PHONE REDACTED] is the principal contact.  BNSF canceled switching contracts with TC&O leading to a significant loss of revenue. CEO Tri-Cities and Olympia RR – Randolph Peterson  TC&O are a switching agent for BNSF  TC&O does not operate in the study area. The area of operation is Richland to Hanford area. TC&O track does come into the Columbia Mall area.  Freight comes in by TC&O rail then by truck up the valley.  The corporate office is on Washington Street in the study area  Suggested an excursion or commuter train along Columbia Park to the TC&O line at the Mall then out to Hanford.  The key to an excursion train is to avoid the Class 1 RR lines, costs would getting be too much.  Is willing to work with the BB/RR project. Manager Industry and Public Projects, Union Pacific RR – Terrel Anderson  New to the current position.  Needs DOT RR crossing numbers to get specific.  Estimates 7 trains a day through the corridor.  Is willing to discuss crossing upgrades on a 50/50 cost sharing basis. ---PAGE BREAK--- A-10 Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Summary Kennewick Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail Revitalization Plan