REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize Filing of Application for State Specified Grant Program Funds for Evelyn Avenue Multi-Use Trail Project
Report
BACKGROUND
Evelyn Avenue is a two-lane east-west arterial that extends from the city limits at Mountain View, passes by the Sunnyvale Caltrain Station, through the Sunnyvale downtown district, then continues to Reed Avenue. It is located immediately south of the Caltrain railroad tracks from the western city limits to downtown Sunnyvale. Between the western city limits and Florence Street, and between S. Wolfe Road and Reed Avenue, Evelyn Avenue has a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour (mph). Through downtown Sunnyvale, Evelyn Avenue has a posted speed limit of 30 mph. Sidewalks are present along both sides of the roadway for most of the corridor, except for the segment between the western city limits and Florence Street, where sidewalk is only present on the south side of the street. Class II (on-street) bike lanes are present for the majority of the corridor, and on-street parking is permitted along certain segments of the roadway. There is also a center two-way left turn lane or median island on Evelyn Avenue for almost the entire corridor.
The City Council adopted the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) on August 25, 2020. It includes the Bicycle Plan, Pedestrian Safety and Circulation Plan, and the Safe Routes to School Plan. The ATP evaluated the bicycle and pedestrian needs along the Evelyn Avenue Corridor and identified the implementation of a two-way Class IV (separated) facility on the north side of the street from Bernardo Avenue to Mathilda Place.
The City of Mountain View developed the Mountain View Transit Center Master Plan in March 2018, where they plan to incorporate a two-way Class IV Cycle Track along the north side of Evelyn Avenue from the eastern end of the Mountain View Transit Center to the Stevens Creek Trail/State Route 85 by removing one westbound travel lane. There would be a section of Evelyn Avenue in Mountain View between the Stevens Creek Trail/SR 85 and Bernardo Avenue, located in the City of Mountain View between the two projects where there would only be Class II bicycle lanes. Staff has informed Mountain View staff of the Evelyn Multi-Use Trail project and desire to connect both downtowns with a Class IV bicycle facility.
Evelyn Avenue is identified as a Cross-County Bicycle Corridor in the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Countywide Bicycle Plan (May 2018).
DISCUSSION
As part of the State of California’s 2021/2022 State budget enacted in June 2021, $3.8 million was allocated for the Evelyn Avenue Multi-Use Trail Project with support of California State Senator Josh Becker representing the 13th Senate District. This funding will be dispersed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation through the State’s Specified Grant Program. More information regarding the program’s requirements and deadlines is currently being developed by the state. Staff is also coordinating with U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna’s Office on possible federal funding opportunities.
The Project will include the environmental clearance, final design and construction of the Class IV multi-use trail on the north side of Evelyn Avenue from Bernardo Street to Mathilda Place. In addition, the Project will coordinate with the proposed Bernardo Avenue undercrossing and the Grade Separations at Sunnyvale and Mary Avenues. Lastly, the Project will include public outreach to businesses and residents along the Evelyn Avenue Corridor and coordination with agency stakeholders including Caltrain and the City of Mountain View.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 3, Land Use and Transportation Element
The 2017 Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE) of the Sunnyvale General Plan lists goals and policies that emphasize the need to provide an effective multimodal transportation system and providing options for healthy living.
Complete Streets Policy
The Complete Streets Policy was adopted by City Council on December 6, 2016 through Resolution No. 793-16 (RTC No. 16-0972) and amended on August 28, 2018 through Resolution No. 896-18 (RTC No. 18-0642). Through this policy, the City commits to creating and maintaining Complete Streets that provide safe, sustainable, integrated, efficient and convenient transportation systems that serve all categories of users and maintain sensitivity to local conditions.
Climate Action Plan
City Council adopted the Climate Action Plan (CAP) on May 20, 2014, which includes various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Active Transportation Plan
The 2020 Sunnyvale Active Transportation Plan (ATP) includes the addition of bicycle facilities along this segment of Evelyn Avenue as a recommendation within the Bicycle Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project is categorically exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c): “Existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (this includes alterations such as the addition of bicycle facilities, including but not limited to bicycle parking, bicycle-share facilities and bicycle lanes, transit improvements such as bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, street trees, and other similar alterations that do not create additional automobile lanes).”
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact at this time. The action is to approve a resolution to support authorizing staff to apply for the State Specified Grants program. Upon acceptance of the improvements, the City would be responsible for on-going maintenance. The anticipated new additional maintenance cost resulting from the construction of multi-use trail may be as much at $1.2 million over the 20 year budget cycle depending on the design and materials chosen. The estimated additional maintenance cost estimate will be further reviewed and refined as the design is progressed.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, Sunnyvale Public Library and Department of Public Safety. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution approving application(s) for specified grant program funds for Evelyn Avenue Multi-Use Trail Project.
Staff
Prepared by: Angela Obeso, Principal Transportation Engineer
Reviewed by: Dennis Ng, Transportation and Traffic Division Manager
Reviewed by: Chip Taylor, Director, Department of Public Works
Reviewed by: Jaqui Guzmán, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Project Location Map