MarkDaMan
02-15-2007, 04:51 PM
As city eyes future, 'It's all about connections'
Planning - Proposals for biking and walking mesh with those for parks, mass transit
Thursday, February 15, 2007
ERIC MORTENSON
The Oregonian
Talk about being transported by a vision.
A Wilsonville city plan describes a bike and pedestrian bridge over the Willamette River that would take off from the original Boones Ferry landing and connect to the Charbonneau neighborhood south of the river. It also talks about a "water trail," a designated stretch of river for canoes and kayaks, with restrooms and camping spots.
The bicycle and pedestrian master plan, which the Wilsonville City Council adopted in December, connects all the dots. It speaks of adding bike lanes and extending sidewalks where there are gaps. Hooking into regional trail systems. Extending connections with city parks, the South Metro Area Rapid Transit bus system and the city's future commuter rail station.
The idea, says Chris Neamtzu, Wilsonville's long-range planning manager, is to make it possible to walk or bike "from wherever you are to wherever you want to go."
"It's all about connections," Neamtzu said.
Which is why the bike and pedestrian master plan is not intended as a stand-alone document. Up next for City Council adoption are master plans for parks and mass transit. City officials, emphasizing the connectivity they're seeking, describe the documents as "Three plans -- one vision."
The parks master plan will be discussed at a city work session March 19, followed by public hearings April 2 and 16. Dates have not been set for review of the transit plan.
Neamtzu ("NAM-soo") said the master plans reflect the city's aspirations for the next 20 years. "It's a list of things we'd like to do in a perfect world," he said.
Which is to say the projects listed in the bike and pedestrian plan don't come with funding attached. Nonetheless, here are some key recommendations:
Creating a Willamette River bike and pedestrian crossing. Estimated to cost $7 million to $12 million, the bridge would carry the added benefit of providing an alternative river crossing for emergency vehicles. If the Interstate 5 Boone Bridge were blocked or damaged, cops and firefighters would be unable to reach Charbonneau.
Improving bike and pedestrian crossings over I-5. The freeway bisects the city north to south and impedes east-west city traffic. Adding or improving bike lanes on the roads that cross the freeway could encourage more people to leave their cars home.
Appointing a city coordinator of nonmotorized transportation to facilitate walking, biking and transit use. Also, establishing safe biking and walking routes to schools.
Hooking into regional trails. The Tonquin Trail, connecting westside Wilsonville residents with Tualatin and Sherwood, will pass through the Coffee Creek wetlands, Graham Oaks natural area and the Villebois housing development. Wilsonville's share of the trail would cost $1.2 million to $2.9 million.
The Boeckman Creek Trail, on the east side of I-5, will connect parks, schools, shops and major employers. The estimated cost is $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
Neamtzu said the bike and pedestrian bridge is particularly appealing. It could link to the Willamette Valley scenic bikeway that stretches from Eugene to Champoeg State Park and also could serve as a gateway to the south Portland area for bicycle tourists. "What a landmark," he said.
Funding might include economic development grants, because of the tourism tie, and homeland security funds, because the bridge could handle emergency vehicles, Neamtzu said.
"We think we can do it -- we're optimistic," he said.
http://www.oregonlive.com/swweeklylww/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/metro_southwest_news/117106170417950.xml&coll=7
Planning - Proposals for biking and walking mesh with those for parks, mass transit
Thursday, February 15, 2007
ERIC MORTENSON
The Oregonian
Talk about being transported by a vision.
A Wilsonville city plan describes a bike and pedestrian bridge over the Willamette River that would take off from the original Boones Ferry landing and connect to the Charbonneau neighborhood south of the river. It also talks about a "water trail," a designated stretch of river for canoes and kayaks, with restrooms and camping spots.
The bicycle and pedestrian master plan, which the Wilsonville City Council adopted in December, connects all the dots. It speaks of adding bike lanes and extending sidewalks where there are gaps. Hooking into regional trail systems. Extending connections with city parks, the South Metro Area Rapid Transit bus system and the city's future commuter rail station.
The idea, says Chris Neamtzu, Wilsonville's long-range planning manager, is to make it possible to walk or bike "from wherever you are to wherever you want to go."
"It's all about connections," Neamtzu said.
Which is why the bike and pedestrian master plan is not intended as a stand-alone document. Up next for City Council adoption are master plans for parks and mass transit. City officials, emphasizing the connectivity they're seeking, describe the documents as "Three plans -- one vision."
The parks master plan will be discussed at a city work session March 19, followed by public hearings April 2 and 16. Dates have not been set for review of the transit plan.
Neamtzu ("NAM-soo") said the master plans reflect the city's aspirations for the next 20 years. "It's a list of things we'd like to do in a perfect world," he said.
Which is to say the projects listed in the bike and pedestrian plan don't come with funding attached. Nonetheless, here are some key recommendations:
Creating a Willamette River bike and pedestrian crossing. Estimated to cost $7 million to $12 million, the bridge would carry the added benefit of providing an alternative river crossing for emergency vehicles. If the Interstate 5 Boone Bridge were blocked or damaged, cops and firefighters would be unable to reach Charbonneau.
Improving bike and pedestrian crossings over I-5. The freeway bisects the city north to south and impedes east-west city traffic. Adding or improving bike lanes on the roads that cross the freeway could encourage more people to leave their cars home.
Appointing a city coordinator of nonmotorized transportation to facilitate walking, biking and transit use. Also, establishing safe biking and walking routes to schools.
Hooking into regional trails. The Tonquin Trail, connecting westside Wilsonville residents with Tualatin and Sherwood, will pass through the Coffee Creek wetlands, Graham Oaks natural area and the Villebois housing development. Wilsonville's share of the trail would cost $1.2 million to $2.9 million.
The Boeckman Creek Trail, on the east side of I-5, will connect parks, schools, shops and major employers. The estimated cost is $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
Neamtzu said the bike and pedestrian bridge is particularly appealing. It could link to the Willamette Valley scenic bikeway that stretches from Eugene to Champoeg State Park and also could serve as a gateway to the south Portland area for bicycle tourists. "What a landmark," he said.
Funding might include economic development grants, because of the tourism tie, and homeland security funds, because the bridge could handle emergency vehicles, Neamtzu said.
"We think we can do it -- we're optimistic," he said.
http://www.oregonlive.com/swweeklylww/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/metro_southwest_news/117106170417950.xml&coll=7
