Loading...
CC 07-19-2022 Special Meeting Item No. 1. Lawrence-Mitty Update_Staff PresentationLAWRENCE-MITTY PARK AND TRAIL MASTER PLAN City Council Meeting July 19, 2022 Today’s Agenda •Site Overview •Community Engagement •City Input & Design Approach •Discussion SITE OVERVIEW Existing Conditions Existing Conditions South Trail Existing Conditions Open Space Existing Conditions North End •Citywide Goals and Regulations •Topographic Survey •Circulation and Access •Noise Reduction •Existing Utilities, Easements, and Setbacks •Soil Assessment •Stormwater and Hydrology •Biological Resources •Trees and Planting Technical Site Analysis Environmental Summary Report Opportunities and Constraints (Attachment A) Site Opportunities RECREATION •(South) Small open spaces for passive recreation or creek overlooks •Existing trail and park amenities •Existing small neighborhood park with play area and pedestrian bridge •(North) Large open space for a range of recreation opportunities •Connections to existing trail, Sterling Barnhart Park, Rancho Rinconada Pool, nearby schools CREEK •Views to the creek possible with berm and soil pile removals •Potential collaboration with schools for environmental education opportunities NOISE •Reduced noise level at sound walls •Lower noise levels far from expressway SOIL •Removal of soil piles (construction debris) •Reduction of impervious surface, improving creek health NOISE •Limited visibility at sound walls •Maintenance/emergency access points from expressway impact potential noise mitigation •Road noise and visibility of Expressway •Highway noise from I-280 SOIL •Remnant soil piles (construction debris) •Elevated levels of lead in soil adjacent to expressway •Remnant berms with mature tree roots limit removal Site Constraints ACCESS AND RECREATION •Limited parking (on-street only) •No current bike/pedestrian connection north CREEK •Saratoga Creek constraints: environmental agency regulations, no development below top of bank, limited tree removal •Utility coordination required with San Jose (water, sewer, stormwater) •Steep creek edge with stepped gabions Understanding the Site Opportunities Challenges COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Bunny Run 5K Saturday Soccer at Creekside Park Pop-Up Events Virtual Community Meeting Site Tour at Lawrence-Mitty Online Survey563responses 50% live within ½ mile of the trail 84% are Cupertino residents 30% live within the Rancho Rinconada neighborhood 12% live within the West San Jose neighborhood Summary of Community Input •Shaded Areas •Walking Paths •Restroom •Seating Top Community and Comfort Features Summary of Community Input •Nature Play •Things to Climb •Fitness Equipment Top Recreation Features •Nature Trails •Native Plants to Enhance Wildlife •Creek Overlook Top Wildlife, Nature, and Education Features Community Input: Key Considerations •Wildlife, nature, native plants, and education features •Nature play and climbing features •Play and fitness for all ages •Flexible lawn space •Creek overlook, viewpoint •Extend the bike trail to the site and connect to the north •Separated walking trails •Reduction of onsite noise levels •Considerations for site safety •Comfort features: restroom, seating, picnic tables •Dogs in the park CITY INPUT & DESIGN APPROACH Design Process Technical Site Analysis Community Input Joint Commission+ City Council +Three Design Alternatives Joint Commission •Complete the bike trail to the north •Consider purchasing available property to provide north end access •Location and access to restrooms •Site safety: lighting & visibility •Widening the current pedestrian bridge •Management of noise levels in the park •Management of onsite soils with elevated lead levels •Environmental considerations: preservation of trees, native plants, wildlife habitat •Listen to the community input for recreation City Council •Access & Connections •Site Soils •Noise •Restroom •Lighting •Recreation Features Synthesis & Approach to Key Issues Access & Parking Considerations: •No on-site parking or drop-off •Bicycle and Pedestrian access from West/East/South Proposed Approach: •Recreation features need to align with limited street parking •Retain the 2 existing maintenance points along the Expressway •Reconfigure north maintenance point as needed for emergency vehicles North Connection Considerations: •City/community desire to make a loop connection for better circulation and safety •Narrow conditions, outside property, many entities involved •City/community desire to build park as soon as possible •Requires interim design solution and long-term plan North Connection Proposed Project Approach : •Design solution that terminates at north end of open space •Allow space in the design for an eventual trail further north Long Term Goal: •Potential property purchase •Regional coordination of a long- term connection: −Potential Calvert Drive loop −Potential Stevens Creek loop Site Soils Proposed Approach : North (New): Cap where trail will be South (Existing): Leave where mature trees and existing trail exist Remove debris and re-use soil on site Remove wherever possible and re-use on site Considerations: Soils Along Expressway •Elevated lead levels in first 20’ next to expressway •3 options to address: Leave, Cap, Remove Soil Piles at Open Space Soil Berms at Top of Creek Bank Noise Considerations •Visibility vs. safety •Multiple options –berm, CMU walls, transparent walls, combinations Proposed Approach for 3 Alt’s 1.Half wall /half berm and vegetation 2.Sound wall and vegetation 3.Sound wall with some portions transparent to the expressway Restroom Lighting Considerations •Mixed support •Safety vs. Wildlife •Continuity with current trail conditions Proposed Approach •Balanced approach with any lighting located away from the creek Considerations •Community support •Visibility/safety •Location •Utilities •Cost Proposed Approach for 3 Alt’s 1.Restroom at new site 2.Restroom at Sterling Barnhart 3.No restroom Recreation Features Proposed Approach for 3 Alt’s •Baseline level of top community priorities in all concepts •Three concepts will differ in emphasis and additional recreation features offered •Provide opportunities for all ages in each concept DISCUSSION •Access & Connections •Site Soils •Noise •Restroom •Lighting •Recreation Features