| austin_oaks_tia_comments_1.2.pdf |
Subject: RE: Austin Oaks PUD 10/13 traffic memo
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:07:13 +0000
From: Golden, Bryan <[email protected]>
To: Ann Dennkler <[email protected]>
CC: Haase, Victoria [Tori] <[email protected]>
Review of the Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) for Austin Oaks Planned Unit Development Rezoning
Ann,
I have attached the 10/15 (Revised) memo as requested. The original TxDOT comments were not included because they will need to review a revised TIA as well. The responses to your traffic engineers comments were sent to you 2/10. I have posted them below in case that did not go through. Tori Haase should be able to provide you with the latest zoning memo.
Thank you,
Bryan Golden
Planner, City of Austin
Planning and Development Review Department
505 Barton Springs Rd, 4th floor
Austin, TX 78704
Tel 512-974-3124
[email protected]
Message:
Q: According to the TIA, the rezoning’s land use intensities for the proposed development will generate a total of 23,804 daily trips once the project is completed. This does not take into account any new developments that are proposed in the area or near future. Taking into account the current land uses on the site, the applicant anticipates a net increase of 19,686 daily trips. According to the applicant, city staff agreed to reduce some of the daily trips for internal circulation from people who intend to use the same car trip for the limited retail and dining.
A: The agreed upon scope accounts for a 2% annual traffic growth rate (as anticipating exact traffic projections for future sites is impossible). The scope also accounts for known anticipated traffic by site plans already submitted for review at the time of the scope. These 2 sites are listed in the scope under “Background Traffic”. The reduction for internal capture is typical in mixed use developments where each component/use would normally generate its own traffic. Staff refers to the ITE for industry standards which defines an internal capture rate as “a percentage reduction that can be applied to the trip generation estimates for individual land uses to account for trips internal to the site” (ITE 7.2). A “multi-use development is typically a single real estate project that consists of two or more ITE land use classifications between which trips can be made without using the off-site road system” (ITE 7.2).
Q: On page 11 of the TIA report, the proposed development will require improvements to the road network in order to mitigate the degradation of specific intersections. However, the applicant does not offer to complete the improvements.
A: The TIA is intended for the applicant to propose traffic mitigation recommendations for the adverse effects generated by the development. ATD will review the estimated cost projections of those improvements (provided by the applicant) and the applicant will then pay for those improvements at their pro-rata share.
Q: The applicant claims no physical improvements can be made to the intersections of Far West Boulevard and Hart Lane as well as Far West Boulevard and Wood Hollow Drive. Nevertheless, physical improvements such as widening streets, improving intersections and optimizing signalization can always be upgraded. It appears the applicant does not want to make improvements to the R.O.W. or the intersections that the proposed Austin Oaks PUD impacts will create.
A: Please refer to ATD.
Q: The applicant is requesting not to split phase the improvements on Far West Boulevard and Hart Lane, Far West Boulevard and Mopac Southbound Frontage Road, Far West and Mopac Northbound Frontage Road, Spicewood Springs Road and Mopac Southbound Frontage Road, Spicewood Springs Road and Mopac Northbound Frontage Road and Steck Avenue and Mopac Northbound Frontage Road. However, split phasing is required for safety reasons and the applicant needs to modify the TIA to reflect appropriate improvements.
A: Please refer to ATD- Signals (Brian Craig).
Q: The improvements the applicant is recommending on the Greystone Drive and Hart Lane intersection will remove heavily used bike lanes on Hart Lane. The applicant will need to widen Hart Lane to improve traffic flow. Additionally, if the applicant’s suggestion is to improve the existing failing intersection of Spicewood Springs Road and Hart Lane, then physical improvements to the intersection are required to signalize.
A: Staff recommendations for the PUD have included requiring bike lanes. No improvements or changes have been finalized. Please refer to ATD for details.
Q: On page 14, the applicant agrees the maximum desirable volumes exceed roadway segments. Furthermore, the applicate agrees the Austin Oaks PUD will increase daily trips. Even though the applicant claims none of the roadway segments analyzed have exceeded capacity. Their own data illustrates differently on Table 3 & 4.
A: The current TIA has been rejected due to inconsistencies with the agreed upon TIA Scope. Staff is currently awaiting a revised TIA.
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:07:13 +0000
From: Golden, Bryan <[email protected]>
To: Ann Dennkler <[email protected]>
CC: Haase, Victoria [Tori] <[email protected]>
Review of the Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) for Austin Oaks Planned Unit Development Rezoning
Ann,
I have attached the 10/15 (Revised) memo as requested. The original TxDOT comments were not included because they will need to review a revised TIA as well. The responses to your traffic engineers comments were sent to you 2/10. I have posted them below in case that did not go through. Tori Haase should be able to provide you with the latest zoning memo.
Thank you,
Bryan Golden
Planner, City of Austin
Planning and Development Review Department
505 Barton Springs Rd, 4th floor
Austin, TX 78704
Tel 512-974-3124
[email protected]
Message:
Q: According to the TIA, the rezoning’s land use intensities for the proposed development will generate a total of 23,804 daily trips once the project is completed. This does not take into account any new developments that are proposed in the area or near future. Taking into account the current land uses on the site, the applicant anticipates a net increase of 19,686 daily trips. According to the applicant, city staff agreed to reduce some of the daily trips for internal circulation from people who intend to use the same car trip for the limited retail and dining.
A: The agreed upon scope accounts for a 2% annual traffic growth rate (as anticipating exact traffic projections for future sites is impossible). The scope also accounts for known anticipated traffic by site plans already submitted for review at the time of the scope. These 2 sites are listed in the scope under “Background Traffic”. The reduction for internal capture is typical in mixed use developments where each component/use would normally generate its own traffic. Staff refers to the ITE for industry standards which defines an internal capture rate as “a percentage reduction that can be applied to the trip generation estimates for individual land uses to account for trips internal to the site” (ITE 7.2). A “multi-use development is typically a single real estate project that consists of two or more ITE land use classifications between which trips can be made without using the off-site road system” (ITE 7.2).
Q: On page 11 of the TIA report, the proposed development will require improvements to the road network in order to mitigate the degradation of specific intersections. However, the applicant does not offer to complete the improvements.
A: The TIA is intended for the applicant to propose traffic mitigation recommendations for the adverse effects generated by the development. ATD will review the estimated cost projections of those improvements (provided by the applicant) and the applicant will then pay for those improvements at their pro-rata share.
Q: The applicant claims no physical improvements can be made to the intersections of Far West Boulevard and Hart Lane as well as Far West Boulevard and Wood Hollow Drive. Nevertheless, physical improvements such as widening streets, improving intersections and optimizing signalization can always be upgraded. It appears the applicant does not want to make improvements to the R.O.W. or the intersections that the proposed Austin Oaks PUD impacts will create.
A: Please refer to ATD.
Q: The applicant is requesting not to split phase the improvements on Far West Boulevard and Hart Lane, Far West Boulevard and Mopac Southbound Frontage Road, Far West and Mopac Northbound Frontage Road, Spicewood Springs Road and Mopac Southbound Frontage Road, Spicewood Springs Road and Mopac Northbound Frontage Road and Steck Avenue and Mopac Northbound Frontage Road. However, split phasing is required for safety reasons and the applicant needs to modify the TIA to reflect appropriate improvements.
A: Please refer to ATD- Signals (Brian Craig).
Q: The improvements the applicant is recommending on the Greystone Drive and Hart Lane intersection will remove heavily used bike lanes on Hart Lane. The applicant will need to widen Hart Lane to improve traffic flow. Additionally, if the applicant’s suggestion is to improve the existing failing intersection of Spicewood Springs Road and Hart Lane, then physical improvements to the intersection are required to signalize.
A: Staff recommendations for the PUD have included requiring bike lanes. No improvements or changes have been finalized. Please refer to ATD for details.
Q: On page 14, the applicant agrees the maximum desirable volumes exceed roadway segments. Furthermore, the applicate agrees the Austin Oaks PUD will increase daily trips. Even though the applicant claims none of the roadway segments analyzed have exceeded capacity. Their own data illustrates differently on Table 3 & 4.
A: The current TIA has been rejected due to inconsistencies with the agreed upon TIA Scope. Staff is currently awaiting a revised TIA.
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