The Planning Division is presenting to the City Council the Hospitality Corridor Planning Study, with the intent to have the Council make a recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC).  The Council received information regarding this plan at its December 2, 2013 work session.  At the December 9, 2013 meeting, the City Council will consider action on the plan to forward a recommendation to PCC.

The purpose of the Hospitality Corridor Planning Study is to provide an opportunity to re-envision the US Highway 87/Main Street/Exposition Drive Corridor as a gateway into central Billings.  The goal of the plan is to weave vehicular and non-vehicular needs together to provide a cohesive vision for the corridor, providing safe and comfortable travel for a variety of modes and supporting the City’s overall vision of revitalizing the Exposition Gateway district and making a better connection with MetraPark. 

The plan includes discussion of a planning context that presents study objectives, other related plans, existing conditions, and near and long-term trends important to the overall corridor planning area.  Design recommendations illustrating alternatives considered, proposed improvements for the near-term, proposed improvements for the long-term, and recommended streetscape illustrations are also included.  Finally, the plan presents funding sources and strategies for recommended improvements, plus a draft implementation schedule. 

The development of the plan included a project steering committee comprised of Planning staff, Steve Zeier, East Billings Urban Renewal District (former), Bill Dutcher, MetraPark, Stan Jonutis, Montana Department of Transportation, and Terry Smith, City of Billings Engineering Division.  The planning process included a public participation element that hosted a public open house on the planning context of the plan.  Participants were able to review the history of the corridor and the proposed near and long-term improvements.  Comment cards were provided and the consultant team of Fehr & Peers was able to use these comment cards to input additional information into the plan.

The City Council may:

• Approve the Hospitality Corridor Planning Study and have the Council representative act on the plan at the Policy Coordinating Committee;
• Approve the Hospitality Corridor Planning Study with modifications and have the Council representative act on the plan at the Policy Coordinating Committee;
• Not approve the Hospitality Corridor Planning Study and have the Council representative act on the plan at the Policy Coordinating Committee.

There should be no direct financial impact from the adoption of this plan.  However, the plan should assist with project identification and prioritization for near and long-term improvements for the corridor.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Hospitality Corridor Planning Study on December 9, 2013 for consideration at the PCC meeting on December 18, 2013.