Consider Sidewalk at North Commons Park 

The HRA approved the platting and the installation of improvements (i.e., sewer, water, and concrete work) for four single-family lots located on the Northwest corner of the North Commons Park  (located at the corner of 147th Lane NW and Zeolite Street).  The improvements have now been made to the lots and the final plat is being prepared to allow sale of these lots.  Improvements have also been made to the adjacent North Commons Park, which include a playground structure, play area, grading and landscaping. 

The residential lot development includes a concrete sidewalk that runs the length of the four residential properties, but ends at the boundary to the park, far short of the designated play ground area.  Staff believes that the proper way to finish this project is to complete the sidewalk connection to the park to provide safe and convenient access for park users.

Staff received a quote from the contractor currently on the site to construct sidewalk on the west and south street frontages along the North Commons Park, as follows:

606 LF of 4” by 6’ sidewalk $17,150.00
2 pedestrian ramps $2000.00
Total $19,150.00

This construction will connect to existing sidewalks on 147th Lane NW and to the proposed sidewalks on the newly developed residential lots along Zeolite.  If these connections are not made, the two ends of the sidewalk would end in an open field, requiring users to go across the field, or onto the street at these points.

The sidewalk in front of the four homes has not yet been constructed, and could be eliminated or delayed under the "no build" alternative.  The advantage is that the sidewalk would not dead-end if the park sidewalk is not built, but a disadvantage is that it will be more difficult to install a sidewalk once residents have moved into those homes.

Another option is to connect the two sidewalk segments with an off-road bituminous trail.  This option would provide the desired connection, is less expensive, and could be completed by City crews this fall.  However, the bituminous trail is less permanent than a concrete sidewalk, and would be a variance to our typical development standard of a four-foot concrete sidewalk to match the existing neighborhoods.



This construction will
 

It is recommended that the additional sidewalk be installed along North Commons Park to connect with the sidewalk on 147th Lane and Zeolite Street.

The project cost is $19,150 and it is recommended that the cost be paid half by the HRA from land proceeds of COR 3 (the four park lots) and half from the City Park Trust Fund.

Motion to authorize an estimated expenditure of $19,150 for the installation of sidewalks at North Commons Park, along the 147th Lane NW and Zeolite Street frontages.