Treasure Valley High Capacity Transit Study Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Environmental Assessment June 2009 Prepared by the Federal Transit Administration and Valley Regional Transit. U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration
This page left blank intentionally. Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Environmental Assessment June 1, 2009
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This summary provides a brief description of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Downtown Boise Multimodal Center (MMC) Project. The purpose of an EA is to consider potential effects of a proposed Project on the natural and built environment, and address the requirements of Federal, state and local regulations (such as the National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA). This summary presents a brief overview of the EA. If you have more detailed questions or specific concerns you should review the complete EA. There are also several supportive reports, technical memorandums and other documents that have been prepared in support of the EA. The supporting documents are listed in the EA. For additional information on the Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Project contact: Kelli Fairless, Executive Director Valley Regional Transit 830 N Main St, Suite 230 Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 846-8547 kfairless@valleyregionaltransit.org The entire Environmental Assessment is available at: http://www.compassidaho.org/prod serv/specialprojects-tvhcts.htm Valley Regional Transit (VRT) is the project sponsor. VRT initiated the transit center study in the Fall of 2007 and has been working with the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS), the City of Boise, the Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC), Ada County Highway District (ACHD) and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to identify and evaluate potential sites, and to implement the Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Project. The process of identifying and evaluating potential sites was led by two committees: the Downtown Technical Advisory Committee (DTAC) made up of senior agency staff; and the Downtown Policy Advisory Committee (DPAC) made up of elected officials and representatives of the downtown business community. What is the Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Project? VRT proposes to build a Multimodal Center in downtown Boise to consolidate local and regional transit services. The proposed Project would be located in central Boise on the ½-block area on the east side of North 11 th Street, between West Bannock and Idaho Streets. The new transit center would accommodate transfers between bus routes and other modes while fostering pedestrian and bicycle access to a significant portion of downtown Boise. It would include bus bays, passenger waiting areas, transit information kiosks, operator break facilities, replacement parking, vanpool and carpool drop-off and pick-up areas, bicycle storage and public art. Some street level retail space will also be included. The transit center is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. The Project is planned as a publicly funded street level transit center and a 5 to 6 story parking structure above the transit center that would be a primarily privately funded joint development project. The parking structure would include approximately 500 spaces. Approximately 100 of the parking spaces would replace existing surface parking spaces on the site displaced by the transit center project. The parking structure above could be constructed either concurrent with the multimodal center or at a later date. What is the purpose of the Project? The purpose of the Downtown Boise Multimodal Center is: To consolidate local and regional transit services and other transportation functions in a single location, and provide user-friendly transitions among public transit services, walking, bicycling and other transportation modes. To serve as a gateway to the downtown for commuters, tourists and visitors and be a catalyst for implementation of broader downtown land-use and economic development goals. June 1, 2009 Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Environmental Assessment Page S-1
Why is the Project needed? The need for the Downtown Boise Multimodal Center results from: The community desire to connect the broad range of local and regional transit and transitrelated services to downtown Boise at a single location. The historic and projected rapid population and employment growth in both the Boise Metropolitan Area and the Treasure Valley, which have strained the transportation systems. The increasing levels of traffic congestion and travel delay within downtown Boise resulting in continued deterioration of transportation in and to the downtown area. The demand for improved, more efficient, effective and easily understood transit services in the downtown Boise area. The adopted regional and local transportation and land-use plans that encourage a cost efficient, innovative and effective multimodal transportation system. Have other sites been considered? Since the fall of 2007, VRT along with other agency partners have been working to identify a site for a new Multimodal Transit Center in downtown Boise. Initially eight potential sites were identified. Six of the 8 sites were evaluated in detail against a set of 15 evaluation criteria. The criteria were defined by the study technical and policy committees and were based on the Purpose and Need Statement, a Project Goal and a set of Objectives. After the initial evaluation and elimination of low rated sites, further analysis was done on four sites (A, B, C & C2) and discussions were held the property owners and the public. Three sites (B, C, & C2) dropped out of further consideration at the request of owners of the sites and an additional location (Site H) was introduced for consideration. Based on additional and more detailed evaluation and public input, Site H was recommended by the technical and policy committees, and was endorsed by the local partner agencies. The VRT Board of Directors Management Committee adopted Site H as the locally preferred alternative on August 4, 2008. In early 2009, one additional site on 10 th Street was considered, but lacked sufficient support to be advanced. For additional information on the site selection process refer to the question below on the public involvement process. What has been evaluated in the EA? The EA examines two alternatives: the No-Build Alternative; and the Site H Alternative (a combined Multimodal Center and Joint Development Project). The No- Build Alternative assumes that the transit center would remain at the current on-street location along Idaho and Main Streets between Capital and 9 th Streets. The Site H Alternative would include the development of a new multimodal transit center on the half block east of 11 th Street between Idaho and Bannock Streets. The west side of Downtown Boise with the current on-street transit center, Site H and the 12-block target area for the proposed Multimodal Center Page S-2 Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Environmental Assessment June 1, 2009
Alternatives Evaluated In the Environmental Assessment No-Build Alternative Site H Alternative Photo of No-Build Alternative (existing on-street transit center) View looking west along Main from 8th to existing transit shelter Illustration of Site H Alternative (multimodal center with parking structure above) View looking Southwest Photo of No-Build Alternative (existing on-street transit center) View looking east along Idaho from 8th to bus lane and shelter Illustration of Site H Alternative (multimodal center with parking structure above) View looking Northeast Would there be any significant impacts from the proposed Project? Project studies have determined that neither the No-Build Alternative nor the Site H Alternative would result in any significant environmental impacts. However, the alternatives would still have some effects, sometimes positive and sometimes negative as briefly described on the following page. Chapter 3 of the EA has a more detailed description of the expected effects and an explanation of how they were determined. June 1, 2009 Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Environmental Assessment Page S-3
Summary of Effects of the Site H Alternative Transportation Transit Ease of use for transit riders would be improved with the Site H Alternative by improving access and transfers between routes in downtown. Site H is adjacent to the proposed downtown streetcar. Traffic The Site H Alternative would not have a significant effect on traffic in the downtown area. Parking The proposed project would remove approximately 100 surface lot parking spaces and 18 on-street spaces. The proposed parking structure would provide approximately 500 spaces, 400 new spaces and 100 replacement parking spaces. Pedestrians & bicycles Pedestrian and bicycle access would be good at the Site H Location. Secure bicycle parking would be provided. Pedestrian safety will be incorporated into the site design. Freight Buses and auto traffic accessing and leaving the Site H Alternative would not significantly affect freight traffic in the downtown area. Natural Environment Biological Resources Because the Site H Alternative would be located in a highly developed urban environment, no adverse effects to biological resources are expected from the proposed project. Water quality and Hydrology The Site H Alternative would be required to provide for on-site detention of stormwater, providing a net benefit to water quality in the area. Options could include bioswales, a green roof, working with existing wastewater infrastructure, or ponding/retaining within the proposed impervious surface area. The Design Review process required by the City of Boise would ensure compliance with the storm water regulations. Built Environment Land use The Site H Alternative would be required to obtain a conditional use permit from the City of Boise for the transit center. The project would support the city of Boise plans and policies for the area and could serve as a catalyst for new development and redevelopment in the vicinity. Economics The Site H Alternative would result in a short-term economic effect from construction of the project. The $8.5 million project cost (2009 dollars) for the MMC would result in an estimated 92 short-term jobs during construction, which would increase with construction of a parking structure. Operations of the MMC would not result in a significant long-term increase in jobs in the area. Neighborhoods and Environmental Justice There is very limited residential population in the vicinity of the Site H Alternative. No low income or minority populations would be adversely affected by the proposed project. Transit improvements frequently benefit both low income and minority populations by improving access to transit. Noise There would be no significant noise impacts from the Site H Alternative. Commercial structures on the same block as the Site H Alternative would not experience significant increases in noise from the proposed facility. Air Quality The Site H Alternative would meet air quality conformity requirements. The project effects would be minimal on intersection operations; therefore there would not be a significant air quality effect. Visual The Site H Alternative would add a new 5-6 story structure in downtown Boise. Boise s Design Review process would ensure that it blends into the existing and emerging urban visual environment. Historic and Cultural Resources The Site H Alternative would have no effect on any historic or cultural resources in the vicinity of the project. Hazardous Materials A Phase 1 site assessment would be performed prior to property acquisition. If contaminants are discovered, then steps would be taken during construction to safely manage the contaminated materials. Safety and Security The project design for the Site H Alternative will include measures addressing pedestrian and vehicle safety. Safety and security will be coordinated between VRT, the City of Boise and the parking structure owner, and will include regular security visits and monitoring. Page S-4 Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Environmental Assessment June 1, 2009
How much would the Project cost, and how would it be paid for? Based on the current level of definition of the proposed Project, the Project cost is estimated at approximately $8.5 million (2009 dollars). The Project includes the street level transit center (bus bays, passenger waiting areas, operator facilities, transit information, bicycle storage, public restrooms, and public art). This cost does not include the parking structure that would be privately funded, except for replacing the existing on site surface parking spaces that would be displaced by the transit center project, which is included in the stated costs. The public funding for the transit center would come from a combination of Federal funds and local funds. Federal funds from the Section 5309 Bus and Bus Facilty Program would provide up to 80 percent of the transit center costs. The local funds for the transit center costs (20 percent) would come from the City of Boise through the Capital City Development Corporation. The parking structure would be primarily funded by the project developer. Has the public been involved in the Project? The site selection process has included an extensive public outreach and information process, including open houses and outreach to businesses and property owners in the area. Public and business outreach has included: On January 17, 2008 a public open house was held in downtown Boise by VRT and COMPASS for Treasure Valley residents and key stakeholders. Nearly 500 participants attended and many provided written comments on sticky notes and comment cards. In March 2008 a follow-up Newsletter was mailed to 21,000 resident, business and stakeholders. On April 1, 2008 a public meeting was held by VRT and COMPASS with property owners and businesses surrounding potential sites. About 40 participants attended. A follow up letter was sent to 260 surrounding businesses and property owners. Open House on January 17, 2008 On May 22, 2008 a second open house was held for residents and stakeholders. Approximately 250 people attended. In December 2008 a project update Newsletter was prepared and sent to 5,025 area residents, businesses and other stakeholders. In February 2009 VRT hosted a second business meeting. Fifty-six business and property owners attended. This meeting introduced a new 10 th Street transit center option. Following the meeting 26 comment sheets and 40 letters from the business community were received. Many were opposed to the new 10 th Street option. In March 2009 another open house was held. Approximately 300 people attended. The public comments favored the Site H Alternative over the 10 th Street transit center option. June 1, 2009 Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Environmental Assessment Page S-5
After the May 2008 open house and recommendations from the DTAC and DPAC to select Site H, letters of support for the Site H Alternative were provided from: Ada County Highway District Idaho Transportation Department City of Boise Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho Capital City Development Corporation How can I get more information about the Project? The full Environmental Assessment is the best source of additional information. If you are interested in further details refer to the full EA or the supporting documents. Requests for a copy of the EA or other documents may be submitted in writing, by email or by telephone. The full EA is available from VRT and at the following web site or from VRT via the contact information below: http://www.compassidaho.org/prodserv/specialprojects-tvhcts.htm Kelli Fairless, Executive Director Valley Regional Transit 830 N Main St, Suite 230 Meridian, ID 83642 208.846.8547 kfairless@valleyregionaltransit.org How can I comment on the Project and EA? Comments on the EA should be submitted in writing or via email and must be received at VRT no latter than 5:00 PM Mountain Time, on June 30, 2009. Comments should be submitted to VRT to the email or mailing address below: Mark Carnopis Community Relations/Marketing Manager Valley Regional Transit 830 N Main St, Suite 230 Meridian, ID 83642 MCarnopis@ValleyRegionalTransit.org Page S-6 Downtown Boise Multimodal Center Environmental Assessment June 1, 2009