Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/09/2015

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Planning Commission Chair Levine stated the Planning Commission looked at traffic and decided using the frontage road would not be a viable option. They also addressed additional traffic on Highway 47 if the access to Highway 5 is closed. He pointed out that Highway 47 does not function well during rush hours and it was felt that adding traffic will worsen that situation. Because of that, the Planning Commission felt access to Highway 5, in some fashion, should remain. The Planning Commission also addressed whether closing the access would create additional safety issues. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated he reviewed the Planning Commission meeting minutes and did not see mention of the option to use Helium Street NW and Alpine Drive to access Highway 5, which he thinks may be a reasonable alternative. Planning Commission Chair Levine stated that was discussed and it was felt the vehicles would go to Highway 47 anyway as most traffic heads east. Mayor Strommen agreed drivers prefer to make right-hand turning movements. Councilmember Johns stated it seems if they are using Highway 5, they are using it to get to Highway 47 so there will just be more vehicles stacking and merging whether at Alpine Drive or Xkimo Street NW. Planning Commission Chair Levine stated the issue is that the stacking will start at Bills. Councilmember Johns stated vehicles will also stack at the school entrances. She stated the other issue is with safety should there be two points of access. Fire Chief Kapler concurred that most often, more points of access are better, noting there is another access on Helium Street NW. He stated with regard to safety, he advised it is an adequate route should access to Highway 5 be closed. Councilmember Shryock stated with access on Highway 47 versus Highway 5, she thinks that if people are not comfortable with Highway 47, they will start using Highway 5 as traffic will find its own path. With regard to a driveway access to Highway 5, she noted that having another driveway that close to the school will create an additional obstacle, impacting student pedestrians. She favored closing the access, limiting access points and conflicts with students. Councilmember Kuzma asked about emergency vehicle access and potential impact for City plows access should the access be closed. Fire Chief Kapler stated there is no problem with access from the Fire Station. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated there is no problem with access for City snow plows/equipment. Councilmember Kuzma stated the neighborhood supported houses over a data center and indicated they were comfortable if additional traffic was created. He stated that is a result of what the