Memorandum 19-027 Providing Further Direction Homer Area Transportation Plan Update

Memorandum 19-027

TO:                         MAYOR CASTNER AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL

FROM:                  COUNCILMEMBERS ERICKSON, VENUTI, AND LORD

DATE:                    FEBRUARY 15, 2019

SUBJECT:           PRIORITIES FOR TRANSPORTATION PLAN REVISION

The current Transportation Plan is showing its age and the citizens of Homer could benefit from an update. A successful plan needs to address the concerns of a wide array of users.

A robust effort needs to be made to ensure participation of the various user groups. These efforts should be made apparent in the creation of a successful work plan. This should be called out in the crafting of the RFP and the scoring of the responses. A successful response should include a work plan that best displays the efforts to reach out to the user groups and incorporate concepts that enhance the economic interests of Homer and the surrounding lands.

In addition to being responsive to the concerns of user groups and economic impact, consideration must be given to the unique terrain and climate of our hillside community including slopes, drainages, snow and ice.

I would like to direct the Planning Commission and administration to ensure that an update the plan gives all due consideration to the non-exhaustive list of concerns below:

Multi-modal connectivity throughout Homer and the region beyond
Freight movement
A robust community involvement process
Terrain and weather
Tourist travel
Natural hazards
Drainage
Walkability
Safety
Non-motorized transportation
Way finding
Street scape
Project funding

Recommendation

Discuss and forward to the Planning Commission and administration.