HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2924A RESOLUTION
No ~Z°i~~
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (DEIS) FOR THE SOUTHWEST
PARKWAY (SH 121T) AND TRANSMITTING THE COMMENTS TO THE
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S HEARING ON THE DEIS FOR SH
121T
WHEREAS, the proposed Southwest Parkway SH 121T (Project) is necessary to alleviate congestion,
enhance regional mobility sustain economic development and enhance air quality and
WHEREAS, on December 8, 1998, the Fort Worth City Council authorized the negotiation and
execution of an agreement with the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) and the Texas Department
of Transportation (TxDOT) concerning the development of the Project; and
WHEREAS, on November 28, 2000, the City of Fort Worth (City) entered into an agreement with
NTTA and TxDOT (2000 Tri Party Agreement) concerning the funding for the Project, as well as the
rights and obligations of the City NTTA and TxDOT (Project Partners) for the design, construction and
operation of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the 2000 Tri Party Agreement requires a final agreement among the Project Partners
before the Project shall commence; and
WHEREAS, all parties. to the 2000 Tri Party Agreement are committed to incorporating a high degree
of aesthetic and urban design standards to the extent reasonably necessary and
WHEREAS, the City established the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and, subsequently the
Project Development Team (PDT) to provide a process for stakeholder involvement related to the
schematic design, aesthetic standards, urban design standards, as well as the desired features and themes
of the Prod ect; and +
WHEREAS, the PDT building on the community process started by CAC, recommended a Preferred
Design for the Project, as is delineated m the `Summary and Recommendations" of the January 2001
Transportation Design Study Report, attached hereto and incorporated by reference as Exhibit A, and
WHEREAS, the City Council, in Resolution No 2693 accepted the recommendations of the PDT and
adopted them as the City's Preferred Design for evaluation by TxDOT and NTTA as part of the
February 25 2003 Page 1
WHEREAS, the DEIS did not adequately document and analyze the City's public involvement process
for the Project and the design recommendations of the PDT including features and themes, Alternative
A, and further the DEIS did not clarify that those qualities were to be included as part of Alternative C
and
WHEREAS, the inadequacy of the DEIS to document and analyze the design recommendations of the
PDT as well as to compare and contrast those design recommendations with the other design
alternatives, makes it impossible to determine the differences in impacts and resulting mitigation needed
among the various alternatives, and
WHEREAS, the features, themes, enhancements and mitigation elements delineated m the PDT
recommendations, Alternative A, as modified m the City's Locally Preferred Alternative, adopted by
Resolution No ~,q ~3 on the 25th day of February 2003 are critical to the City's support for
the Prod ect; and
WHEREAS, the City's approval of the Schematic Design is dependent on the implementation of the
features, themes, enhancements and mitigation elements delineated m the PDT's recommendations,
Alternative A, as modified in the City's Locally Preferred Alternative; and
WHEREAS, the DEIS also did not adequately analyze certain potential noise, air pollution, fight,
traffic, historic and cumulative impacts, and
,~ WHEREAS, TxDOT has publicly stated to the City that TxDOT will undertake additional noise
analysis necessary to gauge the impacts on the Sunset Terrace Neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, the FEIS should provide an opportunity for the City to ensure that the Project is designed
and constructed so that the City's Locally Preferred Alternative is implemented,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
WORTH, TEXAS
1) Adopts the following comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement such that:
a) The FEIS document the extensive public involvement process undertaken by the City
including the work of the Peer Review Team, .CAC and PDT as well as the City
Resolution No 2693 adopting the PDT recommendations.
b) The FEIS document and analyze the design recommendations of the PDT (including the
delineated themes and features), Alternative A, as modified by the City's Locally
Preferred Alternative, as well as compare and contrast those design recommendations
with the other design alternatives m the DEIS, in order to determine the differences in
impacts and resulting mitigation needed among the various alternatives, and
February 25, 2003
Page 3
preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the federally mandated
environmental clearance process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)• and
WHEREAS, the City Council, in Resolution No 2693 urged TxDOT and NTTA to follow the
recommendations contained m the City's Preferred Design (Alternative A) be followed as closely as
practical, absent insurmountable environmental problems or unacceptable conflicts with safety and
engineering standards, and
WHEREAS, NTTA and TxDOT assessed Alternative A, accepting a substantial portion of the design
elements and parkway characteristics and features of Alternative A m the subsequent design alternative
known as Alternative C and
WHEREAS, the City the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) and Streams & Valleys, Inc. have
partnered to conserve and enhance the Trinity River Comdors as a focal point for Fort Worth
Neighborhoods and as a means to link virtually every part of the City via the Trinity Trails System, and
WHEREAS, the City has committed an appropriate level of funds to implement the Trinity River
Vision Master Plan program elements as they relate to the crossing of the Trinity River by SH 121T
based on that which is necessary to complement the investment of NTTA and TxDOT for those program
elements, by Resolution No ol,q a.3 adopted 25th day of February 2003, and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that NTTA is developing landscape and other design guidelines for its
tollway system in order to apply those guidelines on all of its facilities, and
WHEREAS, the City has proposed to develop cooperatively with NTTA a comprehensive plan
(Corridor Enhancement/Mitigation Design Master Plan) for the Project in order to facilitate an overall
design theme, the Trinity River Master Plan Vision as it relates to the Project, buffer designs,
architectural details of budges and other structures, neighborhood gateways, bridge span impact
mitigation, trail locations, landscaping and other aesthetic details, and lighting methods, so that the City
can effectively consider the Schematic Design to ensure that those design elements will be incorporated
into the plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E), and
WHEREAS, the 2000 Tri-party Agreement provides that NTTA shall not proceed to the preparation of
PS&E for construction until the Schematic Design for the Project has been approved by the City and
TxDOT and
WHEREAS, the DEIS, prepared by TxDOT with input from NTTA and other resource agencies, has
been approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for public comment; and
WHEREAS, TxDOT will assess all comments regarding the DEIS that are received during the public
comment period m order to prepare a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), and
WHEREAS, the FHWA will consider the FEIS to determine whether the Project should be cleared
environmentally and
February 25 2003 Page 2
c) The FEIS document that the Project Partners need to agree on and commit to a process
for the development of the Corndor Enhancement/Mitigation Master Plan to be included
in the Project Schematic Design so that the City's Locally Preferred Alternative can be
incorporated into the PS&E and implemented if the Project is cleared environmentally by
FHWA.
d) The FEIS analyze and document the impacts of shifting SH 121T north towards the UP
Rail Yard between the Trinity River and the rail yard.
e) The FEIS facilitate and document additional noise analysis to gauge the potential impacts
on Mistletoe Heights, Berkeley Place, Park Palisades, Hulen Bend Estates, Fort Worth
Country Day School, Fort Worth Botanic Gardens m addition to Sunset Terrace
Neighborhood.
f) The FEIS facilitate and document an analysis of roadway lighting. impacts, and
alternative technologies for fighting, along the entire corndor starting at IH 30
g) The FEIS assess and document potential cumulative impacts on Mistletoe Heights
Neighborhood and Sunset Terrace, including air quality noise, and traffic impacts,
generally and m terms of the neighborhood s historical significance.
h) The FEIS clarify and correct the issues raised by City Staff m the document attached
hereto and incorporated by reference as Exhibit B
i) The Project Schematic Design be developed by NTTA and approved by the City for
preparation of the PS&E, as provided for m the 2000 Tn Party Agreement, within 180
days of the publication of the FEIS
2) The City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to transmit and present this
resolution to TxDOT during the public comment period for the DEIS
ADOPTED this 2b d y of ~~b~.-~ , 2003
l.Jl L~~~
Manor Kenneth Barr
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APP VED AS TOJFORM
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February 25 2003 Page 4
•
Exhibit A
Project Development Team
TransportatYOn Design Study Report
January 2001
Summary and Recommendations
The four-month study integrated with the public participation process and based on the
Project Development Team (PDT) and general public comments, has resulted in a clear
vision for the Southwest Pazkway The detailed by the North Texas Tollway Authonty
(NTTA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have been modified
slightly yet signif cantly to develop a park like road consistent with the Peer Review
Team s Recommendations and the PDT's Mission statement and the Project Goal and
Guiding Principle. The Project Development Team has endorsed the fallowing
.recommendations.
CORRIDOR RECOMENTATION
~~~ .DESIGN
~'
• Lower recess, or depress the Southwest Parkway as feasible and
practical
• The design speed should be 60 mph from the CBD to Altamesa
Boulevard. The posted speed should be 55 mph.
• Develop `3D" perspectives of the NEPA process selected designs for
the Forest Park Boulevard and IH 20 interchanges and other design
elements as necessary for better public comprehension and design
refinement.
Environmental
• Noise pollution. should be m~mm,zed by lowering the parkway and
building sound walls where required by TxDOT standazds. Seek other
funding sources where TxDOT requirements aze not-met.
• Require new development to berm .and use walls compatible with
NTTA and TxDOT designs.
• Light pollution is to mitigated by use of cut-off fixtures and height of
fixtures
Page 1
• Filtration of water run-off from the parkway should be done in grass
swales and detention ponds.
Architectural
• Bridge design should include cast limestone walls, attractive box
beams, and decorative fight fixtures.
• Retaining walls and sound walls should be. cast lunestone with a
concrete cap Height of retaining walls should be minimized by using
two shorter walls with landscaping ui between to soften unpact.
Consistency should be maintained along the parkway
Signage
• Billboards will not be allowed along the parkway
Existing signage ordinance should be reviewed to make sure height
and size of signs do not product visual clutter
Land Use
• Review of proposed land use in areas along parkway should consider
minimizing impact on residential areas.
• Frontage roads should not be allowed except in the areas adjacent to
the IH 20 and 1H 30 interchanges.
• Require developers to provide landscaping buffers and noise
mitigation compatible with the aesthetic and architecture of the
Southwest Parkway
Pedestrian Friendly
• All roadways that cross the Southwest Parkway should include
attractive pedestrian walkways that link commercial azeas, parks
school, and neighborhoods.
SOUTH SECTION RECONIlVIENDATIONS
Design
• Vary the median u~ to 100' (maximum of 50' of additional right of
way)
• Between Stonegate Boulevard and Bellaire Drive South and
over the Trinity River
Page 2
• Between Overton Ridge Boulevard and Altamesa Boulevard.
• `Split" profile, as appropriate, to take advantage of landform between
Overton Ridge and Dutch Branch.
• Stonegate Boulevard interchange. Southwest Parkway at grade and
Stonegate over
• Bellaire Drive is to pass over the Southwest Parkway with the
Parkway at grade or close to grade.
• The Bellaire Drive interchange is deleted from the plan foi the
Southwest parkway
• Overton Ridge Boulevard, to be considered as an alternative in the
NEPA process Southwest Parkway over and lower existing Overton
Ridge approximately eight feet (8.0). This requues.
• Rearrangement of access to developed properties adjacent to the
interchange
• Maintenance of traffic costs and issues during reconstruction, and
• Increase in overall construction costs.
• Oakbend Trail. Southwest Parkway at grade or depressed and
Oakbend over
• Oakmont Boulevard. Southwest Pazkway depressed and Oakmont
over
• Dutch Branch. lower Dutch Branch 6 to 8 and take Southwest
Parkway over This requires.
• Reconstruction of Dutch Branch and associated traffic and
maintenance costs, and,
• Additional drainage costs and easement from adjacent property
owners.
• Major reconstruction of Altamesa Boulevazd/Dirks -Road and
associated maintenance of traffic costs.
• Southwest Pazkway/II3 20/SH 183 interchange: alternative present in
ttus report is to be carved forwazd into the NEPA process for
• evaluation with the TxDOT plan. Other alternatives are to be
developed and evaluated as well.
Page 3
Aestheti~~rcliitectural
~:
• Truuty River Bndge should have a maximum span with mm,mal piers
to preserve the attractive aver park and trail system.
• Provide buffers and berms with naturalized reforested areas along the
sides of the parkway to provide a scenic comdor to protect
neighborhoods.
NORTH SECTION RECOMMENDATION
Design
• Alternative A 1 R 1 is to be carved forward into the NEPA process. The `1Vlodified
Design would also be included in the NEPA process.
• Maintain the `Modified Design south of the Rosedale Badges to Hulen Street.
AestheticlArchitectural Issues
• Impact of three mayor parallel roadways should be reduced by extensive plantings,
berms, and attractive retaining walls. Specific attention should be paid the `tunnel
effect" along the Trinity River and University Dnve.
Mainline Toll Plaza and Ramp Toll Plazas
• Widen median and plant raised berms with evergreens and flowering trees tb reduce
unpact of expansive paved area
• Architectural of buildings should reflect character of local buildings. Care must be
taken to break up scale of structures
Environmental
• Mitigate Forest Park garbage dump Consistent with Texas environmental
requirements, for the realignment of Forest Park Blvd.
This report and the recommendations cited here represent a `balanced" perspective for
.the design of the Southwest .Parkway While the Southwest Parkway is a vital
transportation element for Fort Worth, the design as envisioned here not only maintains
the safe and efficient transportation integrity of the system but also does so in harmony
• with the environment and community values.
Page 4
Exhibit B
CITY OF FORT WORTH STAFF COMMENTS ON
SIi 121T DRAFT ENVII20NMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Overall, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is complete and presents expected
conclusions concenung the anticipated benefits of SH 121T including greater mobility reduced
congestion, and potentially unproved air quality The DEIS also provides a thorough history of
the project, starting in 1962, and explains all of the design options considered over tune.
However some information is out-of-date and lacks clanty and some assertions are not
sufficiently justified by supporting documentation.
• Page II 17 References the planned RAII.TRAN line. This section should be updated to
reflect the current Tnnity Railway Express service.
• Page II 20• Discusses quicker access to the north side (Historic Stockyards area) .Central
Business Distnct, the Cultural Distract, and the medical complex in southwest Fort Worth.
The reference to the Stockyards should be deleted, and a reference to the Medical District
should be added.
• Page III-67 comparative analysis of Build versus No-build traffic operations does not
assume any affect on demographic growth.. based on the existence of the project. It would
seem that the project would attract growth, which would impact traffic operations.
• Exhibits IV 1 through IV-4 (Land Use maps) May be based on 2000 Comprehensive Plan
future land use, which is out-of--date. For example, the Cassco property south of Vickery and
north of the Tnnity River is shown as industnal, not commercial.
• Pages V 2 through V-4 References the 2000 Comprehensive Plan, but should reference the
2002 plan. This section also states that SH 121T would potentially help the City of Fort
Worth achieve its land use goals of developing multiple growth centers. The DEIS lacks
documentation to~ustify this assertion that the project would support development of mixed-
use growth centers rather than the standard suburban growth pattern of single-use
subdivisions, shopping centers, and office parks.
• Page V-28 References out-of--date capital costs, such as $35 million for a- 'Trolley System,
and $40 million for 'Convention Center Upgrades.
• Page V-82. Identifies three 'receiver" sites as being impacted by noise, but defers any
specific noise abatement measures until a final noise analysis is conducted.
• Page V 140• Identifies 13 potential National Register eligible sites, but there are only three
houses selected from the Mistletoe Heights Neighborhood. It is unclear why only three are
selected.
• Page V-144 The report should note that as of 8/13/02, Mistletoe Heights is a local distnct as
well. (Report identifies that it is a local conservation area.)
• V 153 The last line of the last paragraph is unclear- 'North Holly is potentially eligible for
NRIIP listing under Cntena A and C, however there will be no direct taking is proposed by
the project of any
•
Snraeams .,~ •e~ Crossing -Near Bryant Irvin --
o so too Zoo
Stone ate Crossing --'1"""~~
Streams +~~
Exhibit C
~ Foa,~rH
February 12, 2003
Mr Tom Purvis, III
Ms. Elaine Petrus
Mr Steve Berry
Ms. Adelaide Leavens
Streams & Valleys, Inc.
P' O Box 101373
Fort Worth, Texas 76185
Dear Tom, Elaine, Steve and Adelaide.
We truly appreciate your ongoing commitment to Fort Worth and the Truuty:River No doubt,
the partnership among the City, Streams & Valleys and the Tarrant Regional Water District has.
made .our community a much better place.
We thank you for your recent efforts working with your consultant, Gideon Toal, our consultant,
Pnme Strategies; and City Staff~to develop a program for the SH 1.21T nver crossing in the
context of the Tnnity River Vision Master Plan. The specific program elements put together by
Gideon Toal, which you presented- at our meeting on January 28 aze reasonable .and needed for
the success of both SH 121.T and the Tnnity River Vision.
In moving this issue forward, we are also appreciative of TxDOT and NTTA for their
willingness to work cooperatively with you. Likewise, we are appreciative of your cooperative
spirit and willingness to be flexible in terms of working with the City, NTTA and TxD.OT to
realize the program. We clearly understand your need.for assurances from the SH 121T
partners, given the unportance of the Trinity River to all of us.
We wish to encourage a continuation of the creative dialogue at our Last meeting. We were
intrigued by the notion that the tollway partners might consider entering into an agreement with
the Tarrant Regional Water District so that it may undertake some of the work on behalf of the
SH 12I T partners in light of the Water District's role as the fee owner and manager of thie
Trinity River Regardless of the specific delineation of responsibility cost and the eventual
engineenng/archutectural details, we are committed to realizing the program set forth in your
letter presented to us January 28
•
KENNETH BARB, MAYOR
Since our last meeting, City Staff and Pnme Strategies have been discussing the proposed
program with NTTA and TxDOT In that regard, Mazibel Chavez's comments at the PDT/CAC
.meeting February 3 2003 were posrtrve and clear in terrns of TxDOT's commitment to the
program elements set forth in your January 281etter
Based on the positive discussions with our partners and Ms Chavez s refreshing comments, the
City Manager and I will recommend to the rest of the City Council that.the Crty commit an
~appropnate Level of funds to realize the program elements deluieated in your letter That
commitment will be based on that which is necessary to complement the investment of NTTA
and TxDOT Because these program elements are integral to offset the impact of the roadway
project on the Tnnity River Corridor these costs shall be included in base funding and
construction.
The Ciry's commitment vwill be incorporated into the anticipated Crty Council resolution for
adoption of the City's Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) The recommended LPA will also
include a statement to the effect that, because the City is a full partner in the funding and
development of SH 121T the City will be working with the other SH 121T partners throughout
the design process so that the goals of the Trinity.River program are included in the context of
the City's eventual required approval of the schematic design for SH 121T To that end, the City
commits to include Streams and Valleys and the Tarrant Regional Water District in the City of
Fort Worth s final schematic design review process.
Again, thank you for your vision and efforts on behalf of our community
Sincerely
(~e~~<
Kenneth. Barr
cc Fort Worth Crty Councilmeinbers
.Maribel Chavez, P.E., District Engineer TxDOT
Randy Bowers, P.E., TxDOT
Jerry Hiebert, Executive Director NTTA
Katherine Nees, P.E., Deputy Executive Director NTTA
Dazyl Thompson, P.E., Carter Burgess
James Oliver General Manager Tarrant Regional Water District
Michael Morris, P.E., N C.T C.O G
Gary Jackson, City Manager City of Fort Worth
Maze Ott, Assistant City Manager City of Fort Worth
Robert Goode, P.E., Duector T/PW City of Fort Worth
Richard Zavala, Director PACS, City of Fort Worth
Doug Rademaker P.E., Director DOE, City of Ft. Worth
~° Bryan Beck, P.E., 121 T Project Manager City of Ft. Worth
Mike Weaver Pnme Strategies, Inc.
Scott Polikov Pnme Strategies, Inc:
.I
~`kiy /~'3 ! ~' 1~
NO 111 D02
Taxas Dspartn~ent of 1'ra»sp~~ation
P.O. BOX 6868 • FORT WORTH, TEXAS 7fi116.OB68 ~ (817) 37p-6500
February 18, 2003
The Honorable Kenneth Harr
Mayor, City of Fort Worth
1000 Throckmorton Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Dear Mayor Barr•
The Fort Worth District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) appreciates the
opportunity to comment and offer our response to the request that you received from Streams
and Valleys, Inc.
Based on the studies to date, we believe that the SH 121T project will not result in adverse
environmental impact on the river corridor and associated amenities. However, we are not yet
through with the environmental review and public involvement process for this project. As you
are aware, we have released. the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS} for public review
and comment and we have scheduled a Public Heazing. I encourage and welcome the
participation and input of Streams and Valleys, Inc.
I would like to point out that as pmt of our environmental impact studies for this project, we
were sensitive to the project's surrounding environment artd considered its context and physical
location during this stage of plaaniug the project. I am aware and agree that this project has the
potential to .affect the setting of this corridor if not designed in keeping with the vision of the
Trinity River Corridor.
Many of the design elements as described in Streams and Valleys, Inc. letter are design concepts
which I am firmly committed to assessing and incorporaking into the final design of the project. I
intend to work with the community to incorporate these and other detail design concepts once a
preferred alternative has been selected.
During the final design phase, it is the details associated with the project that are often most
important to the eornmunity
TxDOT has in previous meetings riot only assured that bnidgc deslp~ts allowing for open railings,
supports outside of the riverbanks aad splitting of bridge spans can be accommodated, but that
safety lighting, enhanced landscaping of the area and river embankments cart and should also be
included.
1~
02/19/03 09 99 TXDOT ~-817 871 7854
d» Fn~iwl fan»nrtunlty EM1D10VS~
02/19/03 09 09 TXDOT -~ 817 8?1 7854 ~ 111
7!
I
The Honorable Kenneth Barr Page 2 February l8, 2003
I look forward to working with the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) to design and
provide for access and connectivity to the existing trail system. I also anticipate extensive
coordination with TRWD in designing and determining the i~mits of whatever appropriate
riverbank protection is deemed warranted.
I believe that should the project receive environmental clearance, that the design elements that
have been discussed in this letter are a very important and integral part of a successful
transportation project.
I anticipate the support, cooperat~an and partnership of the City of Fort Worth, TRWD and
Streams and Valleys, lnc. in developing a transportation project that will complement the Trinity
River Corridor
We look forward to hearing of these and many other issues at the Public Hearing for the DEIS of
SH 121T on February 25, 2003
If you should have any questions concerning this matter, please contact this office at
(817) 370-6511
Sincerely,
r
Mari el P ha ez, P.E.
District Engineer
Fort Worth District
cc' Jerry Hiebert, Executive Director, NTTA
Jim Oliver, General Manager, TRWD
Michael Morris, N.C.T.C.O.G.
Bryan Beck, SH 121 T Project Manager, City of Fort Worth
Randy Bowers,. SH 121T Project Manager, TxDOT
L~3
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