HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4375-10-2014 i
A Resolution
NO. 4375-10-2014
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ADOPTING THE WALKFORT WORTHPLAN AND
AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO INCORPORATE THE PLAN
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WHEREAS, Fort Worth is the fastest growing large city in the United States with an estimated f
population of 741,206; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has established a strategic goal to improve mobility and air
quality; and
WHEREAS,providing a safe, accessible and connected pedestrian network improves the l
mobility options available to the residents and visitors of Fort Worth; and I
WHEREAS, a pedestrian friendly neighborhoods and shopping centers can improve property f
values, and physical and mental health of the residents and employees; and !
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WHEREAS, pedestrian friendly cities can attract more visitors and increase the economic !
vitality of a city; and
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WHEREAS,replacing vehicle trips with pedestrian trips can decrease congestion and improve
air quality and personal health; and I
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WHEREAS, the Walk Fort Worth Plan is a guide for developing a pedestrian friendly
environment for the residents of Fort Worth; and
WHEREAS, the plan provides recommended policies and programs which will guide Fort Worth
to a more pedestrian friendly City; and
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WHEREAS,residents and business organizations have expressed support at public meetings for
the Bike Fort Worth Plan; and
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WHEREAS, the City Plan Commission unanimously voted to support the Walk Fort Worth Plan
on September 24,2014.
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4RT WORT
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Resolution No.4375-10-2014
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS, THAT:
The City Council hereby adopts the Walk Fort Worth Plan and incorporates it by reference into
the Comprehensive Plan.
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Adopted this 21St day of October, 2012.
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Mary Ka C ty Secretary �oa j
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ORT WORT Lu-�
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication ,
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.: `, COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on 10/21/201.4_=Reso'Iution.No 4375 10-2014 .° � ;
DATE: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 REFERENCE NO.: G-18342
LOG NAME: 06WALKFORT WORTH
SUBJECT:
Adopt Resolution to Accept the Walk Fort Worth Plan and Adopt by Reference Into the Comprehensive
Plan (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS) j
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RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution approving the Walk Fort Worth Plan }
and amending the Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the plan by reference as recommended by the City
Plan Commission.
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DISCUSSION:
The Walk Fort Worth Plan is a comprehensive pedestrian transportation plan intended to create a more
pedestrian friendly environment throughout Fort Worth for those who wish to walk for their health or for
transportation to local destinations. The plan is also intended to improve mobility options for people who
rely on wheelchairs, motorized scooters, or other mobility aids to get around. The Walk Fort Worth Plan
will help to guide the City's Master Thoroughfare Plan update by providing recommendations for
pedestrian safety improvements and policies. Upon completion of the recommended City Council action,
the Walk Fort Worth Plan will be incorporated into the City's Comprehensive Plan, from which it will help to j
guide decisions about the City's growth and development.
Walking is the only mode of transportation universally affordable to everyone, but it is not always safe or
accessible due to lack of appropriate pedestrian infrastructure. Since 2012, the U.S. Census has ranked
Fort Worth last of the 52 largest cities in walking trips to work, due in part to a lack of pedestrian
infrastructure and connectivity. Investing transportation funds in sidewalks, traffic-calming devices,
pedestrian friendly intersections, trails, and public transit makes it easier for people to walk to destinations
or to reach those destinations more easily and safely using mobility aids.
Research demonstrates that people want to live in neighborhoods that are safe and walkable, while cities
with vibrant walkable places attract tourists as well as visitors from nearby communities. Locally, some of 1
the most successful business districts in Fort Worth rely on the high levels of foot traffic afforded by well- I
designed pedestrian facilities.
The Walk Fort Worth Plan establishes two goals and identifies corresponding performance measures as
follows:
Goal One: Create a Safe and Accessible Pedestrian Network
- Reduce five-year average pedestrian fatality rate by 50 percent by 2025 using TxDOT Crash Records.
The 2005-2010 average is 16 fatalities per year.
- Increase pedestrian trips from 1.2 percent in 2012 to 3.2 percent by 2025 using the five-year estimates
from the American Community Survey.
Logname: 06WALK-FORT WORTH Page 1 of 2
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Goal Two: Improve the Walking Experience for a Healthier Community I
- Increase adults meeting recommendations for physical activity from 47.4 percent in 2009 to 60 percent i
by 2025.
- Decrease obesity from 19 percent in 2009 to nine percent in children ages 2 to 14
by 2025. 4
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Major plan recommendations include:
Safety
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- Design streets for safer speeds.
- Initiate crash prevention campaigns.
- Consolidate and redesign commercial driveways.
Complete Streets
Update the Complete Streets Policy.
- Increase the minimum sidewalk width.
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- Implement pedestrian zones.
- Build sidewalks in commercial developments.
Connectivity
- Improve pedestrian connectivity in new and existing developments.
- Encourage walkable land uses.
Staff has received comments from over 1,600 residents, conducted eight public meetings, and briefed 15
City boards and committees during the Walk Fort Worth planning process. The Plan was reviewed by the
Infrastructure and Transportation Committee on September 9, 2014 and referred to the full City Council for !
consideration. The City Plan Commission voted unanimously on September 24, 2014 to recommend to
the City Council adoption of the plan and incorporation into the City's Comprehensive Plan.
The Walk Fort Worth Plan can be located at the City's web page at the following URL:
hftp://fortworthtexas.gov/walkfw/
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FISCAL INFORMATION /CERTIFICATION:
The Financial Management Services Director certifies that this action will have no material effect on City
funds.
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FUND CENTERS:
TO Fund/Account/Centers FROM Fund/Account/Centers
CERTIFICATIONS:
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Submitted for City Manager's Office by Fernando Costa (6122) i
Originating Department Head:
Randle Harwood (6101)
Additional Information Contact: Julia McCleeary (2593)
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Logname: 06WALKFORT WORTH Page 2 of 2