Great public meeting for the “Making Grand Grand” project last night! There was unanimous support from those in attendance to reduce Grand Blvd down to 3 lanes (2 traffic lanes and a turning lane). There were 3 preliminary schemes presented by the design team for consideration. The 2 schemes that received the most support incorporated generous pedestrian friendly sidewalks, protected bike lanes, on street parking and various methods to incorporate trees and landscaping.  Stay up to date with the project at http://grandblvdkc.com.
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The Downtown Neighborhood Association has been working with the City's Greater Downtown Area Plan (GDAP) Implementation Committee.  The DNA was closely involved with the creation of the GDAP,  the City's long range plan for the downtown area, and continues this important input as the City works to implement the plan.  For the first time, through representation on a number of City and Downtown Council committees, neighborhood groups including DNA have worked with the Downtown Council, City staff, and other downtown representatives to develop consensus around a single list of priority projects in the downtown area for PIAC funding (the City's funds infrastructure and capital improvement projects).  This work has resulted in a long catalog of good projects to support downtown, which has been refined to a list of 8 projects that will be prepared as part of this year's PIAC requests:

1.  Streetcar Alternative Analysis - $1 Million - Citywide Funds - Funding for complete engineering

2.  20th Street Streetscape - $500,000 - 4th In-District - Funding for completion of construction documents

3.  20th Street / I-35 Access - $100,000 - 4th In-District - Funding for improvements related to pedestrian needs.

4.  18th Street Connector - $150,000 - 3rd and 4th District - Funding for planning

5.  17th Street, Broadway to Summit - $150,000 - 4th In-District - Funding for planning

6.  Columbus Square Park - $154,000 - 4th In-District - Street calming, tree planting, planning

7.  Triangle Park (SW Blvd & 23rd St) - $177,000 - 4th In-District - Funding for completion of construction documents

8.  West Terrace / Case Park - 4th In District - $55,000 - 4th In-District - Funding for planning and design

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Nothing is set in stone at this point, but at the January 14th meeting of the Greater Downtown Area Plan Implementation Committee, DNA learned that the City is in initial discussions with stakeholders and potential private funders to create a signature “Complete Street” along Grand Boulevard from the River Market to Crown Center.  A Complete Street is a street that accommodates a full range of activities and transit modes.  Improvements could include improved sidewalks and street furniture for pedestrians, bicycle lanes, or transit stop improvements.  A “Complete Street” could also serve as more than just a transportation artery with the inclusion of green space and stormwater improvements along the boulevard.
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Thanks to the past hard work of DNA and other downtown advocates, downtown pedestrians now enjoy walk signals at downtown intersections.  Currently, pedestrians are not afforded the same acknowledgment in others parts of the City, including those with high pedestrian traffic like the Country Club Plaza, where it is still required to press a button to cross the street.  At the January 7th Traffic and Transportation Subcommittee meeting, DNA learned that the City is currently developing an official policy and criteria for where it makes sense to provide automatic walk signals for application throughout the City.  Hopefully, DNA’s work on this issue will soon provide benefit to neighborhoods throughout the City.
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Say goodbye to the death-defying gauntlet that is the Broadway bridge sidewalk over I-670.  The City is replacing the Broadway Bridge over I-670 this summer, including wider sidewalks and pedestrian improvements similar to other recent I-670 bridge projects.  Construction is will begin in May and is expected to be complete in time for the opening of the Performing Arts Center in September.  Broadway will be closed while the bridge is being replaced.  A public meeting to discuss the project is scheduled for February 1st at 6pm in the Bartle Hall lobby.  You can read an interview with the bridge designers at this KCUR blog.
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