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Transmittal - 3/25/2024ERIN MENDENHALL DEPARTMENT of COMMUNITY Mayor and NEIGHBORHOODS Blake Thomas Director SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 404 WWW.SLC.GOV P.O. BOX 145486, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84114-5486 TEL 801.535.6230 FAX 801.535.6005 CITY COUNCIL TRANSMITTAL ________________________ Date Received: _________________ Rachel Otto, Chief of Staff Date sent to Council: _________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ TO: Salt Lake City Council DATE: 3/21/24 Victoria Petro, Chair FROM: Blake Thomas, Director, Department of Community & Neighborhoods __________________________ SUBJECT: 300 West Corridor and Central Pointe Station Area Plan – Third Process Update STAFF CONTACT: Daniel Echeverria, Senior Planner, daniel.echeverria@slcgov.com, 801-535- 7165 DOCUMENT TYPE: Information Only RECOMMENDATION: Review information regarding the planning process. BUDGET IMPACT: None BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: The Planning Division last sent an update on the 300 West Corridor and Central Pointe Station Area Plan efforts to the City Council in February 2024, providing a process update on the public engagement and plan materials developed up to that point. The materials included summaries of public input received from two rounds of public engagement, including a general outreach engagement activity focused on general ideas from the community, and a later, more directed outreach on two conceptual development scenarios for the plan area. Based on public input received as part of that prior public engagement, the project consultant has now developed detailed concepts for the area and a draft plan framework and has started public engagement for those materials. This transmittal is intended to provide an opportunity for the City Council to provide early input on the draft plan materials before a complete draft plan document is finalized, and the project team begins the formal plan adoption public process. rachel otto (Mar 25, 2024 16:30 MDT)03/25/2024 03/25/2024 The draft materials can be viewed on the public project webpage located here: https://arcg.is/1XbHLu A static copy of the webpage is attached for reference. This webpage functions as a “virtual” draft plan. The draft materials cover the plan vision and guiding principles, proposed “character areas” that provide general future land use guidance, and public realm improvement guidance. The guidance includes recommendations on land uses, massing, density, heights, open spaces, and circulation in the area. A full draft plan document has not yet been developed. Following a public engagement period, the consultant will complete a full, public draft plan document that includes detailed policies that help accomplish the concepts shown in the draft plan materials. The project team will then provide those materials for public review and input and start the formal adoption process. The project team outreach schedule for the draft plan materials includes the following: •Ballpark Community Council Presentation – March 7th •Online survey and draft plan webpage – March 7th and ongoing •Business Advisory Board Presentation– March 13th •City Council Briefing – March 26th •In-person Open House at Ballpark Playground – March 26th (evening) •City Department and Outside Agencies Stakeholder Briefing – March 27th •Planning Commission Briefing – March 27th EXHIBITS: 1)300 W Corridor and Central Pointe Station Area Draft Plan Webpage Exhibit 1: 300 W Corridor and Central Pointe Station Area Draft Plan Webpage 300 West Corridor & Central Pointe Station AreaPlan A plan of action that envisions a walkable, mixed-use district with new public spaces, a variety of housing types and important services. Salt Lake City March 7, 2024 300 West Corridor & Central Pointe Station Area Plan Project Vision This project establishes a plan of action for Salt Lake City and its partners, private developers, and other stakeholders. The plan envisions a walkable and mixed-use district with new public spaces and a variety of housing types, including moderate- and affordable-income housing options. It also ensures that future developments and public improvements complement and support the use of the 300 West bikeway and Central Pointe TRAX Station. The plan promotes additional housing in the area to respond to housing needs, while also supporting new and existing businesses that provide important services to the neighborhood and wider area. The plan also helps the City meet citywide goals, including those established in Plan Salt Lake and the Housing SLC plan, as well as State-adopted goals for transit station areas. Project Principles Promote a walkable district that supports various types of mobility. Creating a pedestrian friendly corridor that supports all types of mobility and offers alternatives to the current auto-centric development will promote future redevelopment. Encourage mixed-use redevelopment along 300 West and close to the station area. A mix of commercial, office, creative industrial, and residential uses will create a vibrant and attractive place along 300 West. Create a system of public and private green spaces. The need for more green areas and public spaces was indicated by the community as one of the key aspirations for this area. Incorporate density near the station area through a variety of housing options. The plan proposes taller building heights and more density in key areas of the 300 West corridor and close to the Central Pointe Station to incentivize residential development and attract a variety of housing types. Public Engagement What we heard from the community... Character Create a mixed-use, walkable neighborhood with more green areas and trees. Housing Increase housing options and density, while preserving existing single-family neighborhoods and incorporating affordable housing options. Economic Development Support mixed-use development while providing affordable commercial and warehouse space. Transportation Improve pedestrian safety and multimodal connections, as well as access to the TRAX station. Engagement Schedule Engagement Summary Existing Conditions Geographic Area of Focus The project area for the 300 West and Central Pointe Station area extends from 1700 S, I-15, 2100 S, and West Temple Street. The corridor is primarily auto dominant with exclusively general commercial businesses, including big box stores such as Home Depot, Sam’s Club, and Costco. There are seven multifamily developments in the study area, including an affordable housing development managed by the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City (HASLC). The eastern edge of the study area along West Temple is a mix of single-family, multi- family uses, and commercial uses. The Central Pointe TRAX station anchors the area on the south. Existing Land Use and Zoning The area between 1700 South and 2100 South and 200 West to I- 15 is within the General Commercial (CG) zoning district. The area is predominantly used for commercial businesses, including large commercial retailers, but several formerly commercial properties have recently been redeveloped for apartment buildings. There is a mix of zoning districts between West Temple and 200 West, including Residential Office (RO), Moderate Density Multi- Family (RMF-35 and RMF-45), Corridor Commercial (CC), General Commercial (CG), Community Business (CB), and Single Family Residential (R-1-5000). This area is predominantly used for residential uses, including both single-family and multi-family, with a small number of commercial buildings also located in the area. Demographics Population Growth: Between 2020 and 2022, the population in the study area grew from 668 to 829, a 24.10% growth rate, significantly higher than the city (2.11%) and county (3.37%). Age: The median age for the study area is 36.2 years. The proportion of people under 18 is projected to decline and the proportion of those over 70 is projected to increase between 2022 and 2027. There is also growth projected in the 20 to 29 age range, likely due to the newer construction of multi-family units in the area that may attract students and young adults. Median Income: The median income for the study area is $39,758 which is significantly lower than both the city ($70,189) and county ($85,944). The 2022-2027 projected growth rate in median incomes is 13.34%. Household Characteristics: There are a total of 465 households in the study area and the average household size is 1.75. This suggests that there is a higher percentage of single-income households. Housing Existing Unit Types: There are 137 single-family units in the study area, which are primarily located on the eastern edge of the study area, between the railroad tracks and W Temple Street. There are 559 existing multi-family units and 47 planned units slated for 2023 within the study area. Four of the multi-family buildings in the study area provide affordable housing, including one that caters to seniors and another that houses Veterans. Housing Tenure: The study area has a higher percentage of renter occupied housing than the city and county. The percentage of renter-occupied housing has steadily increased over the past 12 years. Proposed Plan Corridor and Station Area Plan Concept The proposed plan for the 300 West Corridor and the Central Pointe Station area focuses on incorporating new mixed-use development around the station and establishing connections to the north and neighborhoods to the east, including the Ballpark area. It also explores the potential of incorporating a linear park along the TRAX line on UTA right-of-way that would connect the Central Pointe Station with 1700 South. A new plaza space is proposed along 2100 South, that will be framed by high-density residential development and first-floor commercial uses. The plan establishes affordable housing targets to help achieve citywide affordable housing goals. Ensuring that at least 10% of new residential units are affordable units will help the area qualify for a Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone, that could help fund the development of new affordable housing and other public infrastructure in the plan area. Circulation and Open Space Circulation An extension of the bicycle path along 300 West will help connect the corridor to the Central Pointe TRAX station, as well as the new redevelopment areas around 2100 South and 1700 South. Connections to the east are also prioritized and a protected bike lane along 1700 South should be prioritized, following recommendations from the 2015 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and the Street & Intersection Typologies Design Guide. The plan also supports a pedestrian crossing at the TRAX line on 2100 South, subject to further study and coordination with UDOT and UTA. To create smaller blocks and a more walkable grid, new east-west and north-south streets are proposed. This will allow for increased pedestrian crossings and a scale that is more conducive to pedestrian activity. Open Space The plan explores opportunities for incorporating additional public and private open space into the project area to create new spaces for neighbors to gather and socialize. This is intended to address the lack of existing open space in the area, and to keep up with the additional demand for outdoor recreation opportunities that are expected to follow redevelopment and increased residential density in the coming years. The new linear park and trail will become a central element of the transition edge, while green roofs will provide amenities for new residents and more permeable areas. A linear plaza along 2100 South will offer a place that serves new development, while connecting to the station area. Density and height allowances can also help encourage redevelopment to include public spaces in their plans and so achieve the goal of making this a greener neighborhood. Street trees will also play an important role in this goal, and it is proposed that all streets become tree-lined in the near future. This was one of the most supported ideas throughout the engagement process and will help to provide more shaded areas, increase permeable surfaces, and mitigate heat island effect. Character Areas Each character area includes different uses and dimensional goals to implement the overall project area vision. Specific standards related to the built form for each area, as well as how these relate back to the project principles, are identified in the following section. Character Areas Central Pointe TOD The Central Pointe TOD area creates a high-density development node along the intersection of 300 West and 2100 South. The proximity to the station presents an opportunity to incorporate a variety of housing options including affordable housing with easy access to transit. Commercial uses on the first floor create an active pedestrian area, and improved pedestrian crossings at 300 West and West Temple allow for better connectivity to the station area. Residential buildings are anticipated to include podium parking or parking garages, with green space and amenities on top. Surface parking lots should be located behind buildings and not face major streets or pedestrian connections. A new linear plaza is included along the north side of 2100 South between 300 West and West Temple to promote active pedestrian uses adjacent to the Central Pointe Station. The maximum building height for this area is generally 10 stories. 300 West Mixed-Use and Commercial The area along 300 West creates a new urban edge along the corridor, with medium to high-density buildings and ground floor active uses. Most buildings are intended to include a mix of residential and commercial uses, with ground floor active uses that promote an active pedestrian environment through the inclusion of uses that capture the attention of passers-by. Ground floor spaces could be activated with uses such as such as retail, restaurants, bars, or other similar uses that include visible activity from the sidewalk. Buildings will be located close to the public right of way to help define a pedestrian friendly scale with active sidewalks. The maximum building height for this area is generally 7 stories. 1700 South Mixed-Use and Residential The area around 1700 South provides an opportunity for a mix of commercial and residential uses. New fully residential buildings as well as mixed-use buildings with commercial uses on the lower levels and residential on upper levels provide an opportunity for a variety of housing styles and densities. Limited opportunities for commercial only buildings exist in this area, but the focus is on residential and mixed-uses. New street connections to create smaller blocks and an improved pedestrian experience are included. Parking is generally in parking garages with green space and amenities on top. The density proposed for this area would help support the use of a potential future 1700 South TRAX station. The maximum building height for this area is generally 10 stories. Transitional Edge with Linear Park To create a transition to the established residential neighborhoods to the east, the plan includes a medium and density edge, which includes taller 5-story buildings along 300 West and the TRAX line that help frame the mixed-use area, and lower 3 to 4-story buildings or townhomes that are compatible with the scale of adjacent single-family neighborhoods east of the TRAX line toward West Temple. This creates a transition from the higher intensity development along 300 West and major arterials, scaling down towards West Temple with increased heights moving away from West Temple. A linear green space with a trail is proposed to run along the TRAX line, creating a new green space and amenity for residents, as well as a connection to adjacent neighborhoods and future redevelopment along 1700 South. This area also includes limited low intensity commercial uses and office uses. The maximum building height for this area is generally 5 stories. Creative Industrial/ Office/ Commercial Edge A new creative district with a mix of light industrial, office, and general commercial uses will provide an opportunity for uses like creator spaces while responding to the current land uses of the area and providing a buffer between the mixed-use districts and Interstate (I-15). There are many existing commercial buildings within the project area with longtime tenants and owners. Many community members commute into the area to access these services. It is important to ensure these businesses have a place in the future of 300 West while also supporting additional infill opportunities. The plan anticipates newly constructed buildings and some larger buildings will remain well into the future, while providing opportunities to reuse other buildings for new mixed uses. Repurposing existing industrial buildings and allowing for some redevelopment will create an area that allows for new uses while maintaining the existing character and supporting job creation close the station. New parking garages could be included in this area to provide additional parking in the district. This could be an area well suited for more intensive office use or large-scale commercial given the large number of industrial lands west of the interstate. There are several existing businesses in the area, including large- scale commercial uses, that are anticipated to remain in the area well into the future. However, if those uses do relocate, the properties should be developed in a more pedestrian-oriented fashion, with ground floor engagement along 300 West and smaller, pedestrian scale, block sizes. The maximum building height for this area is generally 4 to 5 stories. Low Scale Residential A number of single-family cul-de-sacs and lower-scale apartment buildings are located between the TRAX line and West Temple. This scale should generally be preserved, and new development should focus on small scale infill projects, with heights that do not exceed 3 stories and dimensional standards similar to the existing massing of the current residential units. There is also an opportunity for homeowners to add additional units to existing homes. This area will also provide a transition between the higher-density redevelopment along 300 West and the residential neighborhoods to the east. The maximum building height for this area is generally 3 stories. Urban Design & Public Realm Guidelines New buildings are proposed to be set back from the public right of way to create an “Activity Zone” that can be used to provide pedestrian amenities and help create a more vibrant streetscape. This also includes an "Amenity Zone," creating a buffer between pedestrians and the high-capacity roadway of 2100 South. This space accommodates large street trees. Between regularly spaced trees this area can be utilized for bus stops, lighting, benches, art, bike racks, and ADA loading. A wide multi-use circulation path supports pedestrian comfort and allows for low-speed bike and scooter travel, connecting to transit stations, bike paths, and the neighborhood. A ten-foot activity zone adjacent to building facades facilitates outdoor dining, sales stands, and landscaping. Ground floor space facing the public street should have active uses with transparency from the pedestrian level. Stepbacks above the second story enhance the human-scale streetscape. Parking is located underground or within the building. Buildings adjacent to lower density residential areas should include landscape buffers and setbacks from property lines shared with low density neighborhoods. The west side of 300 West includes the recently constructed bicycle path, sidewalk, and landscape elements. East of 300 West is an opportunity for additional pedestrian comfort. Building setbacks will allow for a wider amenity space to accommodate medium to large street trees, with amenities like bus stops, lighting, benches, art installations, and bike racks. On both sides of the street, a ten-foot setback from the sidewalk is recommended to create an active streetscape. This setback creates an activity zone adjacent to building facades for outdoor dining, sales stands, and landscaping. Ground-floor spaces in these buildings should promote an active streetscape with active uses and transparency, while parking is placed underground or within the building. Stepbacks above the second story contribute to a human-scale streetscape. Residential developments are encouraged to incorporate outdoor amenity areas and green space to provided needed amenities in the neighborhood. Residential buildings should locate parking within the property, away from the street, and locate active uses and main building entrances on the ground floor adjacent to public streets.  To enhance connectivity in the area, a multi-use trail along the UTA Trax line is recommended with appropriate lighting and trees. Specific alignment, design, and feasibility requires further study.  Buildings adjacent to the transit line should include a stepback above the third story for daylight and sensitivity to adjacent lower density areas. Open space is recommended for all residential developments, with a landscaped buffer between the transit line or lower density areas. Take the Survey! Share your thoughts by taking the Community Feedback Survey! Scan the QR code or click the button below: Community Feedback Survey To take the survey in Spanish, click here. Share your thoughts by taking the Community Feedback Survey! Scan the QR code or click the button below: Community Feedback Survey To take the survey in Spanish, click here. Station Area Plan & House Bill 462 What is a Station Area Plan? A station area plan is a plan that examines the area approximately ½ mile from a fixed guideway transit station, focusing on the relationship between station access and land use growth, while optimizing connections and promoting transit-supportive land uses to create neighborhoods where people can access a diversity of housing, employment, and entertainment options with the use of an automobile. House Bill 462 (HB 462) The Utah Housing Affordability Amendments bill was adopted in June 2022, and it was a collaborative effort among numerous stakeholders, including the Commission on Housing Affordability, the Utah League of Cities and Towns, Wasatch Front Regional Council and Mountainland Association of Governments, Property Rights Coalition, Division of Housing and Community Development, the Utah Transit Authority, and various other public and private sector organizations, to help Utah to address its significant challenges on housing availability and affordability. Per Utah House Bill 462 (HB462), cities with fixed-guideway public transit stations such as FrontRunner, TRAX, or BRT, are required to develop a SAP for that station with the intent to advance shared goals by maximizing development potential around transit stations through a collaborative planning approach. The goals of HB462 are to increase the availability and affordability of housing, including moderate income housing; promote sustainable environmental conditions; enhance access to opportunities; and increase transportation choices and connections. Additional information about Station Area Plans can be found on the Wasatch Front Regional Council website. Additional background information regarding this planning effort and project team contact information for questions can be found on the City Planning Division webpage.