PIMA COUNTY – RIVER ROAD/ALVERNON WAY
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
October 2, 2003
A meeting of the River Road/Alvernon Way Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was held on Thursday, October 2, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Pat Buckley, Project Manager for Pima County presided at the meeting.
ATTENDING:
Staff:
Pat Buckley, Pima County Department of Transportation
Rick Ellis, Pima County Department of Transportation
Carol Anton, Pima County Department of Transportation
Frank Fry, Castro Engineering
Matt Clark, MMLA
Paul Van Causer, MMLA
Scott King, MMLA
Bob Brittain, HDR-Johnson Brittain
Jan Gordley, Gordley Design Group
Marsha Baker, Gordley Design Group
Mary Ellen Wooten, Tucson Pima Arts Council
Kathy Hoyer, Artist
Selina Littler, Artist
Phil Swaim, Swaim and Associates
CAC Members:
Carmen Christy, Homeowner
Manuel Gadea, Bellas Catalinas Estates
Katherine Galgiani, Homeowner
Evan Kligman, MD, Homeowner
Ken Light, Tucson Jewish Community Center
George Lord, Homeowner
Peggie Wagoner, Horsefeathers Farm
Bill Selby, Tucson Racquet Club
Others:
See attached sign-in list
OPENING COMMENTS
Pat Buckley, Project Manager introduced himself and Rick Ellis from Pima County Department of Transportation (PCDOT). He also introduced Mary Ellen Wooten from the Tucson Pima Arts Council and the two artists who will be designing public art along the project, Kathy Hoyer and Selina Littler. Mr. Buckley noted the presence of project engineers, as well as Bob Brittain of HDR Johnson Brittain, a consultant on the Alvernon Way project, which is now ready to begin.
MEETING PURPOSES
Mr. Buckley stated that the purpose of the meeting was to familiarize the CAC with the artists and gather feedback on their approach, as well as to present preliminary plans for the proposed River Bend Park from Swaim and Associates and McGann Landscape Architects, and gather feedback from the group on the those plans.
Public ARt
Kathy Hoyer and Selina Littler addressed the group, noting their involvement in the Skyline Drive project as examples of their work. They stated that the River Road project would reflect an emphasis on the area’s rural and historical nature.
Currently, the artistic direction they are pursuing is a low-key historic theme, using natural materials. Ms. Hoyer stated that she believed that art should enhance the environment along the roadway rather than stand out as public art, such as a sculpture.
Ms. Hoyer requested that the CAC members and interested parties send them e-mails or comments within the next three weeks outlining their thoughts about the aesthetics of the roadway. From these comments, the artists will further develop a theme. Ms. Hoyer gave her e-mail address: kathyhoyer@hotmail.com, and requested that e-mails contain the words “River Road” in the subject line to avoid confusion.
After the three-week period, the artists will develop a preliminary design concept with visuals, drawings, photos and maps, upon which they will seek input from the CAC. If this concept is acceptable to the CAC, then the artists will go to final design.
Per a suggestion from the CAC, the artists agreed that they would consider integrating their designs with existing constructed portions of River Road to achieve a more consistent theme.
In response to a query, Mr. Buckley noted that the artists are not responsible for landscape design – that task will fall to T.M.H.S., who will be presenting their designs to the CAC when they are complete.
In response to a query about noise walls, Mr. Buckley noted that the EAMR did not call for noise walls. The results of the EAMR in conjunction with the historic nature of the roadway led to the decision not to install noise walls. Rubberized asphalt is planned for noise abatement. Mr. Buckley did note that some retaining walls are planned along the project.
RIVER BEND PARK
Mr. Buckley announced that John Fenton, in memory of his daughter, has donated funding to help create the River Bend Park. Mr. Buckley introduced Phil Swaim of Swaim and Associates, who together with McGann and Associates landscape architects, is designing the plans for the park.
Mr. Swaim presented preliminary plans for the park for review by the CAC. Mr. Swaim cited an all-day planning workshop, which was attended by engineers, hydrologists, trails experts, recreation experts and the community at large. This group brainstormed 15 to 20 concepts of what the park could be, which were then merged into a single concept. The proposed concept integrates the Rillito River itself and the historic and rural nature of the area into the planning.
The key elements considered in the plan are:
1. Equestrian Area
a. It includes a public parking and staging area off the main entrance.
b. Existing historic buildings were analyzed, which have not officially been designated historic but may be in the future. One may be a caretaker’s residence and another main building off the entrance might become a visitor center with a gift shop, restaurant or snack bar.
2. Agricultural and Agriculture Education Area
a. Orchards
b. Agricultural center with classroom space to teach landscaping, agriculture, etc.
c. May incorporate a farmer’s market and common gardens
3. Recreation Areas
a. Possibly soccer fields (3 to 4) surrounded by orchards (studying appropriate levels of lighting)
b. Possibly volleyball, basketball court, horse shoes and family recreation area
c. Trails are a critical component, connecting the existing river park to equestrian trails and the recreation center. Low-level incandescent lighting planned. Trails will be a mixture of dirt and asphalt depending on the use in that area (i.e. bikes, horses, etc.)
Soccer Field Lighting Discussion
Several CAC members expressed concern about lighting for the soccer fields, noting that it was previously agreed that no lighting would be installed. Pat Buckley confirmed that no lighting is planned. A contingent of interested parties in attendance who support the soccer fields felt that fields with no lighting were impractical. A comment was made that if no lighting is provided, the fields should not be built.
Equestrian Event Noise Level Discussion
Some members expressed concern about noise levels in the park from equestrian events. Several equestrian groups have requested facilities in the planned park. The comment was made that there would be no roping events that would create a noisy environment. The question was posed whether the park was large enough to support horse events. Mr. Buckley offered to arrange for anyone who wished to walk the 50-acre park site to see the areas designated for arenas and other facilities.
Dog Run Discussion
It was confirmed that a small dog run was planned for the park. The comment was made that the planned run was too small. Mr. Swaim noted that originally, a larger run was planned, but was reduced in size based on public comments. Comments were requested to get an updated mandate.
GENERAL PROJECT QUESTIONS
Q. What is the schedule for the review of the project’s preliminary plans?
A. Plans are now approximately 60% complete. 100% completion is anticipated in April of 2004. A public open house is tentatively planned for January for review of the plans, and notices will be sent out to all on the mailing list.
Q. When will construction begin?
A. Construction is anticipated to begin in August of 2004 and should take 15 to 16 months to complete.
Q. What is happening with the Alvernon Way project?
A. The plan is targeted to be complete within 12 months, and the Alvernon bridge project is planned to be timed close together with the River Road project. The old Dodge bridge will be maintained.
Q. What will happen to River Road east of Dodge?
A. A safety improvement project at Pontatoc is at the 90% plan stage. There will be a new intersection with new signals and turn lanes.
Q. Will City water and sewer lines be extended?
A. Yes, a 12” water main will run from Hacienda del Sol to Fort Lowell. It can tap in and will be using reclaimed water lines for irrigation across Allen.
FINAL CALL FOR COMMENTS
Mr. Buckley asked the CAC and the attending public to submit comment sheets regarding:
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Buckley concluded the meeting and noted that team members would be available after the meeting to speak with attendees individually. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Enclousures: CAC Meeting Sign-In Sheet
CAC Questionnaires (18 submitted)