PROPOSAL Malvern Transit Oriented Development Plan
Submitted to: Malvern Borough by Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP March 2, 2012 Proposal: Malvern Transit Oriented Development Plan
Contents
1 Summary statement ...... 1
2 Statement of project team qualifications and project administration ...... 3
Firm qualifications...... 4 Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP BBP & Associates, LLC Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc. Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc.
Examples of similar work ...... 8
Key staff ...... 23
Organization chart ...... 36
References ...... 37
Project administration ...... 38
3 Scope of work ...... 39
4 Proposed schedule of deliverables ...... 50
5 Certificate of eligibility ...... following page 50
6 Cost proposal ...... inside a separate sealed envelope
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1 Summary Statement
Point of Contact: Jeff Riegner, Vice President Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP Three Mill Road, Suite 309, Wilmington, Delaware 19806 302.571.9001 | [email protected]
March 2, 2012
Ms. Sandra L. Kelley, Manager Malvern Borough 1 East First Avenue, Suite 3 Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
Dear Ms. Kelley:
Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP (WR&A) is pleased to submit this proposal to provide professional services for developing a Transit Oriented Development Plan at the Malvern train station. WR&A has provided full‐service regional planning, engineering and architectural services for nearly 100 years. Headquartered in Baltimore, the firm has a staff of nearly 600, including its Delaware Valley office in Wilmington and a project office in Center City Philadelphia. Our clients include numerous municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations, and other public sector entities in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as numerous state and county departments of transportation. The firm has developed an excellent reputation for high‐quality, innovative work that meets project schedules and stays within budget.
Meeting or exceeding client needs and expectations is WR&A’s highest priority. As such, we have proposed a strong planning and design team for the Malvern Transit Oriented Development Plan. WR&A will lead the project by providing highly qualified staff in project management, transportation planning, station and site design, and public engagement tasks, as well as providing well‐qualified support staff for each of the disciplines. BBP & Associates, LLC will perform the market analysis of potential TOD land use and will develop funding strategies. Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc. will develop the concept plan for a train station /TOD parking garage. Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. will review the existing zoning and ordinances and will develop proposed ordinances to support the TOD plan.
The team members have an in‐depth understanding of the issues involved in working on this type of project and are thoroughly familiar with applicable design standards. Key staff members have visited the project site and researched past studies. Section 3 of this proposal discusses WR&A’s understanding of the project and its context.
As our team’s project manager, I will serve as the single point of contact with you to ensure effective communication and a clear understanding of expectations. I will be personally involved in every meeting and public workshop and will directly review all of our team’s submittals. Based on our experience, this process results in deliverables that are consistent in quality and appearance, greater credibility with
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stakeholders and the public, and assurance that our work products meet your needs as effectively as if you had prepared them yourself.
How will Malvern Borough, the Chester County Planning Commission, and other key stakeholders benefit from selecting WR&A to perform this work?
WR&A has a strong history of offering creative transportation solutions at rail stations, where land use is integrated with transportation and many modes of travel come together. This proposal illustrates a number of project examples in the region, and our scope of work has been crafted based on that extensive experience.
As project manager, I offer strong qualifications not only in general transportation planning but in meaningful engagement of stakeholders. I have personally conducted over 100 public meetings and worked with many study advisory committees, so I understand the dynamics of those groups and have helped them reach consensus.
Ours is a team you can trust. We have demonstrated to our clients that we listen to concerns, provide thorough technical competence, and are easy to work with. Please contact the references in this proposal to find this out for yourself.
As we see it, the purpose of this study is to develop a plan for a TOD in Malvern that serves as an asset for fostering economic development and for making the Borough a more vibrant community. This study will develop a concept plan for redevelopment of the TOD focus area, station site improvements, parking, and access. As detailed herein, we propose a streamlined, efficient plan to move the Malvern community toward that goal.
Sincerely,
WHITMAN, REQUARDT & ASSOCIATES, LLP
Jeffrey R. Riegner, P.E., AICP, PTOE Vice President
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2 Statement of Project Team Qualifications and Project Administration
Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP (WR&A) is pleased to submit this proposal to provide professional services for the Malvern Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan. WR&A has provided full‐service regional planning, engineering and architectural services for nearly 100 years. Headquartered in Baltimore, the firm has a staff of nearly 600, including an office in Wilmington, 40 minutes from the project site. Our clients include numerous metropolitan planning organizations and municipalities in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as numerous state and county departments of transportation. The firm has developed an excellent reputation for high‐quality, innovative work that meets project schedules and stays within budget. WR&A has proposed a strong multi‐disciplined team for the development of the Malvern TOD Plan. WR&A will lead the project by providing highly qualified staff to lead project management, planning, urban design, transportation, and public involvement, as well as providing well‐qualified support staff for each of the disciplines. Key staff members have visited the project site and have a deep understanding of the issues involved in this type of TOD study. Our team includes three subconsultants: • BBP & Associates, LLC (BBP) will perform the Market Analysis of potential TOD land use, will develop funding strategies and provide transit‐oriented development advisory services. BBP is a national leader in development issues, with a long and successful track record in providing unique integrated transportation, land use, real estate, and development services. WR&A and BBP have worked together on a number of projects, including the Beverly‐Edgewater Park TOD Study for DVRPC and the Newport Train Station Feasibility Study for WILMAPCO. BBP’s involvement gives the team a unique perspective in the interaction between the public and private sectors, helping to ensure the long‐term success of this project. • Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc. will develop the concept plan for a train station/TOD parking garage. TimHaahs is a multi‐disciplined engineering and architectural firm specializing in planning – master planning for campuses, urban and high density areas, and transit related projects – and providing design services for parking and mixed‐use buildings. TimHaahs’ engineers, architects, planners, and parking specialists focus on parking solutions, bringing a unique perspective to our clients in private corporations, real estate, education, healthcare, government, and transit. • Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc., a planning firm based in Chester County, will review the existing zoning and ordinances and will develop proposed ordinances to support the TOD plan. TCA has been responsible for preparing zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, comprehensive plans, Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) codes, and form‐based codes in Pennsylvania for more than 30 years. Our team’s project manager, Jeff Riegner of WR&A, will serve as the single point of contact with Sandra Kelley at Malvern Borough to ensure effective communication and a clear understanding of expectations. As we see it, the purpose of this study is to develop a plan that uses existing and future transit service to foster economic development and make Malvern a more vibrant community. This plan will include a review of development and redevelopment opportunities, station site improvements, and multimodal access, all in a manner that preserves and enhances the Borough’s historic context.
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FIRM QUALIFICATIONS – WHITMAN, REQUARDT & ASSOCIATES, LLP Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP is a nearly 600‐person multi‐disciplinary consulting firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. Our Baltimore office includes a diversified staff of over 300 engineers, planners, environmental scientists, landscape architects, surveyors, construction managers/inspectors, graphic artists, and other support staff. Our local office in Wilmington has a staff of 19, including transportation planners, engineers, landscape architects, and support staff. We propose to manage this project in Wilmington with support from Baltimore, as we have on multiple projects in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Transportation For more than 95 years, WR&A’s transportation group has developed innovative solutions to transportation challenges throughout the east coast. Our talented staff is capable of handling every phase of a project in‐house, from concept to construction. With over 150 planners, engineers, and environmental scientists, the transportation group provides groundbreaking solutions for any transportation problem, from designing rail projects, transit facilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, highways, and bridges to providing traffic engineering and planning for all types of transportation projects. Our transportation group has successfully completed a wide range of transportation planning efforts throughout the region in addition to the projects listed in this proposal. Our staff is experienced with all modes of transportation. WR&A’s planning work has included long range multi‐modal downtown and corridor studies, regional transit plans, and statewide bicycle networks. Our project planning studies have included rail stations, freight rail projects, bus rapid transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, highways, and streetscapes. Specific to this project, WR&A and the key staff proposed for the Malvern TOD Plan are currently working on a similar project for the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) in Delaware. The Newport Train Station Feasibility Study involves working closely with SEPTA and addresses station area design, parking, and access; the Newport study also includes a TOD component. WR&A has also worked with DVRPC on a TOD plan for Beverly‐ Edgewater Park along the NJ Transit River Line in Burlington County, NJ. Moreover, WR&A’s project experience includes five Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI) projects and multiple transportation planning studies in Pennsylvania. Through these projects, we have gained extensive expertise in working with multiple PennDOT districts and the ECMS system. We have also worked on DVRPC grant‐funded planning projects in Tredyffrin Township and Narberth Borough.
Other Services WR&A has often found that its experience in other areas can assist clients in solving complex multidisciplinary challenges. The firm’s building design group is organized to specifically address the architectural and engineering design of new building construction, site development, and renovation projects. The group brings together the talents of more than 80 design professionals with extensive experience in all phases of design, construction administration and facilities management. The core group includes architects; urban designers; landscape architects; civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers; interior designers; and CADD technicians to provide comprehensive planning, design, and construction phase services for new buildings and renovation projects. This group has extensive experience in design of transit facilities. Since the firm’s inception in 1915, WR&A has provided comprehensive public utility services to municipalities throughout the Mid‐Atlantic. Most notably, the firm has widely‐recognized expertise in water and wastewater facilities. WR&A's expertise in water design begins at source water determination, followed by water treatment and finally water distribution. This includes engineering surface water impoundments, water intakes, groundwater supplies, pumping stations, transmission mains, storage facilities and hydraulic modeling. The firm also performs dam breach analysis, structural inspections and rehabilitation design.
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WR&A also has extensive experience in developing wastewater collection, conveyance and treatment systems for industrial and commercial facilities, small communities and expanding metropolitan areas. The wastewater engineering services include facility plans, feasibility studies, collection systems, force mains, pressure sewers, advanced treatment, biosolid handling and disposal and system start up, operation and training.
Our Philosophy We approach every project as an opportunity to develop or strengthen a long‐term client relationship. WR&A has developed an excellent reputation for our technical ability and our emphasis on maintaining budgets and schedules. WR&A’s commitment to quality is reflected in our projects as well as our longstanding relationships with the clients we serve. Our firm has completed several high‐profile, accelerated projects while receiving excellent annual ratings from our major public clients. Although much of our work is with larger agencies, WR&A has not lost sight of its beginnings as a municipal engineering firm. A large percentage of our work is still for municipalities, and we understand the unique challenges of planning, designing, and building substantial projects in a small town environment like Malvern. Our clients have come to expect well‐managed, cost‐efficient, and responsive service from Whitman, Requardt & Associates. We look forward to serving Malvern Borough in the same way.
[More detailed information on specific WR&A projects can be found in the Examples of Similar Work section starting on page 8.]
FIRM QUALIFICATIONS – BBP & ASSOCIATES, LLC BBP & Associates, LLC (BBP LLC) is a nationally recognized economics and real estate development advisory firm which counsels an array of public and institutional clients, as well as both novice and sophisticated private investors, interested in bringing development projects to fruition. BBP LLC has unmatched experience and expertise providing predevelopment feasibility assessments and implementation strategies for a wide variety of product types and settings, particularly transit‐oriented development. Based in Annapolis, BBP LLC is considered one of the leading development consulting firms nationwide, assisting federal entities and state and local governments with economic analysis and real estate development expertise. We have caused construction of over $11 billion of development in 47 states and 4 countries while assisting over 1,200 public sector clients meet their development objectives. Development Services Product Types Settings Predevelopment Feasibility Retail Downtown Redevelopment / Urban Planning Office Urban Infill Economic Development Residential Suburban Market / Economic Analysis Hotel Rural / Greenfield Public / Private Development Institutional / Technology Waterfront Feasibility Industrial Transportation‐Related Recreation / Entertainment Government / Military Adaptive Reuse Development Packaging Transit‐Oriented Development Regional / Statewide Revitalization Assessments & Workforce / Affordable Housing Implementation Strategies Innovative Financing / Funding Government Asset Management Tax Increment Financing (TIF) & Privatization Development Impact Assessments Corridor Revitalization
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In addition to the range of services outlined above, BBP LLC has extensive experience and expertise in the following selected specialized focus areas. These issues, such as tax increment financing, transit‐oriented development, and affordable/workforce housing, are becoming an increasingly important topic throughout the United States as governments seek innovative financing mechanisms and emerging demographic and economic trends impact where people live, work and play. Transit‐Oriented Development Predevelopment Feasibility Services Workforce / Affordable Housing Innovative Financing / Funding Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Development Impact Assessments Development Packaging
BBP LLC has served as a subconsultant to WR&A on the Wilmington Downtown Circulation Study and Newport Train Station Feasibility Study for WILMAPCO, as well as the Beverly‐Edgewater Park TOD Study in New Jersey for DVRPC. [More detailed information on specific BBP projects can be found in the Examples of Similar Work section beginning on page 14.]
FIRM QUALIFICATIONS – TIMOTHY HAAHS & ASSOCIATES, INC. Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc. (TimHaahs) understands the important role parking plays in development. A multi‐disciplined engineering and architectural firm, TimHaahs specializes in planning – master planning for campuses, urban and high density areas, and transit related projects – and providing design services for parking and mixed‐use buildings. TimHaahs’ engineers, architects, planners, and parking specialists focus on parking solutions, bringing a unique perspective to our clients in private corporations, real estate, education, healthcare, government, and transit. Our approach to master planning high density and urban areas is to integrate the parking solution with the pedestrian experience – creating active and vibrant “people places”. For campuses, our primary focus is to create a sense of place and identity, built on shared gathering space. For transit related projects we seek to maximize the shared use of parking to create efficiency and economy. New Jersey Future recently recognized our master plan for Rahway Town Center in Rahway, New Jersey with a “Smart Growth Award” for excellence in planning town center revitalization. Our architectural and engineering design expertise rests in our ability to plan and design structures that contain a significant parking component. This specialization creates value for our clients through our considerable project experience and practical knowledge of this unique project type. Planning for Parking Engineering and Architecture Asset Management Campus and Downtown Parking Structure Design Condition Appraisal Master Planning Mixed‐Use Structure Design Restoration Engineering Site Analysis Project Design Management Life Cycle Cost Analysis Supply/Demand Analysis Functional Design Operational Consulting Feasibility Studies Architectural Design Owner Representation Shared Parking Analysis Structural Engineering Graphics and Wayfinding Due Diligence Reports Design Build Services Maintenance Programs Parking Consulting Sustainable Design Financial Analysis
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[More detailed information on specific TimHaahs projects can be found in the Examples of Similar Work section beginning on page 17.]
FIRM QUALIFICATIONS – THOMAS COMITTA ASSOCIATES, INC. Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. (TCA) has over 39 years of experience in understanding and evaluating land development issues throughout Pennsylvania. TCA’s team of Certified Planners, Registered Landscape Architects, and Land Planners provides excellence in service to the public and private sectors. We have assisted numerous municipal, institutional, commercial, and residential clients. We combine our planning and design talents to improve future growth and change in natural, historical, and manmade environments. The physical manifestations of economic growth often conflict with community values, environmental integrity, historical character, visual quality, and established legal frameworks. TCA specializes in mediating conflicts between the impacts of land development and the values of resource protection. The firm’s professional services include: • Town Planning and Traditional Neighborhood Design • Comprehensive Planning and Strategic Planning • Zoning Ordinance Preparation • Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Preparation • Expert Witness Testimony • Land Development Plan Review, Evaluation, and Mediation • Park, Recreation, and Open Space Planning and Design • Land Planning and Landscape Architecture • Demographic Analysis and Projections • Historic Preservation Planning Tom Comitta has been responsible for development of the following: • More than 44 zoning ordinances • More than 27 subdivision and land development ordinances • More than 22 comprehensive plans • More than 21 Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) codes • More than 14 form‐based codes [More detailed information on specific TCA projects can be found in the Examples of Similar Work section beginning on page 20.]
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Newport Train Station Feasibility Study Wilmington Area Planning Council, Newport, Delaware
WR&A and BBP collaborated on this project.
WR&A is conducting a feasibility study to restore SEPTA commuter rail service to the town of Newport in New Castle County, Delaware. Newport is located along a heavily‐traveled portion of the Northeast Corridor with frequent Amtrak, SEPTA, and Norfolk Southern freight service. In keeping with community goals, the study will not only evaluate feasibility, but identify opportunities for transit‐oriented development in downtown Newport.
WR&A’s scope of work includes: • Working with an Advisory Committee and the public to articulate a vision for downtown Newport and identify opportunities and constraints for station development • Coordination with SEPTA, Amtrak, and Norfolk Southern to determine how commuter rail options would work at a Newport station, along with anticipated needs for trackwork modifications • Ridership forecasts to estimate how many people will access a Newport station by car, bus, bike, or foot • Station concepts, including platforms, buildings, parking, and multimodal access • TOD concepts, including an initial evaluation of the market for development/redevelopment in downtown Newport • Policies to implement the station and TOD recommendations • Extensive public engagement, including six Advisory Committee meetings and three public workshops • A final report
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Beverly‐Edgewater Park Transit‐Oriented Development Study Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and Burlington County, New Jersey
WR&A conducted a planning study for Burlington County, New Jersey focusing on implementing transit‐oriented development at the Beverly‐Edgewater Park River LINE light rail station. Based on a market study and analysis of existing conditions in Beverly City and Edgewater Park Township, WR&A developed architectural and urban design concepts for TOD sites.
In the first stage of the process, WR&A obtained public input with the goal of developing a vision for areas around the station. A Study Advisory Committee composed of community and agency representatives met five times during 2006 to guide the course of the study. Two public information meetings were held to explain the scope of the study to stakeholders and obtain their input on the vision for the area. Finally, WR&A brought planning, engineering, and urban design experts together with the public for a design charrette, held on‐site in the station parking lot. This interactive event afforded citizens, business owners, and elected officials alike the opportunity to put their ideas on paper, with the market study as a guide. The Courier‐Post lauded the public engagement process for this project by saying, “We strongly urge other South Jersey communities to follow this model.”
WR&A’s subconsultant, BBP & Associates, evaluated market supply and demand as it relates to community needs and redevelopment opportunities near the Beverly‐Edgewater Park light rail station. The analysis emphasized transit oriented, mixed use development opportunities, including residential and nonresidential uses.
WR&A prepared a vision plan and prototype development plans for sites in the study area. The study culminated with development of an implementation plan, defining responsibilities for both the private developer and public agencies.
WR&A and BBP collaborated on this project.
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Paoli Trail Connections Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
WR&A conducted a feasibility study with two primary goals: (1) to improve pedestrian connectivity within the core of the village of Paoli, and (2) to evaluate opportunities to connect Paoli with the Chester Valley Trail, currently under construction about a mile to the north. Both goals are expected to encourage economic growth and improve quality of life in the community. To address the first goal WR&A has conducted a comprehensive sidewalk inventory and gap analysis in the village. We conducted a walkability audit to observe existing conditions with stakeholders and obtain their input on both challenges and potential improvements. WR&A developed walkability recommendations in four categories:
1. Fix It First: Ensure a state of good repair and accessibility.
2. Fill In the Gaps: Address physical and functional gaps in the existing pedestrian network.
3. Bring In More People: Evaluate connectivity and expand the pedestrian network in a manner that not only supports local economic growth, but is sensitive to community context.
4. Create a Downtown: Develop urban design and transportation guidelines that, over time, will create a real sense of place in Paoli, reminiscent of other Main Line station towns. Under the second part of the project WR&A explored multiple on‐ and off‐road alternative routes to provide a pedestrian and bicycle link between Paoli and the Chester Valley Trail. Eight alternative routes were considered, consisting either of new trail segments or a combination of sidewalks with on‐road bicycle facilities. Each route was evaluated on the basis of feasibility, property and resource impacts, route directness, traffic compatibility, anticipated cost, and other criteria. The project’s extensive public involvement program included a series of meetings with a very active local Study Committee, a public workshop, and focused stakeholder meetings with the business community.
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Transportation Planning Services Maryland Transit Administration, Baltimore, Maryland
WR&A has provided transportation planning and engineering services to the Maryland Transit Administration for nearly 15 years. Some relevant projects are highlighted below.
Owings Mills Metro Transit‐Oriented Development. This project involved a series of studies to evaluate the feasibility of a joint public and private mixed use development. Tasks included a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, noise monitoring and prediction modeling, on‐site and off‐site traffic impact analysis, development of utility plans, conceptual subdivision and boundary plans, and construction cost estimates. In keeping with Maryland’s Smart Growth initiatives, this project focused on mixed uses, commercial, retail, office, and residential, within close proximity to transit services.
West Baltimore MARC Parking Study. Conducting a planning study to evaluate sites for additional near term parking in the vicinity of the West Baltimore MARC station. The goal is to provide as much additional parking as possible. WR&A is identifying factors for consideration in evaluating the sites as well as preparing conceptual parking plans, conducting traffic engineering analysis and preparing conceptual cost estimates for each of the sites.
Mondawmin Metro Transit Center. WR&A staff is completing preliminary engineering for the Mondawmin Metro Transit Center. This is a multi‐modal project involving architectural design of the station and site design modifications for improved layout of bus bays. The project will result in improved safety and efficiency for bus operations at the station and improved customer facilities.
Proposed Beltway North Station and Parking Garage. Provided project planning services including preparation of preliminary design concepts, investigation of environmental issues, coordination with state and local agencies, alternatives evaluation, and preparation of site selection reports, preliminary cost estimates, and presentation materials.
Cold Spring Lane Light Rail Park and Ride Facility. WR&A conducted planning, environmental documentation, public involvement, hydrologic/hydraulic studies, alternative analysis, and feasibility studies, cost/benefit studies, construction cost estimates, and preparation of 30% plans for the selected alternate of a 343‐space parking facility with options to expand to 500 spaces. The facility included major retaining walls to eliminate impacts to the flood way. The project was very publicly sensitive and various options were developed to present to the community to mitigate their concerns. WR&A is currently performing final design.
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Narberth Open Space Implementation Projects Borough of Narberth, Pennsylvania
WR&A conducted community‐based planning studies for three projects that link open space and transportation in this Montgomery County borough. The goals of the projects are to improve pedestrian and bicycle circulation, provide traffic calming, reduce stormwater impacts through the use of green technologies, and improve access to Narberth’s regional rail station. The uniquely diverse project is partially funded through Montgomery County’s “Multi‐Modal Green Streets” grant program. At the conclusion of the planning process the firm wrote a grant application to implement the Windsor Avenue and bicycle improvements.
The Windsor Avenue “Green Street” project examined means to reduce the environmental footprint of an existing two‐way street with on‐street parking while providing a more desirable environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. Tasks included developing “green street” streetscape renderings for public meetings and presenting design alternatives include traffic calming, street trees, and stormwater management.
Bike Narberth: A needs analysis was performed through public participation activities such as community questionnaires and key stakeholder meetings to determine how to improve bicycle facilities throughout the Borough. Due to the low speeds observed and narrow cross‐sections present on nearly all of Narberth’s designated bicycle routes, shared‐lane markings (“sharrows”) were proposed for most routes. Design guidelines were developed to ensure the sharrows are placed outside the door zone in areas with on‐street parking.
Walk Narberth: public participation activities were also used to identify how to improve pedestrian facilities within this already walkable community. The first phase of the Walk Narberth program includes options for pedestrians to cross a busy state route, East Wynnewood Road, to reach nearby shopping and community destinations. WR&A evaluated opportunities for potential improvements, such as median islands, improved curb ramps, and a traffic signal, to be constructed under a developer agreement to eliminate or reduce the need for public funding.
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Rochester Roundabout Beaver County Transit Authority, Rochester, Pennsylvania
The Rochester Roundabout, a locally‐sponsored PCTI construction project, is part of a statewide effort to strengthen the tie between transportation and the surrounding community. This project was identified as one of the top priorities in the Rochester Transit Revitalization Investment District Study and is a key to redevelopment within the study area. The poor operation of the intersection was an impediment to development in the Borough. For example, during the afternoon peak hour, over 500 vehicles used local shortcuts to avoid the intersection.
The project involved traffic and transportation analyses as part of the feasibility study of a roundabout located at a complex five‐leg intersection in Rochester. Tasks included developing traffic models using VISSIM and Synchro software to determine current and future needs for the study intersection and evaluate Smart Transportation improvement alternatives, including a roundabout, to bring the intersection to an acceptable level of service.
WR&A’s responsibilities included public outreach, traffic studies, stormwater management design, roundabout design, pedestrian sidewalk/ADA‐compliant design, and preparation of construction plans and specifications. WR&A also managed a team of subconsultants, and performed QA/QC and constructability review of final design plans. The Rochester Roundabout went from preliminary design to breaking ground in 19 months. The process was expedited when PennDOT Central Office waived some of their interim final design submittals based on the high quality of our Design Field View submission. WR&A’s engineering construction estimate was within 1% of the low bidder on the contract. This project was especially challenging from a PennDOT coordination standpoint because it is only the third roundabout on a state highway in Pennsylvania, and the first in the western part of the state.
Construction was completed and the roundabout was opened to traffic on July 22, 2011. Final landscaping will occur in October 2011, and other TRID‐recommended improvements being performed by WR&A for BCTA will be complete by February 2012.
Notable Project Elements: First implementation of Pennsylvania TRID study recommendation Context‐sensitive solution Use of VISSIM to determine current and future needs for the study area, and to educate stakeholders/public and overcome objections First roundabout to be built on a state highway in the Pittsburgh region User benefits originally estimated at $582,000 per year in reduced delays, fuel consumption, and emissions. Queueing and delays expected to be reduced by 80%. Preliminary operational results post‐ construction: already exceeding expectations, with a 95% reduction of traffic backups on Rhode Island Avenue and a 35% reduction in cut‐through traffic on West Washington Street
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WR&A and BBP collaborated on this project.
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KEY STAFF
The personnel comprising the WR&A team have the planning and engineering expertise to meet the Chester County Planning Commission’s expectations for the project. The staff proposed have sufficient availability to begin work on this assignment immediately and will be assigned to the project for its duration. Our simple, streamlined, multi‐disciplined team structure is intended to ensure that the expertise from each discipline is brought to bear in the development of the study, and that the work can be completed in the aggressive timeframe specified. A brief synopsis of key staff is provided below. Jeffrey R. Riegner, P.E., AICP, PTOE of WR&A will be our Project Manager. Jeff has 21 years of transportation planning, design, land development, and public involvement experience. As manager of WR&A’s Wilmington office, he is the project manager for the Newport Train Station Feasibility Study and led the Beverly‐Edgewater Park (NJ) TOD Study. In addition to his recent project experience Jeff also served as a lead designer for the Newark SEPTA station. His experience includes:
. Management of multi‐year, multi‐million dollar As project manager, Mr. Riegner will transportation planning programs serve as the consultant team’s single point of contact for this project. He can . Major urban and rural corridor studies, with be reached at: emphasis on transit and other alternative modes of travel Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP Three Mill Road, Suite 309 . Mixed‐use land development plans, including traffic Wilmington, Delaware 19806 impact studies and support facilities reports 302.571.9001 . Facilitation of public/private partnerships for 877.913.1013 302.571.9011 fax infrastructure improvements to support economic [email protected] development Adrienne Eiss, PTP of WR&A will oversee the parking demand analyses and the traffic analyses of TOD concepts. She has 34 years of experience in a wide range of transportation planning studies in urban environments. Her project experience includes parking studies, traffic impact studies, traffic calming, campus master planning, corridor studies to improve traffic operations, safety, and street design, and development of transportation improvement programs. Todd A. Oliver, P.E. of WR&A has 15 years of transportation design and planning experience including numerous public sector projects. He has been responsible for traffic engineering, bicycle and pedestrian projects, highway design, land use planning, land use coordination, environmental studies, and public involvement. Todd will be responsible for studying multimodal connections to the station and other elements of station area planning. Frederick A. Hiser, AIA of WR&A has 28 years of professional experience including architectural, interior, furniture, and graphic design. His background includes extensive experience in a wide range of project types such as transportation, maintenance, operations, adaptive reuse, administrative, and institutional/educational facilities. Fred will develop concepts for the TOD physical layout including vertical elements. Michael J. Campbell, RLA, ASLA of WR&A will focus on urban design aspects of the study. Mike is a Pennsylvania registered landscape architect with 13 years of experience working on environmentally‐ based pedestrian and bicycle projects throughout the Mid‐Atlantic region.
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James L. Prost, AICP of BBP & Associates, LLC will lead economic development advisory activities under this contract. One of the founding principals of BBP LLC, he has over 40 years of experience in urban economics and real estate development advisory services. His experience includes such diverse fields as market and economic analysis, transit‐oriented development, development packaging and solicitations, growth management, development programming, economic planning, financial feasibility, project funding, project implementation and management. Kate Bolinger, a Senior Associate with BBP LLC, specializes in economic development, land use planning and real estate analysis for both the public and private sectors. Her specialized experience includes land use strategies for mixed use and transit‐oriented development; market, demographic, and financing/funding analyses; and implementation strategies for urban and suburban redevelopment and downtown revitalization. Todd J. Helmer, P.E. Vice President for TimHaahs’ Philadelphia office, has managed and coordinated multiple stakeholders, team members, and design disciplines for complex mixed‐use and parking projects. He will play a lead role in parking demand analysis and conceptual design. Brad Giresi, AIA, NCARB of TimHaahs has experience in all phases of building design from programming through construction administration. His project expertise includes the design, documentation and administration of parking facilities and mixed‐use buildings. He will be the lead designer for parking facilities. Thomas J. Comitta, AICP, RLA, ASLA is the president of Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. In 39 years of professional experience he has blended his roles as a town planner and landscape architect on numerous projects for municipal and private clients. He has prepared zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, comprehensive plans, and other planning services for many Pennsylvania municipalities. He will be responsible for ordinance development.
Full resumes of key staff members are found below.
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Jeffrey R. Riegner, P.E., AICP, PTOE
Vice President Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP
EDUCATION 1991/MS/Transportation Engineering/University of California at Berkeley 1990/BCE/Civil Engineering/University of Delaware REGISTRATION 1995/Delaware Registered Professional Engineer, License No. 9840 1996/Pennsylvania Registered Professional Engineer, License No. PE‐050789‐E 1999/American Institute of Certified Planners, Certificate No. 15314 2000/Professional Traffic Operations Engineer, Certificate No. 498 AFFILIATIONS Chair, Institute of Transportation Engineers Pedestrian and Bicycle Council Workshop Trainer, National Complete Streets Coalition EXPERIENCE Mr. Riegner has 21 years of transportation planning and design experience. He specializes in developing context‐sensitive transportation and land use solutions that enhance and revitalize communities. As manager of WR&A’s Wilmington, Delaware office, he has been responsible for all elements of planning and final design, including public involvement, schedule and budget compliance, engineering, environmental studies, land use coordination, and the development of final contract documents. With extensive experience with both public and private sector clients, Mr. Riegner provides a unique understanding of both government agencies and developers in the land use process. In addition to his project experience, Mr. Riegner has participated in National Transit Institute transit‐ oriented development training. His project experience includes: Newport Train Station Feasibility Study, Newport, Delaware. Managing a station site feasibility study and transit‐oriented development plan for a potential new commuter rail station on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Tasks include a community visioning process, rail operations planning, concept design of the station site, circulation and parking analysis, urban design, and ongoing public engagement. Beverly‐Edgewater Park Transit Oriented Development Neighborhood Planning Study, Burlington County, New Jersey. Led a planning and economic development study for Burlington County and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission focusing on implementing transit‐oriented development at the Beverly‐Edgewater Park River LINE light rail station. Initiated the project by obtaining public input on a development vision through a Study Advisory Committee process, three public information meetings, and an on‐site design charrette. Other project components included a market study, conceptual multimodal transportation designs (including street direction changes and bus circulation layouts for transfers to BurLink bus service), prototype development plans, and an implementation plan. The Courier‐Post lauded this project by saying, “We strongly urge other South Jersey communities to follow this model.”
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Paoli Trail Connections, Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Project manager for a feasibility study with two primary goals: (1) to improve pedestrian connectivity within the core of the village of Paoli, and (2) to evaluate opportunities to connect Paoli with the Chester Valley Trail, currently under construction about a mile to the north. Both goals are expected to encourage economic growth and improve quality of life in the community. Conducted a comprehensive sidewalk inventory and gap analysis in the village, as well as a walkability audit to observe existing conditions with stakeholders. Led an extensive public involvement program including a series of meetings with a very active local Study Committee, two public workshops, and focused stakeholder meetings with the business community. Narberth Open Space Implementation Projects, Narberth, Pennsylvania. Conducted studies for three projects that link open space and transportation in this Montgomery County borough. The goals of the projects are to improve pedestrian and bicycle circulation, provide traffic calming, reduce stormwater impacts through the use of green technologies, and improve access to Narberth’s regional rail station. (1) The Windsor Avenue “Green Street” project examined means to reduce the environmental footprint of an existing two‐way street with on‐street parking while providing a more desirable environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. (2) The Bike Narberth initiative consisted of a town‐wide bicycle route map and implementation of signs and pavement markings to improve safety and encourage cycling. (3) The first phase of the Walk Narberth program included options for pedestrians to cross a busy state route to reach nearby shopping and community destinations. Prepared a grant application for improvements. Newark Commuter Rail Station, Newark, Delaware. Designed a commuter rail station and adjoining 300‐space parking lot, including access roadways and stormwater management. An alternatives analysis was prepared for location of the platform and support facilities with regard to site circulation and rail operations. DelDOT’s Outstanding Multimodal Project. Wilmington Downtown Circulation Study, Wilmington, Delaware. Led a comprehensive transportation planning study in downtown Wilmington, working with the Wilmington Initiatives agencies (Wilmington Area Planning Council, Delaware Department of Transportation, and City of Wilmington). Central themes of the study, as identified through an extensive public outreach process, focus on pedestrian access and transit circulation. Developed “Complete Streets” multimodal transportation improvement alternatives along seven downtown corridors with a special emphasis on enhancing pedestrian and bicycle travel. In partnership with Delaware Transit Corporation’s facilities, operations, and planning staff, developed design alternatives for five potential bus transit center sites with respect to site layout and operations, bus routing, pedestrian access, and joint development opportunities. Evaluated short‐ term transit operational improvements to balance lower bus density at Rodney Square with maintaining a high level of rider service. Manayunk Bridge and Ivy Ridge Trail, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Managing this high‐profile, complex project through PennDOT’s PCTI program. This trail link, considered by some the “crown jewel” of the Delaware Valley trail network, consists of two phases. The first includes a crossing of the iconic Manayunk Bridge over the Schuylkill River, and will be designed in 14 months to meet PennDOT PCTI grant requirements. The second phase includes a half‐mile at‐grade rail to trail conversion to connect to the neighborhood street network. Delaware Avenue/Columbus Boulevard Corridor Study, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Managing a study of the Delaware Avenue/Columbus Boulevard corridor, a six‐lane boulevard along the Delaware River in Center City. The study is developing transportation recommendations to support the Plan for the Central Delaware. WR&A is examining traffic operations at all signals along the five‐mile corridor. Recommendations will likely include improved pedestrian crossings to better link Old City with the river, signal retiming, accommodation of a shared‐use trail along the east side of the street, and minor changes to street geometry to alleviate peak period traffic congestion for all modes of travel.
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Adrienne Eiss, PTP Senior Transportation Planner Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP
EDUCATION 1972/B.S./Geography/Pennsylvania State University 1979/M.S./Transportation Engineering/Villanova University REGISTRATION Professional Transportation Planner, Certificate No. 22 EXPERIENCE Ms. Eiss has 34 years of experience in a wide variety of transportation analyses and studies, including traffic impact analysis, parking studies, campus master planning, and studies of intersections and corridors to improve safety, operations and street design. Relevant project experience includes: PATCO Parking Study, Camden County, NJ. Mrs. Eiss conducted a parking study at seven stations of the PATCO High Speed rail line for the Delaware River Port Authority. The study determined the present occupancy of the PATCO parking lots, conducted a questionnaire survey of riders to determine travel patterns to the stations including mode of arrival and parking preferences, and developed conceptual layouts for expanded parking to meet projected future parking demands. Market Street Gateway Parking Study, Upper Darby, PA. Mrs. Eiss was project manager for this detailed evaluation of parking needs in the Market Street Gateway and feasibility analysis of potential new parking facilities. A comprehensive study of the existing on‐street and off‐street parking demand was performed within the Market Street Gateway revitalization project area. Concept plans were developed for possible new parking garages in locations that would serve areas with an existing strong parking demand and where additional parking would serve to promote the proposed redevelopment of commercial space. The study included development of construction costs, operating costs and revenues, and options for management of the garages. Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Mrs. Eiss conducted a comprehensive parking study for Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital to quantify the need for additional parking supply and alternatives for satisfying those needs. Subsequently she completed the traffic impact analysis for a 700‐space garage at Thomas Jefferson. Most recently, she served on a consultant team that developed the Master Site and Facilities plan for the University and Hospital, which established a framework for long term development of the campus. South Mountain Traffic Calming Study, City of Bethlehem, PA. Mrs. Eiss conducted a study to recommend traffic calming measures for residential roads paralleling congested PA Route 412 in the vicinity of Saucon Park and Lehigh University’s Goodman Campus. The study collected and analyzed speed and volume data, determined cut‐through patterns, and developed potential traffic calming measures. Ms. Eiss coordinated with the City Department of Community and Economic Development, Public Works, Police Traffic Unit, and Lehigh University, and conducted two public meetings. North Broad Street Transportation and Access Study, Philadelphia, PA. Mrs. Eiss was the project manager for this multi‐modal corridor study of North Broad Street from City Hall to Erie Avenue for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. The study identified transportation strategies and projects aimed at achieving improved access to properties, a balance between transit, automobiles and other modes, and attractive pedestrian connections to and within the corridor, to aid in revitalization.
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Todd A. Oliver, P.E. Vice President Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP
EDUCATION 1996/B.S./Civil Engineering/Pennsylvania State University REGISTRATION 2002/Delaware Registered Professional Engineer, License No. 12426 EXPERIENCE Mr. Oliver has 15 years of transportation design and planning experience including numerous public sector projects and private developments. He has been responsible for efforts in multimodal and highway design, traffic engineering, land use planning, development review and land use coordination, environmental studies, and public involvement. Mr. Oliver has been responsible for various design tasks including traffic engineering and analysis, site entrance design, geometric design, drainage and stormwater management design, and cost estimation. Relevant project experience includes: Newport Train Station Feasibility Study, Newport, Delaware. Overseeing landside, multimodal access, and parking improvements for a potential new commuter rail station on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Walk Narberth, Narberth, Pennsylvania. Conducted traffic engineering and concept design studies for the first phase of the Walk Narberth program, focusing on pedestrian crossing alternatives at East Wynnewood Road. Route 40 Corridor Improvements, New Castle County, Delaware. Mr. Oliver is responsible for annual corridor monitoring report implemented as part of the Route 40 Corridor 20‐Year Transportation Plan, a $360 million program of improvements throughout a 30‐square‐mile study area. Implementing concept and final design of Phase I (2000‐2007) plan projects, including intersection improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and local roadway connections. Some final design projects include major reconstruction and realignment along School Bell Road, a 1.2‐mile, two‐lane urban collector and substantial intersection improvements at US 40 and SR 72, two major arterials. DelDOT’s Outstanding Multimodal Project. Transportation Enhancements, Statewide, Delaware. Preparing concept and final design plans for several pedestrian and bicycle projects, including Milltown Road in New Castle County and multiple projects in the City of Wilmington including Rodney Square, Baynard Boulevard, and Greater Brandywine Village. Bear Area Pedestrian Improvements, Bear, Delaware. Assisted in concept and final design for a pedestrian and transit improvements project. Improvements include approximately two miles of sidewalk and a half‐mile shared‐use bicycle and pedestrian path. DelDOT’s Outstanding Multimodal Project. Open‐End Traffic Engineering/Design Services, Delaware. Mr. Oliver has assisted in providing on‐call traffic engineering services to DelDOT’s Traffic Section under multiple agreements. Coordinated efforts for completing field investigations and data collection for several traffic safety and operations studies. Completed traffic signal design plans and estimates for several intersections throughout the state. Provided final design for traffic calming improvements at five locations throughout New Castle County.
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Frederick A. Hiser, AIA Associate Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP
EDUCATION 1982/MArch/Urban Design & Regional Town Planning/Catholic University 1980/BS/Architecture/Catholic University REGISTRATION Pennsylvania Registered Architect #015847B EXPERIENCE Mr. Hiser has 28 years of professional experience including architectural, interior, furniture, and graphic design. His background includes extensive experience in a wide range of project types such as transportation facilities, adaptive reuse, administrative, institutional/educational, retail/mixed‐use, senior living, and hospitality/private clubs. Recent relevant projects include: Beverly‐Edgewater Park Transit Oriented Development Neighborhood Planning Study, Burlington County, New Jersey. Prepared prototype development plans for transit‐oriented development at the Beverly‐Edgewater Park River LINE light rail station. Flexible building types, form, and massing are key to ensuring the success of mixed‐use TOD. Ordinance recommendations were developed to ensure new development in the station area and in Beverly’s traditional downtown is consistent with the scale and character of the existing area. MARC train station, Halethorpe, Baltimore, Maryland. Architect for the planning and design of a new station for the MARC train commuter line. The design solution creates an accessible route for passengers to cross the tracks without hazard. The new platforms and stair and elevator towers are connected by a fully enclosed bridge that weaves its way through high voltage electrical lines and the train catenary wires. Since Halethorpe is an historic community originally created after the train stop was established there, the architectural flavor suggests the nineteenth century civic building lost long ago. Consensus was established with MTA, MARC, AMTRAK and the adjoining communities. Manayunk Bridge and Ivy Ridge Trail, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lead architect for this high‐profile, complex project through PennDOT’s PCTI program. Mr. Hiser is responsible for architectural design and coordination of structural and lighting improvements. Mondawmin Transit Center, Baltimore, Maryland. Architect for the redesign of the MTA bus and subway transfer center. Site project highlights include the realignment of existing bus ingress/egress, circulation and layover bays, providing a new kiss & ride area, handicap parking and circulation, long term parking redistribution and pedestrian circulation. Architectural projects include the demolition and replacement of the entire above ground structure, the addition of a new elevator into the station from the bus level and the creation of a new civic image that projects a bright, forward looking image. Baltimore‐Washington Parkway/Russell Street Gateway, Baltimore, Maryland. Architect for concept improvements to transportation and landscape infrastructure along the Baltimore Washington Parkway from the Baltimore City line to the transition into Russell Street. The existing conditions are in significant disrepair, and do not provide a positive impression when entering or leaving the city. Project included the development of landscape, hardscape, signage and environmental graphics to enrich the driving experience and create a sense of place within the context of Baltimore.
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Michael J. Campbell, RLA, ASLA Senior Landscape Architect Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP
EDUCATION 1998/BLA/Landscape Architecture/University of Rhode Island
REGISTRATION 2006/Delaware Registered Landscape Architect, License No. S1‐0000421 2006/Pennsylvania Registered Landscape Architect, License No. LA002696 2006/Maryland Registered Landscape Architect, License No. 3414
EXPERIENCE Mr. Campbell is a Registered Landscape Architect with 13 years of experience working on environmentally‐based landscape design projects throughout the Mid‐Atlantic region. He has prepared multiple streetscape enhancement plans and parking lot improvement designs for various municipalities throughout the region. He has worked closely with municipality representatives, public agencies and community interest groups to ensure project improvements meet the needs of the public. He has worked closely with regulatory agencies to meet the necessary regulatory requirements and permits. Recent relevant project experience includes: Open Space Implementation Projects, Narberth, Pennsylvania. Mr. Campbell is the project landscape architect responsible for preparing streetscape improvement concepts for the Borough of Narberth. Tasks include developing “green street” renderings for public meetings and presenting design alternatives for traffic calming, sidewalk relocation, utility relocation, pervious pavement alternatives, stormwater management, landscaping, and site amenities improvements. Goals of the project are to improve pedestrian and bicycle circulation, provide traffic calming, and reduce stormwater impacts through the use of green technologies. Manayunk Bridge and Ivy Ridge Trail, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. Campbell is the assistant project manager for this high‐profile, complex project through PennDOT’s PCTI program. This trail link is considered by some the “crown jewel” of the Delaware Valley trail network. Mr. Campbell is responsible for all landscape design, coordination of subconsultants, and integrating the trail into the context of the community. Midtown Cultural District Streetscape, Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Campbell was project landscape architect for the evaluation and prioritization of several streetscape improvement projects within the City’s Midtown Cultural District. The Midtown district is composed of several cultural institutions, such as the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and the Lyric Opera House, which significantly contribute to tourism revenue. Performed a detailed analysis of existing conditions including street trees, street lighting, sidewalks, paving, signage, existing/proposed land use, traffic conditions, and an evaluation of transit facilities. Existing conditions were presented to the community through individual stakeholder meetings and through community design charrettes. Two concept alternatives were developed for the Mount Royal Avenue corridor with the goals of improving pedestrian safety, promoting alternative modes of transportation, and enhancing the visual character of the corridor. Both alternatives include several individual design components which are currently being implemented in order to meet the immediate goals of the stakeholders.
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James L. Prost, AICP Principal BBP & Associates, LLC
EDUCATION 1972/Masters in Regional Planning/Cornell University 1970/Bachelor of Arts and Government and Economics/Northeastern University
REGISTRATION Charter Member, American Institute of Certified Planners American Public Transportation Association‐ Vice Chairman Land Use and Development Committee
EXPERIENCE Jim Prost, one of the founding principals and co‐owner of BBP & Associates LLC (BBP LLC) has over 40 years of experience in urban economics and real estate development advisory services. His experience includes such diverse fields as market and economic analysis, transit‐oriented development, development packaging and solicitations, growth management, development programming, economic planning, financial feasibility, project funding, project implementation and management. His primary area of specialization includes transit‐oriented development, economic, market and fiscal impact of public/private investments, public/private financing and funding programs, and transit‐joint development programming. He has lectured extensively and conducted workshops on real estate development and transit‐oriented development and has extensive experience of FTA‐funded Joint‐Use Transit projects. Relevant selected projects: Newport Train Station Feasibility Study, Newport, DE – Prepared a market scan for potential infill residential, retail, and office development in the vicinity of a proposed SEPTA regional rail station. Downtown Circulation Study and Transit Center Evaluation, Wilmington, DE: BBP LLC participated in a study which evaluated all modes of transportation in downtown Wilmington, focusing on joint development and public‐private partnership opportunities. TOD/Neighborhood Planning Study, Beverly/Edgewater, NJ: Evaluated market supply and demand as it relates to community needs and redevelopment opportunities near the Beverly/Edgewater Park light rail station on the River Line. The project emphasized transit oriented, mixed use development opportunities, including residential and nonresidential uses and included prioritization of potential redevelopment sites, outreach to the community, and strategies for implementation. Transit‐Oriented Development Planning, Aberdeen, MD: Provided real estate, transit oriented development and financial implementation strategies as part of a feasibility study to assess alternative sites for the Aberdeen Rail Station which provides access to MARC and Amtrak (Northeast Regional) trains as well as local buses. Trenton Train Station Redevelopment Analysis, Trenton, NJ – Provided market analysis, urban design evaluation, and implementation strategies to facilitate station area development around the Trenton train station area. The project resulted in the recommendation of modifications to the City’s existing redevelopment plan as based on the findings of the market and urban design assessments.
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Kate Bolinger Senior Associate BBP & Associates, LLC
EDUCATION
Master of Community Planning/University of Maryland
Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation/Mary Washington College EXPERIENCE Ms. Bolinger specializes in economic development, land use planning and real estate analysis for both the public and private sectors. Ms. Bolinger’s specialized experience includes conducting market, demographic, and financing/ funding analyses for retail, residential, office, industrial/flex, hospitality, entertainment and mixed‐use development; creating implementation strategies for urban and suburban redevelopment and downtown revitalization; preparing industry cluster analyses and economic development plans; and developing land use strategies for mixed use and transit‐oriented development. Relevant selected projects: Market Analysis and Implementation Strategies for Transit Oriented Development, Beverly/Edgewater Park, NJ – Evaluated market supply and demand as it relates to community needs and redevelopment opportunities near the Beverly/Edgewater Park light rail station. The analysis emphasized transit oriented, mixed use development opportunities, including residential and nonresidential uses. Ronkonkoma Hub Downtown Transit Oriented Development Revitalization Study, Ronkonkoma, NY – Conducted a comprehensive analysis of market demand and opportunities for transit oriented development surrounding the Ronkonkoma Hub rail station, with a particular emphasis on multi‐family housing opportunities. Market Analysis and Economic Development Implementation Strategies, Jumpstart Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, VA – Assisted in the identification of economic development opportunities along commercial corridors as part of the City’s Jumpstart Fredericksburg 2010 initiative. The project consisted of study of existing and forecasted market conditions, survey of physical conditions, and creation of action‐oriented implementation strategies for economic development. Transit Oriented Development Advisory Services, Bridgeport, CT – Offered recommendations for zoning provisions to facilitate transit oriented development (TOD) in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut. The project included review of model transit overlay district ordinances (including parking permit district and outdoor dining ordinances), extensive stakeholder interviews, and public outreach to determine the most appropriate set of regulations for TOD in Bridgeport. Market Study and Development Impact Analysis Update, Shannon Transit Village, Pittsburgh, PA – Conducted an update to a previously completed BBP LLC Market Study and Development Impact Analysis for the proposed Shannon Transit Village, a transit oriented development located adjacent to the Port Authority of Allegheny County Castle Shannon LRT station. The update included assessment of the market for residential, office and retail spaces; economic and fiscal impact of the planned development; parking fee demand analysis; and induced transit ridership assessment. TOD Market Analysis, Adams County, CO – Completed analysis of (re)development opportunities surrounding two stations along the FasTracks transit system. The study included analysis of demographic, economic, and real estate factors and identification of strategic TOD sites.
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Todd J. Helmer, P.E. Vice President/Principal Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc.
EDUCATION
1991/B.C.E./Civil Engineering/Georgia Institute of Technology
REGISTRATION Registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, six other states, and Washington, DC
EXPERIENCE Mr. Helmer serves as Vice President for TimHaahs’ Philadelphia office which covers the mid‐Atlantic region to DC. Todd leads the office’s operations, project development, financial management, and business development. An experienced principal, he manages and coordinates multiple stakeholders, team members, and design disciplines for complex mixed‐use and parking projects. His recent management experience includes projects for municipal, corporate, developer, transit, healthcare and municipal clients. Relevant selected projects: Upper Darby 69th Street Garage Conceptual Design Study, Upper Darby, PA. For the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), TimHaahs joined a team led by HNTB to perform a conceptual design study in Upper Darby, PA. The study analyzed a site at SEPTA’s 69th Street station to determine the feasibility of a new 400‐500 space parking facility. For this project, TimHaahs assessed an existing plan provided by SEPTA. TimHaahs also developed numerous functional alternatives to determine the best use for the site. AMTRAK 30th Street Station Intermodal Gateway Parking Structure, Philadelphia, PA. Project Manager. TimHaahs served as parking consultant/ superstructure engineer for Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station Intermodal Gateway parking structure. The 1525‐space parking facility is located adjacent to the facility and provides for the parking needs of the station as well as an attached high‐rise office building. The garage also features an overhead pedestrian bridge linking the garage elevator core to the station. Queen Street Parking Structure, Lancaster, PA. Principal‐in‐Charge. For the Red Rose Transit Authority, TimHaahs provided architectural, engineering, and planning services for the 450‐space Queen Street parking structure in historic downtown Lancaster. The mixed‐use structure will include retail space at grade, as well as provisions for future development on top. The structure will serve as an attractive complement to the adjacent Lancaster Museum of Art, and provide direct access for museum visitors. Norristown Transportation Center Parking Structure, Norristown, PA. Principal. For the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), TimHaahs designed a 522‐space multi‐level parking garage and intercity bus terminal. The facility provides intermodal connections between SEPTA’s suburban rail lines and bus routes, while adding greatly to the supply of convenient parking for the Transportation Center. The facility, in combination with the existing Transportation Center, creates a significant urban node, while helping to encourage future public and private development. New Jersey Transit Hamilton Station Garage, Hamilton, NJ. Principal‐in‐Charge. For New Jersey Transit, TimHaahs designed a parking structure to serve the existing Hamilton Station, located in Hamilton, New Jersey. The six story precast parking structure provides 2066 spaces for transit commuters. The façade of the parking structure was designed to complement the existing train station, as well as the historic American Standard building located opposite the rail tracks.
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Brad Giresi, AIA, NCARB Project Architect Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc.
EDUCATION
2006/Master of Architecture/Tulane University
REGISTRATION Registered Architect in Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, and West Virginia
EXPERIENCE Mr. Giresi is a Registered Architect with experience in all phases of building design from programming through construction administration. His project expertise includes the design, documentation and administration of parking facilities, corporate offices, residential construction and building renovations, with extensive practice in mixed‐use and multi‐family design. His portfolio includes projects for Lancaster General Health, the Township of Millburn, NJ, University of Mississippi Medical Center, and the Jaisohn House Memorial Center. Relevant selected projects: Township of Millburn Parking Garage, Millburn, NJ. Project Architect. TimHaahs provided parking planning and design services for a proposed parking facility to serve the Township of Millburn, NJ. Phase I included the development of conceptual drawings and studies for the assessment of two separate municipal lots to determine the ability of developing a new parking facility on one of these lots. Phase II will include full design services for the new parking structure. University of Mississippi Medical Center Garage, Jackson, MS. Project Designer. For the University of Mississippi Medical Center, TimHaahs is providing prime design services for the design/build parking garage at the Jackson, MS campus. The project includes the development of a 1200‐space parking facility, with the potential addition of two levels and 500 spaces to serve the adjacent VA Medical Center. 18 Park Parking Garage, Jersey City, NJ. Project Manager/Project Architect. TimHaahs is providing parking planning and design services for a 230‐space parking facility serving a new residential development in Jersey City, NJ. The parking facility will be lined with residential housing on all four sides. In addition, the garage will include provisions to add a plaza area and/or swimming pool above the parking. Trenton Justice Center Feasibility Study, Trenton, NJ. Project Designer. TimHaahs is performing a parking garage feasibility study to determine the potential for a new parking facility to serve the Trenton Justice Center. The study includes providing a concept to depict a parking structure on the proposed site, as well as an analysis of the potential impact to nearby surface parking. Philip Jaisohn Memorial House Expansion, Media, PA. Project Designer. TimHaahs is currently designing the expansion of the Philip Jaisohn Memorial House in Media, PA. The building is a memorial/museum honoring the first Korean to become a naturalized American citizen, and later becoming a noted physician, publisher and political activist. The project includes the addition of an education hall next to the house, additional parking supply and an outdoor garden which will complement the design of the surrounding buildings.
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Thomas J. Comitta, AICP, RLA, ASLA President; Town Planner and Landscape Architect Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc.
EDUCATION
1973/Master of Landscape Architecture/Harvard University Graduate School of Design 1971/B.S./Landscape Architecture/Pennsylvania State University
REGISTRATION Certified Planner, American Institute of Certified Planners Registered Landscape Architect in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey
EXPERIENCE As President and founder of Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc., (TCA), Thomas J. Comitta serves as Principal‐In‐Charge and Operations Manager. He has blended his roles as a Town Planner and Landscape Architect on numerous projects for municipal and private clients. Tom is an expert in communications and has utilized his verbal and graphic skills for many TCA assignments relating to: town planning; landscape architecture; expert witness testimony; citizen/public participation; preference surveys pertaining to community development; and land planning mediation. He is a frequent lecturer at town planning and land planning seminars and workshops, and conducts training sessions on town planning, traditional neighborhood development, and graphic design manuals. Tom has traveled extensively in the United States and Europe and has studied many traditional towns and neighborhoods, new towns and new communities. As a Town Planner and Landscape Architect, he continually strives to seek a proper balance between man‐made and natural landscapes. He believes that compact development with substantial open space is a needed alternative to conventional suburban sprawl. He promotes a humanistic and sustainable approach to planning and design through careful consideration of the historic context of towns, neighborhoods and landscapes.
SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS Comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, recreation and open space plans, revitalization plans, plan reviews and evaluations, and expert witness testimony for numerous Pennsylvania municipalities Miller Park, West Whiteland Township, Exton, Pennsylvania Lantern Hill, A Traditional Neighborhood, Doylestown, Pennsylvania Market Square Memorial Park, Borough of Marcus Hook, Delaware County, Pennsylvania Historic Renewal Plan for the Manayunk Canal, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania A Plan for Open Space, Barnstable, Massachusetts
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ORGANIZATION CHART
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REFERENCES The consultant team recommends that the selection committee contact each of the following references regarding our team’s capabilities and ability to perform services similar to those under this agreement. WR&A has provided more than the three required references because we take great pride in the benefits our clients have received from our services. We hope to have the opportunity to serve Malvern Borough in the same way.
Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP
Newport Train Station Feasibility Study, Newport, DE Wilmington Downtown Circulation Study, Wilmington, DE Mr. Dave Gula, Wilmington Area Planning Council 302.737.6205, [email protected]
Beverly‐Edgewater Park TOD Study, Burlington County, NJ Ms. Karin Morris, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission 215.592.1800, [email protected]
Paoli Trail Connections, Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, PA Ms. Molly Duffy, Tredyffrin Township study committee 484.886.5853, [email protected]
Multiple Maryland transit station planning assignments Mr. Lorenzo Bryant, Maryland Transit Administration 410.767.3754, [email protected]
Narberth Open Space Implementation Projects Mr. Bill Martin, Borough of Narberth 610.664.2840, narberthborough @comcast.net
Rochester Roundabout, Rochester, PA Ms. Mary Jo Morandini, Beaver County Transit Authority 724.728.4255, [email protected]
BBP & Associates, LLC
Wilmington Downtown Circulation Study, Wilmington, DE Mr. Ken Potts, Delaware Transit Corporation 302.576‐6020, [email protected]
Ronkonkoma Hub Downtown TOD Revitalization Study, Brookhaven, NY Ms. Diane M. Mazarakis, Town of Brookhaven 631.451.6460, [email protected]
Jumpstart Fredericksburg 2010 Economic Development Plan, Fredericksburg, VA Karen Hedelt, City of Fredericksburg 504.372.1216, [email protected]
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Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc.
SEPTA 69th Street Parking Garage, Upper Darby, PA Mr. Mike DiCamillo, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority 215.580.7357, mdicamillo@septa.org
Allentown Transportation Center Garage, Allentown, PA Ms. Tamara Weller, Allentown Parking Authority 610.437.4466, [email protected]
Queen Street Station Mixed‐Use Facility, Lancaster, PA Mr. David Kilmer, Red Rose Transit Authority 717.358.1920, [email protected]
Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc.
TND Overlay District Mr. Jeffrey A. Smith, Borough of Media, Delaware County 610.566.5210, [email protected]
Bicentennial Parking Garage and other consulting services Ernie B. McNeely, Borough of West Chester, Chester County 610.692.7574, emcneely@west‐chester.com
Saint Paul Urban Villages Lucy Thompson, AICP, City of Saint Paul, Minnesota 612.859.2190, [email protected]
PROJECT ADMINISTRATION Effective, meaningful project management is a hallmark of all of WR&A’s projects. The firm has developed a communications plan to make this happen. We are fully prepared to operate as independently as you like, requiring a minimum amount of client guidance to develop a quality product that meets your needs. WR&A’s project manager, Jeff Riegner, will take a proactive role in communication with Malvern Borough throughout the project, from the kickoff meeting through delivery of the final report. Jeff will serve as WR&A’s sole point of contact with the Borough, and communications will occur on at least a biweekly basis. He proposes to use the following communication tools to ensure that the Borough’s schedule and expectations are met or exceeded. Jeff has also effectively managed consultant/stakeholder teams on transportation planning projects of all sizes and types simply by communicating early and often. Action item lists are developed as often as weekly during the busiest phases of a project and distributed to all team members so they are aware of responsibilities and due dates. They will be discussed in detail at stakeholder meetings. More formally, our firm’s standard project management practice is to submit detailed progress reports in conjunction with monthly invoices (in DVRPC format) to inform our clients of progress to date by task, identify issues that may impact the project schedule or budget, and request payment for services rendered. Although this monthly report provides important documentation to track project progress, any issues that may impact the schedule are discussed immediately with the project manager, not held until the next monthly report. Timely identification and resolution of schedule‐ and budget‐critical issues will best assist you in the goal of developing an effective, integrated TOD plan for Malvern.
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3 Scope of Work
TASK 1. STAKEHOLDER AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT The following groups are identified as members of the Study Advisory Committee (SAC): Borough of Malvern Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC) Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Involvement of other parties, such as key community members, other surrounding municipalities, or PennDOT may be appropriate as well. We propose to convene the SAC for a kickoff meeting and listening session. Using the Borough’s Revitalization Plan Recent stakeholder group meeting led by and Comprehensive Plan as a basis, we will consult with WR&A’s project manager. committee members regarding their community concerns (land use, transportation, and other) and their ideas for the study’s goals and objectives. We will also canvass committee members regarding which other key stakeholders who should be consulted. WR&A anticipates up to five telephone follow‐ups with those key stakeholders. Six meetings with the SAC are proposed, occurring at approximately two‐month intervals throughout the study. The project schedule is planned such that task deliverables are submitted to Malvern a week before a scheduled SAC meeting to allow time for review and have meaningful discussion at the meetings. Three public workshops/meetings are proposed. The first meeting takes place early in the study, the second midway into the TOD Vision task, and the third presents the draft report. A summary of WR&A’s anticipated stakeholder involvement program during each task is provided below: Task 2. Existing Conditions Analysis SAC meeting #1 to clarify project goals and objectives, identify stakeholders, solicit input on community development and transportation concerns, and prepare for the first public workshop Public workshop #1 to present opportunities, constraints, prior concepts, and “common themes” for success of the study SAC meeting #2 (a field tour or “walking audit”) including stakeholders, to review specific project area issues and opportunities Up to five telephone calls with key stakeholders to supplement information received from the public workshop and walking audit Task 3. Vision of TOD Land Use and Future Zoning SAC meeting #3 to review the Market Analysis and Parking concept and to prepare for Public Workshop #2 Public workshop #2 to present concepts in progress and obtain input on TOD SAC meeting #4 to present alternative concept plans and renderings, and gain input on a preferred alternative; funding options will also be discussed
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SAC meeting #5 to review proposed ordinance updates Task 4. Official Map Consultant team members work with Borough staff for this task SAC meeting #5 Task 5. Market Analysis Presented at SAC meeting #3 Task 6. Train Station Parking Garage Analysis and Concept Developed parallel with Market Analysis and presented at SAC meeting #3 Task 7. Funding Options Stakeholder review via mail and email Presented at SAC meeting #4 Task 8. Implementation Action Plan SAC meeting #5 to present preliminary recommendations for the implementation plan and obtain comments Task 9. Final Report SAC meeting #6 to review the draft report and prepare for the final public workshop Public workshop #3 to present the draft report To best steward Malvern’s resources, interviews, field visits, and other local activities will be scheduled in conjunction with each other whenever possible. WR&A will provide the Borough with presentation materials in electronic format suitable for display on the Borough’s website, if the Borough chooses to do so. This would expand the public information and involvement beyond those community members who are able to attend the public meetings. Furthermore, if deemed appropriate, WR&A will develop and maintain a project extranet site allowing secure access for Study Advisory Committee representatives to view and comment on deliverables and presentation materials. Our recent experience indicates that such a site fosters collaboration and partnership among project team members. Deliverables: SAC agendas and minutes. Public meeting summaries and outcomes.
TASK 2. EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS To ensure that the study builds on the efforts and vision of prior work, WR&A will review existing relevant planning documents, studies and ordinances. We have already reviewed documents that are available on the Borough and CCPC websites to kick start the process. The recommendations, strategies and vision statements from these documents will provide a foundation upon which to build and refine the vision of the study. The information and guiding issues from the first SAC meeting and the review of guidance documents will provide the framework for the project vision, goals and objectives. WR&A will develop a list of “common themes” mentioned in those documents and forums, and note the most frequently cited topics. Upon review by Malvern Borough, the preliminary list of “common themes” will be presented at an initial public workshop. Ideally, the “common themes” will give the project team guidance in the identification of specific project goals. The goals can be measurable, such as increasing the Borough’s tax base, making more parking capacity available for King Street commercial customers, or minimizing traffic impacts on residential streets adjacent to the TOD. We have found in some studies that they tend to be more qualitative, such as improving pedestrian accessibility,
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providing bus access, improving aesthetics, or facilitating safer bicycle travel. Defining the project goals will dictate our overall project‐specific approach. We have found that not only do the goals direct the project, they keep the study on track, helping to eliminate distractions with issues that are not central to the focus of the study. In every community planning project we undertake, we count on the local knowledge of project stakeholders to identify issues, opportunities, and constraints. It would be presumptuous for us to think we can develop a comprehensive list of issues. Based on our review of documents and our observations of the site, WR&A has established a few of the important opportunities and constraints associated with the Malvern TOD study area as a Pedestrian and Warren Street underpasses. framework for stakeholder discussion. Opportunities: The station site is immediately adjacent to downtown Malvern. Essentially the entire commercial area of the Borough is within a 1/4‐mile walk of the station. Malvern is well served by SEPTA commuter rail and Amtrak intercity rail. An underpass was recently constructed adjacent to Warren Avenue, providing a pedestrian connection across the tracks. Malvern provides transportation route choices for various modes of travel. Bus routes serve King Street. Sidewalks are in place throughout most of the borough, and travel volumes and speeds are generally low enough to consider shared streets for bicycles. Previous streetscape improvements on King Street provide a design vocabulary to be used for subsequent work. There is significant vacant or underutilized land in the station area to support TOD. Constraints: Existing parking for the train station is limited and highly occupied. The largest land area for potential TOD development is on the north side of the rail tracks, separated from the bulk of the Borough’s commercial corridor. Vehicle access to the TOD area north of the tracks is limited and involves traveling through the narrow Warren Avenue underpass or on local residential streets. TOD development is likely to be constrained by the future Malin Road extension funding and timing unless other access improvements are identified. The grade of Warren Avenue is steep for pedestrians between the TOD and King Street. Articulating this grade needs to be considered in the TOD design to encourage pedestrian circulation. There are no marked or signed bicycle facilities in the project area. Bicycle access to and from the TOD area will likely be very challenging. There may be other constraints to development that are not visible, such as limitation on sewer or other utility capacity. Any identification of issues, opportunities, and constraints without active stakeholder involvement would lack credibility, so we will use a field tour to fill out this list, and confirm its validity at the second SAC meeting. The field tour will consist of SAC members and other stakeholders walking the project area and discussing their concerns. As simple as Paoli walking audit.
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it sounds, we have recently used this tour process in Paoli, Newport, and many other communities and found it to be a landmark experience, galvanizing the participants behind particular project issues. Business owners and residents identified by the SAC will be asked to participate in this walk. We will arrange for individual telephone interviews with any key stakeholders that cannot participate. Existing Zoning Thomas Comitta will review existing Zoning Districts, as shown on the Zoning Map for Malvern Borough, in the context of existing and permitted land uses. In addition, the Area and Bulk Regulations will be reviewed in the context of existing property sizes and setbacks. Our expectation is that a TOD Overlay District will be needed to normalize zoning provisions for several existing/proposed underlying districts. Also, we believe that we can best invoke “new” Design Guidelines by utilizing Article VII‐A of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code pertaining to TNDs, especially Section 708‐A on a Manual of Written & Graphic Design Guidelines. Existing Train Station Parking and Traffic In order to correlate station parking demand with ridership, WR&A will obtain from SEPTA passenger volumes boarding and alighting at Malvern Station in both directions. We will also obtain available information on the station parking lot occupancy from SEPTA. In addition, WR&A will count the station lots’ parking occupancy from 7:00 am – 10:00 am to determine how early the lots are filled. WR&A will conduct an interview survey of rail passengers at the Malvern Station to obtain information on residence location, trip purpose, and mode of transport to and from Malvern station. the station (drive alone, carpool, kiss‐and‐ride, bus, taxi, walk, bike). For those that drove, we will ask where they parked. For those that did not drive, we will ask the reason for their mode choice, including whether parking availability is a factor. We will conduct station driveway counts and observations during the AM and PM commuter peaks to obtain traffic volumes with direction of approach/departure, as well as queuing associated with drop off and pickup. This information will be used in conjunction with the ridership projections to determine future station traffic and parking demand, and for pickup and dropoff needs. WR&A will also perform an inventory of on‐street and off‐street public parking spaces within the TOD area, and will conduct parking occupancy counts between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm (typical peak commercial parking hours) to obtain a baseline for the parking demand analysis (Task 6). Maps will be prepared of existing zoning, land use, transit routes and bus stops, street circulation and traffic controls, sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, and parking supply and occupancy. Base data for many of these maps are available from recent planning efforts. Deliverables: Maps and summary of existing conditions, minutes of walking audit and stakeholder interviews. The final work products under Task 2 will include a vision statement and a list of issues, opportunities, and constraints written in conjunction with, and approved by, the SAC.
TASK 3: VISION FOR TOD LAND USE AND FUTURE ZONING One of the most vital steps in the development of this type of plan is the visioning process. This process not only helps solidify the purpose of a plan, but also defines the issues that a plan will address and the goals implementation of the plan seeks to achieve. The vision plan process described for this proposal has been used by WR&A and its project manager on multiple projects; it achieves results and builds stakeholder support.
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BBP & Associates, LLC will provide a supporting role in the visioning task. This role will involve conveying the findings of the market analysis to the team to support the team’s efforts in preparing a preferred land use plan. The initial visioning process will provide guidance for the study team to develop and evaluate proposed improvements. WR&A expects that some or all of the following criteria will be important to the community: Create interesting and active places to live, work and play. Attract new businesses, especially business types that serve needs that have been commonly expressed by the community. Create more public parking for the King Street corridor. Encourage high quality and environmentally responsible design. Preserve Malvern’s attractive small town environment. Concept Plan for New TOD The TOD plan and supporting ordinances will make the development process more predictable and consistent for prospective developers. Based on the “common themes” expressed above and the results of the Task 5 Market Study, the WR&A team will develop two sketch plan concepts for the TOD focus area showing alternatives for buildings, accessible pedestrian access, bicycle facilities, bus circulation, parking, kiss‐and‐ride, and linkage to adjacent land uses. These sketch plans will accurately take into account site dimensions and constraints. During this stage, the team will meet with the Study Advisory Committee, to brainstorm ideas and review plan alternatives. In particular, we anticipate SEPTA will provide input on design standards and operating procedures that may affect the site layout. WR&A will also consult with the Borough to assess utility needs and identify any utility infrastructure capacity constraints. WR&A and BBP have particular experience in “small‐town TOD.” Typical TODs referenced in the literature are in more urbanized areas than Malvern, with significant multi‐story buildings. Our experience indicates that small towns, particularly vital ones like Malvern, would rather maintain their existing community character and incorporate TOD into that environment. Architecturally, new or reused structures should be harmonious with the community context. WR&A has had success with preparing renderings of several different conceptual designs and presenting them at public meetings to gauge public reaction. This has worked for WR&A to produce designs that are both pleasing to the community and functional. Examples of the firm’s renderings in different styles are provided below.
WR&A renderings of “small‐town TOD” in Beverly and Edgewater Park, NJ.
Transportation Assessment Increased train ridership resulting from the TOD will not generate new auto trips because TOD residents are likely to walk to the station. Driving trips may increase, but would come from residents living farther away. WR&A will obtain DVRPC population projections for the rider‐ shed and any available ridership forecasts from SEPTA. Using the passenger survey of existing riders conducted in Task 2, we will project additional station vehicle trips and station parking requirements.
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WR&A renderings of proposed TOD in West Baltimore. The TOD can be expected to increase SEPTA rail ridership as a result of TOD residents travelling to work or school and people travelling to office destinations in the TOD. We will prepare a brief technical memorandum summarizing the effects of the TOD on the train station traffic, parking, and requirements for pickup/dropoff area. Despite development of a livable, walkable environment in Malvern, it is likely that a significant portion of TOD residential, office or retail trips will still be made by auto. WR&A will test development scenarios proposed by the study team with regard to impacts on critical intersections such as King Street and Warren Avenue. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the residents of the neighborhood east of the TOD will be concerned about development traffic impacts. Potential traffic calming measures will be identified to address those concerns. Zoning Ordinance Update Thomas Comitta and WR&A will prepare the map to depict a TOD/TND Overlay District. The boundaries of the Overlay District will correspond to the boundaries selected in consultation with Malvern Borough. The text of the TOD/TND Overlay District will address “new” uses, mixed uses, context‐sensitive Area and Bulk Regulations, Parking Standards and other Design Standards. In addition, because we believe that it would be most effective to invoke Article VII‐A of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, we will prepare a draft of Design Guidelines for the TOD/TND Overlay District, and utilize Section 708‐A of the MPC pertaining to a Manual of Written & Graphic Design Guidelines to address Streetscape, Building Types, Pedestrian Amenities, Parking, Landscaping and Lighting. Where applicable the ordinances will be linked to the Official Map noted in Task 4 below. Summary WR&A anticipates meeting with the Study Advisory Committee twice during the technical analysis phase to discuss progress and obtain input on key issues. The second public workshop will be held midway through this process. The final work product under Task 3 will be a sketch plan report evaluating two plan alternatives for the TOD area and, based on SAC and community input, recommending one plan for development, circulation, access, and parking.
Deliverables: Example of WR&A’s rendering capabilities: Memorandum describing development and Manayunk Bridge and Ivy Ridge Trail, Philadelphia. evaluation of alternatives Color‐coded concept site plans for two alternatives Rendering of a view along Warren Avenue looking north from Broad Street Rendering of a view from Margaret Lane Rendering of a view along the north side of King Street Maps and text for zoning ordinance update to facilitate TOD
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TASK 4. OFFICIAL MAP Municipalities in Pennsylvania have been granted the power to create Official Maps through the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) to designate areas for both current and future public land and facilities. This designation on the Official Map then allows a municipality the ability to delay development of a property or properties up to a year to provide the municipality an opportunity to acquire the property for the designated public facilities. Within that time span, the municipality may opt to not acquire the property(s) at all and allow for the property owner to move forward with development plans. The Chester County Planning Commission encourages municipalities to create an Official Map, and Malvern has wisely decided to do this in concert with the TOD study. We will develop a draft Official Map for Planning Areas 10, 13 and 14 for review by Borough representatives and the SAC, drawing upon the guidance in CCPC Publication 48, the Malin Road Extension Study, the draft Comprehensive Plan and the TOD Vision. We will recommend various features to be included on the Official Map, including existing and proposed public streets; pedestrian ways and easements, sidewalks, and crosswalks; pocket parks, parking structures, alley/service drive connections; railroad and transit rights‐of‐way and easements; flood control basins, floodways, flood plains, stormwater management areas, and drainage easements. We will incorporate review comments on the map and anticipate presenting the recommended map at one meeting of Borough Council. Because Article IV of the MPC has a specific procedure for adoption of an Official Map, we assume that Malvern Borough will engage in an adoption process after our work program is completed. Deliverable: Initial Official Map for the Borough’s use
TASK 5. MARKET ANALYSIS BBP & Associates, LLC will undertake a market analysis of mixed use development that may be supported in the TOD focus area over the next five (5) years, focusing primarily on office and residential opportunities. Retail opportunities also will be reviewed, but limited to opportunities that support office and residential uses as well as complement (rather than compete with) the existing commercial district. Office and service market analysis: the office demand assessment will include review and assessment of future job growth (based on available information) in industries that traditionally occupy office space within a defined office market area surrounding the study area, with particular weight given to those types of firms most likely to prefer locations near transit. These industries generally include, but are not limited to: - Professional and business services - Finance, insurance, and real estate (FIRE) - Information - Health care (specifically, outpatient office‐based medical services) From these projections, BBP LLC will identify a potential future range of employment that the identified office market area(s) could attract. The reasonableness of this job growth will be tested by comparing employment patterns to commercial supply patterns. BBP LLC will review commercial supply data for the office market area to identify potential square feet per employee levels by office‐based industry. The estimation of employment per square feet will be used to translate the potential job growth in the office market area into demand for office space. The reasonableness of this demand may be tested by converting the demand in square feet to an annual basis, and comparing that annual demand to recent annual absorption levels based on available data. With a reasonable range of future development potential identified, BBP LLC will then profile office development projects in the development pipeline (e.g. under construction, planned, or proposed) based on information available from the client, as appropriate. The difference between the potential demand for new space will then be compared to the development pipeline to assess any opportunities not currently accounted for in development plans, and from that “opportunity gap,” specific opportunities for the TOD focus area identified. A recommended range of new office space will be provided that includes number of square feet and recommended office space features that would cater to the preferences of office‐based firms most likely to prefer transit‐oriented space.
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Residential market analysis: BBP LLC will evaluate potential sources of demand for transit‐oriented housing development (e.g. multi‐family and single‐family attached dwellings). The evaluation will begin with delineation of residential market areas, or the areas within which the majority of demand for and supply of housing is located. BBP LLC will profile households within the market areas and identify particular types of households most likely to prefer living near transit, with consideration given to demographic and lifestyle factors. These factors include but are not necessarily limited to: - Household type (e.g. singles, couples, families with children) - Age - Household income - Household characteristics - Lifestyle characteristics - Automobile ownership - Transit utilization - Travel time to work Based upon a review of the competitive supply of housing available or in the development pipeline (from data provided by the client, as available), and comparison of this supply to the likely demand for transit‐oriented living, BBP LLC will assess opportunities for new housing development in the market area, and in the TOD focus area. A recommended range of new units will be offered based upon this analysis that includes number of dwelling units, a breakout of rental and owner‐occupied units, potential sizes of new units, potential rent and price ranges, and recommended amenities to appeal to the target market. Retail and restaurant market analysis: the retail demand evaluation will begin with a delineation of retail market areas (e.g. the areas within which the majority of competitive retail space is located) and retail trade areas (e.g. the areas within which the majority of demand for retail space will derive). For the purposes of this evaluation, the trade areas will be based on industry standard drive sheds (e.g. access to customers). BBP LLC will then conduct a cursory “leakage” analysis to compare expenditures made by residents living in the trade area to sales made in the market area. The leakage analysis will give an indication of which types of retail may be underserved in the market area. Based on any available business inventories, BBP LLC will also review the types of retailers located in the existing commercial district in order to understand its retail business mix and any retail niche areas it fulfills. Next, BBP LLC will use the results of the office and residential market analyses to provide an estimate of retail that may be supported by new office and residential space in the TOD focus area. This step will involve estimating the average annual household income of new residents in order to project their spending habits. It will also involve estimating new office employee spending patterns, drawing from industry standards to estimate purchases made during the work day. These new sales from new residents and office workers will then be converted to retail square feet using industry data on potential sales per square foot. BBP LLC will use this information to provide an estimate of the supportable retail space in square feet, as well as a breakout of potential types of stores (i.e. grocery or other food store, casual dining, sit‐down dining, etc.). Deliverable: Market Analysis Report
WR&A/BBP collaboration on TOD planning and market analysis.
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TASK 6. TRAIN STATION PARKING GARAGE ANALYSIS AND CONCEPT The first step in this analysis is to quantify the parking demand within the area that would use a garage. This will of course include train station parking but might also provide spaces for mixed use development incorporated into the garage. WR&A will collect data on existing train station parking supply and demand as described earlier in the Existing Conditions task, also including other existing public parking in the focus area. We will further examine the potential for additional parking demand from increased ridership and adjacent uses. Because structured parking is expensive, provision of parking would be a strong incentive to promote adjacent development. Timothy Haahs & Associates will develop the garage concept plan based on the number of spaces needed and the location and available footprint determined from existing conditions analysis and stakeholder input. TimHaahs will: Review site drawings, master plan concept, zoning requirements, user requirements, traffic studies, accessibility requirements, and other related information relevant to the design of the parking structure. Develop the optimal functional layout (preliminary design) based upon the following: - Site constraints - Functionality as it relates to pedestrian and vehicular access/circulation - Consideration of a pickup/drop off area for non‐ motorized users - Opportunities for mixed use development and revenue generation with adjacent structures - Maximizing efficiency (square feet per parking space) Sample mixed‐use development/parking - Minimizing construction and maintenance costs structure rendering by TimHaahs. Develop a perspective architectural rendering that would accompany the recommended functional layout. Provide preliminary striping drawings indicating number of spaces, internal traffic flow, and a functional isometric view of the facility. Work with project team to prepare a preliminary order of magnitude construction cost estimate. Deliverable: Technical memorandum including parking demand study, garage analysis summary, garage concept plan, garage renderings, cost estimate.
TASK 7. FUNDING OPTIONS BBP & Associates, LLC will take the lead role in preparing an evaluation of funding options with a particular emphasis on tax increment financing (TIF) in order to finance the design and construction of the Train Station Parking Garage and Malin Road Extension. A financial model will be created that calculates potential TIF revenues from potential future development (in light of the Task 3 zoning recommendations) to assess their effectiveness in funding these public improvements. The viability of TIF will be determined, and next steps identified. A preliminary review of other public and private funding opportunities will also be undertaken in order to provide an overview of options for funding transportation infrastructure improvements. Deliverable: Funding Options Memorandum
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TASK 8. IMPLEMENTATION ACTION PLAN Based upon the previous analyses, the WR&A team will prepare implementation strategy recommendations for the study area. The implementation strategy will contain a blueprint or action plan which will serve as a living management tool for project implementation. Interrelationships among responsible parties will be defined and a specific step‐by‐step action program will be prepared. Estimated cost associated with each recommendation will be identified. Although most of the implementation strategies will be related to longer‐term development activities, the success of any study such as this rests on the ability to deliver results quickly. Rapid implementation of short‐term projects builds credibility in the community, reinforcing that this isn’t “just another study.” Throughout the study the team will look to identify these short‐term opportunities. Implementation strategies will delineate potential timing and phasing of public and private sector components to maximize opportunities for transit oriented development and redevelopment. The plan will prioritize the potential of TOD sites for redevelopment and identify potential near‐term redevelopment projects to accommodate future longer‐term TOD opportunities. Roles and responsibilities for the Borough of Malvern, CCPC, SEPTA, DVRPC, and other agencies and partners will be identified. The most prominent of these roles will include master plan and redevelopment plan updates as well as changes to zoning ordinances to facilitate TOD. Similarly, roles/responsibilities for private sector and/or any to‐ be‐created special local development corporations or special districts will be identified. Deliverable: Prioritized list of recommended actions with timeframes, lead agencies and costs.
TASK 9. FINAL REPORT A final report will be developed as an outcome of all of the previous tasks. The final plan document will summarize the following study elements: A brief summary of previous studies in the area. The vision for the project articulated by key project stakeholders, and the process used to generate that vision. The list of issues, opportunities, and constraints developed by the public and the project team, considered in the context of the vision. Preferred development concept plan based on market analyses and community needs. Graphics of the TOD concept plan and renderings based on those concepts . Parking plan for the station area, including concept Recent WR&A report for Tredyffrin Township. plan and renderings for a garage. The implementation strategy as detailed in Task 8, including planning‐level costs. Funding options for implementation will be summarized. Appendices detailing the stakeholder involvement process and recommended zoning ordinances. Our experience suggests that this report be brief and highly graphical. It will be designed to orient the public to the process followed in the development of the study, delineate key outcomes from each task, and provide a clear, legible guide to the implementation plan. For accountability, the report will identify next steps to be enacted by each of the responsible agencies and the development community. An anticipated schedule will be provided, with
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the understanding that dates are subject to changing market conditions, developer interest, and public funding opportunities. WR&A assumes two meetings with the SAC during this process: one to present preliminary recommendations for the implementation plan and one to review the draft report. After input from the SAC, the draft report and its recommendations will be presented at a final public workshop. Deliverable: the written report (25 hard copies and CD). Electronic CADD/GIS files will be provided on a separate CD. The CD will include each of the reports from the previous tasks for future reference by those who seek more in‐depth understanding of specific aspects of the study.
TASK 10. PROJECT MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATION The previous section of this proposal outlines WR&A’s approach to effective project management and communication. At the kickoff meeting, we will confirm the acceptability of the scope and schedule presented in the proposal. We will also gain an understanding of the availability of data to ensure that we don’t duplicate other efforts. In addition, we will review the anticipated stakeholder outreach plan with the stakeholders and identify those stakeholders with whom we should meet individually at the outset of the project. To effectively manage the project, WR&A will develop action item lists as often as weekly during the busiest phases of the project and distribute them to all team members so they are aware of responsibilities and due dates. WR&A’s standard project management practice is to submit detailed progress reports in conjunction with monthly invoices (in DVRPC format) to inform you of progress to date by task, identify issues that may impact the project schedule or budget, and request payment for services rendered. Although this monthly report provides important documentation to track project progress, any issues that may impact the schedule are discussed immediately with the project manager, not held until the next monthly report. Timely identification and resolution of schedule‐ and budget‐critical issues will best assist the client and the other Study Team members in their goal of developing an effective TOD plan for Malvern Borough.
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4 Proposed Schedule of Deliverables
The following schedule was set forth in the RFP. WR&A understands that the schedule is subject to change, but recognizes the goal of completing the final plan by September 30, 2013. Selection and Negotiation April 2012 Contract Approval April/May 2012 Commence Work June 2012 Final Plan All work completed by September 30, 2013
WR&A believes the study schedule can be compressed to a year, and will commit sufficient qualified staff to complete work within the schedule illustrated in the bar chart below. The key staff members noted in this proposal have sufficient availability to begin work immediately and meet that schedule commitment. This schedule has the advantage of completing the stakeholder review of the draft report and the final public meeting in May 2013 before the start of the summer season and completing work well in advance of a study funding deadline. We will review this schedule with Malvern Borough and other Study Advisory Committee members as appropriate prior to beginning work.
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March 2, 2012
Ms. Sandra L. Kelly Manager Malvern Borough 1 E. First Avenue, Suite 3 Malvern, PA 19355
Re: Certificate of Eligibility Malvern Transit Oriented Development Plan
Dear Ms. Kelly:
At your request, Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP (WR&A) is pleased to provide this Certificate of Eligibility in conjunction with our proposal for the Malvern Transit Oriented Development Plan
CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP is not ineligible to receive award of a contract due to the firm’s inclusion on any federal, Pennsylvania or New Jersey State lists of debarred contractors, or otherwise ineligible to be awarded a contract using federal or state funds.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with you on this project.
Very truly yours, Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP
Joseph S. Makar, P.E . Partner
J:\1204P02 ‐ Malvern TOD\Certificate of eligibility.docx Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP