On August 11th, FHNA hosted representatives from the University of Utah, The Salt Lake City Department of Transportation and UDOT to speak with Federal Heights residents about the impact of the University Campus Master Plan on traffic and parking in Federal Heights. Norm Chambers, Vice President for Auxiliary Services at the University of Utah, Jason Davis, Deputy Director for the Region 2 office in Salt Lake City represented UDOT. A representative from Transportation, although scheduled to attend, had a last minute scheduling conflict. Prior to the meeting Mr. Chambers asked FHNA to seek input from residents in regard to those questions they wanted him to most answer. Thirty-seven residents responded to Mr. Chamber’s request and submitted questions. Approximately 70 individuals attended the meeting, along with representatives from several community councils in the area. Michael Barry, Department of Transportation Engineer for the Salt Lake area, and Scott Vaterlaus, City Traffic Engineer for the Department of Transportation, has supplied FHNA with formal responses to residents’ questions.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE U OF U’S COMMUNITY IMPACT POLICY 3-201 AND TRAFFIC STUDIES DONE IN THE FEDERAL HEIGHTS AREA
QUESTION: “The U is not subject to the planning and zoning authority of Salt Lake County. I am now being told by City administration that there is a great deal of concern on their part in regard to the encroachment into the City and surrounding neighborhoods by the CMP [Campus Master Plan]. Is the U willing to work with the City to help minimize traffic and parking impacts on these streets, or is the City going to be left holding the bag? Please explain what traffic studies have been done in the Federal Heights area, and what those studies show?”
· RESPONSE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “Federal Heights falls within the jurisdiction of Salt Lake City. The University is not aware of any traffic studies that have been done in that area. Perhaps Salt Lake City has conducted one.”
NOTE: The University Traffic & Transportation Committee, which has been meeting quarterly for a period of two years, provides a forum, hosted by the University of Utah, for a variety of groups located in the northeast sector of Salt Lake City to discuss and share ideas regarding traffic, transportation and growth, It’s mission statement is to develop strategies for mitigating traffic congestion and improving transportation options in the Northeast sector so Salt Lake City, specifically traffic corridors/roads in and around the University of Utah, and to provide a forum to exchange information regarding traffic activity, trends, transit ridership trends, master plans, land development plans, planned construction projects, transportation demand management and community traffic concerns. Attending this meeting are various University administrators, representatives for University Transit Authority, Wasatch Front Regional Council, SLC transportation Division, UDOT, Reps from the various medical facilities and the chairs of various community councils and neighborhood associations, including the FHNA. If you are interested in participating in these discussions, or you require additional information contact Jennifer.reed@aux.utah.edu, or phone 801-581-4033.
· RESPONSE FROM UDOT: “UDOT indicated at the August 11th meeting that no traffic studies have been done by their department in respect to state roads within the Federal Heights area in regard to traffic impacts associated with the University Campus Master Plan.”
· SLC Department of Transportation: “In response to this question, on 09/10/09 Transportation set up traffic counters on Federal Way, Federal Heights Drive, Butler Avenue, Wolcott Street, South Temple, and University Street. The results from that survey are not yet completed.”
NOTE: Before building projects the size and magnitude of the Campus Master Plan are allowed to begin, traffic studies are done in order to identify, review, and make recommendations for mitigation of the potential impacts a development may have on city and state roads. However, the University of Utah is not subject to the planning and zoning authority of municipalities or other local governmental units in which it is located (Utah Code 10-9-29). As an institution of the state it is subject to control and direction by its governing boards, the State Division of Facilities Construction & Management, the State Building Board, and the state legislature. The University of Utah Physical Facilities Community Impact Policy 3-201 states as its purpose to “establish a process for planning and construction of physical facilities on the university campus which minimizes any adverse impact on nearby residents, businesses and local government . . . . When planning and constructing physical facilities on campus, the university shall seek to minimize any adverse impact on adjacent neighborhoods and/or the community in a manner consistent with the attainment of its missions and goals. . . . It is the policy of the university to address in each stage of its physical facilities planning and construction activities those pertinent factors which would ordinarily be considered in municipal planning and zoning processes.”
QUESTIONS ABOUT WRONG WAY DRIVING, SPEEDING AND ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC ON BUTLER AVENUE, FEDERAL WAY AND FEDERAL HEIGHTS DRIVE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
QUESTION (DIRECTED TO THE SLC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION): “I believe that you have already been informed of the traffic issues on Federal Way, but I would like to clarify the problem. I am very concerned about the excessive traffic and decreased safety for pedestrians and bicyclists on my street. Federal Way is a narrow one-way street that runs roughly parallel to 100 South between University Avenue and Wolcott Avenue. The road curves and has parking on both sides of the street leading to limited visibility. Commuters are using the street as an alternate route to the University. My neighbors and I have discussed the problem with the Salt Lake Police Department, UDOT, the University of Utah, the Federal Heights neighborhood association, Eric Jergensen (our councilman) and have now been directed to you. On Monday, September 1, I recorded by camera the traffic from 7-9 a.m. so that I can provide actual numbers. The commuter traffic runs from about 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., 7-9 a.m. is the busiest time. From 7-8 a.m. we saw 110 vehicles (cars, trucks and motorcycles), or an average of 1.83 vehicles per minute. During this time 16 pedestrians and bicycles passed by. From 8-9 a.m. we saw 159 vehicles drive by or 2.65 vehicles per minute, and 28 pedestrians and bicycles.”
QUESTION (DIRECTED TO THE SLC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION): “I live at the corner of Federal Way and Wolcott and would like to add to the list of concerns the overwhelming prevalence of traffic not stopping at the 4 way stop. I estimate that 75% never come to a complete stop. I also would like to voice my concern about available parking on the street which seems in excess on Federal Way. The street is too narrow and curving for parking on both sides and poses a real safety hazard. Finally, the speed limit is rarely followed and almost always exceeded which the counters won’t identify. . . the neighborhood has had enough and won’t let these issues die.”
· RESPONSE FROM UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “University administration indicates that they do not have jurisdiction over Federal Way.”
· RESPONSE FROM SLC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: In an email dated 9/04/09 from Scott Vaterlaus, Traffic Engineer: “Thank you for the information and additional insights. We will be placing traffic counters in the area after Labor Day to gather more data. We’ll be in touch.”
QUESTION: “We are getting a lot of traffic from the upper avenues, north Salt Lake and Bountiful exiting and entering campus using Federal Heights Drive via 11th. Traffic is already bad enough along Federal Heights Drive to the U. We don’t want to see it get worse. Have you done any studies in regard to this problem?”
NOTE: At the Oct. 5, 2009, University Traffic and Transportation Committee Meeting representatives from UTA indicated that this new service had been wildly successful, with buses taking 30- 35 riders to the U and on to the medical facilities every 15 minutes during rush hours. Unfortunately the demand may outweigh UTA’s ability to provide the buses needed.
· RESPONSE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “To help alleviate problems associated with University traffic coming from Davis County a new bus service (#2) has been added to campus. This bus will start at the Front Runner downtown TRAX station that serves Davis County going to the U via Second South every 15 minutes during the hours of 6:00 am to 8:00 am.”
· RESPONSE FROM SLC DEP. OF TRANSPORTATION: “In response to this question, Transportation has set up traffic counters on Federal Heights Drive.”
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE INTERSECTIONS AT NORTH CAMPUS DRIVE AND PENROSE AND NORTH CAMPUS DRIVE AND FEDERAL HEIGHTS DRIVE
QUESTION: “The big concern for those living on Second and Third Avenue in regard to traffic is that traffic through Penrose drive will be re-opened up to the U. Someone has removed the right turn only signs and no U turn signs at the intersections of North Campus Drive and Penrose and North Campus Drive and Federal Heights Drive. Who removed those signs and why?
· RESPONSE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “With respect to the Campus Master Plan, Mr. Chambers indicated that there is no plan to make changes to these intersections. The median at both intersections will remain and there will be no left turn allowed from Penrose and Federal Heights drive onto North Campus Drive. Mr. Chambers indicated at the August 11th meeting that he did not know who had removed the signs, or when they would be replaced.”
· RESPONSE FROM UDOT: “Mr. Davis indicated that he did not know who had removed the signs at these intersections. When residents at the meeting asked Mr. Davis if UDOT would consider putting in higher or larger medians in an effort to stop illegal U turns at these intersections, Mr. Davis indicated UDOT would not consider this, as it would pose a danger to automobiles.”
· RESPONSE FROM SLC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: No response.
QUESTIONS REGARDING AREA 2 PARKING ISSUES
QUESTION: “Residents on Military Way are concerned that with University expansion will come expansion of Parking Area 2. We do not look forward to more regulation in our lives due to lack of parking on campus. I will continue to oppose non-student restrictions in front of my home, as this would depreciate the value of my home and would constitute a taking of the value of my home without due process.”
· RESPONSE FROM SLC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: “We do not anticipate future expansion or increased regulation of CPP Area 2. Military Way is currently in the CPP program. The CPP rules and regulations for Military Way will not change unless the residents request a change.”
QUESTION: “The one hour parking restriction is not working on Butler. Students are taking advantage and sticking around for hours and parking enforcement is not getting back to our street in time to catch these people.”
· RESPONSE FROM DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: “Butler Ave residents may request a modification to the rules and regulations on their street if they feel that they are not working. In fact, a few residents have been working on a proposal for some time. Parking enforcement will never be 100% effective and many commuters will take their chance by staying longer than allowed. Please contact Parking Enforcement if more enforcement is needed.”
QUESTION: “What is the status and timeline for completion of the parking area at the old ROTC site? How many parking spaces are going to be available at this site? Can we count on the U to take a more active role to monitor University fraternities and sororities by making that parking lot available to Greeks and their guests in an effort to alleviate some of the noise and parking issues our community deals with now?”
· RESPONSE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “That will be an A-Permit (Faculty & Staff) parking lot. However, after 3:00 pm U-Permits (Students) are permitted to park in most of the A-Permit parking lots, including the new lot on First South.” Mr. Chambers indicated at the August 11th meeting that this lot will have 81 spaces and will expand to a three-tiered parking structure within three years with over 200 spaces.
QUESTION: “What is the status of parking on the U’s property and the overflow into the neighborhood? Have you done any studies in regard to how many students are parking off campus in the Federal Heights area every day?
· RESPONSE FROM UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “During the first week of fall semester classes there was sufficient parking available on campus to accommodate all of the University’s parking demand. The U’s Commuter Services Department has placed signs in the Wasatch Drive area advising students that there is plenty of parking available in the Guardsman Way parking lot. Commuter Services also surveyed the Federal Heights neighborhood area on four days before classes started (August 13th, 17th, 18th and 19th) and on two days after fall semester classes started (August 31st and September 1st). During this period, between one and three vehicles each day were found parked along Federal Heights Drive that had any association with the University. The people involved (students & employees) are being contacted and asked to park in campus parking lots. The other Federal Heights streets near campus (Military Way, South Wolcott Street, North Wolcott Street, Federal Way, Butler Avenue and University Street) were also checked. Many of the cars parked along these streets had residential permits displayed. In addition, several cars were found that were not displaying residential permits, however, after checking the license plate numbers, none of the vehicles had any University association. On August 31st and September 1st Salt Lake City Parking Enforcement was observed patrolling the Federal Heights streets and issuing several parking tickets.”
QUESTION: How many parking spots have been lost and how many have been gained?”
· RESPONSE FROM UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “During the past four months approximately 1, 100 parking spaces were lost due to building and infrastructure construction project. More than 75% of the spaces were replaced prior to the start of fall semester. The remaining spaces that haven’t been replaced, approximately 278, will be replaced during the next year as infrastructure projects wrap up and the expansion of the East Merrill Engineering lot is completed. There are still vacant parking spaces on campus during peak demand periods, mostly located in the Guardsman Way parking lot.”
QUESTIONS CONCERNING PEDESTRIAN ISSUES ON FIRST SOUTH
QUESTION: “As the Master Plan goes forward and traffic gets worse on First South what is the University going to do to make the intersection at Butler and First South more pedestrian friendly for those entering and exiting campus on foot? Do you have funds set aside in the Master Plan to install pedestrian lights or to at least help the City with the cost to install pedestrian lights at this intersection? Who steals all those orange pedestrian flags at these intersections?”
· RESPONSE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: At the August 11th meeting Mr. Chambers indicated the U would be willing to work with the City to help solve this issue.
· RESPONSE BY SLC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: At the August 11th meeting Detective Sloan, SLCPD, who was in attendance, indicated to those present that there is no money for flashers. However, Detective Sloan states that the City has committed to repaint the crosswalk in the near future.
NOTE: A number of residents have lost their lives crossing First South. FHNA and other concerned Federal Heights residents have requested that flashers be installed at the intersections of Butler and First South and Wolcott and First South. Walking is a great form of exercise and is certainly easier on the environment than motor vehicles, as it eases the traffic congestion going in and out of the University. FHNA believes that is only wise to make certain that those making the least impact on traffic, noise and congestion by walking to campus can do so without putting their lives in danger. We believe it is imperative that streets around the periphery of campus be made safe for everyone who chooses to walk to the University of Utah. Butler Avenue resident, Gene Fitzgerald, has been voluntarily replacing the orange traffic flags at the intersection of Butler. FHNA recognizes Gene for his service and for caring for his fellow citizens.
QUESTIONS REGARDING ACCIDENTS ON GREEN HILL (the greenspace located along the northside of North Campus Drive)
QUESTION: “We have had numerous accidents from cars coming around the curve on North Campus Drive and rolling down Green Hill and into the backyards of our homes. My husband and children were almost killed by one driver. Will you consider barricades along that section of Green Hill where cars are veering off the road and down the hill?”
· RESPONSE FROM UDOT: At the August 11th meeting Mr. Davis indicated that UDOT would not install barricades along North Campus Drive along the curve in question in order to protect the lives of those using Green Hill (even if the life saved was that of a child playing on the hill or the lives of those living in houses at the bottom of Green Hill), as he felt this would pose a danger to automobiles. FHNA asked Mr. Davis to visit the location and report back to us. Mr. Davis agreed to do this.
NOTE: In order to improve the safety of the Utah highway system, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is required to keep accurate accident statistics for different highway classes. Although UDOT keeps a complete accident database, it does not reveal commonalities and trends behind accidents. At the August 11th meeting Mr. Davis promised Federal Heights residents that he would visit Green Hill and get back to them on this problem. Although we did follow up with Mr. Davis, we have yet to receive any reply from him or his department. We call upon UDOT to follow through, be sincere in their behavior toward residents, and engage in open communication with us in regard to protecting the lives of those who live at the bottom of Green Hill.
QUESTIONS ABOUT REALIGNMENT OF NORTH CAMPUS DRIVE
QUESTION: “Although Mr. Perez made the statement in our meeting with him on May 20th that the re-alignment of North Campus Drive wouldn’t happen for years that didn’t really allay the fears of those who live on the east side of Wolcott. Would you be upfront and tell Wolcott residents exactly what this would mean for these property owners?”
RESPONSE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: At the August 11th meeting Mr. Chambers promised residents that a realignment of North Campus Drive will not take place for 20-25 years. A Sunnyside E. resident pointed out that if it is part of the Campus Master Plan it could happen at any time. Mr. Chambers promised residents that the University would put the 20-25 year timeline in writing. At the August 20th University Community Forum Meeting, Officers of FHNA reminded University administration in regard to Mr. Chambers promise. FHNA officers also asked what it would take to amend the Campus Master Plan. University administration made the statement that the CMP is a fluid or living document, but that it would take a lot of time and effort to amend the document.
NOTE: In the October 2009 University of Utah Community forum Newsletter the questions was asked, “Is the Kennecott Building going to be torn down?” The answer was, “The University currently ahs no plans to demolish the Kennecott Building. In fact, the 2009 legislative session approved a much-needed remodel to this facility. The building is used by the College of Engineering for faculty offices and program spaces. It was remodeled as recently as 2001, and will receive additional upgrades that will include interior carpet and ceiling tile replacement, bathroom remodeling, ADA upgrades, fire and safety upgrades and stair code compliance.”
QUESTIONS ABOUT LACK OF COMMUNITY INPUT
QUESTION: “Please explain why so few of us in this neighborhood have been getting information from the U during the past two years? When I start a project that is going to impact my neighbors I am required to contact every one of those neighbors before the project begins. What makes the University of Utah any different from me? Shouldn’t you have been contacting all of us long ago? You know where we live. We all live in a row.”
QUESTION: “I have lived in this neighborhood for a long time and I have never received a copy of the University of Utah Community Forum Newsletter until just last week. I decided I had better take a look at what I have been missing and was pretty shocked to find out that there have already been three meetings where neighbors were supposedly given an opportunity to participate in open dialogue about the Campus Master Plan. I also learned that the University is not required to obtain public approval, but also see that you insist that you have been engaging in efforts as “best as you could” to obtain community input. I have to say I am pretty dismayed by all of this. Exactly how many residents in Federal Heights were invited to these meetings?”
· RESPONSE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: At the August 20th University Community forum Meeting, University administration made the statement to FHNA officers that they believe they have fulfilled their obligation to apprise Federal Heights residents in regard to community forum meetings by posting this information on their web sites and by providing information to local community councils and local newspapers. Mr. Perez indicated that to expect the University to go “door to door” was a ridiculous expectation on the part of Federal Heights Residents.
QUESTIONS ABOUT CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC ASSOCIATED WITH THE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
QUESTION: “Do you have a special permit to run construction traffic outside of the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.? I am hearing construction on building projects at the U start as early as 6:00 am on some days.”
QUESTION: “Where are all of the big dump trucks coming up Wolcott going? There have been times when we have them lined up and waiting on our street.
QUESTION: “Exactly where will truck traffic during construction of the Sorenson building be routed and during what hours of the day can we expect to have these trucks in our neighborhood?”
· RESPONSE FROM UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “Large trucks involved in construction at the U should not be using residential streets in Federal Heights without a permit to do so. This is against State law.”
NOTE: In the October 2009 Community Forum Newsletter the question was asked, “How do Salt Lake City and the University determine haul routes? The answer was, “State law requires that trucks only haul on state highways unless there is no other route available. In that case, the haul routes must be approved. The University of Utah uses 500 South and Foothill for hauling. If neighbors are aware of violations of this law, they are encouraged to record the name of the company (usually marked on the trucks) and license plates of the vehicle and contact either Salt Lake City or the University of Utah. Usually drivers of the vehicles do not carry the permits.”
QUESTION: “The perception is that you are flying by the seat of your pants, making decisions at the last second and not taking into consideration the impact on those who live in this community. I was left in the middle of gridlock several months ago when you started closing streets without bothering to consider where traffic was going to go. Could you comment about this?”
· RESPONSE FROM UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “For current updates about construction on campus go to http:/www.facilities.utah.edu. This website includes a map of the campus designed to communicate current conditions on campus.”
QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAX
QUESTION: “Mike Perez insisted that all those extra commuters to campus are going to be using TRAX. Nice idea but not very realistic. There are still going to be a lot of students and faculty using their cars to get to school. The fact is it takes longer to get to campus using TRAX than to drive. You’re already offering TRAX passes for nothing. What other incentive is left?”
· RESPONSE FROM UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “Commuter Services is again focusing on its “Go Green/Save Green” campaign for the start of the school year. Last year the price of gas encouraged more ridership on public transpiration and it was up by 36%. The University does not expect to get that number again this fall, but we do expect to exceed 33% due to some improvements made by UTA, including adding direct TRAX service to and from Sandy every ½ hour, adding a new bus route from SL Central to University Hospital from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and increasing the FrontRunner from Ogden.” The University’s extensive efforts to encourage mass transit ridership are outlined on pages 9-17 & 9-18 of http://www.facilities.utah.edu/static-content/facilitiesmanagement/files/pdf/2008_UofU_CMP_9_Appendix_A.pdf.”
QUESTION: “Can the Campus Master Plan be amended?”
RESPONSE FROM UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: “Yes; the Campus Master Plan is considered a fluid document and, as such, changes with the needs of the university community. It is important to consider that any changes to the document require an approval process, ultimately ending in a decision by the University’s Board of Trustees.”
CONCLUSION
FHNA is tracking the following situations:
FHNA is awaiting data from those surveys being done by the SLC Department of Transportation on Federal Way, Federal Heights Drive, University Street, Wolcott Street, Butler Avenue, and South Temple. Once the surveys are complete, and after careful consideration by FHNA Traffic Committee and input from residents who live on these streets, proposals will be made to the City that will be geared to help eliminate heavy traffic on these streets due to commuter traffic to the U and medical facilities.
FHNA will continue to petition UDOT for changes to North Campus Drive in regard to the accidents that are affecting the properties and lives of those who live on the East side of Wolcott Street.
Once construction is completed on the Reservoir Park project, FHNA will hold the City to their promise to re-paint the pedestrian cross walks at the intersections of Butler Avenue and First South and Wolcott Avenue and First South, and First South and University Street.
FHNA will continue to remind University Administration in regard to their promise to put in writing that North Campus Drive will not be re-aligned for 20-25 years.
FHNA will continue to pursue the issue of the missing “no left turn” signs at the intersections of North Campus Drive and Penrose and Federal Heights Drive. Since these streets are under the jurisdiction of the SLC Department of Transportation, FHNA will petition the City to replace those signs.
FHNA’s Parking Committee is scheduled to present a proposal to Federal Heights residents who live on Butler Avenue, South Wolcott Street, Federal Way and University Street in regard to a petition that will discontinue the policy of discrimination against single-family residents who live on these streets. This comes in lieu of an increase in parking fees for those who live in Area 2 but who continue to have difficulty parking in front of their own residences.
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