Picture Main Street community Forum_11-10-202011/11/2020
1
AGENDA
1.Project Refresher
2.Project Goals & Early Community
Themes
3.Shared Streets and Spaces Recap &
Lessons Learned
4.Early Conceptual Ideas
5.Breakout Group Discussions
6.Project Process Going Forward
11/11/2020
2
ZOOM POLL: WHO’S IN THE ROOM?
What is your relationship to Main Street? (check all that apply)
I live on/near Main St
I’m an employee or business owner on Main St
I visit Main St to shop, dine, etc.
I travel through Main St regularly
I do not interact with Main St
Other (type into chat)
ZOOM POLL: WHO’S IN THE ROOM?
How do you travel to/along Main Street? (check all that apply)
I walk
I ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard
I take the bus
I drive my own car
I carpool with others or get dropped off
I use a ride hailing service (Uber/Lyft/Taxi)
Other (type into chat)
11/11/2020
3
1. PROJECT REFRESHER
This is a full-reconstruction project of the heart of Main Street from
West Street to Market Street
This project will look at everything: the street, the underground
utilities, the sidewalks, the trees, the amenities, the art, etc.
This project is MassDOT programmed for future funding ($16.6 M)
in the State’s Transportation Improvement Program for 2025
This project did not start from scratch - It builds on many previous
studies to move from planning into design and construction
WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR?
PREVIOUS PLANS, STUDIES, AND DATA
MassDOT Road Safety Audit (2020)
Climate Resilience and Regeneration Plan (2020 - Draft)
ADA Transition Plan (2020)
A Downtown Northampton for Everyone: Residents,
Visitors, Merchants, and People at Risk (2019)
Transit Mobility Alternatives (2018)
Open Space, Recreation, & Multiuse Trail Plan (2018)
Walk Bike Northampton (2017)
Route 9 Safety and Livability Study (2017)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Assessment (2016)
Downtown Parking Study (2015)
Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan (2008)
Route 9 Railroad Overpass Safety Study (2006)
Northampton Streetscape Improvement Plan (2005)
11/11/2020
4
MAIN STREET: TOP CRASH LOCATION
COMMON SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS:
ROAD SAFETY AUDIT (2020) AND WALK/BIKE AUDIT (2016)
Narrow the roadway and clarify lanes
Refresh pavement markings
Shorten crosswalks and improve visibility at crosswalks and intersections
Upgrade ramps and sidewalks to be universally accessible
Update pedestrian signal equipment to meet modern accessibility standards
Upgrade traffic signals to provide better traffic control, coordination, and responsiveness
Ensure there is adequate parking available for disabled and limited mobility people
Designate spaces for business deliveries, police, taxi, and ride hail services
Install separated bike facilities and protected intersections
Evaluate bus stop locations and upgrade transit facilities
Install transit signal priority
Evaluate street lighting
11/11/2020
5
2. PROJECT GOALS & COMMUNITY
THEMES
Create a safe street
Create a multimodal street
Support a vibrant economy
Contribute to a healthy environment
Provide universal accessibility
PROJECT GOALS & EARLY COMMUNITY THEMES (JAN 2020)
Create a
Safe Street
Shorten and
improve visibility
at crosswalks
Clarify space
within the street
Ensure
emergency
response access
Create a
Multimodal Street
Provide dedicated
space for all
types of
transportation
Ensure reliable
vehicular
mobility
Provide enhanced
transit service
and amenities
Support a
Vibrant Economy
Manage and
optimize parking
Integrate delivery,
loading, and
snow storage
operations
Support civic
activity by
extending the
sidewalk
Contribute to a
Healthy
Environment
Preserve and
enhance trees
and landscaping
Incorporate green
infrastructure
into new utilities
Provide Universal
Accessibility
Prioritize
accessibility for
people with
limited mobility
Center art and
placemaking in
the design
Consider unique
role of “first-
amendment
space”
GOAL
COMMUNITY THEMES
11/11/2020
6
WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR?
2020 RECAP
Winter 2020
• Jan 13 – Community
Meeting
• Jan 13 – Project Advisory
Group Meeting
• Jan 14 – Business Group
Meeting
• Jan 14 – Joint Parking and
Bike/Ped Committee
Meeting
• Jan - March – Community
Survey
Spring 2020
• COVID-19 pandemic begins
affecting life in Northampton
Summer 2020
• Outdoor Dining on Lower
Main Street installed
• Received MassDOT Grant
for Shared Streets and
Spaces Project
• Aug 20 – Temporary Project
Installed on Upper Main
Street
• September 10 – Business
Forum
• Sep 14 – Temporary Project
Removed on Upper Main
Street
Fall 2020
• Oct 20 – Transportation &
Parking (TPC)
• Oct 21 – Bicycle &
Pedestrian subcommittee
• Oct. 22- Planning Board
• Oct 29 – Downtown
Northampton Assoc
• Nov 5 – Project Advisory
Group
• Nov 10 – Community
Forum
• November 20 – Chamber
Economic Development
STREET ELEMENT RANKINGS:
HOW HIGHLY DO YOU WANT TO SEE THESE ELEMENTS?
Source: Web survey (Jan-Mar 2020)
11/11/2020
7
STREET ELEMENT RANKINGS:
MOST POPULAR ELEMENTS
75
69
116
152
346
51
154
70
76
95
332
73
59
65
118
161
346
42 66
331
108
107
64
124
73
315
147
87
61
117
Source: Web survey (Jan-Mar 2020)
Café w/wider sidewalk
Protected Bike Lane
High-viz crosswalk Art crosswalk
Most Popular
(Top 5 Elements
with the most 4-
5 star rankings)
3. SHARED STREETS & SPACES RECAP
AND LESSONS LEARNED
MassDOT Grant for $200,000
Temporary installation with painted sidewalk extensions, protected
bike lanes, single travel lanes, and parallel parking in place of some
angled parking as well as smart parking garage sign
Installed August 20-22, 2020
Feedback received:
Shared Streets and Spaces Survey
Meeting with business groups hosted by Mayor
Comments on social media (Facebook)
Petitions
Installation removed September 14-15, 2020
11/11/2020
8
SHARED STREETS & SPACES PROJECT RECAP
Photos / videos to remind folks of what changes were
Before / After photo in front of City Hall –shows reduction in crosswalk length
Length of Pedestrian
Exposure: 80 feet
Length of Pedestrian
Exposure: 30 feet
SHARED STREETS & SPACES PROJECT RECAP
Photos / videos to remind folks of what changes were
Before / After photo in front of City Hall –shows reduction in crosswalk length
11/11/2020
9
SHARED STREETS & SPACES PROJECT RECAP
Photos / videos to remind folks of what changes were
Before / After photo in front of City Hall –shows reduction in crosswalk length
SHARED STREETS & SPACES PROJECT RECAP
Photos / videos to remind folks of what changes were
Before / After photo in front of City Hall –shows reduction in crosswalk length
11/11/2020
10
RESPONDENT RELATIONSHIP TO MAIN STREET
7
53
295
30
124
102
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
I'm a student at a nearby
college or university
I'm a visitor from outside
of Northampton
I shop/dine/hang out on
Main St
I'm a Main St property or
business owner
I live on or Near Main St I work on or near Main St
Source: Shared Streets and Spaces survey
(Aug-Oct 2020), n=416
SHARED STREETS FEEDBACK
I can safely bike with my kids on main street
now, which I did not feel safe doing before! … I
feel much better about letting them go …
whenever they want to on their own now.
The changes have made downtown feel chaotic,
visually confusing, and decidedly less safe.
More room for people to gather - more people
oriented than car oriented. It supports
community connection.
Parking has NOT been an issue.
Businesses complain about deliveries being
harder.
People like ease and simplicity. They don't like
barriers and obstacles. If it's not easy to park in
the center of Downtown, it's not easy to shop.
Therefore, customers go elsewhere.
Would love to see more 15-minute or 1-hour
spaces on Main St. with longer term parking on
side streets.
The wider sidewalk areas with room for outdoor
dining is wonderful. I'd love to see these be made
into actual sidewalks...
11/11/2020
11
PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF CHANGES ON MAIN STREET
28.6%
24.8%
27.9%
16.3%16.0%15.4%
3.8%
11.7%
15.4%
7.9%
16.7%16.9%
27.2%
30.8%
24.3%
16.1%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
I'd like to see the changes made permanent The changes make me more likely to shop, dine, or spend time on
Main St
The changes make me feel more safe and comfortable on Main St
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree Other
Source: Shared Streets and Spaces survey
(Aug-Oct 2020), n=416
FAVORITE FEATURES OF SHARED STREETS PROJECT
10.9%
7.5%
26.7%
13.5%
15.6%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
Feels safer for pedestrians and/or
bicyclists, including less exposure time in
shorter crossings
Clear lane delineation, Narrower lanes,
Single lanes, Reduced vehicle space,
Reduced vehicles
Bike lanes, Protected bike lanes,
Separated bike lanes
Outdoor dining Artwork, Colors, Vibrancy, Aesthetics
Source: Shared Streets and Spaces survey
(Aug-Oct 2020), n=416
11/11/2020
12
LEAST FAVORITE FEATURES OF SHARED STREETS PROJECT
21.9%
5.3%
18.0%
6.3%
4.1%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
Less parking Parallel Parking Traffic, Congestion, Single Travel Lane Difficult to navigate, Confusion, Visually
distracting or chaotic
Not enough accessible spaces,
Accessible spaces not safe
Source: Shared Streets and Spaces survey
(Aug-Oct 2020), n=416
SHARED STREETS: MAIN TAKE-AWAYS
Maintain angled parking
Install a separated bike lane
Make the street feel safe and people-centered
Ensure accessibility for people who are disabled and have limited mobility
Ensure reliable vehicular mobility and emergency access
Ensure deliveries and snow storage are built into the plan
11/11/2020
13
TACTICAL PROJECTS VS FULL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Tactical: paint and low-cost materials Full Construction: curb, hardscape, and landscaping opportunity
TACTICAL PROJECTS VS FULL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Tactical: paint and low-cost materials Full Construction: curb, hardscape, and landscaping opportunity
11/11/2020
14
4. EARLY CONCEPTUAL IDEAS
Elements included in all concepts
Accessibility and sidewalk upgrades
Narrower roadway and shorter crossings
Bike lanes
Clearer delineation of vehicle travel lanes
Upgrades to traffic signal equipment and functionality
Preservation of as many existing healthy trees as possible
New sub-surface utilities (pipes below the street)
Elements to Discuss
How and where to organize space within the street for different uses
PLEASANTSection 1:
Elm/West to
New South
Section 2:
New South to
Center
Section 3:
Center to
King/Pleasant
Section 4:
King/Pleasant to
Market/Hawley
11/11/2020
15
SECTION 1: ELM/WEST TO NEW SOUTH
KEY SIMILARITIES:
New crossing at Elm/West
New large curb extension
at New South
Turn lanes provided
KEY DIFFERENCES:
Option 1 provides more
space for walking and
landscaping along the
sidewalk
Option 2 provides more
space for larger green
space within a median
DISCUSSION
What do you like about
each option?
What concerns do you
have about each option?
Existing
crossing
configuration
maintained
Large median
separates traffic
Large curb extension
at State St
Large curb extension
at New South St
Crossing
added
Crossing
added
Diagonal crossing
replaced with
western crossing at
State
OPTION 1
Large curb extension
at New South St
no median
OPTION 2
OPTION 2
SECTION 2: NEW SOUTH TO CENTER
KEY SIMILARITIES:
Signature crossing and civic
plaza at City Hall
Turn lanes provided at key
intersections
Curb extensions
significantly shorten
crosswalks
KEY DIFFERENCES:
Option 1 maximizes space
for businesses, walking, and
other civic activities along
building edges
Option 2 provides a median
with pedestrian refuge and
more space for trees
DISCUSSION
What do you like about each
option?
What concerns do you have
about each option?
OPTION 1
OPTION 1
Large median
separates traffic
Signature crossing and
civic plaza at City Hall
Maintain angled
parking
Signature crossing and
civic plaza at City Hall
Maintain angled
parking
Maximizes sidewalk
and civic space
11/11/2020
16
OPTION 2
SECTION 3: CENTER TO KING/PLEASANT
KEY SIMILARITIES:
Turn lanes provided at key
intersections
Crosswalk at Center St moved
to east side of intersection to
eliminate conflicts with left turns
from Main Street
Enhanced bus stop
KEY DIFFERENCES:
Option 1 maintains angled
parking in front of church
Option 2 converts a short
segment to parallel parking to
create additional civic space/art
opportunity at church
DISCUSSION
What do you like about each
option?
What concerns do you have
about each option?
OPTION 1
Angled parking
maintained in front
of First Churches
Parallel parking
allows 8+ feet to be
added to the plaza
Crosswalk moved to east side of
Center St to reduce conflicts
between pedestrians and drivers
turning left onto Center
Crosswalk moved to east side of
Center St to reduce conflicts
between pedestrians and drivers
turning left onto Center
Enhanced bus stopEnhanced bus stop
SECTION 4: KING/PLEASANT TO MARKET/HAWLEY
KEY FEATURES:
Crosswalks shortened
Turn lanes provided
DISCUSSION
What are your main
concerns about the
King/Pleasant
intersection today? Are
there any specific
ideas you would like to
see here in the future?
Outdoor dining has
been in place on lower
Main Street since July
– is this a priority for
you in the future? Are
there other features
you would like to see
along this section?
EXAMPLE OPTION
STRONGMARKET /
HAWLEY
11/11/2020
17
DISCUSSION
FUTURE PROCESS: TIMELINE
Fall 2020
• Oct 20 – Transportation &
Parking (TPC)
• Oct 21 – Bicycle &
Pedestrian subcommittee
• Oct. 22- Planning Board
• Oct 29 – Downtown
Northampton Assoc
• Nov 5 – Project Advisory
Group
• Nov 10 – Community
Forum
• November 20 – Chamber
Economic Development
2021
• Refined Concept Design
Community Forums
• Pre-25% Design Submittal
to MassDOT
2022 -2024
• First MassDOT Design
Submittal (25%)
• MassDOT Public Hearing
• Advanced Design and
Permitting
2024-2026
• Final Design
• Pre-Construction Meetings
• Construction
11/11/2020
18
ZOOM POLL: FUTURE ENGAGEMENT
How do you want to be engaged moving forward? (check all that apply)
Public meetings (virtual)
In–person meetings (as COVID allows)
Pop-up events on Main St
Online surveys
In-Person or intercept surveys on Main Street
Email updates
Social Media
Other (type into chat)
THANK YOU
PROJECT WEBSITE:
WWW.NORTHAMPTONMA.GOV/2015/MAIN-ST-DESIGN
ONLINE VERSION OF TONIGHT’S ACTIVITY:
HTTPS://FORMS.GLE/ZCSKC1SRKKVNVRZN7