CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: February 15, 2022
Subject
Consider an update on the Stevens Creek Boulevard Steering Committee and consideration of the City of Cupertino’s participation in the Stevens Creek Boulevard Transit Vision Study.
Recommended Action
Consider approving participation in the Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Transit Study to create a cohesive vision for the Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor, including a study of the potential for transit.
Discussion
In 2019, the jurisdictions of the City of San José, the City of Cupertino, the City of Santa Clara, and the County of Santa Clara adopted resolutions formalizing their interest in creating a common vision for high-capacity transit along the Stevens Creek Corridor. Soon after, the City of San José formed a Steering Committee of elected representatives of each jurisdiction to discuss shared transportation issues along the Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor. The City adopted a resolution in support of the study of high-capacity transit in the corridor on July 26, 2019 (Attachment A.) Cupertino Mayor, Darcy Paul, and Transportation Division staff have continued to participate in the group since its formation. On July 20, 2020, the Steering Committee recommended to proceed with developing a funding strategy for a transit study of the corridor. However, on November 17, 2020, the Council decided not to act, or participate at the time, citing concerns that the Interstate 280 (I-280) corridor should be included and noting the scope lacked sufficient detail to be a useful document. After that time, staff of the participating jurisdictions continued to meet to work through each jurisdiction’s concerns, including those of Cupertino, which resulted in the attached scope of work (Attachment B.) In October 2021, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) adopted Plan Bay Area 2050. Plan Bay Area envisions a $2.8 billion value to a future transit project in the Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor. The MTC’s inclusion of the corridor in the Regional Transportation Plan does not predetermine a project, but instead enables future California State and Federal funding for the corridor, should a project materialize.
At the most recent Steering Committee meeting on December 13, 2021, a presentation was given by City of San José staff on the scope of the Vision Study, the proposed cost share breakdown, and an overview on other planning activities in the corridor. City of San José staff also discussed the Airport Connector, a project intended to link Diridon Station to Mineta San José International Airport.
Scope of Work
In connection with the Multi-Jurisdictional Vision Study, the City of San José has a project underway called the West San José Multimodal Transportation Plan (MTIP.) This larger project is being used as a vehicle for the Stevens Creek Corridor Project since it already aligns with its scope and includes Stevens Creek Boulevard as part of the study area. Iteris and Winter Consulting both have experience in preparing similar types of studies for other agencies. The firm’s scope of work (Attachment B) lays out a 19-month duration project schedule with two months allocated to Project Initiation, eight months allocated to the development of a Vision Statement, and nine months allocated to the Vision Implementation development. The total cost estimate of the consulting services is $794,400. The largest contributor is the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) with the remainder shared by jurisdictions along the corridor. If Cupertino does not participate in the study, the overall cost decreases by $87,035 for the remaining jurisdictions, although it is unknown if other jurisdictions would proceed with the study in absence of Cupertino.
The consultant team will prepare the draft and final Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Plan that summarizes relevant information from previous deliverables (existing conditions report, public outreach results, vision statement, alternative improvement concepts considered and evaluated, final vision concept, and implementation and a funding strategy.) The report will include a high-level non-technical executive summary and high-quality visual graphics illustrating the vision concepts for the corridor. The executive summary will reflect and relate to community priorities and be developed for an audience comprised of community members and elected officials.
Next Steps
If the City Council is supportive of moving forward with the corridor study, staff will return within one to two months with a funding agreement between the City of San José and the City. Other study participants also anticipate executing funding agreements in Spring 2022. The study is anticipated to begin in Summer/Fall 2022.
Sustainability Impact
A transportation study has minimal impact on the environment. However, if the study results in improvements to Stevens Creek Boulevard for bicyclists, pedestrians, and/or transit, this could lead to reductions in Vehicle Miles Traveled, greenhouse gas emissions, and improved safety for non-motorized street users. Although Cupertino currently has separated bikeways already constructed in a segment of Stevens Creek Boulevard, with the remaining segments in design, the City’s investment could become even more valuable when neighboring communities build similar improvements in their jurisdictions, allowing for longer bicycle and pedestrian trips. The study will also study transit and multimodal mobility, which both have the potential to further Cupertino’s sustainability goals.
Fiscal Impact
The overall estimated cost to the City is $154,059. Costs are calculated based on linear miles on Steven Creek Boulevard. If Council wishes to participate in the study, staff will return at a future Council meeting with a funding request and a funding agreement between the City and the City of San José. _____________________________________
Prepared by: Chris Corrao, Senior Transit and Transportation Planner Reviewed by: Jimmy Tan, Acting Director of Public Works Reviewed by: Dianne Thompson, Assistant City Manager
Approved for Submission by: Jim Throop, City Manager
Attachments:
A – Resolution No. 19-089
B – Scope of Work