Draft Public Meeting Summary Report
Draft Public Meeting Summary Report Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) From Zaragoza Road to Pellicano Drive El Paso County CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting July 18, 2013 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Del Valle High School Prepared: August 2013
Table of Contents 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
Project Description............................................................................................................... 1 Public Meeting Overview .................................................................................................... 1 Summary of Public Comments ............................................................................................ 2 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 4
Appendix A: Meeting Displays and Project Schematic Appendix B: Newspaper Publications, Notices, and Letters to Elected Officials Appendix C: Sign-in Sheets and Written Comments Appendix D: Handouts and Comment Forms Appendix E: Photographs
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary i
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) From Zaragoza Road to Pellicano Drive El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049 1.0
Project Description
The Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA), in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) El Paso District, proposes to construct two toll lanes (one in each direction) in the center median of the existing Loop 375 facility and extend frontage roads where none exist, from Zaragoza Road to Pellicano Drive. The project is intended to improve mobility by adding capacity to the Loop 375 facility. The proposed project is located in the southeastern portion of the El Paso metropolitan area, approximately 14 miles east of downtown El Paso. Construction would occur approximately 0.3 mile west of Zaragoza Road and 0.2 mile west of Pellicano Drive; however, in accordance with 23 CFR §771.111(f), the logical termini of the project have been defined as Zaragoza Road and Pellicano Drive. 2.0
Public Meeting Overview
Meeting Date:
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Meeting Location:
Del Valle High School 950 Bordeaux Drive El Paso, TX 79907
Meeting Purpose:
To inform the public and stakeholders about the proposed improvements to Loop 375 and to obtain their comments and concerns.
Meeting Format:
The meeting was conducted in an open house format between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The project schematic, environmental constraints maps, and informational exhibits were on display while CRRMA staff and consultants were on-hand to answer questions and review project elements with the public. Copies of these displays are included in Appendix A of this report.
Mailed Notices:
Adjacent property owners – 108 (Address list provided in Appendix B.) Elected/Public Officials – 30 (Letters provided in Appendix B.)
Attendance:
The public meeting was attended by a total of 35 people, including: Members of the Public – 12 Representatives for Public Officials – 5
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary 1
CRRMA Personnel – 1 TxDOT Personnel – 5 Project Consultants – 10 Media – 2 (Sign-in sheets are included in Appendix C.) Meeting Notice Publications:
The El Paso Times
Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Sunday, July 7, 2013
El Diario de El Paso Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Sunday, July 7, 2013 Meeting Summary: The public meeting allowed members of the public to review project elements with engineering and environmental staff, ask questions, and obtain information regarding the proposed project concept. Copies of the handouts and comment forms distributed at the meeting are included in Appendix D. One written comment was received at the time of the meeting and three additional comments were received during the public comment period. These comments are summarized in Section 2.0 of this summary report and included in Appendix C. 3.0
Summary of Public Comments
A total of four written comments were received in response to the public meeting. The following summary provides a description of the comments and CRRMA’s response to these comments. Copies of the individual comments are included in Appendix C of this report. Comments and Responses 1. The written comment received at the public meeting requested that CRRMA consider adjusting the existing Loop 375 access ramp east of Alameda Avenue to allow for access from the Walgreens parking lot to the Loop 375 mainlanes without having to drive under Loop 375 or merge with heavy traffic on Alameda. CRRMA Response to Comment 1: The schematic design team will look at access options. Two factors that will need to be considered during design include vertical clearance over the Union Pacific Rail Road and the allowable grade. The design team will evaluate safety components such as sight
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary 2
distance and crash potential as part of determining the traffic configuration in this particular location. 2. A comment received via the CRRMA’s website on July 18, 2013 expressed opposition to toll roads proposed in the Joe Battle and Montwood area. CRRMA Response to Comment 2: Comment noted. The northern terminus of this project is Pellicano Drive; therefore, Montwood Drive is outside of the limits of this project. 3. A letter received via email on July 26, 2013 covered several items, including: 1. A request to extend the public comment period past July 29th. 2. A request for clarification on the definition of “managed lanes.” 3. A request to install an exit ramp on northbound Loop 375 between North Loop Road and A&M Circle in order to provide public access to A&M’s services, improve value of adjacent properties, and improve safety and traffic flow by removing truck traffic bound for the industrial complex near Rojas Drive from the North Loop Road intersection. 4. A question regarding whether plans include the removal of the southbound Loop 375 entrance ramp located southwest of I-10. 5. A reminder of ongoing coordination with TxDOT regarding TxDOT’s plan to remove the dog-leg entry to A&M Circle from eastbound I-10. CRRMA Response to Comment 3: 1. The public comment period associated with this meeting was limited to the standard 10-day timeframe. However, CRRMA encourages comments on the project throughout the project development process and will accept these comments as part of the project record. 2. Managed lanes are defined as “a transportation facility that incorporates operational flexibility in order to respond to changing conditions.” This means that managed lanes can be defined by several elements, including pricing (i.e., tolling), vehicle eligibility, and access control. Managed lanes can be tolled, designated as highoccupancy vehicle lanes, or managed by allowing certain types of vehicles and restricting others. At this stage in project development, the managed lane concept proposed as part of Loop 375 improvements has not been finalized. 3. The design team will analyze the conditions surrounding North Loop Road and A&M Circle to determine feasibility of an additional exit ramp without impacting the capacity of the roadway and creating safety issues.
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary 3
4. The design team will analyze the conditions and determine feasibility of ramp removal without impacting the capacity of the roadway and creating safety issues. 5. Comment noted. Any changes in access from I-10 to A&M Circle would not be included as part of the CRRMA’s Loop 375 Managed Lanes project. 4. One comment received via standard mail on July 22, 2013 indicated that they wanted to be included on the mailing list for future meetings regarding this project. CRRMA Response to Comment 4: Comment noted. The commenter’s name and contact information have been added to the project mailing list. 4.0
Conclusion
CRRMA has reviewed and responded to the comments received in response to the July 18, 2013 public meeting. Public comments will be incorporated into the project record and will be considered as project development continues. A second public meeting is planned for early 2014.
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary 4
Appendix A Meeting Displays and Project Schematic
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary Appendices
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes Environmental Constraints Z
a ar
go
R za
d
Pavo Real
na
do L
# V # V
Jo r
å
nD
# V
SOUTH LOOP E.S.
# V Jua
å
e rr e ra r
d eR sid th So u
375
# V
ter cept
# V
# V
# V
# V
# V
Americas Ave
# V
# V
# V V #
# V # V
258 ¡
Loop
Franklin Drain
# V
ra i n Middle D
# V # V
Dr
Alameda
South Side Feeder Lateral
# V # V
Matchline
ing Dra in
# V
op D
# V
# V
Playa I n
D ra i n
# V
375
å
Mesa
h Lo Nort
# V r
al
can D
DEL VALLE H.S.
Feather Lake
# V
Canal
Socorro Rd
m e ri
Franklin
ve sA
# V
# V
Pan A
r ate
ica
# #V V
Matchline
20 S T
in L
er
# V
Ma
Am
Playa Lateral
eH
CAMINO REAL M.S.
Project Limits
Juan De Nerrera Lateral Branch B
a te ra l
Southside
Ave
Rio Gr a nde Le
LEBARRON PARK E.S. Alameda
vee Sys te m
å
Ave
# V
# V
I
# V Caribe
# V
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
e Jo
# V
Jua Lat n De era l B Nerre ra n ra ch B
# V 10 § ¦ ¨
LOMA VERDE E.S. llic Pe
DEL VALLE H.S.
å
o an Dr
# V
å
Project Limits
# V
Rojas Dr
# V
# V
# V
b Bo
eD p Ho
r
# V
Matchline
Ranchos Del Sol
Americas Ave
# V
# V
# V
# V
# V 375
r
# V
# V
# V # V
§ ¦ ¨
SISD AQUATIC CENTER
å
å
å SISD STUDENT ACTIVITIES COMPLEX
# V
10
# V
National Register of Historic Places-Listed EPCWID #1 Contributing Feature Rio Grande
Arroyo National Wetland Inventory Feature 100-Year Floodplain
I
OPTIONS (9-12) ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
Potential Hazardous # V Materials Site Park åå School
SOCORRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
# V
# V å
Right-of-Way Union Pacific Railroad
# V
# V
# V
# V
# V
Matchline
Americas Ave Pine Spring sD
# V
375
1:4,800 0
400
800 Feet
1,200
1,600
B
Public Meeting July 18, 2013 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Del Valle High School Prepared: August 2013
Table of Contents 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
Project Description............................................................................................................... 1 Public Meeting Overview .................................................................................................... 1 Summary of Public Comments ............................................................................................ 2 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 4
Appendix A: Meeting Displays and Project Schematic Appendix B: Newspaper Publications, Notices, and Letters to Elected Officials Appendix C: Sign-in Sheets and Written Comments Appendix D: Handouts and Comment Forms Appendix E: Photographs
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary i
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) From Zaragoza Road to Pellicano Drive El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049 1.0
Project Description
The Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA), in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) El Paso District, proposes to construct two toll lanes (one in each direction) in the center median of the existing Loop 375 facility and extend frontage roads where none exist, from Zaragoza Road to Pellicano Drive. The project is intended to improve mobility by adding capacity to the Loop 375 facility. The proposed project is located in the southeastern portion of the El Paso metropolitan area, approximately 14 miles east of downtown El Paso. Construction would occur approximately 0.3 mile west of Zaragoza Road and 0.2 mile west of Pellicano Drive; however, in accordance with 23 CFR §771.111(f), the logical termini of the project have been defined as Zaragoza Road and Pellicano Drive. 2.0
Public Meeting Overview
Meeting Date:
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Meeting Location:
Del Valle High School 950 Bordeaux Drive El Paso, TX 79907
Meeting Purpose:
To inform the public and stakeholders about the proposed improvements to Loop 375 and to obtain their comments and concerns.
Meeting Format:
The meeting was conducted in an open house format between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The project schematic, environmental constraints maps, and informational exhibits were on display while CRRMA staff and consultants were on-hand to answer questions and review project elements with the public. Copies of these displays are included in Appendix A of this report.
Mailed Notices:
Adjacent property owners – 108 (Address list provided in Appendix B.) Elected/Public Officials – 30 (Letters provided in Appendix B.)
Attendance:
The public meeting was attended by a total of 35 people, including: Members of the Public – 12 Representatives for Public Officials – 5
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary 1
CRRMA Personnel – 1 TxDOT Personnel – 5 Project Consultants – 10 Media – 2 (Sign-in sheets are included in Appendix C.) Meeting Notice Publications:
The El Paso Times
Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Sunday, July 7, 2013
El Diario de El Paso Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Sunday, July 7, 2013 Meeting Summary: The public meeting allowed members of the public to review project elements with engineering and environmental staff, ask questions, and obtain information regarding the proposed project concept. Copies of the handouts and comment forms distributed at the meeting are included in Appendix D. One written comment was received at the time of the meeting and three additional comments were received during the public comment period. These comments are summarized in Section 2.0 of this summary report and included in Appendix C. 3.0
Summary of Public Comments
A total of four written comments were received in response to the public meeting. The following summary provides a description of the comments and CRRMA’s response to these comments. Copies of the individual comments are included in Appendix C of this report. Comments and Responses 1. The written comment received at the public meeting requested that CRRMA consider adjusting the existing Loop 375 access ramp east of Alameda Avenue to allow for access from the Walgreens parking lot to the Loop 375 mainlanes without having to drive under Loop 375 or merge with heavy traffic on Alameda. CRRMA Response to Comment 1: The schematic design team will look at access options. Two factors that will need to be considered during design include vertical clearance over the Union Pacific Rail Road and the allowable grade. The design team will evaluate safety components such as sight
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary 2
distance and crash potential as part of determining the traffic configuration in this particular location. 2. A comment received via the CRRMA’s website on July 18, 2013 expressed opposition to toll roads proposed in the Joe Battle and Montwood area. CRRMA Response to Comment 2: Comment noted. The northern terminus of this project is Pellicano Drive; therefore, Montwood Drive is outside of the limits of this project. 3. A letter received via email on July 26, 2013 covered several items, including: 1. A request to extend the public comment period past July 29th. 2. A request for clarification on the definition of “managed lanes.” 3. A request to install an exit ramp on northbound Loop 375 between North Loop Road and A&M Circle in order to provide public access to A&M’s services, improve value of adjacent properties, and improve safety and traffic flow by removing truck traffic bound for the industrial complex near Rojas Drive from the North Loop Road intersection. 4. A question regarding whether plans include the removal of the southbound Loop 375 entrance ramp located southwest of I-10. 5. A reminder of ongoing coordination with TxDOT regarding TxDOT’s plan to remove the dog-leg entry to A&M Circle from eastbound I-10. CRRMA Response to Comment 3: 1. The public comment period associated with this meeting was limited to the standard 10-day timeframe. However, CRRMA encourages comments on the project throughout the project development process and will accept these comments as part of the project record. 2. Managed lanes are defined as “a transportation facility that incorporates operational flexibility in order to respond to changing conditions.” This means that managed lanes can be defined by several elements, including pricing (i.e., tolling), vehicle eligibility, and access control. Managed lanes can be tolled, designated as highoccupancy vehicle lanes, or managed by allowing certain types of vehicles and restricting others. At this stage in project development, the managed lane concept proposed as part of Loop 375 improvements has not been finalized. 3. The design team will analyze the conditions surrounding North Loop Road and A&M Circle to determine feasibility of an additional exit ramp without impacting the capacity of the roadway and creating safety issues.
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary 3
4. The design team will analyze the conditions and determine feasibility of ramp removal without impacting the capacity of the roadway and creating safety issues. 5. Comment noted. Any changes in access from I-10 to A&M Circle would not be included as part of the CRRMA’s Loop 375 Managed Lanes project. 4. One comment received via standard mail on July 22, 2013 indicated that they wanted to be included on the mailing list for future meetings regarding this project. CRRMA Response to Comment 4: Comment noted. The commenter’s name and contact information have been added to the project mailing list. 4.0
Conclusion
CRRMA has reviewed and responded to the comments received in response to the July 18, 2013 public meeting. Public comments will be incorporated into the project record and will be considered as project development continues. A second public meeting is planned for early 2014.
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary 4
Appendix A Meeting Displays and Project Schematic
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes El Paso County, CSJ: 2552-03-049
Public Meeting Summary Appendices
Loop 375 (Americas Avenue) Managed Lanes Environmental Constraints Z
a ar
go
R za
d
Pavo Real
na
do L
# V # V
Jo r
å
nD
# V
SOUTH LOOP E.S.
# V Jua
å
e rr e ra r
d eR sid th So u
375
# V
ter cept
# V
# V
# V
# V
# V
Americas Ave
# V
# V
# V V #
# V # V
258 ¡
Loop
Franklin Drain
# V
ra i n Middle D
# V # V
Dr
Alameda
South Side Feeder Lateral
# V # V
Matchline
ing Dra in
# V
op D
# V
# V
Playa I n
D ra i n
# V
375
å
Mesa
h Lo Nort
# V r
al
can D
DEL VALLE H.S.
Feather Lake
# V
Canal
Socorro Rd
m e ri
Franklin
ve sA
# V
# V
Pan A
r ate
ica
# #V V
Matchline
20 S T
in L
er
# V
Ma
Am
Playa Lateral
eH
CAMINO REAL M.S.
Project Limits
Juan De Nerrera Lateral Branch B
a te ra l
Southside
Ave
Rio Gr a nde Le
LEBARRON PARK E.S. Alameda
vee Sys te m
å
Ave
# V
# V
I
# V Caribe
# V
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
e Jo
# V
Jua Lat n De era l B Nerre ra n ra ch B
# V 10 § ¦ ¨
LOMA VERDE E.S. llic Pe
DEL VALLE H.S.
å
o an Dr
# V
å
Project Limits
# V
Rojas Dr
# V
# V
# V
b Bo
eD p Ho
r
# V
Matchline
Ranchos Del Sol
Americas Ave
# V
# V
# V
# V
# V 375
r
# V
# V
# V # V
§ ¦ ¨
SISD AQUATIC CENTER
å
å
å SISD STUDENT ACTIVITIES COMPLEX
# V
10
# V
National Register of Historic Places-Listed EPCWID #1 Contributing Feature Rio Grande
Arroyo National Wetland Inventory Feature 100-Year Floodplain
I
OPTIONS (9-12) ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
Potential Hazardous # V Materials Site Park åå School
SOCORRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
# V
# V å
Right-of-Way Union Pacific Railroad
# V
# V
# V
# V
# V
Matchline
Americas Ave Pine Spring sD
# V
375
1:4,800 0
400
800 Feet
1,200
1,600
B
