Fiscal Year 2004 Proposed Budget

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PLANNING DIVISION
PLANNING PROGRAM

PROGRAM MISSION: To plan, program and implement infrastructure and transportation options in collaboration with neighborhoods, the County and region to foster a livable community—now and in the future.

This is accomplished by the development of long-range plans for transportation infrastructure; development and management of capital programs for streets, sidewalks and bikeways; coordination with state and regional transportation agencies; review and approval of major private development projects, enforcement of the subdivision ordinance, and support for four County advisory groups (Transportation Commission, Neighborhood Traffic Calming (NTC) Committee, Bicycle Advisory Committee, and Pedestrian Advisory Committee).

As part of an overall effort of DPW and Police to manage volume and speed of traffic in residential areas, the Planning Division coordinates the planning and consensus-building process for particular neighborhood streets rated as having the most severe speeding problems. This program budget reflects the planning and coordination aspects as well as the implementation of new speed reduction measures (such as speed humps, traffic circles, raised crosswalks, nubs, etc.).

DPW Planning manages the County's review and approval process of subdivision plats, condominium plats and public and private easement plats by applying state and County subdivision code requirements. It also administers a public improvement performance bond program that ensures construction of public improvements required by County Board approved site plans and the Subdivision Ordinance and collects fees for plat review and bond processing. Other efforts include County regulation of taxicabs, development of the Public Works' web page, and evaluation of intersections for multi-way stop signs.

The Planning Division also prepares the input to the Planning Commission and the County Board on major site plans and rezoning projects, use permits, General Land Use Plan (GLUP) amendments, and Board of Zoning Appeals variances. It coordinates DPW review of street and sidewalk improvements, water, sewer, utility undergrounding, storm water management, Chesapeake Bay Ordinance, and streetlights. Planning Division staff program and manage projects in four program areas (NTC, Streets, Bikeways, and Pedestrian Systems). In addition, capital project management will be increasing as staffing allows.

In FY 2004, the arterial transportation management consultant study, for which a request for proposals was issued in November 2002, should be completed as an initial stage of a new street master plan. The 1986 plan is in need of updating to assist in the development of this rapidly changing community. The consultant study focuses on future traffic levels, street functional classification, and measures to reduce speeding and improve bike and pedestrian travel for major streets.

Efforts continue on marking of 21 miles of new bicycle lanes in the 2001-to-2005 time period, as a result of the adopted bike lanes plan element in the Arlington Bicycle Transportation Plan. Staff continues to implement the new bike lanes by securing funding, working with affected communities and developing the lane marking plans. Also, continued priority is on completion of the more than 30 pedestrian, bicycle and street projects already funded.

In FY 2004, work will continue on the long-range update of the Arlington Bicycle Transportation Plan, as a follow-up to the 2003 plan amendments. Depending on the scope of and resources for Walk Arlington, progress will also be made on updating the County's pedestrian plan.

The comprehensive land use and transportation study begun in 2002 will continue for the North Tract of Potomac Yards. The results will be used to guide infrastructure improvements for Old Jefferson Davis Highway and the I-395/Old Jefferson Davis interchange.

The comprehensive transportation and land use study begun in 2002 will continue for the greater Clarendon area. The results will be used to guide infrastructure improvements and provide input for the street master plan update that will proceed concurrently.

Significant BUDGET Highlights:

• The non-personnel category increased ($5,865) primarily as a result of an increase in the rental for County vehicles ($4,520).

• Revenue is derived from developer plan review and subdivision processing fees.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

Objectives: 1) To reduce speeding on neighborhood streets as a means to make them more pleasant and safer. Speeds are measured in terms of the average reduction in the 85^th percentile speed, one year after project completion. 2) To improve transportation safety, especially for bicyclists and pedestrians. 3) To encourage more bicycle travel. 4) To satisfy a high number of customers.

FUTURE BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS:

• Program staff has been responsive to localized studies (such as North Tract and Clarendon studies), seeking outside funding for projects, improving project coordination with the Commonwealth, enhancing citizen contact, and trying to adjust for vacancies and turnover from across the Division. These assignments have delayed comprehensive review of the Public Works Master Plans. The street and pedestrian plan updates will proceed very slowly unless more staff resources become available. Management of the Arlington Walks initiative is currently done through a temporary, part-time staffer. With the significant expansion of the program to areas outside the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor, additional permanent staffing will be required to continue the program. The Master Plan for Transit is also in need of a comprehensive review and more resources will be needed to complete that plan.

• The Zoning Ordinance Review Committee, a citizens' committee looking at infill development, is considering two changes to the subdivision process, which may come before the County Board for consideration in 2003. The changes being considered could:

1.        Institute a simpler review process, with lower fees, for simple boundary line adjustments. These changes may result in a higher volume of reviews.

2.        Institute a special exception/use permit review and approval process for pipestem sub-divisions, which would result in new fees. This will increase staff effort and may require more resources.

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