September 3rd, 2010
How would you feel walking through this?
The Federal and Colfax Cloverleaf had long been recognized as archaic infrastructure. While the cloverleaf continues to fulfill a needed vehicular traffic function, the recently completed Conditions Survey of the Partnership found the cloverleaf had limited pedestrian and cycling access and what does exist, is extremely unsafe. Having this unsafe condition one block north of the new light rail station scheduled to open at W. Howard Pl. in early 2013 is plain unacceptable.
The Partnership has long ago come to the conclusion the cloverleaf needs to be replaced with a more efficient and safer mechanism for moving traffic and all pedestrian modes of travel. Utilizing less physical space is also important. Apparently, the City and County of Denver has also come to a similar conclusion. Read the rest of this entry »
August 29th, 2010
Beautification, Safety, Pride and Transportation meeting minutes from August, 2010 at Masonic Temple, 35th and Federal. In attendance: Bill J., Amanda & Zac N., Stephen K., Cindy S., Carole V.
Invesco traffic signs and cones: Carole reported that discussion continues with Invesco Field of the placement and storage of traffic signs and orange cones in between games. Neighbors have complained to the council office about this as it creates a negative appearance and confuses the weekday driver when the signs remain along the streets and street corners. Read the rest of this entry »
August 20th, 2010
Proposed action illustration for the preferred street cross section for Federal in the study area.
Late last year the “Federal Boulevard 5th Ave to Howard Place (W. 14th Ave) Planning Environmental Linkage (PEL) Study” was released. Little known within the Federal Boulevard community or much discussed publicly by the City since that time, the PEL Study came to the attention of the Partnership upon recent discussions with City officials updating recent Boulevard activities. The PEL Study evaluates and recommends on transportation improvements for Federal within the study area.
Crash rates on Federal in study area compared to State averages.
There are several challenges within the study area the PEL Study addresses. In particular, portions of the right-of-way (ROW) vary in width where three traffic lanes exist in one direction and two exist in the other. ROW both south and north of the study area along Federal is wider, translating to the study area acting as a “traffic pincher”, creating unsafe conditions and congestion for both vehicle and pedestrian alike. Sidewalks average only 3 feet wide and most are adjacent to the Boulevard with no buffer space between pedestrian and traffic. There is also a preponderance of curb cuts and lack of traffic controls at non-signalized intersections. The result of these conditions and others result in the study area experiencing three to four times higher average vehicle crash rates than statewide rates. Read the rest of this entry »
June 23rd, 2010
Definition, Streetscape: the elements within and along the street right-of-way that define its 
appearance, identity, and functionality, including adjacent buildings and land uses, street furniture, landscaping, trees, sidewalks, and pavement treatments, among others (Saint Louis Great Street Initiative, Web site).
In the coming months the Partnership is sponsoring a Federal Boulevard Streetscape project, intended to develop streetscape cross-sections in representative portions of the Boulevard. The project will not only provide future Boulevard redevelopment and improvement streetscape guidance but could assist Denver should they agree to pursue a corridor land use and transportation plan for Federal.
It is anticipated the process will include a public workshop and/or charrette soliciting community input. The Partnership is soliciting expertise from the Federal community in the fields of Planning, Landscaping and Architecture to assist the effort. A project planning meeting will be held in July to kick-off the effort.
If you’d like to volunteer your time and expertise, please contact the Partnership. Stay tuned to the Partnership Web site for the date and time of the July planning meeting, and for additional information as the project is further defined.
