Title
Approval of the Historic Gateway Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the National Parks Service (NPS).
Presented by Steve Acenbrak, Director of Transportation
Body
Item Summary:
Approval of the MOA with the NPS will help keep the project on schedule. The MOA list the requests from the NPS in return for approximately 1.1 acres of land that will be needed for the Historic Gateway project. The NPS listed nine requests in the MOA. A summary of each is listed below:
1. The new bridge(s) over Vickery Creek shall be constructed to free span the entire stream.
2. The project shall incorporate enhanced erosion control measures in areas that are adjacent to or have the potential to impact NPS property.
3. Remove the existing NPS entrance drive and parking lot off Riverside Drive, restore with native vegetation and convert to a trail with trailhead that includes a visible NPS entrance sign.
4. New trails along with new interpretive waysides and signs will be constructed along both sides of Vickery Creek to allow pedestrian access under the new bridge(s).
5. Support the long-term preservation of Ivy Mill Ruins through completion of a Cultural Landscape Inventory (CLI) to accurately inventory, map and assess the condition and significance of all features associated with Ivy Mill. In addition, the project shall incorporate measures to avoid impacts to significant components and features of the mill ruins, including the construction of a retaining wall along the southern edge of Riverside Drive and institution of special provisions to protect mill tailrace remnants on the north side of Riverside Drive
6. All bridges, walls and structures, that potentially affect the viewshed from CRNRA property shall be designed and constructed to meet NPS aesthetic standards.
7. Remove the existing NPS entrance drive and parking lot for Allenbrook Historic Site off SR 9 and close the existing curb cut. The disturbed area will be restored with native vegetation and converted to a trail with trailhead that includes a visible NPS entrance sign. A replacement parking lot containing 15-20 spaces will be constructed for Allenbrook at 275 Atlanta Street and donated to the NPS once construction is complete. A trail connecting the new parking lot to Allenbrook will also be constructed. The trail from the new parking lot shall be constructed to support occasional administrative vehicular access and include a gate to limit vehicular access.
8. Complete a thorough archeological survey on NPS property to fully document and map all features associated with Allenbrook, Ivy Mill and associated tailrace features along Vickery Creek to avoid unforeseen impacts during construction.
9. Additional trails from Allenbrook down to Vickery Creek with a bridge across Vickery Creek may be considered as a concept in the planning process.
The MOA has not been finalized to date pending the favorable conclusion of the Bull Sluice trail project with the Recreation and Parks Department. The document for Recreation and Parks is on track for a May approval/signature date which has not changed over the past several months. This project is currently progressing through the NPS regional and national offices.
Approving the MOA at this time will avoid the risk of additional requests and/or a change in personnel at the NPS. The environmental document for Historic Gateway cannot be approved until the mitigation elements are identified. Also, the design effort for these elements cannot begin until the mitigation elements are identified.
Committee or Staff Recommendation:
On January 30, 2013 the Community Development and Transportation Committee recommended placing this Item on the February 11, 2013 Mayor and Council Agenda.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Presented by:
Steven D. Acenbrak, PE, LEED AP, Director of Transportation