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PLANNING & DESIGN COMMISSION CITY OF NORTH OLMSTED MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 9, 2023 ROLL CALL Ms. Hemann called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Present: Humberto Olivos, Jose Leon, Cary Peeples. Tom David. Mary Ellen Hemann Absent: Mr. Patton Staff. Director of Economic and Community Development Max Upton. Assistant Law Director Bryan O'Malley, City Engineer Jeff Filarski. Administrative Assistant Lyn Wilson. City Architecture Guests: Michelle Band v-Zalatoris, Ales Pesta. Nancy Lvon-Stadler from WSP NEW BUSINESS North Olmsted Lorain Road Presentation Director Upton introduced the study to the board. He explained that about 18 months prior. he and the Mayor had a meeting with Grace GallUCCI, President of NOACA. discussing transportation spending in Northeast Ohio. Following Ms. GaIlL1cC1's SL111 they initiated a Transportation for Livable Communities (TLCI) study for Lorain Road and the North Olmsted Municipal Bus Line. City Architecture was chosen for the project, drawing on their experience with similar studies. The project. launched in early summer the previous year. aimed to enhance the corridor's sustainability, equity, livability. and vibrancy. The presentation coinciding with Veteran Day highlighted the effort to improve Lorain Road. named atter Major Rocco Martin Barnes. a local hero killed in combat in 2009. The genesis of the project was rooted in honoring Major Barnes and improving the appearance of Lorain Road as a fitting tribute to one of North Olmsted's distinguished sons. Ms. Bandy-Zalatoris began the presentation stating that the plan was perceived as a practical tool for the city, designed to be actionable rather that collecting dust on a shelf. It aimed to identify challenges, explore opportunities. and equip the city with tools to implement the envisioned changes along the corridor. The corridor, considered North Olmsted's front door. �yasn't aligning with community values. The project, initiated in 2022, aimed to transform it from a pass-through to a place reflecting community values. Safety concerns for pedestrians were identified through community engagement, with ongoing conversations and interactions Nyith partners and stakeholders shaping the project over the past year. The Lorain Corridor study covered 6.15 miles with a right-of-way width averauinu79 feet. Challenges included a narrow right-of-wav for five traffic lanes, allowing only�l 2 feet on each side for sidewalks and amenities. About 39.5% of frontage comprised parking lots. emphasizing commercial use. Additionallv. 24% had curb cuts, affecting pedestrian safety. The community's input was gathered through three open houses. ensuring a people -focused approach to address these challenges. The Zen City engagement platform facilitated online participation. with 1.500 online and nearly 200 in-person participants. Valuable feedback emphasized the need for