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Although Phase 3 requires further project size dividing to match funding opportunities, construction of Phase 3A
<br />completes both sides of First Street between Billings and Oakes as planned for in the Downtown Revitalization Plan.
<br />With completion of streetscape improvements, the City's residents and businesses will witness implementation of
<br />the expressed downtown vision of stakeholders on a block prepared for immediate economic development
<br />opportunities.
<br />By planning the proposed streetscape improvements in the subphase manner, necessary interruptions to local
<br />transportation, commerce, and day-to-day operations on the south block of First Street between Billings and Oakes
<br />will be limited to one occasion, placing Cie Elum in a positive light with existing and prospective businesses not
<br />only on that block, but throughout the corridor. Separately, project elements in Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3
<br />addressed infrastructure issues that are linked to economic development. When considered together, the Phase 3A
<br />streetscape improvements project is undeniably well aligned with the purpose of the Distressed County Sales and
<br />Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program.
<br />This project and the Downtown Revitalization effort as a whole will not only directly impact the Cie Elum population
<br />of nearly 2,000 people, but will positively reach all of Upper Kittitas County's 5,000 residents, as Cie Elum's
<br />"downtown" is considered the downtown of Upper Kittitas County. With very limited commerce opportunities in
<br />the neighboring communities of South Cie Elum, Roslyn, Ronald, and Suncadia, Cie Elum's regionally significant
<br />Downtown Revitalization can meet all of Upper Kittitas County's day-to-day needs including retail, dining, service,
<br />medical, grocery, fuel, amongst many other industries. Completing Phase 3A showcases the vision of the community
<br />stakeholders and the City's formulated actions to provide for infill opportunities and encourage commerce expansion.
<br />Streetscape Improvements
<br />Cie Elum enjoys year-round outdoor tourism. Ample amounts of snow provide wintertime outdoor activities and
<br />considerable spring and fall rain provides lush and attractive forests encouraging outdoor recreation for much of the
<br />year. Though the natural environment attracts people to Cie Elum, the built environment has not been welcoming
<br />for commerce oriented toward or promoting a walkable downtown. On unimproved intersections in the downtown
<br />area, pedestrians are required to traverse close to 80 feet of paved State Route highway to cross First Street. Oakes
<br />Avenue acts as the busy connector, south of First Street, for traffic exiting Interstate 90 and entering Cie Elum's
<br />downtown. The intersection at Oakes Avenue is also a short but important portion of SR 903, by which SR 903
<br />transitions from west -east travel on 2nd Street to continue west -east travel on First Street, at the west edge of
<br />downtown.
<br />Differentiating the streetscape to the extent proposed in the First Street corridor will enhance drivers' sense of place
<br />and increase traffic calming. Both of these principles are included in Cie Elum's Downtown Revitalization economic
<br />development goals. Creating a safer and inclusive environment for both motorized and non -motorized transportation
<br />is also promoted in the City's Complete Streets Ordinance No. 1455, see attached. In such an environment, many
<br />types of businesses can be co -located and thrive amongst the diversity.
<br />Consistency in design and ensuring infrastructure was brought up to a state of good repair throughout the First Street
<br />corridor was expressed by stakeholders as important for economic development. Currently, the sidewalks along
<br />First Street are not continuous, have ADA compliance deficiencies, and are in an overall state of disrepair.
<br />Bulb -out design and size, parking orientation, and amenities in Phase 3A are designed to provide perceived comfort,
<br />shade, illumination, and safety for people whether moving by automobile or using the sidewalk system. The design
<br />of incorporating ADA opportunity at each intersection, moving poles, hydrants and other obstacles out of the travel
<br />way of the sidewalk, and widening sidewalks to allow for businesses to create entryways, increases walkability and
<br />offers downtown businesses unique opportunities to interact harmoniously with those seeking their goods and
<br />services. Walkability and unique commerce interaction in the downtown corridor are also goals of Cie Elum's
<br />Downtown Revitalization.
<br />Roadway Infrastructure
<br />First Street is an unusually wide street in a small City. The width is a legacy of the street acting as the highway
<br />before Interstate 90 was constructed. The proposed road diet consisting of narrowing the roadway, increasing
<br />parking in a safer orientation, increasing sidewalk and pedestrian amenities, together should slow traffic in the
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