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Although Phase 3 requires further project size dividing to match funding opportunities, construction of phase 34
<br />completes both sides of First Street belween 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 streelscape improvements in the subphase rnanner, necessary intemrptions to local
<br />transportation, cotnmerce, and day-to-day operations on the south block of First Street between Billings and Oakes
<br />will be limited to one occasion, placing Cle 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 l, 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 wellaligned with the purpose of the Dishessed County Sales and
<br />Use Tax lnfrastructure Improvement Program.
<br />This project and the Downtown Revitalization effort as a whole will not only directly impacl the Cle Elum population
<br />of nearly 2,000 people, but will positively reach all of Upper Kittitas Counfr's 5,000 residents, as ile-Elrm's
<br />"downtown" is considered the dorvntown of Upper Kittitas County. With very limited commerce opportunities in
<br />the neighboring communities of South Cle Elum, Roslyn, Ronald. and Suncadia, Cle Elum's regionaliy significant
<br />Downtown Revitalization can meet all of Upper Kittitas County's day{o-day needs including retail, dining, service,
<br />medical, grocery, fuel, amongst many other industries. Completing Phase 34 showcases the vision ofthe community
<br />stakeholders and the City's formulaled actions to provide for infill opportunities and encourage commerce expansion.
<br />Streetscape I mpruvements
<br />Cle 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 recrealion for much ofthe
<br />year. Though the natural environmeut attracts people to Cle Elum, the built environlnent has not been welcoming
<br />for commerce oriented toward or promoting a walkable downtown. On unirnproved intersections in the downtown
<br />area, pedestrians are required to traverse close to 80 feet of paved State Route highway to cross First Streel. Oakes
<br />Avenue acts as the busy connector, south of First Street, for traffic exiting Interstate 90 and entering Cle Elum,s
<br />downtown. The intersection at Oakes Avenue is also a short but importanl portion of SR 903, by wlich SR 903
<br />transitions from west-east travel on 2nd Street to continue west-east travel on First Street, at lhe west edge of
<br />downtown.
<br />Differentiating the streetscape to the exlent proposed in the First Street corridor will enhance drivers' sense ofplace
<br />and inffease traffic calming. Both ofthese principles are included in Cle Elum's Downlown 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 ofbusinesses can be co-localed and thrive amongst the diversity.
<br />Consistency in design and ensuring infrastructure was brought up to a state ofgood repair throughout the First Street
<br />conidor was expressed by stakeholders as important for economic development. Currently, the sidewalks along
<br />First Street are nol 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 34 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 trav;l
<br />way of the sidewalk, and widening sidewalks to allow for businesses to create entryways, increases walkability and
<br />offers downtown businesses unique opporlunities to interact harmoniously with those seeking their goodi and
<br />services. Walkability and unique commerce interaction in the downtown corridor are also goils of Cle Elum's
<br />Downtown Revitalization.
<br />R o a dway I nfr a sl r u ct u re
<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. Tlte proposed road diet consisting of narrowing the roadway, incriasing
<br />parking in a safer orientation, increasing sidewalk and pedestrian amenities, together should slow iraffic in thi
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