SRTS Planning Grant Application Full

8/9/2019 SRTS Planning Grant Application Full

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6-2-2010 4

WisDOT2011-2012SRTSPlanningAssistanceApplication

ProjectApplicantandApplicationType

TypeofProjectFundingRequested

PlanningassistanceprovidedbyWisDOT-assignedconsultingfirm.

PlanningassistanceprovidedbyRPC/MPO.NameoftheRPC/MPOandPrimaryContact: N/A

NameofCommunity/School/SchoolDistrictCompletingApplication: CityofFranklinContactName:JohnMichlig(alt.AlderpersonKristenWilhelm)

ContactTitle:SRTSCoordinatorandTrailsCommitteeMember

ContactMailingAddress:9229W.LoomisRdFranklin,WI53132

AreaCodePhoneNumber: (414)678-9432

ContactE-mailAddress:[email protected]@franklinwi.gov

CountyWhereProjectWillTakePlace:Milwaukee

Questions17

Pleaseanswerthefollowingquestions.Responsestoallquestions(1-7)cannotexceedthreedouble-sidedpages.

1.WhatarethedemographicsforeachschoolthatwillbeapartoftheSafeRoutestoSchoolplanningprocess?What

arethedemographicsofthecommunity?

Schoolname:PleasantViewElementary Gradesofstudentsatschool:K-6&EarlyChildhood Schoolpopulation:475

Estimatednumberofstudentscurrentlywalkingtoschool(ifknown): est.8

Estimatednumberofstudentscurrentlybikingtoschools(ifknown): est.10

Percentageofstudentslivingwithintwomilesoftheschool: 85%

Distanceeligibilityforridingabus: 0Numberofchildrennoteligibleforbusing: 0

Numberofstudentseligibleforbusingbecauseofhazardsituation: ALL

Percentageofstudentseligibleforfreeorreducedcostschoolmeals: 14%

Pleaseprovideotherpertinentdemographicinformationaboutthecommunityorschool:

PleasantViewElementarySchooladdress:4601W.MarquetteAve.Franklin,WI53132

Constructedin1953;lastupgradedin1998

White 342(72%)

Asian 91(19%)

Hispanic29(6%)

Black 11(2%)

AmericanIndian2(.5%)

Studentsw/Disabilities26(5%)

EconomicDisadvantagedandeligibleforreducedorfreeschoolmeals68(14%)

NOTE:TheFranklinPublicSchoolDistrictprovidestransportationtoeveryresidentstudentinthedistrict.Thisfunction

hasbeenmandatedbythestatebecausetheentiredistricthasbeendesignatedasahazardoustransportationareaby

theMilwaukeeCountySheriff'sDepartment.


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Franklin, Wisconsin SRTS Planning Grant Application _________________________________________________

SRTS 2011-2012 Planning Grant Application Page 2 of 6

1. See attachments for Franklin City Demographics.

2. Who is included on your SRTS Task Force? What local support exists for the development of a Safe Routes to School plan?

Please list all the members of your SRTS Task Force and whom they represent. In addition, please list any activities that your

SRTS Task Force has already undertaken.

The Franklin Safe Routes to School Task ForceTrail Committee Members Representation and Other Affiliation

John Michlig Franklin Trails Committee, Economic Development Commission, ParentDave Fowler City Plan Commission, Trails Committee, MMSD employee, Parent

Kevin Haley City Plan Commission, Milwaukee County Parks and Recreation Department employee, Parent

Curtis Bolton Trails Commissioner, Former Municipal Employee, Performance Benchmark & Planning, LLC

Greg Kowalski Franklin Trails Committee, Citizens for Community Development

City Staff

Nick Fuchs City of Franklin Department of City Development, Planner

Jack Bennett City of Franklin, City Engineer

Kristin Anderson Health Department, Public Health Nurse, Parent

Jerry Schaefer City of Franklin Department of Public Works, Superintendent

Elected Officials

Tom Taylor City of Franklin Mayor

Tim Solomon City of Franklin Alderperson Dist. 2, Parks Commission, Franklin Trails Committee, Finance Chair

Kristen Wilhelm City of Franklin Alderperson Dist. 3, Health Department Rep, Franklin Trails Committee, Parent

Education Representatives

Dr. Steve Patz Superintendent, Franklin School District

Mark Cloutier Manager, Building and Grounds, Franklin School District

Jamie Foeckler Pleasant View Elementary School Principal

Susan Mischler Pleasant View Elementary School Phys-Ed Teacher

Sandy Maher-Johnson Milwaukee Area Technical College Instructor, Parent

Business Members

Hatam (Harry) Shata Moondance Caf, Owner/Operator, Parent

Shawn Vollmer Three Cellars, Owner/Operator

Philip Schultz Managing Partner at Horizon Development Group, Inc. Clare, Meadows Senior Living Center

Mike and Lisa Soto Snap Fitness Owners

Tom Labisch InStep Walking Centers,

Agency Advisors and Mapping Assistance

SEWPRC Rep Ken Younker, Executive Director, contact

Related Projects and Activities

The City of Franklin is fortunate to have a large constituency of active volunteers and an engaged community who assist

in making these events a success.

Walking Workshop: At the direction of the Common Council, on April 17, 2010, the City of Franklin Trails

Committee and members of the SRTS Task Force worked with URS Corporation to hold a series of meetings and a

public Walking Workshop. The Workshop, attended by 70 participants, and follow-up meetings were used (A) as

planning tools to gather public input from residents and business owners about how to make the area a safer, more

accessible and more pleasant place for walkers of all ages; and (B) as a kickoff for the Citys SRTS program. The

study area included the Pleasant View School neighborhood, associated streets and the main arterial of S. 51st Street

between W. Drexel and W. Rawson Avenues.

Participants shared ideas and generated specific strategies on how to bring about safe walking connections that were

categorized into the SRTS engineering, enforcement, education, encouragement and evaluation strategies.

Adoption of Milwaukee County Trails Network Plan as Part of Franklins Connectivity Infrastructure: TheTask Force recommended adoption of the Milwaukee County Trails Network Plan for future city trail design and

funding. This resulted in an amendment to the City of Franklin 2025 Comprehensive Master Plan, incorporating the

Milwaukee County Trails Network Plan as an integral reference for future development planning.

Community Development Block Grant: The City of Franklin secured a CDBG grant to fund a sidewalk that runs

just under one-third of the distance of 51st Street between Drexel and Rawson. This project is the necessary first step


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toward getting a complete sidewalk connection on the roadway, which links an elementary school, high school, and

retail area.

Franklin High School Sidewalk: Demonstrating a commitment to walkability and non-vehicular connectivity -- and

responding to an outpouring of pro-walkability opinion by citizens -- the Franklin Common Council voted to

spend an additional $80,000 to ensure that sidewalks are included in the reconstruction of 51st Street in front of

Franklin High School. This sidewalk joins with the CDBC Block Grant-funded sidewalk cited above.

3. What local support exists that will ensure the success of the SRTS planning process and the development of an ongoing

SRTS Program?Describe with as much detail as possible how your community/school will ensure that the planning process

leads to a completed SRTS plan and to the development of an ongoing SRTS Program.

The Franklin Safe Routes to School Grant effort originated with City Council direction and mayoral support to form a

committee to address citizen requests for pedestrian access along 51st Street, a collector road that conveys students to

Pleasant View Elementary School. One of the committees first determinations was concurrence on the fact that 51st

Street and the other streets surrounding the school need a significant amount of attention in order to allow students to

walk or bike to their school safely.

The SRTS planning and implementation process is directly intertwined with Franklins municipal management and

planning structure, at a priority level that ensures ongoing support . Recent outpourings of citizen opinions have

heightened leaders perception of this need. It has been recognized by city leaders and school district

administration that addressing Franklins connectivity deficiencies is absolutely crucial.

Local support for a SRTS Program comes from the following stakeholders who are ready to take the results of

Walking Workshop to the next level and apply it to the rest of the City:

Local Citizens - Parents/Senior Citizens Police and Fire Departments Health Department City Engineering Local Elected Officials County Supervisor Representatives Department of City Development

Citizen Plan Commission members City Park Commission School District Superintendent and

Administration

School Board Members and Building andGrounds Manager

Businesses and Community LeadersMethodsMethods for success involve collaboration on several levels. Dedicated community leaders will take ownership during

each step to ensure the planning process is complete for a successful program. Using already available programs and

support, the SRTS program can and will be effectively realized.

Direct Partnership with School and School District: Both Pleasant View Elementary and the entire Franklin

School District are directly involved with planning and execution stages of our SRTS program. Students will

actively participate via the ongoing curriculum-based art and health programs. The Franklin Health Department,

another SRTS partner, regularly administers several programs throughout the school year.

Political Support: The City of Franklin Common Council fully supported the mayoral citizen and staff

appointments to a Trails Committee for finding pedestrian access solutions. The Franklin School Board was

notified of the opportunity for a SRTS Program and has demonstrated their complete support as a full partner on

these efforts. In addition to active student needs, there are a large amount of voting seniors, lower income andphysically challenged citizens in the radius of this project that will also benefit from safe roadway travel. City

officials have a desire to provide the best feasible services and to support the constituent majority, and are therefore

full partners in the SRTS program.

Outreach: Task Force members seek individuals and businesses for continued support and involvement in SRTS.

The members have noted the number of families interested in the program and have established buy-in from

parents, school officials, seniors, businesses, health department, and other groups. There has been significant


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support for safe pedestrian access in the community. To reach additional parents, members have been assigned

tasks such as requesting time during school board, PTA and neighborhood homeowner association meetings to

increase the support for SRTS and the walking school bus programs. The recently posted Franklin SRTS Facebook

page is helping us remain in touch with the community for continued project involvement and ongoing education

and encouragement. The Citys newsletter reaches every household and wil l continue to publish updates on the

program.

Educational Handouts:The Health Department has already created a walking booklet indicating some park andneighborhood street loops as part of the Citys 5-year Community Health Improvement Plan. This mapping

encourages residents to seek and use safe neighborhood walking routes. As part of the planning process and

development of a SRTS Plan, handouts will be updated and made available to residents.

4. What are the current conditions for bicycling and walking in your school area? Please include information on the following,

as applicable: What concerns have already been identified in your community regarding walking and/or bicycling to and from

your schools? List any documented hazards such as accident data, traffic counts, community and school surveys or audits,

speed surveys, and any other factors as appropriate. Describe any existing activities or conditions at the affected schools that

enhance biking or walking to school. These could be engineering changes already undertaken, events, classroom activities,

enforcement or anything else that makes walking and biking easier, safer or a preferred transportation choice.

Current Conditions

Franklin was initially designed for travel by automobile. A series of highly trafficked, high-speed east-west and north-

south collector roads impede pedestrian and bike access to useful destinations. Franklin contains a lengthy portion ofthe beautiful, 108-mile Oak Leaf Trail, but trailheads are currently safely accessible only by driving to them. Parents

must drive their children to virtually any away-from-home activity. High School students need to drive to their

workplace, school, and other activities.

The school zone begins at the door of Pleasant View Elementary and includes several disconnected neighborhoods that

do not have sidewalks, trails, bicycle lanes or roads with shoulders. These features are almost completely absent with

the exception of the new 51st Street walkway (which was approved due in part to the Task Force bringing these

concerns to officials attention) and Franklins portion of the Oak Leaf Trail. These needed features are now more

easily recognized as a benefit for not only children with disabilities but also senior citizens, parents with strollers, and

even those with temporary mobility impairments.

Access to the Franklin section of the Oak Leaf Trail -- a paved 108-mile multi-use recreational trail operated by the

Milwaukee County Park System -- from neighborhoods rather than loading bikes into a vehicle, is a vision and goal.Present walking and biking activities will benefit from expanded programs and safety measures related to SRTS.

Improving access to safe walking zones will provide solutions to weight-loss and lead to more healthful lifestyles, a

concept which is in harmony with current health department programs. Once safe zones become a part of published

pedestrian routes, active children will be provided outlets for energy and the less active will find walking an easier and

more frequent choice. Local appreciation for the Oak Leaf Trail is an example of how Franklin citizens have embraced

these health benefits.

Walking and biking conditions surrounding Pleasant View Elementary (See also photos on attachment pages)

The only road leading to Pleasant View Elementary is shoulder-less and narrow, creating an incrediblyhazardous walking and biking situation (picture #1).

An informal and fairly well-used goat path has been worn down by children and parents walking from schoolto a subdivision to the immediate northeast. There is no official east-west trail connection (pictures #2 & 3).

A subdivision to the southeast of the school can see the school building from their neighborhood, but theycannot walk directly to it. Instead, one must drive over two miles on busy collector roads Drexel and S. 51st

(picture #8).


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Hazards and concerns (See attachment for crash data)

A main concern identified is the number of hazards and deficiencies present and the cost and complexity of

addressing them. Without expert assistance for this program, children will be forced to continue to ride the bus

even though they can see the school from their own homes.

The entire Franklin School District has been declared a hazardous transportation area by the Milwaukee

County Sheriffs Department; therefore, the school districtmust

provide transportation for each and every student.There is currently little ride-sharing or carpooling by the parents. Each morning and evening, a long line of cars

extends down the single roadway (picture #1) that is shared by buses, walkers and bikes.

The best current conditions for biking and walking in the city exist at the Milwaukee County Oak Leaf Trail. The

trail, however, lacks connection to neighborhoods, businesses and schools, and is well-used even though it currently

has no function as a useful conveyance to and between destinations.

There are also several unique hazards, such as the heavy gravel trucks traveling on Rawson near the Oak Leaf Trail.

Franklin citizens are very cognizant of the fact that current conditions put pedestrians and bicyclists in danger. Less

than five years ago, a man was killed by a vehicle while walking his dog near Franklin High School .

Specific Hazards

There is extremely high car volume on the narrow, sidewalk-less neighborhood roads directly adjacent to theschool at arrival and dismissal times (pictures #1 & 7).

There is no light, crosswalk or pedestrian aid at the primary crossing (Rawson and 46th Street) that would beused by residents of the Hidden Lakes subdivision (see picture #10).

Rawson Avenue, posted at 45 mph, carries a high volume of large truck traffic from a nearby quarry (picture#13). When they are fully laden and/or in higher gears, they are unable to stop or slow.

A bridge over the creek between the Victory Creek subdivision and the school is in disrepair and has no railing(picture #15).

An emergency vehicle/walking path connection on Marquette Road heading west in from of the school wasordered by the Common Council, but is unfunded (picture #9).

Existing Activities

The school districts Moving and Munchingprogram rewards physical activity and healthy eating habits. Students

are able to give themselves bonus points on their recording sheets for walking or biking to school.

Pleasant View Elementary encourages walking and biking by providing a bike rack and dismissing walkers/bikers

separate from bus dismissal.

To address the potential for development and success of the SRTS Program, the Task Force has undertaken the

Walking Workshop; newsletter information has gone out to all homes; the City Council is supportive and other

departments have programs in place that mesh with the health benefits of SRTS, such as the Bike Rodeo and Safety

City programs. Attendance at these events indicates that they are becoming more and more popular.

The Franklin SRTS Facebook page engages the community daily with updates, education, and encouragement.

The larger City Planning process takes into consideration the adoption of the Milwaukee County Trail map

Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) as well as the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP). These

planned concepts provide trail linkages and adding additional pedestrian access will provide greater community

connectivity.


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The Franklin Police Department is engaged in ongoing special enforcement programs, including posted watch your

speed signs and targeted heightened enforcement zones.

5.What support exists for your desired Safe Routes to School outcomes? Does the community or school have any policies that

either limit or encourage biking and/or walking to school? If so, please list the policies. Does the school or community plan to

study changing any of the policies? Describe any other ongoing programming/policies that are related to SRTS in the

school/community (e.g., Wellness Policy, Physical Activity policies or Green and Healthy Schools certification).

Our desired SRTS outcomes are, of course, centered on improving health and safety. However, we also have as our

goals reduced fuel consumption and positive community engagement.

Existing Support

The Franklin SRTS Task Force enjoys the full support of the Common Council and mayor, and has been working

hand-in-hand with the School District. Area businesses recognize the value of safe travel by foot and bike and have

been generous with their donations of refreshments and space for our preliminary meetings. We anticipate further

support as we move forward.

Policies that limit or encourage biking/walking

Pleasant View Elementary encourages walking and biking by providing a bike rack and dismissing walkers/bikers

separate from bus dismissal. They are necessarily cautious, however, due to the fact that the Milwaukee County

Sheriffs Department has declared the entire school district a hazardous transportation area. One of the goals of ourSRTS program is to create a model that will address deficiencies in road layout as well as driver and pedestrian

behaviors to the extent that Pleasant Viewand, eventually, the rest of Franklins schools can comfortably

encourage more walking and biking to and from school.

The Trails Committee in conjunction with the SRTS Task Force has identified adoption of a city Complete Streets

policy, consistent with the Wisconsin Complete Streets statute, as a near-term goal in order to build road networks

that are safer, more livable, and welcoming to everyone. Instituting a local Complete Streets policy will ensure that

our planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind, including

bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

The Citys 5-yearCommunity Health Improvement Plan is based on MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through

Planning and Partnerships). An extensive list identifies health organizations willing to participate in programs if those

programs were available. Program focus is justified in light of a city-wide surveythat placed obesity and lack ofphysical activity first (16.4%) out of twelve concerns. Three-fourths of respondents indicated no or insufficient

physical activity. The City Health Department is committed to providing programs addressing those needs, which

correlate with SRTS goals.

Policies, Plans and Maps that Enhance Pedestrian Access

City of Franklin Comprehensive Master Plan Adoption of the Milwaukee County Trail Plan Pleasant View School Outdoor Classroom and trail School district Moving and Munching program Cooperative agreements with MMSD for trail access of Greenseams parcels Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Comprehensive Master Plan update to include County Trail Plan

6. Mapping See attachments

7. Budget N/A - We opt to work with the WisDOT assigned consulting firm, so budget not applicable.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Franklin Demographics and Crash Data2. Photo pages3. Map


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Franklin, Wisconsin SRTS Planning Grant Application ATTACHMENT ___________________________________

SRTS 2011-2012 Planning Grant Application ATTACHMENT

SRTS PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION: ATTACHMENT - Existing Conditions 1

1. South 46th Street is the only road access to

the school, and has no shoulder or sidewalk.

2. Non-connected Marquette Street in front of

school facing east. Informal goat path to

attached Countryside subdivision begins here.3. Goat path used by

students to get to school

from adjacent subdivision.

4. Signage near school.

5. Terminated (non-connected) Marquette

Street in front of school facing west. Site of

delayed emergency road/walking path.

6. Houses in Victory Creek Subdivision can be

seen from the school playground, but not

accessed by foot or bike.

7. Eastward - W. Madison

Street; no sidewalks or

shoulders and a blind hill.

8. Nature path leading from school toward

Victory Creek Subdivision. Path accesses

subdivision only over unsafe creek bridge.

9. EastwardS. 49th St. stub - extending W.Marquette would relieve traffic on Madison

Ave. and offer an alternate/emergency access.

10. Southward Looking across east-west, multilane

connector Rawson Road to S. 46th Street access to

school. No crossing lanes, etc. Posted 45 mph.

11. East-west connector bordering south of

Victory Creek: Drexel Road. Posted 35 mph,

but high design speed negates speed limit.

12. North-south connector, S. 51st. Posted 35

mph. No sidewalks.13. East-west connector Rawson Road at S. 51st Street.

nearby quarry creates heavy truck traffic all day.


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SRTS PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION: ATTACHMENT - Existing Conditions 2

14. Victory Creek terminated road, looking

NW toward school. Bridge is in tree line.

15. Looking north. Victory Creek bridge over

creek. School is on other side of city-owned

field.16. Crossing

button at S. 51st

and Rawson.

17. Southward S. 51st and

Rawson intersection crosswalk.

No sidewalk on other side.

18. Eastward on Rawson at 46th Street

school access crossing.19. Dead-end bulb, W. Evergreen Lane. 20. Crossing button at S. 51 stand Rawson median.

The problem becomes

more obvious whenviewed from above: Lack

of street connectivity

leads to the nearby is far

away syndrome and

near-complete

dependence upon cars for

mobility.

Multiple needs make

planned connectivity

especially challenging.

To provide our

neighborhoods with

SRTS solutions to allow

greater ability to walk or

bike to school, expert

guidance and long-term

planningnot to mention

near-term infrastructure

rehabilitationisneeded.


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SRTS PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION: ATTACHMENT

City of Franklin Demographics and School Area Crash Data

Races in Franklin:

White Non-Hispanic (89.1 %) Black (5.2%) Hispanic (2.6%) Two or more races (0.9%) Other race (0.7%) Asian Indian (0.7%) American Indian (0.6%)

Households: 27,442 total

In family households: 24,071 (6,638 male householders, 1,125 femalehouseholders)

6,729 spouses, 8,674 children, 164 grandchildren, 132 brothers or sisters, 183parents, 99 other relatives, 327 non-relatives

In nonfamily households: 3,371 (1,275 male householders (1,029 living

alone)), 1,599 female householders (1,383 living alone)), 497 nonrelatives

In group quarters: 2,114 (1,887 institutionalized population)

5,753 married couples with children.

835 single-parent households (225 men, 610 women).

Transportation:

Cars and other vehicles available in Franklin in owner-occupiedhouses/condos:

No vehicle: 121 1 vehicle: 1,638 2 vehicles: 4,264 3 vehicles: 1,720 4 vehicles: 441 5 or more vehicles: 130

Cars and other vehicles available in Franklin in renter-occupied houses/condos:

No vehicle: 216 1 vehicle: 1,121 2 vehicles: 724 3 vehicles: 182 4 vehicles: 47 5 or more vehicles: 8

Means of transportation to work

Drove a car alone: 13,671 (88%) Carpooled: 1,096 (7%) Bus or trolley bus: 134 (1%) Taxi: 9 (0%) Motorcycle: 5 (0%) Walked: 69 (0%) Other means: 42 (0%) Worked at home: 542 (3%)

South 35th Street - South 51st Street/West

Drexel Ave. to West Rawson Ave.1/1/2010 - 7/1/2010 Crash Data

Property Damage CrashesDate Time Location

7/1/10 3:03pm 5100 Rawson6/20/10 10:23am 5100 Rawson2/24/10 5:13pm 4600 Rawson

2/9/10 1:19pm 4900 Rawson2/8/10 7:03am 5100 Rawson2/4/10 3:40pm 5100 Drexel

1/12/10 7:11am 7500 51st1/9/10 2:10pm 5100 Rawson

Personal Injury Crashes5/28/10 10:48pm 7300 51st3/28/10 12:07pm 4600 Drexel

7/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 Crash Data

Property Damage Crashes12/31/09 5:06pm 3500 Rawson12/26/09 3:22pm 5100 Rawson12/22/09 5:47pm 4200 Rawson12/5/09 5:24pm 3500 Rawson12/4/09 6:37am 5100 Drexel

11/23/09 9:20am 5100 Rawson10/26/09 6:45am 5100 Rawson10/3/09 11:19am 3500 Rawson9/19/09 4:36pm 5100 Rawson9/10/09 2:49pm 4700 Rawson

9/8/09 10:46am 7700 51stPersonal Injury Crashes12/22/09 5:12pm 4300 Rawson12/14/09 5:14pm 4300 Rawson12/6/09 11:16am 7200 51st9/16/09 3:12pm 5100 Rawson

8/1/09 9:42am 3700 Rawson


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SRTS Planning Grant Application Full

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