Ann Arbor Planning Commission asks hotel developer to come up with more pedestrian-friendly plan
A rendering of the proposed Hampton Inn & Suites on Jackson Avenue in Ann Arbor.
Giffels Webster
Akram Namou of A&M Hospitality and Executive Hospitality wants to build a 100-room Hampton Inn at 2910 Jackson Ave., adjacent to his 163-room Clarion Hotel.
The site plan for the proposed Hampton Inn.
Giffels Webster
"The building seems to be fine — I think most people don't have a problem with that," said Commissioner Diane Giannola. "But if there's a way to improve the walkability of the area, at least attempt to show us if there's another way — show us another alternative."
Commissioner Eric Mahler said it poses "an interesting challenge" to see if the developer can make the plan pedestrian-oriented rather than car-oriented, but he wouldn't mind seeing that.
As he was leaving city hall Tuesday night, Namou said the planning commissioners' comments were well taken and he'll see what he can do.
"They are fair comments," he said. "We definitely will make, as much as possible, some modifications to accommodate their concerns. It is a little expensive, but we will accommodate them — definitely we'll do anything for the safety of the pedestrians."
He added, "We have a big investment already in the project, and this project was approved and permits were taken out, so we are hoping to move forward very quickly."
The Ann Arbor City Council previously approved Namou's plans for the Hampton Inn in 2008, and some site work was completed before financing issues stalled the project. The site plan expired in 2012, and Namou is now back asking for approval of essentially the same project.
"It's the same project that was previously approved — it expired and now we reapplied," he said. "The city asked us for certain modifications, which we complied with, like additional landscaping and additional sidewalks, etc., so we complied with everything, and the staff approved the plans."
City documents show the four-story, 72,000-square-foot Hampton Inn would include a workout facility and an indoor pool. The building would be located on a previously constructed foundation.
Namou is requesting a planned project modification to increase the maximum front setback requirement of 50 feet to allow a 72.4-foot setback from the north property line fronting Interstate 94. When the foundation was poured in 2008, there was no maximum front setback requirement.
A landscape modification also is requested to provide required bio-retention in one large area south of the building.
Commissioner Bonnie Bona said she wasn't ready to support the hotel project as presented Tuesday night. She offered some constructive feedback to the developer.
"While the pedestrian and bicycle use may be minimal today, it's only going to get greater," she said. "And in order for your building to be viable as a location, I believe it needs to be more pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly than it is."
Bona suggested the project engineer should draw up new plans starting with a focus on pedestrian access, and then fill in the parking afterward.
Between the two hotels, there would be 337 parking spaces, according to the proposed plan. The 8.8-acre site is located along the north side of Jackson next to I-94.
Bona said she knows sidewalks are expensive, but she suggested at the very least the developer could put a loop around the property so someone could walk or jog around it.
"It could be a nice path — that idea of an amenity for your patrons, even if they drive here in a car," she said. "Especially I think the conference people are the ones who are kind of stuck there for the day, and it would be a shame if all they had to do was walk through your parking lot."
A pedestrian crossing is proposed on Jackson Avenue from the Hampton Inn site to Hilltop Drive. The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority plans to relocate a bus stop on eastbound Jackson to take advantage of the crossing, according to the plans.
Bona wanted to know how a pedestrian would get from either the property next door or from the bus stop into the main entrance of the hotel. She noted when she goes to a hotels, she often arrives by car, but then she wants to walk around on foot once she's there.
"I would even get out and go for a run — head across Jackson, and that neighborhood is really nice, would be very pleasant to run in," she said.
Following action by the Planning Commission, possibly in July, the project heads to the Ann Arbor City Council for final approval.
Namou told commissioners having a Hampton Inn next door to a Clarion Hotel will work — he believes the two hotels would complement each other perfectly.
"The Clarion is a full-service hotel, which has meeting space, banquets and restaurant, while the Hampton is what we call a limited-service hotel, strictly transient and corporate business," he said.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Seasoned Cit
Fri, Jun 21, 2013 : 4:17 a.m.
I guess they should be thankful that the developer wasn't required to also add charging facilities for all the electric cars that will be driven there by overnight visitors. We probably should have some public art piece in the area as well so when guests are out walking on the sidewalks or riding their bikes they have something nice to look at. Then we could also require water permeable asphalt on the parking lots to help build up ground water that needs diluting from the Gellman dioxins that the State approved dumping created ! What a developer friendly town we are !
jcj
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
Bona suggested the project engineer should draw up new plans starting with a focus on pedestrian access, and then fill in the parking afterward. Makes total sense build your project to accommodate 1/10 th of one percent of your clientele, then fill in what ever is left for the overwhelming mode of transportation of your clientele. Sounds like a business model waiting to fail. I hope Commissioner Bonnie Bona never gets to the point that she is actually helping decide where Ann Arbor will spend its money.
Halter
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 9:14 a.m.
Absolutely ridiculous and an insult and waste of time and money to the developers. Never seen any pedestrians walking there and never will. Certainly none of the motel guests is going to walk anywhere...stalling development once again.
foobar417
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
Pedestrians don't walk there because *there's no pedestrian infrastructure*. You could have made the same silly argument you are making in the 1950s. "There's no need for I-80 because no one drives across the country at high speed." If you build it and it connects to something, people will use it.
Steve Beisheim
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 8:36 a.m.
First off... DESIGN is extremely important and the planning commission and design has a huge role in the quality of life in our city... Visual pleasantness is important.. have you not seen how other cities and suburbs look thanks to just caring about the car? Granted, not tons of people ride or walk around there... but I wonder why? If Main St was designed with parking lots all around it and no viable sidewalks then there wouldn't be bicyclists and walkers there either... just like the south state st. corridor.. which is atrocious. for walkers and bikers.... The planning commission has to take under consideration the perspective of all residents and all modes of transportation.. Haven't you ever been at a hotel only to be completely trapped without any viable way to get something to eat near by without being forced to drive to get two blocks away... since all the restaurants are disconnected from each other except through highways? It's about choice... quality of life.. and trying to improve Ann Arbor...... If you want examples of great cities that have choked on their own car centric focus look no further than a city 40 miles east beginning with a D... Thankfully, someone named Dan Gilbert is doing something about it.....by making the sidewalk a priority.......
foobar417
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 2:19 p.m.
No, and they are not asking him to do anything more than improve the design. He's asking the city for a big favor ... let him reuse the poured foundation that's no longer legal. The city, through the planning commission, is asking him to do something in return ... improve pedestrian connectivity for the part he's responsible for.
jcj
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 11:18 a.m.
Steve Is this owner responsible for more than HIS property?
DJBudSonic
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 3:33 a.m.
Well the mayor got what he wanted from his reappointment of Ms. Bona. She is clearly 100% pro-walk pro-bike, even on somebody else's dime. Now, if she would please help the planning commission repeal the ridiculous D1 zoning. Of course, planning commission sent 413, perhaps the most hated of all D1 projects, to the council with a NO vote. But that didn't help squash it, what more can they do, but change the law?
Robert Hughes
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 4:16 a.m.
The decision was unanimous.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 3:10 a.m.
I've seen a couple folks mention that no one in a hotel is taking bikes or walking. Several other folks have responded on the absurdity of that notion. (I walk to surrounding businesses at pretty much every hotel I stay at while on tour) To add to that... is there a reason we wouldn't want to promote bicycling and pedestrian traffic at local hotels? - particularly when there are stores, theater, etc. within just a few blocks? That's actually a selling point during the warmer months: "Hampton Ann Arbor, within walking and biking distance of... ". They could even provide bike rentals. In other words, a redesign incorporating the commission's wishes could be turned into quite a positive thing for everyone involved.
DeeAA
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 11:06 p.m.
I live in Lakewood which is across Jackson Rd. from Webers, the Clarion, and this new Hampton. I have had visitors staying at the Clarion and Webers. It is very dangerous to get across Jackson on foot. Not everybody drives that stays in those inns. We need a safer way to cross Jackson Rd. from Lakewood; maybe a traffic light. To take a bus downtown, a person has to cross Jackson to go east into town. Coming back from downtown, you have to cross Jackson from Hilltop, which parallels Jackson, to get back to any of these inns. Please, people. Not everyone is driving a car when they come to town. Pedestrian access from one side of Jackson to the other from Lakewood is awful.
Crono
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 10:32 p.m.
It simply amazes me the level anti-pedestrian and anti-biking sentiment there is amongst readers of AnnArbor.com. I completely agree that the project should change to encourage more pedestrian connectivity. Bringing the building closer to the road with parking in the back makes much more sense. The very reason there aren't many more pedestrians and bicyclists in the area is BECAUSE of the auto-orientation of the area. When you BUILD buildings and outdoor spaces to be more accommodating to ALL modes of transportation, you will get just that: more people doing different things. Almost everytime I go to a hotel in a new city, I want to get out and explore the area and walk to nearby stores, etc. In some places, you cannot do that because the area was built to only accommodate one mode: the car. In a place like Ann Arbor, you should not be forced to get from point A to point B by auto only. There's something wrong with society if people really only care about themselves and their own needs.
Bill Sloan
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 9:34 p.m.
Certainly, nobody brings a bicycle with them to a conference or convention, but I have been to a number of hotels in several cities where the hotel either rents bikes or provides them as an amenity. They are well used and much appreciated by patrons. 'The best way to get a little exercise and see an unfamiliar town. Good for the Planning Commission to recommend adding such aspects to a proposed project of this sort.
KJMClark
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 12:50 a.m.
Actually, I *have* brought a bicycle to a conference. And I know a few other people who've done that too.
Arboriginal
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
Once we all get jet packs those sidewalks will be useless!
jcj
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:35 p.m.
OK Seriously! What are the options? They put a side walk from the West end of their property to the East end of their property! End of discussion! UNLESS those that put not one dime of their money into this project want the owner to put walks in all the way to Westgate to the East and Wagner to the West. Not to mention the pedestrian bridge they could build across Jackson rd. If there is more they can do let the brilliant minds at the planning commission TELL them what they want! Bureaucracy is killing this country. Not to mention simple minds.
jcj
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
Waiting for the brilliant minds to put forth their plan!
ffej440
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:35 p.m.
Nine hotels across from Briarwood mall, with NO crosswalk for State St...... and you worry about pedestrian traffic out there on Scio ?
foobar417
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 2:14 p.m.
Why does the fact that other infrastructure needs to be fixed as well mean we can't fix it here? That's what planning commissions do ... when you make a major change to property that's not "by right" they ask for local amenities that add to the overall public infrastructure. Over time, albeit in a somewhat haphazard way (driven by when private property owners choose to make a change), they make significant improvements.
motorcycleminer
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:07 p.m.
When the alien ship landed its just a shame they left so many here....
KJMClark
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 12:49 a.m.
Just as much a shame that so many neanderthals think it's fun to come here and grunt.
Barzoom
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
That area out there is a real hot-bed of pedestrian & biking activity.
jcj
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 9:02 p.m.
So what are they to do KJM? Develop property that is not theirs? Whats your plan?
KJMClark
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:36 p.m.
Actually, if you're coming from out of town for the Art Fairs, you very well want to bike from that hotel. There's still plenty of bike parking during the Art Fairs. Besides, another very good choice would be to stay at the hotel and take the bus downtown. You'd be walking from the bus to the hotel and back every time.
tdw
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 5:45 p.m.
I looks to me the city is trying to get something for locals on someone else's dime
jcj
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:37 p.m.
Ross Duh! Please explain what you would have the owner do! Develop land that does not belong to them?
tdw
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
Ross..You kinda just made my point.If the construction did affect locals I could see it.But it's not going to other than vehicle traffic ( which does not seem to be one of the concerns )
Ross
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 5:58 p.m.
duh. That's what planning commissions do; ensure quality of life for local residents affected by new construction from private developers.
Linda Peck
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 5:29 p.m.
Folks, there are more and more pedestrians along Jackson Road. I live nearby and see this happening. The bike/sidewalk path is great along much of Jackson Road, and it is needed. People are using this more, and certainly it is a better way to get around the stretch of 45 mph than riding a bike or walking in the road. It is a busy place. I am in favor of this move and applaud Ann Arbor Planning Commission. Thank you!
Townspeak
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
It is a hotel, not a park. No one will be walking there, but street people perhaps. This is such a ridiculous example of micro managing by this commission. what a joke they are.
KJMClark
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.
It's a hotel. People staying at hotels walk around the area all the time. What makes you think everyone goes to a hotel in their personal car? Most of the times I've traveled for business, I get a shuttle to the hotel, and either walk to my destinations, take cabs, or sometimes blade there.
foobar417
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:47 p.m.
People walk from hotels to nearby amenities all the time. Within a reasonable walking distance there is a movie theater, a book store, a library, restaurants, and an office supply store. All reasonable destinations for a person staying in a hotel like this one.
Kyle Mattson
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.
A little late to the conversation here, but does anyone have a specific suggestion for what may make the current proposal more pedestrian friendly?
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
Thanks for clarifying foobar, your idea make sense.
foobar417
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.
Actually Kyle, my comment was serious and I think in line with what the commissioners suggested. Leave the hotel where it is. Leave the parking lot where it is. But put a sidewalk from the front door *around the parking lot* to the street sidewalk. As it is right now, you have to walk in the parking lot.
jcj
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 2:05 a.m.
KJM I had tried to respond earlier with no luck. Had to call Comcast. I will concede that a West bound bus stop would not be bad. My biggest concern is what is it THIS developer is supposed to do other than put a sidewalk the width of his property?
KJMClark
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 1:15 a.m.
... And we forgot the bowling alley, and Westgate, not to mention all the shops around Quality 16. Lots to walk to around there. Not as good as downtown, but there's a decent amount nearby.
KJMClark
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 1:02 a.m.
... And Running Fit, and our favorite kids' store the Little Seedling, and if the family comes with someone to a conference, the kids would love Jungle Java.
KJMClark
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 1 a.m.
My wife points out Planet Rock is close by too. They walked around Chicago going to a climbing gym a few years ago. Planet Rock is awesome. Worth a hotel trip for serious climbers.
KJMClark
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 12:44 a.m.
jcj - actually, I was thinking of Quality 16, since it's the 2nd biggest theater in the county. It's within walking distance too. Our car broke down in Cadillac two years ago, so we pulled our tandems off the roof, put the car in the shop (needed a new clutch plate), and got around by bike for the two days it took. So we biked around Cadillac, to and from our hotel, and saw two movies. GI Joe was one of them. Don't remember the other. We'd planned to do some biking in Traverse City, but had a decent time anyway. Seems like we walked to theaters in Chicago and Seattle before. And personally, I'm *always* up for a trip to a hardware store *or* Tractor Supply. Though Stadium Hardware would be a more interesting trip than Lowes if you're visiting from out of town. But I bet you thought you were being smart.
jcj
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 12:15 a.m.
KJM Great idea to have a westbound bus stop. Most out of town guest would certainly want to visit Lowes, Tractor Supply, Jungle Java.
Kyle Mattson
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 9:23 p.m.
Thanks for the replies. You had a pretty good list there KJMClark definitely more than I could come up with. foobar417, I realize your comment was most likely in jest, but moving the building to be closer to Jackson with the parking lot where the proposed building location now would be interesting. Obviously it would require a complete redesign, impractical at this point in the project, but it may reduce some of the freeway noise.
KJMClark
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:52 p.m.
- Bus stop in front for WB Jackson - Better landscape buffers from the parking lot traffic for the sidewalks - Walkway going directly from Jackson to their lobby For biking - Covered bike parking - Parking close to the front door - I'd say bike lanes, but the bike lane starts at their hotel already!
Candice
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
Someone stated that there are perfectly fine sidewalks across the street from there. Maybe just add a crosswalk?
foobar417
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:46 p.m.
Don't make people walk through the parking lot to get to the sidewalk. Add a sidewalk from the front door to the sidewalk along the road.
djm12652
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
build it in the center of downtown that is designed for pedestrian traffic...
tdw
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 5:30 p.m.
Move it near a area where's there's actually someplace to walk to.
Useless
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 5:01 p.m.
Who rides their bike to a hotel? Can anyone reading this honestly tell me they have ridden a bike to a hotel. REALLY Ann Arbor?!
Robert Hughes
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 4:10 a.m.
As was stated at the meeting, the people most likely to bike there are the people who work there. Additionally, if there are any conferences held there, then the presence of bike infrastructure will increase the chances that people bike there.
kuriooo
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 2:30 a.m.
Well, my hubby commutes to work this direction. He bikes about 2x per week. I for one, would appreciate safer bike lanes. And I've also stayed at hotels where there was no safe or easily accessible path to get "somewhere." I think it's a good idea, and the hotel owner is paying for this, right??
KJMClark
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 12:47 a.m.
Oh and I forgot about the trip a couple of summers ago when we were driving up to Traverse City to bike around Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City, but the car broke down in Cadillac. We spent the next two days with the car in the shop, biking around Cadillac. We biked to and from the hotel at least a half dozen times that trip. And we biked out to the autoshop to pickup the car too.
KJMClark
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:19 p.m.
Yes, I have honestly ridden my bike to a hotel. Quite a few times, actually, sometimes a hotel I drove to and then biked from, sometimes when I was bike touring and decided to stop at a hotel instead of camping.
foobar417
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:45 p.m.
I've ridden my bike *past* this hotel plenty of times, so putting in bike infrastructure along this stretch would be welcome indeed. Second, this article is primarily about pedestrian-infrastructure and I've walked from a hotel to nearby amenities in plenty of cities. This hotel could use such improvements as there are plenty of attractions to walk to within reasonable walking distance.
tdw
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
Useless........That was my first thought if it's not a flop house they're gonna drive.
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.
This is a reasonable request by the commission. That area is not pedestrian friendly. Adding that element would increase pedestrian/bike traffic and, as noted in the article, provide some incentive to jog on the other side of Jackson (which is a really nice neighborhood).
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 2:57 a.m.
Will, because this situation involves the OK to build an entire structure based on the design. What gets built, and how, will have a long term effect.
Will
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 7:45 p.m.
. . . the city put in a bikeway that essentially ends approximately where the hotel entrance will be. Why doesn't the city take care of their own "bike and pedestrian business" before it starts lecturing private business.
John of Saline
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:24 p.m.
Well, as a semi-frequent traveler, I'd appreciate this. More than once I have set out on foot from a hotel to get something at a convenience store or whatever and have been forces to walk along guardrails on busy roads. Some hotels are REALLY cut off from the surrounding areas.
foobar417
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:44 p.m.
Brad, I agree with your point in general, but the problem (in Ann Arbor at least) is that the bulk of the hotel rooms are on the edge of the city next to the highway.
Brad
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 5:19 p.m.
Tip: pick a different hotel that isn't on the edge of the city next to the highway.
LDR
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:22 p.m.
This is a ridiculous request. Anyone walking or biking on that block has a death-wish. Who walks on the block right before a highway entrance? All the sensible folk use the other side of the street which has perfectly fine sidewalks!
KJMClark
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:31 p.m.
Sorry, my mistake - the bike lane starts *right in front of their hotel*.
KJMClark
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:17 p.m.
Why is it that any time someone wouldn't do something themselves, anyone who would is crazy? Geez, I've biked by there dozens of times. No problems. It's not the expressway, and there are bike lanes just west of there.
motorcycleminer
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.
LDR youve got it right ..maybe their afraid to walk in front of a cemetary...abject BS...
foobar417
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:43 p.m.
And what if you are staying at the hotel and want to walk somewhere?
a2roots
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:45 p.m.
Are you kidding me?????
a2roots
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 12:04 a.m.
I object to the notion that everything has to be bicyclist or pedestrian friendly. How many people ride there bikes to a hotel? Jackson Rd. at this spot and the entrance ramp to I-94 pose some logistical issues which then requires a common sense approach. You cannot hold the developer hostage over paths and sidewalks that will have minimal use. I think the idea of a pedestrian crossing is good but overall think they are becoming to prevalent. Btw most hotels now have shuttles that take their guests to local spots of interest.
aabikes
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 7:37 p.m.
foobar417 is completely correct. There are lots of things around there within walking distance. http://www.walkscore.com/score/2900-jackson-ave-ann-arbor-mi-48103 The infrastructure just doesn't exist to enable it.
foobar417
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:42 p.m.
Why not? There are restaurants, a book store, library, an office supply store, a movie theater, etc. all within easy walking distance. All locations that people who stay in a hotel might want to go to in the evening. Second, they really need to link Stadium to Jackson west of Maple in a way that supports pedestrians and cyclists trying to get through the area. Each piece you add gets one step towards a connected infrastructure.
Basic Bob
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:17 p.m.
They are holding up development for a sidewalk to nowhere. I'm not going to stay there and walk to Jackson Plaza or Maple Road.
foobar417
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
What specifically are you objecting to? Fixing the area so that pedestrians can navigate it safely?
PersonX
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
This is a good start. The city is being ruined by horrible design, but I wish they had woken up earlier and stopped garbage like the Varsity etc.
pseudo
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:42 p.m.
seriously ? They think the hotel is going to be serving the cyclist and pedestrians there? cause they book so much hotel space and make it profitable? or are going to walk to where from there?
Robert Hughes
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 4:06 a.m.
People will walk there. Safer walking is important to those who walk . . .
pseudo
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:55 p.m.
indeed - all, say, 7 of them. oh wow - and don't even get me started about walking to scio township from there - both of those people will be thrilled.
foobar417
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:39 p.m.
First, people trying to get from Ann Arbor out to Scio Township use this route (or would, if it wasn't so inhospitable), so yes, improving the support for pedestrians and cyclists *if done in a connected way* will definitely benefit real people. Second, someone staying at the hotel could clearly walk to Westgate or the K-mart shopping center if there was adequate support for pedestrians. (There currently is not.)
Brad
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:28 p.m.
I travel that area regularly and I am not remembering a lot of pedestrians there. Actually the majority of them are at the end of the exit ramp holding cardboard signs.
SonnyDog09
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:37 p.m.
"Actually the majority of them are at the end of the exit ramp holding cardboard signs." We want to make it easier for them to get to their spot.
foobar417
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
The support for pedestrians and bicylists in that area is awful. As a result, people avoid the area or drive, for the most part. If you add in the infrastructure, it will get used.
a2cents
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
or killed by the cars
aabikes
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:19 p.m.
This is especially important in this area. Pedestrian and bike access on Jackson there around Weber's is pretty awful.
Hot Sam
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 11:06 p.m.
Does that mean a petitioner needs to fix it? If the city had a plan, it would probably already been adhered to...
Will
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.
I believe our public officials should spend more time administrating and less time designing.