SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC PLAN

A. Introduction

B. Scope of Work

Project Area

East-West Thru Streets

Fourth and Fifth Streets, Seventh Street / Overhill Road, Tenth Street, Chace Avenue and Hillside Avenue are among the favorite routes of motorists travelling between North Main and Hope Streets. Although these cross streets are narrow and residential in nature they have seen an increase in traffic volume and speed. In addition, commercial traffic, including heavy trucks, frequently navigate between I-95 and Miriam Hospital or Hope Street via Thirth and Fourth Streets.

The study should suggest ways to reduce traffic volume and speed on these residential streets, and to encourage thru traffic to use major east-west thoroughfares, such as Rochambeau Avenue.

Miriam Hospital Area

The Summit neighborhood is unique in Providence in that it has had a hospital burgeoning within its residential midst. Since it moved into the Summit neighborhood 50 years ago, Miriam Hospital has generated increased traffic and parking congestion in the surrounding area. These effects sharply increased following the construction of the outpatient facility on the corner of Summit Avenue and Fifth Street a decade ago, and with an increase in both inpatient and outpatient programs at the hospital.

The study should suggest strategies for reducing the impact of hospital traffic and parking congestion on the neighborhood. It must also model the effect of converting some hospital parking to other uses, as described in Task 2, below.

Hope Street Commercial District

The Hope Street commercial district lends Summit its mixed-use character and is considered an important asset by residents. Yet the volume and high speed of the traffic that travels along Hope Street makes it dangerous for pedestrians, including patrons of the local businesses, to navigate the commercial district safely.

The study should present a plan to beautify the Hope Street commercial district, improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and slow traffic, recognizing that Hope Street will remain the major north-south thoroughfare on the East Side. The plan should be perceived to benefit both residents and businesses. Possible elements of a plan envisioned by residents include landscaping, raised crosswalks, a tree-lined median, period street lamps and benches.

Vision for Summit Neighborhood

Since it was first developed early in the Twentieth Century, the Summit area has remained a family-oriented neighborhood of tree-lined streets, predominantly owner-occupied one- and two- family houses, and local mom and pop retail shopping. By today's zoning standards, the house lots are undersized and green space is at a minimum, yet the quiet residential character, relatively affordable housing and stable yet diverse population lend Summit much of its appeal.

The Summit Neighborhood this project envisions will remain a residential enclave, insulated from the urban growth around it and instititutional growth within it. It will be safer and more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly than today, with more or better access to green space. Local businesses are integral to the neighborhood, and commercial needs will be carefully balanced with the needs of residents.

Traffic Calming and Land Use

Modeling land-use alternatives that increase green space and reduce traffic and parking congestion may support and encourage more ambitious changes and more dramatic improvements than can be achieved with traffic engineering alone.

Task 1 Analysis of Existing Conditions

Task 2 Modeling Options

Task 3 Transportation and Land Use Plan

1. Recommendations for traffic calming alternatives with their implications (including cost) for the above mentioned project area. All recommendations shall be in compliance with appropriate city and state statutes and regulations.
2. A comparison of existing traffic and parking conditions surrounding Miriam Hospital and conditions modeled in Task 2, above.
3. Recommendations that affect public infrastructure in the neighborhood. These should include traffic calming devices, streetscape improvements, parks and open spaces, as appropriate. These recommendations must be accompanied by graphic illustrations.

The final report should be a concise document with text and graphics which can also be reproduced and provided to the general public. The document should include all of the recommended changes. Ten (10) copies of working drafts shall be periodically submitted. The final version shall be on 81/2" x 11" sheets; graphics may use 11" x 17" sheets where necessary. One reproducible (photo ready) copy and 10 additional copies shall be submitted. Consultant must also supply the documents on diskettes in a format compatible with Microsoft Word.

All mappable data collected by the consultant must also be provided to the City in a format that can be utilized by the ArcView Geographic Information System.

Proposal Format and Requirements

The proposal submitted for all work must clearly identify all required work items and person-hours. At a minimum, the proposal shall, in text and graphics:

1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the scope of the studies, including the transportation and planning issues outlined in this RFP;
2. Set forth a detailed methodology for performing all tasks. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, data collection, analysis, graphic representations, consultation with the City's agencies, advisory committees and the like;
3. Describe all final products to be submitted;
4. Submit detailed resumes of all project personnel, clearly identifying past projects of a similar nature and at least 3 references;
5. Identify a project manager, who will take responsibility for all work elements;
6. Submit a schedule for completion of all work elements; and
7. Submit a fee proposal, with a break down by task, person hours for each task, labor and project related costs.
8. Whenever possible, the consultant is required to utilize existing data.

The firms or individuals submitting proposals must have demonstrated experience in transportation and traffic planning. In accordance with Title 5, Chapter 8 of the Rhode Island General Laws, any person or firm which practices or is offering to practice engineering in the State of Rhode Island must be registered and/or hold certificates of authorization from the State of Rhode Island Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. A copy of said registration/certificate must be submitted with the Proposal.

Progress Review Meetings

Frequent periodic progress meetings are an important part of the process as envisioned in this proposal. These will take the form of monthly meetings which will occur throughout the entire process. These monthly meetings will provide the opportunity for the SNA and DPD staff to review progress on the project, evaluate the products of each of the project tasks, and discuss issues arising during the completion of tasks. It is further anticipated that these meetings may occasionally involve preparation for brief presentations for, or discussions with, local officials, citizens, businesses, and representatives of state and federal agendies with jurisdiction or interest in the project area.

Public and Other Hearings

This plan will become part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. In accordance with Rhode Island laws, the plan is subject to one public hearing before the City Plan Commission and another public hearing before the City Council for final approval. The consultant will present the plan, along with staff of the City of Providence, to the general public as well as any necessary governmental bodies.

Selection Criteria

The selection of the form(s) or individuals are based on the following criteria

• Understanding of the Scope of the Work,
• Demonstrated experience in similar types of projects,
• Experience and knowledge of the assigned personnel, particularly the project manager,
• Demonstrated ability to work with professional staff and lay committees,
• Demonstrated ability to complete tasks on time, and
• Overall costs.

Submission Requirements

• Ten copies of the proposal must be submitted by Friday, March 16, 2001, no later than 4:00 PM, to:

  John Bazik, President

  Summit Neighborhood Association

• The anticipated award date is Monday, May 14, 2001.
• The final plan is due Friday, November 16, 2001