Much has happened since the June 16 Special Commission Meeting, wherein the Atlantic Crossing developer proposed two solutions to improve traffic mobility on the site. The proposed solutions are to help mitigate the developer's removal of Atlantic Court, the two-way fully functional surface road connecting Federal Highway to 7th Avenue that was promised over six years ago. Atlantic Court still appears on the certified plat, and has never been legally removed from the site. The first option is a hybrid version of Atlantic Court with a surface road entrance and exit off Federal and the second option is an entrance only into the underground parking garage, next to a one-way exit road connecting 7th Avenue to Federal Highway. The developer prefers the second option.
At the meeting the Commission chose to engage a civil engineer to assess both options, from the viewpoint of creating overall accessibility to the site; minimizing traffic conflicts within the site; and eliminating as much street gridlock as practical on Atlantic Avenue, Federal Highway, and NE 1st Street. The engineering firm was not asked for suggestions on how to improve either option. Option 2, the one way exit surface road, was recommended based upon less conflicts within the site presumably reducing surrounding street congestion. However, it is unclear as to the viability of Option 1 because the developer's engineer revealed at the June 16 meeting that a literal replacement of the original Atlantic Court design was unfeasible as (1) the new underground garage might not support the overhead weight of a functional two way road, including truck traffic, and (2) space for the road was no longer aligned with the traffic circle, creating the potential for serious traffic conflicts. In other words, there really is only one option to consider.
In the meantime, the developer filed a lawsuit against the City on June 24, alleging that project approvals have been improperly delayed. The City has 30 days to respond.
With this background, the Commission will review the outside civil engineer report as the first item on the Regular Agenda (Item 8A) on Tuesday, July 7, in Commission Chambers. The original purpose of this review was to pick a preferred option, and begin the process of revising the Site Plan. It remains to be seen whether the Commission might choose to consider a third option, such as redesigning the traffic half-circle (valet station) to accommodate orderly east/west traffic in the middle of the project.
Whatever the outcome of the July 7 discussion, the public fervently believes that the new site plan, must undergo a rigorous review and go before SPRAB for final approval, assuring public input. If for no other reason, following the rules protects the City from future allegations that corners were cut in the interest of expediency.
Please plan to attend the Commission meeting and make your voice heard at 6:00pm during public comment, or if allowed (an uncertainty at this time), after the civil engineering firm has made their presentation.
