The Olympia Planning Commission reviewed the proposed updates to the transportation chapter of the city's 2045 Comprehensive Plan on Monday, Feb. 3.
But the commission opted to table their recommendation to refine key details, particularly the chapter's vision statement to be less car-centric, which some commissioners felt remained too car-centric.
Michelle Swanson, a senior planner with the Public Works Transportation Department, briefed the commissioners on the updates, explaining that the Comprehensive Plan serves as Olympia's overarching policy document guiding growth and development for the next 20 years.
The city is updating the plan on a chapter-by-chapter basis, with the transportation chapter being reviewed on Monday.
The update includes Olympia's recently adopted Transportation Master Plan — which incorporates new state requirements around climate change and equity, as well as the ADA Transition Plan — aligns the comprehensive plan with Olympia's values on multimodal transportation.
Swanson had explained that the previous vision statement focused on "moving people, not just cars."
She said the latest revision changed that to "a complete transportation system that moves people, not just vehicles."
However, Commissioner Zainab Nejati felt the update did not fully capture the city's broader goals around multimodal transportation.
"I still feel like the vision statement in particular is very like 2010 to me," Nejati commented. "I am envisioning something … I want to make sure that the vision statement is included because that sets the tone for the whole (chapter)."
Nejati proposed alternative wording that would prioritize a "multimodal transportation system that allows people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to travel safely, comfortably, and efficiently using various means of transportation, or a multimodal transportation system that is accessible, efficient, and convenient for people of abilities."
Nejati was concerned that the vision statement, as revised, did not go far enough in reflecting the city's goals around equity and supporting transportation options for the vision to prioritize walking, biking and transit over single-occupancy cars.
During the public hearing, longtime transportation advocate Karen Messmer emphasized the importance of well-connected street and grid patterns.
Messmer noted that new developments should improve access for students walking to school, transit users, cyclists and emergency responders.
Messmer's comments align with Nejati's argument that the vision statement should prioritize multimodal options.
Messmer's perspective underscored the value of designing a transportation system that facilitates efficient, sustainable travel patterns for various users.
Nejati felt that this key priority was not yet fully reflected in the current vision statement.
Messmer also invited the commissioners to join her for a walk in the southeast part of Olympia, where she says the lack of a gridded street pattern has caused traffic problems, though bike and pedestrian connections have made a "huge difference" for accessing schools, transit and recreation.
The commission considered a motion to recommend approval of the transportation chapter, contingent on modifications that will be included in a comment letter.
However, the commission decided to leave the motion open and table the discussion until their next meeting.
This allowed them time to finalize revisions to ensure their recommendations reflect Olympia's transportation priorities.
7 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
JnNwmn
Define multi-modal please.
Wednesday, February 5 Report this
KarenM
Multimodal - having more than one mode. In this case it means different ways of moving around. This could include bus, car, bike, e-bike, walking, and in some places train, plane, or boat.
Thursday, February 6 Report this
HappyOlympian
Emphasis on bikes kind of silly, serves a very small segment of population. We spend a lot on transit now; a county population of 300k has a $164 million transit system that also serves a very limited population. Our roads in awful condition, how about repairing those?
Thursday, February 6 Report this
Yeti1981
Multi-modal is a valid mission forward. However, we also need to ensure efficient and proper allocation of funding. We are already overtaxed and our roads and other infrastructure are still not great. Let's invest in improving all aspects of infrastructure and transport and maybe save for later the special feel good projects that we seem to have so much of.
Thursday, February 6 Report this
BillString
Ah yes. Lets make it harder for the average visitor, commuter and resident to get around by their main mode of transportation. All while not addressing the very problem people want the safety and security of travelling by car: the homeless. Are people REALLY going to use public transit when the bus stops and bus seats don't feel safe?
Thursday, February 6 Report this
KarenM
One third of us do not drive. Some day you may not drive, or perhaps should not drive. Young people should be able to get around without having a driver to take them places. Older people may not be able to drive. People with vision problems, health problems or other limitations do not drive. Some people cannot afford to drive. Or, they choose the save their money for other important things like an education, housing or food. Yes, we need to have roads for cars, but that is not the only purpose for streets. Streets are for everyone to be able to move around. That means they need to be safe for people who walk, roll, cycle or take the bus.
And by the way, even if you drive, those who do not are taking one less parking space, so you will have more of them. And, since gas tax doesn't even come close to paying for our road system, everyone is paying for roads whether they drive or not.
Friday, February 7 Report this
ViaLocal
Well said, KarenM.
Cars are one of our biggest problems in terms of pollution, yet people are always saying, "what about the road? fix the potholes instead." Please. Not only do bikes and walking offer a pollution-less alternative, they're better for your mental and physical health. We've even gotten to the point where people in cars get impatient waiting on pedestrians! The audacity! Let's get away from that type of thinking and share the road with all modes of transportation.
Friday, February 7 Report this