Feedback for 2001 S. Clark St. – Crystal Plaza 1 Due 1/11/21

Feedback for 2001 S. Clark St. – Crystal Plaza 1: https://us.openforms.com/Form/f3956e5e-44ce-400f-ba2a-07af2bc7c4b8

Due 1/11/21

 I applaud those working on this project for tackling the important work of (1) realigning Clark & Bell and (2) redesigning the Richmond Highway/20th Street South intersection.  However, plans for both of these should be improved to be consistent with Arlington's master planning documents and to better support active transportation.  Additionally, this site should include convenient and safe parking for all types of bicycles, including cargo bikes, and should include charging for ebikes and escooters.


Regarding Clark/Bell, it is unacceptable that an entirely new street built in Arlington today would not meet NACTO standards.  As it is clear that this street will see volumes that necessitate protected bike lanes, this street should provide protected bike lanes in both directions.  Failure to do so would be inconsistent with the Bicycle Element of the Master Transportation Plan. It would also mean that more people on bikes will choose to ride on the sidewalk for their safety, making the route less safe and comfortable for pedestrians. It would undermine smart school transportation policies that Arlington Public Schools is trying to establish by making it harder for children to bike to school or to a school bus stop or transit stop that will take them to school.  


Regarding the redesigned intersection between 20th Street S and Richmond Highway, overall this seems to be an improvement for pedestrians, but it is unclear whether the curb cut radii and widths will be adequate for people on wheels (wheelchairs, bikes, strollers).  Moreover, it seems like the crosswalk for people crossing east-west on the south side of the intersection will invite danger, as many of these people can be expected to turn south, and the crosswalk configuration has them walk north.  People will natural "cut the corner" and take a straight line if they think it's safe, but if drivers are not held out of their way, that conflict could turn injurious or deadly.  The crosswalk on the south side of the intersection should be widened to account for natural human behavior of wanting to walk in a straight line.


Finally, increasing number of people are using cargo bikes, ebikes and other eassist vehicles, like escooters, to get around Arlington.  This trend is great - it means more people can get around without the damage and dangers that accompanies car trips.   This development should support this trend by offer convenient and secure parking for these vehicles, including charging for e-assist.

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