1. The pathway lighting that you speak of was identified in the Anchorage Pedestrian Plan, 2007.
I had quite a few people nominate it because they were worried for their kids safety on the way to both South High and Rabbit Creek ES.
All of the projects in the Ped Plan were rated for factors like; the potential for walkability, if the area was an employment area,
in a town center, a transit area, if it was a school route, etc.
This project rated as # 244 Turnagain View Paths - to DeArmoun and South High School. I have attached copies of the
map and projects for Southeast Anchorage.
(note that we had an error in numbering on the list). So being that far down the list, it will be awhile until we have funding to construct this project.
Lighting for all the walkways in the Turnagain neighborhood (length of 5,000 lf) was estimated at $750,000 in 2007. It could likely be $1.2 million now. The project would entail having an electrical engineer design the lighting and then prepare construction drawings, bid the project and construct it. This could be fall/winter design and bid and construct in the spring/summer.
In case you are interested, the entire Pedestrian Plan can be viewed from the
Non-Motorized Transportation Plan page.
Lights installed would be the standard, shorter park lights. MOA would pay the yearly costs, since the property is MOA. If there were issues with light penetration onto homes we could have devices put on to direct the light. Frankly, I have not heard any complaints about walkway lighting in Anchorage, people are usually feel more secure having the lights, but of course there may be exceptions.
2. I am assuming that you want the pathway from Starboard to Cange Street paved
(see attached Google view). Costs can really vary and would include preparing drawings and presenting it for approval at the Community Council meeting and then getting construction costs. We could likely have it constructed for with a term contractor who can build smaller projects (under $50,000). Last year we paved a pathway to a school that was twice as long for $5,000, but the CC gave us the go ahead with a telephone call and there were no utility issues. I think we may have some issues with this location.
I notice we may have a bit of cut (looks like a small hill on Google) so we may need a small wall. If we have to purchase a construction easement from the adjoining property (to do grading of this hill) that could increase costs and timing.
I also notice that there is a low hanging power line. The electrical companies are really picky about clearance distances for pathways under lines (picture riders on bikes) so we may have to mess with them and get permits (dealing with CEA is a long process). We may have to pay to have their line raised.
Although the pathway is short, only 150', all of these factors can escalate costs. We can estimate it at approximately $30,000 - $50,000. It could be less depending on these grading and power line factors. There is also a storm drain, hopefully we can avoid that and what looks like a cable box in the background as well. All utility relocates cost money.
We always try to work with the neighbors and their requests, but this is a narrow right of way. I would be concerned about adding vegetation due to root action on the paving, but we could add some as long as we do not create a moose magnet or block visibility for the users. The Municipality of Anchorage does not build fences – that would be up to the adjacent property owner to protect their property. We would also add bollards or boulders to keep cars out.
Funding
Unfortunately, I do not have any funds to just go and build things. I rely on bond funds for specific projects or state legislative grants. There are a couple of ways to proceed;
A The legislative requests from MOA were submitted end of 2011. MOA cannot submit any more projects for this year, but individuals or groups can request legislative funds from their representatives. I believe Bob Lynn is your rep. You could request funds. I can assist with the wording if you like.
B The next round of requests for the Capital Improvements process goes to the Community Councils in March. These are typically a list that MOA Public Works sends out to the CC to approve and they can add, rank and delete projects. Then this info is used by MOA to fund projects either through our bonds or capital projects, etc.
I hope I have answered all your questions.
Sincerely,
Lori
Lori Schanche, PLA, ASLA
Non-Motorized Transportation Coordinator
Project Manager, Parks & Trails Project Management
Public Works Department, Municipality of Anchorage
