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Request by Ainae Schmaus of Cornerstone One, LLC for construction staging within the Blanchard Street right-of-way adjacent to the Harlow and Hem development at 7470 Blanchard Street
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Submitted by:
Jennifer Stilling, Senior Civil Engineer
Department:
Public Works (Engineering Services)
A. Issue
The applicant has requested a 23-day Blanchard Street full road closure adjacent to the proposed Harlow and Hem development at 7470 Blanchard Street for utility installation and abandonments.
B. Background/Options
As shown in the attached traffic control plan, the applicant is proposing a full Blanchard Street closure directly adjacent to the proposed Harlow and Hem development. The full road closure is necessary for the installation of water, sewer, and storm laterals for the development along with required lateral abandonments. A full road closure is also necessary based on the location of the public mains and to provide a safe working area for the construction crews.
The proposed work will be split into two phases. Phase 1 proposes that Blanchard Street is closed from Wauwatosa Avenue to just west of the State Street Station parking garage entrance/exit. Local traffic will be allowed to access Blanchard Street from the east and access to State Street Station parking garage will not be impacted. This phase of work will have a duration of approximately 9 days.
Phase 2 proposes that Blanchard Street is closed directly adjacent to the former residential property at 7462 Blanchard Street as shown in the attached exhibit. Local traffic will be allowed to use Blanchard Street but one of the State Street Station structured parking exits may have limited access. This phase of work will have a duration of approximately 14 days.
In general, the proposed work hours are 7 am to 7 pm. Blanchard Street will be open and accessible at night with the use of road plates, except for during the pavement restoration phase during Phase 2. The road will need to remain closed at least 7 days during pavement restoration to allow for proper curing.
No pedestrian detour for the sidewalk on the north side of Blanchard Street is included in the plans. However, there is a pedestrian detour currently in place for the construction of the building that was previously approved by the Board of Public Works.
The contractor will be held responsible for maintaining all traffic control signage during the requested duration. Any public roadway pavement, sidewalk, curb and gutter, or other public street infrastructure damaged due to construction activities at the proposed development will be replaced by the contractor to the City’s satisfaction.
Engineering provided the attached construction staging plans to City Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments for their review. Police and Fire did not have any concerns or comments. Public Works expressed concern about leaf pick-up for the residential properties on Blanchard Street between 74th Street and the road closure. Leaf pick-up operations will not be able to turn around with the road closure in place. A special leaf collection will need to be scheduled after the road closure is removed.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area One: Economic Development & Financial Resilience
D. Fiscal Impact
No impact to the City of Wauwatosa.
E. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval subject to the following:
• Notices must be provided to the seven residential homes on Blanchard Street between N. 74th Street and the proposed closure regarding the road closure and that leaf pick-up will be delayed until after the road closure is removed. City Engineering and the Village Business Improvement District (BID) must be provided a copy of the notice.
• Coordination with the Village BID and State Street Station as necessary during the closure.