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UNDERSTANDING OF NEED V introduction The Lincoln Avenue Pedestrian Pathway Connectivity Project proposes to design and construct a pedestrian path approximately''/, mile from Park Lane to Santiago Park, The pathway will run parallel and west of Lincoln Avenue west of the railroad tracks. The Improvements will commence at Park Lane and continue to the north, between the back of residential properties and the railroad tracks, and will end at the existing east - west Santiago trail under the Railroad Bridge, it will provide active transportation continuity to the Santiago Trail, and will allow access to the existing east side decomposed granite trail, with the ability to traverse to the south back to Fairhaven Avenue. Currently the railroad tracks and fencing creates an impasse for east -west mobility, and an unsafe situation for those that will attempt to shortcut. The Lincoln Avenue Pedestrian Pathway Connectivity Project brings to the local residents and community the opportunity to improve safety, accessibility and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists.- Ever since the rail crossing was closed between Park Lane and Fairhaven Avenue, connectivity between the communities on either side of the tracks has been Impaired, and accessibility to neighborhood businesses and amenities such as the Santiago Park and Creek have been made inconvenient for the residents, especially for the west side residents. When access and mobility becomes difficult for the residents, the of automobiles is Increased, causing additional traffic in the local community. With this proposed connectivity project, access to businesses on Grand will be improved, and merchants should see more foot and bike traffic, We understand that the community Is closely engaged in these types of projects, as it affects the public, especially nearby residents. The project will not only beautify the current dead space between Lincoln Avenue Podestnan Pathway Connectivity I Park Lane to Sant/ago Creek the adjacent residential neighborhood and railroad tracks, but promotes alternative transportation by allowing more convenient access to local amenities such as Fairhaven Elementary School, Santiago Creek Troll, as well as merchants, and restaurants along Grand Avenue. When the California Public Utilities Commission (CPLIC), Metrolink, and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) permanently closed the At -Grade railroad crossing at Lincoln and Fairhaven Avenues (seven years ago), pedestrian and bicyclist access was also removed, The at -grade railroad crossing closure required both motorized and non -motorized users to travel an additional mile out of their way, causing a substantial impact for non -motorized users. In May 2015, an application was submitted for Active Transportation Program (AiP) funds for the Lincoln Avenue Pedestrian Pathway Connectivity project. The City of Santa Ana received ATP state grant funds for the design and construction of the pathway on the west side of the railroad tracks, The proposed pedestrian pathway and the enhancement for Fairhaven Elementary align with the Southern California Association of Government (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan goals adopted in April 2012. The proposed Improvements are concentrated within the currently closed west side area adjacent to the railroad. All Improvements are within the City's Right of Way and/or approved easement, Lincoln Avenue Pedestrian Pathway Connectivity Project meets several Important community needs. Its purpose includes higher utilization of the "dead space" between the residences and the railroad, to enhance the aesthetics In the area, to provide for active transportation and restore pedestrian and bicyclist access across the railroad tracks in the vicinity of Fairhaven Avenue, The Project purpose and need also include the Important benefits of; Mitigate an unsafe or nuisance situation Access for residents to the Park and trails Access to businesses TETRATECH 9