Item 12 - Select Locally Preferred Alternative for the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study

Home Browse Search

Select Locally Preferred Alternative for the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study May 5, 2026 Page 7 development of design alternatives (Exhibit 1). Staff presented how an initial set of 12 concepts was systematically refined to three viable alternatives through a structured process incorporating technical analysis, stakeholder coordination, community input, and policy alignment. The Work Study Session provided an opportunity for City Council to review the data- driven and community-informed approach and to offer direction prior to staff advancing a recommended LPA. This staff report reflects that input and represents the next step in the decision-making process. The staff report and corresponding presentation from the February 17, 2026, City Council meeting are provided as Exhibit 2. During that discussion, City Council provided valuable feedback and requested additional information on several key topics, including the community engagement process and specific feedback received, how that input was used in developing the concepts, OCTA support/preferences, cost implications, the potential for partnerships with UC Irvine's Playful Learning Landscapes, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and the applicability of policies such as Assembly Bill 43 (AB 43, lowering speed limits). Key findings and updates include: • Concept Development: Community preferences, specific and actual feedback (including survey results) is included in Exhibit 3, Outreach Summary Report. The three final concepts are the direct result of a structured, iterative planning process that integrated Technical feasibility analysis, Community outreach and preference surveys, and policy alignment (Adopted General Plan Mobility Element and Vision Zero). • OCTA Coordination: OCTA has confirmed there are no plans to increase bus service along the corridor, which is a critical factor in evaluating Option 3 (Exhibit 4). • Costs: All alternatives require significant investment and will depend on grant funding for construction. Rough order of magnitude costs are as follows: o Option 1 — $41.3M o Option 2 — $45.1 M o Option 3 — $37.8M • Public Education: Opportunities to incorporate innovative bus stop design, including educational and community-serving elements (such as partnerships with institutions like UCI), will be explored further and incorporated during the design phase. • Route 64 Transit Users: Approximately 76% of riders utilize OCTA's Route 64 for destinations within the City, concentrated around the Downtown, Santa Ana High School, Downtown commercial plaza, and the Zoo. • Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Option 2 provides the greatest opportunity to reduce emissions by enabling meaningful mode shift through improved walking, biking, and transit conditions. • Speed Management: Data collected supports potential speed limit reductions under AB 43, with all options incorporating design features to reduce vehicle speeds.