BURNT BRIDGE CREEK

 Neighborhood

 

             ………………………………

 

NEIGHBORHOOD

ACTION

PLAN

 

City of

VANCOUVER

WASHINGTON

DRAFT – February 2005

 

 

Burnt Bridge Creek Neighborhood Action Planning Committee

 

Melissa Abbe

Angela Harp

John Harp

Steve Harris

Kim Mattox

Amy Smith

 

 

 

City Council

 

 

Royce E. Pollard, Mayor

 

Jeanne Lipton

 

Tim Leavitt

 

Jeanne Harris

 

Dan Tonkovich

 

Pat Jollota

 

Jeanne Stewart

 

 

 

City of Vancouver

 

 

 

Pat McDonnell, City Manager

 

 

 

 

Contributing Staff

 

Charles Ray, Urban Forestry Program

Matt Ransom, Transportation Department

Todd Boulanger, Transportation Department

John Manix, Transportation Department

Jennifer Campos, Transportation Department

Dan George, Parks and Recreation Department

Suzan Wallace, Long Range Planning

Adrienne DeDona, Office of Neighborhoods & Community Outreach

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

introduction………………………………………………………...…………….…..…1

the neighborhood action planning process……………..…...…….….2

neighborhood profile……………………………………...………………………..3

Neighborhood zoning/comp map……………………………………………….4

vision statement…………………………………………………………………………………..5

objectives and action steps………………………………………………..……..6

TOpic 1:  Community appearance…………………………………………….…..7

TOPIC II:  Traffic and safety………………………………………………………10

TOPIC III:  Noise and nuisances………………………………..………….………13

TOPIC IV:  Community involvement and recreation………………….15

 

 

 

Introduction

 

The purpose of a neighborhood action plan is to identify issues that are of concern to the residents of the neighborhood, and to devise strategies for addressing these concerns. In conjunction with broader policies and implementation measures contained within the City's comprehensive plan, the neighborhood action planning process is intended to protect and enhance the livability within specific neighborhoods, as well as to help fulfill the overall community vision and to create a more livable city. More specifically, neighborhood action plans are intended to:

 

Ψ                  Educate both city government and neighborhood residents about each other’s concerns and visions for the future.

Ψ                  Promote collaboration between the city and the neighborhood in order to achieve mutual goals and a shared sense of responsibility.

Ψ                  Create a "sense of place" within the community by identifying and developing the assets within each neighborhood.

Ψ                  Initiate change, rather than simply reacting to it, by addressing specific issues and opportunities.

Ψ                  Achieve sensible and coordinated project and program planning within each neighborhood and between all the city's neighborhoods.

Ψ                  Strengthen neighborhoods.

 
 
 


  Relationship to the

  Comprehensive Plan

 

In general, a comprehensive plan is intended to provide broad policy direction, which is implemented through more specific development regulations and capital expenditure programs. Comprehensive plans do not, however, typically address the more immediate needs and concerns of individual neighborhoods.

 

The City's comprehensive plan, entitled Vancouver Comprehensive Plan 2003-2023, was adopted in May 2004. The Plan specifically states that Vancouver is a city of neighborhoods. The City of Vancouver formally recognizes over sixty neighborhood associations that include almost ninety percent of the city’s population. Since 1994, most neighborhoods have developed Neighborhood Action Plans (NAP’s), which contain recommendations for issues of local concern. NAP’s are not formally adopted as part of the Comprehensive Plan, but they are consistent with the Plan’s direction and are submitted for review and acceptance by the Vancouver City Council.

 

The purpose of the Burnt Bridge Creek Neighborhood Action Plan is to integrate neighborhood needs into the City's budget process, Six-Year Street Improvement Program, Neighborhood Traffic Control Program, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, and other planning and funding programs. The general policy statements included in the Action Plan may also be used by the City Council to guide future decisions involving development proposals and plan amendments affecting the neighborhood.


 
 


  The Neighborhood Action

  Planning Process

 

The Burnt Bridge Creek Neighborhood Association with assistance from the City of Vancouver Office of Neighborhoods & Community Outreach has developed this plan. The actual preparation of this plan is being coordinated by the Neighborhood Action Planning Committee, whose members were appointed by the Neighborhood Association to represent the interests of the neighborhood as a whole.

 

A survey was taken in June 2004 and a draft version of this Action Plan was made available to each household in October 2004 for review and comment by all residents of the neighborhood. After considering and reconciling comments from the residents, the plan has been endorsed by the Neighborhood Association according to their specific by-laws. After neighborhood approval the Plan will be forwarded to City Council for consideration and acceptance by resolution.

 

It is intended that city agencies will utilize the action plans as input in developing more specific work programs and helping to establish citywide funding priorities. It is recognized that many of the recommendations contained in the action plans are only conceptual and may need to be analyzed in greater detail, both individually and in relationship to other recommendations. It should also be emphasized that financial resources may not exist for implementing all of the recommendations identified in the plan. 

 
 


  Overview of the Plan

 

 

This Plan contains four components. The NEIGHBORHOOD PROFILE contains a general description of the current conditions within the neighborhood. The VISION STATEMENT describes the neighborhood's sense of identity and vision for its future. The NEIGHBORHOOD OBJECTIVES identifies issues that are of concern to the residents of the neighborhood.  The NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION STEPS includes specific potential strategies for accomplishing the identified objectives.  Each Action Step is prioritized and identifies the responsible parties for implementing those strategies.

Funding and Financial Resources
 
 


 

Having the Neighborhood Action Plan does not guarantee the funding. The Vancouver City Council does appropriate funding annually via the Neighborhood Action Planning Grant, Neighborhood Matching Grant and Neighborhood Community Development Block Grant program to help implement action steps. In addition, your neighborhood may be eligible for many private, federal and state funding programs.
Neighborhood Profile

 

The Burnt Bridge Creek Neighborhood Association can be found in Section 13 and section 14, township 2 north, range 2 east of the Willamette Meridian.  In 1889, Gustav Seivert owned the east half of that area.  The west was owned by Christopher Richard, Levi Taylor, and Peter Peterson.  The Seivert family continued ownership well into the twentieth century.

 

In the twentieth century, the O’Day family bought a section along today’s 162nd Street.  The three sons, Jordan, Bruce, and Daniel lived side by side on 162nd.  They were the sons of Daniel and Elizabeth O’Day from Wisconsin.

 

By the 1970’s subdivisions of the land appeared with Wedgewood Acres and Wedgewood 2 at 137th Avenue and 39th Street.  The remaining land was owned by Owen Vogel.

 

Currently, the Burnt Bridge Creek Neighborhood Association is one of the most populated in Vancouver city limits.  We continue to strive towards being an active group with a monthly newsletter, an informative web site, and a number of fundraising opportunities.  Our growing community is in abundance with trees and is a great place for families to live.

 

 

 

Neighborhood Zoning/Comp Map

 

BBCNA Vision Statement

 

The residents of the BBC desire to maintain the quality of their neighborhood as a secure, comfortable, and stable residential community.  It should remain a place where neighbors are concerned about each other and are involved in working together to preserve the qualities that originally attracted them to the neighborhood. 

 

Working together with the City of Vancouver will enable us to achieve our goals of planned growth management, traffic control, improving the neighborhood parks, and overall beautification that will increase the quality of life for all residents.  From fences to yards, residents will work together to keep BBC Neighborhood a clean and attractive place to live.  As a whole, we value our surroundings and recognize the importance of being pro-active in working with the City of Vancouver to fulfill the objectives of our vision.

 

We envision a safe neighborhood where families and children feel secure.  We would like to promote neighborhood unity and be a welcoming place for residents, where each neighbor is respectful of the other’s right to the peaceful enjoyment of their home.  We can promote this feeling of community and security through block parties, neighborhood picnics, and neighborhood watch programs. 

 

The BBC Neighborhood is a peaceful neighborhood that is a desirable place to raise a family.  We value our sense of community and are committed to being one of the City of Vancouver’s most livable neighborhoods.

 

 

The following recommended action items identified as having a "high" priority are considered by the Neighborhood Association to be most important.  "Medium" priority action steps are somewhat less important.  "Low" priority action steps are considered least important.

 

Priority has been assigned by the Neighborhood Association for each action step without regard for the time frame within which the recommendation can realistically be accomplished (short-range, long-range) and without concern for whether funding sources can be practically identified.  Accordingly, it is possible that a "High" priority item may not be realized for many years.  In contrast, some "Low" priority items could be potentially accomplished in a relatively short amount of time without significant capital expense.

 

Listed below are abbreviations for the various responsible parties used throughout the document:

Abbreviations:

AC                  Animal Control

BBCNA          Burnt Bridge Creek Neighborhood Association

BC                  Business Community

CITY              All Responsible City Departments

CMS               Community Mediation Services

CTRAN          CTRAN

OWN             Neighborhood Property Owners

PMG               Property Management Groups

VCE                Vancouver Code Enforcement

V-CPRD         Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department

VFD                Vancouver Fire Department

VON               Vancouver Office of Neighborhoods

VPD               Vancouver Police Department

VSWS            Vancouver Solid Waste Services

VTD               Vancouver Transportation Department

VUF                Vancouver Urban Forestry

 

I. Community Appearance

 

Objective #1:  To encourage neighbors to maintain an attractive visual appearance of their personal home and property.

Through active NA participation, personal responsibility, code enforcement, and stronger city ordinances we wish to promote regular maintenance and upkeep of properties in our neighborhood.  By doing so we create a sense of pride and enhance overall neighborhood livability.

 

Action Steps

Priority

Responsible Parties

·         Encourage residents to alert appropriate parties to any violations concerning:

  1. Abandoned or nonworking cars
  2. Compliance with junk keeping ordinances, involving the storage of trailers, vehicles, appliances, etc on personal property
  3. Unkempt homes and properties, including abandoned homes, bank foreclosures, etc

 

·         Executive board shall support stronger ordinances to foster neighborhood appearance. 

 

·         Increase awareness and educate residents via the NA’s monthly newsletter and neighborhood web site (www.bbcna.org) regarding:

  1. Property upkeep and maintenance tips
  2. Property improvement programs
  3. Junk Abatement Ordinance

 

·         Encourage residents to maintain personal property with actions such as regular lawn mowing, weed control, leaf removal, tree trimming, and general upkeep.

 

·         Educate residents on permit requirements regarding tree removals (street trees and private trees) so that we are retaining mature healthy trees and there is not an unneeded expense to residents

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OWN, VCE, PMG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

 

BBCNA, OWN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, OWN

 

 

 

VUF

 

Objective #2:  To preserve and enhance overall neighborhood appearance and livability.
 By encouraging residents to take an active roll in the upkeep of common areas (including, but not limited to, neighborhood streets, sidewalks, planting strips, and medians) we can achieve an attractive visual appearance of our neighborhood and maintain/increase property values.

 

Action Steps

Priority

Responsible Parties

·         Explore possible solutions for the removal of abandoned cars.

 

·         Increase awareness and educate residents via the neighborhood association’s monthly newsletter and neighborhood web site regarding:

1.       Street tree planting and care

2.       Neighborhood clean-up days

3.       Proper Tree Care

 

·         Encourage residents to address weed control on the sidewalks and common areas immediately adjacent to their homes.

 

·         Continue to be involved with the city’s Clean Up programs (disposal coupons for yard debris, leaves and tires, appliance pick ups, and neighborhood “dumpster day”).

 

·         Apply for available grants in order to install curb extensions/planting areas on Poplar/49th Street

 

·         Encourage neighborhood involvement on large community projects (such as staining the fences on Poplar).

 

·         Recognize neighbors for improving the appearance of their homes and yards.

 

·         Encourage area landlords to maintain their properties. 

 

·         Explore possibility of raising funds in order to have a neighborhood entrance sign installed.

 

 

 

·         Coordinate neighborhood tree planting for street trees as traffic calming, separation from traffic and to maximize the benefits of trees such as storm water abatement and air quality

 

·         We recognize the benefits trees have on noise pollution and encourage neighbors to incorporate native conifer trees in the landscapes and plant appropriate street trees to reduce noise levels. Plant Evergreen trees or tall shrubs as a natural sound and visual barrier

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OWN

 

 

OWN, VUF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OWN, CMS, VUF, VTD

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, VSWS

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, VUF, VTD

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, CMS

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

VCE

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, VUF

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, VUF

 

 

 

II. Traffic and Safety

Objective #1: Increase pedestrian and bicycle access and safety throughout our neighborhood by encouraging safe driving habits.
The residents of the Burnt Bridge Creek neighborhood have determined that vehicular traffic is a serious ongoing problem stemming from both pass-through traffic and neighborhood residents.  It is viewed as a public safety issue since walking and cycling are important forms of recreation enjoyed throughout the neighborhood.

 

 

Action Steps:

Priority

Responsible Parties

·         Regularly reserve the use of the speed watch trailer that increases driver awareness of speed limits on targeted streets, thus discouraging speeding through education.

 

·         Work with neighbors and the police to reduce traffic violations throughout the neighborhood by increased enforcement.

 

·         Locate areas that may need to have calming devices, such as speed cushions and/or traffic circles/roundabouts installed to hold down speeding, in accordance with emergency service vehicle specifications.

 

·         Install bike lanes and crosswalks on all streets where possible in order to establish a network of bikeways and walkways.

 

·         Lobby for additional stop signs on collector arterials, if studies warrant, and pursue installation.

 

·         Install stop bars at all stop signs, as funding or planned maintenance activities permit.

 

·         Explore possibility of establishing bus stops within the neighborhood.

 

·         Submit CDBG application(s) to fund installation of sidewalk ramps to meet the ADA.

 

·         Appoint a neighborhood liaison and a backup to attend NTSA meetings as the BBC representative.

 

·         Appoint a liaison and a backup to attend developing or annexation meetings as the BBC representative so that new development and street extensions will mitigate their impact on established neighborhoods through the use of traffic calming, sidewalk infill, effective street network, and livable street design.

 

·         Pursue funding options to build and expand upon the existing sidewalk network.

 

·         Work with the school district to make walking and bicycling to school an opportunity for all students:

 

  1. Update school walking route maps to reflect improvements in sidewalk network and traffic calming.
  2. Organize Walking School Buses to school.
  3. Participate in Walk(&Bike) Your Child to School Day activities (each October)
  4. Provide covered and secure bike parking where possible.

 

·         Apply for grants traffic calming devices.

 

  1. Poplar (curb extensions/medians)
  2. NE 49th St. (replace speed bumps with speed cushions, to improve access by VFD)
  3. Other streets affected by annexation and or development, as identified by staff.

 

·         Coordinate neighborhood tree planting for street trees as traffic calming and to provide physical barrier between the road and sidewalk to maximize canopy cover

 

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OWN, VPD, VTD

 

 

 

 

 

OWN, VPD

 

 

 

OWN, VTD

 

 

 

 

 

VTD

 

 

 

 

 VTD

 

 

 

 

VTD

 

 

OWN, CTRAN, CITY

 

 

BBCNA, VTD, CDBG

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, VTD, BC, OWN

 

 

 

BBCNA, ESD, VTD, VPD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, VTD, VFD, OWN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, VUF

 

Objective #2: Encourage the development of an active crime watch program within the neighborhood.
The neighbors of BBC have determined that an active crime watch can be an effective deterrent to crime and promote a greater sense of security for residents.  It can also be a way for neighbors to meet one another and be a starting point for working together to achieve other goals. 

 

 

Action Steps:

Priority

Responsible Parties

·         Educate residents about crime prevention measures such as deadbolt locks, motion detectors, and personal safety awareness.

 

·         Apply for available grants for lights in the neighborhood parks so residents can walk safely at night.

 

·         Promote community mediation for dispute and conflict resolution and to promote peacekeeping.

 

·         Provide detailed information, via the newsletter and web site, instructing residents on how to implement individual “block watch” programs.

 

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OWN, VPD

 

 

 

BBCNA, V-CPRD

 

 

 

OWN, CMS

 

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

III. Noise and nuisances

 

Objective #1: Keep the neighborhood quiet and harmonious by reducing noise.
Neighbors wish to promote a quiet environment to ensure a peaceful coexistence among all residents.

 

Action Steps:

Priority

Responsible Parties

·         Encourage compliance with responsible pet ownership and city dog barking regulations.

 

·         Urge neighbors, via newsletter and NA meetings, to use common sense and consideration in the use of noise-producing equipment such as motorized scooters, automobiles and motorcycles, home and auto music systems, and power tools.

 

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OWN, AC

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

Objective #2 Work with residents to be responsible and courteous.
By encouraging neighbors to use diplomacy and tact we can reduce the amount of potential disputes.

 

Action Steps:

·         Encourage compliance with vehicle parking and residential regulations, utilizing newsletter and other means.

 

·         Encourage the use of the city’s neighborhood mediation program for nuisance problems that cannot be solved among neighbors.

 

·         Encourage neighbors to work together in finding the best solution to combat wasps.

 

·         Work with the Neighborhood Association to reduce the amount of ongoing, continuous, yard sales.

 

·         Continue to work with the city on developing ordinances to regulate the use of scooters. 

 

·         Neighbors should demonstrate respect and consideration in controlling pets by cleaning up after them at all times.  City and County leash laws must be complied with at all times.

 

·         Research and educate neighbors about the regulations for vehicles to remain on city streets and out of resident properties or fields.

 

·         Encourage residents to remove signs promptly after events such as yard sales, birthday parties, elections, etc have been completed

 

Priority

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Responsible Parties

BBCNA

 

 

 

BBCNA, CMS

 

 

 

 

OWN, BBCNA

 

 

OWN, BBCNA, CMS

 

 

 

 

CITY, BBCNA

 

 

 

OWN, BBCNA

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, VCE

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, OWN

 

 

IV.  Community Involvement and Recreation

Objective #1: Promote and encourage communications with our neighbors by fostering community relations.

We look forward to building a strong foundation for community relations and involvement by utilizing the strengths and energies of our residents.

 

 

Action Steps

Priority

Responsible Parties

·         Create a greeting committee to welcome new neighbors and to create and distribute a new neighbor “Welcome Kit”.

 

·         Identify, organize, and utilize the abilities and skills of the residents within the neighborhood by conducting a Talent and Skill survey and establishing a neighborhood directory.

 

·         Continue publishing and delivering a great neighborhood newsletter.  Encourage residents to submit articles of interest.

 

·         Encourage and promote continued use of the neighborhood web site (www.bbcna.org) as the primary source of information for the neighborhood.

 

·         Set aside time for neighbors to share news and concerns at the association meetings.

 

·         Have annual neighborhood community building functions such as a summer picnic.

 

·         Participate in the National Night Out event held annually.

 

·         Explore the possibility of obtaining a community recreational building for meetings and social events.

 

·         Develop relations with neighboring communities.

 

·         Grow relationship and build a sense of community by coordinating a neighborhood tree planting and participate in the “NeighborWoods Program” to promote environmental stewardship.

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OWN

 

 

 

OWN, VON

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, OWN

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

BBCNA, VPD

 

 

 

BBCNA, BC

 

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

BBCNA, VUF

 

Objective #2: Maintain and improve the neighborhood parks.

Individuals, families, and children need recreational opportunities within the neighborhood.  This can be achieved by providing residents with  safe, clean, and friendly park facilities.

 

 

Action Steps

Priority

Responsible Parties

·         Explore ways of securing additional funding through grants, corporate contributions, and neighborhood fund raising to combine with city money for enhancing the beauty, usability, and safety of the neighborhood parks.

 

·         Encourage Eagle Scout projects in the parks such as building a horse shoe pit, walking paths, or baseball diamond.

 

·         Monitor the park areas to ensure it is properly maintained, there are no safety hazards, and it is a safe place for all to use and enjoy.

 

·         Apply for available grants for lights in the neighborhood parks so residents can walk safely at night.

 

·         Explore possibility of having the “maze gate” entry into Burnt Bridge Creek Park removed so that wheelchairs, bicycles, and strollers can enter more easily.

 

·         Work with Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department to incorporate native conifer trees and other vegetation to rebuild and reestablish the timberlines and ridges that reflect the native regional landscape of Vancouver and for vegetation for wildlife habitat and other benefits.

 

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H

 

BBCNA, VON, V-CPRD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, V-CPRD, VON

 

 

OWN, V-CPRD

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, V-CPRD

 

 

 

 

V-CPRD

 

 

 

 

BBCNA, V-CPRD, VUF

 

 

 

Objective #3: Ensure that youth have a significant place in Neighborhood Association activities.

Youth perceptions, concerns, and needs play a large part in the livability of our neighborhood.  All plans and programs that affect them should have some input from them. 

 

 

Action Steps:

Priority

Responsible Parties

·         Include youth in planning activities whenever possible and appropriate.

 

·         Organize to make the concerns of the neighborhood youth known in the NA.

 

·         Make youth concerns known to the city.

 

·         Encourage youth to establish representation within the neighborhood association.

 

·         Work with the school to explore the possibility of establishing activities such as “open basketball night” within the building.

 

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H

 

 

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OWN, V-CPRD

 

 

BBCNA, VON

 

 

BBCNA, VON

 

 

BBCNA

 

 

BBCNA, BC