Burnt Bridge Creek

Neighborhood

………………………………

NEIGHBORHOOD

ACTION

PLAN

City of

VANCOUVER

WASHINGTON

Date

Template Neighborhood Action Planning Committee

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 Tami Kihs, Community Services Department Director

Contributing Staff Charles Ray, Urban Forestry Program Dave Perlick, Transportation Department Matt Ransom, Transportation Department Eric Schadler, Construction Services Terry Snyder, Parks and Recreation Department Colleen Kawahara, City Manager’s Office Jocelyn Holland, CDBG Program Jeroen Kok, Parks and Recreation Department Adrienne DeDona, Office of Neighborhoods Suzan Wallace, Long Range Planning

Burnt Bridge Creek NAP Committee Melissa Abbe Angela Harp John Harp Steve Harris Kim Mattox Amy Smith

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

TOPIC 2…Traffic and safety

TOPIC 3…Noise and nuisances

TOPIC 4…Community involvement and recreation

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:

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

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

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

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

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

Ø 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 Visions for the Vancouver Urban Area, was adopted in December of 1994 and scheduled to be updated in 2003. The Plan specifically states that the City should: "create neighborhood plans by assisting neighborhood organizations in identifying issues, policies and implementation measures specific to their areas."

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 Neighborhood Services 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 the south half of section 14, township 2 north, range 2 east. In 1889, Gustav Seivert owned the east half of that parcel. 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 162^nd Street. The three sons, Jordan, Bruce, and Daniel lived side by side on 162^nd. The 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 137^th Avenue and 39^th Street. The remaining land was owned by Owen Vogel.

Currently, the Burnt Bridge Creek Neighborhood Association is the largest 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

Vision Statement

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.

Objectives and Action Steps

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:

BC Business Community

CITY All Responsible City Departments

CS Community Services

CMS Community Mediation Services

CPU Clark Public Utilities

CTRAN CTRAN

DRS Development Review Services

DVP Developers

LRPD Long Range Planning Department

OTH Other organizations

OWN Neighborhood Property Owners

PMG Property Management Groups

PS Postal Services

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

VPW Vancouver Public Works

VSWS Vancouver Solid Waster Services

VTD Vancouver Transportation Department

VUF Vancouver Urban Forestry

WST Westfield Shopping Town Vancouver

TNA Template Neighborhood Association

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: Abandoned or nonworking cars Compliance with junk keeping ordinances, involving the storage of trailers, vehicles, appliances, etc on personal property 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: Property upkeep and maintenance tips Property improvement programs 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.	H M H H	OWN VCE VCE PMG BBCNA BBCNA, OWN BBCNA, OWN
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 · 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/149^th 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.	H H H M H H M M L	OWN OWN OWN, CMS BBCNA, VSWS BBCNA BBCNA, CMS BBCNA
·

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
· Pursue the use of radar reader boards to accurately measure and report speeds, thus discouraging speeding and other traffic violations throughout the neighborhood by increased enforcement. · Locate areas that may need to have calming devices, such as speed bumps and/or traffic circles, installed to hold down speeding, in accordance with emergency service vehicle specifications. · Paint center dividing lines on Poplar and add bike lanes and crosswalks wherever possible. · Lobby for additional stop signs on major arterials, if studies warrant, and pursue installation. · Explore possibility of establishing bus stops within the neighborhood. · Partner with ADA about having more wheelchair accessibility ramps cut out of sidewalks. · Appoint a neighborhood liaison and a backup to attend NTSA meetings as the BBC representative. · Apply for grants traffic calming devices.	H H L H M H H H	OWN, VPD OWN, VPD VTD VTD OWN, CTRAN, CITY BBCNA, ADA, CDBG (Community Block Grant Program)
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.	H H H H	OWN, VPD BBCNA, V-CPRD OWN, CMS

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.	H H	OWN, ANIMAL CONTROL 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 H H M M H M M M	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.	L M H H H H M L M	OWN, VON OWN, VON BBCNA BBCNA BBCNA, OWN BBCNA BBCNA, VPD BBCNA, BC BBCNA
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. ·	H H H H H	BBCNA, VON, V-CPRD BBCNA, V-CPRD, VON OWN, V-CPRD

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.	H H H H H	OWN, V-CPRD BBCNA, VON BBCNA, VON BBCNA BBCNA, BC