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CI-2009 SSc2:Development Density and Community Connectivity

Pedestrian Access

Profile picture for user scottmccarthy23
scott mccarthy
president
mccarthy building collaborative
LEEDuser Basic Member
4 thumbs up

I just got my Preliminary Design review comments...I successfully documented the 10 basic services and residential zone however did not show unobstructed pedestrian access connecting everything together. Question is; does there have to be sidewalks and crosswalks connecting all the services, residential zone and project building together? There aren't any obstructions or major intersections within the 1/2mi radius but unfortunately the sidewalks are not continuous.

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Mon, 07/08/2013 - 19:25

That is a new one on me. What did the review comment say exactly? The reference guide does say that there must be pedestrian access between the buidling and the services, but does not explicitly state what that constitutes. The only time I have ever had anything like this questioned is when I located a service on the opposite side of a freeway/highway and didn't properly explain the pedestrian overpass. In a situation like that, I can understand how clarification is needed but otherwise, there is nothing in the credit forms that mentions you must document unobstructed pedestrian access. Is there a particular area that the reviewers cited or was it just a general comment?
Profile picture for user scottmccarthy23
scott mccarthy
president
mccarthy building collaborative
LEEDuser Basic Member
4 thumbs up

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 19:41

Here is the exact comment. There aren't any barriers, walls or freeway crossings. Maybe it's as simple as highlighting the available pedestrian routes. My concern is the pedestrian access being referred to as "sidewalks". SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity Pending 06/17/2013 DESIGN PRELIMINARY REVIEW The LEED Credit Form has been provided stating that the project site is located within one-half-mile of a minimum of ten basic community services and a minimum of one residential district (with a minimum density of ten units per acre) and therefore applies Option 2. A scaled area plan showing the one-half-mile radius, the locations of the basic services, and the residential district has been provided. However, it is unclear if pedestrian routes exist which allow people to walk to services without being blocked by walls, freeways, or other barriers. The documentation does not confirm that an unobstructed pathway exists between the project and nearby services. A web search indicates that the sidewalk network is not continuous between the project and the referenced services and residential district. TECHNICAL ADVICE: Please provide additional documentation confirming that barrier-free pedestrian access is available from the project site to at least ten unique basic services and the existing residential district. Note that pedestrian routes should contain facilities such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and/or other unobstructed pathways. If necessary, revise the form and map to highlight revised pedestrian-accessible basic services.

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 20:00

It is hard for me to say for sure without seeing your site, but this seems like either a rogue review comment or a situation where the rules of the game have changed. In the 30+ projects I have taken through certification, I have never seen this comment asking to document continuous sidewalks...nor is that a requirement of the forms. There is quite a difference in the term continuous pathways meaning "not being blocked by walls, freeways, or other barriers" or meaning "having continuous sidewalks." I would question that comment using the Feedback link - that way you may be able to have a dialogue with the reviewer without risking denial. Let us know how it goes!
Profile picture for user scottmccarthy23
scott mccarthy
president
mccarthy building collaborative
LEEDuser Basic Member
4 thumbs up

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 20:11

I will do just that! Thanks for your advice, will keep you posted.

Thu, 08/01/2013 - 17:55

We recently got a very similar response in our review and had never seen that before. We have no continuous sidewalks, but pathways are not obstructed. Scott, do have any updates regarding their response?
Profile picture for user scottmccarthy23
scott mccarthy
president
mccarthy building collaborative
LEEDuser Basic Member
4 thumbs up

Thu, 08/01/2013 - 18:14

This was the reply that I received "The review team is citing the lack of sidewalks along Charing Street. It appears a project occupant walking between the project and the apartment complex would have to walk on the pavement of Charing Street. Without a continuous pathway for pedestrians, separated from vehicular traffic, the project cannot achieve this credit"...Charing St. is a dead end and doesn't even connect the project to the residential zone anyway so I am totally confused by their comment. Regardless, it appears that they want to see continuous sidewalks connecting at least the residential zone to the project site.

Thu, 08/01/2013 - 18:19

Thank you for your quick response! This helps us out knowing, but looks like we are in the same situation.

Thu, 08/01/2013 - 18:23

I find it strange that this requirement is not found anywhere in the maual or the forms. Nor is there a LI # that is cited to add this requirement. I have sent an inquiry to GBCI to try to understand if this is a fundamental rule change or somehow specific to Scott's project. I will certainly post what I find out.
Profile picture for user scottmccarthy23
scott mccarthy
president
mccarthy building collaborative
LEEDuser Basic Member
4 thumbs up

Thu, 08/01/2013 - 18:31

Thanks Ellen! I would be happy to send you the aerial that our civil engineer prepared if that would help...my email is scottmccarthy23@gmail.com

Tue, 08/06/2013 - 13:52

This is the response I revieved from GBCI: Pedestrian access has been defined by the Federal Highway Administration as: A continuous, unobstructed walkway within a pedestrian circulation path that provides accessibility. Pedestrian access routes consist of one or more of the following pedestrian facilities: walkways/sidewalks, curb ramps, landings, crosswalks, pedestrian overpasses/underpasses, shared-use paths, etc. In addition to these facilities, review teams look for walking trails, all-weather footpaths, natural footpaths in safe locations, plazas, and sidewalks with intermittent connectivity. Unacceptable pedestrian access ways would be road pavement and drainage areas along roadways, or street intersections without crosswalks. Sidewalks are not required, but there must be a reasonable, safe way for pedestrian passage. I believe I responded to an inquiry regarding pedestrian access in the project you cite (Charing Road). The pedestrian pathway from the residential area to the project building would necessarily be either on the pavement of Charing Street, or in the drainage swale adjacent to the pavement. That portion of the pedestrian access way is the reason the review team denied the credit. Charing Road's being a dead end would not be a factor, since it appears to be an active roadway.
Profile picture for user michael.smithing
Michael Smithing
Director - Green Building Advisory
Colliers International Ltd.
LEEDuser Basic Member
201 thumbs up

Tue, 02/11/2014 - 13:50

Is there a requirement to have pedestrian access between the building and the residential area? The credit language states between the services and the building. One of the comments below (from 2011) specifically states that pedestrian access is not required. Also, is there a prohibition against the residential area being gated? My project is in Nairobi, Kenya where everything is gated (with glass shards and razor wire on top of the fence, just be be on the safe side...)

Mon, 02/17/2014 - 17:19

It sounds like from the GBCI comment above that pedestrian access does have to be available from the project site to the residential area. I do not think that there is a prohibition against gated communities, however.

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