110 replies to this topic

[Austin55]

Trinity Metro's most recent board agenda mentions a proposed station on the TRE a little ways East of the Richland Hills station. The new station would anchor a mixed use, transit oriented development in the vacant land south of the tracks, east of 820 and North of Trinity Blvd.

 

Here is Gateway Planning's outline of the site,

 

http://www.gatewaypl...ts.php?page=179

 

Trinity Lakes is also a part of a TIF.

 

http://fortworthtexa.../EcoDev/TIF/14/

[JBB]

A proposal for that area in some form or another has been around for awhile.  This is the first one I've seen that involved TOD and a TRE stop.  I think the last proposal was waiting on some flood control work and some work on Trinity Blvd.

[Dylan]

I've got a feeling Trinity Metro is going to shut down Richland Hills station when (if?) this new station opens.

[Austin55]

I've got a feeling Trinity Metro is going to shut down Richland Hills station when (if?) this new station opens.

 

I was wondering about that as well. 

[rriojas71]

PAS... good call; that is immediately what I thought.

[Austin55]

Here's an article from 2016 after RH left FWTA.

 

http://www.star-tele...e113675969.html

[NSFW]

I wish I was still on speaking terms with the head of Gateway planning and I would ask him all about this. 

[CrimsonBuilders]

I actually live in Lakes of Rivertrails West.... This project has been in the planning stages for 10 years.  The developer has been dicking around with some REIT out of Atlanta for about 3yrs now to JV it with him.

 

The problem is, Trinity Blvd has to be redone and raised up out of the flood plain and the valley storage has to be added to the existing onsite detention ponds before anything on the development can start. And this is all being done with TIF, so the developer has to front about $14M and then get reimbursed once the work is done. I don't think he has the liquid capital to pull it off. If he did, he would have by now.

[elpingüino]

There are additional details on the architect's project page: http://milosavcekic-...nity-lakes.html

[Mr_Brightside526]

It would be very cool if they can pull it off.

[Austin55]

I really look forward to actual TOD on TRE

[Austin55]

Here's the full text from the FWTA board packet

 

It does mention that the existing RH station would close.

 

 

BACKGROUND In September 2000 Trinity Railway Express (TRE) opened the Richland Hills Station. In May 2016 the City of Richland Hills withdrew its membership from Fort Worth Transportation Authority. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has requested Trinity Metro to close or relocate the station due to its policy of terminating all bus or train service to any city that withdraws from DART. The developer of Trinity Lakes, a 1,600-acre master planned community, has approached Trinity Metro regarding a transit-oriented development that would include a new TRE station in the Trinity Lakes development. The new station would be 0.9 mile east of the existing Richland Hills Station, and if constructed, would be named Trinity Lakes Station (see Exhibit). We believe that this proposed facility and location are well suited to serve as the relocated station for the Richland Hills Station. Further, we are unaware of any alternative location or potential proposal that provides equivalent value to Trinity Metro and TRE. We have been in discussions with the developer and have proposed a summary of potential deal points as follows: 1) Duration The project timeline would be 24 months in duration beginning with the Trinity Metro Board of Directors approval and ending with the first revenue service day at this location. 2) Cost Sharing a. Initial engineering estimates indicate a station cost to be $6,000,000. We are considering a 50% cost- sharing with a total anticipated expense for Trinity Metro to be at $3,000,000 for the station. Any revenue realized from the sale of the current Federal Transit Administration (FTA) fixed assets (the current Richland Hills Station), or FTA awarded grant funding could help offset this liability and any additional costs associated with the station. b. Trinity Lakes will also pursue funding alternatives that will offset its expenses. 3) Planning a. Planning Consultant Role: The Planning Consultant is to obtain FTA environmental clearance for the proposed rail station and provide station schematics that show station location, platform configuration, parking demand and locations, bus, car, and pedestrian access, and a conceptual estimate. Board of Directors Action Item 3 Meeting Date: March 26, 2018 Item Number: BA2018-36 Page: 2 Item Title: Proposed Trinity Railway Express (TRE) – Trinity Lakes Station The Planning Consultant would coordinate closely with Trinity Lakes and Trinity Metro. The Planning Consultant would complete its work in 6-9 months. b. Planning Consultant Selection: The Planning Consultant would be a subcontractor to a n IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) consultant that is under contract with Trinity Metro. Trinity Lakes can select and negotiate scope and fee with t h e Planning Consultant with Trinity Metro’s assistance and subject to Trinity Metro’s approval. c. Planning work needs to comply with FTA procedures. Since FTA does not deal with private entities, Trinity Metro is to lead the coordination and communication with FTA and Trinity Lakes with the Planning Consultant's assistance. d. Funding for Planning Work: To be split 50% between Trinity Metro and Trinity Lakes. Trinity Metro would pay the IDIQ and Planning Consultant invoices upon Trinity Metro’s receipt of Trinity Lake’s 50% share. This fee is included in the $3,000,000 total for Trinity Metro’s financial commitment. 4) Design a. Design Consultant Role: Provide final construction plans, specifications, and estimate for bids; and obtain permits from applicable entities including FTA, Trinity Metro, DART, City of Fort Worth, and TxDOT. T h e Design Consultant shall coordinate closely with Trinity Lakes and Trinity Metro, and comply with TRE, Trinity Metro and City of Forth Worth standards. Trinity Metro will assist the Design Consultant to obtain permits. The Design Consultant should complete its work in 6-9 months. b. Design Consultant Selection: Similar to 3.b, above c. Funding: Similar to 3.d, above. 5) Station Parking a. Initial station parking area identified by the Planning Consultant shall be furnished by Trinity Lakes. b. Land for parking: Shall be arranged to accommodate planned needed parking spaces at any given time in one consolidated area. The transition of parking area to a new location, or to a structured garage, will be discussed, planned and approved in consultation with Trinity Metro prior to implementation of any move. 4 Meeting Date: March 26, 2018 Item Number: BA2018-36 Page: 3 Item Title: Proposed Trinity Railway Express (TRE) – Trinity Lakes Station c. Trinity Metro shall have full control of station parking whether it's free or paid, and can utilize a private company to operate and control parking. If a private company is utilized, an effort to coordinate the private company with Trinity Lakes into a combined parking management program would be undertaken. d. Trinity Lakes will have the right to move and/or convert the parking to structured parking in the future. Trinity Metro and Trinity Lakes will agree to work together and cooperate to achieve Trinity Metro’s station parking goals and requirements, and also Trinity Lake’s project objectives as it relates to the initial and long-term station parking. 6) Construction a. Contractor Role: Construct the project utilizing plans and specifications furnished by the Design Consultant, and obtain Certificate of Occupancy. Contractor would coordinate closely with Trinity Metro, Trinity Lakes, and TRE. TRE shall provide railroad safety training to Contractor's personnel and flaggers when necessary. Construction should last 9-12 months. b. Contractor Selection: Trinity Metro would bid the project using FTA approved procurement process. 7) Utilities a. Utility Provision: Trinity Lakes shall bring water, electricity, and communication to the TRE property line near the proposed station area, at no cost to Trinity Metro. 8) Station Access Road from Trinity Boulevard a. Access Road: As a public road, Trinity Metro shall have full access to the station on access roads. The access road will be designed by Trinity Lakes’ planning and engineering team, in consultation with Trinity Metro, at no cost to Trinity Metro. b. Access Road Construction: Shall be coordinated directly with Trinity Lakes and aligned with projected development plan and can be constructed by either Station Contractor or Trinity Lakes, at no cost to Trinity Metro. c. Access Road Availability: Access Road will be complete and in place prior to the station opening. 5 Meeting Date: March 26, 2018 Item Number: BA2018-36 Page: 4 Item Title: Proposed Trinity Railway Express (TRE) – Trinity Lakes Station 9) Bus Service a. Trinity Metro would provide public bus service to the proposed station in accordance with its service plan. No bus transit service is currently operating at the Richland Hills Station. b. Private bus services operating near the station area require Trinity Lakes and Trinity Metro's approval. 10) Maintenance a. Track and Station Maintenance: TRE would continue to maintain the track and right-of-way. Trinity Metro to maintain station platform and amenities within TRE's right-of-way. b. Station Parking Maintenance: If the parking is fully controlled by Trinity Metro, then the parking shall be maintained by Trinity Metro. If it is managed and incorporated into a shared parking program, then it will be maintained by the parking manager or Trinity Lakes. 11) Grant Opportunities a. Trinity Lakes and Trinity Metro shall jointly seek and apply for applicable grants to fund the proposed station, park and ride lot/garage, station access road, Loop 820 access road and infrastructure necessary for opening of station. 12) Former Trinity Metro’s Board of Director Ken Newell a. Former Trinity Metro Board of Director Member Ken Newell, is a principal in the Trinity Lakes development. Trinity Lakes and Trinity Metro agreed, prior to the commencement of negotiations with Trinity Lakes, on a protocol that demonstrates Trinity Metro’s commitment to transparency and the avoidance of even the appearance of conflicts. b. Mr. Newell proposed that he voluntarily refrain from communicating with the Trinity Metro Board of Directors in connection with his role in the Trinity Lakes development for two years from the date his successor on the Trinity Metro Board of Directors was installed—that is, until October 30, 2019, and in all events until after the Trinity Lakes station is completed. 6 Meeting Date: March 26, 2018 Item Number: BA2018-36 Page: 5 Item Title: Proposed Trinity Railway Express (TRE) – Trinity Lakes Station 13) Opportunity for Competing Proposals a. As noted above, Trinity Metro is unaware of any comparable site or opportunity in general that provides equivalent benefits to Trinity Metro within one (1) mile of the current station. However, if this proposed transaction is recommended by the Commuter Rail Committee, Trinity Metro will continue to negotiate with Trinity Lakes, but will not enter into any binding contract with Trinity Lakes regarding the station for not less than 30 days from the date of the committee’s action. During that 30-day period Trinity Metro will invite other competing proposals which Trinity Metro will promptly evaluate for their potential benefit and utility to Trinity Metro. If Trinity Metro identifies one or more competing proposals with potential benefit and utility to Trinity Metro equivalent to or greater than Trinity Lake’s proposal, Trinity Metro will present the competing proposal(s) to the Commuter Rail Committee for consideration. Trinity Metro will publicize its invitation to receive competing proposals by placing that information on its website, the Star-Telegram and Commercial recorder. RECOMMENDATION The Commuter Rail Committee finds that this proposed transaction is necessary, convenient, and useful to the performance of Trinity Metro’s statutory purposes and powers and recommends that the Trinity Metro’s Board of Directors approve the deal points with Trinity Lakes and authorize the President/Chief Executive Officer to develop and execute a Development Agreement with Trinity Lakes based on the approved deal points for the construction of the Trinity Lakes TRE Station and the removal of the existing Richland Hills TRE Station. Subsequent contractor actions (construction and other expenditures) will follow Trinity Metro’s procurement procedures and will be presented to the Committee and Board of Directors for specific approvals.

[Jeriat]

I don't think I'd miss the RH station (really don't think it would be a huge loss) but it still sucks that the entire county isn't on board with Trinity Metro.

[renamerusk]

For whatever reason Richland Hills, probably isolationism, would not embrace a TOD continues to be perfectly comfortable with the mindset of a luddite.

[Doohickie]

What TOD would they put near their station?  First of all, there's little room.  The station is on a small sliver of NRH south of 121; everything around it is Ft Worth.  The RH land "adjacent" to the station is on the other side of the freeway.

 

If Trinity Lakes wants to embrace the TRE, good for them.  If not, maybe the solution is for NRH to deed the plot of land where the current stop is over to the City of Ft Worth.

[renamerusk]

I once lived and had a small business in RH.  There is definitely room for a TOD, perhaps not a gigantic one, in the immediate area next to the station.  What was never there is the will or a desire by RH to be apart of public transit.

[Doohickie]

Not sure what you could put there.  The sliver I'm talking about is surrounded by Handly-Ederville Road, Midway and 121, and is mostly occupied by industrial warehouse type buildings.  https://goo.gl/maps/GG69KrgK4Uo

[renamerusk]

Yes. The it is a silver, but land that small has been and can be redeveloped into something else. A TOD could be a entertainment district using the warehouses for restaurants and shops. It only requires imagination and design. 

 

But first, it required that RH decide that it wanted development in its city.  RH lost a Sam's Club because it did not want additional growth from the outside; it can not get a grocer, because of the same mentality.

 

RH is the "eye of the storm"; while turbulent growth is swirling around it, RH remains contented in staying calm.

[Austin55]

Happy to have RH lose out and FW get the high density, more profitable per acre land then. This is a win win for FW, Trinity Metro, DART and the whole of the TRE line.

[Dylan]

This could be a loss for those who currently park at Richland Hills station.

 

Based on earlier renderings, there may not be any surface parking at Trinity Lakes station.

[renamerusk]

I think those who currently park at the RH Station will need to adopt to the "kiss and drop" method.

[Not Sure]

If the RH station is moved east, I think a Beach Street (or somewhere near there) station becomes more viable. I think this especially true if the parking for commuters disappears. As it is now there's a big gap between downtown and Loop 820.

[Jeriat]

If the RH station is moved east, I think a Beach Street (or somewhere near there) station becomes more viable. I think this especially true if the parking for commuters disappears. As it is now there's a big gap between downtown and Loop 820.

 

Wouldn't that be the Mercantile Station? 

[JBB]

He means a Beach station in the TRE.

[rriojas71]

If the RH station is moved east, I think a Beach Street (or somewhere near there) station becomes more viable. I think this especially true if the parking for commuters disappears. As it is now there's a big gap between downtown and Loop 820.

I have always imagined a Beach Street Station... especially because of the grain silos and current retail that is already near where a station would be likely. Turn the Silos into residential housing like I’ve seen done before and Bingo!

[Big Frog II]

My business is close to the tracks on Beach.  There is vacant land across the street on the east side of Beach that could possibly be used for a station.  

[Jeriat]

He means a Beach station in the TRE.

 

Oh right. Was thinking of the wrong line. 

[Austin55]

Trinity Metro is getting $4.5M from the Federal Government to build the station. TM is committing $3M of thier own for a total cost of $7.5M

[Jeriat]

Trinity Metro is getting $4.5M from the Federal Government to build the station. TM is committing $3M of thier own for a total cost of $7.5M

 

So if (and when?) the Richland Station is shut down, anyone think it would be better to set up a new station on Beach along with Trinity Lakes?

[renamerusk]

A Beach @ 121 Station would be a smart decision.  A super cross town route (N-S) "Beach-Mitchell-Wichita" that links Mercantile Station and TRE/Beach would be the most effective route in the system in the part of town that most depends upon public transit.  I also suggested that Trinity Lakes Station be located at Trinity Blvd @ Precinct Line. In that event, someday a cross town route in Hurst (N-S) could link Tarrant Express Smithfield and TRE/TL.  

[elpingüino]

A long Star-Telegram article plus video: https://www.star-tel...e222621030.html

[rriojas71]

Trinity Metro is getting $4.5M from the Federal Government to build the station. TM is committing $3M of thier own for a total cost of $7.5M

 
So if (and when?) the Richland Station is shut down, anyone think it would be better to set up a new station on Beach along with Trinity Lakes?

Look at my post from May 18th... I think a Beach St. station would be great for Riverside/Gateway Park

[Dylan]

Here's my potentially unpopular opinion:

 

If Trinity Lakes Station does not provide sufficient parking, Trinity Lakes Station will not be a sufficient replacement for Richland Hills Station.

 

I'm supportive of a Beach Street TRE station, but you would have to tear town surrounding businesses for parking and/or TOD.

[renamerusk]

Providing "day care facilities for cars" should be discouraged as much as possible.

 

What if TM provided a bus that met the train arrival that riders could have as their pre-leg and post-leg trips?

[Austin55]

One thing about the Trinity Lakes station is that only the land South of the station is planned out, nothing to the north. Right now there's just some trees behind a sonic and some warehouses. Perhaps TM could try and acquire this land for the parking. It would also be a lot easier to access, right off Hurst Blvd and wouldn't require driving through a walkable development to reach, which is best of both worlds IMO. 

My hope for Trinity Lakes is a Clearfork type area, but with a train. Could be a really fantastic addition. 

[Dylan]

Providing "day care facilities for cars" should be discouraged as much as possible.

 

What if TM provided a bus that met the train arrival that riders could have as their pre-leg and post-leg trips?

 

That's a big part of what commuter rail is for.

 

Would you rather all those cars clog downtown Fort Worth streets and garages instead?

 

I'm all for more bus connections, but some people will never step foot on a bus for whatever reason.

[renamerusk]

 

Providing "day care facilities for cars" should be discouraged as much as possible.

 

What if TM provided a bus that met the train arrival that riders could have as their pre-leg and post-leg trips?

 

That's a big part of what commuter rail is for.

 

Would you rather all those cars clog downtown Fort Worth streets and garages instead?

 

I'm all for more bus connections, but some people will never step foot on a bus for whatever reason.

 

 As this is a discussion where unpopular opinions may be stated, the some people who will never step foot on a bus should not be the concern of public transit; instead, public transit should have as its concern those who need it and those who are integrate it into their lifestyle.

 

 Public transit wisest approach is to be a fundamental component of high density development that planned for walking, cycling,etc and is self sustaining.  Trinity Lakes will be such a place. The last thing that the Trinity Lakes neighborhood needs is a sea of parked cars surrounding a train station.

[Austin55]

The station's final design is on the agenda for Trinity Metro's rail committee next week.

[Austin55]

The new TRE station is expected to open in a year (Dec 2020)

[elpingüino]

Extensive update about Trinity Lakes in the Star-Telegram today. The TIF approved the development contract for roads and utilities. The development of the TRE station has been held up.

How this old gravel mine may become Fort Worths hottest transit-oriented development

[Austin55]

Did anyone catch the renderings of the station? Certainly way nicer than a typical TRE mid-cities style station.

 

 

[Jeriat]

Did anyone catch the renderings of the station? Certainly way nicer than a typical TRE mid-cities style station.

 

 

 

 

That's a legit station, there... 

[Dylan]

That's a great looking train station!

 

It's unfortunate that I have to root for construction delays since this station doesn't appear to have any parking, while the station it's replacing has tons of parking.

 

Trinity Metro is discouraging TRE usage by removing parking spaces for those who drive to the train, which is how the majority of passengers get to the train.

 

When things return to normal, the loss of TRE parking will result in more people driving into the downtowns of Fort Worth and Dallas.

[Stadtplan]

A new commercial building permit hit Accela on Friday 7/9/21.  It's being birthed in the system so we should know more on Monday.

 

Permit #: 21TMP-072871 (no hyperlink)

Trinity Lakes Station/Trinity Metro

7979 TRINITY BLVD, Fort Worth TX 76053

 

Trinity Metro Bonfire Public Bidding Portal: RFP-21-T020 TRE Trinity Lakes Station Construction

https://ridetm.bonfi...rtunities/43594

 

[Dylan]

Good! I'm glad to see Trinity Lakes station will include parking after all. Those of us who want to drive to the train will still be able to.

 

That said, I'm a little confused as to why there are two separate parking lots instead of one continuous parking lot.

[Jeriat]

Good! I'm glad to see Trinity Lakes station will include parking after all. Those of us who want to drive to the train will still be able to.

 

That said, I'm a little confused as to why there are two separate parking lots instead of one continuous parking lot.

Future development, I'd say.

[JBB]

The new elevated northbound service road for 820 is going to loom pretty large over this area. 

[Austin55]

Really excited to see how the future development integrates with the station. Trinity Lakes Developers should pay a visit to Grapevine to see how it's done. 

[SCHMJDT]

Was riding just south of trinity lakes development last night along the trial.  They have a large pump that has cleared the ponds south of Trinity Blvd and have several excavators and bulldozers and other large equipment stages, not sure if its more than just finally finishing the ponds around the area or related to new development

[Austin55]

View from above courtesy my flight from DFW