Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on August 16, 2005

 

 

Attendance:  Judy Breselor (Rensselaer County), Mark Cashman (MHCC/LAB), Lindsay Childs, (Guilderland Pathways), Dom De Cecco, Stephen Feeney (Schenectady County), Scott Lewendon (CHA), Mike Lyons (Town of Colonie), William Mackesey (SCHT, Town of Clifton Park), Mary McNeill (NYSDOT Region 1), Eric Ophardt (NYSDOT MO), Edward Peck (Halfmoon/Clifton Park Trails), Deb Spicer (NYSDOH Healthy Heart), John Stangle (Village of Menands), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH Healthy Heart), Teresa La Salle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

 

1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW

 

The July 2005 meeting minutes were approved.

 

2.0 MAJOR DISCUSSION

 

2.1 Trail User Survey and Benefits Analysis:  J. Purvis noted that a PDF of the document will soon be available on CDTC’s website.  He encouraged members to review the document for further discussion at the September meeting.  S. Feeney provided background information on the original trail survey done in 1997.  The main purpose of the survey was to gain support within the county for trail work, by highlighting the economic benefits of a complete trail system.  The survey also gauged the number of trips and was accompanied by a land owner survey which was sent to adjoining land owners regarding the existing trail and possible trail expansion.  As part of the study, trails in other areas were researched.

 

3.0 NEW BUSINESS

 

3.1 Regional Map update process:  The deadline for responses was the end of July, and overall there was a 30% response rate.  Responses will be accepted after the deadline and are welcomed.

 

3.2 SAFTEA-LU:  The “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users”, was signed into law the week of August 9th.  J. Purvis provided a handout which highlighted the Bicycle/Pedestrian related funding and programs.  Members expressed interest in presentations regarding details of the different programs, such as Safe Routes to School.

 

3.3 Linkage Projects:  J. Purvis noted that CDTC has started several new Linkage Studies, many with bike/ped components including Route 4 in Stillwater and Route 9 in Malta.

 

3.4 Priority Network Level of Service and Infrastructure Index:  J. Purvis reported that CDTC interns have continued extensive work on the Index and have completed Albany and Rensselaer Counties.

                                                           

3.5 Other New Business: 

 

B. Mackesey reported that he expects an update on the Zim Smith Trail dual user pathway this month.

 

J. Stangle mentioned the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the rehabilitated portion of the Mohawk-Hudson Trail in Albany County.  The improvements include a plaque of CDTC’s 2004 Trail Map at the 4th Street Parking Area in Watervliet and benches, among other improvements.

 

J. Purvis reported that he has received and reviewed a draft of the Watervliet Waterfront Revitalization Plan.  The plan includes many of the bicycle/pedestrian improvements that were included as recommendations in CDTC’s Trail Connections Linkage Study.

 

M. Cashman noted that the League of American Bicyclists Website contains information on SAFETEA-LU.

 

E. Troy reported that the inclusion of the Schenectady Bike Master Plan is being advocated for inclusion in Schenectady’s Comprehensive Plan.  Communications are ongoing between MHBC and River Street Planning.

 

E. Troy also noted the success of the Hudson Falls Pedestrian Education Program using the Crosswalk Flags.  The Glens Falls Downtown Business groups have voted to have pedestrian safety markings added to downtown crosswalks and possibly use the flags as well.

 

E. Peck reported that the old bank building just over the Mohawk River Bridge on Route 9 has been bought by a private owner and will not be used as a visitors center for the trail in that area as planned.

 

S. Feeney noted that Schenectady County has 2-3 trail projects slated for construction in the fall.

As a result of the Downtown Connection Study, a portion of trail will connect the Stockade to the existing terminus of the Mohawk-Hudson Trail at Schenectady County Community College.

In the Scrafford Lane area the County is working with the Canal.  Tunnel construction is expected by NYS in 2006-07.

 

4.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

 

-        The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.