Capital District Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on December 11, 2007

Attendance: Justin Booth (Be Active NYS), Martin Daley (Parks & Trails NY), Todd Fabozzi (CDRPC), Ross Farrell ( CDTA), Jeff Gritsavage (NYSOPRHP), James Levy (Latham Resident), Scot Lewendon (CHA), Kelly Mateja (Town of Colonie), Jim Mearkle (Albany County DPW), Don Odell (ABC), Henrietta O’Grady (Halfmoon Trails), Joshua Poppel (NYBC), John Stangle (Town of Colonie), Fred Thompson (Friends of Hudson Mohawk Bike Path), Susan Troll (Friends of Hudson Mohawk Bike Path), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH Healthy Heart), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Dave Jukins (CDTC), Teresa LaSalle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

1.0 NEW BUSINESS

1.1 Presentation—Erie Blvd. Design:

By Scott Lewendon, CHA.

An overview of the “Erie Edison Technology Corridor” redesign project for Erie Boulevard from the I-890 ramps to Union Street in Schenectady was provided. Currently some sections are very wide as this was the path of the Erie Canal. A major railroad embankment currently prohibits access on the south side of the street, while the north side contains mixed commercial and residential properties. Improvements include the possibility of driveway consolidations and/or a possible service road to increase access. The preferred concept increases bicycle and pedestrian friendliness in this corridor by constructing a planted median and narrowing the roadway with a curvilinear alignment with varying widths to slow vehicular traffic. A roundabout at Erie Blvd. and Ferry Street as well as pedestrian crossings at key locations will also increase the pedestrian friendliness of this facility. Bicycle accommodations of either a shared roadway or bike lane are being looked into. Comments regarding this study can be submitted to through a link on the City of Schenectady’s website.

1.2 Safe Routes to School Program Update: J. Purvis noted that there will be an informational workshop on January 24^th at The Crossings of Colonies at 10 am to discuss the program details. 1.3 Million dollars are available in funding for the 8 county DOT region.

1.3 Scheduling of meetings for January – June 2008: The meeting schedule for the next six months is:

Tuesday, January 8^th

Tuesday, February 12^th

Tuesday, March 11^th

Tuesday, April 8^th

Tuesday, May 13^th

Tuesday, June 10^th

1.4 Priority Network – Pedestrian Emphasis: A handout was provided regarding the methodology used to create one quarter mile buffers around regionally significant facilities likely to generate pedestrian traffic. Using this methodology produces 25 facilities in 5 categories. Roads and intersections within each buffer will not be added to CDTC’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Network, but will be inventoried for planning purposes. Neither the buffers or facilities are finalized at this point and adjustments may be made as the process develops further.

1.5 Local Project Updates:

1.51 Central Avenue:

J. Purvis reported that despite input from the task force and CDTC the NYSDOT project on NYS Route 5 Central Avenue in the Town and Village of Colonie from NYS Route 155 New Karner Road to the Albany City Line will be a “mill and fill” project with a 12 foot median, (2) 11 foot inside travel lanes, and (2) 14 foot shared use outside travel lanes. The project is curbed with sidewalks the full length. There will also be a raised landscaped median/pedestrian refuge between the Northway Mall and Colonie Center.

1.52 Linkage Projects:

J. Purvis reported a Linkage study is underway in the Exit 26 area of Rotterdam and part of this study is looking at the bike trail crossing near NYS Route 5S. A public meeting will be held in January.

1.6 “They just don’t get it….”: Jason distributed a few articles demonstrating anti-bike/ped view points.

1.7 Other New Business:

J. Booth noted that he is involved with NYBC and GTSC on a grant to work with communities for Safe Routes to School Training. Also he is looking for information on NYS examples of Safe Routes to School successes to include in a National Case Study.

M. Daley noted that Parks and Trails NY has a grant available for the “Healthy Trails, Healthy People” program to provide technical assistance to communities. For more information visit www.ptny.org

J. Purvis noted that the next round of Spot Improvement solicitation will occur in late winter or early spring of 2008.

3.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

1.2 Safe Routes to School Program Update: J. Purvis noted that there will be an informational workshop on January 24th at The Crossings of Colonies at 10 am to discuss the program details. 1.3 Million dollars are available in funding for the 8 county DOT region.