Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on January 14, 2003

 

 

Attendance: Dick Carlson (NYSDOT Region 1), Mark Cashman (MHCC/LAB), Ken Kovalchik (Greenway), Andy Labruzzo (Albany County Planning Dept.), Kevin McLoughlin (City of Rensslear), Don Odell (retired planner), Barbara Quint (Guilderland Pathways), Deb Spicer (NYSDOH), John Stangle (Village of Menands), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Angelika Harrington (CDTC), Teresa La Salle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

 

 

1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW

 

December 2002 minutes were approved.

 

 

2.0 PROJECTS/PROGRAMS AND OTHER UPDATES

 

2.1 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Update: J. Purvis noted that nine bike/ped projects were submitted for review for the 2003 - 2008 TIP update.  Several of the projects under different categories also include bike/ped improvements.  The projects are currently undergoing the filtering process and will be presented to CDTC's Planning Committee at a special meeting to be held on Thursday, January 23rd.

 

 

3.0 ONGOING TASKS

 

3.1 Greenways Grant for Regional Bike Trail: J. Purvis reported that the draft proposed route maps have been received from Clark-Patterson. The next step will be to meet with the communities involved to review the maps.  The task force will have an opportunity to comment on the maps before they are approved and sent back to Clark Patterson.  J. Purvis expects there to be a public meeting within the next 1 and 1/2 to 2 months.

 

3.2 Canalway Initiative: D. Odell had no update to provide.

 

 

3.3 Guilderland Pathways Committee: B. Quint reported that a part time grant writer has been hired, Don Csaphoss.  The committee has put together a preliminary planning grant proposal for the Greenway regarding the Normanskill.  Due to the intermunicipal nature of this project, B. Quint inquired if A. Labruzzo would be able to assist Don Csaphoss.  A. Labruzzo agreed to contact Don.  B. Quint reported that Lindsey Childs has been in contact with the Bethlehem Parks Department.  The committee has also been appointed a new member; Al Damato.

B. Quint also reported that they are looking for a grant for a pedestrian bridge over the Blockhouse Creek on the southside of Western Ave.

 

3.4 Railroad abandonment: There was no update on the status of this item. 

 

4.0 NEW BUSINESS

 

4.1 CDTC Community & Transportation Linkage Program: J. Purvis reported that proposals were due on December 20th.  Three proposals out of 17 were bike/ped specific, while several of the 17 proposals had bike/ped amenities included.  J. Purvis provided a summary of the three bike/ped project proposals.  By the time of the meeting the Hadley project had been deemed ineligible.  J. Purvis noted that John Poorman will likely be requesting that CDTC hold the contract with the consultant, rather than the municipality holding the contract with the consultant.

 

4.2 Other New business: I. Vamos commented on the Mckownville project at J. Purvis's request.  A meeting was held on January 13th in which comments were received on Creighton Manning's draft report.  I. Vamos circulated a copy of the draft report and noted that improvements are planned regarding sidewalks and bus stops on Route 20 in Mckownville.

 

J. Purvis asked for comments on the Slingerlands Bypass form LeGrange Rd to Cherry Ave.  It is planned to be four lanes with 8-foot shoulders north of Blessing Road.  Many members were concerned that with such a wide shoulder, vehicles would try to use it as a lane, especially if traffic is heavy.  I. Vamos suggested that a special pavement marking be used to denote the shoulder.  Members agreed to revisit this issue at the next task force meeting, when there is more information regarding the project. 

 

J. Purvis noted that the CDTC's Game Plan Toolbox for 1995 publication is in need of updating.  The task force agreed that a small subcommittee of 3-4 people would be most efficient in undertaking the task.  It was noted that NYSDOT involvement and information on health statistics are essential to update.  J. Purvis requested that those who are interested in being part of the subcommittee send him an email.  J. Purvis offered to provide copies of the existing document for review.

 

K. Kovalchik distributed a Land Owners Guide for Trail development published by the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley and the New York Parks and Conservation Association.

 

D. Odell inquired about the status of the Town of Colonie SPOT Improvement project.  J. Purvis noted that the project has officially been dropped.  D. Odell requested that the letter stating the intent to drop the project be shared with CATANY at their next meeting on Monday January 27th, from 3-5 p.m. at the Albany Visitors Center.  J. Purvis agreed to provide a copy of the letter for the meeting.

 

D. Carlson noted that D. Robertson's position at NYSDOT will either be restaffed or his duties will be transferred to another NYSDOT staff member.  D. Carlson requested a meeting with J. Purvis and John Poorman to discuss the matter further.  D. Carlson acknowledged the importance of having a NYSDOT representative as a contact for the task force. 

 

J. Purvis asked D. Carlson to confirm the City of Albany's intent to purchase the remaining section of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, south of the Dunn Memorial Bridge from NYSDOT.  D. Carlson stated that although no action had been taken as of yet, he believed the City will eventually purchase that section of the trail from NYSDOT.

 

5.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

 

-         The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.

Please note that the date has been changed from February 4th to February 11th.