Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on September 9, 2003

Attendance: Lindsay Childs (Guilderland Pathways), Dom De Cecco (Retired Legislator), David Gehrs (CDTA Planning), Andy Labruzzo (Albany Co. Planning), Scott Lewendon (CHA), Kevin McLoughlin (NYPCA), Don Odell (Retired), Robert Ritter (The Louis Berger Group), Deb Spicer (NYSDOH), John Stangle (Village of Menands), Marta Szewczyk (The Louis Berger Group), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Teresa La Salle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW

The August minutes were approved.

2.0 PROJECTS/PROGRAMS AND OTHER UPDATES

3.0 ONGOING TASKS

3.1 Greenways Grant for Regional Bike Trail: J. Purvis reported that he has received the second draft and will be meeting with the consultant following the task force meeting to discuss revisions. J. Purvis hopes to have the final document available on the web as soon as possible.

3.2 Canalway Initiative: D. Odell reported that he and Lou Rossi did a walk through of the trail in Schenectady and noted locations were trail signage is needed. Don will be sending the inventory to Steve Feeney and Milt Mitchell. They have agreed to place signs were needed, given that signs are provided to them. The NYS Canalway has trailblazer signs to provide. D. Odell noted that templates for the Mohawk-Hudson trail signs should be able to be obtained from Albany County. CDTC will send a letter to John Dimura at the NYS Canalway supporting use of the Mohawk-Hudson trail signs as an effort to promote the regional trail as well as keeping with the signage guidelines. D. Odell noted that the next Canalway meeting will be Monday, September 29^th from 3-5 pm in Clifton Park. D. Odell also noted that a Competitive Rollerblade racing group is interested in volunteering for trail cleanup from the Schenectady County Community College to Canal Lock 8.

3.3 Guilderland Pathways Committee: There were no updates to report.

3.4 Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail Map update: T. La Salle provided a printout of the map’s progress. The map has been doubled in width to be able to show more detail. Additionally, insets will be added as space allows, including an overview of the location of the trail within the region. It was suggested that bustops on bikeable bus routes be shown on the map. D. Gehrs has volunteered to “test” the map out, by using it to navigate the trail on bike.

3.5 Enhancement Program: J. Purvis informed members that the House voted nearly 3-1 in favor. E. Troy provided copies of the Roll Call Vote to distribute.

4.0 NEW BUSINESS

4.1 Greenway Linkage: J. Purvis reported that the Linkage project in Rensselaer County looking at trail connections from the Livingston Ave Bridge to the Menands Bridge went in the Contract Reporter on September 8^th. Proposals are due October 3^rd. Barbara Kendall is the project contact at the Greenway.

4.2 Patroon Greenway Linkage: T. La Salle noted that this linkage project, which is looking at a trail along the Patroon Creek Watershed, is awaiting follow-up from W. Haywood Burns Environmental Center. Teresa La Salle is CDTC’s contact regarding the project.

J. Purvis noted that a consultant working for Union College contacted CDTC regarding the MH trail by the college. The college is looking to purchase the nearby Ramada along with the land that the trail is on. They have some interest in retaining the trail. That section of the trail is owned by NYS Parks.

I. Vamos reported that the Town of Colonie is working with the Countryside Exchange program at the Mohawk riverfront. I. Vamos tried to encourage that paving of the gravel portion of the MH trail be considered.

J. Stangle reported that crosswalk improvements will be made on Broadway near the Verizon building in the form of markings and possible pavement treatments.

D. Spicer noted that the Greenway will be holding workshops in the area on scenic byways.

5.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

- The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th at 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.