PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Meeting Minutes
November 7, 2012
MEMBERS ATTENDING
Brad Birge, City of
Saratoga Springs
Frank Bonafide, NYS
Department of Transportation R1
Wayne Bonesteel,
Rensselaer County
Rob Cherry, NYS
Department of Transportation R1
Peter Comenzo, Town of
Rotterdam
Sarah Crowell, City of
Rensselaer
Darrell Duncan, Albany
County
Ross Farrell, Capital
District Transportation Authority
Steve Feeney,
Schenectady County
Rocky Ferraro, Capital
District Regional Planning Commission
Michael Franchini,
Capital District Transportation Committee
Nadine Fuda, Town of
Schodack
Bruce Hidley,
representing Rosemary Nichols, City of Watervliet
Steve Iachetta, Albany
County Airport Authority
Barb McHugh, Town of
Clifton Park
Randy Milano, City of Albany
Russ Reeves, City of
Troy
Tom Richardson, City of
Mechanicville
Steve Strichman, City of
Schenectady
Ed Tremblay,
representing Melissa Ashline-Heil, City of Cohoes
Mike Valentine, Saratoga
County
Tony Vasil, Albany Port
District Commission
Steve Watts, Town of
Halfmoon
STAFF AND OTHERS
Bill Anslow, Albany
County
Anne Benware, Capital
District Transportation Committee
Jennifer Ceponis,
Capital District Transportation Committee
Erik DeVoe, Town of
Bethlehem
Lee Ecker, CHA
Bob Hansen, Creighton
Manning
Karen Houlihan, NYSDOT
Region 1
David Jukins, Capital
District Transportation Committee
Sandy Misiewicz, Capital
District Transportation Committee
Leah Mosall, Capital
District Transportation Committee
Larry Mulvaney, NYS
Department of Transportation R1
Sreekumar Nampoothiri,
Capital District Transportation Committee
Mike O’Brien, City of
Albany
Chris O’Neill, Capital
District Transportation Committee
Michael Panichelli, MJ
Engineering
Glenn Posca, Capital
District Transportation Committee
Ozzie Priotti, City of
Rensselaer
Jason Purvis, Capital
District Transportation Committee
Bill Redmond, Interested
Citizen
Jim Rivers, Greenman
Pedersen Inc.
Joe Teleska, Rensselaer
County
Barb Tozzi, City of Troy
Ed Wolk, Capital
District Transportation Authority
VISITORS ISSUES
Steve Iachetta opened the meeting at
approximately 9:33 AM. Mike O’Brien spoke
in support of the Albany Shaker Road project on the TIP, sponsored by the City
of Albany. He said that this is a worthy
project that deserves funding. He said
that in recognition of funding constraints, if downscaling of the project is
necessary, that could be acceptable, as long as the sidewalks were retained as
part of the project. He said that this
section of Albany Road is in great need of sidewalks. Adding sidewalks would create continuity with
the section of Albany Shaker Road in Colonie that was previously improved, and
would provide better access for transit riders.
Steve Iachetta commented that this section of Albany Shaker Road
connects the Town of Colonie, the twelfth largest town in the State, with
downtown Albany.
Steve Iachetta announced that the 22nd
Annual Transportation and
Planning Symposium was being held that
day and had many valuable sessions, including a session on the Northway
Corridor Study.
ADMINISTRATION
Previous Meeting Minutes
Frank Bonafide noted several corrections to
the minutes. On page one, under Planning
Targets (on CDTC Website), the third sentence should be amended to read
“Fiscal years 2013 and 2014 show a total of $159M each region-wide”; and the
fourth sentence should be deleted. On
the page two, second paragraph, the fourth sentence should be amended to read:
“The list of DOT developed preservation candidates just represents locations
that meet certain criteria given available limited data.” On the third page, the third paragraph should
be amended to read “Frank Bonafide said that Preservation First projects on the
core program are decided at the CDTC table”.
On the third page, sixth paragraph, the second sentence should be
amended to read “Frank Bonafide responded that the data indicates all segments are
either too good or too bad for preservation type work”. On the fourth page, second paragraph, the
second sentence should be amended to read “Frank Bonafide responded that if
CMAQ funding is eliminated some initiatives will have to compete for STP funding”.
With these amendments, members approved the October
28th minutes.
ACTION ITEMS
2010-15 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AMENDMENTS
S187 (1757.97), Mohawk/Hudson Bike Trail Crossing at NY 5S
Steve Feeney explained that this TIP
amendment was needed to move design into the 2012-13 year. He explained that the purpose of the project
is to address a safety issue on the Mohawk/Hudson Trail crossing at Route
5S. He said that there has been one
fatality at this location. Members
approved the amendment.
S188 (1758.00), Erie Boulevard/Jay Street/Nott Street/Front Street
Roundabout
Steve Feeney distributed a handout for this
project (attached). He explained that a
TIP amendment was needed to move design into the 2012-13 year. The project is very important to the Golub Center,
Ellis Hospital, Union College as well as the new development at the Alco site. He said the Alco site will be a brownfield
redevelopment, and floodplain issues will be addressed. Rob Cherry asked if the State ownership of
Erie Boulevard had been considered.
Steve Feeney responded that the
project is being coordinated with Mark Kennedy of NYSDOT Region 1. Ozzie Priotti asked about private developer
contributions. Steve Feeney responded
that the developer is making contributions for the trail, and Steve Strichman
noted that the developer is making contributions for the second access. Mike Franchini explained that while CDTC
encourages private contributions, they are not required for CDTC projects. Members approved the amendment.
R196 (1754.68), CR 111 (Pitts-Johns Road) Bridge over the Hoosick
River: Bridge Restoration
R287 (1758.15), CR 68 Over Wynantskill Creek
R289 (1758.14), CR 114 Over Powamppokonk Creek
These three projects were discussed
together. Joe Teleska explained that
cost estimates for R196 have gone up, and offsets are provided by changing the
schedules for R287 and R289. Members
approved the amendments for R196, R287, and R289.
R257 (1755.36),
NY 151 over East Street: Bridge
Rehabilitation
Ozzie Priotti explained that the cost estimate
for this project has increased. The
bridge will be rehabbed, and the deck will be retained. Members approved the amendment.
SA223 (1757.10),
US 4 (Central Avenue) Bridge Over the
Anthony Kill
SA222 (1757.09),
CR 45 (Northline Road) Bridge over
Kayderosseras
Mike Valentine explained that a cost increase
is needed for SA223, and an offset is provided by decreased costs needed for
SA222. ROW for SA223 will be moved to
2012-13. Members approved the amendments
for SA223 and SA222.
A464 (1757.32), Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail: Phase 1
Bill Anslow explained that construction for
this project is being moved out one year.
Members approved the amendment.
2010-15
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: CMAQ
PROGRAMMING AND SET-ASIDES
Mike Franchini explained that it is assumed
that CMAQ funding will not be available in the CDTC area after October 1,
2014. There are concerns about some
projects being on track for construction fund obligation by October 1,
2014. CDTC staff conducted a review of
projects on the TIP, summarized in a hand out (attached). In addition, there are four set-asides which
have not been programmed for specific projects.
In the past, we have approved funding for projects in these set-asides
either on a “first come, first served basis” or we have solicited members for
projects. Mike reviewed three options
for programming projects for the set-asides, as described in the memo included
in the meeting mail out. These included
focusing on existing projects, conducting a limited solicitation for projects,
and conducting a broad selection of projects.
Under the limited solicitation option, it was
explained that new projects would have to be considered feasible for quick
implementation, and a sponsor’s experience in progressing federal aid projects
would be considered in the selection of projects. It was explained that projects currently
programmed for later implementation could be submitted for earlier implementation
if they can be progressed quickly. Project
amendments can also be submitted for the set-asides. Selection of projects and amendments will be
contingent on funds available, which will be monitored closely on a monthly
basis, including status of existing projects.
Relatively small projects and relatively small project amendments will
be favored in the solicitation given limited funds. Members approved a motion to direct staff to
proceed with a solicitation for CMAQ set-asides based on the limited
solicitation option.
2012-14 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM
Linkage Solicitation for 2013-14
Sandy Misiewicz explained that the
next round of Linkage projects will continue to be focused on implementation
activities. There will be $180,000 available for consultant funding and
$100,000 available for CDTC staff support. January 4 will be the deadline
for submitting applications, with review in January and approval in
February. Rob Cherry asked why inter-municipal projects are not mentioned
in the evaluation criteria. Sandy responded that inter-municipal
cooperation is encouraged and it is mentioned as part of one of the evaluation
criteria. The wording will be clarified to indicate that inter-municipal
initiatives will increase the priority of the submission.
Members approved the Linkage Program
Solicitation for 2013-14.
Clean Communities Annual Report
Jen Ceponis reviewed the Capital District
Clean Communities 2012/13 Annual Operating Plan. Some notable achievements include CDCC school
district members’ continual additions of propane buses to their fleets without
grant money. The popular NYSERDA EVSE
Demonstration Program is funding 50 EV charging stations in the Capital Region
which are in the process of being installed.
The awardees from the second round of funding are expected to be
announced by the end of this year. CDCC
received permission from NYSERDA to use the small amount of leftover ARRA funds
to redesign the CDCC website so it can be used as a better outreach and
educational tool. Goals for this coming
year and beyond include: continue to increase coalition membership, especially
large truck type of fleets; look for more funding opportunities outside of
NYSERDA to expand AFVs and infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Steve Iachetta and Mike Franchini commented
that this is a very valuable program.
Members approved the Capital District Clean Communities 2012/13 Annual
Operating Plan.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
2013-18 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE
Status Report
Mike Franchini reported that there were two
responses for preservation first candidates.
Frank Bonafide reported that he received about nine local pavement
projects and about three dozen bridge projects region wide for beyond
preservation. He must consolidate $300
million worth of projects into a list totaling $179 million. His goal is to submit the most competitive projects. He said there is a very good mix of State and
local projects. He will provide
information for the CDTC website.
Joe Teleska commented
that the questions on the form didn’t fit well with the needs of Rensselaer
County projects. Frank Bonafide
explained that they will be looking at economic development and system impacts,
and system priority. Mike Franchini said
that, based on the Main Office working group he participated in, if there is
something unusual about a project, if it is important, it should be considered.
Mike Franchini explained
that now that the Beyond Preservation deadline has been met, there is still a
lot of work to do in developing the TIP.
Region 1 is expected to submit a Capital Program by the end of
December. Frank Bonafide stated that he
would like to see preservation projects by mid-November, and he is considering
submitting a block of pavement projects.
He suggested a late November Planning Committee meeting. Dave Jukins suggested that members pencil in
November 28 and December 12 as two tentative Planning Committee meeting dates,
which can be canceled if not needed.
Safe Routes to School Update
Jason Purvis reported that 17 infrastructure
or combined infrastructure/non-infrastructure applications were received for
Region 1, including 10 from the CDTC area, 2 from the A/GFTC area, and 5 from the
rural counties. A review team consisting
of representatives from CDTC, A/GFTC and NYSDOT will meet and submit their
prioritization to the NYSDOT Main Office.
Status of Planning Activities
CDTC
Mike Franchini stated that the TIP update has
been a major task for staff. A scope for
the update of the New Visions Plan is being developed. Work has begun on the UPWP update. Staff is working to revive the Regional
Operations Committee and the Freight Task Force.
CDRPC
Rocky Ferraro reported that population
forecasts by TAZ (traffic analysis zone) are under development. They will add to the municipal level
totals. Census ACS data has been
released at the one year and three year levels.
The five year level data will be available in early December.
CDTA
Ross Farrell reported that on Monday CDTA will
be rolling out the last major restructuring.
CDTA is also developing two new major BRT corridors: the Washington Western corridor and the river
corridor. CDTA will also be working on
updating the Transit Development Plan (TDP).
CDTA is updating the Transit Development Plan for the next five years.
NYSDOT
Frank Bonafide reported that the Latham Circle
Bridges project was let, and will result in the same configuration. Rob Cherry reported that work on the I-87
Integrated Corridor Management Study is continuing. A MIST Data Mining Tool has been developed,
the VISSIM micro-simulation model is being refined for the corridor, and a
public meeting is anticipated in January.
Albany Airport Authority
Steve Iachetta reported that updated monthly
passenger data indicates that Albany International Airport is the only
municipal airport in the state to see growth, albeit modest (1%), in
enplanements for the year to date through September compared with the same period
in 2011. Over 20,000 scheduled commercial flights were canceled due to
Hurricane Sandy from Saturday through Tuesday, October 27th-31st; this will
affect passenger counts for October. FAA staff governing statewide
airports experienced significant property losses in Breezy Point, Queens and
southern Long Island. On Federal development planning, $18.7M in safety
and capacity projects are being programmed for which approximately $5M will be
bid in 2013.
Albany Port District Commission
Tony Vasil reported that the Port of Albany is
implementing a 600 foot wharf replacement on the Rensselaer side, using $11.7 M
in Empire State Development funds. The
total project will cost $12.6 M and will start in the spring of 2013, with
completion in 2014. An upstate recycling
facility is being progressed. The Port
of Albany was not impacted by the storm.
Linkage/Local Planning Activities
Mike Franchini reported that three Linkage
studies are nearing completion: The Hamlet of New Scotland Area Master Plan, the
Schenectady Gateway Plaza Implementation Plan, and the Malta Downtown Master
Plan Implementation. Dave Jukins
reported that the Schodack Town Center Plan Study is under way and a
stakeholder meeting and planning charrette will be held on November 13th
and 14th. The REI is being
advertised for the Clifton Park Town Center Strategic Zoning Code Revisions
Study. The REI for the East Greenbush
Site Design Standards Study will be advertised soon. The Railroad Avenue Corridor Study is nearly
complete.
Bike Ped Task force
Jason Purvis said that there has been a great
deal of interest in the upcoming second round of Continuum of Training for
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety for Law Enforcement sponsored by CDTC.
Safety Task Force
Mike Franchini noted that there has been a
great deal of work going on in safety planning.
Work has been progressing on guidelines for project selection for the
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at
approximately 11:22 PM. The next Planning
Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 28, 2012.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Franchini
Secretary