V.  PROVISION OF SERVICES

 

TASK 5.51, 5.52 Provision of Services

 

This task continues with a scope similar to that shown in the past.  CDTC staff provides a significant amount of technical assistance to members and other local agencies under Task 5.51 (and to other parties through Task 5.52, Provision of Community Services) annually, as shown in CDTC's extensive quarterly report documentation of this work.  In 2002-03, this task will continue to include contractual support of the Town of Colonie's FGEIS implementation in the Airport area. More significant, ongoing technical assistance is programmed for Albany County in connection with its annual contract with CDTC.

 

In 2002-03, CDTC will continue to work with the town of Colonie and Albany County to refine the GEIS statement of findings to ensure consistency with the current implementation plan.  The town is still considering conducting a supplemental GEIS in 2002-03 for the NY 7 / I-87 area due to the number of active, large development projects in the area.

 

TASK 5.61          Project Development Support (TIP funded)

 

CDTC staff continues to assist NYSDOT Region 1 in an ongoing fashion in developing traffic forecasts and other material for project development and design purposes.  Specific support ranges from analysis of maintenance of traffic plans related to bridge or lane closures to sketch analysis of traffic diversions from alternative highway routings.  The Exit 3/ 4 interchange project, I-90 reconstruction projects, the I-87 Exit 12 bridge project, the I-90 access Phase 2 project and similar needs dominated NYSDOT's requests for CDTC technical assistance in 2001-2002.  This effort is funded with Surface Transportation Program (STP) as part of the TIP and will continue at the same level in 2002-03.

 

Cooperative support of the NYS Thruway Authority's plans to study capacity issues between exit 23 and 26 (including a potential high speed connection between the Northway and Thruway) will also require CDTC staff activity from this budget.  A supplemental contract with the Thruway Authority will allow CDTC to enhance the VISUM model for the Thruway corridor, including refined toll pricing relationships.

 

TASK 5.57          Commuter Support Services

 

CDTC's carpool/bus/bike/walk "Guaranteed Ride Home" program and Commuter Register program will continue.  As a pilot program, the Guaranteed Ride Home program was enhanced by engaging Access Transit to broker taxi services for NYSDEC carpool and non-CDTA bus users.  For 2002-03, CDTC plans to offer the brokered guaranteed rides to all GRH participants.  CDTC will continually improve the Internet capabilities of the Commuter Register, provide paper copies as requested and seek employer access for publicity.  Publicity and promotion of the Commuter Register and Guaranteed Ride Home programs will be coordinated with major overtures to NYSDEC and other downtown Albany employers.  Ongoing telephone surveys of listers will continue; this survey has provided CDTC with a long (ten+ year) time series of data regarding success rates, and the nature and duration of carpools.

 

 

TASK 5.58          Site Impact Analysis and Review Handbook (deferred)

 

This initiative has been carried by CDTC for many years, but has been deferred to allow other activities to proceed.  It is now deferred indefinitely until stronger member or staff desire for the product is determined.  The New Visions 2030 effort may rekindle interest in the effort.

 

TASK 5.60          Public Transit Planning Support

 

CDTC staff will be continue to be active in assisting CDTA and its consultants in exploring alternative ways of implementing the New Visions recommendations.

 

TASK 5.62          NY 5 Study

 

The NY 5 Land Use and Transportation Concepts Plan was completed in 2001, culminating in adoption by CDTC in October.  Additionally, each of the five corridor municipalities endorsed the study recommendations by resolution, and pledged to work with CDTC, NYSDOT and CDTA on implementation activities.  For 2002-03, implementation activities will include regular meetings of a NY 5 Corridor Coalition; work by a Bus Rapid Transit / Street Design Committee; and completion of the zoning effort begun in 2001-02 under task 5.84.

 

TASK 5.63          Travel Demand Management Initiative (implementation as TIP project)

 

This project is currently led by CDTA with CDTC staff assistance.  In 2001-02, a key milestone was reached through the agreement of NYSDEC and its labor unions to participate in a transit incentive program funded through the TDM project on the TIP.  Approximately 80 DEC employees are currently receiving coupons towards discount fares on non-CDTA commuter bus operations.  This pilot program will be evaluated in 2002-03 and recommendations prepared for a follow-up pilot of greater depth and/or broader coverage.  The current pilot is the first to demonstrate the ability to incorporate employee TDM incentives into parking plans for a state work site.

 

TASK 5.64          Public Relations Training for Implementing Agencies (carryover)

 

Discussions with NYSDOT Region 1 and NYSDOT Main Office training staff are steering this effort toward the concept of two, two-day training workshops for NYSDOT Region 1 Design staff and other CDTC participants.  A leading candidate for the training is a program offered by ASCE, which can be tailored to local conditions.  The objective would be to advance the state of the practice in the Capital Region regarding Context Sensitive Solutions and related public involvement and consensus-building skills.

 

TASK 5.67          Linkage Program Oversight

 

This task supports staff activity on a number of Linkage Program projects that do not involve direct CDTC technical work.  Activity under this category includes work with project sponsors to develop requests for proposal, evaluate proposals, select consultants, develop contracts, participate in study advisory committees, monitor work progress and solicit and evaluate proposals for future Linkage Program projects.

 

In February 2002, CDTC established an ongoing "Community  / Transportation Planning Group" to meet regularly and review progress on the many Linkage and related local planning efforts.  This group will continue to meet in 2002-03.

 

TASK 5.68          Pinebush Study Update

 

In 2001-02 Albany County completed traffic counts to provide a new database for the analysis.  Much of the CDTC staff effort has revolved around an exploration of the dynamics in the study area that has allowed the previously-traffic-congested area to absorb millions of square feet of development without experiencing complete highway system failure.  The update is addressing all changes since the completion of the 1985 study and will develop new findings, alternatives, and recommendations to address the transportation issues within the project area.  The study may help to develop a consensus among all of the municipalities and interested parties in the area so that the conflicts that arise in addressing transportation issues may be reduced.  The study will be completed in 2002-03.

 

TASK 5.70          Schenectady Bike Master Plan/ Urban Bike Guidelines (complete)

 

TASK 5.71          I-787 Truck Route Assessment

 

A draft report was prepared in February 2002.  This task will be completed by March or April 2002.

 

TASK 5.73          Central-State Street Plan

 

The effort is intended to create a plan for the Central State Street Neighborhood (north of State Street) that examines land use, demographics, economics, and pedestrian and traffic circulation.  The project will be modeled after the Route 5 Corridor Study and the recently completed Vale Neighborhood Plan. The plan will include recommendations for land use, transportation, and streetscape improvements that will lead to stabilization and revitalization of the neighborhood.  The recommendations will also be used as a model for similar neighborhoods within the City.

 

During 2000-01, amendments were made to the UPWP and the 1999-04 TIP to incorporate this work into project S121 (State Street from Furman St. to Fehr Ave.) as a TIP-funded element.  Consultant effort on this study began in January 2001 and will be completed in 2002-03.

 

TASK 5.74          Glenville Town Center Master Plan

 

The goal of this study is to create a Town Center Master Plan as called for in the Town of Glenville Comprehensive Plan (1990).  The Town Center is defined as the area around the intersection of Glenridge Road at NY 50.  The study will include an analysis of existing conditions and identification of design solutions, which will respond to future growth in the NY 50 corridor, sewer expansion, and possible expansion of the road network.  The resulting plan will provide the Town with guidance on such issues as transportation (including bicycles, pedestrians, and transit), land use, community open space with park system connections, infrastructure, and urban design improvements.

 

A consultant was retained in late 2000 and initial inventory and "visioning" exercises were held with a steering committee in February 2001.  The study will be completed in 2002-03.

 

 

 

TASK 5.75          Albany Intermodal Center Planning Study / North Albany Waterfront Study

 

This Linkage project was initially intended to identify the best location for an Albany Intermodal Center.  During 2002-03, the effort was combined with a NYS Department of State funded planning effort to revitalize the North Albany waterfront area.  The combined study will explore short- and long-range development futures for the 60-acre site.  In this broader context, the study will identify location options, provide details on access to/from the site for trains, buses, automobiles, bicycles, watercraft and pedestrians, and will lead to a development plan with phasing options.  The study will also explore the market potential for reuse of a vacant industrial building known as the Central Warehouse.  The facility would aid in the revitalization of the north end of Albany, provide improved access to jobs, services, and trade centers, and will lead to job creation. 

 

A consultant was selected in late 2000.  A draft report was prepared in February 2002.  The study will be completed in 2002-03.

 

TASK 5.76          Route 470 Linkage Project, Cohoes

 

This Linkage project provided for a planning study of the Route 470 Corridor between the intersection of Columbia Street/Central Avenue and the terminus of Ontario Street at the Cohoes-Troy Bridge.  The study focuses on assessing the land use and transportation conditions/impacts of the arterial and complement redevelopment efforts in the North Mohawk Street corridor. The study considers the market potential of various sites in the corridor, transportation improvements to support the possible land uses, enhancements to support transit, pedestrian, and bicycle access, traffic mitigation strategies, and at-grade rail crossing condition.

 

The consultant anticipates that the study will be concluded in early 2002. 

 

TASK 5.77          Hoosick Street Integration Project

 

This Linkage project will develop a plan that addresses the land use and transportation strategies identified in the recent Clough Harbour Hoosick Street Corridor Study on a nearly site by site basis throughout the corridor.  This will provide a greater level of detail than the original corridor study that identified strategies for three generalized planning areas.  The proposed plan will validate the feasibility of the identified transportation improvements and implement land use controls to facilitate and complement them.  It will also provide Troy with the necessary guidance to ensure that developers and potential redevelopers are aware of the recommended strategies for the corridor and that they are implemented in a coherent manner.

 

This project has not been initiated as of February 2002.  It is expected that a consultant will be retained and the study completed during 2002-03.

 

TASK 5.78          Downtown Saratoga Springs Parking Strategies Study (completed)

 

TASK 5.79          McKownville Corridor Study

 

The town of Guilderland (with CDTC's assistance) is progressing a Linkage planning study of the McKownville area of the town.  The study seeks to address the pedestrian environment, transit access, streetscape beautification and access management along Western Avenue and adjacent neighborhoods.  The study seeks to identify design and cost estimates of desired improvements such as rehabilitating and extending the sidewalk system.  The study is a follow-up to the town's draft Comprehensive Plan.   The study's cost is $40,000 ($20,000 federal, $20,000 local).  The consultant began work in early 2002 and expects to complete the project by the end of the year.

 

 

TASK 5.80       Malta:  DISTRICT Program

 

CDTC is assisting the town of Malta with a Linkage consultant study that will identify ways to improve and facilitate pedestrian, bicycle and traffic movement within the town.  The DISTRICT program (Designing Intermodal Systems, Traffic Regulating Infrastructure & Connecting Trails/Sidewalks) includes four aspects:

1.         Design Shared Driveway Standards -- for the Downtown District and US9.

2.         Develop Standards for Parallel Access Roads -- for US9.

3.         Design Sidewalk Standards -- for incorporation into subdivision or site plan regulations, including focus on the Downtown District.

4.         Develop Downtown Pedestrian Way -- a comprehensive approach to linking various bike/ped improvements provided by the Exit 12 project and various commercial and residential projects in the area.

 

Approximately $180,000 in local appropriations is available to aid in implementation of the plan.  A consulant was retained in 2001 and work is underway.  The study will be completed by July 2002.

 

TASK 5.81       Troy:  Lansingburgh 112th St. Corridor Study

 

The city of Troy will administer a Linkage consultant study with CDTC staff assistance that will focus on the "urban village" of a large commercial / residential neighborhood in Lansingburgh.  The study will provide a detailed basis for transportation improvement and enhancement actions, as well as land use decisions to be made in the City's upcoming Comprehensive Plan and Revised Zoning Ordinance.  Focal points include:

1.         Linkage to I-787 via the 112th St. bridge, building on Cohoes Route 470 study.

2.         Access to the Hudson River

3.         2nd Avenue Commercial Area

4.         112th St. Corridor

5.         5th Avenue Commercial Area

6.         Gurley Avenue / Proposed new residential development  -- examination of new connections and traffic routing

 

The proposed cost is $90,000 ($40,000 federal, $40,000 local for a $80,000 consultant study supplemented by $10,000 in CDTC staff activity).  An RFP will be circulated in the spring of 2002, and most of the work will be completed in 2002-03.

 

TASK 5.82               Glenville:  Freeman's Bridge Road / Dutch Meadows Master Plan

 

This Linkage study will result in the development of a comprehensive land use plan, design strategy and transportation and open space plan for a critical growth area of the town.  The study area is the southern part of the town east of the village of Scotia, stretching from the Mohawk River to the NY50 / Freeman's Bridge Road intersection.  The need for the study stems from upcoming construction of a new road accompanying the Wal-Mart Super Center that will open up 50 acres of land for new development, in conjunction with sewer expansion on Freeman's Bridge Road.  The town seeks a plan that would help provide guidance on:

1.         Integration of intermodal options (pedestrian, bicycle, transit, auto and watercraft)

2.         Land use options addressing sewer expansion and road network expansion

3.         Creation of public open space and potential integration into park system

4.         Assessment of current infrastructure and recommendations for expansion

5.         Urban design guidelines, to include signage, landscaping and streetscaping.

 

The proposed cost is $40,000 ($20,000 federal, $15,000 local for a $35,000 consultant study, supplemented by $5,000 in local in-kind service).  CDTC staff will assist with the study.  A  consultant has been selected and will begin work on the study in the spring of 2002, and will complete the study during 2002-03.

 

TASK 5.83       Lawn Avenue Gateway Design

 

CDTC is administering the consultant contract on behalf of the Albany Housing Authority's North Albany HOPE VI Revitalization Project.  The project addresses New Visions objectives to promote public transportation and enhance urban living through improved transportation and pedestrian facilities.

 

The study will focus on the intersection of Lawn Avenue and Van Rensselaer Boulevard as a primary, yet unimproved, gateway from the west into North Albany.  The study will seek to craft a design to slow speeds to a level compatible with the residential neighborhood, provide for pedestrians, and integrate new construction at the former Edwin Corning Homes public housing site.

 

The study will also explore with CDTA the possibility of an east-west transit route to implement Jobs Access and other objectives.  The total study cost is $20,000 ($10,000 federal, $10,000 local). The consultant began work on the study in February 2002, and will complete the study during 2002-03.

 

TASK 5.84       NY 5 Corridor Implementation Tools

 

For 2002-03, implementation activities will include regular meetings of a NY 5 Corridor Coalition; work by a Bus Rapid Transit/Street Design Committee; and completion of the zoning effort begun in 2001-02.

 

TASK 5.85       Integrated Transportation and Community Design (Statewide Shared Cost Initiative)

 

Because of the ranging "ownership" of the various issues affecting transportation and community design, conflicts are unavoidable.  Private interests may initiate development activity that is incompatible with surrounding land uses or the transportation system.  Local officials may pursue economic development objectives at the expense of infrastructure needs.  Neighborhood residents may oppose needed and beneficial projects.  Highway project designers may have difficulty determining how best to be sensitive to local issues or the policies of the MPO.

 

This initiative would assign adequate resources to educate players regarding perspectives other than their own and establish ongoing communication links to increase joint ownership of issues, encourage problem-solving and establish creative community and transportation facility design as standard practice in New York. 

 

A major emphasis will be placed on documenting innovative practices and projects within New York State, supplementing these examples with a limited number of best-practice results elsewhere.  An important product will be an accessible, attractive document to be made broadly available to transportation professionals, elected officials and other community leaders throughout the state.  The total project cost is $125,000 provided as a shared cost initiative of the state's twelve MPOs.

 

CDTC will administer the consultant effort on behalf of the NYS MPO Association.  An RFP will be circulated by the end of March 2002 and the study conducted during 2002-03.  A follow-up training effort of $100,000 is also programmed.

 

TASK 5.86       Capital District Clean Communities Program

 

In early 2001, CDTC agreed to assume the lead role in the Capital District Clean Communities Program previously provided by Schenectady County.  With the benefit of a $20,000 grant from the US Department of Energy through the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), CDTC staff is facilitating the work of the regional cooperative program.  Efforts will continue to focus on alternative fuels and provide a forum for CDTA, the Albany County Airport Authority, local governments and private sector representatives to explore new technologies jointly.  In addition, CDTC's involvement will assure coordination with regional planning and programming activities, including TDM, transit and carpooling efforts.

 

TASK 5.87       City of Albany: Mansion Neighborhood Parking Study (new task)

 

The City of Albany requests assistance in developing a parking strategy for the Mansion Neighborhood and the Lower Madison Avenue Commercial District.  This area is densely developed with 2-4 unit row houses and commercial uses along narrow streets.  The area has historically faced a parking shortage for residents and in light of future residential development, a strategy must be developed to meet future demand.  Alternatives to be evaluated include shared use of NYS OGS parking facilities, conversion of vacant lots to parking, use of public and private alleys for parking, modifications to City parking prohibitions, diagonal parking and perhaps the closure of a small street for parking. 

 

TASK 5.88       Town of Ballston & Malta:  Route 67 Corridor Study (new task)

 

The Town of Ballston requested assistance in creating a corridor management plan and a corridor vision along Route 67 from Exit 12 of the Northway to Route 50 in the Village of Ballston Spa.  The function of the transportation corridor under current and future conditions would be analyzed by developing rough estimates of future traffic, estimating level-of-service under alternative system treatments and investigating design options for the corridor.  Recommendations would also be made for service road construction, driveway consolidation, driveway spacing, sidewalk placement, bike accommodations and typical Route 67 cross-section and intersection treatment.  A visioning exercise may also be undertaken so as to help define the function and role of the corridor in the community's future.  The Town of Malta will also participate, contributing $5,000 above the local funds provided by Ballston to ensure consideration of the western edge of Malta within the corridor.

 

TASK 5.89       Town of Charlton:  Historic Main Street Improvement Plan (new task)

 

The Town of Charlton requests assistance in developing a plan for its historic Main Street (commonly known as Charlton Road).  The goals of the plan would be to increase traffic safety, create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, protect the character of the historic hamlet and promote economic development. 

 

TASK 5.90       Town of East Greenbush:  Routes 9 & 20  (new task)

 

The Town of East Greenbush requests assistance in looking at possible enhancements and follow-up community planning activities to use the current Route 9 & 20 project to better serve the community.  The study area includes the entire corridor length within the town.  Activities could include exploration of community structure, site design and access changes that foster the "Main Street" character reflected in the town's recent Enhancement proposal.  The study will be coordinated with Task 5.94 in Rensselaer.

 

TASK 5.91       Town of East Greenbush:  NY 151 Corridor Study (new task)

 

The Town of East Greenbush requests assistance for a corridor study of NY 151 (Luther Road) from Columbia High School to US 4.  The areas of concern to the Town are vehicle delays when the school opens and closes, provisions for pedestrian traffic and excessive vehicle speed.  These problems are likely to be compounded when the YMCA opens in March 2002. 

 

TASK 5.92       Town of Guilderland:  Fort Hunter/Carman Road Neighborhood Transportation Plan (new task)

 

The Town of Guilderland requests assistance in developing a traffic management and mitigation plan for the Fort Hunter area centered on Carman Road.  This area has experienced a large amount of residential growth over the last 15 years (with more residential development approved by the town) as well as some commercial development, all of which have taxed the transportation system.  The project will include development of street layout and conceptual intersection improvements as well as development of a local bike system and pedestrian facilities plan.  This plan would provide support for a public-private financing plan for transportation improvements as well as being an integral component of an overall Generic Environmental Impact Study (GEIS) for the area.

 

TASK 5.93       Village of Hoosick Falls:   Pedestrian Linkage Project (new task)

 

The Village of Hoosick Falls requests assistance in developing a plan to help revitalize its downtown area.  Concepts would be developed for both on-street and off-street parking, lighting improvements, pedestrian connections, and landscaping throughout the downtown area along Route 22 in the Village. 

 

 

TASK 5.94       City of Rensselaer:  Route 20 Corridor Study (new task)

 

The City of Rensselaer is requesting assistance to examine the Central Business District of the City, which is adjacent to Route 9 & 20, in order to determine what is needed to revitalize that part of the city.  The study will also look at ways the City can capitalize on the tourism from future riverfront development and the other potential customers that traverse Route 20 each day.  The study will be coordinated with Task 5.90 in East Greenbush.

 

TASK 5.95       City of Saratoga Springs:  Weibel Avenue/Gilbert Road Subarea Study (new task)

 

The City of Saratoga Springs is requesting assistance in developing community consensus on a future vision for the Weibel Avenue/Gilbert Road area.  This area of approximately 225 acres is largely undeveloped but is under intense development pressure.  The "vision" would integrate land use and transportation policies consistent with the natural and built infrastructure of the area.  Specific areas to be addressed in the study are land use mix, circulation patterns, arterial management, street classification/character and the overall character and pattern of future development.  Design guidelines and ordinances will also be developed to implement the preferred development character and pattern in the study area. 

 

TASK 5.96       City of Schenectady:  Nott Terrace/Veeder Avenue Conceptual Plan  (TIP funded, new task)

 

The City of Schenectady requests assistance in developing a streetscape concept for the area, based on the recommendations of the Downtown Master Plan, Design Guidelines for Special Streets.  The streetscape concept will serve as the basis for moving this project forward for preliminary design and funding.  Issues to be addressed in the study are excessive pavement widths, narrow sidewalks, marginal street lighting, parking and strip development. 

 

TASK 5.97       Thruway Capacity Analysis Study: 

 

CDTC staff will participate as a subcontractor in technical analysis of main line capacity issues on the New York State Thruway in the Capital District.  This effort, currently being scoped by the Thruway will address the area from south of Albany to Exit 25 A.  The study will examine options for a high speed EZ-Pass connection between the Northway and Thruway southbound among other subjects.  The study will provide CDTC staff with the opportunity to calibrate a sophisticated pricing model (TRIBUT) within the new VISUM modeling package.