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 2004-05, this task will continue to include contractual support of the Town of Colonie's FGEIS implementation in the Airport area.  A Delphus kill area analysis of transportation impacts of anticipated development was completed in 2003-04.

 

More significant, ongoing technical assistance is programmed for Albany County in connection with its annual contract with CDTC.

 

In 2004-05, 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 work will be coordinated with the Linkage study for the NY 7 / I-87 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.  This effort is funded with Surface Transportation Program (STP) as part of the TIP and will continue at the same level in 2004-05.

 

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) has also required CDTC staff activity from this budget.  A supplemental contract with the Thruway Authority has allowed CDTC to enhance the VISUM model for the Thruway corridor, including refined toll pricing relationships.  The progress of this study has been slower than anticipated but CDTC’s technical support effort is virtually complete.  The study will conclude in 2004-05.

 

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.  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 5.60           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 Corridor Support

 

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.  In 2003-04, CDTC staff contracted with ITC for a full VISSIM microsimulation of transit priority features for the Central Avenue TIP project A341.  Traffic flow and speed and delay runs were prepared as well, serving both the TIP project and the BRT study.  Work by a Bus Rapid Transit / Street Design Committee, Corridor Coalition and completion of the zoning effort is shown under task 5.84.

 

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

 

This project is led by CDTA with CDTC staff assistance.  In June 2001, 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 received coupons towards discount fares on non-CDTA commuter bus operations.  This pilot program was evaluated in 2001-02 and recommendations prepared for a follow-up pilot of greater depth.  A new pilot was started in late 2002 requiring participants to give up their downtown parking spaces and providing occasional-use spaces in a city lot.  This pilot also proved successful, and a celebration of the 1,000,000th mile saved took place in 2003.

 

A new pilot with the large Albany downtown BID began in December 2003, labeled “Commuter Cash.”  This pilot will last six months with the intention of leading to employer-sponsored TDM effort.  The pilot has also spurred greater state employee interest in a permanent, employer-sponsored “Commuter Check” program.

 

Exploration of broader coverage and additional pilot experiments will occur in 2004-05. 

 

 

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.  The many concurrent studies and heavy reliance upon CDTC staff for the development of consultant scopes and management of consultant contracts has led to an increase in the staff support budget for 2004-05.

 

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 2004-05.

 

TASK 5.68           Pinebush Study Update (complete in 2003-04)

 

The draft report was reviewed and refined in 2002-03.  A final draft will be circulated and completed before March 2004.

 

TASK 5.77           Hoosick Street Integration Project (completion expected by 3/31/04)

 

This Linkage project developed a plan that addresses the land use and transportation strategies identified in a previous Hoosick Street Corridor Study on a nearly site by site basis throughout the corridor.  The proposed plan addresses the feasibility of the identified transportation improvements and suggests 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.

 

Draft corridor maps and plans have been circulated.  A final report is expected by March 2004.

 

TASK 5.79           McKownville Corridor Study (complete)

 

TASK 5.80        Malta:  DISTRICT Program (complete)

 

TASK 5.81        Troy:  Lansingburgh 112th St. Corridor Study (completion expected by 3/31/04)

 

The city of Troy has administered a Linkage consultant study with CDTC staff assistance that focused on the "urban village" of a large commercial / residential neighborhood in Lansingburgh.  The study provides a detailed basis for transportation improvement and enhancement actions, as well as for 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

 

Draft final report materials have been prepared.  Study completion is expected by 3/31/04.

 

TASK 5.82            Glenville:  Freeman's Bridge Road / Dutch Meadows Master Plan (to be completed by 3/31/04)

 

Consultant effort was completed in 2003, but the town of Glenville and CDTC staff continue to refine the transportation element to allow study completion.  Completion by 3/31/04 is anticipated.

 

TASK 5.84        NY 5 Corridor Implementation Tools

 

For 2004-05, 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 2002-03.

 

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

 

A consultant was selected in 2003-04 and has identified candidate highway and land use candidates for more thorough documentation.  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.  Completion in 2004-05 is expected.

 

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 has facilitated 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.  Work will continue during 2004-05.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

The schedule for this study was delayed to allow completion of the GEIS of the Luther Technology Park.  Development of the park has implications for Route 67.  Work is expected to be started and finished in 2004-05.

 

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

 

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

 

TASK 5.91        Town of East Greenbush:  NY 151 Corridor Study (completion expected by 3/31/04)

 

TASK 5.92        Town of Guilderland:  Fort Hunter/Carman Road Neighborhood Transportation Plan (completion expected by 3/31/04)

 

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

 

TASK 5.94        City of Rensselaer:  Route 20 Corridor Study (completion expected by 3/31/04)

 

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

 

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

 

TASK 5.97        Thruway Capacity Analysis Study (carryover)

 

CDTC staff has participated as a subcontractor in technical analysis of main line capacity issues on the New York State Thruway in the Capital District.  This effort addresses the area from south of Albany to Exit 25A.  The study is examining options for a high speed EZ-Pass connection between the Northway and Thruway southbound among other subjects.  Completion is expected in 2004-05.

 

TASK 5.98        North Greenbush I-90 Exit 8 Connector Land Use Study (carryover)

 

TIP Project R173, I-90 Exit 8 Connector Phase 2:ITS Demonstration, is listed in the New Visions long-range regional transportation plan under the category of community enhancement/regional economic development.  The MIS/EPP for this project was adopted by CDTC in December 1999.  Since that time, work on this project continues and involves development of alternative arterial designs and a draft Environmental Impact Statement. 

 

As work has progressed, it has been apparent to NYSDOT, Town, County and CDTC staffs that a more clearly town-articulated land use vision for this important area would be beneficial in assuring that the investment to be made in this corridor is preserved and enhanced.  To accomplish this, NYSDOT and CDTC approached the Town with a proposal to use a portion of the available demo funds to support a town-lead land use planning study that would explore land use alternatives and access arrangements within the area around the proposed connector.  Funding was obtained by shifting a portion of monies already secured for construction into the preliminary engineering category.  This Town-directed planning study can proceed in parallel to the environmental analysis and other work being progressed for the I-90 Exit 8 Phase II Connector.

 

The study began in 2003-04 and will be completed in 2004-05.

 

TASK 5.99        Balltown Road Linear Capacity and Land Use Refinement Study, Niskayuna and Clifton Park (rolled back into TIP project development)

 

As part of the 2003-08 TIP update, CDTC chose to undertake a visioning /capacity/access management/ land use planning study with the two towns as part of the UPWP.  This $100,000 activity was to be funded with TIP funds to support the eventual design process for the phase 2 work. 

 

Further discussions have identified that the project development process must cover the geographic area of both phase 1 (Rexford bridge and approaches) and phase 2 (Glenridge Rd. to River Rd.).  In addition, the town of Clifton Park has initiated a $250,000 GEIS of the western part of the town.

 

As a result, the $100,000 reserved for the land use visioning effort (as part of the UPWP) will be folded back into the TIP project development with the express purpose of supporting a rigorous Context Sensitive Solutions process.

 

TASK 5.01        City of Albany: Arbor Hill Gateway Planning Study (carryover)

 

CDTC will assist the City of Albany with a consultant study to develop an attractive and pedestrian-friendly gateway for the Arbor Hill neighborhood at the intersection of Henry Johnson Boulevard and Livingston Avenue.  The plan will recommend pedestrian, transit and/or access management improvements to enhance the safety, comfort and mobility of people passing through the intersection.  It will address the reuse of a vacant commercial site at the northwest corner as open space or infill development.  It will also recommend signature elements to immediately communicate to travelers their entry into the Arbor Hill neighborhood and the historical and cultural significance of the place.  These elements could take the form of signage, lighting, public art, street trees and/or street furnishings.  Finally, the plan will provide guidance on any future City/State collaboration to reconfigure the intersection. 

 

Status:  scope under development

Consultant Total: $20,000 ($15,000 federal, $5,000 local cash match)

 

TASK 5.02        Town of Colonie: Route 7 Corridor Study (carryover)

 

CDTC will assist the Town of Colonie with a consultant study that will build upon the land use and transportation plan for the Route 7 Corridor (form Vly Road to Exit 6) that was developed under the 1991 Airport Area Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement (FGEIS).  The study will examine the remaining land use opportunities in the corridor to better define arterial management actions for Route 7 and to help define a vision for the corridor’s function and role.  The study will also identify land use design options that will help the transportation system in the future, knowing that Route 7 will remain as a five-lane cross section.  The study will also build from the New York State Department of Transportation’s work in conjunction with the Exit 6 interchange design.  Some of the objectives of this study are to:

 

  • Collect current traffic volumes to gauge progress of the FGEIS plan.
  • Identify existing and projected development patterns.
  • Develop a vision of the corridor function.
  • Develop zoning and regulatory tools to achieve this vision.
  • Develop a visual representation of street cross section and site design.

 

Status:  scope under development.

Consultant Total: $80,000 ($40,000 federal, $40,000 local cash match).  Additional CDTC Staff Technical Assistance: $10,000

 

TASK 5.03        Village of Colonie: Streetscape Guidelines and Architectural Design Standards (carryover)

 

CDTC will assist the Village of Colonie with a consultant study to develop Village wide streetscape guidelines and architectural design standards.  Project activities will include an environmental survey, community meetings to develop a vision for the Village, and the development of a document containing the recommendations made in public meetings and the streetscape and architectural design concepts for the Village.  The public will be heavily involved in all aspects of the study including project scoping, “hands-on” design charettes or other public meetings, and development of recommended design standards and guidelines.  This would be a continuation of the planning process already started in the Village through the development of its Master Plan.

 

Status:  scope to be developed.

Consultant Total: $25,000 ($18,750 federal, $6,250 local cash match)

 

 

TASK 5.04         Town of East Greenbush: Route 4 Transportation/Land Use Master Plan (carryover)

 

CDTC will assist the Town of East Greenbush with a significant staff effort to address the present and future transportation needs of the Route 4 corridor from the North Greenbush Town line to the intersection with Rtes 9 & 20.  Additional consultant support will be requested as needed.  The area is experiencing considerable growth and a long-range plan must be developed.  A number of traffic studies have been conducted over the last couple of years for the individual developments indicating that there is an existing problem.  A long range solution is not within the scope of the proposed development.  Through this plan, the completed studies will be brought together in order to support the development of a long-range plan and solution for the area. 

 

Status:  scope to be developed

CDTC Staff Technical Assistance: $50,000

Consultant Total: $25,000 ($18,750 federal, $6,250 local cash match)

 

 

TASK 5.05         The Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson Valley, Inc.: Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail – Rensselaer County (carryover)

 

CDTC will assist the Greenway Conservancy with a consultant study to analyze potential route alternatives for the development of a bicycle and pedestrian trail along or near the Hudson River in Rensselaer County.  The proposed trail would begin at the Livingston Avenue Bridge in the City of Rensselaer and would end at the Uncle Sam Bikeway (between 7th and 8th Street and Middleburgh Street) in the City of Troy.  The analysis will include an environmental assessment (audit) of the corridor, existing conditions and current land-uses in the corridor, tax parcel information, route constraints, conceptual designs and drawings, photos and maps of the proposed route, estimated costs of building the trail (paved or cinder dust) and the estimated timeframe if construction were to occur.  Linkages to other ongoing trail development efforts in Rensselaer County will also be considered.  Public outreach will be a critical component.

 

Status:  Proposals received January 2004.  Consultant to be selected and under contract by 3/31/04.

Consultant Total: $20,000 ($10,000 federal, $10,000 local cash match)

 

 

TASK 5.06         Town of Halfmoon: Halfmoon Center Roadway Improvement Study (carryover)

 

CDTC will assist the Town of Halfmoon with a consultant study to further develop the concept of a mixed-use “Town Center” as identified in the Town’s Draft Comprehensive Plan.  The success of the “Town Center” concept hinges on the relationship between land use and transportation, both motorized and non-motorized.  The study will include:

  • Review of aerial mapping and physical resource mapping of the area.
  • Field reconnaissance to verify existing physical elements and development conditions in the area.
  • Identification of alternatives for location and geometry of the connector roads and the reconstructed roadways.
  • Identification of alternatives for improved and increased opportunities for non-vehicular elements to be incorporated into the roadway improvement plan.
  • Review of existing land use and potential changes in land use opportunities as a result of the roadway improvements.
  • Development of an overall plan for funding the identified improvements.

 

Status:  Scope under development.

Consultant Total: $66,500 ($49,875 federal, $16,625 local cash match)

Additional CDTC Staff Technical Assistance: $5,000

 

TASK 5.07         Town of Rotterdam: Route 7, I-88, NYS Thruway Exit 25A Land Use & Transportation Study (carryover)

 

CDTC will assist the Town of Rotterdam with a consultant study to develop a Land Use and Transportation Management Plan for the industrial/commercial area in the vicinity of NYS Thruway Exit 25A.  Although limited development currently exists, there has been a great deal of interest from developers due to its strategic geographic location, the availability of municipal services and the installation of sanitary sewer service in the next five years.  The planning study would develop access management and driveway consolidation plans for the area as well as zoning and subdivision regulations that will better integrate transportation and land use.  The goal is to contribute to the development of new economic opportunities while avoiding the common pitfalls that occur with poorly designed developments and poorly crafted zoning regulations.

 

Status:  Consultant selected January 2004.  Work to commence by 2/1/04.

Consultant Total: $25,000 ($18,750 federal, $6,250 local cash match)

 

 

TASK 5.08         W. Haywood Burns Environmental Education Center, Inc.: Patroon Greenway Trail Project (carryover)

 

CDTC will assist the W. Haywood Burns Center with a consultant study to evaluate the feasibility of a bicycle/pedestrian trail between Rensselaer Lake in the Albany Pine Bush and the Corning Preserve in the City of Albany.  The proposed trail will follow along the Patroon Creek and would connect to the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail which begins in Albany.  The study will include the development of a trail base map, photographic inventory of trail opportunities or constraints, tax parcel inventory, an investigation of a trail crossing over Central Avenue (NY 5) and an investigation of the type and number of potential trail users.

 

Status:  Proposals received January 2004.  Consultant to be selected and under contract by 3/31/04.

Consultant Total: $24,000 ($24,000 federal, waive of local match as the Center is a not-for-profit organization)

 

 

TASK 5.09         Fifth Year Linkage Program Reserve (new task)

 

CDTC intends to continue the successful Community and Transportation Linkage Planning Program with a solicitation for new studies in 2004.  The solicitation has been delayed due to the delay in approval of the TEA-21 Reauthorization and to allow existing Linkage studies to move forward.  CDTC has chosen to wait to determine if a better sense of the scale and focus of the fifth year program will emerge by spring.  In the meantime, interest has been determined from a canvass of local municipalities; the demand is easily as great as for previous years.

 

CDTC has tentatively reserved $200,000 in FHWA PL funds to support the fifth year program.