Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on December 9, 2003

 

Attendance: David-Iman Adler (N.Y.P.C.A.), Mark Cashman (MHCC/LAB), Lindsay Childs (Guilderland Pathways Committee), David Gehrs (CDTA Planning), Andy Labruzzo (Albany County Planning), Don Odell (Retired Planner), Paul Russell (Town of Colonie), Deb Spicer (NYSDOH), John Stangle (Village of Menands), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

 

1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW

 

The November meeting minutes were approved.

 

2.0 PROJECTS/PROGRAMS AND OTHER UPDATES

 

 

3.0 ONGOING TASKS

3.1 Greenways Grant for Regional Bike Trail: J. Purvis handed out CD’s to task force members containing the final report. The final report is also available on CDTC’s website and will be posted to Albany County’s website very soon.  J. Purvis noted that the next step is to follow up on regional trail maintenance issues with the Waterfront Committee.

 

3.2 Canalway Initiative: D. Odell reported that he will be stepping down as section director and will no longer be recording and distributing minutes.  Representatives from The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Committee attended the last Canalway meeting and provided an overview of their committee.  A public meeting will be held at The Crossings of Colonie on Wednesday, December 10th at 7:00 pm to gather comments on the Committees plan. It was  reported that on Friday December 12th at 1 pm there is going to be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Peebles Island Bridge. On Tuesday December 16th there will be a meeting at Peebles Island State Park to discuss the creation of a Visitor’s Center and displays to be built at the former Powerhouse.  Marcia Keyes is the contact person.

 

3.3 Guilderland Pathways Committee: L. Childs reported that the French’s Mills Road Bridge opened and the ribbon cutting was on December 4th.  The Pathways Committee is looking into crossing the RR tracks at French’s Mills Road, south of Route 20.  L. Childs will contact Ted Thompson at NYSDOT regarding this issue.

 

3.4 Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail Map update: No update.  A. Labruzzo offered assistance from Albany County with map layout and production.

 

3.5 Greenway Linkage—Rensselaer County: I. Vamos gave a brief presentation and overview of the project.  The SAC will continue to work with the consultant and report to the Task Force.  It was noted that the Department of State is in the process of designing a trail along the waterfront up to the Livingston Ave Bridge.  I. Vamos will contact DOS for more information.

 

3.6 Patroon Greenway: J. Purvis reported that the REI is in the Contract Reporter.  Proposals are due on January 9th at 5:00 pm.  The project will focus on a feasible routing option from the Pine Bush Preserve through the Tivoli Preserve, to the Corning Preserve.  T. La Salle is the main contact for this project.

 

 

4.0 NEW BUSINESS

 

 

4.1 Jason’s Pedestrian Safety Scanning Tour: J. Purvis gave a PowerPoint Presentation of his recent Domestic Pedestrian Scanning Tour.  The participants are currently working on putting together a document of findings and recommendations. 

 

D. Adler reported that NYPCA is organizing a Statewide Trail Day Program.  They are expecting 10-25 activities throughout the State.  The events will take place on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 1st 2004.  NYPCA hopes that events will encourage comments to promote trail use and tie into the health aspect of trails.  NYPCA will be changing its name to Parks & Trails New York.

 

A. Labruzzo and P. Russell both expressed interest in the Task Force seriously beginning to think of bike paths as alternate transportation corridors rather than just recreational facilities.

 

 

5.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

 

-         The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.