Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on November 16, 2004

Attendance: Bob Angelini (Supervisor, Town of E. Greenbush), Patrick Barnes (NYSDOT Region 1), Mark Cashman (MHCC/LAB), Dom De Cecco (Retired Citizen), John Dzialo (Town of Colonie), David Gehrs (CDTA), Brian Hannafin (Town of Bethlehem), Andy Labruzzo (Albany County Planning), Scott Lewendon (Clough Harbour), Michael Lyons (Town of Colonie), William Mackesey (Town of Clifton Park), Melinda Mulawka (Albany County Executive Office), Don Odell (Retired), Henrietta O’Grady (Halfmoon Trails Committee), Eric Ophardt (NYSDOT Main Office), Edward Peck (Halfmoon Trails Committee), Bob Speece (NYSDOT Region 1), John Stangle (Village of Menands), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH Healthy Heart), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Matthew Veitch (Saratoga Southwest Neighborhood Assn), Teresa La Salle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW

The October 2004 meeting minutes were approved.

2.0 PROJECTS/PROGRAMS AND OTHER UPDATES

2.1 Canalway Trail Project connecting Cohoes and Waterford, Salim Adler, PTNY: The presentation was cancelled by the presenter and will be held at the December Task Force meeting.

3.0 ONGOING TASKS

3.1 Guilderland Pathways Committee: No one was present from the Pathways Committee.

3.2 Greenway Linkage-Rensselaer County: J. Purvis reported that the final document is complete an available on CDTC’s website. Meetings between the projects consultants and DEC/EPA/NIMO are being held to work out an agreement for the section of the trail near the cleanup site.

3.3 Patroon Greenway Linkage: T. La Salle noted that the final Public meeting was held in late October. The final document is complete and is available on CDTC’s website.

3.Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Map: J. Purvis reported that the map is now available for distribution. CDTC printed 12,000 copies. There are 300 maps in a box.

4.0 NEW BUSINESS

4.1 New Members: J. Purvis encouraged new members to identify how the task force can be of assistance to them.

4.2 Other New Business:

Pat Barnes, DOT Region 1 gave an overview of the Fulton Street Bridge replacement in Waterford. The discussion following comprised the majority of the meeting. The existing bridge has a separated sidewalk. The proposed replacement bridge does not include a sidewalk. The task force expressed concern that a sidewalk exists. The task force will be sending a letter to support the existence of a sidewalk at this location.

J. Purvis noted that in addition to the Parks and Trails NY presentation in December, the Canalway will also be presenting regarding Trail connections west of Rotterdam.

D. Gehrs distributed a sample survey of bicyclists who use or would potentially use CDTA’s Bikes on Buses service. He requested that members review the survey and send him any comments via email.

J. Purvis distributed a handout that was provided by Don Robertson regarding the importance of bike lanes and paths.

E. Troy noted that NYSDOH has a presentation available that highlights the connection between sidewalks, trails, walkable communities, and health. If you are interested in the presentation, please contact Elaine at eht0l@health.state.ny.us

J. Purvis requested that new members email CDTC their physical address, so that it is on file.

P. Barnes noted that NYSDOT is a valuable resource for bridge relocations and that often times an old vehicular bridge can be reused as a pedestrian bridge.

5.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

- The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14th, 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.