HomeMy WebLinkAboutTAP Cover Letter 2016.pdf
Linda Woodard, Mayor
Joan M. Mangione, Clerk & Treasurer
Angela M. Podufalski, Deputy Clerk
Brent A. Cross, Engineer
Village of Cayuga Heights
MARCHAM HALL
836 HANSHAW ROAD
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
(607) 257-1238
fax (607) 257-4910
Police Dept. & Village Administration
OFFICE HOURS
9 AM – 4:30 PM
http://www.cayuga-heights.ny.us
Julie Bednar
Region 3 TAP Coordinator
New York State Department of Transportation
333 East Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
October 14, 2016
Dear Ms. Bednar,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights, I am pleased to submit our
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Project Application for Walking Safe: Cayuga Heights.
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously at its September 19, 2016 meeting to support this
application which reflects almost a decade of effort to address gaps in our existing sidewalk network,
particularly for children walking to our local schools. The Trustees recognize the financial and
practical commitment required for a project of this scale and we are prepared to meet the 20% funding
match.
We are particularly excited to be forming a public-private partnership with Lake View Cemetery to
allow students to use the cemetery’s paths as part of this pedestrian initiative. We are also pleased to
have the support and cooperation of the Town of Ithaca, which has allowed for shared jurisdiction of
our police departments within the cemetery property through an Intermunicipal Police Services
Agreement, and the inclusion of a crosswalk at Lake Street for that portion of the route which is within
the Town of Ithaca.
Our comprehensive plan, which was adopted on January 13, 2014 after significant public outreach and
comment, identifies pedestrian access to Cayuga Heights Elementary School, Boynton Middle School,
and Ithaca High School “as a safety issue because there are no sidewalks on the steep and narrow
hilly streets on the popular student routes to the schools.” The Comprehensive Plan also cites creating
a more pedestrian friendly environment as a significant objective “in order to reduce the reliance of
the automobile and create a more sustainable Cayuga Heights.” The construction of new sidewalks
on Kline and Wyckoff Roads and the connection through Lake View Cemetery will go far toward
addressing these critical safety issues and fulfilling the Village’s broader environmental goals.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Linda Woodard
Mayor