HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPAC-2001 BPAC meeting September 6, 2001
Attending: David Henderson, chair, Ron Chapman, Jennifer Dotson, Ed Hershey, Steve
Kellerman, Tim Logue, David Mcelrath, David Nutter, Andrejs Ozolins, Andy Ruina,
Barton Smith, Jon Widerkrantz.
Minutes approved; JD agreed to make sure the city gets a copy.
Organizational items -- Is the email list working? Some members had concerns that there
was too much traffic on the list and that it is difficult to keep track. In the discussion it
was decided to continue to post messages whenever anything substantive occurs, but take
care that the message subject lines are accurate. In addition, it was agreed that the list
should be moved to a site where an archive of past messages is easy to retrieve via the
Web. (The list address is accordingly now: bpac@topica.com)
Liaisons -- DH raised the issue that BPAC needs to have closer connections with various
other city bodies, most notably the Board of Public Works; to not only have a person
from those bodies be a liaison to BPAC but to have a member of BPAC present at their
meetings. Ed Hershey agreed that BPAC has to advocate with those groups on behalf of
cyclists, pedestrians because no one else would bring the same zeal to it. There was
general agreement that close direct involvement with these groups would be valuable,but
no clear way of achieving it since there are too many meetings to cover. Getting copies of
the agendas and minutes from the other groups' meetings would help know when crucial
meetings are to be expected. David Nutter felt just reading minutes and agendas wouldn't
be enough; someone needs to attend, get materials, evaluate them, and post the
information to the email list. Tim Logue agreed to inform BPAC of relevant matters
coming before the Planning Dept. The upshot was to get(or find) a mailbox for BPAC in
City Hall and arrange that information from the other bodies be placed in it. Jennifer
Dotson would check the box and communicate to the rest of the group. Where BPAC
members or other interested persons had direct information,they would post it.
Dave Nutter and Andy Ruina asked whether non-members of BPAC could undertake
work on behalf of the group; David Henderson ruled that"a subcommittee of citizens"
can help in any capacity that the BPAC deems appropriate -- i.e., "yes."
Experts-- David Henderson reminded the group of proposals to invite experts to make
presentations at BPAC meetings (e.g. regarding sidewalks, the Cayuga Trail project,
BPIC, etc.). The consensus was to begin this as soon as possible, schedule a presentation
for the beginning of a meeting; Andy Ruina urged that the sidewalk issue be the first
topic with Lynn Yost as presenter.
Andrejs Ozolins
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City of Ithaca 1
Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council
Comments on the Six-Point Plan
Resolved by BPAC(7-0-1)on November 8,2001
Accommodating and encouraging travel by foot,bicycle,and bus is an important long-term
transportation management strategy. The City's establishment of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory
Council(BPAC)shows its commitment to supporting transportation by foot and bicycle.
The BPAC is charged with(1)regularly reviewing City projects with an eye to bicycle and
pedestrian concerns and advising all City boards about these projects;(2)advocating for the
implementation of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in the City; (3)making and
advocating for other plans for bicycle and pedestrian accommodation in the City;and(4)making
quarterly reports to Common Council about recent transportation projects. To accomplish the
first and second of these charges,BPAC submits the following comments to Common Council
regarding the City's Six-Point Plan and the traffic analysis of this plan by Wilbur Smith
Associates(WSA).
GENERAL COMMENTS
In general,the streets revamped or built new as a result of the Six-Point Plan need to include bike
lanes,sidewalks, and treelawns. Thys Van Cort,Director of Planning for the City of Ithaca,and
Tim Logue,Neighborhood and Economic Development Planner and BPAC Planning Department
staff liaison,have expressed commitment that any roads modified as part of the Six-Point Plan
include bicycle and pedestrian facilities in line with the design guidelines set forth in the GEIS
for the Southwest development.The BPAC has concerns that where money or space is limited
these bicycle and pedestrian facilities are the first to be cut,even when creative thinking can
make them fit. This is especially an issue for modification of streets east of Meadow Street,
which are narrower and on which historical and current uses create a special need for context-
sensitive design of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Bicycling on the sidewalk is not legal for
adults and conflicts with pedestrian travel,and streets carrying more than moderate auto traffic F
require careful attention to bicycle facilities.Any road the consultants recommend building or
enlarging will likely carry this much traffic and should include appropriate bicycle and pedestrian
facilities. Where there are financial or space conflicts,the BPAC should be involved in the City's
implementation decision process.
In the City's contract with WSA there are two sections which address bicycle and pedestrian
travel:
2.2.e Bicycle/Pedestrian Routes: WSA's contract lists the 1997 Bike Plan as their bicycle route
reference and states that"... any potential conflicts with the existing plan will be documented. In
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addition, sidewalks and pedestrian routes will be identified so that they are recognized in the
alternatives evaluation task."
2.3.d Travel Demand Management(TDM)Potential Impacts: "... WSA will assemble a list of
potential TDM strategies ... [to be] reviewed by the Steering Committee..." Several examples,
including bicycle and pedestrian facility development, are listed in the contract.
WSA's final recommendations did not acknowledge the recent work of the Bicycle Plan
Implementation Steering Committee(BPISC),and, in several passages,contradicted the City of
Ithaca's and Tompkins County's position that all public roads(except limited-access highways)
should be accessible for bicyclists and pedestrians by stating that some roads were or may
become"unsuitable for bicyclists."WSA's final recommendations do mention bicycle and
pedestrian accommodation and Transportation Demand Management(TDM)strategies in very
general terms in several locations,but neglect to recommend specific bicycle and pedestrian
facilities in the majority of situations where they recommend or describe specific facilities for
automobile traffic. The BPAC is concerned that several of these situations for which specific
bicycle and pedestrian facilities are not mentioned are the very spots where close attention to
these facilities is most needed for safety and other reasons.The BPAC also has concerns that
funds for appropriate facilities for bicycles and pedestrians are not included in the amounts
budgeted in WSA's report for road modifications. These and other concerns have prompted
BPAC to make the following comments on WSA's recommendations.The BPAC looks forward
to inclusion in the City's implementation decision process regarding WSA's recommendations.
The goal of the Six-Point Plan is "maintaining adequate roadway and intersection capacity and
improving local circulation and safety,while at the same time preserving neighborhood
continuity and quality of life." Specifically,the Six-Point Plan focuses on traffic moving among
three destinations: the Southwest Area,the Commons/Central Business District,and the West
End, in particular,traffic south of Cascadilla Street generated by anticipated development of the
Southwest Area; equally specified is the preservation of overall quality of life in the Southside
and South of the Creek neighborhoods.
The Six-Point Plan Client/Steering Committee used the concept of a"triangle" for routes among
these destinations. The working definition of this triangle includes Meadow and Fulton Streets,
Old Elmira Road, West Spencer,Cayuga,Green, State,and Seneca Streets. There has been
recognition that regardless of the effect of any Six-Point Plan modifications,Albany and Clinton
Streets will continue to be used heavily. Also,Taughannock Boulevard,(both the existing section
and the proposed extension)is understood to be part of this "triangle" route.
It is important to note that it is possible to transport people among these destinations by several
methods, including public transit,bicycling,and walking,as well as driving personal
automobiles. Accommodating and encouraging travel among these destinations by foot, bicycle,
and bus improves "neighborhood continuity and quality of life," as well as reducing the need for
high expenditures for infrastructure improvements. Encouraging people to use public transit does
require expenditures to provide the service,but in the long run reduces the impacts of short-trip
transportation on the livability of our entire city.
However,currently there are several sections of the triangle among the Southwest Area,the West
End,and the Commons/Central Business District where pedestrian and/or bicycle facilities are
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absent or dangerously inadequate,which discourages people from walking and/or bicycling along
these routes. The increase in auto traffic expected with the anticipated development of the
Southwest Area will significantly decrease pedestrian and bicyclist safety and further discourage
walking and/or bicycling among these key business districts.
1
Education about and enforcement of traffic laws for motorists, bicyclists,and pedestrians are
crucial aspects of increasing the safety of pedestrian and bicycle travel.The BPAC is committed
to working with the City in this regard.
In several spots, adding certain facilities requires no additional right of way and little expense. In
these locations,the BPAC recommends immediate implementation of the following bicycle
facilities.
These facilities and locations include:
• Bicycle lane striping and stenciling on the paved shoulder on both sides of Old Elmira
Road between Meadow and Plain Streets.
• Stencils to show that outside lanes are shared on Meadow Street and Elmira Road
between Clinton Street and Five-Mile Drive.
• Stencils in the right-most through lane to show that it is shared on Meadow and Fulton
Streets between Seneca and Clinton Streets.
• Stencils to show that both motor lanes are shared on Albany Street between Seneca Street
and Old Elmira Road and Clinton Street between Meadow and Cayuga Streets.
• Road treatments as described in the August 2001 BPISC report on Seneca, State,and
Green Streets(Route 79). between Taughannock Boulevard and Aurora Street:generally,
bike lanes or right portion stencils virtually throughout.
• Bicycle lane striping the full length of Malone Drive as described in the August 2001
report of the Bicycle Plan Implementation Steering Committee and supported by the
Southwest Area Design Guidelines.
• "Bikes Merging" or"Shared Roadway" signage where bicycle lanes end and bikes merge
with motor traffic,such as eastbound on Old Elmira Road at Plain Street.
• Adjustment or repair of all traffic lights not on timers so that bicycles are able to easily
trigger a green light and proceed legally and safely,particularly crossing Seneca,Green,
Meadow,and Fulton Streets,and Elmira Road.Currently most traffic lights in the West End
and on Route 13 will not trigger green for a bicycle unless a motor vehicle is also present.
This leads to dangerous and illegal habits of running red lights.This item may require
coordinated work with the New York State Department of Transportation(NYSDoT).
• Crosswalks where they are absent for each intersection on the triangle perimeter route
described by Taughannock Boulevard,Meadow and Fulton Streets,Old Elmira Road,
Albany, West Spencer,and Cayuga Streets,Seneca, State,Green, and Clinton Streets, and for
Elmira Road continuing south to Five-Mile Drive.
• Adjustment of traffic lights wherever there are pedestrian signals and buttons to stop all
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traffic across crosswalks when pedestrian button is pushed. This item may require
coordinated work with NYSDoT.
The following items require more expense,but not significant planning effort.The BPAC
recommends that these facilities be implemented in tandem with the Six-Point Plan.
• Paving of shoulders at least 4'wide and striping of bicycle lanes on Old Elmira Road
between Plain and Albany Streets.
• Complete sidewalk construction,outside of bicycle lanes and including clearly defined
minimized curb cuts,on both sides of Old Elmira Road between Meadow and Albany Streets.
• Sidewalk construction on both sides of Meadow Street and Elmira Road between Clinton
Street and Five-Mile Drive. (Note: Some discontinuous sidewalk exists here.)This should be
installed initially at the most convenient continuous location,and rebuilt at optimal location,
with treelawns,when Site Plan Review is involved.
• Pedestrian signals at those intersections where pedestrian signals are absent but auto
signals exist for all intersections on the triangle perimeter route(described above for
crosswalks). These pedestrian signals should stop all traffic across the relevant crosswalk
when the pedestrian button is pushed.
In other locations, improving pedestrian and bicycle facilities is possible and crucial to ongoing
support of these modes of travel but requires more planning and expense. In these locations,the
BPAC recommends that bicycle and pedestrian facilities be included as an integral part of
improving transportation on these routes and looks forward to being part of the City's
implementation decisions.
Where new roads are proposed,the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities is also crucial,
specifically bicycle lanes,sidewalks, and treelawns the entire length of the new construction.
COMMENTS ON SPECIFIC POINTS
1)Widening of Route 13 to five lanes,including center left turn lane,from Clinton Street to
Malone Drive/South Titus Street and near the intersection with Old Elmira Road.
Recommendation
The BPAC recommends that Route 13 throughout the city include as integral transportation
facilities: bicycle lanes,sidewalks on both sides,crosswalks of contrasting road materials,and
pedestrian signals that stop all traffic across crosswalks when the pedestrian button is pushed. If
there are financial or space conflicts,the BPAC looks forward to inclusion in the City's
implementation decision process.
Specific recommendations include:
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BPAC Comments on Six-Point Plan
• Bicycle lanes,sidewalks,and treelawns on both sides for these sections of Route 13
proposed to be widened.
• Contrasting material crosswalks for all four crossing directions at the intersections of
Meadow Street with the Kmart/Ithaca Shopping Plaza parking lots and with South Titus
Street/Malone Drive.
• Pedestrian signals that stop all traffic across crosswalks when pedestrian button is pushed
at the intersections of Meadow Street with Clinton/Fulton Streets,with Malone Drive/South
Titus Street and with the Kmart/Ithaca Shopping Plaza parking lots.
(Note that these three points were mentioned previously in these comments and are repeated here
because they relate directly to the widening of Route 13.)
2)Extension of Taughannock Boulevard south through the Southwest Area to Elmira
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Road.
Recommendation
The BPAC recommends that, in line with Southwest Area Design Guidelines,this new road
include bicycle lanes,sidewalks,and treelawns as well as crosswalks of contrasting material and
traffic controls which stop all traffic across crosswalks when pedestrian button is pushed.In the
case that there are financial or space conflicts,the BPAC looks forward to inclusion in the City's
implementation decision process.
3)Construction of new connector road from Taughannock Boulevard extension to Meadow
Street(between Kmart and King Buffet).
Recommendation
The BPAC recommends that, in line with Southwest Area Design Guidelines,this new road
include bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and treelawns as well as crosswalks of contrasting material and
traffic controls which stop all traffic across crosswalks when pedestrian button is pushed. In the
case that there are financial or space conflicts,the BPAC looks forward to inclusion in the City's
implementation decision process.
4)Conversion of Plain Street pedestrian and bicycle bridge to automobile bridge
Currently Plain Street, from Old Elmira Road in the south to Cascadilla Street in the north, is a
popular bicycle route for traveling north/south through the city and is included in the 1997 Ithaca
Bicycle Plan as well as the Plain Street pedestrian and bicycle bridge being included in the 2001
Bicycle Plan Implementation Steering Committee(BPISC)Report's recommended routes for first
implementation.The Plain Street bridge's bicycle and pedestrian status is integral to the BPISC's
recommended east/west Low Volume Bicycle Route. Many cyclists and pedestrians use this
route because they can cross Six-Mile Creek while avoiding the heavier auto traffic on Albany
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and Meadow Streets. The low volume status of automobile traffic on Plain and North and South
Titus Streets in this area is essential to the effectiveness of the east/west Low Volume Bicycle
Route recommended for first implementation by the BPISC. The Plain Street bridge also is a
frequently used pedestrian access route to the Southside Community Center, BOCES, Ithaca
Shopping Playa,Titus Towers,and other popular destinations.Many pedestrians and bicyclists 1
using this route do not have use of a car,and therefore this route is not a recreational option,but
rather an everyday necessity.The traffic projections for opening that bridge to auto traffic show
that Albany Street's traffic will lessen slightly,but Plain Street will become significantly more
trafficked,causing bicyclists and pedestrians to choose between two streets with moderate to
heavy automobile traffic(Plain and Albany).Opening the Plain Street bridge to automobiles
reduces the quality and safety of this established bicycle and pedestrian route in the short-term
and,especially,the long-term future.
Recommendation
WSA's report indicates that the effect on South Albany Street traffic levels of allowing auto
traffic on the Plain Street bridge is likely to be minor compared to the impact of the other five 1
points. This,with other factors,leads BPAC to recommend that construction of a new Plain
Street bridge be delayed until the results of the implementation of the other points are known.
li
The BPAC recommends that the Plain Street bridge be retained as a dedicated bicycle and
pedestrian facility in support of these modes of travel and not opened to automobile traffic. The
Plain Street bridge's bicycle and pedestrian status is integral to the BPISC's recommended
east/west Low Volume Bicycle Route-Further,the BPAC supports improvements to the existing
Plain Street bridge for pedestrian and bicyclist use as described in the August 2001 report of the
Bicycle Plan Implementation Steering Committee,specifically slight widening and modification
of the railings to increase safety and security(transparency)and decrease maintenance
(perforations for snow removal).(This pedestrian and bicycle bridge could become a focal point
for the fledgling park/greenspace along Six-Mile Creek.)
In the case that this bridge is built,counter to BPAC's recommendations, it is crucial that bicycle
and pedestrian facilities, including sidewalks and bicycle lanes,be integral to their design. The
BPAC also highly recommends traffic control devices and strategies which increase safety for
bicyclists and pedestrians,such as four-way stops and judicious prohibition of right turn on red.
In the case that any bridge is built,the BPAC looks forward to inclusion in the City's of
implementation decision process.
5)Widening West Spencer Street for two-way traffic between Cayuga and Albany
Street/Old Elmira Road; modification of the Albany Street/Old Elmira Road/Spencer
Street intersection so there is no turning movement between West Spencer Street and Old
Elmira Road.
Recommendation
The BPAC has significant reservations about whether this point can be implemented without
unduly compromising safety for all travelers(pedestrians,bicyclists, and drivers)and residents t
on West Spencer Street. In addition,the BPAC is concerned that this proposal requires the razing
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of residences,which will significantly impact the West Spencer Street neighborhood. With the
currently discussed traffic modifications,this block is likely to carry moderate to heavy
automobile traffic loads.Adding to the safety issues, sightlines are not good along this block. It is
imperative that plans for widening West Spencer Street be made carefully and considered from
the points of view of all users and residents of this block.
If this block of West Spencer Street is widened,the BPAC recommends facilities such as:
• Bicycle lanes.
• Complete sidewalk construction on both sides of the entire length of the block.
• Bicycle friendly traffic-calming devices to slow automobile traffic,as outlined in the
1997 Ithaca Bicycle Plan and developed with the BPAC.
• Four-way stop signs at each end of this block.
• Crosswalks of contrasting materials at each end of the block.
• Appropriate modifications to increase safety and improve sightlines near the Cayuga
Street end of the block,e.g.,convex mirrors.
If bicycle lanes are not included for both directions,the BPAC recommends clear,durable,
centered stencils on the roadway to alert drivers to the shared status of the lane and a single
climbing bike lane in the southern section of the block for northeast-bound bicycle traffic. Should
this road be modified,the BPAC looks forward to inclusion in the City's implementation decision
process .
6)Removal of Wood Street and South Street diverters.
Because South Titus Street is narrow,effective diverters to keep out through auto traffic and
allow bicycle passage at both ends of Fair Street are essential to implementation of the east/west
Low Volume Route recommended by the August 2001 report of the Bicycle Plan Implementation
Steering Committee. (This steering committee assumed the continued presence of the diverters in
their route planning work.)The current condition of the diverters is not effective for blocking
automobile traffic. They also block legal bicycle passage and are indeed hazardous to bicyclists
in their state of disrepair. They should be,preferably,redesigned,and,at the least,repaired.
Removal of these diverters would require replanning of the east/west Low Volume Route and
therefore significant delay in its implementation.
It is important that any increase in auto traffic on Wood and South Streets resulting from either
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removal of the existing diverters or anticipated development of the Southwest Area be niitigated
with regard to pedestrian,bicyclist,and resident safety and comfort on these streets. This is
especially crucial because this area,specifically South Titus Street, is an essential part of the
east/west Low Volume Route recommended for immediate implementation by the August 2001
report of the Bicycle Plan Implementation Steering Committee. This route is designed to connect
the residential area to the trail system along Cayuga Inlet as well as to serve commercial areas.
Recommendation
If the traffic diverters on Wood and South Streets are removed,the BPAC recommends they be
replaced with heavy bicycle friendly traffic calming devices developed with the BPAC(as
described in the 1997 Ithaca Bicycle Plan). As mentioned there,traffic calming is most effective
at increasing bicycle safety when it encourages automobile traffic to travel at the average speed
of bicyclists(e.g., 15-20 mph). Decreasing traffic to this speed also significantly increases
pedestrian safety and general neighborhood livability,while still allowing vehicle access in this
area. This should be the goal of traffic calming devices on Wood and South Streets. In the case
that these diverters are removed,the BPAC looks forward to inclusion in the City's device
selection and location process.
I f:
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u- Holcomb Six Point Plan Comments 11/29 hearing Page 2
"Accommodating and encouraging travel ... by foot, bicycle, and bus
improves"neighborhood continuity and quality of life,"as well as
reducing the need for high expenditures for infrastructure
improvements.
WSA's final recommendations did not acknowledge the recent work of
the Bicycle Plan Implementation Steering Committee (BPISC), and
contradicted the City of Ithaca's ... position that all public roads
(except limited-access highways) should be accessible for bicyclists
and pedestrians by stating that some roads were or may become
"unsuitable for bicyclists."WSA's final recommendations [also] ...
neglect to recommend specific bicycle and pedestrian facilities in
the majority of situations where they recommend or describe specific
facilities for automobile traffic.
[C]urrently there are several sections of the triangle among the
Southwest Area, the West End, and the Commons/Central Business
District where pedestrian and/or bicycle facilities are absent or
dangerously inadequate, which discourages people from walking and/or
bicycling along these routes. The increase in auto traffic expected
with the anticipated development of the Southwest Area will
significantly decrease pedestrian and bicyclist safety and further
discourage walking and/or bicycling among these key business
districts.
"The BPAC recommends that the Plain Street bridge be retained as a
dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facility in support of these modes
of travel and not opened to automobile traffic. The Plain Street
bridge's bicycle and pedestrian status is integral to the BPISC's
recommended east/west Low Volume Bicycle Route.
"[With regard to the widening of W Spencer St,] The BPAC has
significant reservations about whether this point can be implemented
without unduly compromising safety for all travelers (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and drivers) and residents on West Spencer Street. In
addition, the BPAC is concerned that this proposal requires the
razing of residences, which will significantly impact the West
Spencer Street neighborhood. ... It is imperative that plans for
widening West Spencer Street be made carefully and considered from
the points of view of all users and residents of this block.
"Because South Titus Street is narrow, effective diverters to keep
out through auto traffic and allow bicycle passage at both ends of
Fair Street are essential to implementation of the east/west Low
Volume Route recommended by the August 2001 report of the Bicycle
Plan Implementation Steering Committee. It is important that any
increase in auto traffic on Wood and South Streets resulting from
either removal of the existing diverters or anticipated development
of the Southwest Area be mitigated with regard to pedestrian,
bicyclist, and resident safety and comfort on these streets. If the
traffic diverters on Wood and South Streets are removed, the BPAC
recommends they be replaced with heavy bicycle friendly traffic
calming devices developed with the BPAC."
Thank you,
ane Holcomb Six Point Plan Comments 11/29 hearingage
P 3°
Jennifer Dotson
Jennifer Dotson 212 Wood St.
(607)273-3540 PO Box 6810
jedotson@clarityconnect.com Ithaca, NY 14851-6810
BPAC MINUTES
October 10, 2001
(Prepared by Karen LoParco and revised and approved on November 8, 2001)
Members present: Andy Ruina, Ron Chapman, Barton Smith, Jennifer Dotson, David
Henderson, Karen LoParco, David Kay (late), Steve Kellerman(late).
Members of the Public: Dave Nutter and son.
1) Minutes 9/6/01 reviewed and approved
2) Sub-committee to be discussed further on in agenda
3) Discussion of Six point plan,perspective from Jennifer Dotson(JD) Discussion of
plan amongst members and clarification of JDs review, Andy Ruina and Ron
Chapman requested a separate meeting with JD to further understand 6 point plan.
Questions from AR related to start-up of 6pt. Plan, David Henderson gave a rundown
and Dave Nutter said that B.P.W. had ultimate decision about implementation of plan.
DH said committee was designed to give feedback to Traffic design group, JD had
concerns that BPAC feedback is expedited sooner so that 'our' ideas are
implemented. KL expressed concerns of how 'our' feedback would be.
4) JD wanted a vote to approve her comments on the 6pt. Plan draft resolution because
members had had two months to review the proposal. KL, AR, and RC expressed
concerns about voting on her comments when they had yet to submit their
comments/ideas about the 6-pt. Plan and requested postponement of the vote. Voting
was post-poned until November meeting.
5) Membership- appointment of David Kay and discussion of BPW liaison and concerns
about voting membership. Discussion about a resolution to make BPW liaison a non-
voting member. Tabled until November meeting. KL will discuss with Mayor Cohen
BPW's role in BPAC. Vacancy by Andrejs Ozolins and who will be appointed to fill
the vacancy: William Maxwell, Dave Nutter, Jon Weiderkrantz, or Robin Korherr.
6) DPW-review plan.
DH had meeting with Lynne Yost about sidewalks, and Dan Cole about traffic and Bill
Gray; all are willing to have BPAC input in planning stages. DH discussed BG's call for
a 'wish list' from the Department heads at DPW and his sharing that list with BPAC.
BPAC will review list and express concerns with constructive input etc. RC requested a
list of projects that council has approved for funding. Some questions about which
projects, capitol projects or 'wish list' projects. JD had a question about who would be
the contact. DH said that BG et.al. requests from BPAC general guidelines related to
bike/peds, for example, what storm grates work. And they request review from BPAC
during the design phase before the public input stage.
Example of a project BPAC would be concerned with is the Cecil B. Malone Bridge. DH
asked for a vote on aforementioned idea and stressed that members of BPAC NOT
"aggravate" the individuals (BG., LY. & DC.)concerning projects (they indicated to DH
that they welcome BPAC input and feel that this input will save them time if given at the
appropriate times).
Vote was unanimous to DH's ideas. Someone will get a list of Capitol Projects in
order for BPAC to be involved in the beginning stages of projects that would affect
bicyclists and pedestrians. DN wanted a time line for the 'wish list'.
7) Planning Board liaison. DK will ask Planning Development Board (Scott Whitham)
for a liaison.
8) Tabled item#6 on agenda.
9) Agenda item#7 What do we do with the bike plan?
DH makes a proposal for a sub-committee, since there is so much that BPAC has to cover
in so little time. KL does not agree that there should be a sub-committee, rather
prioritizing projects according to a time line would be best. AR wanted a vote that we
have a subcommittee along with JD, RC, and DK. KL has concerns that if people are
strapped for time as it is than how could they possibly have time for another meeting with
a sub-committee. BS expressed that city staff should give a reciprocal amount of time to
projects as members at meetings. Further discussion about voting on this sub-committee
and its role led to a vote that DK excused himself from because he was not yet sworn in.
Vote for the subcommittee was 6 yeas and 1 nay. DK was appointed chair of the
subcommittee by the DH (BPAC chair).
KL still does not agree that it is necessary to have a sub-committee, that we should be
able to prioritize the list and get things done in the 2hours if members did their research
before the meeting and the meeting was properly posted with an agenda, date, and time at
City Hall, something which has not been done since I (KL)was appointed to this
committee. DH replied that agendas and notices of BPAC meetings are (and have been
since he was chair)posted in a timely fashion on the publicly accessible BPAC listserv.
Vote for subcommittee was 6 yeas and 1 nay.
Meeting is adjourned.
if: Imre 01 1I ( a
Approved BPAC MEETING MINUTES
December 13,2001
6:30-10:40pm
Members present: David Henderson, Chair;Jennifer Dotson; Steve Kellerman; David McElrath,
Ron Chapman(late); Karen M. LoParco(late);
Members absent:Andy Ruina, Barton Smith, David Kay, Ed Hershey, and Joe Leonardo
Others present: Dave Nutter, non-voting public;Tim Logue, non-voting City(late).
Meeting called to order at approximately 7:40pm.
1. Minutes Review: 11/8/01 meeting.Approved: 6-0.
2. Agenda Review
3. Discussion of Chair Election:
KL-proposes idea of Co-Chair,further discussion and debate of idea. DN-proposes a Vice-Chair
position. KL and JD agreed to share the responsibility of preparing the agenda for January's
meeting. DH agreed to stay on as chair for one more month and lead January's meeting. DH
agreed.Voting of new chair is postponed until more members give their input.
4.
Discussion and vote on DHis Pedestrian Accessibility Network. RC and DN expressed
concern that the identification of'routes'would lead to the(further) neglect of other walkways.An
amendment to clarify that a secondary goal is to provide access to all homes and businesses in
the city satisfied this concern.Also, DMcE noted that curbcut ramps are important to wheelchair
users. Mention of curbcut ramps was added to the resolution in several places.The amended
resolution was passed unanimously.
5. Report on progress of Six-Point Plan.JD said she is still waiting for comments from Thys. JD
also asked TL for a time-line on Plain street bridge, more review and environmental review
process, public input on preliminary design of construction that affects bicyclists and pedestrians,
copy of resolution given to consultants and a BPAC liaison with consultants to ensure that issues
of concern for cyclists and peds.Are being considered.
1. Bike Plan update-read proposal; give input before next meeting aim for adoption in two
months.
2. Discussion on communications with DPW in relation to safety hazards and lack of facilities
for bikes/pedestrians. No resolution, but all agreed that there needs to be better communication
and timely response to known hazards.
3. Dispensing of copies of capitol projects list for 2002 and review and clarification of
acronyms etc. Members are to look over list and note projects that BPAC should be involved in the
preliminary stages of development.
4. Report on Cayuga Waterfront and Inlet Island Promenade postponed until Jan. meeting.
5. Police dept. and planning dept. liaisons, discussion postponed until Barton can give a
report.
6. Other agenda items were postponed until next meeting due to the length of discussion on
other items and the late hour.
7. Meeting adjourned at 10:40pm