HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-MATC-2018-06-25
MOBILITY, ACCESSIBILITY
AND TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION MINUTES
PRESENT:
Chair Lerner
Commissioners (4) Barden, Reed, Chang, Powers
OTHERS PRESENT:
Information Management Specialist - Myers
CC Liaison McGonigal
CC Liaison – Nguyen
Director of Planning and Development - Cornish
EXCUSED:
Commissioners Parkes, Brylinsky, Lyczko, Roberts
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m.
1.1 Agenda Review: No changes
1.2 Review and Approval of Minutes
Approval of the May 31, 2018 Mobility, Accessibility, and Transportation
Commission Meeting Minutes – Resolution
By Commissioner Powers: Seconded by Commissioner Chang
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 31, 2018 Mobility, Accessibility, and
Transportation Commission meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
1.3 Statements from the Public:
Jan Schwartzberg, City of Ithaca and former member of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory
Council (BPAC), addressed the commission to ask why there are no members from the
former BPAC on this commission, and to share some of the “legacy items” from BPAC
that should be included in the work plan of the commission: implementation of the 1997
bike plan, the need for engineering staff to be at all MATC meetings, illegal sidewalk
closures related to development, the need for geographic diversity amongst commission
members in order to represent all neighborhoods in the city of Ithaca and noted that
representation from West Hill was lacking on this commission.
1.5 Commissioner’s Response:
Commissioner Powers shared that until recently she lived on West Hill; she and
Commissioner Barden met with former chair of BPAC, David West, to go over “legacy”
items especially implementation of the bike plan and sidewalk closures. Mr. West
provided an extensive list of legacy items and commission members are in the process
of reviewing it.
Date: June 25, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Common Council Chambers,
3rd Floor, City Hall
Mobility, Accessibility and Transportation Commission
June 25, 2018
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2. Planning Department Overview:
Director of Planning and Development Cornish reported that the Planning Department
has a staff of 25, and that she has worked for the City of Ithaca for more than 20 years.
She provided a Power Point presentation (which will be attached to the minutes) that
highlighted topics for this commission to become involved to assist with long-range
planning:
Implementation of the “Transportation” part of “Plan Ithaca” (she distributed
copies of that section from the plan to commissioners and it will be attached to
the minutes).
Assisting the Board of Zoning appeals with variance decisions, the writing of new
zoning laws through legislative process for eventual placement in the City of
Ithaca Municipal Code.
Lot line adjustments
Historic preservation
Community Development – Ms. Cornish is the Executive Director of Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency (IURA)
Economic Development
Environmental Review – it would be helpful to the planning department to know
what information would be most useful to the MATC regarding environmental
review since the MATC will be asked to advise the planning department related
to environmental review for new projects.
Consideration of pedestrians in development plans is a priority for the Planning
Department in order to keep pedestrian flow moving, as well as the provision of
bike lanes, and off road dedicated paths as much as possible in new
development.
Sub-division of property
The staff of the planning department do a lot of grant writing (a $7 million grant
was awarded for the reconstruction of the Commons)
Dredging – although there has been no dredging done in 20 years – related to all
the requirements from the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation.
Long range planning – including neighborhood planning (the Collegetown plan
was recently completed; work has now begun on the Southside and waterfront
neighborhood plans). Once drafts are completed, a lot of public outreach will be
done to obtain as much input into the plans as possible.
City-Wide Capital Project Planning
Amendments to the city’s “Land Use Plans”
Staff support for the following meetings: Planning & Economic Development
Committee, Project Coordinator Meeting (an internal meeting), IURA meetings,
Planning and Development Board, Landmarks Preservation Commission, and
Board of Zoning Appeals
Transportation Demand Management Plans - (the city wants to encourage
people not drive but knows that won’t happen so working on alternatives such as
discounted bus passes, parking permits, etc.)
Ms. Cornish shared that she is always accessible by e-mail, phone calls or office visits.
Mobility, Accessibility and Transportation Commission
June 25, 2018
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3. Vice Chair:
Chair Lerner stated that Commissioner Sarah Brylinsky will act as Vice Chair.
4. Confirmed Future Topics:
July 23rd – Presentation by Director of Human Resources, Schelley Michell-Nunn
on Accessibility, Diversity & Sustainability****
5. Possible Future Topics:
A. Wayfinding and Signage
B. Tracking a traffic project
C. GIS – Eric will set up a meeting with Ruth Aslanis, GIS Administrator
D. Communications – Chief of Staff Cogan and Alderperson Mohlenhoff
postponed for now
E. Lime Bike end of season report – November meeting?
F. Mayor Myrick – Presentation on Transportation – end of year
***July 23rd meeting will be extended until 8:30 p.m. in order to accommodate the
special presentation and agenda topics.
Chair Lerner asked for suggestions on topics for the August 27th agenda.
We agreed to invite Public Information Specialist, Melody Faraday, to provide a
presentation at the August meeting.
5. Parking Study:
Chair Lerner provided a report, on behalf of Commissioners Parkes and Lyczko. They
met with Chief of Staff Cogan, Supt. Thorne, and Director of Parking Messmer to
discuss the parking study, the scope of work, timeline, and what questions will be
answered by the study. He asked commissioners to think about process and what
exactly will the role of this commission be in creating the study.
6. Bicycles and Pedestrians:
Commissioners Barden and Powers reported that they met with Vikki Armstrong from
Bike Walk Tompkins regarding bicycle and pedestrian issues in Ithaca. Commissioner
Powers also attended a planning meeting of the Tompkins County Health Planning
Council at the Tompkins County Health Department.
7. ADA Issues:
Chair Lerner provided the following report on behalf of Commissioners Brylinsky and
Roberts. There is a program at Cornell’s ILR School that is available to do trainings on
ADA statewide. Commissioners Brylinsky and Roberts are in the process of contacting
them to talk about ADA training. That training would be held as a separate stand-alone
meeting which would last two hours.
8. Snow Removal:
Commissioner Chang reported on the discussions regarding revision of the current law
and the possibility of making broader changes in the City’s sidewalk snow removal
program. Key information is still needed from staff. Chair Lerner is working on a draft
concept outline, and plans to consult with staff from DPW and the Building Department.
Mobility, Accessibility and Transportation Commission
June 25, 2018
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9. Meeting Wrap-Up:
The next meeting will be Monday, July 23rd from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
10. Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Sarah Myers, Information Management Specialist
City of Ithaca Department of Planning and DevelopmentCity of Ithaca Department of Planning and Development
Divisions in the Department•Planning•Building•Zoning•Economic Development•Community Development•Urban Renewal
What do we do?•Long Range Planning•Zoning•Lot Line Adjustments•Historic Preservation•Community Development•Economic Development•Environmental Review•Site Plan Review•Subdivisions•Grant Writing (TIGER, CFA)•Dredging•Advise City Boards & Committees
Long Range Planning•Comprehensive Planning•Neighborhood Planning – Collegetown Plan has been completed. Currently working on the Southside Neighborhood Plan and the Waterfront Area Plan•Capital Projects Planning•Amendments to Land Use Regulations / Zoning
Staff City Boards & Committees•Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)•Community Advisory Group (CAG)•Commons Management Group•Comprehensive Plan Committee•Mayor’s Economic Development Committee•Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC)•Planning and Development Board•Planning and Economic Development Committee•Project Coordinating Committee•Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA)
Development Approval ProcessPlanning Board•Environmental Review•Site Plan Review •Subdivision Historic Preservation (ILPC)•Certificates of Appropriateness BZA•Zoning Variances (BZA)Development Approval ProcessPlanning Board•Environmental Review•Site Plan Review •Subdivision Historic Preservation (ILPC)•Certificates of Appropriateness BZA•Zoning Variances (BZA)
Planning BoardSite Plan Review OrdinancePreserving and enhancing neighborhood characterCompatibility with adjacent development and usesMitigating potentially negative impacts Improving the design, function, aesthetics and safety of development projects Environmental ReviewDetermine if an action may have a significant adverse impact on the environmentDetermine if the impact can be mitigatedPlanning BoardSite Plan Review OrdinancePreserving and enhancing neighborhood characterCompatibility with adjacent development and usesMitigating potentially negative impacts Improving the design, function, aesthetics and safety of development projects Environmental ReviewDetermine if an action may have a significant adverse impact on the environmentDetermine if the impact can be mitigated
IMPACT ON TRANSPORTATIONFull Environmental Assessment Form Part 11f. Number of existing off-street parking spaces: ______________Proposed: _____________1g. Maximum vehicular trips generated (on completion of project) per day: _______ Per hour: ________(may require a transportation study by a transportation engineer.) 1i. Linear feet of frontage along a public street or thoroughfare that the project will occupy: __________
12. Will proposed action result in the generation of traffic significantly above present levels? Yes No N/AIf yes, is existing road network adequate to handle additional traffic? Yes No N/A Explain:12. Will proposed action result in the generation of traffic significantly above present levels? Yes No N/AIf yes, is existing road network adequate to handle additional traffic? Yes No N/A Explain:
IMPACT ON TRANSPORTATIONFull Environmental Assessment Form Part 214. Will there be an effect to existing transportation systems?Yes No Alteration of present patterns of movement of people and/or goods.Proposed action will result in major traffic problems.Other impacts:
Vehicular Traffic is Only One Consideration
Other ConsiderationsWidth of SidewalkPlacement of Sidewalk - Adjacent to curb or inside a TreelawnNumber of Curb CutsWidth of Curb CutsNumber and Size of Parking Spaces Connectivity for Pedestrians and BicyclesOpportunities for Dedicated Bike/Ped Trails
Other Considerations – Cont.Transportation Demand Management Plans (TDMP)TCAT Bus Pass DiscountsCar Share Membership/Proximity or Addition to Car Share CarsProximity to Bus Stops, Possible Addition of a ShelterLocation of Bike Racks (for residents, visitors, customers)Bike Facilities, Showers, Storage, Covered Bike Parking
Transportation Related Project AmenitiesNew Heated Bus ShelterIndoor Bike Storage Accessible by ElevatorConveniently Located Visitor Bike ParkingSix Car Share Vehicles located within Walking DistanceIdentification of Loading and Delivery Spaces Staggered Move in /Move out timesDiscounted Bus Passes for Tenants
ENDE
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This chapter provides the framework for
achieving an exceptional r,rurrr-MoDAl
rRANSpoRrArroN system that is coordinated
with our land use goals. We aim to have a
network with a range of safe and accessible
transportation options for ali users, to
inerease connectivity and to enhance
neighborhood livability. Ithaca's current
transportation system is primarily designed
for cars, and while we will continue to
accommodate motor vehicles, a fundamental
goal is to achieve a sustainable system
offering viable alternatives to private
automobile trips.
aa
Reduced car
use enhonces
the qualtty of life in
neighborhoods
while decreasing
vehicle emissions,
gas consumption,
and congestion.
Creating such a system advances
sustainabitity and eq uity. lntegrat-
ing transportation and [and use
goals wit[ resu[t in more housing
options that are better connected
to jobs and services. This wi[[ make
it possible for residents to conduct
more of their daily activities with-
out the use of private automobiles.
Reduced car use enhances the
quality of [ife in neighborhoods
whi[e decreasing vehicte emissions,
gas consumption, and congestion.
At the same time, providing reaI at-
ternatives to private car use ensures
that atI residents have transporta-
tion access to basic needs such as
food, medicaI care, education, and
public services, and that they are
connected to employment opportu-
nities and sociaI support.
We must also strive for innovation
in the management of our motor
vehic[e infrastructu re. This includes
exploring better ways to address
parking demand, conduct winter
road maintenance, and design
paved areas to lessen stormwater
impact on ourvatued waterways. ln
MOBIL'TY & TRAN5PORTATION
93 !LAN ITHACA : A VISION FOR OUR FUTURE
Figure 5.I
Travet to WorkorSchoolby Mode a time of dwind[ing pubtic fu nd ing
for transportation infrastructu re,
we must atso exp[ore shared
services, pu rsue mutua[[y beneficiaI
partnerships, and impLement
innovative fu nding solutions.
Ithaca has the foundation ofan
outstanding pedestrian and
bicycle-orientated community.
It is retative[y compact with a street
system that is primari[y bui[t on
a grid. Many streets are favorable
for watking and biking; most have
sidewalks on at least one side and
many have low traffic volume and
speed. lthacans themselves have
demonstrated a commitment to
AcrrvE TRANsPoRrlrroru modes
with u p to 42 percent of residents
atready choosing walking and biking
for their commutes to work and
schoo[." Howeve4 some areas of
the city lack basic pedestrian and
bicycte infrastructure, and
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Itho,cahc,s the
foundatton of an
outstandtng
pedestrian and
bicycle-orientated
community
improved access is needed to
major employers and destinations.
For many, traffic, topography, and
convenience are also obstacles to
active transportation.
Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit
(TCAT) provides bus service to
Ithaca and surrounding towns. It
ru ns county-wide and is considered
an exce[[ent system for its size. The
city is the core of its service area
with two major hubs in the centra[
business district. Most points in the
city are within one-quarter mite of a
bus route, and atl points are within
one-half mi[e. Approximate[y rz
percent of lthacans choose public
transit for their daity commute, and
ridership is high th roughout the
system.']r Atthough this is higher
than the nationaI average, we strive
to increase ridership from alL seg-
ments ofthe population. The City
has worked to strengthen transit
service through direct funding of
TCAII partnering for grants, and
requiring some new devetopment
proiects to accommodate transit.
lmprovements needed within the
city inc[ude sheltered bus stops,
real time schedutes, and addressing
service gaps in areas such as the
West End.
,.Sol]r US. C€ro 2ooq Dlq Lonsitudir.l EDploylFllorhold DvEld- (LEED) ed ADaitu Colduig Suav GCs)
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The three maior roadway corridors
that traverse the city are designed
primari[y for cars and have limited
bike and pedestrian amenities.
These are:
r NY State Route 13, a north-
south route through the city
that divides into a one-way Pair
along Fulton and Meadow
Streets and is the city's busiest
road;
r State Route 79, an east-west
route through the core of
the city with one way traffic
atong Green Street, traveling
east, and Seneca Street,
traveting west; and
r Route 96/968, a north-south
route that is the Primary
connection to south Hi[[,
inctuding lthaca Cotlege to
the south and Trumansburg
to the north.
These roadways carry tens of
thousands ofvehicles each day,
bringing significant [oca[ and
through traffic into the city neigh-
borhoods. ln addition, these roads
tend to separate adjacent areas
and feel unsafe and unwetcoming
for those not in motorized vehic[es.
The steep grades of both Route 79
and Route 968 as they enter the
central business district have been
the cause of a number of serious
vehicu lar accidents resutting in
tragic fatalities and considerab[e
property damage. Solving this
prob[em is a priority and wit[ take
cooperation from many leve[s of
government.
Ithaca is a regiona[ emp[oyment
hub, with the [argest employers
located within or directly contig-
uous to the city. Vehicutar travel
patterns are heavi[y influenced by
employment. There are approxi-
mately t6,000 jobs located in the
city, of which about 8o percent, or
t3,4oo, are fi[[ed byworkers com-
muting from outside the city.4 This
figure does not account for how
commuters traveI through the city
or for those who live in the city and
commute out, but it does ctearly
it[ustrate that new housing cou [d
have a targe and positive impact on
commuting patterns.
Figure 5,2
13,4oo (8o%)iobs are fitted
by workers commutingfrom
ouL5idethe city
20o/o
! souri lthlca Tonpkiru C(,ur/ Tlssponatio. Couc (rrcTc)
MOBILITY & TRAlISPORTATIOI{
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95 PT]!.N ]THACA IA VISION FOR OUR FUTURE
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The City is making
improvements
to the management
ofifs on-streef
parktng, lots and
gqrages, qndmore
public investment
is needed to
implement new
technologies.
Parking for private vehicles has sig-
nificant implications for land use,
fi sca[ health, community livabi[ity,
and environmentaI management.
Data from 2014 indicates that more
than 33o acres of land, nearly 9
percent of the tota[ acreage of the
city, is devoted to vehicte storage
in surface parking [ots. Nearly a[[
privatety-owned su rface parki ng
lots are tied to sing[e [andowners
or businesses, rather than attowing
shared parking. ln addition to
the parking required by zoning,
larger retaiI deveLopers often buitd
parking to meet peak demand,
resu lting in hundreds of empty
spaces on most days of the year.
ln addition to private [ots, the
City owns several surface lots and
three pubtic garages; two in the
central business district and one
in CoItegetown (one additionaI
downtown garage is owned in
partnersh ip with other interests).
Parking has a real cost that must be
carefutLy weighed with the benefits
it provides. Surface parking [ots tie
up significant acreage that coutd
otherwise be used for mixed-use
deve[opment, providing housing
and commercia[ and emp[oyment
opportu n ities, whi[e pubIic parking
(particular[y structured parking) is
expensive to bui[d and maintain.
The City is making improvements
to the management of its on-street
parking, lots and garages, and more
pub[ic investment is needed to
implement new tech nologies.
The aspirations expressed in this
chapterl goats wi[[ require upgrad-
ing the city s overa[[ transportation
infrastructure in numerous ways to
better promote wa[king, transit and
bicyc[ing, white stiL[ accommodat-
ing motorized vehicles. At the same
time, our existing facitities shou[d
be managed for maximum [ong-
term value and efficiency to ensure
safety and minimize environmental
impacts.
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6.1
The City will strive to increase
transportation choices for both
residents and visitors. Providing
safe and convenient alternatives to
private cars reduces traffic, protects
the environ ment, benefits persona[
health, supports our desired growth
patterns, and helps preserve lthacas
attractive smat[-city character.
lncreased investment in pedestrian,
bike and transit faci[ities wi[[ also
play an important role in advancing
greater equity in our community
by insuring safe, accessib[e and
affordab[e transportation options
for alI residents. Connectivity to
su rrou nding towns and regionaL
population centers wi[[ be improved
wherever possibte.
Inereasing Transportation
Choiee Bqth Loeally and
Regionally
Creating more choice impties
ba[ancing pub[ic investment among
transportation modes. Because
the city's transportation network
is now primarity designed for
motorized vehic[es, the majority
of transportation resources are
cu rrent[y dedicated to maintaining
and improving this infrastructu re.
lncreased investment in pedestrian,
bike and transit infrastructure may,
at times, conflict with maintaining
or improving levets ofservice for
private cars. As we transform our
transportation network accord ing
to the fotlowing goa[s, each action
step must be evatuated for potentiat
drawbacks and benefits.
Comptete Streets are designed to provide safe, convenient access and mobility Ior all users
regardless of age or ability. Complete streets ale designed to make it easy and pleasant to cross
the street, walk to shops, bicycle to work and use transit. In other words, they encourage
AcTrvE TRANspoRTArroN, Complete stleets are also part of a! interconnected network of streets,
providing access to and from multiple points. There is no single design prescription for a
Complete Street; eaeh one is unique, incorporating features responding to its traffic volume and
community context. This will range from high traffic boulevards with separate lanes or corridors
for different modes, to minor residential streets where multiple modes might be accommodated
on a single paved lane, to the possibility of converting some low traffic roads to Lrvrrc srnerrs
designed primarily for pedestrian activities.
MOBILIIY & TRAI{SPORTAIIOII
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91 HACA : A VISION FOR OUR FUTURE
Ithaca wiI provide an interconnected transportation network that makes it convenient,
routine, and feasible for a[[ residents and visitors to watk, bike, and use transit.
Ithaca's transportation infrastructure witI be designed to increase multi-moda[
connectivity, creating an interwoven network that extends into adjacent municipalities
To reduce auto dependency, transportation modes shatl be prioritized in the following
order: pedestrian, bicyc[e, transit, private cars, and goods movement.
Every City streetwit[ be a complete street that accommodates multiple modes of
transportation, inctuding active transportation modes.
Attractive new pathways wi[[ run along natural features - such as creeks and gorges -and connect to the street system, enhancing neighborhoods and serving as active
transportation corridors.
Convenient, weIL-designed, and weLt-maintained bike facitities wi[[ encourage increased
bicycting on city streets.
The pu blic parking supp[y wit[ be managed to enhance vitality in city neighborhoods
and commercia[ areas, support programs that provide alternatives to private car use,
and be cost-neutral to the City.
lnnovative ways to improve the delivery ofgoods and services wi[[ be in ptace.
Shared transportation services, such as bike and carsharing programs, ridesharing
and vanpoo[ing, wi[[ be active[y supported.
Coordinated regiona[ transPortation improvements - ranging from better pedestrian,
bicycte and street connections with adjacent municipalities to better bus, raiI and air[ine
connections with other cities and states - wit[ he[p ensure convenient regiona[ mobiIity
Inereasing Transportation
Choice : c6nrs
L
Pedestrian traveI wit[ be supported on a[[ city streets through we[[-maintained
and enhanced facilities that meet, at a minimum, Americans with Disabilities
Act req uirements.
Frequent transit service, along with improved stops and shelters, throughout a broad
service areawiL[ offer increased comfort, safety, and accessibility, particularly in areas
serving [ow-income and e[der[y people.
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pedestrian, bike, and transit improvements wi[[ be spread equitabty throughout the
city so people of atl income levels and abitities wit[ benefit from them.
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Advocate for the expansion of bus service and air traveI to regionaI destinations and work
with TCAT to coordinate [ocaI bus service with intercity schedutes.
Pursue opportunities to improve the intercity bus station.
Work with the Town of lthaca and lthaca Tompkins County Transportation Councit (ITCTC)
to (1) provide seamtess bicyc[e and pedestrian [inkages, such as continuous sidewatks
between destinations in the two municipatities, and (z) secure transportation connections
along the west City [ine, so that traffic heading to and from new devetopment in the town
has alternat;ves to Route 79.
Provide adequate sidewalk width in the commerciaI core areas of the city, with particular
attention to the centraI core ofCollegetown and the areas surrounding the lthaca Commons.
lmprove pedestrian Iighting on pubtic streets
lncrease the City's level offunding, effort and focus on trailplanning, maintenance, and
co nstruction.
Minimize disruptions to pedestrians and cyc[ists from constructaon pro,jects by requiring
advance notice, signage and the maintenance of alternative routes during the entire
construction period.
Consider the needs of pedestrians and cyclists in decisions concerning on-street parking.
Accommodate multiple modes of transportation in atl pu btic and private deve[opments
and maintenance projects.
Preserve existing rai[, cana[, and historic trolley rights of way for future transportation use
Promote participation in public and private rRANspoRTATloN DEMAND MANAGEMENT
(rom) programs. The City should work in partnership with the private sector to find mutualty
beneficia[ so[utions to accommodate employee commuting and other transportation needs,
including bicyctes.
MOAILITY & TRAN5PORTATION
Inereasing Transportation
Choice : nEcoruurENDArroNS
A
B
Adopt comptete streets principles as officia[ City poticy to ensure that lthaca's streets
are wetldesigned, interconnected, and provide safe and convenient accommodations
for atI modes of transportation.
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99 HACA : A VISIO N FOR OUR FUTURE
6.2
Conneetinq Land Use
& Transpor"tation
I Conrr"ctinq Land UseI & Transpor"tation : GoALs
Transportation pLanning decisions, management strategies, and investments wi[[ be coordinated
with the goa[s of the Land Use chapter, heIping to foster compact, connected, and walkab[e
neigh borhoods and mixed-use areas.
The City's transportation infrastructu re wi[[ be designed with sensitivity to the surrounding
[and use contexts to strengthen and enhance the [ivabitity of city neighborhoods.
AtI city streets, including state highways, wi[[ meet transportation needs whi[e knitting togethet
rather than separating, adjacent city neighborhoods and commercia[ areas.
Streets, trai[s, intersections, and sidewalks wi[[ be desiSned and maintained as attractive
public spaces using sustainab[e design principles.
An official. City map wilt ctearty depict planned future multi-moda[ transportation corridors
to facilitate the reservation, acquisition, and construction ofthese corridors.
The environmentaI review process for development proiects wi[[ emptoy a batanced mu[ti-
modat (rather than auto-centric) anatysis of transportation imPacts.
CL
Transportation facilities wi[[ reflect the city's development patterns as
proposed in the Land Use chapter and help realize the City s goal of
strengthening its ro[e as a regionaI h ub. A complete transportation
network is essentia[ for creating new housing and businesses and
protecting the hea[th of ou r existing neighborhoods. As we transform
our transportation network, we must ensure that projects provide
benefits equitab[y throughout the community.
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Living streets (often referred to by their Dutch name, woonerfs) are low-traffrc streets designed
primarily to accommodate non-motorized activities. They function as shared public space for
pedestrians, cyclists, children, and slow-moving cars. Living streets do not have traffrc lights,
stop signs, iane dividers, or even sidewalks and often feature curves or nalrow widths at certain
points to plovide cues to motorized vehicle drivers to slow down and remain alert. A key concept
is to encourage human interaction; those who use the space are fotced to be aware of others
around them, making eye contact and engaging in person-to-person interactions.
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As part of Phase ll of Plan lthaca. comp[ete, adopt and implement a City Transportation Plan
that addresses at a minimum the fo[[owing points:
l.Establishment ofa street typology based on land use, transportation needs, and impacts
to neighborhoods.
2. ldentification of appropriate treatments (per com plete streets standards) for each type
of street to accommodate multip[e modes, ensure [ong-term mobi[ity, and protect the vitality
of adjacent neighborhoods.
3. Recommendations for low-volume streets that cou[d be narrowed and transformed into
Iiving streets.
Work with NYSDOT, the lthaca Tompkins County Transportation Councit (tTCTC), and other
interested agencies to transform the Route r3 corridor - from the north end of its Fu[ton/
lVeadow split to its Fatt Creek bridge - into a complete street / urban bou levard (with sidewa[ks,
street trees, bike [anes and safe pedestrian crossings) for the purpose of reconnecting areas
of the city (e.9., the [akefront) that have been separated by this functional[y limited-access stretch
of highway; conduct a feasibi[ity analysis for this transformation within five years. Consider the
merits of add ing a new intersectio n in the vicinity of Carpe nter Bus iness Park.
Update environmental review procedures and documents to provide a balanced and measurab[e
mu[ti-moda[ analysis of transportation impacts.
uoartrrY & TnaNsponTAlloN
Conneeting Land Use
& Transportation : REcoMMENDAnoNs
A
lntroduce traffic catming measures as needed to promote safety and increase livabitity in
city neighborhoods.
lmprove the maintenance and design of the edges of arteria[ corridors to enhance the
appearance of existing treelawns and sidewalks (or provide these, if missing), and to provide
curb bump-outs and / or other faciIities to enhance the attractiveness and safety of crossings.
Create and adopt an officiat City map (with input from both engineering and ptanning
standpoints) showing a[[ planned future mutti-modattransportation corridors and future
street con nections.
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101 iLAN ]THACA:A VISION FOR OUR FUTURE
Effreiency & Innovation in
Teehnologu Operations,
& Manage"riient
6.3
EIEE
The City wi[|' provide a transportation system that offers [ong-term
value for future generations whi[e reflecting its identity as a pioneering
community. Transportation systems represent large pub[ic investments
and should be buitt, maintained, and operated to the highest quality
possible to ensure value over time. We shou[d strive for innovation,
inctuding advancements in transportation technotogy, design, construction,
and materials whi[e being ever mindfu L of long-term environ menta[, safety
and fisca[ impacts.
I
The construction quality and design of tran spo rtation infrastructure wit[ reflect community
goals as expressed throughout Plan lthaca.
Design principtes, po[icies, and operationa[ strategies witl a[[ow the adoption of innovative
transportation and communication technologies.
The pub[ic parking supp[y witI be managed using innovative technotogies
Transportation infrastructure maintenance wi[[ be evaluated and prioritized to ensure
preservation of the asset (e.9., ongoing maintenance to extend the lifespan of bridges and
avoid the need for premature replacement).
The transportation system wi[[ be managed to promote safety, provide fiscal and operationa[
efficiency, and minimize negative environmentaI lmpacts.
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Effreiency & Innovation : GoALs
2
4
5
102
Effrciency & Innovation : REcoMMENDAnoNs
Support TCATs efforts to introduce INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEIVIS technologies
into the transit system.
Provide City staff with ongoing professiona[ training and encourage them to monitor and
imptement new technologies and innovations in a[[ areas of the transportation fie[d.
ln partnership with the NYS Department of Trans portation, conduct a risk anatysis ofaIL steep
approaches into the city to determine the most effective and feasible methods for im proving
safety of heavy trucks entering the city. Develop and adopt a plan for their implementation.
Cotlaborate with other agencies and municipatities to seek operationa[ efficiencies and funding
from State, Federal or other sources.
lncorporate e[ectric vehic[e charging infrastructure into pubtic facilities and private
developments, as feasib[e.
Ensure that future City budgets increasingly reflect the transportation goats presented in this
docu ment by growing su pport for mu ltipte transportation alternatives.
MOBILIIY & TnAl\|SPORT TlOl,l
A Use innovative technologies and design approaches in construction and maintenance activities.
Exp[ore the feasibi[ity of innovative transportation technologies - for exam p[e, a fixed-raiI
trottey system or hittside bicycte tift - in order to [everage future funding opportunities.
Consider the potentia[ tourism appeat of such technologies.
B
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Continue to deve[op and imptement innovative and setf-supporting funding mechanisms to
improve the transportation network, such as the Sidewalk lmprovement Districts program.
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E The City witI strive to provide access to accu rate and engaging information
about transportation options that hetp peop[e make informed choices
and select the best transportation option for themselves and their
community. Simp[y providing atternatives to private vehic[e use wit[
not reach everyone who might be wiLting to try biking, walking, or transit
as a transportation mode. Factors that influence individuat transporta-
tion decisions vary wide[y. They inctude real or perceived cost, safety,
and convenience, as wel[ as personal mobi[ity, fitness, and concern for
the environment.
Communication & Edueation : GoALS
Wett-supported, ongoing programs wi[[ be in ptace to promote awareness of:
. Active transportation options;
. Transportation safety;
. Persona[ and pubtic cost of tran s portation options;
. TraveI time between destinations for d ifferent modes of transportation;
. EnvironmentaI and energy-use impacts of transportation choices; and
. Transportation Demand Management concepts and programs
lnformation and communication techniques and technologies wi[[ be up-to-date, reflecting
evo[ving means of disseminating information.
103 .DL]1N ITHACA : A VI5ION FOR OUR FUTURE
6.4
Communieation & Edueation
b"tt T3Jr"
rt Tra ns P o rt at i o n
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Communieation & Edueation :
RECOMMENDATIONS
Support programs that im prove conditions for walking and bicycting to schoot.
Work with community partners to devetop and support educationaI programs and campaigns
that address distracted driving and other safety issues.
Support educational programs that provide information about how the combined cost of
housing and transportation varies with housing [ocation.
Deve[op multip[e effective means of communication between the City, transportation partners
and the pubtic regarding transportation matters and concerns.
Estabtish a portal on the City website [inking to atI community transportation resources.
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MOBILITY & TRAI{SPONTATION
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