All - Please devote some time to digesting this message and strongly consider attending some upcoming meetings...
First - there are some critical upcoming meetings re: transportation infrastructure at which the pedestrian and bicycle communities should have a strong force and loud voice.
1) Jan 24th 4-7 pm Easton ES cafeteria - WVDOH presentation of preferred redesign of Mileground. My understanding is that their preferred alternative is NOT our preferred alternative. PLEASE attend and express any concern via the format they use.
2) Jan 25th 7-9pm South MS & Jan 26th 7-9 North ES - MPO, City, and Star City community input on long-range transportation plan (LRTP) - 2 pg flyer attached and visit http://www.crossroadsmon.com/. This is CRITICAL. Why? As I've come to learn, all transportation projects using FEDERAL dollars must be approved by the MPO (upon which I serve on the Citizens Advisory Committe) using, as the main factor, whether the project fits into the LRTP. If we, as a community, put a MAJOR influence on pedestrian and bicycle projects in the LRTP, then all projects should be completed in accordance with our wishes. With the MPO's support, we've already been able to work into the LRTP money/time to conduct pedestrian and bicycle counts. The process works, let's voice our opinions. Bill Austin, the executive director of the MPO, is a great
ally
Second - I have found out that Delegate Guthrie (Kanawha) is again sponsoring Complete Streets legislation, with our own Del Fleischauer as co-sponsor. I am going to meeting with Angela Vance of the WV AARP in Charleston on the 19th during the launch event for the WV Physical Activity Plan (http://www.wvphysicalactivity.org/) to marshal support for the legislation. This may be a great time to make use of any contacts with state legislators, lobbyists for children (or the state superintendant, Jorea Marple, who is speaking at the event on the 19th) or those with disabilities that you have. Attached is a brief list of benefits of CS from the web, where there are a host of fact sheets related to benefits for specific demographic segments (eg, children, people w/disabilities), econ, etc (eg, econ benefits, gas prices, public transit, health): http://www.completestreets.org/complete-streets-fundamentals/factsheets/
Who's on Third - the flyer re: snow removal that has gone out in recent weeks is attached (thank you Damien)
Fourth - enjoy the snow (Toboggan Festival at Chestnut Ridge Park tomorrow)
This is what happens when I attend 3, 2+ hour meetings in a week - all very beneficial and positive meetings, by the way.
Shovel away!
Christiaan
Walk more, safely
Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board
Christiaan Abildso, Chair
Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair