Bicycle Board Members,
We've been working on a Morgantown-Monongalia Long Range Transportation Plan for more than a year and we're one step away from releasing it to the public for comment. Please review the attached draft and give me any comments you wish me to take to the Transportation Advisory Group Nov. 15.
The draft LRTP is pretty large. One way you might review it is to search for "bicycle" and look carefully at the maps.
Frank
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Bill Austin" baustin@labyrinth.net Date: November 8, 2012 3:12:23 PM EST To: bill@byrnehedges.com, "'David Bruffy'" Bruffy@busride.org, eldonc@msn.com, gvmayor@comcast.net, jambie1@comcast.net, "Jim Manilla" jimmanilla@gmail.com, jlgoodwi@access.k12.wv.us, "'Joe Fisher'" Joe.Fisher@mail.wvu.edu, "'Keller, Perry J'" Perry.J.Keller@wv.gov, "Mike Kelly" dulaneyoil@comcast.net, Moncom@aol.com, "Wesley Nugent" wes@wnugent.com, "Terry Hough" though@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Christopher Fletcher'" cfletcher@cityofmorgantown.org, ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Hugh Kierig'" Hugh.Kierig@mail.wvu.edu, "'Radabaugh, Bryan L'" Bryan.L.Radabaugh@wv.gov, "'Irv Schuetzner'" ischuetz@access.k12.wv.us, "'Maria Smith'" MariaSmith@busride.org, "'Williams, Donald L'" Donald.L.Williams@wv.gov, "'Slack, Alanna J'" Alanna.J.Slack@wv.gov, director@moncpc.org, "'Warner, Richard L'" Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov, info@morgantown.org, "'Development Center'" infoadc@alleghenydevelopment.com, butch442@comcast.net, rwsnyder301@comcast.net, jegdeg@comcast.net, Roy.Nutter@mail.wvu.edu, "'Frank Gmeindl'" frank.gmeindl@comcast.net, cabildso@yahoo.com, "Tim Ball" tball@mub.org, "'ExDirector'" director@downtownmorgantown.com, exdirector@downtownmorgantown.com, "'John E. Sneckenberger'" jsnecken@yahoo.com, Joseph.Kanosky@NETL.DOE.GOV, James.Dotson@mylanlabs.com, "'Ken Busz'" ken@morgantownchamber.org, "'Michael Clow'" mclow@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Murdock, Gary'" murdockg@wvuhealthcare.com, mcclymondsb@wvuh.com, "'Peggy J. Myers-Smith'" pmyerssmith@tourmorgantown.com, "'Russ Lorince'" Russ.Lorince@mail.wvu.edu, robertsond@monhealth.sys.org, sawdustinc@comcast.net, brad.greathouse@mylan.com, "'Rob Moyer'" Rob.Moyer@mail.wvu.edu, "'Michael Clow'" mclow@cityofmorgantown.org, mrenner123@gmail.com, mayordave@comcast.net, "'Janel Nye'" janel@bedardconsulting.com, "Tim Ball" tball@mub.org, "Shoukry, Fouad N" Fouad.N.Shoukry@wv.gov, statler4board@hotmail.com Cc: scmayor@comcast.net, "'Thieken, Steve'" steve.thieken@burgessniple.com, "'Snow, Jamie'" jamie.snow@burgessniple.com, "'Jeff Mikorski'" jmikorski@cityofmorgantown.org, andrew.nichols@marshall.edu, "'Jing Zhang '" tranplan@labyrinth.net Subject: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Transportation Advisory Group Members,
Please find attached the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan for your review at the November 15th TAG meeting to be held at 6:30 PM at the Airport Training Room in the Airport Managers Office Building. Please review this information prior to attending the meeting. Your comments will be reflected in the draft plan to be presented to the public prior to adoption by the MPO Policy Board. Please plan to attend this important meeting.
I would also like to let you know the MPO has updated our website the updated website includes a new look and interactive mapping of the MPO’s TIP priority projects. You may see our website at:
www.plantogether.org.
We look forward to seeing you at the November 15th meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I may be of any assistance.
Respectfully,
Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105 Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” -Mark Twain “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe
Bicycle Board Members,
Please use the attached Project Priority List instead of the one that's included in the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan that I forwarded to you Nov. 8.
Please give me your comments on the LRTP so I can take them to the MPO Technical Advisory Group meeting this Thursday.
Why should you look at this? The LRTP sets the priorities for allocation of future Federal and State transportation funding for the Morgantown-Monongalia area. IMHO, this is the first time walking and bicycling have been integrally included in the plan. If you look at the project descriptions, you'll see a bicycle and/or pedestrian element in most of the projects. So, not only is $5 M planned for project #40 Regional Bikeway Plan Implementation Program and $2M planned for Safe Routes to Schools Improvements but other projects also contain a bicycling element. For example, #17 Fairmont Road/Holland Avenue (US-19) includes "Provide 15 feet wide lanes or bike lanes on inclines and other difficult areas for adequate bicycle overtaking width" and those wide lanes or bike lanes are included in the $11 M planned for that project.
So, why should you look at this? Because getting it right is essential to garnering trust, credibility and somewhat equal footing to all the other interests vested in this plan
Frank
From: "Bill Austin" baustin@labyrinth.net Date: November 12, 2012 1:52:03 PM EST Subject: RE: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Please replace the Project Priority List previously attached with the attached page.
Thanks,
Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105 Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” -Mark Twain “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe
Begin forwarded message:
From: Frank Gmeindl frank.gmeindl@comcast.net Date: November 8, 2012 7:03:22 PM EST To: Bicycle Board bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com Subject: Fwd: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Bicycle Board Members,
We've been working on a Morgantown-Monongalia Long Range Transportation Plan for more than a year and we're one step away from releasing it to the public for comment. Please review the attached draft and give me any comments you wish me to take to the Transportation Advisory Group Nov. 15.
The draft LRTP is pretty large. One way you might review it is to search for "bicycle" and look carefully at the maps.
Frank
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Bill Austin" baustin@labyrinth.net Date: November 8, 2012 3:12:23 PM EST To: bill@byrnehedges.com, "'David Bruffy'" Bruffy@busride.org, eldonc@msn.com, gvmayor@comcast.net, jambie1@comcast.net, "Jim Manilla" jimmanilla@gmail.com, jlgoodwi@access.k12.wv.us, "'Joe Fisher'" Joe.Fisher@mail.wvu.edu, "'Keller, Perry J'" Perry.J.Keller@wv.gov, "Mike Kelly" dulaneyoil@comcast.net, Moncom@aol.com, "Wesley Nugent" wes@wnugent.com, "Terry Hough" though@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Christopher Fletcher'" cfletcher@cityofmorgantown.org, ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Hugh Kierig'" Hugh.Kierig@mail.wvu.edu, "'Radabaugh, Bryan L'" Bryan.L.Radabaugh@wv.gov, "'Irv Schuetzner'" ischuetz@access.k12.wv.us, "'Maria Smith'" MariaSmith@busride.org, "'Williams, Donald L'" Donald.L.Williams@wv.gov, "'Slack, Alanna J'" Alanna.J.Slack@wv.gov, director@moncpc.org, "'Warner, Richard L'" Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov, info@morgantown.org, "'Development Center'" infoadc@alleghenydevelopment.com, butch442@comcast.net, rwsnyder301@comcast.net, jegdeg@comcast.net, Roy.Nutter@mail.wvu.edu, "'Frank Gmeindl'" frank.gmeindl@comcast.net, cabildso@yahoo.com, "Tim Ball" tball@mub.org, "'ExDirector'" director@downtownmorgantown.com, exdirector@downtownmorgantown.com, "'John E. Sneckenberger'" jsnecken@yahoo.com, Joseph.Kanosky@NETL.DOE.GOV, James.Dotson@mylanlabs.com, "'Ken Busz'" ken@morgantownchamber.org, "'Michael Clow'" mclow@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Murdock, Gary'" murdockg@wvuhealthcare.com, mcclymondsb@wvuh.com, "'Peggy J. Myers-Smith'" pmyerssmith@tourmorgantown.com, "'Russ Lorince'" Russ.Lorince@mail.wvu.edu, robertsond@monhealth.sys.org, sawdustinc@comcast.net, brad.greathouse@mylan.com, "'Rob Moyer'" Rob.Moyer@mail.wvu.edu, "'Michael Clow'" mclow@cityofmorgantown.org, mrenner123@gmail.com, mayordave@comcast.net, "'Janel Nye'" janel@bedardconsulting.com, "Tim Ball" tball@mub.org, "Shoukry, Fouad N" Fouad.N.Shoukry@wv.gov, statler4board@hotmail.com Cc: scmayor@comcast.net, "'Thieken, Steve'" steve.thieken@burgessniple.com, "'Snow, Jamie'" jamie.snow@burgessniple.com, "'Jeff Mikorski'" jmikorski@cityofmorgantown.org, andrew.nichols@marshall.edu, "'Jing Zhang '" tranplan@labyrinth.net Subject: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Transportation Advisory Group Members,
Please find attached the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan for your review at the November 15th TAG meeting to be held at 6:30 PM at the Airport Training Room in the Airport Managers Office Building. Please review this information prior to attending the meeting. Your comments will be reflected in the draft plan to be presented to the public prior to adoption by the MPO Policy Board. Please plan to attend this important meeting.
I would also like to let you know the MPO has updated our website the updated website includes a new look and interactive mapping of the MPO’s TIP priority projects. You may see our website at:
www.plantogether.org.
We look forward to seeing you at the November 15th meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I may be of any assistance.
Respectfully,
Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105 Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” -Mark Twain “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe
Hi Frank (et Christiaan),
There has been some great work done in relation to bicycling and walking in the LRTP. I did not have enough time to review every project. Here are some observations.
On the right-hand side of every Project/Corridor there are LRTP Goals (Directly Supported) and FHWA Planning (Factors Supported). Each has associated numbers, but the document doesn't make it clear what is being referred to. I am assuming the LRTP Goals are related to the ones described on pages 30-32, but there is nothing similar for FHWA Planning. Also, it would help if there was an explanation for what is meant by Tier2 - Tier4 projects.
At least two of the projects seem to have overly optimistic scores. The Grant Avenue Bicycle/Pedestrian Connector (27) probably should have a score of 2 stars for the Feasibility Score because with prior real-world experience we have experienced significant public opposition, or otherwise the connector would have already been built. With the West Run Extension and Lazelle Union Road (2) I really don't understand the purpose of this project (To provide an additional traffic capacity from/to I-79 from/to the heavy employment areas north of WV-705), but residents in the direct path of the project probably won't be jumping with joy and it is going to be destroying some nice greenspace, so it should more than likely have a 2 star Feasibility Score. This is one of 3 new bridges mentioned in the plan. However, the Feasibility Score for the Roadway Connection from New I-79 interchange to Monongahela Boulevard (6) and 8th Street Bridge over Monongahela River and Roadway Connection to TIF (35) do sound correct.
I am happy that the Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Plan and Morgantown Bicycle Plan are included as part of the LRTP Planning Strategies. The current WVU Transportation and Parking Plan has deferred project targeting to both of these plans. However, I would love to see smaller, reachable projects (still long-term, but low-cost), some that were prioritized in the original (first) WVU plan. Smaller projects similar to the exciting White Park/Caperton Trail Connection. For instance, a mid-block Patteson Dr. pedestrian crossing island (on-demand signal) where Baldwin Street is located (note: Is this part of project 1?). Nor is a pedestrian crossing mentioned for the area in front of the Creative Arts Center (Monongahela Blvd), actually there is no planned project in this region, also the Regional Pedestrian Safety and Sidewalk Connectivity (39) doesn't mention it in the initial identifications. So is 39 going to be handling this?
Perhaps, larger projects need to be broken down into small parts so the objectives are more clear to citizens. I have never considered Patteson to be 705, but that is how project 1 refers to it - WV 705 Improvements. But most importantly, let us not allow large, expensive projects to become stumbling blocks to realistic, smaller projects that can be accomplished within the next 10 years and that we can reap real benefits from. That being said, expensive projects related to Walking, Bicycling, and SRTS take priority. This may be the most amazing plan ever, but there is definitely a learning process involved with the LRTP in its present format.
-Jonathan
On 11/13/2012 3:47 PM, Frank Gmeindl wrote:
Bicycle Board Members,
Please use the attached Project Priority List instead of the one that's included in the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan that I forwarded to you Nov. 8.
Please give me your comments on the LRTP so I can take them to the MPO Technical Advisory Group meeting this Thursday.
Why should you look at this? The LRTP sets the priorities for allocation of future Federal and State transportation funding for the Morgantown-Monongalia area. IMHO, this is the first time walking and bicycling have been integrally included in the plan. If you look at the project descriptions, you'll see a bicycle and/or pedestrian element in most of the projects. So, not only is $5 M planned for project #40 Regional Bikeway Plan Implementation Program and $2M planned for Safe Routes to Schools Improvements but other projects also contain a bicycling element. For example, #17 Fairmont Road/Holland Avenue (US-19) includes "Provide 15 feet wide lanes or bike lanes on inclines and other difficult areas for adequate bicycle overtaking width" and those wide lanes or bike lanes are included in the $11 M planned for that project.
So, why should you look at this? Because getting it right is essential to garnering trust, credibility and somewhat equal footing to all the other interests vested in this plan
Frank =
From: "Bill Austin" <baustin@labyrinth.net mailto:baustin@labyrinth.net> Date: November 12, 2012 1:52:03 PM EST Subject: RE: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Please replace the Project Priority List previously attached with the attached page. Thanks, Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105 Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." -Mark Twain "Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." -Marilyn Monroe
Begin forwarded message:
*From: *Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl@comcast.net mailto:frank.gmeindl@comcast.net> *Date: *November 8, 2012 7:03:22 PM EST *To: *Bicycle Board <bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com mailto:bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com> *Subject: **Fwd: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting*
Bicycle Board Members,
We've been working on a Morgantown-Monongalia Long Range Transportation Plan for more than a year and we're one step away from releasing it to the public for comment. Please review the attached draft and give me any comments you wish me to take to the Transportation Advisory Group Nov. 15.
The draft LRTP is pretty large. One way you might review it is to search for "bicycle" and look carefully at the maps.
Frank
Begin forwarded message:
*From: *"Bill Austin" <baustin@labyrinth.net mailto:baustin@labyrinth.net> *Date: *November 8, 2012 3:12:23 PM EST *To: *<bill@byrnehedges.com mailto:bill@byrnehedges.com>, "'David Bruffy'" <Bruffy@busride.org mailto:Bruffy@busride.org>, <eldonc@msn.com mailto:eldonc@msn.com>, <gvmayor@comcast.net mailto:gvmayor@comcast.net>, <jambie1@comcast.net mailto:jambie1@comcast.net>, "Jim Manilla" <jimmanilla@gmail.com mailto:jimmanilla@gmail.com>, <jlgoodwi@access.k12.wv.us mailto:jlgoodwi@access.k12.wv.us>, "'Joe Fisher'" <Joe.Fisher@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Joe.Fisher@mail.wvu.edu>, "'Keller, Perry J'" <Perry.J.Keller@wv.gov mailto:Perry.J.Keller@wv.gov>, "Mike Kelly" <dulaneyoil@comcast.net mailto:dulaneyoil@comcast.net>, <Moncom@aol.com mailto:Moncom@aol.com>, "Wesley Nugent" <wes@wnugent.com mailto:wes@wnugent.com>, "Terry Hough" <though@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:though@cityofmorgantown.org>, "'Christopher Fletcher'" <cfletcher@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:cfletcher@cityofmorgantown.org>, <ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org>, "'Hugh Kierig'" <Hugh.Kierig@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Hugh.Kierig@mail.wvu.edu>, "'Radabaugh, Bryan L'" <Bryan.L.Radabaugh@wv.gov mailto:Bryan.L.Radabaugh@wv.gov>, "'Irv Schuetzner'" <ischuetz@access.k12.wv.us mailto:ischuetz@access.k12.wv.us>, "'Maria Smith'" <MariaSmith@busride.org mailto:MariaSmith@busride.org>, "'Williams, Donald L'" <Donald.L.Williams@wv.gov mailto:Donald.L.Williams@wv.gov>, "'Slack, Alanna J'" <Alanna.J.Slack@wv.gov mailto:Alanna.J.Slack@wv.gov>, <director@moncpc.org mailto:director@moncpc.org>, "'Warner, Richard L'" <Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov mailto:Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov>, <info@morgantown.org mailto:info@morgantown.org>, "'Development Center'" <infoadc@alleghenydevelopment.com mailto:infoadc@alleghenydevelopment.com>, <butch442@comcast.net mailto:butch442@comcast.net>, <rwsnyder301@comcast.net mailto:rwsnyder301@comcast.net>, <jegdeg@comcast.net mailto:jegdeg@comcast.net>, <Roy.Nutter@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Roy.Nutter@mail.wvu.edu>, "'Frank Gmeindl'" <frank.gmeindl@comcast.net mailto:frank.gmeindl@comcast.net>, <cabildso@yahoo.com mailto:cabildso@yahoo.com>, "Tim Ball" <tball@mub.org mailto:tball@mub.org>, "'ExDirector'" <director@downtownmorgantown.com mailto:director@downtownmorgantown.com>, <exdirector@downtownmorgantown.com mailto:exdirector@downtownmorgantown.com>, "'John E. Sneckenberger'" <jsnecken@yahoo.com mailto:jsnecken@yahoo.com>, <Joseph.Kanosky@NETL.DOE.GOV mailto:Joseph.Kanosky@NETL.DOE.GOV>, <James.Dotson@mylanlabs.com mailto:James.Dotson@mylanlabs.com>, "'Ken Busz'" <ken@morgantownchamber.org mailto:ken@morgantownchamber.org>, "'Michael Clow'" <mclow@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:mclow@cityofmorgantown.org>, "'Murdock, Gary'" <murdockg@wvuhealthcare.com mailto:murdockg@wvuhealthcare.com>, <mcclymondsb@wvuh.com mailto:mcclymondsb@wvuh.com>, "'Peggy J. Myers-Smith'" <pmyerssmith@tourmorgantown.com mailto:pmyerssmith@tourmorgantown.com>, "'Russ Lorince'" <Russ.Lorince@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Russ.Lorince@mail.wvu.edu>, <robertsond@monhealth.sys.org mailto:robertsond@monhealth.sys.org>, <sawdustinc@comcast.net mailto:sawdustinc@comcast.net>, <brad.greathouse@mylan.com mailto:brad.greathouse@mylan.com>, "'Rob Moyer'" <Rob.Moyer@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Rob.Moyer@mail.wvu.edu>, "'Michael Clow'" <mclow@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:mclow@cityofmorgantown.org>, <mrenner123@gmail.com mailto:mrenner123@gmail.com>, <mayordave@comcast.net mailto:mayordave@comcast.net>, "'Janel Nye'" <janel@bedardconsulting.com mailto:janel@bedardconsulting.com>, "Tim Ball" <tball@mub.org mailto:tball@mub.org>, "Shoukry, Fouad N" <Fouad.N.Shoukry@wv.gov mailto:Fouad.N.Shoukry@wv.gov>, <statler4board@hotmail.com mailto:statler4board@hotmail.com> *Cc: *<scmayor@comcast.net mailto:scmayor@comcast.net>, "'Thieken, Steve'" <steve.thieken@burgessniple.com mailto:steve.thieken@burgessniple.com>, "'Snow, Jamie'" <jamie.snow@burgessniple.com mailto:jamie.snow@burgessniple.com>, "'Jeff Mikorski'" <jmikorski@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:jmikorski@cityofmorgantown.org>, <andrew.nichols@marshall.edu mailto:andrew.nichols@marshall.edu>, "'Jing Zhang '" <tranplan@labyrinth.net mailto:tranplan@labyrinth.net> *Subject: **Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting*
Transportation Advisory Group Members, Please find attached the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan for your review at the*November 15^th TAG meeting to be held at 6:30*PM at the Airport Training Room in the Airport Managers Office Building. Please review this information prior to attending the meeting.*Your comments will be reflected in the draft plan to be presented to the public prior to adoption by the MPO Policy Board.**Please plan to attend this important meeting.* I would also like to let you know the MPO has updated our website the updated website includes a new look and interactive mapping of the MPO's TIP priority projects. You may see our website at: www.plantogether.org http://www.plantogether.org/. We look forward to seeing you at the November 15^th meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I may be of any assistance. Respectfully, *Bill Austin, AICP* *Executive Director* *Morgantown Monongalia MPO* 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105** Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile *"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." -Mark Twain* *"Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." -Marilyn Monroe*
=
Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com http://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard
Actually, I meant Laurel Street where I mentioned Baldwin St. But Baldwin would be another good location for a crossing, and it is the same street that Suncrest Middle in located on.
-Jonathan
On 11/15/2012 1:21 AM, Jonathan Rosenbaum wrote:
Hi Frank (et Christiaan),
There has been some great work done in relation to bicycling and walking in the LRTP. I did not have enough time to review every project. Here are some observations.
On the right-hand side of every Project/Corridor there are LRTP Goals (Directly Supported) and FHWA Planning (Factors Supported). Each has associated numbers, but the document doesn't make it clear what is being referred to. I am assuming the LRTP Goals are related to the ones described on pages 30-32, but there is nothing similar for FHWA Planning. Also, it would help if there was an explanation for what is meant by Tier2 - Tier4 projects.
At least two of the projects seem to have overly optimistic scores. The Grant Avenue Bicycle/Pedestrian Connector (27) probably should have a score of 2 stars for the Feasibility Score because with prior real-world experience we have experienced significant public opposition, or otherwise the connector would have already been built. With the West Run Extension and Lazelle Union Road (2) I really don't understand the purpose of this project (To provide an additional traffic capacity from/to I-79 from/to the heavy employment areas north of WV-705), but residents in the direct path of the project probably won't be jumping with joy and it is going to be destroying some nice greenspace, so it should more than likely have a 2 star Feasibility Score. This is one of 3 new bridges mentioned in the plan. However, the Feasibility Score for the Roadway Connection from New I-79 interchange to Monongahela Boulevard (6) and 8th Street Bridge over Monongahela River and Roadway Connection to TIF (35) do sound correct.
I am happy that the Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Plan and Morgantown Bicycle Plan are included as part of the LRTP Planning Strategies. The current WVU Transportation and Parking Plan has deferred project targeting to both of these plans. However, I would love to see smaller, reachable projects (still long-term, but low-cost), some that were prioritized in the original (first) WVU plan. Smaller projects similar to the exciting White Park/Caperton Trail Connection. For instance, a mid-block Patteson Dr. pedestrian crossing island (on-demand signal) where Baldwin Street is located (note: Is this part of project 1?). Nor is a pedestrian crossing mentioned for the area in front of the Creative Arts Center (Monongahela Blvd), actually there is no planned project in this region, also the Regional Pedestrian Safety and Sidewalk Connectivity (39) doesn't mention it in the initial identifications. So is 39 going to be handling this?
Perhaps, larger projects need to be broken down into small parts so the objectives are more clear to citizens. I have never considered Patteson to be 705, but that is how project 1 refers to it - WV 705 Improvements. But most importantly, let us not allow large, expensive projects to become stumbling blocks to realistic, smaller projects that can be accomplished within the next 10 years and that we can reap real benefits from. That being said, expensive projects related to Walking, Bicycling, and SRTS take priority. This may be the most amazing plan ever, but there is definitely a learning process involved with the LRTP in its present format.
-Jonathan
On 11/13/2012 3:47 PM, Frank Gmeindl wrote:
Bicycle Board Members,
Please use the attached Project Priority List instead of the one that's included in the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan that I forwarded to you Nov. 8.
Please give me your comments on the LRTP so I can take them to the MPO Technical Advisory Group meeting this Thursday.
Why should you look at this? The LRTP sets the priorities for allocation of future Federal and State transportation funding for the Morgantown-Monongalia area. IMHO, this is the first time walking and bicycling have been integrally included in the plan. If you look at the project descriptions, you'll see a bicycle and/or pedestrian element in most of the projects. So, not only is $5 M planned for project #40 Regional Bikeway Plan Implementation Program and $2M planned for Safe Routes to Schools Improvements but other projects also contain a bicycling element. For example, #17 Fairmont Road/Holland Avenue (US-19) includes "Provide 15 feet wide lanes or bike lanes on inclines and other difficult areas for adequate bicycle overtaking width" and those wide lanes or bike lanes are included in the $11 M planned for that project.
So, why should you look at this? Because getting it right is essential to garnering trust, credibility and somewhat equal footing to all the other interests vested in this plan
Frank =
From: "Bill Austin" <baustin@labyrinth.net mailto:baustin@labyrinth.net> Date: November 12, 2012 1:52:03 PM EST Subject: RE: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Please replace the Project Priority List previously attached with the attached page. Thanks, Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105 Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." -Mark Twain "Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." -Marilyn Monroe
Begin forwarded message:
*From: *Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl@comcast.net mailto:frank.gmeindl@comcast.net> *Date: *November 8, 2012 7:03:22 PM EST *To: *Bicycle Board <bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com mailto:bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com> *Subject: **Fwd: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting*
Bicycle Board Members,
We've been working on a Morgantown-Monongalia Long Range Transportation Plan for more than a year and we're one step away from releasing it to the public for comment. Please review the attached draft and give me any comments you wish me to take to the Transportation Advisory Group Nov. 15.
The draft LRTP is pretty large. One way you might review it is to search for "bicycle" and look carefully at the maps.
Frank
Begin forwarded message:
*From: *"Bill Austin" <baustin@labyrinth.net mailto:baustin@labyrinth.net> *Date: *November 8, 2012 3:12:23 PM EST *To: *<bill@byrnehedges.com mailto:bill@byrnehedges.com>, "'David Bruffy'" <Bruffy@busride.org mailto:Bruffy@busride.org>, <eldonc@msn.com mailto:eldonc@msn.com>, <gvmayor@comcast.net mailto:gvmayor@comcast.net>, <jambie1@comcast.net mailto:jambie1@comcast.net>, "Jim Manilla" <jimmanilla@gmail.com mailto:jimmanilla@gmail.com>, <jlgoodwi@access.k12.wv.us mailto:jlgoodwi@access.k12.wv.us>, "'Joe Fisher'" <Joe.Fisher@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Joe.Fisher@mail.wvu.edu>, "'Keller, Perry J'" <Perry.J.Keller@wv.gov mailto:Perry.J.Keller@wv.gov>, "Mike Kelly" <dulaneyoil@comcast.net mailto:dulaneyoil@comcast.net>, <Moncom@aol.com mailto:Moncom@aol.com>, "Wesley Nugent" <wes@wnugent.com mailto:wes@wnugent.com>, "Terry Hough" <though@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:though@cityofmorgantown.org>, "'Christopher Fletcher'" <cfletcher@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:cfletcher@cityofmorgantown.org>, <ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org>, "'Hugh Kierig'" <Hugh.Kierig@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Hugh.Kierig@mail.wvu.edu>, "'Radabaugh, Bryan L'" <Bryan.L.Radabaugh@wv.gov mailto:Bryan.L.Radabaugh@wv.gov>, "'Irv Schuetzner'" <ischuetz@access.k12.wv.us mailto:ischuetz@access.k12.wv.us>, "'Maria Smith'" <MariaSmith@busride.org mailto:MariaSmith@busride.org>, "'Williams, Donald L'" <Donald.L.Williams@wv.gov mailto:Donald.L.Williams@wv.gov>, "'Slack, Alanna J'" <Alanna.J.Slack@wv.gov mailto:Alanna.J.Slack@wv.gov>, <director@moncpc.org mailto:director@moncpc.org>, "'Warner, Richard L'" <Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov mailto:Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov>, <info@morgantown.org mailto:info@morgantown.org>, "'Development Center'" <infoadc@alleghenydevelopment.com mailto:infoadc@alleghenydevelopment.com>, <butch442@comcast.net mailto:butch442@comcast.net>, <rwsnyder301@comcast.net mailto:rwsnyder301@comcast.net>, <jegdeg@comcast.net mailto:jegdeg@comcast.net>, <Roy.Nutter@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Roy.Nutter@mail.wvu.edu>, "'Frank Gmeindl'" <frank.gmeindl@comcast.net mailto:frank.gmeindl@comcast.net>, <cabildso@yahoo.com mailto:cabildso@yahoo.com>, "Tim Ball" <tball@mub.org mailto:tball@mub.org>, "'ExDirector'" <director@downtownmorgantown.com mailto:director@downtownmorgantown.com>, <exdirector@downtownmorgantown.com mailto:exdirector@downtownmorgantown.com>, "'John E. Sneckenberger'" <jsnecken@yahoo.com mailto:jsnecken@yahoo.com>, <Joseph.Kanosky@NETL.DOE.GOV mailto:Joseph.Kanosky@NETL.DOE.GOV>, <James.Dotson@mylanlabs.com mailto:James.Dotson@mylanlabs.com>, "'Ken Busz'" <ken@morgantownchamber.org mailto:ken@morgantownchamber.org>, "'Michael Clow'" <mclow@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:mclow@cityofmorgantown.org>, "'Murdock, Gary'" <murdockg@wvuhealthcare.com mailto:murdockg@wvuhealthcare.com>, <mcclymondsb@wvuh.com mailto:mcclymondsb@wvuh.com>, "'Peggy J. Myers-Smith'" <pmyerssmith@tourmorgantown.com mailto:pmyerssmith@tourmorgantown.com>, "'Russ Lorince'" <Russ.Lorince@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Russ.Lorince@mail.wvu.edu>, <robertsond@monhealth.sys.org mailto:robertsond@monhealth.sys.org>, <sawdustinc@comcast.net mailto:sawdustinc@comcast.net>, <brad.greathouse@mylan.com mailto:brad.greathouse@mylan.com>, "'Rob Moyer'" <Rob.Moyer@mail.wvu.edu mailto:Rob.Moyer@mail.wvu.edu>, "'Michael Clow'" <mclow@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:mclow@cityofmorgantown.org>, <mrenner123@gmail.com mailto:mrenner123@gmail.com>, <mayordave@comcast.net mailto:mayordave@comcast.net>, "'Janel Nye'" <janel@bedardconsulting.com mailto:janel@bedardconsulting.com>, "Tim Ball" <tball@mub.org mailto:tball@mub.org>, "Shoukry, Fouad N" <Fouad.N.Shoukry@wv.gov mailto:Fouad.N.Shoukry@wv.gov>, <statler4board@hotmail.com mailto:statler4board@hotmail.com> *Cc: *<scmayor@comcast.net mailto:scmayor@comcast.net>, "'Thieken, Steve'" <steve.thieken@burgessniple.com mailto:steve.thieken@burgessniple.com>, "'Snow, Jamie'" <jamie.snow@burgessniple.com mailto:jamie.snow@burgessniple.com>, "'Jeff Mikorski'" <jmikorski@cityofmorgantown.org mailto:jmikorski@cityofmorgantown.org>, <andrew.nichols@marshall.edu mailto:andrew.nichols@marshall.edu>, "'Jing Zhang '" <tranplan@labyrinth.net mailto:tranplan@labyrinth.net> *Subject: **Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting*
Transportation Advisory Group Members, Please find attached the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan for your review at the*November 15^th TAG meeting to be held at 6:30*PM at the Airport Training Room in the Airport Managers Office Building. Please review this information prior to attending the meeting.*Your comments will be reflected in the draft plan to be presented to the public prior to adoption by the MPO Policy Board.**Please plan to attend this important meeting.* I would also like to let you know the MPO has updated our website the updated website includes a new look and interactive mapping of the MPO's TIP priority projects. You may see our website at: www.plantogether.org http://www.plantogether.org/. We look forward to seeing you at the November 15^th meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I may be of any assistance. Respectfully, *Bill Austin, AICP* *Executive Director* *Morgantown Monongalia MPO* 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105** Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile *"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." -Mark Twain* *"Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." -Marilyn Monroe*
=
Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com http://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard
Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com http://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard
I love the direction of the vision, "[t]he Morgantown Monongalia area will have a complete and attractive transportation system with reduced congestion. The system will support and guide future growth by integrating the use of private vehicles, with public transportation, biking, and walking."
In terms of specific items listed #s 39 (ped safety and connectivity) and 45 (downtown signals and street changes) are top on my list. I think we could improve public safety tremendously and feel additional ripple effects by working on these two issues. Once the sidewalks are continuous and safe, and people start to trust the timing of crosswalks, etc, we would likely see a move from driving to walking.
Great work!
Emily
On Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 1:34 AM, Jonathan Rosenbaum < jr@wvcompletestreets.org> wrote:
Actually, I meant Laurel Street where I mentioned Baldwin St. But Baldwin would be another good location for a crossing, and it is the same street that Suncrest Middle in located on.
-Jonathan
On 11/15/2012 1:21 AM, Jonathan Rosenbaum wrote:
Hi Frank (et Christiaan),
There has been some great work done in relation to bicycling and walking in the LRTP. I did not have enough time to review every project. Here are some observations.
On the right-hand side of every Project/Corridor there are LRTP Goals (Directly Supported) and FHWA Planning (Factors Supported). Each has associated numbers, but the document doesn't make it clear what is being referred to. I am assuming the LRTP Goals are related to the ones described on pages 30-32, but there is nothing similar for FHWA Planning. Also, it would help if there was an explanation for what is meant by Tier2
- Tier4 projects.
At least two of the projects seem to have overly optimistic scores. The Grant Avenue Bicycle/Pedestrian Connector (27) probably should have a score of 2 stars for the Feasibility Score because with prior real-world experience we have experienced significant public opposition, or otherwise the connector would have already been built. With the West Run Extension and Lazelle Union Road (2) I really don't understand the purpose of this project (To provide an additional traffic capacity from/to I-79 from/to the heavy employment areas north of WV-705), but residents in the direct path of the project probably won't be jumping with joy and it is going to be destroying some nice greenspace, so it should more than likely have a 2 star Feasibility Score. This is one of 3 new bridges mentioned in the plan. However, the Feasibility Score for the Roadway Connection from New I-79 interchange to Monongahela Boulevard (6) and 8th Street Bridge over Monongahela River and Roadway Connection to TIF (35) do sound correct.
I am happy that the Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Plan and Morgantown Bicycle Plan are included as part of the LRTP Planning Strategies. The current WVU Transportation and Parking Plan has deferred project targeting to both of these plans. However, I would love to see smaller, reachable projects (still long-term, but low-cost), some that were prioritized in the original (first) WVU plan. Smaller projects similar to the exciting White Park/Caperton Trail Connection. For instance, a mid-block Patteson Dr. pedestrian crossing island (on-demand signal) where Baldwin Street is located (note: Is this part of project 1?). Nor is a pedestrian crossing mentioned for the area in front of the Creative Arts Center (Monongahela Blvd), actually there is no planned project in this region, also the Regional Pedestrian Safety and Sidewalk Connectivity (39) doesn't mention it in the initial identifications. So is 39 going to be handling this?
Perhaps, larger projects need to be broken down into small parts so the objectives are more clear to citizens. I have never considered Patteson to be 705, but that is how project 1 refers to it - WV 705 Improvements. But most importantly, let us not allow large, expensive projects to become stumbling blocks to realistic, smaller projects that can be accomplished within the next 10 years and that we can reap real benefits from. That being said, expensive projects related to Walking, Bicycling, and SRTS take priority. This may be the most amazing plan ever, but there is definitely a learning process involved with the LRTP in its present format.
-Jonathan
On 11/13/2012 3:47 PM, Frank Gmeindl wrote:
Bicycle Board Members,
Please use the attached Project Priority List instead of the one that's included in the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan that I forwarded to you Nov. 8.
Please give me your comments on the LRTP so I can take them to the MPO Technical Advisory Group meeting this Thursday.
Why should you look at this? The LRTP sets the priorities for allocation of future Federal and State transportation funding for the Morgantown-Monongalia area. IMHO, this is the first time walking and bicycling have been integrally included in the plan. If you look at the project descriptions, you'll see a bicycle and/or pedestrian element in most of the projects. So, not only is $5 M planned for project #40 Regional Bikeway Plan Implementation Program and $2M planned for Safe Routes to Schools Improvements but other projects also contain a bicycling element. For example, #17 Fairmont Road/Holland Avenue (US-19) includes "Provide 15 feet wide lanes or bike lanes on inclines and other difficult areas for adequate bicycle overtaking width" and those wide lanes or bike lanes are included in the $11 M planned for that project.
So, why should you look at this? Because getting it right is essential to garnering trust, credibility and somewhat equal footing to all the other interests vested in this plan
Frank =
From: "Bill Austin" baustin@labyrinth.net Date: November 12, 2012 1:52:03 PM EST Subject: RE: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Please replace the Project Priority List previously attached with the attached page.
Thanks,
Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105 Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” -Mark Twain “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe
Begin forwarded message:
*From: *Frank Gmeindl frank.gmeindl@comcast.net *Date: *November 8, 2012 7:03:22 PM EST *To: *Bicycle Board bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com *Subject: **Fwd: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting*
Bicycle Board Members,
We've been working on a Morgantown-Monongalia Long Range Transportation Plan for more than a year and we're one step away from releasing it to the public for comment. Please review the attached draft and give me any comments you wish me to take to the Transportation Advisory Group Nov. 15.
The draft LRTP is pretty large. One way you might review it is to search for "bicycle" and look carefully at the maps.
Frank
Begin forwarded message:
*From: *"Bill Austin" baustin@labyrinth.net *Date: *November 8, 2012 3:12:23 PM EST *To: *bill@byrnehedges.com, "'David Bruffy'" Bruffy@busride.org, < eldonc@msn.com>, gvmayor@comcast.net, jambie1@comcast.net, "Jim Manilla" jimmanilla@gmail.com, jlgoodwi@access.k12.wv.us, "'Joe Fisher'" Joe.Fisher@mail.wvu.edu, "'Keller, Perry J'" < Perry.J.Keller@wv.gov>, "Mike Kelly" dulaneyoil@comcast.net, < Moncom@aol.com>, "Wesley Nugent" wes@wnugent.com, "Terry Hough" < though@cityofmorgantown.org>, "'Christopher Fletcher'" < cfletcher@cityofmorgantown.org>, ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Hugh Kierig'" Hugh.Kierig@mail.wvu.edu, "'Radabaugh, Bryan L'" < Bryan.L.Radabaugh@wv.gov>, "'Irv Schuetzner'" ischuetz@access.k12.wv.us, "'Maria Smith'" MariaSmith@busride.org, "'Williams, Donald L'" < Donald.L.Williams@wv.gov>, "'Slack, Alanna J'" Alanna.J.Slack@wv.gov, < director@moncpc.org>, "'Warner, Richard L'" Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov, < info@morgantown.org>, "'Development Center'" < infoadc@alleghenydevelopment.com>, butch442@comcast.net, < rwsnyder301@comcast.net>, jegdeg@comcast.net, Roy.Nutter@mail.wvu.edu, "'Frank Gmeindl'" frank.gmeindl@comcast.net, cabildso@yahoo.com, "Tim Ball" tball@mub.org, "'ExDirector'" director@downtownmorgantown.com, < exdirector@downtownmorgantown.com>, "'John E. Sneckenberger'" < jsnecken@yahoo.com>, Joseph.Kanosky@NETL.DOE.GOV, < James.Dotson@mylanlabs.com>, "'Ken Busz'" ken@morgantownchamber.org, "'Michael Clow'" mclow@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Murdock, Gary'" < murdockg@wvuhealthcare.com>, mcclymondsb@wvuh.com, "'Peggy J. Myers-Smith'" pmyerssmith@tourmorgantown.com, "'Russ Lorince'" < Russ.Lorince@mail.wvu.edu>, robertsond@monhealth.sys.org, < sawdustinc@comcast.net>, brad.greathouse@mylan.com, "'Rob Moyer'" < Rob.Moyer@mail.wvu.edu>, "'Michael Clow'" mclow@cityofmorgantown.org, < mrenner123@gmail.com>, mayordave@comcast.net, "'Janel Nye'" < janel@bedardconsulting.com>, "Tim Ball" tball@mub.org, "Shoukry, Fouad N" Fouad.N.Shoukry@wv.gov, statler4board@hotmail.com *Cc: *scmayor@comcast.net, "'Thieken, Steve'" < steve.thieken@burgessniple.com>, "'Snow, Jamie'" < jamie.snow@burgessniple.com>, "'Jeff Mikorski'" < jmikorski@cityofmorgantown.org>, andrew.nichols@marshall.edu, "'Jing Zhang '" tranplan@labyrinth.net *Subject: **Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting*
Transportation Advisory Group Members,****
Please find attached the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan for your review at the *November 15th TAG meeting to be held at 6:30 *PM at the Airport Training Room in the Airport Managers Office Building. Please review this information prior to attending the meeting. *Your comments will be reflected in the draft plan to be presented to the public prior to adoption by the MPO Policy Board.* *Please plan to attend this important meeting.*****
I would also like to let you know the MPO has updated our website the updated website includes a new look and interactive mapping of the MPO’s TIP priority projects. You may see our website at:****
www.plantogether.org.****
We look forward to seeing you at the November 15th meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I may be of any assistance.****
Respectfully,****
*Bill Austin, AICP* *Executive Director* *Morgantown Monongalia MPO* 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105** Morgantown, WVA 26505**** 304-291-9571**** 304-692-7225 Mobile**** *“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” -Mark Twain* *“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe*
=
Bikeboard mailing listBikeboard@bikemorgantown.comhttp://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard
Bikeboard mailing listBikeboard@bikemorgantown.comhttp://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard
Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com http://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard
Jonathan & Emily,
Thanks for your responses on the LRTP! The bicycle elements survived last night's TAG vote. Please attend the public release when the MPO will be taking public comments and further revising the plan: Wednesday December 5, 2012-6:00-Public Safety Building Training Room.
Approximately 25 people attended last night's Technical Advisory Group meeting. These people represented the various MPO committees and key stakeholders that developed the LRTP. There was much discussion but I did not speak. A few people such as Irv Shuetzner who runs the county school buses took shots at bicycling & walking but most participants accepted that bicycling and walking will be integrated with any transportation projects. Near the end of the meeting, the facilitator conducted multi-voting exercises to get the participants' prioritization of the strategies and projects. I don't have the results yet but it looked like bicycling and walking continued to do surprisingly well considering that Christiaan and I may have been the only cyclists there.
Because of the small number of cyclists in Morgantown, it is imperative that we be represented at the public meeting on Dec. 5. but don't forget, the City Council will be reviewing progress on our Bicycle Plan at the COW November 27, 6:30 pm.
In response to Jonathan's question about the tiers, the consultant grouped the projects into tiers that each cost approximately $150 million. Tier 1 at an estimated funding of $140 million is the amount that WVDOT told us to expect to be available between now and 2040. The lower tiers are wish lists and would probably only be funded with money from some other source than the state. The results of the multi-voting exercise might move projects from one tier to another.
In response to Jonathan's question about the FHWA factors, please see attached list.
Jonathan makes an excellent point that huge projects should not be stumbling blocks for smaller projects that could be accomplished sooner. Some of last night's participants echoed similar points. The problem with trying to address transportation across the entire county and then having most participants interested in moving cars and trucks, is it's hard to find time and to get attention to such projects. Since cyclists are in such a minority, the projects that get funded will probably be those that accommodate more and faster motor traffic. However, since most of the projects contain a bicycling element, we cyclists must maintain pressure that the bicycling elements stay included. The next opportunity to do that is at the Dec. 5 public meeting. Because of the small number of cyclists in Morgantown, it is imperative that we be represented at this meeting. This may also give us the opportunity to elevate attention to smaller, less expensive, near term projects.
Tuesday, November 27, 6:30 pm - Council Chambers - City Council reviews progress on Greater Morgantown Bicycle Plan Wednesday December 5, 2012-6:00-Public Safety Building Training Room - public comments on Long Range Transportation Plan
FYI, the MPO seems to be a lot more in favor of bicycling than the City. Just check out the graphics on their respective home pages: http://www.plantogether.org/ and http://www.morgantownwv.gov/ .
Frank On Nov 15, 2012, at 6:02 PM, Emily Vasile wrote:
I love the direction of the vision, "[t]he Morgantown Monongalia area will have a complete and attractive transportation system with reduced congestion. The system will support and guide future growth by integrating the use of private vehicles, with public transportation, biking, and walking."
In terms of specific items listed #s 39 (ped safety and connectivity) and 45 (downtown signals and street changes) are top on my list. I think we could improve public safety tremendously and feel additional ripple effects by working on these two issues. Once the sidewalks are continuous and safe, and people start to trust the timing of crosswalks, etc, we would likely see a move from driving to walking.
Great work!
Emily
On Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 1:34 AM, Jonathan Rosenbaum jr@wvcompletestreets.org wrote: Actually, I meant Laurel Street where I mentioned Baldwin St. But Baldwin would be another good location for a crossing, and it is the same street that Suncrest Middle in located on.
-Jonathan
On 11/15/2012 1:21 AM, Jonathan Rosenbaum wrote:
Hi Frank (et Christiaan),
There has been some great work done in relation to bicycling and walking in the LRTP. I did not have enough time to review every project. Here are some observations.
On the right-hand side of every Project/Corridor there are LRTP Goals (Directly Supported) and FHWA Planning (Factors Supported). Each has associated numbers, but the document doesn't make it clear what is being referred to. I am assuming the LRTP Goals are related to the ones described on pages 30-32, but there is nothing similar for FHWA Planning. Also, it would help if there was an explanation for what is meant by Tier2 - Tier4 projects.
At least two of the projects seem to have overly optimistic scores. The Grant Avenue Bicycle/Pedestrian Connector (27) probably should have a score of 2 stars for the Feasibility Score because with prior real-world experience we have experienced significant public opposition, or otherwise the connector would have already been built. With the West Run Extension and Lazelle Union Road (2) I really don't understand the purpose of this project (To provide an additional traffic capacity from/to I-79 from/to the heavy employment areas north of WV-705), but residents in the direct path of the project probably won't be jumping with joy and it is going to be destroying some nice greenspace, so it should more than likely have a 2 star Feasibility Score. This is one of 3 new bridges mentioned in the plan. However, the Feasibility Score for the Roadway Connection from New I-79 interchange to Monongahela Boulevard (6) and 8th Street Bridge over Monongahela River and Roadway Connection to TIF (35) do sound correct.
I am happy that the Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Plan and Morgantown Bicycle Plan are included as part of the LRTP Planning Strategies. The current WVU Transportation and Parking Plan has deferred project targeting to both of these plans. However, I would love to see smaller, reachable projects (still long-term, but low-cost), some that were prioritized in the original (first) WVU plan. Smaller projects similar to the exciting White Park/Caperton Trail Connection. For instance, a mid-block Patteson Dr. pedestrian crossing island (on-demand signal) where Baldwin Street is located (note: Is this part of project 1?). Nor is a pedestrian crossing mentioned for the area in front of the Creative Arts Center (Monongahela Blvd), actually there is no planned project in this region, also the Regional Pedestrian Safety and Sidewalk Connectivity (39) doesn't mention it in the initial identifications. So is 39 going to be handling this?
Perhaps, larger projects need to be broken down into small parts so the objectives are more clear to citizens. I have never considered Patteson to be 705, but that is how project 1 refers to it - WV 705 Improvements. But most importantly, let us not allow large, expensive projects to become stumbling blocks to realistic, smaller projects that can be accomplished within the next 10 years and that we can reap real benefits from. That being said, expensive projects related to Walking, Bicycling, and SRTS take priority. This may be the most amazing plan ever, but there is definitely a learning process involved with the LRTP in its present format.
-Jonathan
On 11/13/2012 3:47 PM, Frank Gmeindl wrote:
Bicycle Board Members,
Please use the attached Project Priority List instead of the one that's included in the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan that I forwarded to you Nov. 8.
Please give me your comments on the LRTP so I can take them to the MPO Technical Advisory Group meeting this Thursday.
Why should you look at this? The LRTP sets the priorities for allocation of future Federal and State transportation funding for the Morgantown-Monongalia area. IMHO, this is the first time walking and bicycling have been integrally included in the plan. If you look at the project descriptions, you'll see a bicycle and/or pedestrian element in most of the projects. So, not only is $5 M planned for project #40 Regional Bikeway Plan Implementation Program and $2M planned for Safe Routes to Schools Improvements but other projects also contain a bicycling element. For example, #17 Fairmont Road/Holland Avenue (US-19) includes "Provide 15 feet wide lanes or bike lanes on inclines and other difficult areas for adequate bicycle overtaking width" and those wide lanes or bike lanes are included in the $11 M planned for that project.
So, why should you look at this? Because getting it right is essential to garnering trust, credibility and somewhat equal footing to all the other interests vested in this plan
Frank =
From: "Bill Austin" baustin@labyrinth.net Date: November 12, 2012 1:52:03 PM EST Subject: RE: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Please replace the Project Priority List previously attached with the attached page.
Thanks,
Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105 Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” -Mark Twain “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe
Begin forwarded message:
From: Frank Gmeindl frank.gmeindl@comcast.net Date: November 8, 2012 7:03:22 PM EST To: Bicycle Board bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com Subject: Fwd: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Bicycle Board Members,
We've been working on a Morgantown-Monongalia Long Range Transportation Plan for more than a year and we're one step away from releasing it to the public for comment. Please review the attached draft and give me any comments you wish me to take to the Transportation Advisory Group Nov. 15.
The draft LRTP is pretty large. One way you might review it is to search for "bicycle" and look carefully at the maps.
Frank
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Bill Austin" baustin@labyrinth.net Date: November 8, 2012 3:12:23 PM EST To: bill@byrnehedges.com, "'David Bruffy'" Bruffy@busride.org, eldonc@msn.com, gvmayor@comcast.net, jambie1@comcast.net, "Jim Manilla" jimmanilla@gmail.com, jlgoodwi@access.k12.wv.us, "'Joe Fisher'" Joe.Fisher@mail.wvu.edu, "'Keller, Perry J'" Perry.J.Keller@wv.gov, "Mike Kelly" dulaneyoil@comcast.net, Moncom@aol.com, "Wesley Nugent" wes@wnugent.com, "Terry Hough" though@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Christopher Fletcher'" cfletcher@cityofmorgantown.org, ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Hugh Kierig'" Hugh.Kierig@mail.wvu.edu, "'Radabaugh, Bryan L'" Bryan.L.Radabaugh@wv.gov, "'Irv Schuetzner'" ischuetz@access.k12.wv.us, "'Maria Smith'" MariaSmith@busride.org, "'Williams, Donald L'" Donald.L.Williams@wv.gov, "'Slack, Alanna J'" Alanna.J.Slack@wv.gov, director@moncpc.org, "'Warner, Richard L'" Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov, info@morgantown.org, "'Development Center'" infoadc@alleghenydevelopment.com, butch442@comcast.net, rwsnyder301@comcast.net, jegdeg@comcast.net, Roy.Nutter@mail.wvu.edu, "'Frank Gmeindl'" frank.gmeindl@comcast.net, cabildso@yahoo.com, "Tim Ball" tball@mub.org, "'ExDirector'" director@downtownmorgantown.com, exdirector@downtownmorgantown.com, "'John E. Sneckenberger'" jsnecken@yahoo.com, Joseph.Kanosky@NETL.DOE.GOV, James.Dotson@mylanlabs.com, "'Ken Busz'" ken@morgantownchamber.org, "'Michael Clow'" mclow@cityofmorgantown.org, "'Murdock, Gary'" murdockg@wvuhealthcare.com, mcclymondsb@wvuh.com, "'Peggy J. Myers-Smith'" pmyerssmith@tourmorgantown.com, "'Russ Lorince'" Russ.Lorince@mail.wvu.edu, robertsond@monhealth.sys.org, sawdustinc@comcast.net, brad.greathouse@mylan.com, "'Rob Moyer'" Rob.Moyer@mail.wvu.edu, "'Michael Clow'" mclow@cityofmorgantown.org, mrenner123@gmail.com, mayordave@comcast.net, "'Janel Nye'" janel@bedardconsulting.com, "Tim Ball" tball@mub.org, "Shoukry, Fouad N" Fouad.N.Shoukry@wv.gov, statler4board@hotmail.com Cc: scmayor@comcast.net, "'Thieken, Steve'" steve.thieken@burgessniple.com, "'Snow, Jamie'" jamie.snow@burgessniple.com, "'Jeff Mikorski'" jmikorski@cityofmorgantown.org, andrew.nichols@marshall.edu, "'Jing Zhang '" tranplan@labyrinth.net Subject: Draft MPO Long Range Transportation Plan for November 15th Meeting
Transportation Advisory Group Members,
Please find attached the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan for your review at the November 15th TAG meeting to be held at 6:30 PM at the Airport Training Room in the Airport Managers Office Building. Please review this information prior to attending the meeting. Your comments will be reflected in the draft plan to be presented to the public prior to adoption by the MPO Policy Board. Please plan to attend this important meeting.
I would also like to let you know the MPO has updated our website the updated website includes a new look and interactive mapping of the MPO’s TIP priority projects. You may see our website at:
www.plantogether.org.
We look forward to seeing you at the November 15th meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I may be of any assistance.
Respectfully,
Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 82 Hart Field Road Ste. 105 Morgantown, WVA 26505 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” -Mark Twain “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe
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Jonathan Rosenbaum