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
“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>
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:
 
 
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
“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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