Boards and Commissions

Traffic and Transportation Commission

 MINUTES

 Planning Conference Room
Meeting No. 07-03
July 22, 2003 
7:30 p.m.

Present: 

Richard Resnick, Chairman
Ephrem Asebe
Alice Filemyr Bell
Elizabeth Crane
Jean Gonnella  
Stanley Klein 
John Oberg

City Staff: Larry Marcus

1. June Meeting Minutes

Commissioners approved the June 2003 meeting minutes.  John Oberg motion for approval,  Ephrem Asebe second, passed unanimously.

2. Review of Division Report

Larry Marcus presented the Division Report for review.  Commissioners had the following comments:

• At (1) East  Jefferson / Halpine and (2) Veirs Mill / Atlantic: one of the push buttons to activate the pedestrian signal does not work at each location.
  
• At the September meeting, provide statistics of red light violators at camera locations.
  
• Monitor pedestrian safety on Chapman Avenue, south of the metrorail station.

3. Review of Bikeway Master Plan

The Commission commented favorably about the report, with minor comments:

• Shared paths are essential additions, but signage / markings for both drivers and cyclists are recommended at intersections.
• The Commission will write a letter supporting the document. Alice will take the lead in drafting the letter.

4. Update on Town Square Transportation Study

Mr. Marcus distributed a draft copy of recommendations to be presented to the Planning Commission August 6 as part of the Preliminary Development Plan review. Also, Mr. Marcus displayed the latest FRIT site plan for comments.  The Commission discussion concluded with 3 primary recommendations:

• The site plan should include an enhanced pedestrian connection from the west side of the development to the Town Square area, lining up generally with Wood Lane.
  
• The site plan should include a second enhanced / inviting pedestrian connection from the east side of the development to the Town Square area, between the parking garage and the Foulger Pratt office building.
  
• Do not include transportation alternatives, such as Wootton Parkway or Gude Drive, that reroute traffic away from the most direct paths to the Town Center. The Commission is concerned that this solution simply shifts the problem to “someone else’s backyard”.
  
  
  The Commission will write a letter of support, including these comments, for inclusion in the Planning Commission’s transportation packet for August

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.