November 8, 2005
Members Present:
Karla Munson, Tracy Applin, George Dameron, Dona Walker, Donna Constantineau,
Rolf Kielman
Also present:
Alex Weingarten, Jean Wilson
The committee
convened at approximately 7 PM.
The Committee
chair George Dameron opened the meeting and suggested an approximate meeting
time of 1.5 hours.
Jean Wilson
described work planned or in progress as related to the village. One of these
items was the planned improvements for the Silver Street/Route 116
intersection. It is planned to modify this intersection to a more direct “T”.
Silver Street would bend east slightly to provide a 90-degree intersection on
the curve of Route 116. This will make pedestrian movement on the south and
east of 116 simpler. A sidewalk link on the south and east of 116 connecting to
the Community School might be accomplished as part of this change.
Another possible
sidewalk priority might be the Norris sidewalk stretch north along the west
side of 116. Sidewalks linking along 116 to the Grabowski Development were
discussed. Karla discussed a sidewalk along the Giroux stretch from Creekside
south to the Saputo plant.
Alex mentioned
that several crosswalks are under consideration and not shown currently on any
map. These are the crossing at the Mechanicsville Road and at the Commerce Park
Road both across Route 116. A logical part of these crossings would be a
sidewalk along the east side of 116 from the Mechanicsville Road north to
Commerce Park Road.
Donna expressed a
concern about pedestrian and vehicular safety. Karla suggested we discuss the
south side of town. Rolf asked if there is a x-walk from the Lyman Meadow
development across 116 to the Community School? Donna mentioned that we should
promote pedestrian traffic in order to have a sustainable village. She
suggested the idea of Historic designation for buildings in the village as a
way of promoting walking tours, pedestrian traffic and also mentioned that this
idea might be eligible for grant money of some kind.
George stated
that it would be ideal if sidewalks paralleled both sides of Route 116 from
Commerce Park, south through the Village to Friendship Lane. Karla reinforced
this idea by stating that we should suggest the ideal and include traffic
calming features to enhance the pedestrian quality of the village. Donna asked
which of these items might be paid for in part with State of Vermont funding.
Alex mentioned that there is a “safe route to school” program which supports
pedestrian and student amenities for pedestrian movement to schools. He
suggested we apply for this grant through V-Trans. George seconded this idea.
Jean mentioned that a 5-year plan would support this application.
Another idea
discussed was suggested by Alex … namely that when development occurs,
developers should make improvements among those being sidewalks that are part
of the pedestrian planning process. George and Donna seconded this direction.
Alex mentioned that Hinesburg should insure that sidewalks connect, especially
in the areas subject to new development. George stated that the DRB has the
responsibility to insure safety and infrastructure improvements. Karla
mentioned that there is a significant relationship between walk ability and the
Village Center designation. Alex said that we should meet with V-Trans for help
with application. Jean stated the multi-sue pathways 10’ wide for people and
bikes will link to CVU from the village along the Mechanicsville Road. George
asked that we insure these paths are kept clear in winter. Alex said resources
needed to be set-aside for this purpose.
Rolf asked ….
What about nature trails and linkages from outside of the Village to the
sidewalk system? Alex mentioned the path from NRG and north to CVU. Rolf stated
the importance of these natural links.
George suggested
that we prioritize sidewalk construction in the Village. The order might be as
follows:
Tracy suggested
green x-walk signs in certain areas.
George asked how
long before we get the capital budget estimate for sidewalk construction?
Alex suggested an
article be written for the Record informing the community about the formation
and purpose of our committee. George agreed to write such an article and has
subsequently submitted said article.
Tracy suggested
that a CVU Grad Challenge student be requested to participate with our
committee and will contact Andrea Van Hoven.
Rolf will contact
the Trails Committee Head, Frank Twarog (482 5102) to see what linkages might
be established between Village sidewalks and a natural trail system.
It was suggested
that speed tables be utilized on the Mechanicsville Road and other sensitive
locations. Traffic calming currently done through the State.
Karla suggested
minimal drives by utilizing common access points off major roads with parking
in the rear of village buildings.
Donna suggested
speed indicators to slow village traffic.
Karla motioned to
approve the inaugural meeting notes. Tracy seconded the motioned. Approved by
all.
Agenda for
December 13, 2005 meeting:
Jean and Alex
indicated that they will gradually “drift” away from our meetings but suggested
that we stay in touch/present with/to the Select board and/or Planning
Commission when appropriate.
Meeting adjourned
at 8:58 PM
Respectfully
submitted by:
Rolf Kielman,
Committee Secretary