A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO SOLICIT APPLICATIONS TO SERVE ON A WORK GROUP TO IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE OPTIONS FOR IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCESS, CIRCULATION AND SAFETY ON FORDHAM BOULEVARD BETWEEN MANNING DRIVE AND OLD MASON FARM ROAD (2006-04-10/R-6)

WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill Town Council is concerned about pedestrian and bicycle access, circulation and safety on Fordham Boulevard between Manning Drive and Old Mason Farm Road; and

WHEREAS, the Council realizes that the issues involve not only pedestrian and bicycle access, circulation and safety along this segment of Fordham Boulevard but also related issues of neighborhood livability, reasonable mobility, and access to services for area residents; and

WHEREAS, the Council wishes to set up a work group to identify and evaluate options for improving pedestrian and bicycle access, circulation and safety on Fordham Boulevard between Manning Drive and Old Mason Farm Road; and

WHEREAS, the Council wishes to include representatives on the work group from the following agencies and groups:

• Area neighborhoods (including Kings Mill, Laurel Hill, Highland Woods, etc.)
• St. Thomas More Catholic Church
• Aldersgate United Methodist Church
• Ronald McDonald House
• The Family House
• UNC Hospitals
• The University:
• Department of Public Safety
• Athletics Department
• Botanical Garden
• Director of Recreation and Intramural Sports
• Student Body President’s Office
• Residents Hall Association
• Guide to Professional Student Federation
• Family Housing for Odham Village
• Graduate Student Association
• The Town Transportation Board
• The Town Bicycle and Pedestrian Board

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council directs the Town Manager to solicit applications for members to serve on the work group and return to the Council for selection of work group members.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Manager is directed to negotiate a tentative professional services contract with Mr. Charlie Zegeer (UNC Highway Safety Research Center) and Dr. Joe Hummer (N.C. State University Transportation Engineering Department) to lead the work group in analyzing and identifying options for improving pedestrian and bicycle access, circulation and safety on Fordham Boulevard between Manning Drive and Old Mason Farm Road and return to the Council for authorization to execute the contract.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Manager is directed to install a “Watch for Pedestrian” sign west of the intersection at Fordham Boulevard and Manning Drive. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council directs the Manager to request from NCDOT a pedestrian crosswalk and button.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Manager is directed to forward a request to UNC asking them to participate with the Town in putting up overhead lighting at the intersection of Fordham Boulevard and Manning Drive.

This the 10^th day of April, 2006.