AGENDA #9a
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Proposed Process and Schedule for Developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan
DATE: September 8 , 2003
The purpose of this report is to propose a process and schedule for developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan as called for in the Council’s adopted 2003 Goals.
The attached resolution would adopt an outline and schedule for developing the Action Plan. We recommend that the Council also refer the document to the Planning Board, the Transportation Board, Greenways Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Historic District Commission for their potential participation in the process.
BACKGROUND
On February 24, 2003, the Council adopted a set of goals and priorities for 2003-2004. Bicycle/Pedestrian Goals were given the high priority and include the preparation of a Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvement Action Plan.
Preparation of a long-range Action Plan was also included in the Council’s charge to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board when it was established in 1999. The specific powers and duties of the Board are described in Chapter 2, Article XII, of the Town Code, and include:
a) Advise the Council regarding the creation, development, and revision of a phased Walks and Bikeways Master Plan.
b) Set priorities for new facilities or enhancement of existing routes in the Walks and Bikeways Master Plan.
c) Identify and prioritize critical gaps in facilities; advise which critical gaps require Town action.
The process and schedule has been developed with the input of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board and the Transportation Board. On August 26, 2003, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board reviewed a draft process and schedule; on September 2, 2003, the Transportation Board also reviewed it.
DISCUSSION
The general goal of the bicycle and pedestrian action plan is first to identify a potential network and then to identify methods of creating it. The action plan is a long range plan. It could become a component of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Plan implementation could be incorporated in the Capital Improvements Program process. The network should be safe and convenient to facilitate bicycling and walking as a chosen mode of transportation.
Attachment 1 outlines proposed plan content and a preparation process. It provides a provisional schedule for the project with target completion of a draft plan in the second quarter of 2004.
We propose to work with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board to develop the Plan, with input from the Planning Board, the Transportation Board, Greenways Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Historic District Commission. The key steps begin with an Open House intended to capture citizen ideas for network routes and connections. The event would be held at the Public Library on October 9th between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. A working draft concept is slated for the end of the year, followed by review at another Open House January 14th, 2004. Revisions and refinements will be made, with a draft plan submitted to the Town Council by the end of June, 2004 for the Council’s consideration.
At that time, we propose the Council refer the draft Plan to advisory boards and call a public hearing for September, 2004. The schedule includes review by the Planning Board as a potential component of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Adoption of the Plan is possible in October, 2004.
RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that the Council adopt the attached resolution establishing a process and schedule for developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan, and referring it to the Planning Board, the Transportation Board, Greenways Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Historic District Commission to request their participation in the process.
1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan Process and Schedule (p. 4).
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PROCESS AND SCHEDULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACTION PLAN FOR THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL (2003-09-08/R-19)
WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill 2000 Comprehensive Plan includes the objective to “develop and maintain a pedestrian circulation system, including sidewalks and greenway trails, that provides direct, continuous, and safe movement within and between districts of Town. Link neighborhoods to activity centers, transit stops, schools, parks, and other neighborhoods”; and
WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill 2000 Comprehensive Plan includes the objective “develop and maintain a system of safe and efficient bikeways (on-street bike lanes and off-street paths within greenways) designed to contribute to Town-wide mobility, connecting neighborhoods with activity centers, schools, parks, and other neighborhoods”; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan calls for development of a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle network; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill adopted a set of goals for 2003 which includes the preparation of a Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvement Action Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the process and schedule dated September 8, 2003, and attached hereto is hereby approved for developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the process and schedule be referred to the Planning Board, the Transportation Board, Greenways Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Historic District Commission to request their participation in the process.
This the 8th day of September, 2003.