AGENDA #11

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT:       Sidewalk and Bicycle Facilities Construction Plan for 2001-2002

DATE:            November 12, 2001

The attached Resolution A would authorize a sidewalk and bicycle facilities construction plan for fiscal year 2001-2002, based on the Manager’s recommendation.

Resolution B would authorize a sidewalk and bicycle facilities construction plan for fiscal year 2001-2002, based on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board’s recommendation.

Resolution C would authorize a sidewalk and bicycle facilities construction plan for fiscal year 2001-2002, based on the Transportation Board’s recommendation.

SUMMARY

This memorandum proposes an annual sidewalk and bicycle facilities construction plan for 2001-2002.  Funding sources include the 2001-2002 Capital Improvements Program and 1996 Bond funding.  As of July 1, 2001, $250,000 is available for new projects in fiscal year 2001-2002.

The Council held a public forum on October 23, 2001 and received citizen, advisory board, and Council comments.  The Council referred comments received at the forum to the Manager for consideration in developing a final recommended plan.  Each comment was reviewed in this memorandum and considered in developing our final recommendation.

We recommend three sidewalk construction projects for the Town’s construction crew, and one sidewalk construction project to be done by contract (see Attachment 1).  The attached resolution would approve funding to construct the following projects:

·        Culbreth Road (1,473 feet), south side, in front of Culbreth Middle School (by contract);

·        Rosemary Street (345 feet), north side, from Pritchard Avenue to Church Street (by Town construction crew);

·        Emily Street/Partin Street (1,185 feet), north side, from Piney Mountain Road to Partin Street/entire west side length of Partin Street (by Town construction crew); and

·        Bolinwood Drive (500 feet), north side, from Hillsborough Street to the greenway (by Town construction crew, if funds permit).

The following table compares the Manager’s recommendation with the recommendations of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board and the Transportation Board.  Preliminary cost estimates are provided where available.

NR = Not Ranked; n/a = not available

Notes:

1.       Cost estimates are not available for all projects.

2.       The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommendation represents a comprehensive list of projects the Board believes should be funded.  In making the recommendation, the Board recognized that there is not sufficient funding to construct all of the recommended projects this year.

3.       The Manager recommends that the South Graham Street project be referred to the Community Development budget process for consideration in 2002-03.

4.       The Transportation Board recommended that the existing roadway on South Graham Street should be narrowed to accommodate sidewalks and slow vehicles.

5.       The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that on Culbreth Road, sidewalks should be constructed to the entrances of Culbreth Middle School, with an asphalt path along the frontage of the property between the two entrances.

6.       This preliminary estimate may vary depending on the possible relocation of a stone wall, the materials used to replace the wall, and any costs associated with acquiring necessary right-of-way. The estimate assumes a small brick wall is used in place of the existing stone wall.

7.       The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the Town of Chapel Hill, in cooperation with the Town of Carrboro, should consider using CIP funds as matching funds for state funding of the Seawell School Road sidewalk project.

COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC FORUM

Citizen Comments

Several comments were made by citizens at the public forum.  We have summarized these comments and responded to each.

1.            Pickard Lane Improvements 

A citizen commented that sidewalk and curb and gutter are needed on the west side of Pickard Lane to improve pedestrian safety and drainage.

Comment:  This project is not currently on the sidewalk priority list.  Since it is not on the list, we have not had the opportunity to evaluate the project based on the established criteria, nor compare it to other projects on the list.  We note that there appears to be very little right-of-way on the west side of Pickard Lane, and that the residence on the corner of Pickard Lane and East Rosemary, across from the Lutheran Church, appears to be less than 10 feet from the edge of the street.  We recommend adding this project to the sidewalk priority list for consideration next year.

2.                  Fordham Boulevard Improvements

A citizen inquired about the status of the Fordham Boulevard sidewalk project that was funded last year.

Comment:  Last year, the Council approved a sidewalk project on the west side of Fordham Boulevard, between Willow Drive and Elliott Road (800 feet).  The estimated cost of the project is $100,000.  We are currently in the process of negotiating the project design with NCDOT and will schedule construction of the project when these negotiations are complete.  The project is scheduled to be completed by contract.

3.                  Culbreth Road Improvements

A citizen requested more information about where the proposed Culbreth Road sidewalk project is located.  A petition was presented requesting that the gap between the Cobble Ridge development and the Kent Woodlands development be filled.  The Council has received several letters in support of this project since the public forum (see Attachment 2).

Comment:  Attachment 3 shows existing sidewalks on both the north and south sides of Culbreth Road.  The Culbreth Road sidewalk project proposed by the Manager in the October 22 memorandum includes only the gap directly in front of Culbreth Middle School (1,473 linear feet).  We estimate that this sidewalk alone would cost approximately $194,000.

The gap mentioned by citizens at the public forum is approximately 320 linear feet and fronts a parcel between Rossburn Way and Cobble Ridge Drive.  This section poses a number of site-specific challenges: it is likely that right-of-way and/or pedestrian easements would need to be acquired; the topography would require a substantial amount of fill dirt to level the area for sidewalk; storm drainage and sewer extensions would be required; and curb and gutter would need to be installed.  Because of these issues, we estimate that this section alone would cost at least $60,000 to $70,000.  We note that new sidewalk would be required of any future redevelopment of this lot.

If the two projects were combined, completing the sidewalk on the south side of Culbreth Road from the Town Limits to the western edge of the Culbreth Middle School property, we estimate the project cost would exceed $255,000.  This exceeds the $250,000 available for this year, precluding the funding of any other projects this year. 

We note that the construction of bicycle facilities and sidewalks on Culbreth Road is also on the Transportation Project Priority List for the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) (see related item on tonight’s agenda).  The project proposed for the Transportation Improvement Program would include the section without sidewalk that connects to the intersection of Culbreth Road and US 15-501. 

The section without sidewalk between Rossburn Way and Smith Level Road is in the Town of Carrboro’s jurisdiction.  We recommend initiating discussions with the Town of Carrboro to pursue options for constructing this section.

4.            Coordination with Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA)

A citizen commented that the Town should coordinate with OWASA so that sidewalks can be added as appropriate to OWASA utility projects, noting the recent utility work along Airport Road. 

Comment:  We note that in the case of the recent utility work along Airport Road most of the OWASA water line construction was on the west side of Airport Road, whereas the project on the sidewalk priority list is on the east side.  In general, we do not believe that sidewalk construction costs, or inconvenience, would be significantly reduced if sidewalks are built concurrently with utility work.  Currently, a committee of Town and OWASA staff meets twice a year to coordinate construction projects and planning efforts.  We are continuing this effort and will look for opportunities to coordinate sidewalks with future utility projects, where appropriate. 

5.         Use of Sidewalk Funds for Curb and Gutter Construction

A citizen commented that he agreed with a letter included in the October 22 memorandum noting that sidewalk funds should not be used for curb and gutter construction. 

Comment:  It has been the Town’s practice over the past 20 years that if curb and/or gutter is necessary to construct a sidewalk, the curb and gutter has been funded as part of the sidewalk project cost, whether the project is constructed by Town construction crews or contract crews.  The same holds true for other related costs, such as drainage improvements, street repairs associated with the sidewalk installation, regrading, retaining walls, and safety railings.  In most cases, such costs are directly related and necessary to build certain sidewalks so that they are safe for pedestrians.  Funds are not budgeted elsewhere for these kinds of improvements.  Where appropriate, we have utilized curb and gutter bond funds to replace deteriorated curb and gutter prior to, or as part of, a new sidewalk project.  The curb and gutter bond funds are primarily intended to replace old, deteriorated curb and gutter, not to supplement sidewalk projects.

Council Comments

Several Council members commented at the public forum.  We have summarized these comments and responded to each. 

1.            Seawell School Road Improvements

Council members expressed interest in obtaining more information about a sidewalk project that would connect the Ironwoods and North Haven neighborhoods with the three schools off Seawell School Road.

Comment:  The Seawell School Road sidewalk project is currently on the sidewalk priority list, and is approximately 4,000 linear feet in length.  Since the railroad tracks run along the eastern edge of Seawell School Road in this location, the project is envisioned for the western and southern sides of Seawell School Road.

Approximately 80% of the project area is outside of Chapel Hill’s city limits (see Attachment 4).  Most of this area is within Carrboro’s extra-territorial planning jurisdiction (ETJ).  It is the opinion of the Town Attorney that the Town does not have the authority to build or maintain sidewalks outside the city limits.  Last year, the Council received a petition from residents of the Northwoods Subdivision for the Town to build a sidewalk on the west side of NC 86, from Weaver Dairy Road to the Chapel Hill North Shopping Center.  Because the area is outside the city limits, the Town Council took no action on the petition.  At the time, we noted that sidewalks could be considered for the area upon annexation.

The Seawell School Road sidewalk project is currently listed as the fourth project on the 2002-2008 Transportation Project Priority List, and is proposed for the 2004-2010 Transportation Project Priority List (see related item on tonight’s agenda).  The project includes improvements from Homestead Road to Estes Drive Extension, including turn lanes, bicycle facilities, sidewalks, and transit accommodations.  This project is not funded in the Transportation Improvement Program.  If the project were to be funded, it would likely be a number of years before construction would begin.

Finally, we note that the portion of Seawell School Road that is outside the city limits is bordered on both sides by the Horace Williams property, owned by the University.  There is currently no schedule for development of this property.

Because more than three-quarters of the proposed Seawell School Road sidewalk is outside the city limits, we do not recommend funding this project at this time.  We recommend the Council initiate discussions with the Town of Carrboro and the University to evaluate options for constructing a sidewalk at this location, and continue to pursue funding through the Transportation Improvement Program.

2.         East Rosemary Street Improvements

A Council member commented that sidewalks should be built to fill in the gaps along East Rosemary Street.

Comment:  We agree that sidewalks are a high priority all along Rosemary Street and are building sections as resources permit.  The Council approved funding last year for one section of West Rosemary (north side, between South Columbia and Pritchard Ave.), and the section of West Rosemary (north side, between Prichard Ave. and Church St.) recommended for funding this year would complete that stretch of sidewalk.  There are currently two projects (Rosemary Street #2 and Rosemary Street #3) on East Rosemary Street on the sidewalk priority list.  Both projects rank relatively high on the list.  Because of limited funding, we recommend that these projects be considered in next year’s cycle.

3.         Church Street Improvements

A Council member commented that a sidewalk should be built on Church Street, between West Rosemary Street and West Franklin Street, in front of the North Carolina Institute of Pharmacy.

Comment:  This project is not currently on the sidewalk priority list.  Since it is not on the list, we have not had the opportunity to evaluate the project based on the established criteria, nor compare it to other projects on the list.  We note that right-of-way would likely need to be acquired and adjacent large maple trees would be impacted.  We recommend adding this project to the sidewalk priority list for consideration next year.

4.         South Graham Street Improvements

A Council member commented that there does not appear to be significant pedestrian activity on South Graham Street, noting the recent completion of nearby sidewalks.  The Council member commented that the Town should consider funding this sidewalk project with Community Development funds.

Comment:  We note that worn paths on both sides of South Graham Street indicate high pedestrian activity between Cameron Avenue and Franklin Street.  We recommend that this project be referred to the Community Development budget process in the spring of 2002 for consideration with other proposals, including other potential sidewalk proposals.

5.            Narrowing Streets to Provide Sidewalks

A Council member requested information regarding the possibility of narrowing wide streets in order to install sidewalks.  Another Council member noted the Transportation Board’s recommendation to narrow South Graham Street to accommodate sidewalks and slow vehicles.

Comment:  Narrowing streets to construct sidewalks may be feasible in some situations, but would need to be considered on a case by case basis.  Feasibility, in part, is determined by the street conditions and traffic mix (trucks, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians).  As an example, Merritt Mill Road was narrowed slightly to add the sidewalk between Cameron Avenue and Franklin Street. 

In the case of South Graham Street, narrowing the street would likely require that on-street parking be limited.  If the Council chooses to pursue using Community Development funds to construct a South Graham Street sidewalk, we believe narrowing the street would add significant costs that may not be appropriate for consideration with these limited funds, compared to other community development objectives.

ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board and Transportation Board reviewed the Manager’s preliminary recommendation of October 22, 2001 and offered the recommendations summarized below.  Our comments follow each recommendation.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Recommendation

1.         West Rosemary Street Improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the West Rosemary Street sidewalk project be funded.

Comment:  We concur that the West Rosemary Street project should be funded.  This project, though relatively short, has a number of issues that could impact the final cost.  The project may require right-of-way acquisition and reconstruction or replacement of the stone wall at the corner of West Rosemary Street and Church Street.  We do not know if we can acquire the necessary right-of-way through a voluntary process at a reasonable price.    

2.         South Graham Street Improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the South Graham Street sidewalk project be funded.

Comment:  As noted above, we recommend that this project be referred to the Community Development budget process in the spring of 2002 for consideration with other proposals, including other potential sidewalk proposals.  In order to qualify for community development funds, the project would need to provide a benefit to low and moderate income populations in the area.

3.         Airport Road Improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the sidewalk project on the east side of Airport Road currently on the priority list should be funded.  The Board recommended that the project should be divided into two projects, thereby spreading the funding for this expensive project over two fiscal years.  The Board also recommended that a median should be installed on Airport Road in front of the Shadowood Apartments to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Airport Road to access the bus stop on the western side.

Comment:  We agree that the Airport Road sidewalk project should be funded when funds are available.  Our initial cost estimate for this project is approximately $238,000.  We agree that at a future date splitting the project into two sections may be an efficient way to get this project constructed.  We recommend consideration of this strategy for next year’s cycle.

In terms of constructing a median on Airport Road, since Airport Road (NC 86) is a state roadway, we recommend the Town address this issue with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.  There may be other ways of addressing safety issues at this location, and other sources of funding independent of the Capital Improvements Program (CIP).  The Council could consider the median improvements as a CIP project, or could ask NCDOT to fund the project directly.

4.            Homestead Road Improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that a sidewalk on the south side of Homestead Road between Airport Road and the Orange County Southern Human Services building be funded.

Comment:  We have verified that continuous sidewalk already exists from the intersection of Homestead Road and Airport Road to the entrance of the Orange County Southern Human Services building.   

5.            Hillsborough Street Gaps

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that sidewalk be constructed to fill in gaps along Hillsborough Street.

Comment:  This project is not currently on the sidewalk priority list. We recommend adding it to the list and evaluating it further in next year’s cycle.

There is a continuous sidewalk on the west side from Rosemary Street to Bolinwood Drive, and on the east side from Bolinwood Drive to Airport Road.  Completing the sidewalk on the east side from Rosemary Street to Bolinwood Drive would require right-of-way dedication, reconstruction of long sections of stone walls, and major tree and landscape removal within the Historic District.  We anticipate that right-of-way acquisition would require condemnation because adjacent property owners may object to impacts.  Completing the sidewalk on the west side north of Bolinwood Drive would also likely require right-of-way dedication, but appears to be more feasible.  This section would likely involve considerable retaining wall construction, however, and therefore would be very expensive on a linear foot basis.

6.         Willow Drive Gaps

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the gaps on Willow Drive opposite the University Mall should be funded.

Comment:  This project is not currently on the sidewalk priority list. We recommend adding it to the list and evaluating it further in next year’s cycle.

The Town recently completed the sidewalk east of Conner Drive.  A short section west of Conner Drive was not constructed because a usable path exists and construction of a concrete sidewalk may require the removal of six mature oak trees.  We do not support construction of this section at this time.

7.            Culbreth Road Improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the Culbreth Road sidewalk project be funded, but that instead of constructing a continuous standard concrete sidewalk along the frontage of the school property, the existing sidewalks on either side of the school property should be extended to the two entrances on the school property, and if necessary an asphalt path with no curb and gutter should be provided between the entrance driveways.

Comment:  We recommend a standard sidewalk with curb and gutter along the entire frontage of the school property.  Curb and gutter will reduce the amount of grading necessary to construct the sidewalk in this very difficult location and may actually reduce costs.  Curb and gutter may also provide an additional margin of safety for sidewalk users in this area, many of whom will likely be children.

8.         Legion Road Improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the Legion Road #1 (south side, Scarlette Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. Street) and Legion Road #2 (south side, Clover Drive to Ephesus Church Road) sidewalk projects be funded.

Comment:  The Transportation Board also recommended the Legion #1 project be funded.  Both projects would require curb, gutter, and drainage improvements.  New sidewalk will be constructed across the street from the Legion Road #2 project as part of a new development project.  We recommend these projects be considered next year as a high priority.

9.            Fordham Boulevard Improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the Fordham Boulevard #2 (west side, Ephesus Church to Elliott Road) project should be funded, in order to connect pedestrians from the Fordham Boulevard project approved last year (west side, Willow Drive to Elliott Road) to the Eastgate Shopping Center.

Comment:  This project ranks high on the sidewalk priority list because of its high pedestrian usage and proximity to a number of pedestrian generators.  Because of limited funding this year, we recommend that this project be considered for future funding.

10.            Seawell School Road Improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the Town, in cooperation with the Town of Carrboro, should consider using a portion of the Capital Improvement Funds as matching funds for NCDOT funding of a bike path/sidewalk on the west side of Seawell School Road.

Comment:  Please see the discussion on Page 6 of this memorandum regarding this issue. In sum, because more than three-quarters of the proposed Seawell School Road sidewalk is outside the city limits, we do not recommend funding this project at this time.  It is the opinion of the Town Attorney that Town funds, including funds used to fulfill local match requirements for state funds, cannot be used to build or maintain sidewalks outside the city limits.  We recommend the Council initiate discussions with the Town of Carrboro and the University to evaluate options for constructing a sidewalk at this location.

11.            Bolinwood Drive Improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that the sidewalk project on Bolinwood Drive should not be funded because of low pedestrian activity and relatively safe walking conditions for pedestrians.

Comment:  As noted above, we believe that there is significant pedestrian traffic in the street in this location.  We recommend funding of this project because this relatively short stretch of sidewalk (500 feet) would connect the Bolin Creek greenway to the Town’s sidewalk system at its closest point to the downtown and the University.

Transportation Board Recommendation

1.         Emily Street and Partin Street Improvements

The Transportation Board recommended that the Emily Street/Partin Street project should not be funded because it is ranked lower on the sidewalk priority list and has low pedestrian activity. 

Comment:  We believe that the Emily Street/Partin Street sidewalk project completes a relatively short gap in a long sidewalk system.  There are currently continuous sidewalks from the Timberlyne area at Weaver Dairy Road south along Piney Mountain Road connecting to Airport Road, the only gap being the section on Emily Street and Partin Street.  If completed, the project would enable pedestrians to walk on sidewalk continuously from Weaver Dairy Road to Airport Road, and on to Franklin Street, campus, and the hospitals.  We continue to believe that filling in gaps in the existing sidewalk system is a high priority, and therefore recommend funding of this project in this fiscal year to complement other recently completed improvements.

2.            Bolinwood Drive Improvements

The Transportation Board recommended that the Bolinwood Drive project should not be funded because it is ranked lower on the sidewalk priority list and has low pedestrian activity.

Comment:  We believe that there is significant pedestrian traffic using the street in this location, and that such pedestrian traffic is unsafe.  We recommend funding this project because this relatively short stretch of sidewalk (500 feet) would connect the Bolin Creek greenway to the Town’s sidewalk system at its closest point to the downtown and the University.

3.         East Rosemary Street Improvements

The Transportation Board recommended that the Rosemary Street #2 (north side, 157 East Rosemary Street to Henderson Street) sidewalk project should be funded, in part, because of high pedestrian activity.

Comment:  We agree that sidewalks are a high priority all along Rosemary Street and are building sections as resources permit.  The Council approved funding last year for one section of West Rosemary (north side, between South Columbia and Pritchard Ave.), and the section of West Rosemary (north side, between Prichard Ave. and Church St.) recommended for funding this year would complete that stretch of sidewalk.  The Rosemary Street #2 project ranks relatively high on the sidewalk priority list, and has high pedestrian activity.  Because of limited funding, we recommend that this project be considered in next year’s cycle.

4.         Legion Road Improvements

The Transportation Board recommended that the Legion Road #1 (Scarlette Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. Street) project should be funded because of high pedestrian activity.

Comment:  Worn paths on both sides of the street along Legion Road indicate high pedestrian activity in the area.  This project would require curb, gutter, and drainage improvements.  In addition, other sections of sidewalk would still need to be constructed to connect this section to major pedestrian generators on Ephesus Church Road.  We recommend this project be considered next year.

5.            Cameron Avenue Improvements

The Transportation Board recommended that the sidewalk along the south side of Cameron Avenue, from the edge of the existing sidewalk at the western edge of the UNC Cogeneration Facility, to Merritt Mill Road, should be funded because it would complete pedestrian access to Merritt Mill Road and connect to the Carrboro bike path.

Comment:  This project is not currently on the sidewalk priority list.  Since it is not on the list, we have not had the opportunity to evaluate the project based on the established criteria, nor compare it to other projects on the list.  We recommend adding this project to the sidewalk priority list for consideration next year.

6.            Narrowing South Graham Street

The Transportation Board recommended that the existing roadway on South Graham Street should be narrowed to accommodate sidewalks and to slow vehicles.

Comment:  As noted above, narrowing streets to construct sidewalks may be feasible in some situations, but would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Feasibility, in part, is determined by the street conditions and traffic mix (trucks, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians).  In the case of South Graham Street, narrowing the street would likely require that on-street parking be limited because the street currently has parking on both sides.  If the Council chooses to pursue using Community Development funds to construct a South Graham Street sidewalk, we believe narrowing the street would add significant costs that may not be appropriate for consideration with these limited funds, compared to other community development objectives.

7.            Extension of Bolin Creek Greenway to Estes Drive

The Transportation Board recommended the Bolin Creek Greenway be extended from the Community Center to connect to the Estes Drive/Willow Drive intersection.

Comment:  The majority of this project, the section along Estes Drive from the driveway into the Community Center to the Willow Drive intersection, is currently on the sidewalk priority list.  We recommend this project be considered for funding next year.

LOOKING AHEAD

Throughout this memorandum, we have noted a variety of sidewalk projects that we recommend for consideration next year.  These projects include:

Ø      Gaps on East Rosemary Street;

Ø      Legion Road #1 (south side, Scarlette Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. Street);

Ø      Legion Road #2 (south side, Clover Drive to Ephesus Church Road);

Ø      Estes Drive #2 (south side, Franklin Street to Willow) and connection to bike path on Community Center property;

Ø      Airport Road (east side, Timber Hollow Court to Homestead Road); and

Ø      Fordham Boulevard #2 (west side, Ephesus Church Road to Elliott Road).

We note that this year we will be using the final allocation of the 1996 Bond, providing $100,000 for sidewalk construction this fiscal year.  In the current Capital Improvements Program (CIP), the Council approved gradually increasing the amount of capital funds for sidewalk/bicycle facilities, and using a portion of these funds as a local 20% match to leverage Surface Transportation Programs Direct Allocation funds as they are available.  We noted that we would request additional Direct Allocation funds from the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization for this purpose this year.  Leveraging Direct Allocation funds would allow the Town to continue to pursue larger construction projects with limited capital funding.  No Direct Allocation funds are available for this year’s projects.

Another funding option for sidewalks is the assessment process outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 160A, Article 10.  Under this article, property owners may file a petition seeking the installation of a sidewalk and the assessment of a portion of the costs of the sidewalk to the abutting properties.  If such a petition is signed by the requisite number of owners representing the requisite front footage, the Town can elect to construct the sidewalk and charge the stated portion of the costs to the benefited properties.  Provisions can be included for the payment of the assessments over a number of years.  In addition, the Town Charter provides a procedure under which the Town can, under certain circumstances, install a sidewalk without a petition and assess the cost thereof against abutting properties.  This process has not been used in at least the past 20 years.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Recommendation:  The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board voted 6-0 on October 23, 2001 to recommend a series of projects for construction in 2001-2002 (see Summary of Action, Attachment 5).  The Board’s recommendation is contained in Resolution B.

Transportation Board Recommendation:  The Transportation Board voted 8-0 on October 16, 2001 to recommend a series of projects for construction in 2001-2002 (see Summary of Action, Attachment 6).  The Board’s recommendation is contained in Resolution C.

Manager’s Recommendation:  We recommend the Council adopt Resolution A, authorizing the following projects for construction in 2001-2002:

·        Culbreth Road (1,473 feet), south side, in front of Culbreth Middle School (by contract);

·        Rosemary Street (345 feet), north side, from Pritchard Avenue to Church Street (by Town construction crew);

·        Emily Street/Partin Street (1,185 feet), north side, from Piney Mountain Road to Partin Street/entire west side length of Partin Street (by Town construction crew); and

·        Bolinwood Drive (500 feet), north side, from Hillsborough Street to the Greenway (by Town construction crew, if funds permit).

ATTACHMENTS

1.                  Manager’s Recommendation: Project Locations (p. 18).

2.                  Correspondence Received Since Public Forum (p. 20).

3.                  Existing Sidewalks on Culbreth Road (p. 33).

4.                  Existing Sidewalks on Seawell School Road (p. 34).

5.                  Summary of Action, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (p. 35).

6.                  Summary of Action, Transportation Board (p. 37).

7.                  October 22, 2001 memorandum (begin new page 1).

RESOLUTION A

(Manager’s Recommendation)

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2001-2002 SIDEWALK AND BICYCLE FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION PLAN (2001-11-12/R-17a)

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has placed $150,000 in the Capital Improvements Program for sidewalk and bicycle facility projects in the 2001-2002 fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the Council will have $100,000 available from the final allocation of 1996 bond funds to be used for sidewalk and bicycle projects during the next fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the Council has reviewed projects for possible use of these funds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that 2001-2002 Capital Improvement Program funds and the funds from the final allocation of the 1996 Bond funds be used to construct the following sidewalk projects:

·        Culbreth Road (1,473 feet), south side, in front of Culbreth Middle School (by contract);

·        Rosemary Street (345 feet), north side, from Pritchard Avenue to Church Street (by Town construction crew);

·        Emily Street/Partin Street (1,185 feet), north side, from Piney Mountain Road to Partin Street/entire west side length of Partin Street (by Town construction crew); and

·        Bolinwood Drive (500 feet), north side, from Hillsborough Street to the Greenway (by Town construction crew, if funds permit).

This the 12^th day of November, 2001.

RESOLUTION B

(Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Recommendation)

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2001-2002 SIDEWALK AND BICYCLE FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION PLAN (2001-11-12/R-17b)

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has placed $150,000 in the Capital Improvements Program for sidewalk and bicycle facility projects in the 2001-2002 fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the Council will have $100,000 available from the final allocation of 1996 bond funds to be used for sidewalk and bicycle projects during the next fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the Council has reviewed projects for possible use of these funds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that 2001-2002 Capital Improvement Program funds and the funds from the final allocation of the 1996 Bond funds be used to construct the following sidewalk projects:

·        West Rosemary Street (Pritchard Avenue to Church Street);

·        South Graham Street (Cameron Avenue to Franklin Street);

·        Airport Road (Timber Hollow Court to Homestead Drive). The project should be divided into two projects – half funded this fiscal year and half funded next fiscal year;

·        Homestead Road (between Airport Road and the Orange County Human Services complex);

·        Gaps on Hillsborough Street;

·        Gaps on Willow Drive opposite of the University Mall;

·        Culbreth Road (south side).  The existing sidewalks on the south side of Culbreth Road should be extended to the two entrances to the school property.  If access to Culbreth Park is necessary, then an asphalt walk without curb and gutter should be considered in front of the school property;

·        Two Legion Road projects (Scarlette Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. Street, and Clover Drive to Ephesus Church Road);

·        Fordham Boulevard (west side, Elliot Road to Eastgate Shopping Center);

·        A median should be installed on Airport Road in front of the Shadowood Apartments, just north of Estes Drive, to improve pedestrian safety for pedestrians crossing Airport Road to access the bus stop on the west side; and

·        The Town, in cooperation with the Town of Carrboro, should consider using a portion of the funds as matching funds for a state grant for a bicycle path/sidewalk on the west side of Seawell School Road from the North Haven neighborhood to the existing school sidewalk system.

This the 12^th day of November, 2001.

RESOLUTION C

(Transportation Board Recommendation)

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2001-2002 SIDEWALK AND BICYCLE FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION PLAN (2001-11-12/R-17c)

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has placed $150,000 in the Capital Improvements Program for sidewalk and bicycle facility projects in the 2001-2002 fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the Council will have $100,000 available from the final allocation of 1996 bond funds to be used for sidewalk and bicycle projects during the next fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the Council has reviewed projects for possible use of these funds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that 2001-2002 Capital Improvement Program funds and the funds from the final allocation of the 1996 Bond funds be used to construct the following sidewalk projects:

·        Culbreth Road, south side, in front of Culbreth Middle School;

·        Rosemary Street, north side, from Pritchard Avenue to Church Street;

·        Legion Road #1, south side, from Scarlette Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. St.;

·        Cameron Avenue, south side, from the end of the existing sidewalk to Merritt Mill Road; and

·        South Graham Street, the existing roadway should be narrowed to accommodate the required sidewalk improvements and to slow the speed of vehicles along South Graham Street.

This the 12^th day of November, 2001.