The Community and Transportation Linkage Planning Program Sandy Misiewicz, AICP Capital District Transportation Committee Senior Transportation Planner II CSS National Dialog 2 October 1, 2013
Capital District Context 800,000 78 Municipalities Numerous small, older, traditionallyindustrial urban centers Suburbs between them
New Visions 2035 New Visions updated four times since 1997 Most recently 2011 Next update process to begin fall 2013 Key principles carried forward and expanded 35 principles
New Visions 2035 New Visions has a strong livability agenda Community values Context is important Urban reinvestment Critical for the transportation system and regional quality of life Transportation choices Walking, biking, transit, etc. Land use planning Pro-active when possible, revitalization most often Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs www.cdtcmpo.org/rtp2035/2035.htm
The Challenge How can CDTC implement the long range plan when: It has no control over land use or development NYS has entered a preservation first mindset for the road system Limited federal funds Ultimately we rely on cooperation, collaboration and public involvement Community and Transportation Linkage Planning Program (2000) NY 5 BusPlus, Albany
Linkage Program Locally initiated planning studies integrating land use and transportation Pre-NEPA Conceptual Requires local coordination with regional strategies joint, partnership approach Competitive program with 25% local cash match buy in Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) www.cdtcmpo.org/linkage.htm
Core Linkage Strategies: Sponsors commit up front to incorporating the New Visions principles into the Linkage Study. It is an incentive to participate in implementing the New Visions Plan. Urban Revitalization Street Connectivity Activity Center/Town Centers Transit Supportive Corridors/Built Environments Mixed Uses Multi-Modal Transportation Network/Complete Streets Pedestrian Connectivity
To Date: 76 studies 40 sponsors Public and non-profit sponsors eligible $5.0M+ in federal, state and local funds committed since 2000 ~$150K consultant, $100K CDTC technical assistance annually
Linkage Program Procedures Study advisory committee reinforce the principles NYSDOT, County, CDRPC, CDTA all participate Legitimizes the planning process CDTC staff administers consultant contract and participates directly Communication is fostered by the process
Linkage Program Procedures High level of public involvement 2 workshops at minimum Websites, social media and other outreach tools Stakeholder meetings Surveys Public feedback very often indicates strong support for the New Visions principles
Schenectady Transit Gateway (2010)
Study Process Regular study advisory committee meetings Reviewed completed plans to date Worked to establish the vision throughout the process Market analysis Commercial and residential potential Two public meetings Educational session (TOD and smart growth principles) Presentation of draft report 11 stakeholder meetings Businesses, Institutions, Government Agencies and Departments, NYSDOT
Linkage Study Vision Based on the livability agenda: Transit oriented development Smart growth Mixed use development Walkable connections Transportation options Sustainability (green building concepts)
Proposed Concept
Washington Avenue Context
Washington Avenue Context
Short Term Strategies June 2013: Schenectady Metroplex Board approved spending up to $175,000 to construct a new median on Washington Avenue Temporary barrier on Washington Avenue. Median barrier and fence on Washington Avenue at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN.
Short Term Strategies September 2013: NYSDOT with NYS Department of Health Pedestrian safety campaign funded through the Governor s Traffic Safety Committee
Medium Term Washington Avenue Concept Three Pedestrian Crossing Options: Channelization At-Grade Grade Separated TIP project funded ($11 M): Washington Ave (I-890 to State St) and State St (Erie Blvd to Washington Ave) Design post 2018?
Long Term Washington Avenue I-890 still has ~25 years of life Ramp redesigns should only be considered with an overall redesign of the I-890 system. To be removed through HSIP project in 2014/2015.
Schodack Town Center Plan Initiated 2012 (ongoing) Desire for a traditional town center Existing roadway has excess capacity NYSDOT repaving project
Three Plan Principles Nodes of development Mixed use New neighborhoods Manage US 9 & 20 Keep it Schodack
Incremental Change New buildings New, complete streets Walkable core Diversify uses
Explore Road Diet NYSDOT repaving project Opportunity Considering a restriping plan Cross section designs East Greenbush now interested Feasibility studies key LOS, safety, traffic projections, etc.
Lessons Learned Transparency and communication are critical Legitimizes the process for the community (trust) Extensive public involvement Understand the community context Educational opportunity (public as well as local and appointed officials) Understand the tradeoffs Provide communities the tools to purse next steps
Thank You! For more information, visit www.cdtcmpo.org/linkage.htm or contact Sandy Misiewicz, AICP smisiewicz@cdtcmpo.org Phone: 518-458-2161