The Village of Brockport is on the threshold of becoming an easier place for bicyclists, pedestrians and all who travel through the community with the kick-off meeting September 23 of a process which will result in the creation of a Village of Brockport Active Transportation Plan.
The creation of the plan is funded by a $50,000 grant from the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC).
Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman, Walk!Bike!Brockport! Chairperson Raymond Duncan and Thomas Robinson, RLA, of Barton & Loguidice attended the meeting. Robinson is acting as project director.
Also present were several members of a steering committee which is comprised of key stake-holders in the project. Those in attendance included representatives from Lifetime Assistance, the Brockport Central School District, the College at Brockport, BISCO, NYS Department of Transportation, Village of Brockport Department of Public Works, Monroe County Planning and Development, Finger Lakes Health Systems and Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball.
According to the meeting’s agenda, the “… primary purpose of the study is to look beyond isolated, per-project “spot” improvements to implement improvements as part of a village-wide strategically conceived plan designed for maximum circulation efficiency and safety and that extends as needed to the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson.”
“We will leave in the village’s hands a powerful document,” Robinson told those in attendance. He explained the plan will be helpful in applying for grants, “.. it can give you an edge,” he said.
Robinson said the goals of the plan are to improve safety, “…. of all travel modes – including pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists;” improve connectivity both within Brockport and between the village and neighboring communities; and shift mode share, which Robinson explained means enhancing the balance between different modes of travel.
“Small shifts make a big difference,” he noted, “there are economic, social and environmental benefits when you get people out of cars.”
Some areas of concern already identified in the community include:
•Route 31/Route 19 into the village from Wegmans Plaza
•Campus Drive to Redman Road/safe pedestrian crossing at Redman Road to Sweden Community Park
•Owens Road from Lowe’s to the canal and into the village
•Route 19 through Clarkson to Route 104
•Safe route up to Sweden Community Center either via Route 19, or a trail from Tim Horton’s up the hill to the south
Other concerns discussed during the September 23 meeting were access to the canal path and concerns regarding where the path crosses Route 19 in the village – just north of the lift bridge – particularly during cycling events; bicycle parking at the college; facilitating those in wheelchairs and youngsters riding bikes to school – some parents are not comfortable with their children using the bike lanes on Route 19.
Robinson said the final recommendations will include, “… infrastructure improvements both on and off the road,” as well as policies and programs regarding education and enforcement.
“We will identify all opportunities for people to get out and move under their own power,” Robinson said.
Public meetings will be held twice during the development of the plan – most likely between January/March and April/June 2015. A final report should be ready by August 2015, Robinson said.
Steering Committee members plan to tour the community both by walking and by bicycle to help assess the current status of both modes of travel. B&L staff have also begun an inventory of existing conditions.
“This has turned out quite well,” Raymond Duncan noted at the close of the September 23 meeting. “It promises to be quite satisfactory for Brockport,” he said.
