Village plans future walking and bicycling infrastructure
Brockport residents had the opportunity to see a detailed display of preliminary recommendations for the village’s Active Transportation Plan, currently being developed, during an open house at the Village Hall held Tuesday evening, June 30.
Work on the Plan began last fall with an inventory of existing and planned conditions followed by needs assessment and now general study and plan content. A final report is expected to be ready this September.
The June 30 open house was the second opportunity for the public to have input in the process. The first open house was held April 9.
“Residents have done a great job of giving us inside information,” said project director Tom Robinson, RLA, of Barton and Loguidice (B&L).
“People are getting a second round of input. We want to make sure we’re not missing anything,” he said.
The Active Transportation plan will help the village plan future walking and bicycling infrastructure and support the continued development of safe, functional and attractive facilities for walking and bicycling in the Greater Brockport Community.
The Federal Highway Administration through the Unified Planning Work Program of the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) provides funding for the project. Robert Torzynski of GTC, has facilitated the $50,000 grant. He attended the June open house.
Preliminary recommendations for improving safety, mobility and connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists include: Erie Canalway bridge improvements; priority intersection improvements (Route 19 and Route 104; Erie Canalway Trail and Main Street Bridge; Main Street/ Adams Street/Fair Street/Park Ave; Redman Road and New Campus Drive and Route 19 and Route 31); on-street bicycle facilities; priority sidewalk additions; Redman Road Road Diet (removal of some travel lanes for other uses and travel modes); Owens Road improvements; trail improvements (possible rails to trails loop with Canalway Trail and abandoned CSX line); school connectivity; and programs, policies, education and outreach.
“We are delighted with the progress to date thanks to the leadership of Tom Robinson at B&L,” said Ray Duncan, steering committee member. “The public has been very receptive of what we are doing. Turnout has been good.” He noted the project has brought together village government, The College at Brockport, and the non-profit Walk! Bike! Brockport! group, of which he is chairman.
“It’s amazing what a few people can get done in a small village if you pull together,” Duncan said.
He noted the project has also inspired spin-off projects. The College at Brockport has purchased 40 new bicycles to improve its bike share program and is applying to become a bicycle friendly university. Additionally, a possible project with local mural artist Stacey Kirby would transform the old railroad bridge over Main Street into a “gateway” to the village.
When the final report is finished in September, the village will have, “A set of recommendations and priorities for implementation of the plan including a list of feasible projects which are fundable and achievable,” Tom Robinson said. He added that the plan would also give the village a competitive edge in grant applications.
