Baltimore County Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee met Nov. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Attendees: Chair Sheldon Epstein, Ted Levin, Jared Barnhart, Nate Evans, Charlie Murphy, Fran Taylor, Kris Nebre (filling in for Mike Filsinger)
Absent: Harry Bhandari and Allysha Lorber
Department of Planning staff present included Jessie Bialek and Kristopher Weaver.
1. Introduction of Members and Announcements
Mr. Sheldon Epstein opened the meeting at 4:14 p.m. Mr. Epstein asked the members to introduce themselves. There were no announcements.
2. Review of Today’s Agenda
Mr. Epstein stated that there were no changes to the agenda that had been previously sent to the committee members.
3. Approval of Meeting Notes of April 10, 2018 Meeting
Mr. Epstein called for a motion to approve the meeting notes from the April 10, 2018 meeting. Mr. Ted Levin made the motion and Mr. Charlie Murphy seconded. The approval was unanimous.
4. 2018-2019 PBAC Goals
Mr. Epstein opened the floor for a discussion on potential goals for the PBAC this upcoming year. Mr. Nate Evans presented a list of potential goals and the committee members agreed that that they should be implemented, but was not voted upon. The goals are as follows:
1) Review Baltimore County Public Schools transportation policy and provide comments for consideration.
2) Review and provide comment on Baltimore County’s capital improvement community input policy. The committee would like to see how county agencies incorporate community comments during the design process.
3) Identify representative from Baltimore County Recreation and Parks Department and Baltimore County Public Schools. Planning Department to write a letter to the Council asking for new appointments for vacant seats and to renew active appointments.
4) Ensure that all councilmanic districts are represented and engaged.
5) All PBAC appointments have expired. We recommend the incoming County Executive reappoint the existing members, as well as have all of the vacancies filled.
6) Hire a full-time Ped/Bike Planner to coordinate between Department initiatives.
7) Review and update the legislation that created the PBAC. The committee requests having a more active role in project development with an opportunity to comment on project designs (by the 30% design stage) before they are finalized.
8) Identify bicycle and pedestrian priority areas (BPPAs) and corridors to focus on improvements through the master planning process. As the Eastern County and Western County Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Plans are becoming dated, updating the plans should focus more on areas that provide short-distance trip opportunities.
9) To support Baltimore County Public Works and Planning Departments in performing regular bicycle and pedestrian counts in priority areas to track traffic patterns as part of the planning and evaluation process.
10) Support dedicated funding for ped/bike investments in the CIP so that Baltimore County can go after grants that require a match (most grants require at least a 20% match)
11) Continue to support the planning process for a trail connecting the Torrey C. Brown (Northern Central Railroad) Trail with the Jones Falls Trail in Mount Washington.
12) Continue to support Baltimore County hiring full-time staff dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure planning, design and policy improvements.
5. Pedestrian Access Presentation
Mr. Evans presented ways to improve pedestrian access in suburban communities. He stated that dead end streets are an excellent way to make connections, where only a small sidewalk or portion of a path could be added to complete the connection. He also said that some HOAs have laid down gravel pathways within their easements to enable their residents to access County parks and other amenities. Lastly, he added that these types of connections are low in cost and could make a huge difference in improving connections.
6. 6 Bridges Trail Update
Mr. Epstein asked Mr. Dave Riley to give the committee an update on the 6 Bridges Trail project. Mr. Riley explained that this is a unique opportunity for a bike and pedestrian connection through the urbanized area of Towson, from Stevenson Rd to the new Radebaugh Park site. Mr. Riley said that it is currently used by neighborhood residents, but it would be much better if the trail was official. The task force created by Councilman Marks has had several community meetings about the project and almost all the residents are in favor of the trail. He stated that the majority of the properties along the proposed route are County/State owned or easements. Mr. Riley said that the only private piece of property is a bridge that accesses two homes, which the task force would like to County to purchase and maintain, while still maintaining a private easement for the homeowners. He also stated that Ms. Allysha Lorber (PBAC) worked with him to get a cost estimate and it would cost approximately 1 million. Mr. Riley said that he has given tours to both candidates for County Executive and gives tours every Wednesday from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
7. Other Business
Mr. Epstein asked if there was any other business. There was none.
8. Adjournment
Mr. Epstein asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Ted Levin made the motion and Mr. Charlie Murphy seconded. The approval was unanimous and the meeting was adjourned at 5:32 p.m.
http://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/Planning/pbac/Meeting%20Notes/2018/100918minutes.pdf
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