Charlottesville Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee August 1, 2019 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM NDS Conference Room Meeting Agenda David Stackhouse Scott Paisley Kyle Rodland Navarre Bartz Erin Ryan Carl Schwarz Peter Krebs Cindy Cartwright Peter Ohlms Lena Seville Stephen Bach Jonathan Hine Mike Smith Cort Hammond Frank Deviney Bryan Cameron Old Business: Sidewalk closures There was discussion about the recent issues with sidewalk closures in a variety of locations (Market Street, Barracks Road, 250 Bypass, etc). Brennen Duncan was in attendance to respond to questions about the process. The group reiterated that there should be a pedestrian access plan as part of the building permit process. Brennen explained that it is now required as part of site plan, but there could be issues with older approved site plans. However, even in those instances, all requests for sidewalk closures require a pedestrian access plan. There was concern about the fact that there is no pedestrian detour for the 250 Trail. BPAC members felt that there is not equal consideration given to bicyclists and pedestrians as compared to vehicles. The group agreed that all detours should be marked and communicated with signage. At the very least, there should be a map on a sign showing the proposed detour at the site. At least one group member asked if there was an opportunity for BPAC to weigh in on those closures where no alternate route exists. The group nominated David to write a memo. Rugby/Rose Hill After Action Review Mike Smith explained his perspective on the recent decision to reinstate the existing signal in the interim before a full signal can be funded. His preference would have been to leverage the pilot a little longer to possibly realize some benefits. His concern is that going back and forth increases level of risk for pedestrians because of driver behavior and confusion. Brennen explained that the decision to install the signal had to do with safety concerns at Westwood and 250. There were too many conflicts to keep the pilot stop signs in place. If the City was keeping the stop signs for the permanent solution, the flex-posts would have remained longer. Group members asked about the timeframe for new signal. Brennen explained that it will likely go to bid in early 2020. The Engineer needs to finish design before VDOT can sign off on the right of way phase. The full implementation will include curb extensions and adding crosswalks on all legs of the intersection, along with the pedestrian features on the new signal. BPAC requested that police do some targeted enforcement between now and when the signal goes in. Standards and Design Manual Update Carl Schwartz provided an update on the SADM with BPAC, PLACE, CADRE, Fire, Traffic, Engineering and City Attorney’s offices. There was discussion about street widths, yield streets and shared streets and a need to have a follow-up meeting with the Fire Chief to continue discussions. In short, the state is restrictive in terms of the allowable street widths and the Zoning code requires that every parcel front on a street and fire considers all streets as emergency access routes. There is also a requirement that development must be within 150’ of fire access. There will be joint meeting with Planning Commission and Council to discuss. The updates will allow shared streets in specific areas, but if it’s a fire access road it can’t be done. Most of BPAC’s previously submitted comments provided were addressed. https://www.charlottesville.org/departments-and-services/departments-h-z/neighborhood- development-services/engineering/standards-and-design-manual Was there discussion about smaller trucks? Yes, fire has tried it. Diversity/Engagement Update The group discussed Mike’s survey that was intended for BPAC membership. There was some confusion about the intent of the survey. Mike clarified that it is an opportunity to do a self- evaluation to see what connections can be leveraged and where are the gaps in membership. The group discussed the need to clearly identify the goals for outreach. Is the goal membership or hearing from diverse community? Hearing from kids in schools is good. Kids can’t drive, so their input in important. Other topics discussed: - How do we empower diverse communities – what are the issues? - BPAC ambassadors – facilitator of 2 way discussion, attend a neighborhood association meeting to share bike/ped related concerns. - Need to make it easier for people to contact us - Helpful to be talking about something substantial - Need a one page handout to encourage people to contact BPAC– for example, do you have a broken sidewalk? - Need to update website with members – add list of neighborhoods represented to the member list - In order for outreach to be successful, BPAC needs to go out and do stuff - Consider small group work to create an intercept survey or other small project. Lena Seville agreed to schedule a meeting with the City Manager this month. Wayfinding Deferred. New Business Ridge/5th/Cherry project update/ design review The City received additional funding from VDOT’s Smart Scale program to improve the intersection of Ridge/5th/Cherry. Improvements will include a new right turn lane and bicycle climbing lane. Elections Lena nominated Peter and Carl. Mike nominated himself. Peter agree to allow Mike to serve as vice chair. All in favor of Carl and Mike. Other topics: Community bikes should participate on BPAC. Check on doors for meetings. Future Agenda Items: - Police - MY Cville App – who is using it and what for - Sidewalk closures - Downtown Pedestrian Safety Project - Bicycle Friendly Community Report Card (follow-up) - Branded bike racks Upcoming Events - 9/4 + 9/5: SIA Form Based Code - 9/5: Next BPAC Meeting, City Hall, NDS Conference Room Persons with Disabilities may request reasonable accommodations by contacting ada@charlottesville.org or (434)970-3182