Planning Committee MeetingApril 2, 2008
Present: Ian MacConnell, Catherine Girves, Joaquin Serantes, Elan Daniel Excused: Bill Graver, Doreen Uhas Sauer, Ron Hupman
Absent: Emily Foster
Guests: Lissa Warncke, Robert Caldwell, Sharon Young, Mitchell, Jim Payk
Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm
1. Dodridge Bridge Reconstruction
Jim Payk from the Franklin County Engineers Office joined us to present on the proposed changes to the Dodridge Street Bridge. He explained to us the cost, the process, and the potential implications of construction. He discussed…
- $5 million provided for bridge, which the county will match at 20%, which is an additional $1.2 million.
- The bridge is rated at a “4”, which means it needs to be replaced. Currently, there are only 5 bridges rated at a “4” in the county, and are the top priorities for replacement.
- The bridge is approximately 40 years old and the abutment is approximately 100 years old. They would like to build a single span bridge that will last 100 years.
- We might see in the next months drilling rigs and surveyors. These professionals will be taking measurements to test conditions.
- Other stakeholders being contacted include Findley Avenue Collaborative, FLOW, UAC, and MORPC.
- The Commission’s input will be requested in approximately three monts, this might include functionality, design, current issues, sidewalks, infrastructure, etc.
- The construction will likely begin in 2012, where Dodridge is likely to be closed between one and one and a half years (1-1.5 years).
- Concerns about graffiti were raised, and Mr. Payk said that there would be graffiti resistant surfaces. Other concerns about homeless encampments near the bridge were also raised.
2. Conservation District/UARB Letter
The Committee voted on a letter drafted to Boyce Safford, Director of the Department of Development, supporting Conservation District Legislation, suggesting that the pilot program happen in the University Area, and opening the discussion around Design Review Expansion.
The motion to recommend the letter is brought before the full Commission with the committees support, pending any edits, passed unanimously.
3. UAEA Safe Routes to Schools
Catherine Girves, representing the University Area Enrichment Association, spoke to the Committee about a Safe Routes to School grant given to the UAEA for coordinating a plan within the University Area. She invited the Committee and the Commission to get involved in the process. This plan for safe biking and walking routes to four University Area schools will include
- Existing conditions of built environment
- Educational components- Encouragement campaign
- Enforcement campaign
– traffic and code enforcement
- Evaluation, which will be ongoing
Groups involved include police, code enforcement officers, residents, Consider Biking, and other stakeholders. The end result of the plan will be a document that will influence engineering and will educated and encourage certain practices among stakeholders. This process should take approximately 12 months to complete.
4. Home Ownership Incentives
Ian MacConnell talked briefly about home owner incentives in the University Area through VA home loans and other incentives for home ownership. He discussed a proposal for potentially making the University Area a central neighborhood for these types of incentives. This discussion ran out of time, but will be picked up next week.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM
Tentative agenda for May 7, 2008
1. Housing Incentives, continued from previous meeting
2. Green Plan comments and recommendation
Ongoing Items
1. University Area Signage
2. Green Plan
3. Conservation District Legislation
4. Dodridge Bridge
5. Streetcar