Plan for Eighth Street? Cars only please…
Well, at least that’s the current & future impression ….
Less than a year after passing a new infrastructure policy strategy (PDF) that includes using a complete street approach, the planned 2010 Eighth Street Reconstruction, running from Barlow to Garfield, includes no design elements for bicycle use or improved pedestrian access/crossings.
Ouch! That’s embarrassing. And, unfortunate.
Myself and others have asked city staff and commissioners about potential last-minute options as ground will be broke in the spring. I’ve yet to hear back from anyone with any positive developments. As new information is available, I’ll let readers know.
I have a feeling that the city may need some encouragement & support from residents to help them satisfy their own policy. It would be a shame for a small section of Eighth Street to stay an incomplete street for the next 20-30 years, which is about the cycle of major reconstructions.
Stay tuned…
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Gary, what is the best method to respond, or voice our opinions on this?
who is running this show? ned flanders?
A quote from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/dced/codeexamples.htm) :
“Good codes are the foundation upon which great communities are built. They are the framework that regulates where and what type of development may occur. Codes guide everything from permissible land uses, to building densities, locations, and setbacks, to street widths and parking requirements. When done well, codes make it easier for a community to implement its vision. However, when they are out of date or don’t line up with the community’s vision, codes can actually keep communities from getting the development they want.”
The USEPA site provides examples of codes that “support smart growth development” which were implemented into communities across the country. For example; in Aurora, CO the city commission voted to adopt the “Urban Street Standards: In Transit Oriented Developments and Urban Centers” code. The “Street Cross Section Elements” section of the Aurora code states: “A minimum bicycle lane width of five feet (seven feet including the gutter pan) should be provided.”
There are a lot of great examples of NEW and UP-TO-DATE codes from all around our country listed on the above mentioned EPA website.
…I’m wondering what does it take to implement new “codes” or policies that stick? Is it like the the Federal government; where it takes 5 years to implement a new idea, and then POOF! new leaders meander in and the ideas slowly dissolve, the idea changes, nothing happens, etc.
Do I encourage the same person on this topic that I encourage about quieting Sheridan? I want to start biking to work from the base of the peninsula to Union Street and 8th would be my preferred route.
Homer is dressed…(FB joke)
Jonathan, I’m not sure yet. I’m trying to find out more today as there were at least 3 commissioners looking into it, as well as some ‘stakeholder’ groups. First thing to do is to Spread the Word…no one is aware of it.
Typical situation: fear of losing stimulus/grant/MDOT money if changes are made or delays requested and lack of anyone understanding that there are options. There are always options. It’s a choice.
They may need support to choose the path of exploring options–more to come.
Brad, we could use Ned’s prayers.
Yes, please keep us posted! I’ll be there to voice my opinion…this is a big trouble area in this town. Even the survey crew employee I talked to last summer thought they would probably put bike lanes in. Guess not?
The Safety and Education Team of the Cherry Capital Cycling Club is working actively on this issue and we are closely linked with TART. It will be on the CCCC board meeting agenda on Wed of this week. An official letter from CCCC will go to the City Commission.
YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED! WRITE TO THE CITY COMMISSION. Go to this web page, and click on the link that says ” Click Here to Email all City Commissioners ”
AND ATTEND THE FEB 8 TC CITY COMMISSION MEETING (7pm, Governmental Center on Boardman Ave).
http://www.ci.traverse-city.mi.us/City_Commission/