2005-05-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mr. John Gaines, 214 9th Street, N.E., expressed concern that youth may not take the time to push a button to activate the flashing light. He asked why a light was installed at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Preston with the same flow of traffic. Mr. Gate Pratt, 413 9th Street, said he hopes a solution can be found for the traffic light. He said streets should be enhanced for people who bike and walk. He said he would not favor moving traffic faster to the detriment of bikers and pedestrians. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Caravati asked for a history of the traffic light at Preston and l0th Street and suggested that it be discussed at a future time. He said the real intention of the traffic light synchronization is to increase the ability of the volume of traffic, not the speed. He said he hopes we have money to finish the project. Mr. Schilling said he would like to see the concerns expressed by Mr. Moore addressed. Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch, Mr. Tolbert said he does not have the warrant information available at this time for Madison and Preston. He noted that the software has already been purchased. He said staff hae made several trips to other localities to see how their systems work and are applied. Ms. Hamilton said that Preston Avenue is one of the least walkable streets and is very hard to cross. She said she is interested in looking at it in a broader way to see how it can be improved. She said a short-term approach to crossing the street should be considered prior to synchronization. Dr. Brown put the issue of the traffic light at Preston and l0th on the next agenda. On motion by Mr. Schilling, seconded by Mr. Lynch, the $500,000 appropriation for the Traffic Light Synchronization was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. PUBLIC HEARING/APPROPRIATION: $1,460,000 - BELMONT BRIDGE REPAIR (FEDERAL FUNDS) Mr. Tolbert explained that the State has earmarked $552,000 in 2006 for the Belmont Bridge which will be close to enough to do the repairs. He noted that VDOT has asked that we look at a total bridge replacement of the Belmont Bridge, and said a cost benefit analysis needs to be done. Mr. Schilling said it appears that the cost to rebuild the bridge is at least twice as much as making repairs, and asked if we need to make this appropriation now. Mr. Tolbert said that the funds are needed in order to do the study. He said VDOT will make the call about whether to repair or replace the bridge. Mr. Schilling said he does not think it would hurt to defer this appropriation since some funds have already been allocated. Mr. Tolbert said it would not hurt to not appropriate the funds now, but said they need to be appropriated by July 1 st. Mr. Schilling asked what the lifespan of the Belmont Bridge is, and Mr. Tolbert said that is not known and will be part of the analysis. Mr. Schilling expressed concern about how the bridge got into this state of disrepair. Mr. Tolbert said the bridge has been inspected very two years and has gotten worse faster in the past couple of years.