2002-03-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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298 Responding to a question from Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch said that only preliminary engineering funds have been allocated for Meadowcreek Parkway Phase II, north of Rio Road. Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch, Ms. Judy Mueller, Director of Public Works, said that it will likely be up to four weeks before State budget impacts are known. Mr. Cox asked that upcoming deadlines be reviewed, and Ms. Mueller said that a pre.allocation meeting is scheduled for April 16th, but said she questions that it should be held at that time given the uncertainty about funding. Ms. Richards said that the MPO has been told not to pass the TIP until they have the fiscal impact information. Mr. Lynch said Council needs to develop priorities well in advance of the pre- allocation hearing and production of the TIP. Mr. Cox asked how long it takes to get a project in the six year TIP plan (i.e., Millmont Avenue) if a locality changes its priorities. Mr. Lynch said that is unknown, but he thinks the MPO needs to take a position or the State will take one for us. Mr. Cox said that if we wait to hear about funding and that funding is attached to projects that may not be our priority, he does not see the need in waiting. Mr. Lynch said Council needs to decide which of the projects on the list, or others not on the list, it really wants to see happen, or ones it does not want to see happen that are on the list. Mr. Lynch said he feels it would be given even more weight if the City and Cotmty can agree on projects. Regarding Ivy Road, Ms. Richards said this project has been de-emphasized on the MPO for a number of years and is not a priority. She said we need to see what the University of Virginia study shows, and Mr. Lynch agreed. Mr. Cox said he thinks we need to look at other projects around the University such as the North Grounds Connector and Millmont Extended. Mr. Cox said he thinks the North Grounds Connector should be a high priority and does not think the basketball arena should be built without it. Mr. Lynch said a choke point could be created if an at-grade intersection is built at the North Grounds Connector. Mr. O'Connell said the U. Va. Study will show the impact of that on the surrounding area. Mr. Toscano asked what the implications are if a TIP is not approved, and Mr. Harrison Rue, Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, said that is still being researched. Mr. Rue said his recommendation to the MPO is to make a priority list based on funding predictions. Mr. Rue said the 1Vh'vO does not necessarily need to adopt an interim TIP, and he thinks they can amend the existing TIP to protect transit funding. It was the consensus to wait to make a decision about the Ivy Road project. It was noted that the Fontaine Avenue project was approved a few months ago, the traffic signals are ready to go, and there is no change in the status of the Meadowcreek Parkway. Ms. Richards said that the Jefferson Park Avenue Bridge is a high priority due to safety concerns, and noted that it is tied in with the Fontaine Avenue project by VDOT.