Athens in Motion Commission

Athens in Motion Commission -- Grants & Data Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 16, 2022 – 1:00 to 2:30 pm In attendance Mark Ebell, Teresa Friedlander, Peter Norris, James Barlament and Daniel Sizemore (staff) Called to Order at 2:05 pm Grants Discussion 1. People for Bikes grant proposal (Peter Norris) Peter presented an idea for a grant proposal to purchase temporary bike lane separators that could be used for Prince Avenue and later at other locations. Daniel suggested that this could also be used on East Broad, the site of a recent pedestrian death, to create not only protected bike lanes that would hopefully reduce speed but also a pedestrian refuge. He presented one option: https://translineinc.com/products/bike_lane_separator/zicla-zipper-zero-cycle-lane-roundabouts/ Action item (Daniel): Submit a request for a quote to get a price on these lane separators. The group will then review costs and advise regarding grant, which Peter has offered to write. 2. AARP grant opportunity The AARP has a funding opportunity called Community Challenge Grants (www.aarp.org/livable- communities/community-challenge/info-2022/2022-challenge.html). They funded $9.2 million for 804 projects, an average of about $11,000 per project. They value matching contributions. This would be submitted by ACC and Athens in Motion, with a March 22 deadline. Several options were discussed: • A project centered on the Council on Aging to provide a raised crosswalk with RFIB (sp?), a speed table on Hoyt, and possibly park benches with backs and/or design work on multi-use path on the west side of Hoyt. • Similar project to People for Bikes, purchasing temporary bike lane separators for various projects. • Bike racks and bike repair facilities and possibly benches for downtown to complement work on the Clayton Street project. Action item: Daniel will obtain cost estimates and report back. Given the deadline this will be a priority and the major topic of a meeting on March 2nd at 11 am. 3. Discuss opportunities with GDOT for obtaining flashing beacon It appears that we did not receive the grant from America Walks. (https://americawalks.org/want-the- tools-to-create-a-safe-sidewalk-america-walks-is-giving-away-rectangular-rapid-flashing-beacons/ likely not funded). Action item; Daniel is investigating options via GDOT funding to purchase them for key locations on GDOT controlled roads like Milledge 4. Potential projects for RAISE grant Daniel plans to resubmit the RAISE grant, which received a “Highly Recommended” on the last cycle but was not funded. The recalculated cost-benefit ratio was the primary issue. The main changes for the next cycle include no need for a pedestrian bridge, as GDOT will be doing that as part of a separate project, allowing that money to be used for other improvements that will hopefully result in a more favorable CBR. Daniel also reported that he plans to apply for federal planning grants, most likely for Atlanta Highway and Lexington Road. Data Discussion 1. Data coding and cleaning progress check: continuing to work on this Adjourned at 3:30 pm