Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee

Meeting Minutes Salem Bicycling Advisory Committee Wednesday, August 4, 2021 | 6:30 p.m. Remote Meeting Members Present: Eric Papetti (Chair), Michael Williamson, John Wathne, Josh Gillis, Jayne O’Leary, Connor Ryan Members Absent: Kylie Sullivan, Alex Maranto, Matt Caruso, Colleen Downie, Michael Jaros Also Present: Tom Devine, Senior Planner Call Meeting to Order Papetti called the meeting to order. Devine describes the remote meeting format and procedure for providing public comment. Public Comment Papetti opens the meeting to public comment and there are none. Staff Update Devine provides the following updates: • City has been exploring doing hybrid public meetings with a mix of in-person and remote participation, but for the time being will stick with remote. • Development projects of interest o Ambulance facility at North and Franklin Streets was approved by Planning Board. o The North Shore Community Development Coalition’s project at Derby and Lafayette Streets is returning to Planning Board at one of their September meetings. o The Courthouses and Crescent Lot Redevelopment at Washington, Bridge, and Federal Streets was at DRB July 28 and expected to come to Planning Board in the fall. • Williamson asks for an update on the Phase 2 of the Canal Street path. Devine shares an update from the project team stating that they are finishing earth work and wetlands replication. Next will be surface drainage, gravel, and paving. Slide slopes, fencing, guardrails, and plantings will be done later this year. No specific completion date has been set. 1 BlueBikes Bikeshare Program Data and Marketing Devine provides ridership data for period between the mid-July launch and the end of July. Devine states that that the Committee requested data for time of day and trip routes, but neither are available. And it is too soon to compare this data with other modes. Gillis suggested sharing data on when stations are empty or full. Wathne asks to see Salem Skipper data. Papetti advocates for installing the eighth station immediately and marketing the program more aggressively, including in utility bills and new resident packages. Members discuss options for locations for the eighth station. Draft Harmony Grove Multiuse Path Feasibility Study Document referenced: Draft Salem-Peabody Multi-Use Path Feasibility Study, by Weston & Sampson, July 2021 Devine summarizes the draft study. The group expresses appreciation for the undertaking and the thoroughness of the report. They noted the misalignment of the graphics on page 33. Devine reported that Salem and Peabody are pursuing multiple funding options to advance the project. Design funding is included in a pending federal earmark to address several gaps in the Border to Boston trail network. And the cities are applying for funding through the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program to complete 25% design for the path and identify solutions to the corridor’s flooding and riverine erosion. Small Projects to Consider Members suggest projects the Committee may want to advocate for as funding becomes available. Williamson suggests a connection from Hawthorne Boulevard and through Salem Common to Collins Cove, completing the gap at Washington Street, and connecting to the South River Harborwalk. Papetti notes that the city is looking at crosswalks and bus stops in the area and should consider looking at bike facilities too. Papetti states that staff time is the biggest limitation to proceeding with such projects. Wathne plans to look further at connections around the Salem Jail. He also says the new Palmer Cove Park path needs an additional 10’ connection to the parking area to connect to Congress Street. Wathne also suggests rebuilding the Ocean Ave. bridge over the railroad tracks, connecting the Point residents with the hospital, which is the city’s largest employer. Papetti suggests a buffered bike lane from Riley Plaza to Salem Hospital. Williamson suggest members submit project ideas to Devine. Papetti suggests some could then become official traffic calming requests. Miscellaneous 2 Papetti announces that he intends to step down as Chair and will ask Devine to put the election of new chair on the next agenda. Meeting Minutes: 5/5/2021 & 6/2/2021 Wathne motions and Williamson seconds to approve the minutes and all vote in favor. Adjourn Williamson motions and O’Leary seconds to adjourn at 8:01 p.m. and all vote in favor. *** Approved by the Salem Conservation Commission on 2/2/2022. 3