Complete Streets Advisory Board

SARATOGA SPRINGS COMPLETE STREETS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 13TH, 2024 - 5:00 P.M. Attendee’s Committee: Chair Ken Grey, Chair Ted Orosz, Lindley Hickox, Lynn Keating, Jen Natyzak City Staff: Susan Barden, Michael Dutre Meeting Minutes are not a word-for-word Transcript. Public comment a. No members of the public were present. Administration a. February minutes were approved as read. Updates a. Vision Zero – Safe Streets for All Michael Dutre requested suggestions for Safe Streets ‘Community Liaisons’ for the grant. The meetings are quarterly and liaisons will be provided a stipend. The liaisons advocate for multi-modal transportation needs of seniors, minorities and low-to-moderate income persons. Lindley Hickox volunteered to represent Complete Streets. Jen Natyzak suggested the President of Bikeatoga who doesn’t have a car and rides his bike everywhere. He could represent commuters who rely on non-motorized vehicles. Jen Natytzak has other potential contacts which she will share with Michael Dutre. b. City Council Presentation April Chair Grey is interested in a late April or early May presentation to City Council which would outline priorities for the year. c. Treehouse Brewery Susan Barden mentioned Treehouse has been open to bike and pedestrian improvements along their property. Chair Grey explained that speed should be reduced to 40 mph with Treehouse, increased housing and growing traffic. d. Van Dam and Church Neighborhood Association Chair Grey was impressed with the levels government that were represented. Susan Barden added that DPS is reforming the Traffic Division which helps with enforcement. Susan Barden and the Land Use Boards can look into modern windows that look historic which could help avoid residential rattling and breakage with heavy vehicle traffic. Additionally, the Woodlawn Social Club project will install a crosswalk which will promote pedestrian safety. Michael Dutre requested that the Capital Region Transportation Council do a multi-day traffic count on Van Dam after the Washington detour ends in June.  e. Crosswalk YMCA to Pitney Meadows Michael Dutre followed up that the Mayor’s Office and DPS are aware of this project which could serve the High School runners who use Pitney to train as well as YMCA. IV. Action Items a. 2024 CSAB Priorities and Complete Streets Budget Chair Grey and Chair Orosz asked Michael Dutre if there is still a Complete Streets budget. Michael Dutre confirmed there is and a portion will be used for the Safe Streets for All grant match as specified in Tina Carton’s initial application. Lynn Keating highlighted Circular and Whitney as being a dangerous intersection which could be redesigned. Michael Dutre updated that Railroad Run Lighting conversations are beginning with DPW. b. ADA Transition Plan Priorities Michael Dutre thanked Lindley Hickox and the rest of the Complete Streets group for reaching out to the City on its commitment to ADA. The ADA Plan does a great job outlining areas throughout the City that need to be brought up to compliance. c. 25 mph Speed Limit Chair Grey reiterated that the City should move forward on 25 mph speed limits in the inner tax district where feasible. Chair Grey will share the insurance statistics on why a City should reduce speeds. The example of Jersey City is interesting since they reached ‘vision zero’ despite being much larger than Saratoga Springs. Jen Natyzak offered to revisit the crash maps that Tina Carton had shared previously. d. Crescent Ave Chair Grey said that since Tonko has earmarked $300,000 for construction, the City should move forward on design and supplemental funding. Michael Dutre agreed there is momentum because of the upcoming housing development and Treehouse Brewing. e. Excelsior Springs Michael Dutre recalled that the Planning Board recommended multi-modal improvements in this winding and steep corridor which is currently being used as a ‘cut- through.’ Because of upcoming development, this area will only become busier. Chair Orosz pointed out that this stretch sees a lot of use and grading as well as wetlands could be a roadblock. VI. Adjourn