Showing posts with label complete streets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label complete streets. Show all posts

Friday, January 26, 2024

Congressmen Auchincloss and Cohen and Senator Markey Reintroduce Complete Streets Act

Measure prioritizes sidewalks, crosswalks, bus stops and bike lanes in road design priorities

 

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), and Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, today reintroduced an improved version of their Complete Streets Act, which would make roads safer and more accessible by ensuring states direct a portion of their federal highway funding towards the creation of a Complete Streets Program. A "complete street" provides safe and accessible transportation options for children, seniors, and people with disabilities by prioritizing infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users. Under the Complete Streets Act, eligible local and regional entities can use funds from their state's Complete Streets Program for technical assistance and capital funding to build safe street projects such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops. The legislation would also phase in a requirement for states to incorporate complete streets elements into all new construction and reconstruction.

 

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"The United States is facing a national safety crisis on our roads. In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrians killed by vehicles, especially in Memphis. We need streets that can accommodate all means of transportation, from foot traffic and strollers to bicycles, cars, light trucks and 18-wheelers. Our new Complete Streets Act will transform communities and make it safer for everyone to travel on and adjacent to our roadways."

 

Congressman Cohen hosted a roundtable discussion with local and state stakeholders on the Complete Streets Act in Memphis in October 2019.

 

Congressman Auchincloss made the following statement:

"Walking shouldn't be dangerous. Pedestrian deaths are surging in the United States, and Congress must respond. Promoting Complete Streets helps ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists operate safely. And the design and infrastructure of Complete Streets is not just safer – it's also better for ambience, the environment, and retail."


Senator Markey made the following statement:

"It's time to reverse course in our country and bring the increasing number of roadway fatalities to a full stop. When we fund a complete street, we make a community complete with equitable, safe, and accessible transportation—all while reducing our reliance on gas-guzzling vehicles. I thank Congressman Cohen for his partnership in making sure that the roads we use every day work for all people."

 

Endorsing organization statements in support of the Complete Streets Act:

 

Benito PĂ©rez, Policy Director at Transportation for America, made the following statement:

 

"Every person has the right to be safe when traveling on our roads, no matter how they choose to get around—but for people outside of a car, that's often more of a pipe dream than reality. We applaud Senator Markey and Representative Cohen for their leadership in introducing the Complete Streets Act. By offering state-level grants to design and build Complete Streets, this bill provides a tangible step forward to improving safety, accessibility, and health outcomes for all road users."

 

Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, made the following statement:

 

"Everyone should be able to safely walk or bike with their kids to the playground. The Complete Streets Act would give local governments access to the resources and funding to invest in safer roads in our communities. Too often that trip to the playground is blocked by an intersection too dangerous for families to cross, or streets without sidewalks for families to walk on. The League of American Bicyclists is proud to support this bill and thanks Congressman Cohen and Senator Markey for their leadership on this issue."

 

The legislation is also endorsed by the National Complete Streets Coalition, Center for American Progress, and the Livable Streets Alliance.

 

Under the Complete Streets Act:

 

  • States would be required to set aside five percent of their federal highway funding to create a "Complete Streets" program.
  • To access the funds, eligible entities would need to adopt a Complete Streets policy, participate in technical assistance, and create a prioritized plan for Complete Streets projects in their jurisdictions.
  • Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) would be responsible for certifying that Complete Streets policies meet minimum requirements set out by the United States Secretary of Transportation.
  • The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, States, and MPOs would be required to adopt design standards for federal surface transportation projects that provide for the safe and adequate accommodation of all users of the surface transportation network, including motorized and non-motorized users, in all phases of project planning, development, and operation.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

FM #962 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 962 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Dean College Chancellor Ed Augustus


Brad, Melanie, Ed and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.


Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  


We were joined by Chancellor Ed Augustus for this session to include his insights as former Town Manager of Worcester, MA and the lessons from the Worcester experience that might be considered for Franklin. 


The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen in.


Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-962-walkability-worcester-insights-03-15-23


--------------


Principles of walkability: useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. Watch the TED Talk with Jeff Speck - https://www.ted.com/talks/jeff_speck_the_walkable_city


Jane Jacobs writer and activist on urban design wrote her book in 1961  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_and_Life_of_Great_American_Cities  


Center for Living City is an organization that continues in the spirit of her work ->    https://centerforthelivingcity.org/janejacobs/#jane-and-the-center


Other podcast episodes in this series:

4th discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Brad (FM #942) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/listen-to-this-discussion-on-housing.html 


3rd discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Joel D’errico  (FM #922) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/downtown-zoning-discussion-with-derrico.html 


2nd discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December (FM #904) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html 


1st discussion on Franklin For All project -> (FM # 755) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.html


--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)
Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Webinar scheduled for Mar 10 - Complete Neighborhoods Initiative by MASS Housing Partnership

"The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) is pleased to announce the launch of our Complete Neighborhoods Initiative, aimed at supporting the creation of walkable, livable neighborhoods near transit and mobility hubs. 
 
Funding for the Initiative is dedicated to three activities:
  • MBTA Communities Zoning Compliance Technical Assistance ("3A TA"): Provides training, online resources and technical assistance to help MBTA communities adopt multifamily zoning as now required by state law.
  • Complete Neighborhoods Partnership: Provides expertise in planning, community engagement, and predevelopment activities within targeted districts to build local capacity and readiness for investment.
  • Capital Investment: Provide subsidies to development pipeline within designated Complete Neighborhoods. 

For more general information about this initiative, go to MHP's Complete Neighborhoods Initiative web page.

An informational webinar about Complete Neighborhoods Partnership is scheduled for Thursday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. We hope to see you there! Register for the webinar here"




Sunday, November 14, 2021

Link for Strong Towns event Nov 15 - 9:30 AM (updated)

Updated:
Event Details for Congressman Jake Auchincloss’s Municipal Leaders Town Hall featuring Special Guests Charles Marohn of Strong Towns, State Representative Jeff Roy, and Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

When: Monday, November 15 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Where: THE BLACK BOX theater (Home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company) at 15 West Central St, Franklin MA 02038

• Free parking is available next to and behind the theater, and on Main Street.
• We request that participants wear face coverings at this indoor event. We will have masks and hand sanitizer available at the entrance to the event.
• Questions? Please contact Dana Hanson at dana.hanson@mail.house.gov.



This will be live streamed on Franklin.TV All-Access (online, Comcast 8, Verizon 26)
Remote link and live streaming info -> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83485517073



Link for Strong Towns event Nov 15 - 9:30 AM
Link for Strong Towns event Nov 15 - 9:30 AM


Wednesday, September 29, 2021

FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting - 09/27/21 (audio)

FM #615 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 615 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Planning Board meeting held on Monday, September 27, 2021. The recording was captured via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


Quick Recap:

  • Public hearing on 40 Alpine Row discusses multiple updates and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 38 seconds)

  • Public hearing on 5 Fisher St discusses multiple items and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 21 minutes)

  • Public hearing on Housing Production Plan (HPP), after clarifications on the "plan" as being Town based/Town controlled (not State), still requiring much work to make happen, and that the Planning Board would still "get a bite at the apple", the HPP is approved 5-0 roll call vote  (in recording at approx. 46 minutes)

  • Site plan modification request to split 2 plots into 3 approved by 5-0 vote via roll call  (in recording at approx. 1 hour 11 minutes)

  • Citizen comment on complete streets (begin approx. 1 hour 19 minutes)

 Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 1 hour and 36 minutes, so let’s listen to the Planning Board meeting of Sep 27. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/048d7b83-9e78-43fc-bfae-c5ebf1650595



--------------


Planning Board agenda:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_27_2021_agenda.pdf 


Planning board meeting documents:

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/events/331296 

 

My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/planning-board-recap-92721-housing.html


--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting
FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting

Friday, September 24, 2021

FM #610 - Complete Streets Public Discussion - 09/22/21 (audio)

FM #610 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 610 in the series. 


This shares the Complete Streets Public Discussion meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; Town Administration and DPW staff along with some public participants were present in the Council Chambers. Others were able to via the Zoom conference bridge. 


Yes, I do participate in this session to ask about the documentation shared to those in the room and not yet available for those remote. I also raise a few points on safe walking issues around town.


Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about twenty-six minutes (~:26) .  Let’s listen to the Complete Streets Public Discussion for Sep 22


** Audio file =>  
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/673635f4-cffc-4396-8017-b4f2e5498161


-----------

Town of Franklin Complete Streets page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/engineering/pages/complete-streets

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

What's with Complete Streets?
What's with Complete Streets?

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Franklin's Complete Streets feedback sought, info promised

Quick Recap:
  • The Complete Streets policy was approved by the Town Council earlier this year as a guiding principal for consideration in road construction or renovations. It is a good thing to do.
  • The meeting Wednesday was to solicit feedback on a listing of projects that was only available to those who were in person at the meeting to receive the handout. This was shortsighted. The info was promised to be posted to the Town web page Thursday. It could have been done in advance to enable appropriate feedback.
  • The listing is preliminary. It will be prioritized and submitted to the State to seek funding for such projects.
  • This posting will be updated with the Complete Streets project info when it is posted to the Town page as promised.
Town of Franklin Complete Streets page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/engineering/pages/complete-streets

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live via the Zoom conference bridge.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #cs0922  https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cs0922&src=typed_query  


Complete Streets meeting agenda:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/2021-09-22_complete_streets_public_meeting_1.pdf


Presentation doc from February 2021 ->     https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XSOruj9Z6L9rJD5E6dhQsdKq0s3ITIv0/view?usp=sharing

 

Map in Chamber with stickies on it indicating community input
Map in Chamber with stickies on it indicating community input

  • Complete streets meeting begins, live reporting underway via the Zoom session #cs0922 
  • DPW Director Cantoreggi and Town Engineer M Maglio leading session on complete streets after opening by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen #cs0922
  • Map in Chamber with stickies on it indicating community input. Looking to summarize the plan for submission to State and hopefully will be generate some funding for the projects #cs0922
  • Asked for info on priority projects, to be posted to town page Thursday. Also took time to provide feedback on sight lines (actually purview of building commissioner Gus Brown), issue of utility poles blocking sidewalk access, (a constant fight by Town with utilities) #cs0922
  • Also added question on overhang of bushes or trees on sidewalk that hinders a tall walker (like me). Send Brutus an email as I encounter those as they come under his tree warden role. #cs0922
  • Meeting adjourns after no other questions or comments #cs0922

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days


Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) with reference points on shared streets and shared use paths

With our input sought for the Complete Streets Discussion tonight, here are a couple of pieces of background info on the program and its related programs. Agenda document with participation info for the discussion found here =>  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/complete-streets-public-discussion-sep.html


Reference 1
There are 846 miles of shared use paths in Massachusetts. Learn more about MassDOT's shared use path investments in the 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Update #SharedUsePaths https://t.co/PWmT5YCyWW

Shared from Twitter ->  https://t.co/mZC8EEkDmW


There are 846 miles of shared use paths in Ma
There are 846 miles of shared use paths in MA


Reference 2

The @MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces program encourages planners and local leaders to rethink how we use pavement. Prioritizing space for dining, parks and visual arts promotes economic development and quality of life in communities all across MA. #BuildBackBetter #mapoli https://t.co/5QsShVsYPW
Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/T4MASS/status/1440311515861565454?s=03

@MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces program encourages planners and local leaders to rethink how we use pavement.
@MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces program encourages planners and local leaders to rethink how we use pavement.


Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Complete Streets Public Discussion - Sep 22 - 6:00 PM

Complete Streets Public Discussion
September 22, 2021 - 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

Complete Streets program
The Town Administration and Town Public Works staff will be hosting a meeting to discuss the Town’s initial filing of its Complete Streets program with the state on October 1st. 
If any member of the public wishes to attend this discussion, please feel free to attend.

The Complete Streets Policy was approved by the Town Council on April 7, 2021. 

Remote connection info can be found in the meeting agenda:


What's with Complete Streets?
What's with Complete Streets?