Meeting #9 minutes: April 1

Franklin Street Arterial Study CommitteeMeeting #9 , April 1st, 2009NotesCom. Members present: Alex Landry, Greg Martin, Liz Hoglund, Jaime Parker, Boyd Marley, Markos Miller, Katie Brown, Ethan Boxer-Macomber, Mark Adelson, Cathi Debo, Mike LabergeStaff: Mike Bobinsky, Kathy Earley, Alex Jaegerman, Carl Eppich, Greg Mitchell, Gerald VarneyConsultant: Mitch Rasor

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Update on Public Workshop, April 29th, Ocean GatewayFollow Up committee meeting on April 30th, 6-8 pm, Ocean Gateway
   • Details and format will be discussed at April 15 meeting.
3. Final Review of Performance Criteria
   • Minor additions to Performance Criteria made: ‘amenities’ added as sidewalk quality; ‘for all users’ added to width of travel lanes under Urban context; ‘Appropriate mix of land-use types’ added to Land Use
   • Performance Criteria approved by all members present
4. Follow Up on Peninsula Traffic Data- Mike Laberge
   • MIke Laberge presents comparative volumes and crash data between State/High and Franklin. See attached AADTCRASHMAPNOTES. Summary: S/H has 10% more volume, 50% more vehicular or pedestrian accidents.
5. Exit 7 Project and Process
   • Ernie Martin from MDOT gave a presentation on Exit 7 project to address traffic backing up onto I-295.
   • Northbound off ramp to become two lanes, ending at traffic signal/intersection with end of SB ramp.
   • Southbound ramp to be extended from Washington Ave on ramp, widened to two to three lanes, coming to a signal at intersection with NB ramp.
   • A separate “Intersection” project will address intersection of Marginal/Franklin through to Fox/Somerset, including crosswalks, etc (Will be based on Franklin study-We are stakeholder group for Intersection project).
   • Questions/Comments of committee include:
     • Being sure crosswalks and necessary sidewalks are included
     • City to include sidewalks
     • Why not roundabouts at this location-Review Roundabout Guidelines-”may be better @Fox/Somerset” EM
     • Want to see data supporting dimensions of new SB lane
     • Need to phase signals with Franklin lights
     • Community desire for Pedestrian Trail connection to Back Cove Trail at Exit 7- want to see designs that would be compatible
     • Off ramp signals appear to create safer environment for Pedestrians
     • Is there a Pedestrian refuge island?
     • Construction will impact Exits 3 and 4.
     • Public Meeting anticipated for June.
     • Other projects (Veteran’s Bridge, 295 Exits) may push Exit 7 schedule back
     • Franklin Committee to play a ‘check in’ role
       • Check the I-295 Corridor study website, as it reflects data.
       • Committee discusses option to take a position in favor of Trail Connection
       • Concerns about Committee getting bogged down in Exit 7 discussion
       • Can look at data and compare with other exits, other communities
       • May want a 3rd party review
       • Committee to revisit Exit 7
6. Updates
   • PHA/EBNO Workshop. April 21st, 7-8:30, 47 Smith Street.
   • Roundabout Field Trip planned to Augusta and Auburn for April 2nd.
   • Walking Tour of Franklin planned for May 5th meeting
7. Comments
   • Request a scaled section of Exit 7 plans
8. Next Mtg:Workshop PrepApril 15 Design ExerciseDiscussion Points