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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Transportation Visioning Committee 2010-10-19Transportation Visioning Committee Meeting Minutes October 19, 2010 In attendance: Stan Black, Kimberley Campbell, Peggy Campbell, Charley Dickey, John Ericson, Larry Gamble, Wayne Groome, John Hannon, Cory La Bianca, Jerry Miller, Lowell Richardson, Greg Rosener, Frank Theis, Annika Van der Werf, Scott Zurn, Trustee Jerry Miller presented three brief videos to the group: Solar Roadways — utilizing solar panels as road surfaces to generate power and light up crosswalks. Roads Unfit for People — examples in Great Britain where road controls were removed and accidents declined. Roads Fit for People — Study in Great Britain before and after road controls were removed. Discussions followed the videos and included the pros and cons of roundabouts, elimination of traffic controls, underpasses, raised crosswalks and alternative materials. Frank Theis presented his ideas and concepts for Downtown and reviewed part of his work related to the previous Elkhorn Lodge Development Proposal. Discussion included: A previous downtown by-pass from Moraine to 36 over the hill was proposed but not approved or liked by the town. He felt there was lack of vision and discussion of long term needs. A long-term discussion about long range planning, 20 to 30 years out, is crucial. Wonderview has helped mitigate traffic from the east. Moccasin Bypass and Rockwell Bypass have helped but he thinks we also need one from Moraine to Fall River. The group suggested other ideas including a pedestrian mall like Boulder's Pearl Street, re- routing the river to flow down the center of Elkhorn. The pros and cons of pedestrian malls were discussed and how many are still surviving and what makes them successful or not. Lack of parking downtown is an issue, removing cars shouldn't be. Mr. Theis continued with his ideas including: Traffic from the east on 36 can be brought around on to Riverside and out to Moraine. Traffic from the west on 36 can be brought through the current parking lot next to the bluff and out by the bathrooms. This would provide egress for those who don't want to be downtown. A roundabout at the intersection there by the Donut Haus would guide traffic directly to Riverside. The intersection at Elkhorn and Riverside could be a lane for "Old Town" — a really nice entry with a fountain or sculpture. "Old Town" would have two lane traffic, based on the Road Diet book with angled parking. Currently we have 12 parking spots. Using this design, it would increase available spots to 60 in this two block area. There would be a center lane for delivery and pick-up. The town could take over ownership of the roads from CDOT. Moving traffic from the west on 36 next to the bluff for a by-pass and a new park. Other items of discussion included: can we create a by-pass way around town. The signage isn't really clear at 34/36. Can highway 7 to Mary's Lake Road be used for the Beaver Meadows entrance? Can we redirect more traffic to the Fall River Entrance? We need to know people's destinations. How can we enhance the downtown experience and thereby make our economic engine stronger? How much congestion is caused by pedestrians and the walk lights? Or by those searching for parking? How much of it is pass -through traffic? How big is the problem? Should the committee be split into different groups with different focuses? Traffic is predicted to double by 2030. How can federal grants help? We don't need to reinvent the wheel because we have lots of information. Everyone should read the 2007 Downtown Parking Study. Should we consider perimeter loops? All ideas are viable and we want to keep it positive. Homework assignment for all Committee Members: Review the issues; add to it if you think of something. Next meetings: November 3 Directors Zurn and Campbell will present previous studies and recommendations, Front Range growth and its impact on Estes, and projected growth for the next 20 years. November 11 Larry Gamble and John Hannon, Rocky Mountain National Park presentation. Time: 3 to 5 p.m. Location: Town Hall Training Room 130 It was agreed that the meeting schedule will be the first and third Wednesdays of the month, beginning at 3 p.m.