Minutes - 20090219 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

3. Transportation Issues a) Report from Rail Station Task Force Regarding the Siting of a Rail Station in Hillsborough Margaret Hauth said that the report in the packet was prepared by the Rail Station Task Force. This committee met on Friday mornings and the report was done on time. This is not a statement by staff, but a work of the task force. There was a public open house at the Big Barn, 50 people came out, and almost everyone was in favor of having a rail station in Hillsborough. There was a lot of sentimental attachment to the old depot on Nash Street. There are, however, some significant engineering constraints with the old depot site. The decision was made to look at the Collins property and figure out how to move forward with implementation. She said that she and Mayor Stevens were able to visit Savannah and the renovation that is going on there. There is a lot of enthusiasm at Amtrak to support train stations. Commissioner Nelson asked where the money would come from and Margaret Hauth said from DOT's rail division. Amtrak has a basic plan for an adaptable rolling station. b) Transportation Priorities and Potential Request to NCDOT to Substitute a List of Road Projects in Place of Elizabeth Brady Road Margaret Hauth made reference to the memo in the packet and said that the Town has had the opportunity to consider whether different street improvements might not yield a better price than the Elizabeth Brady Road. She said that they need to study the projects they want to substitute for this. The Town would like the County's support. Commissioner Gordon said that this has been discussed at the MPO level. They are supportive and are waiting to see what DOT will do. Eric Hallman said that this is a struggle because they have not seen a federal highway project like this get funded in 15 years. He said that the MPO is being asked to reprogram the money. Margaret Hauth said that this would need to be resolved in the next 12-18 months. Commissioner Jacobs said that this is a result of two joint planning efforts of the County and the Town — EDD Transportation Plan and the Orange Grove Road Access Management Plan. This is another example of good collaboration. Chair Foushee asked about the next steps and Margaret Hauth said that if the Town needs assistance with more engineering, then she will contact the County. c) North Hills Center Orange Public Transportation Park & Ride Lot Department on Aging and Transportation Director Jerry Passmore said that this route is a TTA route and is under contract with OPT. The route expanded last October to contract with Chapel Hill Transit to operate the peak hour service. Orange County's involvement under contract has been reduced to the midday runs. The route is so successful that a formal agreement is now needed. Ultimately, TTA is in control of the route, but it is looking to OPT and Chapel Hill Transit for pickup points. Margaret Hauth said that the property owner has indicated that they would like to be paid for use of the property. She has not received a quote yet. Jerry Passmore said that North Hills is a great location, but an agreement is needed. Commissioner Gordon said that if there is ever a question concerning Triangle Transit, then she will look into it and asked for clarification concerning what Triangle Transit is being requested to do.