Minutes 02-25-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Ferguson said she hopes that the County will support what the Town supports. She said adjoining neighbors do not want this park and ride lot in a prime commercial area. Commissioner Dorosin asked if there are advantages or disadvantages to having them separate or together. Margaret Hauth said it is ideal to co-locate, as it is most efficient. She said Go Triangle's is of the perspective that they are serving commuters, and thus the transfer facility being located at New Hope Church is acceptable. She said the Town's perspective that this is a commuter service, but it also important to access the transit dependent population by placing a transfer location in the community. Commissioner Pelissier asked if neighbors want the option supported by the Town. Commissioner Ferguson said access to transportation was voiced as being highly important during neighborhood information meetings. Commissioner Pelissier said she is glad that the Go Triangle presentation was postponed, since it was good to hear the Town's reasons for supporting the version of the park and ride lot that it did. Commissioner Bell asked if there is a proposed timeline to have all the options laid out and a decision made. Margaret Hauth said it would depend on the option that is chosen. She said Go Triangle is determining the specific timeline. She said Go Triangle is anxious to get started. Margaret Hauth said most of this funding is already available through the bus and rail investment plan. Commissioner Lowen said the New Hope Church parking lot is already paved and would need fewer improvements. Chair McKee agreed with the Town's comments and their support of the New Hope Church location. He says his main concern is convenience for the residents, not convenience for Go Triangle. Commissioner Rich asked if Mayor Stevens could please provide the Town Board's minutes from these types of discussions to the BOCC for future issues. Margaret Hauth said these presentations were lined up for both boards to discuss individually and collectively. Commissioner Price suggested providing an update to the community in the form of a flyer in both English and Spanish. Bonnie Hammersley said this can be done. c) Churton Street Improvements TOWN Staff: Margaret Hauth Margaret Hauth said notification from DOT was received, permitting construction to proceed. She reviewed the following information: The current schedule would allow the bus stop work near the Justice Facility to begin in May 2016 as the first portion of the construction work. The downtown construction phase would last about 10 months, wrapping up in January 2017. In Spring 2017, NCDOT has scheduled the resurfacing of Churton Street. Once that is complete, the stamped crosswalks and final clean-up can take place. The best estimate right now for full completion is the end of calendar year 2017. The town will have a meeting with downtown businesses as soon as a contractor has been secured so that full details of timing can be discussed and adjusted to the extent feasible. Town staff acknowledges that the construction schedule is not the desired schedule for local businesses, but construction of this type cannot take place in January-March.