Minutes 02-21-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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23 Chair Dorosin said to make a courtesy pass to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough for some expedited feedback. Max Bushell said the MPO has made this presentation to the Towns, minus the OUTBoard comments. Chair Dorosin said to forward the OUTBoard comments to the Towns. Commissioner McKee said given that the Board is being asked to endorse this draft CTP, and given the communication that came from FTC relative to part of the transportation plan, he said when a motion is made that the first item on page 5 in re: Orange-Durham light rail transit should be withheld, until the Board receives a presentation on that plan. Commissioner Price said to take out the widening of Columbia Street as well. Max Bushell said the Board can make this comment, and he would include it at the MPO. Commissioner Jacobs said he can bring up the widening of Columbia Street at the MPO, where the Mayor of Chapel Hill will be sitting across from him. Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the BRT is wrapped up in the light rail plan (LRT). Commissioner McKee said it is part of the plan, but the questions he saw in today's communication did not involve BRT, only light rail. Commissioner Jacobs said items 1 and 2 can be held until there is a plan, and, in reference to the BRT, he said the Board might want to endorse the plan without the cost. Commissioner McKee said he has no problem holding BRT and LRT for later endorsement. Commissioner Jacobs said he could relay that information at MPO if that is the Board's pleasure. He said it would be his pleasure, but is not sure how the rest of the Board feels. Chair Dorosin clarified that the Board needs to vote on this, in one form or another, this evening, and this will be the last vote. He said there may not be an opportunity to re-endorse something that is removed today. Max Bushell said the Board could endorse with the caveat that these two projects need to be addressed in some other way. Chair Dorosin asked if the Board must act this evening, or can it wait to a later date. Max Bushell said that it is an option. He said the public comment period will close, and the process will continue to move on. Chair Dorosin asked if the comments from the OUTBoard will be incorporated. Max Bushell said all comments will be passed along to the MPO. He reminded the Board that this plan is very far reaching in nature, and many of the projects will never come to fruition; but any potential projects must be included in this plan. Chair Dorosin said given how amorphous this plan is, he has no reservations about leaving light rail and BRT in at this time. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the closing date for public comment could be identified. Max Bushell said it is on February 24th Commissioner Rich agreed with Chair Dorosin. Commissioner Marcoplos also agreed with Chair Dorosin. Commissioner McKee disagreed, and feels this is a statement of endorsement for something for which the Board has not seen the final product. He said the best path is to take out the LRT at least, and hold it for a future endorsement. He said to do otherwise will endorse the LRT project without knowing what the project, and all its details, is. Commissioner Burroughs said the Board can address financial issues separately, and this plan is very broad in its nature. Max Bushell said a commuter rail line from Hillsborough to Carrboro has been included, and he said this plan is very conceptual and it keeps the door open for a large variety of projects.