SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Sept 11,2024
Location: Worthen Library’s Community Room
Note: Zoom was available but there were no Zoomers tonight.
Planning Commission Members Present: David Roy-Co-Chair, Don Bedard-Co-Chair, Michele Gammal, Brooke Scott
Public Present: Rob Haze, Judy Duval, Anne Quinn, Bonny Rocheleau, Kathy Magill, Jaedi Gambatese, Kim Rae McFerran, Dottie McFerran, Andy Chevrefils, Michael Frett-Islander, Jamie Rainville, Lucas Tremble, Bob Toolin, David Lane, Gina McClain, Cory McClain, Patty & Joel Sharrow, Jim Falby, Tish Chamberlain, Joan Falcao, Sandy Gregg
Recording started
Call To Order: 6:30 PM Meeting called to order by David Roy – Co-Chair
Introductions of the Planning Commission Board
Noted that acting Note-Taker is Sandy Gregg.
Tonight’s Agenda: David R. stated that this is a Discovery Meeting to gather the public’s thoughts and get input on the idea of sidewalks on South Street. Letters were sent to South Street residents encouraging their attendance to get their input & thoughts. There was one map displayed showing the current sidewalks & conditions in Town; a second map showed RT 2 and South Street down to Folsom with property lines indicated.
The following is a list of thoughts & ideas expressed during this public meeting:
- “How far down South Street do you plan to go?”. David Roy responded that this is a discovery meeting and there is no plan at this time, we are here to listen to your ideas & concerns.
- Observation: There is a lot of bicycle traffic and fewer pedestrians. Going on and off a sidewalk may be an issue.
- Suggestion: “Add a bicycle lane”. Discussion followed that considerable research has been done on Bicycle traffic spearheaded by Donna Boumil-LCIEDC and there is a S.H.O.R.E report posted in the Town Office Meeting Room.
- Discussion about South Street bike traffic going an alternate route into town such as Martin Road to RT 2.
- Folsom student stated she likes to ride her bike to school and being able to ride on a sidewalk would make her feel safer.
- Public suggestion that Locomotion will have bike statistics (S.H.O.R.E Report). Selectboard member Skip Brown stated a stat from Locomotion on the Bike Ferry during the busy season averages 700 bikers/day.
- Statement that one member of the public made was regarding her son who is vision-impaired and how she is concerned about being safe when they are out for a walk. Also, she feels there are way more bikers than pedestrians.
- Statement made by public member that he runs a lot and safety should be of first concern. There needs to be separation between bikers and walkers and cars. Connections between the School and Library and Museum should be safe and that crossing Rt 2 is challenging. Trucks and cars often speed. We should make this an investment in community safety.
- Statement made by public member about his concern about excessive speeding on South Street.
- Further statement by public member that Google Maps at one time had the speed on South Street at 50 MPH. The Town should check Google Maps for all Town roads to be sure the speeds are properly listed.
- Also, check where speed signs are posted. If there is no speed sign posted the assumed State speed limit is 50 mph.
- Question: what kind of sidewalk are we talking about? All surface types should be considered along with the cost factors and maintenance issues.
- South Street resident stated there are a lot of walkers with dogs. Cars and school bus interactions are of concern.
- Which side of the street would the sidewalk be? Don B. responded that has not been decided. Things to consider are; mailboxes, utility poles, water lines, Town right-of-way etc. The water lines need to be identified with the help of Fire District #4 and Ken Little. Right now the understanding is it runs from Rt 2 to the Church on the west side of South Street, then cuts over South Street to the east side at the stone house and then back over to the west side.
- Observation: fewer residents live on the west side of South Street. The cemetery is on the west side.
- Connection to the Robinson Trail would be easier if sidewalk on the west side of South Street.
- Student stated she did not feel safe in the road with cars going by.
- Michele G. said we want our kids to be able to bike to school safely.
- David R. said a multi-model pathway should be considered and there should be a buffer between the roadway and the sidewalk.
- Audience suggestion to send a survey to South Street residents and ask if they are okay with the the sidewalk idea….and get other concerns answered.
- Audience member asked about burying the utility lines and what would that cost be?
- Plowing the sidewalk? who would be responsible?
- David R. replied that the Planning Commission had requested of the Selectboard that some ARPA funds be set aside for sidewalk plowing equipment. Status of that request is not known.
- Audience member said that trash cans could present a problem on pickup days.
- Could the lane be used in both directions?
- Economic impact should be considered.
- Town right-of-way is 50 feet from the center of South Street. There is now 22 feet of asphalt.
- David R. stated the Planning Commission wants to hear from all South Street residents and any impacts they are concerned about.
- Brook S. stated all options should be considered and budget concerns to go with each.
- Folsom student said the cross-walk in front of the school needs to be repainted.
- Member of the public asked about the possibility of a table-top type of cross walk or other means to slow traffic.
- Don B. stated there is no speed limit sign from RT 2 to the School speed sign.
- Member of the public said that she is concerned about adding storm-water run-off to her property as there is already a water issue at her house.
- David R. said the wastewater study being done currently is only for residences and not for stormwater runoff.
- Member of the public said the crosswalk flashing light does not always work.
- Selectboard member Skip B. asked if we need to get a scoping study done?
- David R. replied eventually the Town will need professional planning & design done.
- A member of the audience asked a possible round-about at the Rt 2 & South Street intersection. Discussion followed with general opinion that that is not a feasible option.
- Member of the public asked if mutually beneficial projects might coincide to save costs.
- Don B. stated the current emergency evacuation plan from Folsom is to the Church so having the sidewalk be on the west side would work well with that plan.
- Member of the public said the sidewalk on South Street along the Community Bank has a heave in tit and should not rendered on the map as smooth with no cracks.
- General discussion happened around the width of a recreation path.
- Member of the public asked if bike traffic could be directed from the Bike Ferry to Town along a different route than South Street?
- It was pointed out that Dept. of Fish & Wildlife owns the trail from Station Road to West Shore Road. They are reluctant to keep it open too wide.
- Meeting wound down as 7:30 PM approached.
- David R. thanked all for coming out and sharing their thoughts & concerns and said he said he was encouraged by the level of interest shown.
- Minutes will be posted within 5 days on SouthHeroVT.org under Planning Commission. Also, find Agendas for future meetings there as well. The agendas list the topics for discussion so you will know when the sidewalk issue will be discussed.
- Thank you David Lane for the pitch that the Planning Commission is still looking for another member.
- Motion to adjourn by Don B. Seconded by Michele G. Vote by the PC members was unanimous and meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Next Meeting: Check the Town website: www SouthHeroVT.org under Planning Commission.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Gregg – tonight’s volunteer scribe
Signed:______________________________________ Date: ________________________
For the Planning Commission
These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.