Clarksburg Looking to Adopt 'Complete Streets' Policy
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CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Clarksburg is seeking to adopt a "Complete Streets" policy that would guide its future road construction and open up state grant funding.
The state Department of Transportation has been pursuing the concept of Complete Streets, which envision ways to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists along with motor vehicles. The guidelines encompass sidewalks, crossings, bike lanes, signage, striping and intersections.
Some $12.5 million in funding is available in fiscal 2016 and 2017; eligible communities can receive from $50,000 to $400,000 toward technical assistance or construction.
Amanda Chilson, local coordinator for the state's Mass in Motion program, explained the policy as being about connectivity and feasibility.
"It's not saying all this has to be done immediately, it's saying as you're repairing or maintaining an area of road, does it make sense to take a look over ... is there a shoulder wide enough?" she said.
"If it's not feasible, then it doesn't make sense."
The idea would be to use West Cross Road (which is being redone to add a bike lane that was not included during last year's construction) as the "spine" and work out from there.
And it doesn't all have to be construction. Because the roads are very rural, an alternative could be as simple as posting signs or other markers cautioning drivers to "share the road," said Chilson, if the shoulder isn't wide enough for pedestrians or bikes.
The proposed policy states that the town "envisions a transportation system where all modes, users, and abilities can move safely and efficiently. ...
"The Town of Clarksburg recognizes that all roadway projects, including new construction, maintenance, upgrades, and reconstruction, are opportunities to apply Complete Streets design principles."
The four-page policy broadly outlines implementation and goals; best practices to follow; incorporation into current zoning and other bylaws; and the need to inventory and update infrastructure gaps and improvements.
Town Administrator Carl McKinney said he initially envisions going south at the intersection of West Cross and Middle Road because of the unresolved bridge issue on Cross Road.
Selectman William Schrade Jr. asked if the town has to be focused on a priority project, if a continuous bike or walking path accomplishes what the state is looking for.
Chilson said the program is centered around what the town wants to do.
"The first round of funding helps to bring in technical assistance to actually what you're looking for and a timeline based on your plan and exactly what you need," she said.
The primary requirements are that a municipal employee attend Complete Street training; that the policy scores 80 out of a possible 100 points; and the development of a Complete Streets prioritization plan. Meeting these criteria puts a community in line to apply for construction funds.
As a Community Compact member, Clarksburg is already awarded 4 points.
There is no specific deadline, but the state is encouraging policies be submitted on a seasonal basis.
"You guys are in a great position moving forward," Chilson said. "There are only a few other communities in Berkshire County that have submitted their policies."
Residents are being encouraged to read over the policy in advance of a public hearing to get community input that is expected to be Wednesday, April 13, at 6 p.m. in the Selectmen's meeting room at Town Hall. The document will also be available at Town Hall, the school and the Senior Center.
In other business, Chairman Jeffrey Levanos read off again the offices up for election this year. The last day to take out nomination papers is Friday, April 1; they must be returned with signatures by Tuesday, April 5.
McKinney reported that he would be meeting with state Rep. Gailanne Cariddi, D-North Adams, on accessing small-bridge money.
Approved the installation of a bookhouse at the library. The "Little Free Library" is part of an effort by the Berkshire United Way and Saudi Arabia Basic Industries to install 50 of them across the county.
Clarksburg Complete Streets Policy by iBerkshires.com
Tags: bike lane, complete streets, MassDOT, pedestrians, public policy, roads, state grant,
