Sidewalk Committee Will Consider Phase-in Plan
by Nancy Wood,
October 6, 2011, page 5.....

Two dozen residents gathered at the Senior Center on September 29 for a discussion about sidewalks on Ferry Road. The meeting was hosted by the Sidewalk Committee and facilitated by committee member Jim Donovan, who said the purpose was to gather information. The committee’s charge from the Selectboard is to explore alternative approaches for creating a safe environment for pedestrians and bicyclers through the West Village between Greenbush Road and Route 7.

There was general agreement that, in the long run, sidewalks on both sides of Ferry Road would be ideal, but that a phased-in approach makes the most sense. East Charlotte also wants to improve bicycle and pedestrian access, but other priorities are taking precedence at this time. Donovan said that whatever approach is used in West Charlotte would probably be similar to future improvements in East Charlotte so that equipment, if any, purchased for maintenance could be used in both areas.

Shirley Bruce was skeptical about the number of people who would use sidewalks. She has been clearing out the house of her late brother, Richard Leboeuf, and said she had seen many bicycles but not walkers on the weekends. She expressed concerns about the cost, maintenance and location of walks. She said that prior work by the Town for the sewer system had changed the storm water flow so that now the basements in all three of the Leboeuf houses have water. Curbs for sidewalks that improve that situation would be a benefit.

Mike and Karen Frost, who own the blue house adjacent to the Old Brick Store, said that they favor sidewalks. They have installed lawn and curb in front of the house to keep cars from parking too close, and there is clear indication in the path across the grass that people are seeking a safe place to walk by.

Kristy Sargent from the Charlotte Children’s Center said it is very difficult “getting from point A to point B” with children from the center with so much traffic on Ferry Road. Children from the center often visit the Library and Fire Station.

Several people were concerned about the need for a safer way for pedestrians and bicyclers to cross Route 7, and suggested the need for a marked cross walk and changes in the light function.

Donovan said there are various ways to improve safety for pedestrians, such as striping along the sides (which has already been done) and making the shoulder wider. “But,” he said, “sidewalks are perceived as safer because they are farther from the road.” He said the right of way owned by the Town is “huge.” It is a 4-rod road, established in 1789. At 66 feet, it is 1-rod (16.5 feet) wider than in most Vermont towns.
Donovan estimated the cost of 5-foot wide concrete sidewalks at $65 per linear foot. Having curbs would add to that cost, and also require a storm water system for collecting and treating runoff. A less expensive approach is to have a grass swale separating sidewalks from the road.

Karen Frost urged the committee to include traffic calming measures (such as speed tables) if sidewalks are put in without curbs.

There are a number of trees within the right of way, some recently planted near the intersection of Route 7. Donovan indicated that any design would keep trees, as a goal of the project would be to maintain a village feel. If any had to be removed, they would be replaced.

The committee will consider the suggestions by the group for a phase in approach that would deal with the most urgent areas as a start, and eventually provide sidewalks on both sides to all the businesses and public buildings on that section of Ferry Road, and to Route 7 on at least one side. A work session will be held on October 7, preliminary designs would be presented at another meeting for public comment on November 10 and recommendations will be brought to the Selectboard on December 12.