HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/06/1995
Southold Transportation Committee
Southold Town Hall Conference Room
June 6, 1995
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Present: Neboysha Brashich. Margaret Brown, Victor Brown, Kevin Christy. Barbara Michelson. Ray
VanEtten. Merle Wiggin; Guests: Dr. Michael Brody, DPM; Sgt. Joe Clark, SPD. Supervisor Tom
Wickham
The minutes of the May 16 meeting, prepared by Barbara Michelson. were approved as read.
Crosswalks:
It was suggested that Mayor Kapell be urged to write a letter to the Department of Transportation
District X Regional Office asking for improvements to the crosswalks in Greenport. and expressing the
urgency of having the work done before summer activities reach their peak. Of particular concern is the
visit by the Americas Sail tall ships in late June. Ray VanEtten will meet with Mayor Kapell tomorrow
and Thursday.
Dr. Michael Brodv:
Dr. Brody met with the committee to discuss a walking program for senior citizens. He would
like our help in setting aside one morning per month in the summer when one street in Southold Town
would be closed to traffic for one to one-and-a-half hours (e.g.., 8-9:30 AM) to allow seniors to walk on a
safe flat surface. He suggested using a different village (Mattituck, Southold. Greenport) each time and
believes that it should be near stores to be more interesting. He expects between 200 and 300 people to
participate.
Neb suggested tying it in with the North Fork Promotion Committee because of the interest for
merchants. Another suggestion was rather than actually closing streets to traffic. that special (police)
assistance be provided for crossing the street at each end of the designated walking area, and simply use
the existing sidewalks. If the streets are closed. there must be coordination with the merchants, police.
and fire departments. Neb will get back to Dr. Brody.
S!!t. Joe Oark and Supervisor Tom Wickham:
The purpose of this section of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of having a periodic
column by the Police Chief in the local papers to educate people about traffic safety. Of particular
concern is the safety of walkers and bicyclists and their use of the roads. The committee believes that it is
very important for everyone to understand the "rules of the road" and to become more aware of the fact
that the road us shared by many users. Sgt. Clark will speak to the Chief and indicated that there may be
material available to print. The committee offered to help write material that would be particularly
valuable for local road usage. However, the committee also emphasized the need for the Chief to actively
support this endeavor before approaching the newspapers. Sgt. Oark will call Neb with the approval.
Supervisor Wickham stated that whatever is written should be checked by the Town Attorney. He also
said that we must be careful to avoid being boring and academic. Ray VanEtten suggested 30 second
spots on Cable TV.
Recap of Recent Meetin!!s:
I. David Glass from the State DOT met with members of the Trails Subcommittee. He was shown
the entire trail network from West to East, and on his own he rode two loops. Neb told him that he will
receive a revised proposal, including Phase II, which will be used to seek State funding. The State DOT
would probably be willing to level the crown on Soundview Ave and finance it at 80%. They would also
consider doing something for us along the Railroad right-of-way in Mattituck, using some farm roads.
There is also another funding mechanism which works through the counry going to the State Legislature.
We could apply for 75% of the money needed to reduce the 20% required as our part of the funding.
Glass suggested that we not dwell too heavily on "scenic and historic" aspects because DOT's major
interest is transportation.
2. Carl Beard of the National Park Service came out from New Hyde Park. Also present were
Dwayne Early of the Village Improvement District in Greenport. and Ray VanEtten. A detailed
discussion of Moore's Woods. its existing and historic trails and roads, its wetlands. its relationship to a
County woodland and bird sanctuary to the north of Rte. 48, and the possibility of connecting with an
undeveloped parcel on the bay to the south occupied much of the meeting. A recent ariel map ohelped in
visualizing the areas under discussion. A resolution promoting work in Moore's Woods will be presented
to the Village Board at their Thursday meeting for their adoption. It is important for the Transportation
Committee to know how the Village of Greenpol1 wants to work: with us on this segment of the trail
system. Ray will arrange a meeting with Neb and Mayor Kapell as soon as possible.
3. Neb met with Highway Superintendent Ray Jacobs. Sup!. Jacobs is willing to do all the purchase
orders for signs for Phase I but needs to know the nwnber of signs, bicycle racks, size and layout of
stencils, etc. and he wants to stay under $10,000.
Other Business:
The Trails Subcommittee needs to get the new proposal ready for the DOT as it is due in July.
The $35,000 we are spending of Town money can be submitted to be reimbursed by DOT at 80%.
Neb is going to Albany on Thursday (June 8) for a Scenic Byways Conference and will press
DOT for the $50,000 which was promised March 30, 1994.
Merle reported that Shelter Island and the Town of Southold are both working for reinstatement
of the grant money for the Marine Railway. He also reported that when the Americas Sail event comes to
Greenpol1, the visitors will need good maps showing transportation facilities, bus stops, RR stations,
public telephones, post offices, the hospital, and special interest attractions. Victor will check on his
maps for one that can be used. The ships will be in Greenport from June 29 to July I. On Friday, July 7,
a Danish tall ship will be visiting.
Our next regular meeting will be Tuesday, June 20, 1995 at4PM in Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Brown