[NFBO-Linn-benton] FW: Circle Boulevard Road Diet

Thu Apr 16 22:41:45 UTC 2020

FYI, I volunteered to be our contact with the City on this matter, so here it is!
John

From: Gescher, Greg <Greg.Gescher at corvallisoregon.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2020 1:06 PM
To: Andrew Gray <andyg32 at zoho.com>; Brooks Hatch <brooks.hatch at corvallisknights.com>; David Derlacki <daved at pacifier.com>; Duane Sorensen <dusorensen at aol.com>; Gil Hartl <gil.hartl at gmail.com>; Gordon Steffensmeier <gsteffensmeier at comcast.net>; helen higgins <hhiggins at bgccorvallis.org>; Jeff Martin <jeff at martin-fam.org>; Joe MCVEETY <mcveetj at comcast.net>; John Gardner <john.gardner at viewplus.com>; judy brazee <brazee at peak.org>; kim.patten at corvallis.k12.or.us; Marjorie Stevens <greenstevens at gmail.com>; Rick Hangartner <hangarr09 at gmail.com>; Robert Hunter <gulftriton1 at hotmail.com>; Stephanie Mehlenbacher <oneofthechix at yahoo.com>; Stewart Wershow <wershos at peak.org>; Susan Criss <susanpeithman at gmail.com>; Vicky and Jeff Hollenbeck <vhollenbeck at peak.org>
Subject: Circle Boulevard Road Diet

If you are receiving this email, you have provided input on the upcoming Circle Boulevard resurfacing project and specifically, on the proposed implementation of a road diet as part of that project.  As you may have guessed, the COVID-19 emergency has preempted the City's public outreach efforts.   Staff is in the process of exploring other options for allowing the wider public to comment on the proposed changes.
In the mean time, City staff have developed a report which includes a summary of the data we have collected, as well as our plan for implementing a road diet as a pilot project on segments of Circle Boulevard between Highland and Dogwood.  That report will be presented to the City Council at its April 16, 2020 meeting which begins at 6 PM.  Please see the information at the end of this email concerning Council meetings during this declared emergency.
Our plan is to run the pilot for approximately a year, observing and evaluating things like traffic counts to determine if there is significant neighborhood cut through, traffic congestion, safety issues, crashes and community feedback.  During the pilot evaluation period, operational issues will be addressed by staff if and when they arise.
While durable pavement markings are typically installed at the end of our paving projects, for this project, we will be using paint to delineate the new striping on Circle during the pilot test.  Painted markings can be removed or reconfigured more easily, allowing for adjustments, if needed.  At the end of the trial period, if the pilot proves to create more issues and concerns than it addresses, the final striping will return the roadway (or section of roadway) back to a four lane section with buffered bike lanes.
That above referenced report and the proposed road diet striping plan can be found on the City's website at  https://apps.corvallisoregon.gov/webdocs/showdoc.aspx?docID=1693981.  Some of you have already reviewed the information here and forwarded comments and questions and I thank you for that.  Others may not have had the opportunity to comment, and I invite you to do so.  It is my intent to develop a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on the feedback I receive, and make them available to the public.
It is important to note that the road diet, for the most part, will be implemented by painting a different striping pattern than currently exists on Circle once the paving is complete in late summer/early fall.  It does not involve narrowing the roadway by moving curbs.  Because of this, it may be modified even after construction starts.  Should our public outreach or Council review result in ideas that modify the plan outlined on the City's website, we will have time to incorporate them into the project.
We will be communicating with you as the situation evolves and appreciate your patience with the process during these difficult times.
VIEWING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The City is committed to practicing physical distancing as a critical way to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a result, City Council meetings are being conducted via video conference with the Mayor and Councilors.  You are also encouraged to remain at home and not attend the Council meeting.  However, if you wish to observe the meeting in person, know that there will be a limited number of seats available in the Council Chambers for the public use.  The number of people allowed into the room at any one time will be strictly regulated.
Alternatively, you can view the Council meeting live on Comcast Cable Channel 21.  Or you can view the meeting via 'Go To Webinar' at this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1442493691208398092.  Finally, a video and audio of the meeting will be available on the City's website within a few days of the meeting.
The Council Agenda and packet materials are available using this link:  https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/city-council-41.
The Council will likely suspend their practice of taking community comments during the Council Meeting because of the limitations of the remote meeting format.  Therefore, you are encouraged to submit comments to the Council in writing in advance of the meeting using the following link:  www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicinput<https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/webform/public-input-form>.  Comments submitted after 10:00 AM on Monday may not be seen by Councilors before the meeting.

Disclaimer: This e-mail message is a public record of the City of Corvallis. The contents may be subject to public disclosure under Oregon Public Records Law and subject to the State of Oregon Records Retention Schedules. (OAR:166.200.0200-405)
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