Minutes February 20, 2008 - Note Action items a end of minutes

Chester County Government Services Building 7:00 – 9:15 pm

Attending: Fred R, Chair; David , Chair Delaware County CC; Mike B, Delaware Valley Bicycle Club; Kelly C, Tredyffrin Twp; Doug F Brandywine Bicycle Club / Coatesville Community Bike Works; Natasha G, Transportation Services Director, CC Planning Commission; Jake M, CC Planning Commission ; Arnie R, BCP/BBC; Ray S, Hans V, President, BCGP; Steve Wa, Steve Wi, Dom Z, DVBC.

1. Inactive Norfolk Southern rail bed Phoenixville to Great Valley.
A potential rail to trail route is currently under study by a group for use as a passenger rail connection between Phoenixville and the Paoli SEPTA rail station. No action currently indicated.

2. Chester Valley Trail update
Natasha G distributed a trail overview map [rev’d 11/28/07] and reported TIP public review of the project will occur in April. It is anticipated the DVRPC will adopt the plan this summer. Of $40M in federal CMAQ funds approximately $24M is earmarked for the CVT with the balance to SEPTA. No action warranted.

3. Route 202 corridor update
Web link for 202 construction info: www.us202.com. Section 300, N. Valley Rd to Rt 30 is undergoing bridge widening preparatory for widening from 4 to 6 lanes. Some bridge work is completed while others are starting. Unlike the bridge work, funding has yet to be resolved for widening. Design work is projected to be completed by the end of 2008.

According to us202.com no widening is planned for Section 100, Rt 30 to Matlack St.

There has been no decision on the design, nor funding for construction of Section 100, Matlack St to the DE state line. Our role in promoting safe cycling and pedestrian routes to cross and travel parallel to this section of 202 is unclear. No action plan at present.

4. Route 29 / PA Turnpike Slip Ramp Interchange
Check the www.paturnpike.com web site for info. Construction is scheduled to start Spring 08 and be completed in Fall 09. Finished view is located here.
Who reported? When finished this project should not adversely affect Yellow Springs Rd as a cycling route.

5. Grated bridges
Steve Wa distributed and presented his 6 page report on unsafe steel grated bridges in the county. Three bridges were identified as unsafe to cyclists, two are on Bike PA Routes, “S” and “L” respectfully. The most problematic is #157, Pughtown Rd over French Creek . Action plan: Steve Wa and Natasha G should meet with Mike Weber, CC Road Maintenance to propose concrete strips on each side of the bridge #157 roadway.

6. Trail planning in CC
a)Jake M reported on the proposed Patriots’ Trail linking Valley Forge National Park with the Paoli Battlefield Historical Park, site of the Paoli Massacre. He has also presented the trail proposal to the County Commissioners. Action: Jake will organize an exploratory / publicity hike inviting CCCC members before spring greening, by April 1.

b) Planning has begun on a White Clay Creek Trail.

c) Another trail project under discussion would link historical sites in the Hopewell Furnace – Big Woods area.

7. Township trail connectors
Fred R opened the discussion presenting the situation of a recent housing development in East Bradford Twp that is adjacent to West Chester but lacks a safe path to the borough, an amenity mentioned in advertising by the developer but never put in a contract. Hans suggested a potential action plan of developing a report card on the various townships plans for trails and links, if any, to adjacent townships.

8. Brief items:
The Vanguard Group will hold their annual alternative transportation program on March 23.

Activate Chester County is a Y-based health oriented organization eager to push heal related activities. 

Coatesville Community Bike Works: Doug Franz briefly described this clone of the very successful Neighborhood Bike Works program in Philadelphia.

This 14 session program teaches young people how to take apart and renovate a bike, safe bicycling practices, and life skills in the process. The first class graduated in 2007. Modest funding needs hopefully will improve when 501[c][3] tax free status is achieved. Volunteers are needed. In discussion it was suggested Doug seek financial support from Activate CC.

Train station bike lockers: It was suggested Natasha meet with the new general manager of SEPTA, Joseph M. Casey.

Natasha encouraged us to participate in the DVRPC survey which closes on March 8: http://www.dvrpc.org/connections/

Contact (RSVP) Fred R oneonone@verizon.net for follow up to the three following Action Items
1. Action Item: Hans urged the attendees to identify 3 top priorities for the CCCC’s focus.
2. Action item: Walk through (actual tunnel) at Routes 29 & 30 on the proposed Patriots Trail on Sunday, April 6th at 1:00 PM. Meeting place to be announced. RSVP requested oneonone@verizon.net
3. Action item: Walk & photo-op for the proposed Patriots Trail at 1:PM on Saturday, April 26th. Meeting place to be announced. RSVP requested oneonone@verizon.net

Respectfully submitted,