HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-15-2014 - 5c 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 15, 2014
Action Agenda
Item No. 5-c
SUBJECT: Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Strategic Action Plan (No Additional Comments
Accepted)
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) Yes
ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. Amendment Outline Form Abigaile Pittman, Transportation/Land
2. Draft SRTS Strategic Action Use Planner, 245-2567
Plan http://orangecountync.gov/plan Tom Altieri, Comprehensive Planning
ning/documents/UpdatedSRTSPIan Supervisor, 245-2579
-allchapterscombined.pdf(264 Craig Benedict, Director, 245-2585
Pages; Hard Copy Available Upon
Request)
3. NCDOT Comments for Grady
Brown Elementary Sidewalk
Projects
4. Number of Children by Distance
they Live from School Charts
5. Excerpt from Minutes — December
18, 2013 OUTBoard Meeting
6. Excerpt from Minutes — February
24, 2014 and March 10, 2014
Orange County Schools
7. Excerpt from Draft Minutes and
Resolution Adopted by the Town of
Hillsborough on March 10, 2014
8. Resolution Approving the SRTS
Plan
PURPOSE: To receive the Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) recommendation,
receive comments and actions from Orange County Schools and the Town of Hillsborough, and
make a decision by considering a resolution approving the draft Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
Strategic Action Plan required for implementing a Safe Routes to School program in Orange
County.
As a reminder, the reconvening of this hearing is solely to receive the OUTBoard, Orange
County Schools and the Town of Hillsborough's comments and actions since the November 19,
2014 Quarterly Public Hearing. This hearing is not intended to solicit additional input from the
public, and no additional written comments from the public have been submitted since the
Quarterly Public Hearing. While the BOCC may ask staff questions related to the review of the
item, comments from the public should not be solicited.
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BACKGROUND: The NC SRTS Program works with schools, local governments and agencies,
advocacy and non-profit organizations, and public health professionals at a grassroots level to
identify improvements that can help make bicycling and walking to and from school a safe and
healthy transportation alternative. The proposed County SRTS Plan was developed under this
program.
The three schools chosen for the SRTS Plan are part of the Orange County Schools system,
and all are located inside or adjacent to the Town of Hillsborough:
• Grady A. Brown Elementary School
• Cameron Park Elementary School
• C.W. Stanford Middle School
Eligible SRTS projects can be bundled as infrastructure and non-infrastructure. Funding can
include training volunteers, sidewalks, street crossings, safety improvements, bicycle/pedestrian
lanes, etc. All projects must be within two (2) miles of a K-8 school.
Following adoption, a SRTS Action Plan Advisory Committee (APAC) will be established that
would be responsible for advocating plan implementation and assist with programming and
grant writing, evaluating plan progress, and assessing plan priorities. Multiple subsequent
implementation action steps are outlined and prioritized in the Plan, the fruition of which would
be subject to the recommendations of the APAC and the approval of the Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC). Orange County will serve as the lead planning agency in advancing
implementation of the SRTS Plan.
Attachment 1 is the Amendment Outline form approved by the BOCC on October 15, 2013. The
Amendment form contains details regarding the timeframe for the adoption process. The form
also outlines the rationale, process, and implications of the development and adoption of the
SRTS Plan.
Pre-adoption activities on the Draft SRTS Strategic Action Plan can be found in Section CA of
Attachment 1. The Plan development process included a public workshop completed in April
2008 that sought input from residents, including parents, teachers, principals, children, Town of
Hillsborough staff, and Orange County staff.
Attachment 2 is a link to an online copy of the Draft SRTS Strategic Action Plan for
consideration (264 pages): http://orangecountync.gov/planninq/documents/UpdatedSRTSPlan-
allchapterscombined.pdf. A hard copy is available upon request.
The BOCC held a public hearing on the SRTS Plan at its November 19, 2013 meeting. No
members of the public spoke in favor or against the Plan. The BOCC had two comments:
1. To provide additional details about project costs and funding; and
2. To prepare an exhibit with charts depicting the number of students within walking
range of each of the three schools addressed in the Plan (Attachment 4).
Minutes are available on the County website
at: http://server3.co.orange.nc.us:8088/weblink8/0/doc/32180/Page1 aspx
The public hearing was adjourned to February 18, 2014 to obtain a recommendation from the
Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard), and to receive comments and actions from
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Orange County Schools and the Town of Hillsborough. On February 18 the public hearing was
continued by the BOCC to April 15, 2014 to allow additional time to receive comments.
Staff met with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) staff on November 25,
2013 to review projects and related costs identified in the SRTS Plan. At that meeting NCDOT
staff explained that more precise project cost development is very involved, including exacting
right-of-way delineation, the siting of public and private utilities, evaluation of ditch profiles and
potential curb-and-gutter development issues, ADA compliance, soils analysis, identification of
any easement conflicts, and environmental constraints. However, NCDOT staff did offer
assistance with identifying project issues that could be used in the development of feasibility
comments for the County's sidewalk projects related to Grady Brown Elementary School.
These comments are provided in Attachment 3. These sidewalk projects would provide the
connections to a future Orange Grove Road/1-40 pedestrian bridge which would help this project
score more favorably during the State's scoring process. More in-depth reviews of the projects
related to Cameron Park Elementary School and the Charles W. Stanford Middle School will be
developed in the course of Plan implementation. More precise cost development for SRTS
projects related to all three school sites will follow and require pre-engineering input.
The related issue of sidewalk maintenance was discussed at the February 27, 2014 Joint
Orange County/Town of Hillsborough meeting. Staff received favorable comments and was
directed to develop further research on the topic based on the precedent of a 2004 Orange
County sidewalk maintenance agreement for a portion of Homestead Road adjacent to the
Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. That agreement was multi-party including NCDOT which
allowed an encroachment agreement in its right-of-way. The Towns maintain the sidewalk
through this agreement. Orange County (as well as most, if not all, counties in North Carolina)
does not maintain local streets or sidewalks, with public roadways being a part of the State
maintained system. The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) does not build nor
maintain sidewalks.
Project Funding
The SRTS Program was established in the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) legislation as a federally-funded
grant reimbursement program providing an opportunity for communities to improve conditions
for bicycling and walking to school. The SRTS program is a reimbursement program that does
not require a local match (100% federally funded). Section 1404 of SAFETEA-LU mandated
that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) administer this program within
the state, providing financial assistance to state, local, and regional agencies, including non-
profit organizations that demonstrate an ability to meet the requirements of the program.
There were some revisions to federal and state funding sources in October 2012 that impacts
future funding sources for the Safe Routes to School program. Specifically, the federal Moving
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Bill (MAP-21) SRTS program direct allocation funds
were removed. MAP-21 authorized the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to provide
funding for programs and projects defined as transportation alternatives, including safe routes to
school projects. The TAP replaced the funding from pre-MAP-21 programs, including the SRTS
program.
However, NCDOT staff has advised the Planning staff that there will continue to be SAFETEA-
LU funds available for the program under its rolling grant cycle. It is anticipated that these funds
4
will be continued on an annual basis through FFY 2014 (i.e. September 2015). SAFETEA-LU
funds apportioned for the SRTS Program prior to MAP-21 are available until expended.
After identifying projects from the Plan to implement, the County would apply through the
NCDOT Division 7 office. Project funding is based on project priority with as much local support
as possible (Schools, PTA, Superintendent, municipalities, BOCC, supporting plans, etc.), and
projects from the Plan with multiple purposes/greater impact are favored. If, for example, a
proposed project for CW Stanford Middle School met the objectives of the SRTS program, but
also happened to provide a benefit to Orange High School, that is acceptable and even
encouraged.
Post expenditure of the existing SAFETEA-LU SRTS Program funds, future funding for SRTS
projects will be with TAP funds. The Federal share will be the same as for the general Federal-
aid highway program: 80 percent Federal/20 percent State or local match. Also, to address the
shift in funding programs, prioritized SRTS projects will be included on the list of future year
projects submitted for SPOT 3.0 scoring.
OUTBoard, Orange County Schools and Town of Hillsborough Recommendations:
The SRTS Plan was reviewed and recommended for approval by the OUTBoard, and approved
by Orange County Schools and the Town of Hillsborough.
Attachment 5 is an excerpt from Minutes of the OUTBoard's December 18, 2013 meeting.
Attachment 6 is an excerpt from draft Minutes of the Orange County Schools Board of
Education February 24, 2014 and March 10, 2014 meetings.
Attachment 7 is an excerpt from the draft Minutes from the Town of Hillsborough March 10,
2014 Board of Commissioners meeting, and the Resolution adopting the SRTS Plan.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Other than staff time, there is no financial impact associated with
adopting the SRTS Action Plan. Following adoption, Plan implementation will require
assistance from the NCDOT SRTS Program staff, the Orange County Schools staff, and the
Town of Hillsborough staff. Project funding could include some combination of federal, state,
and/or local funding and will be reviewed and approved in future fiscal years.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board:
1. Receive the OUTBoard's recommendation of approval;
2. Receive comments and actions from Orange County Schools and the Town of
Hillsborough;
3. Receive any written comments;
4. Close the public hearing; and
5. Consider approving and authorizing the Chair to sign the Resolution (Attachment 8)
adopting the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Strategic Action Plan
(http://orangecountync.gov/planning!documents/UpdatedSRTSPIan-
allchapterscombined.pdf).
Attachment 1 5
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN/ FUTURE LAND USE MAP
AND
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO)
AMENDMENTOUTLINE
A. AMENDMENT TYPE
Map Amendments
❑ Land Use Element Map:
From: ---
To: ---
❑ Zoning Map:
From:-
To:---
F] Other:
Text Amendments
❑ Comprehensive Plan Text:
-----------
F-1 UDO Text:
❑UDO General Text Changes
❑UDO Development Standards
❑UDO Development Approval Processes
Other: Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Action Plan
B. RATIONALE
1. Purpose/Mission
[--The--,–purpose–o,f—the--SRTS program i st_o:
• Enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and
bicycle to school;
• Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation
alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age;
and
• Facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and
activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air
pollution in the vicinity of schools.
The NC SRTS Program works with schools, local governments and agencies, 1
advocacy and non-profit organizations, and public health professionals at a 'I
------------- ------------------ i
Attachment 1 6
grassroots level to identify improvements that can help make bicycling and walking to j
and from school a safe and healthy transportation alternative. Orange County
received a SRTS Strategic Action Plan Service Award in July 2008 for planning
assistance to prepare an Action Plan for Grady A. Brown Elementary School,
Cameron Park Elementary School and C.W. Stanford Middle School. In 2009
NCDOT contracted Greenways, Incorporated and Greene Transportation Solutions
to work with County staff, local agency representatives, School Team leaders and
principals of the three schools to identify non-motorized infrastructure improvements
that enhance safety for walking and bicycling.
The Plan development process included a visioning and goals session and map
working session with the project staff, steering committee, and consultants. This was
followed by comprehensive fieldwork and a public workshop that sought input from
residents, including parents, teachers, principals, children, Town of Hillsborough
staff, and Orange County staff. This input and analysis led to the development of a
draft plan that consisted of an analysis of existing conditions, and recommendations
in the program's framework of engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement,
and evaluation (the essential `5 E's' of the program).
2. Analysis
Additional analysis will be part of the subsequent evaluation and approval of project
implementation actions.
3. Comprehensive Plan Linkage (i.e. Principles Goals and Objectives)
Chapter 9: Transportation Element Goals 1, 2, 3 and 4 and their supporting
objectives address a multi-modal transportation system, promotion of public health
and safety, and transportation planning that serves development. Several objectives
specifically_speak to the provision of bikeways and walkways.
4. New Statutes and Rules
N/A _
C. PROCESS
1. TIMEFRAME/MILESTONEWDEADLINES
a. Completion of Final Draft Plan by Consultant and NCDOT
!December 2012
b. Orange County BOCC/Town of Hillsborough Commissioners Joint Meeting Updates
February 24, 2011 _ _ _
February 21, 2013
b. BOCC Authorization to Proceed
April 9, 2013 (Initial adoption steps):
2
i
Attachment 1 7
• Joint staff planning meetings with Orange County Schools and the Town of
Hillsborough;
• Meetings with the Orange County School Board and the Town of
Hillsborough Town Board to provide information and receive endorsement
to proceed; and
• The completion of updates to the draft SRTS Action Plan pertaining to the
i
review of local planning document resources, federal and state funding
sources, depicted school district boundaries, and general corrections such
as the spelling of some road names, etc. j
i
October 15, 2013 (adoption steps) j
c. Joint Staff Meeting with Orange County Schools and the Town of Hillsborough
On April 30, 2013 Planning staff met with staff from the Town of Hillsborough,
Orange County Schools, Orange County Health Department, and representatives
from the state Community Transformation Grant program (a related program and
possible funding source). Additional conversations and meetings occurred in i
May, June and July to discuss the progress of pre-adoption steps;
d. Meet with Orange County School Board and the Town Board of Hillsborough to
Brief and Receive Approval for Initial SRTS Adoption Steps
On May 28, 2013 Planning staff presented an overview of the SRTS Action Plan
and proposed pre-adoption steps to the Orange County School Board and
received its endorsement.
On June 10, 2013 Planning staff presented an overview of the SRTS Action Plan
and proposed pre-adoption steps to the Town of Hillsborough Board and received
its endorsement.
e. Staff Editing of Draft SRTS Action Plan
Planning staff made minor edits to the Draft SRTS Action Plan through August
pertaining to the review of local planning document resources, federal and state
funding sources, revisions to depicted school district boundaries, and general
corrections such as the spelling of some road names, etc. No revisions were i
made to project recommendations developed by the Plan steering committee.
f. BOCC Public Hearing
j November 19, 2013 (OUTBoard members encouraged to attend)
g. Orange County Schools Adoption Consideration
February 24, 2014 j
h. Town of Hillsborough Adoption Consideration
March 10 2014
L BOCC Adoption Consideration
_April 15, 2014
2. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM
3
Attachment 1 8
The Plan development process included a public workshop completed in April 2008
that sought input from residents, including parents, teachers, principals, children,
Town of Hillsborough staff, and Orange County staff.
a. Advisory Boards:
OUTBoard - March 20, 2013 update
OUTBoard — December 18, 2013 review and recommendation
b. Local Government Review:
Town of Hillsborough, as noted in
Section C.1. above
c. Notice Requirements
Not required for these adoption steps
d. Outreach:
_......... .. .. .
❑ General Public: The Plan development process included a public workshop
completed in April 2008 that sought input from residents,
'including parents, teachers, principals, children, Town of
Hillsborough staff, and Orange County staff.
❑ Small Area Plan Workgroup ' NIA
® Other: Joint staff meetings with Orange County Schools and the Town of
Hillsborough; and meetings with the Orange County School Board
and the Town Board of Hillsborough.
FISCAL IMPACT
Other than staff time, there is no financial impact associated with receiving,
considering and authorizing the staff to proceed with adoption steps for the SRTS
Action Plan.
D. AMENDMENT IMPLICATIONS
i N/A
E. SPECIFIC AMENDMENT LANGUAGE
N/A
Primary Staff Contact:
Abigaile Pittman
Planning Department
(919) 245-2567
abpittman @orangecountync.gov
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Attachment 3
9
Abigaile Pittman
To: Abigaile Pittman
Subject: FW:Orange County Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan
From: Edwards, Charles N [mailto:cnedwards @ncdot.gov]
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2014 4:08 PM
To: Abigaile Pittman
Cc: Huffines, Donald R; Wilson, Patrick D; Mills,James M
Subject: Orange County Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan
Abigaile,
Per your request, I have reviewed the findings and recommendations contained in the above document relative to the
Grady Brown Elementary School/Cedar Ridge High School area and provide the following general comments relative to
feasibility and constructability and subject to available funding:
The study identified a number of recommended improvements along the State routes in the general area including 4
improvements denoted as priorities.
Corridor Improvements-
The study listed the following corridor improvements
• Construct sidewalk along the north side of Grady Brown School Road from Orange Grove Road to the
western access at Cedar Ridge High School
• Construct sidewalk along the south side of Grady Brown School Road from Orange Grove Road to
Dimmocks Mill Road
• Construct sidewalk and bike lanes along both sides of Orange Grove Road from Grady Brown School
Road to S. Churton Street in Downtown Hillsborough
• Construct sidewalk along one side of Oakdale Drive from Cheshire Drive to Orange Grove Road (Priority
Protect#3)
Sidewalks located within NCDOT right of way must meet NCDOT and ADA design requirements and be located behind
curb and gutter or roadway ditches to provide for appropriate pedestrian separation from vehicles and proper roadway
drainage.Sidewalk can also be placed outside of the right of way on separate easements, however,the existing high
relief topography and presence of potential jurisdictional streams and wetlands may make this alternative unfeasible
due to extensive grading, environmental impacts and mitigation requirements,and right of way and easement
requirements. Given the generally constrained existing right of way and roadway cross section,the most feasible
approach for installation of sidewalk and bike lanes appears to be widening of existing pavement and installation of curb
and gutter and storm drainage with sidewalk installed behind the curb.This approach would minimize, but not
necessarily completely avoid impacts to adjacent properties, environmental features and utilities.The appropriate local
government would be responsible for maintenance and operation of the sidewalk. Minor improvements within the
existing right of way such as installation of paved shoulders or widening of existing travel lanes,enhancement of existing
signs and markings, minor geometry changes at intersections may be feasible and constructible at a reasonable cost.
Crossing Improvements-
The study identifies three crossing improvements
• Construct sidewalk on both sides of Grady Brown School Road along the school property frontages and provide a
mid-block pedestrian crossing on Gradv Brown School Road (Priority Project#1)
1
10
Construction of the sidewalks along the property frontages appears to be feasible given the existing topography and
availability of any needed right of way or easements on school system property.Additional study is recommended to
quantify pedestrian volumes and appropriate traffic control requirements for such a crossing. Design considerations
should include location relative to established travel patterns, separation from existing driveways and intersections and
turn lanes storage requirements, available pedestrian and motorist sight distance, provision of appropriate lighting at
the crossing and in the general area. Provision of a qualified crossing guard as recommended by the study is imperative.
Installation of raised crosswalks and other similar traffic calming features would need to comply with NCDOT traffic
calming guidelines which currently limits use of such devices to residential subdivision streets or streets of similar
character. Installation of pedestrian refuge islands and island mounted signage is an acceptable treatment subject to
compliance with NCDOT requirements.
• Crosswalks at the intersection of Grady Brown School Road and Orange Grove Road
Installation of crosswalks and pedestrian related traffic signal enhancements at this location are predicated on
installation of appropriate and adequate sidewalk infrastructure to safely accommodate pedestrians crossing the
road. Reductions to the existing intersection return radii should be evaluated to ensure that turning movement
requirements of buses and other large vehicles is still accommodated.
• Crosswalks and Pedestrian Activated Signal at Orange Grove Road and Grady Brown School Road
Installation of crosswalks at this location is predicated on installation of appropriate and adequate sidewalk
infrastructure to safely accommodate pedestrian movements.A traffic signal warrant analysis is required to determine if
signal warrants as prescribed by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)are met. Reductions to the
existing intersection return radii should be evaluated to ensure that turning movement requirements of buses and other
large vehicles is still accommodated.
Traffic Calming Measures
The study recommends the following traffic calming measures:
• Reduce Existing School Zone Speed Limit to 25 MPH
• Establish a School Zone on Orange Grove Road from Grady Brown School Road to Patriot's Point Apartments
Access
School zones and associated speed limit postings must meet NCDOT guidelines. Further evaluation of the existing and
proposed school zones is required.
• Install raised midblock crosswalks and refuge islands
Installation of raised crosswalks and other similar traffic calming features would need to comply with NCDOT traffic
calming guidelines which currently limits use of such devices to residential subdivision streets or streets of similar
character. Installation of pedestrian refuge islands and island mounted signage is an acceptable treatment subject to
compliance with NCDOT requirements.
Long Term Improvements
• Construct Pedestrian Accommodations Along Orange Grove Road over 1-40(Priority Project #2)
The study identifies a pedestrian accommodation across 1-40 as critical to connectivity of land uses on either side of the
interstate. Reference is made to NCDOT TIP Project no. EB-4980. In 2010,the NCDOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation performed a feasibility study for a proposed bicycle and pedestrian bridge at this location and
determined that such a project was not justifiable at that time due to the lack of supporting pedestrian facilities and
sparse residential development but indicated that the project could be submitted again through the MPO for
consideration for the TIP in the event of increased support to the support for the sidewalk system.The pedestrian bridge
project has been submitted for consideration by the MPO and is currently being evaluated in accordance with the
guidelines of the NCDOT Strategic Transportation Investments(STI), also known as the Strategic Mobility Formula.
2
11
Other Improvements
• Patriots Point Trail Connection (Priority Proiect#4)
The study recommends construction of a pedestrian trail from the Patriots Point apartment complex to Timbers Drive
(non-system) in order to enhance access to Orange Grove Road.This location appears to be on private property and
would be subject to acquisition of appropriate rights of way or easements and may be subject to concurrence of the
affected property owners.
On Campus Improvements
The study identifies the lack of bike parking accommodations and internal sidewalk systems and noted traffic queues
spilling from the student pickup/drop-off areas on to Grady Brown School Road. Further evaluation of internal
pedestrian and motor vehicle flow is recommended. The NCDOT Municipal and School Traffic Assistance Unit(MSTA) is
available to provide assistance.
I appreciate your patience. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
C.N. Edwards,Jr. PE
District Engineer
P.O. Box 766
115 E. Crescent Square Drive
Graham, NC 27253
Phone(336)570-6833
Fax (336)570-6873
Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third
parties.
I
3
Attachment
12
Grady Brown ElementarV / Spring 2010
Number 0fChildren by Distance they Live from School
m
C.
.............
0
Less than Iwmile 1w mile m1mmile 1J2 mile noto1mile 1 mile v»mumiles r0ore than 2mileo Don't Know
Number Of Children hy Travel Mode tO School and Distance Between Home and School
Mode Lensthon 1/4 mile up 1/2 mile up 1 mile up More than Row Totals
1/4 mile to 1/2 mile to mile to miles 3mni|oa by Mode
VVo|k 8 (O%) U (0Y6) O (0%) 0 (O%) O (096) O (OY&)
Bike O (O%) 0 (0%) O (0Y6) O (0Y6) O (U%) O (U%)
Sohoo|Buo 3 (2.3%) U (8%) 2 (1.5%) 5 (3.8Y6) 48 (36196) 50 (44.5%)
Fami|yVehiu|e 2 (1.596) 8 (6.096) 11 (8.3%) 13 (0.8%) 34 (25.6S6) 70 (527%)
Carpool O (Y%) 0 (}%) 2 (1.5%) 1 (0.8%) 1 (0.8%) 4 (319 )
Transit 0 (086) 0 (0Y4) O (O%) 0 (0%) O (096) 0 (0Y6)
Other O (U%) O (096) U (U%) O (096) O (0Y4) U (096)
Column Totals 5 (3.8%) 8 (G%) 15 (113%) 10 (14.4%) 83 (82.5%)
by Distance
No Response.- 7
(Percentages may not total 1no%due mmvnmno.)
Attachment 4 13
C.W. Stanford Middle School / Spring 2010
Number of Children by Distance they Live from School
25
20
C
V
a
�r
E�0
r-
0
Less than 1 A mile 1 X mile to'I!?mile 1 t2 mile up to 1 mile 1 mile up to 2 miles t+lore than 2 miles Don't I4nouv
Number of Children by Travel Mode to School and Distance Between Home and School
Mode Less than 1/4 mile up 1/2 mile up 1 mile up More than Row Totals
1/4 mile to 1/2 mile to 1 mile to 2 miles 2 miles by Mode
Walk 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
Bike 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
School Bus 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 1 (2.4%) 4 (9.5%) 11 (26.2%) 16 (38.1%)
Family Vehicle 1 (2.4%) 2 (4.8%) 5 (11.9%) 5 (11.9%) 10 (23.8%) 23 (54.8%)
Carpool 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 2 (4.8%) 1 (2.4%) 3 (7.2%)
Transit 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
Other 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
Column Totals 1 (2.4%) 2 (4.8%) 6 (14.3%) 11 (26.2%) 22 (52.4%)
by Distance
No Response: 1
(Percentages may not total 100%due to rounding)
Attachment 4 14
Cameron Park Elementary School / Spring 2010
Number of Children by Distance they Live from School
140-
120
100
C
N
-a 80
C7
J
4}
E gp
3
z ytt
d'
20
0
Less.than 1 A mile 1 A mile to 1!2 mile 1 i 2 mile up to 1 mile 1 mile up to 2 miles More than 2 miles Don`t Knovv
I
Number of Children by Travel Mode to School and Distance Between Home and School
Mode Less than 1/4 mile up 1/2 mile up 1 mile up More than Row Totals
1/4 mile to 1/2 mile to 1 mile to 2 miles 2 miles by Mode
Walk 2 (0.8%) 1 (0.4%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 3 (1.2%)
Bike 0 (0°"0) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
School Bus 2 (0.8%) 1 (0.4%) 8 (3.4%) 31 (13.0%) 33 (13.9/0) 79 (33.2%)
Family Vehicle 3 (1.3%) 7 (2.9%) 11 (4.6%) 44 (18.5%) 85 (35.7%) 150 (63%)
Carpool 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 1 (0.4%) 0 (0%) 5 (2.1%) 6 (2.5%)
Transit 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
Other 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
Column Totals 7 (2.9%) 9 (3.7%) 20 (8.4%) 75 (31.5%) 123 (51.7%)
by Distance
No Response.8
(Percentages may not total 100%due to rounding.)
15
Attachment 5
Excerpt from Minutes — December 18, 2013 OUTBoard Meeting
Agenda Item IV: Regular Agenda
Draft Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Strategic Action Plan.
OUTBoard Action: This plan has been referred to the OUTBoard by the
BOCC for review, with a request that a recommendation be returned to
the BOCC in time for its February 18, 2014 regular meeting.
Abigaile Pittman gave an overview of the SRTS Plan.
Nancy Baker noted that the numbers are old and suggested staff contact the Board of
Education to see if the schools have updated numbers.
Ted Triebel asked for the maximum distance one way.
Abigaile Pittman responded that the maximum distance is 2 miles.
Paul Guthrie asked about the distance for busing and Don Wollum asked about the greatest
distance for busing.
Abigaile Pittman referred the Board to the map and advised that it shows the traveling
distances.
Nancy Baker advised the Board that the County also buses students based on `hazard' and
literally have students who live across the street from the school who are bussed because it is
not safe for them the cross the road. Additionally this program will make it accessible for
walkers and bikes not only for the elementary students but also for the high school students at
both Cedar Ridge and Orange High School as they are beside two of the chosen elementary
schools. Nancy noted there are also large apartment complexes within easy walking distance
from Grady Brown and some facilities there are going to help a large group of children. She
noted that with Cameron Park being in downtown Hillsborough the benefits will include a lot of
the residents.
Pascale Mittendorf noted that many children within walking distance are driven which creates a
lot of traffic congestion. That is especially a concern with Cameron Park as there a bad corner
on a hill with limited line of sight. It is a dangerous location.
Paul Guthrie commented that he was not involved in the placement of the schools but he was
involved very heavily in the placement of 2 schools in the Chapel Hill district and he does not
remember any time that they talked about the issue of walking to school. He said the only issue
was the driving issue and the only place you could put a school with the acreage required was
out where there aren't any people. He noted that the system has been built where the schools
are located are out away from the towns, so he is very enthusiastic about the request.
Holly Reid agreed that the short term costs of locating schools where it is less expensive but
then there is the great long term cost for busing in the County system. She pointed out that the
project also helps the afterschool and extra-circular activities, and since the facility are available
for public use it also benefits that use not just before and after school but multiple times a day
and weekends.
16
Attachment 5
Abigaile Pittman noted that in the process of meeting with DOT regarding the maintenance for
the facilities there will need to be a contract with the Town of Hillsborough to provide that
maintenance. This will be one of the discussions at the joint meeting between the BOCC and
the Town of Hillsborough in February. The final decision on the Plan will be postponed until after
that meeting has been held. She noted it could be a March or April BOCC meeting.
Jeff Charles noted that if there are going to be bicycle lanes or bicycle areas there has to be
maintenance in those area that involves running a power brush over them to get debris, gravel,
broken glass, etc.
Abigaile Pittman advised she would make sure it was included in the discussion. She also told
the group that Grady Brown School went into the project list for the DCHC MPO, who is allowed
to submit 20 bike/ped projects up to DOT, and Grady Brown made it as number 19.
Nancy Baker asked Abigaile if that included the overpass and was told that it does.
Ted Triebel asked if there was any effort to prioritize between the three schools as to which one
should go forward first. He noted that the possibility of getting funding for all three was slim and
Abigaile Pittman responded that the Grady Brown projects have been prioritized by the BOCC.
Abigaile Pittman noted that Hillsborough submitted the Cameron Park projects as a package but
it wasn't accepted as one of the 20 projects.
Alex Castro asked if the County would have to pay for 20% of the costs of the Grady Brown
project.
Abigaile Pittman responded that there is money left over that was not obligated because very
few of the plan are ready right now if this project can get there first with an adopted plan and
constructability with DOT resolved and cost estimates that are fairly accurate, with the fact that
the County has staff engineers that can lay out some pre-engineering work, the project can
submit for some of the remaining SAFETEA-LU funds that have no matching projects. She
added that if not, because DOT scored it in their scoring list, it would be eligible for the funds
that have a 20% match.
Alex Castro asked if the project was in a position to do all of that and have all the work
prepared.
Abigaile Pittman advised that was the goal.
Motion made by Alex Castro that the OUTBoard recommend to the County Commissioners that
they consider approving the 3 SRTS action plans identified for Grady Brown, Stanford Middle
School, and Cameron Park Elementary School projects. Seconded by Jeff Charles.
Vote: Unanimous
17
Attachment 6
Excerpt from Minutes — February 24, 2014 and March 10, 2014
Orange County Schools
The Orange County Board of Education met on February 24, 2014 in the Media Center
at Orange High School with the following business taking place:
14-02-(2)-07 Safe Routes To Schools Strategic Action Plan — Abigaile Pittman,
Orange County Planning Department, presented a report on the Safe Routes to School
Strategic Action Plan required for implementing a Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
Program in Orange County. Information and documents reviewed included: Unified
Development Ordinance Amendment Outline; SRTS Strategic Action Plan Overview;
Projects and Project Funding; Implementation-Next Steps; Process Flowchart. This
agenda item will be brought back to the next board meeting for Board consideration for
approval.
The Orange County Board of Education met on March 10, 2014 in its offices located at
200 East King Street, Hillsborough, NC with the following business taking place:
14-03-12 Safe Routes To Schools Strategic Action Plan Approval CONSENT —The
Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan was approved (as presented to the Board
of Education on February 24, 2014).
Attachment 7 18
March 10,2014
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Approved
Page 1 of 1
-V 0 0-WN OF HILLSBOROUG-mm ' ---i
MINUTES
town HILLSBOROUGH BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
of
�Tii1S&gh Excerpt.Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan for Orange,County Item
j.� March 10,2014
7:00 PM,.Town Barn
PRESENT: Mayor Tom Stevens and Commissioners Kathleen Ferguson,L.Eric Hallman, Evelyn Lloyd,Brian Lowen,
and Jenn Weaver
STAFF PRESENT: Town Manager Eric Peterson,Human Resources Director/Town Clerk Katherine Cathey,Police
Chief Duane Hampton,Planning Director Margaret Hauth,Public Works Director Ken Hines,Town Engineer/Utilities
Director Kenny Keel,Town Attorney Bob Hornik
10. ITEMS FOR DECISION—REGULAR AGENDA
A. Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan for Orange County
Abigaile Pittman,Transportation/Land Planner for Orange County,made a brief presentation. She requested that the
board endorse the plan. Safe Routes to School is a federally funded program providing opportunities for bicycling and
walking to school,to improve safety,to reduce congestion, and to improve children's health.The NCDOT gave Orange
County an award to prepare the action plan in July 2008.Three schools were chosen to be included in the plan.NCDOT
contracted with a consultant to develop a plan in 2009.It was delivered to staff in 2012. Some updates have been made
since then. Stanford Middle,Cameron Park Elementary and Grady Brown Elementary are the chosen schools.
She reviewed funds--SAFETEA-LU funds are funds with no local match.After that,MAP-21 funds are subject to the
usual 80-20 match.
Following adoption,the subcommittee would be the advisory committee.The planning director would be the town
representative.
NCDOT is taking a closer look at the Grady Brown site and coming back soon with preliminary information about the
projects there.
Acknowledged issue of sidewalk maintenance that came up at Feb 27 joint TB/BOCC meeting. In April BOCC will vote
on adoption.
Commissioner Weaver asked why DOT chose Grady Brown. It was the county's request.The pedestrian crossing on the
bridge has been a priority for years.Anything we can do to get sidewalks to the bridge helps,Ms.Pittman answered.
7:46:35 PM Commissioner Hallman made a motion to adopt the resolution to endorse the plan. Commissioner Ferguson
seconded.The vote was unanimous,5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
�e,W� -('Cl
Katherine M.Cathey
Town Clerk
Attachment 7
19
Resolution#20140310-10.A
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN
For ORANGE COUNTY
WHEREAS, The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee was appointed and began work
with the goal of recommending improvements around 3 Hillsborough area schools to facilitate
safe walking routes for students; and
WHEREAS, The Advisory Committee was made up of community advocates for walking,
planning staff members and school staff members. The Committee was assisted by NCDOT and
a planning consultant to formulate a the draft action plan; and
WHEREAS, The draft action plan provides a detailed inventory of existing conditions,planned
improvements,recommended improvements and program recommendations to implement the
goals; and
WHEREAS, The draft action plan was presented at a public workshop in April 2008 to solicit
public comment and feedback; and
WHEREAS, The draft action plan has been updated to reflect changes in local conditions since
the project inception and has been presented to the Orange County School Board, Town of
Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, and Orange County Board of Commissioners for
adoption and implementation,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HILLSBOROUGH TOWN BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS, that the Safe Routes To School Strategic Action Plan For Orange County is
adopted by the Town of Hillsborough as a guide for improving walkability to the studied
schools.
This the 10th day of March, 2014.
yi1!' -'P••
qtr.-A Tom Stevens,Mayor
�J
SEAL Town
1111#W—gh 441t �114
j Katherine M. Cathey, Town Clerk
GAR ,
J�JJJiJIlltlilti'
Attachment 8 20
RES-2014-019
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION APPROVING SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL (SRTS)
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN, ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
WHEREAS, The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Strategic Action Plan was developed
under the NC SRTS Program to identify improvements that can help
make bicycling and walking to and from school a safe and healthy
transportation alternative; and
WHEREAS, The SRTS Plan is consistent with the goals and objectives of the adopted
Orange County 2030 Comprehensive Plan which supports the
development of safe pedestrian and bicycling facilities to promote
connectivity through the integration of land use planning and
transportation planning; and
WHEREAS, Adoption of the SRTS Plan demonstrates local commitment to the
objectives of the SRTS program and serves to improve project scoring
and funding opportunities through the Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP) project planning process; and
WHEREAS, The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee was appointed in 2008
and recommended improvements around three Orange County schools to
facilitate safe walking and bicycling routes for students; and
WHEREAS, The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee was made up of
community advocates for walking and bicycling, planning staff members
and Orange County School staff members, and was assisted by NCDOT
and a planning consultant to develop a draft action plan; and
WHEREAS, The SRTS Plan provides a detailed inventory of existing conditions,
planned improvements, recommended improvements and program
recommendations to implement the goals; and
WHEREAS, The Plan development process included a public workshop that sought
input from residents, including parents, teachers, principals, children,
Town of Hillsborough staff, and Orange County staff; and
WHEREAS, The SRTS Plan has been updated by staff to reflect changes in local
planning documents and funding resources since the project inception;
and
WHEREAS, The Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) has reviewed the
SRTS Plan and unanimously recommended approval; and
WHEREAS, The Orange County School Board and the Town of Hillsborough Board of
Commissioners have reviewed and approved the SRTS Plan,
1
Attachment 8 21
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Orange County Board of Commissioners
that the attached document titled "Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Strategic Action Plan,
Orange County, North Carolina" is hereby approved:
Adopted by Orange County:
This the day of 2014.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Donna Baker County Seal:
Clerk to the Orange County Board of
Commissioners
2