Carla Occaso
Less is more. That was the apparent conclusion of Montpelier city council members when deciding how to proceed with the East State Street reconstruction project during their meeting Feb. 4. In the end, city councilors unanimously approved a plan that would essentially fix the street and sidewalks (including water/sewer infrastructure) as-is — with no extra sidewalks or bike paths — and also enhance the safety around the crosswalk.
The decision followed nearly two hours of discussion and public input, after which councilors voted unanimously to stick to a stripped-down version of the plan they agreed on during their May 28 meeting. That design involved removing a bike path from the project but adding a continuous sidewalk on the south side of the street, which would require building a new retaining wall on part of that side of the street. The new version of this proposal would eliminate the continuous sidewalk on the south side and the retaining wall to create a cost savings of $500,000, according to Director of Public Works Director Kurt Motyka.
During discussion on Feb 4, the council engaged in a lengthy deliberation balancing safety, costs, and the “Complete Streets” policy. Motyka had first presented two main alternatives involving bike lanes and sidewalks. Alternative number one would remove parking from Cedar to West streets in order to add an uphill bike lane and sidewalks. Alternative number two would remove 52 parking spaces for a bike lane and a continuous sidewalk on the south side, but also remove the existing north side sidewalk to avoid the necessity for a retaining wall.
When members of the public got up to speak, most of them, including avid bicyclist and former Mayor John Hollar, advocated against adding a bike lane to the design. “I don’t think a bike lane is needed on East State Street,” Hollar said. He added that he has been biking on East State Street for a long time and it is not safe for bikes because the road surface has been deteriorating and is in poor condition.
Several others also spoke against a bike lane and in favor of just fixing up what is already there, particularly the water and sewer lines, as well as roadway pavement. Resident Fran Dodd said a bike lane on East State Street is not a necessity. Resident Steve Bronstein said it would be detrimental to lose parking, and adding a bike lane is an “irresponsible” expense.
Speaking in favor of the bike lane were members of the Complete Streets Committee. Holly Fowler of the committee said the committee recommends the council “judiciously” remove parking from Cedar Street to West Street in order to accommodate sidewalks and the bicycle lane. She said the committee also recommends completing sidewalks on both sides of the street between Hubbard Street and West Street. Resident Dayton Crites advocated for adding sidewalks to both sides of the road in order to preserve pedestrian safety.
Citizen Steve Whitaker argued the “Complete Streets” law makes bike/pedestrian infrastructure mandatory unless specific documentation proves it is unfeasible. However, DPW Project Management Director Corey Line responded that the “Complete Streets principles” do not require a municipality to install a bike lane; rather, it requires the municipality to take all needs into consideration when reconstructing a roadway. For example, a shared bike/vehicle lane would be a “Complete Streets” principle, Line said. “It is the consideration of all users. I believe you are doing that.”
In fact, “There is no single ‘Complete Street’ design; there are many elements which together provide for the safety of all roadway users,” according to Complete Streets Guidance published by the Vermont Agency of Transportation.
Councilor Cary Brown said she thought hearings on this project have “done a great job of considering the needs of everyone,” and that she would like to see a continuous sidewalk, but not at a prohibitive expense. She agreed about having improved safety features at the crosswalks, such as adding bump-outs and lights.
Councilor Jim Sheridan said he agrees with taking out the extra sidewalk and to adding safety features to the existing crosswalk. Councilor Adrienene Gil said infrastructure is one piece of the complex problem of getting children to and from school safely. Councilor Pelin Kohn said her constituents want to fix the street but basically keep it the way it is.
After final comments, Councilor Ben Doyle made the motion to direct the DPW to proceed with reconstruction as previously voted but remove the contemplated sidewalk and retaining wall on the south side and include enhanced pedestrian safety features at crosswalks (such as bump-outs and flashing lights).
