Srt Valley Corridor Report Final

8/4/2019 Srt Valley Corridor Report Final

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SARANAC RIVER TRAIL (SRT)

VALLEY CORRIDOR STUDY

P R E L I M I N A R Y TR A I L C O N C E P T R E P O R T

TECHNICALASSISTANCE CENTER(TAC)

SUNYPLATTSBURGHJuly 2011


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Saranac River Trail (SRT) Valley Corridor StudyPreliminary Trail Concept Report July, 2011

TABLE OF CON TENTS

Project Description. 2

SRT Expansion Proposed Projects.... .... 5

Proposed Trail Project Maps Insert (1-9) 10

Bicycle/Pedestrian Use Summary 11

Priority Projects and Recommended Next Steps 13

Appendices: A. Project Scope

B. Pedestrian and Bicyclist Estimated Use Tables

C. Trail Use Benchmark Inventory in City of Plattsburgh

D. Public Workshop Notes- City of Plattsburgh June 15, 2011

E. Public Workshop Notes- Town of Plattsburgh June 22, 2011


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PROJECT DESCR IPT ION

Project BackgroundIn September 2010 a task force of diverse community membership convened to discuss the future of the Saranac River Trailoutside of its planned construction in the City of Plattsburgh. This group included representatives from the Clinton CountyHealth Department, SUNY Plattsburgh, the City of Plattsburgh, the Town of Plattsburgh, the Town of Saranac, Eastern

Adirondack Healthcare Network, The Development Corporation Clinton County, and the Saranac River Trail AdvisoryCommittee. The group decided that the next step needed in moving forward toward an expanded Saranac River Trail (SRT)system was to hire a consultant to draft a preliminary concept plan.

Early in 2011, a group of community sponsors including Eastern Adirondack Healthcare Network, the Town of Plattsburgh, theCity of Plattsburgh and CVPH Foundation, pooled resources to hire the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at SUNY Plattsburgh

to draft a preliminary concept plan and conduct several other related tasks. The attached document represents theculmination of this effort. The project scope is included as Appendix A.

Project SummaryThe project scope included the following tasks: organizing and convening the SRT task force, measuring bicyclist andpedestrian usage of the SRT and within the county, community outreach, convening the task force and obtaining input frommunicipalities, identifying and defining trail projects and creating a list of prioritized trail projects and concept map(s).

Facilitating the task force and community input are a major project deliverable. Several meetings were held with the task force

between fall 2010 and summer 2011 to obtain input about next steps and project scoping. Task force members brought backprogress reports to their respective agencies and also submitted wider participation from them throughout the process. Thegroup also provided review to the project scope and report. It should be noted that several sponsors also provided workingtask force members for the project as well.

Input from the community at large was requested via a press article in three manners. Telephone or electronic mail feedbackwas requested to be directed to the project director at TAC at SUNY Plattsburgh. Nine comments were received through thesemethods. Two public meetings were held to facilitate substantial project discussion and to obtain community input. Thirty-sixattendees participated in these meetings.


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The first public meeting was held at the City of Plattsburgh City Hall on June 15, 2011. Nearly twenty participants attendedthis discussion of the future trail expansion and connection to existing trails. This included several municipal attendees, severalbusiness/industry representatives and many citizen representatives.

The second public meeting was held at the Town of Plattsburgh Town Hall on June 22, 2011. Nearly twenty participantsattended this discussion of the Saranac River Trail expansion in the Towns of Plattsburgh and Schuyler Falls. Attendeesincluded town officials, staff and citizens from Plattsburgh, Schuyler Falls and Saranac. Workshop summary notes (in the formof identified opportunities and constraints) are included as Appendices D and E.

This conceptual plan and accompanying maps are a major deliverable of this project. It should be noted that all proposedalignments provided in this report are conceptual only. Property rights have not been investigated or acquired andpotential paths are estimates and have not been investigated for suitability for development.

This project also provided an estimate of bicycle and pedestrian usage in Clinton County. This is based upon methodologyused by Alta Planning in their 2006 SRT Trail Master Plan for the City of Plattsburgh. A summary of this information is includedin the report, with detailed tables provided as Appendix B. Additionally, benchmark counts of use of the current Saranac RiverTrail (at Steltzer Drive) and at the Terry Gordon bike path were taken on several days. These tables are provided as AppendixC. Recommendations for high priority projects and next procedural steps are made at the conclusion of the report.

Project SupportMajor sources of information reviewed for the project included the City of Plattsburghs Saranac River Trail Feasibility Study-Master Plan (2006), the Town of Plattsburgh Comprehensive Plan (2009), the Town of Plattsburgh Recreational Master Plan

(2010) and the Town of Saranac Comprehensive Plan (draft-2011). The draft Town of Saranac Comprehensive Plan Action 6.8states that it will Support the expansion of the Saranac River Trail initiative into a regional trail. Several other plan policiesreference the trail and access to the Saranac River and bicycling/pedestrian connections (Actions 1.3, 4.3, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.7).

Town of Plattsburgh Comprehensive Plan recommendations related to recreation specifically note the potential bike path of theSaranac River Trail and several related topics (Recommendations 6d, 10b, 10e and 10g). The Town of Plattsburgh RecreationMaster Plan has a specific goal to create an integrated trail system which mentions the SRT and other trail connections(pages 29-31). Through these approved (or pending in the case of the Town of Saranac) documents, these communities haveformally indicated the support for the trails expansion.


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As of the writing of this report it appears that the Complete Streets policy has passed in the New York State legislature. Thiswill require consideration of people of all ages walking, riding bicycles, driving cars, and taking public transportation in anytransportation project that uses federal and state funds, including the construction, reconstruction, restriping, and rehabilitation

of roadways. Upon implementation this will have major implications on biking and walking facilities in the state and providegreater support for the SRT.

An important additional resource for the context of the Saranac River Trail and its expansion is the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.This well-developed blueway runs from Maine to Old Forge in the Adirondacks, including Lake Champlain and the SaranacRiver. The non-profit Northern Forest Canoe Trail organization (northernforestcanoetrail.org) is an excellent resource to learnmore about these efforts. Any river access for paddling or fishing should coordinate with their advanced efforts.


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SRT EXPANS ION P ROPOSED PROJECTS

The following list of projects or proposed alignments for the expanded Saranac River Trail or connections to other trail systems

are listed from east to west, then north to south for those outside of the initial east/west corridor. Municipal locations arenoted within each segment. These projects or segments, listed numerically below, are referenced on the maps attached in thesubsequent section. The numbering for text below matches the numbering on the attached maps.

It should be no ted again, that these projects are conceptual, based on review of available information and fromcommunity input . Property access or easements of most parcels have not been established.

EAST to WEST

City of Plattsburgh

1. Connect Club Road to Terry Gordon bike path via shared-road path along Hamilton Street and to Dock Street via Jay andBridge Streets.

2. Build a connecting bike path through the greenway/buffer easement adjacent to Fort Brown Drive, connecting to ClubRoad.

3. Investigate access to Route 9 from NYSEG property (across Saranac Street bridge) along riverfront throughapartments/Adirondack Pet Lodge area; continue on path in front of Armory and mark visible crossing into Byrne Lane

for access to U.S. Oval.

4. Connect from US Oval to Route 9 bike path at roundabout, through New York Road and mark bike lanes or wideshoulders (with signage) around US Oval.

5. Improve the Suspension Bridge access for bicyclists or those with impaired mobility.6. Connect trail under Broad Street bridge to downtown/Durkee Street municipal lot and Plattsburgh Farmers Market.


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7. Connect McDonough Monument park to Champlain Monument park via (a cantilevered) trail along the river.8. Designate bike path along Saranac Street from remediated NYSEG property on east river bank, connecting smoothly to

Route 9.

9. Designate and create the Farmers Market area and municipal parking lot on Durkee Street as a bicycling/walkingdestination.

10.Build a pedestrian bridge connecting former NYSEG property to Durkee Street at the site of former bridge.11.Investigate continuing the trail along the riverbank across Pine Street from Stafford Middle School, connecting to Durkee

Street behind the auction house.

12.Extend the trail beyond the Saranac Street bridge, running behind the police station to connect to Stafford MiddleSchool.

13.Plan for safety/upkeep of the Webb Island pedestrian bridge, which is an invaluable connection of city neighborhoods.14.Investigate access to Webb Island as a nature park.15.Extend trail west of George Angell Drive along north/west side of river to Imperial Dam.16.Create a spur of the trail to connect to the west side of Plattsburgh High School.17.Use reservoir above Imperial Mill for paddling/passive water sports.

Town of Plattsburgh

18.Continue trail along north side of the river to I-87 overpass along informally used paths.19.Continue trail along the north side of the river from I-87 to Treadwell Mills dam along informally used paths.


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20. Investigate recreational use of the Treadwell Mills dam area and power canal. As part of the Federal Energy RegulatoryCommission (FERC) license for the Lower Saranac Hydroelectric Project, Enel North America has a public recreationaccess plan for the site.

21.Design safe crossing of Military Turnpike and continuation of trail along Brown Road and access through TheDevelopment Corporation property to the west, along informally used paths, to former Clinton County Airport property.22.Plan a trail spur along Military Turnpike to Rugar Street, connecting to I-87 overpath along town-owned lane at Benny

Blake Road.

23.Connect through former Clinton County Airport property along the river to County Fairground, and connect to Route 22Bthrough Fairground Drive.

24.Continue trail from Clinton County Fairgrounds to Pinebook Drive, connecting to Route 22B.25.Design a trail loop from LaPierre Lane and Jan Streets to Route 22B and Saranac River.26.Design a shared-road spur of the trail from Route 22B along Banker Road, connecting to Plattsburgh Town Hall and to

the Banker Road Industrial Park future trail system.

27.Design road-adjacent trail along Route 22B to the bridge entering Schuyler Falls, including bridge design toaccommodate cyclists and pedestrians and provide for a safe crossing of the roadway before Rand Hill Roadintersection. Investigate designated bike lanes for this stretch where pavement width allows.

Town of Schuyler Falls

28.Design road-adjacent trail along Route 22B from the Schuyler Falls town line to Sand Road intersection. Investigatedesignated bike lanes for this stretch where pavement width allows and provide for a safe crossing (suggested at ornear the Post Office).

29.Design shared-road trail along Kent Falls Road all the way to the Oxbow area. Investigate formalizing recreationpossibilities at this area.


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Town of Plattsburgh

30.Investigate use of Kent Falls Road bridge for cyclist/pedestrian access and continuation of trail to Goddeau Road,connecting to Cadyville Park and Disc Golf Course.

31.Continue trail from Goddeau Road to Park Row west, connecting to Route 3 near the former Cadyville ElementarySchool.

Town of Schuyler Falls/Town of Saranac

32.Continue trail from Goddeau Road crossing bridge into Schuyler Falls and connecting onto Rabideau Street. Design trailalong roadway to connect to the Hardscrabble Road into the Town of Saranac.

33.Investigate using the powerline path running west along the river off of Hardscrabble Road and connecting into HankWilson Road to the Saranac town border.

Town of Saranac

34.Continue trail along Hank Wilson Road in the Town of Saranac, connecting to the Duquette Road and crossing the riverto connect to State Route 3.

35.Continue shared-road trail along State Route 3 in the Town of Saranac to the Bowen Road, site of recreational access tothe river.

NORTH to SOUTH:

Town of Plattsburgh

36.Connect Macdonough Highway from Cumberland Bay State Park to the existing bike trail running further east via safeoff-road or shared-road/pedestrian path access.


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City of Plattsburgh

37.Connect Karen Fleury path safely to the four corners at Moffitt Road and the Crete Center/Macdonough Highway.38. Investigate improved connection of Karen Fleury path to Route 9 at its beginning near Scomotion Creek as well as

improved maintenance of the trail.

39. Investigate re-striping of North Margaret Street (Route 9) from Boynton Avenue to the Cumberland Head four-corners.Research the feasibility of single lane traffic with turn-lanes or other ways to allow for wider and designated bike lanes.

40.Investigate connection of Wilcox Docks Park to Route 9 by West Bay Plaza through possible easement or access throughlakeside industrial (Georgia Pacific) to avoid unsafe road intersections.

Town of Plattsburgh

41.Continue bike lane along Route 9, with safe markings for shared-road access. Investigate safer crossing of railroad line(other than existing underpass) and possible future use of a different crossing along lakefront property. The future CrabIsland Vista Park may be a good connection, along lakefront to Cliff Haven.

42.Continue marked bike lane south on Route 9, to connect to Clinton Community College.


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PROPOSED TRA I L PROJECT MAPS

See attached maps 1-9.


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B ICYCLE / PEDESTR IAN USE SUMMAR Y

Two assessments were conducted to provide estimates of bicycle/pedestrian use in Clinton County, and particularly in the City

and Town of Plattsburgh. The first created a model, based roughly on that designed by Alta Planning in their 2006 FeasibilityStudy Master Plan for the SRT to measure cycling tripsin the city. The model in this report was expanded and modified to alsomeasure walking (pedestrian) tripsand for the Town of Plattsburgh and for Clinton County. The results of this model, whichare estimates only, are presented in the table below. The full analysis is provided within Appendix B. It should be noted thatthese numbers represent total tripswith most travel including two trips (round trip) and that Clinton County numbers areinclusive of the city and town.

Estimated Daily Biking and Walk ing Trips in the City and Town of Plattsburgh and Clinton County

Estimated DailyBiking Trips

City of Plattsburgh Town of Plattsburgh Clinton County

6,405 709 9,891

Estimated DailyWalkin g Trips

35,578 2,594 53,751

The presence of SUNY Plattsburgh in the city and county provides a much higher estimated level of biking and walking,particularly in commute trips. It is clear from the Census data included in the model that, as logic would suggest, many more

people walk to work or to school in the more urbanized area of the city than in the more rural town or county-wide. Whilethese numbers are only estimates, this provides valuable information about the scale of existing use of walking and bikingmodes of transportation regionally.

The second assessment included a benchmark survey of existing trail use in two locations in the City of Plattsburgh. On severaldifferent days, the use of these trails (by mode and whether child or adult) was tallied for the Saranac River Trail at Steltzer


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Avenue and for the Terry Gordon path off of Hamilton Street. Four full days (morning and evening commute hours) wereinventoried on the SRT and two full days were inventoried on the Gordon path. The averagedaily results are provided below.Full data are provided in Appendix C.

Average Trail Use in City of Plattsburgh-Spring 20 11

Saranac River Trail (at Steltzer Avenue) Terry Gordon Path

Bicyclists Pedestrians Bicyclists Pedestrians

7:30 AM to8:30 AM


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PR IOR I TY PROJECTS AND RECOMMENDAT IONS

Priority projects are listed below, from east to west and north to south. These higher priority projects are provided as such

based on three factors: 1) ease of implementation, 2) community input regarding priorities, and 3) connectivity to existingtrails. Overall input from community residents and town and city officials emphasized the goal of maximizing trail connectivitywithin the region.

A T-shaped spine of trails, running east and west as the SRT, and connecting to the trail systems running north and south inthe City and Town of Plattsburgh, represent the implementation of this primary goal. This concept is depicted in the nineprovided maps connecting Clinton Community College to the south, to Cumberland Head corners to the north, and fromCumberland Head to the east to the Town of Saranac to the west.

The following are recommended as higher priority projects. Projects are listed in no order of weight of importance.

PRIORITY PROJECTS:

City of Plattsburgh Connect Club Road to Terry Gordon bike path via shared-road path along Hamilton Street and to Dock Street via

Jay and Bridge Streets Designate bike path along Saranac Street from remediated NYSEG property on east river bank, connecting

smoothly to Route 9. Investigate access to Route 9 from NYSEG property (across Saranac Street bridge) along riverfront through

apartments/Adirondack Pet Lodge area; continue on path in front of Armory and mark visible crossing into ByrneLane for access to U.S. Oval.

Extend the trail beyond the Saranac Street bridge, running behind the police station to connect to Stafford MiddleSchool.

Investigate continuing the trail along the riverbank across Pine Street from Stafford Middle School, connecting toDurkee Street behind the auction house.


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Designate and create the Farmers Market area and municipal parking lot on Durkee Street as a bicycling/walkingdestination.

Extend trail west of George Angell Drive along north/west side of river to Imperial Dam. Connect Karen Fleury path safely to the four corners at Moffitt Road and the Crete Center/Macdonough Highway.

Investigate improved connection of Karen Fleury path to Route 9 at its beginning near Scomotion Creek as wellas improved maintenance of the trail. Investigate re-striping of North Margaret Street (Route 9) from Boynton Avenue to the Cumberland Head four-

corners. Research the feasibility of single lane traffic with turn-lanes or other ways to allow for wider anddesignated bike lanes.

Town of Plattsburgh Continue trail along north side of the river to I-87 overpass along informally used paths. Continue trail along the north side of the river from I-87 to Treadwell Mills dam along informally used paths. Design safe crossing of Military Turnpike and continuation of trail along Brown Road and access through The

Development Corporation property to the west, along informally used paths, to former Clinton County Airportproperty.

Continue trail from Clinton County Fairgrounds to Pinebook Drive, connecting to Route 22B. Design a shared-road spur of the trail from Route 22B along Banker Road, connecting to Plattsburgh Town Hall

and to the Banker Road Industrial Park future trail system. Design road-adjacent trail along Route 22B to the bridge entering Schuyler Falls, including bridge design to

accommodate cyclists and pedestrians and provide for a safe crossing of the roadway before Rand Hill Roadintersection. The 2013 planned replacement of the bridge crossing at the Schuyler Falls/Plattsburgh border willinclude these features. Investigate continued, designated bike lanes for this stretch where pavement widthallows.

Connect Commodore Macdonough Highway from Cumberland Bay State Park to the existing bike trail runningfurther east via safe off-road or shared-road/pedestrian path access.

Continue bike lane along Route 9, with safe markings for shared-road access at the southern border of the City ofPlattsburgh. Investigate safer crossing of railroad line adjacent to Lake Champlain (other than existingunderpass) and possible future use of a different crossing along lakefront property. The future Crab Island VistaPark may be a good connection, along lakefront to Cliff Haven.


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Town of Schuyler Falls Design road-adjacent trail along Route 22B from the Schuyler Falls town line to Sand Road intersection.

Investigate designated bike lanes for this stretch where pavement width allows and provide for a safe crossing

(suggested at or near the Post Office).


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RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS:

Town of PlattsburghIt is clear that the City of Plattsburgh has substantially benefited from a consultants master plan design for trail feasibility.

One key recommendation is that the Town of Plattsburgh, likely in conjunction w ith the Town of Schuyler Falls,invests in a similar study to plan the best trail alignment . Grant or corporate sponsorship might be sought for thiseffort.

The tow n should establish a trail advisory committee, similar to what has been developed in the City of Plattsburgh(SRT committee). This may be focused specifically on the Saranac River Trail, and eventually on broader bicyclist/pedestriantrail activities. The SRT should be the primary focus however as resources are limited. As this report indicates, the trail alsohas several spurs that provide connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians within the town.

As the town continues to develop its trail focus, it would be desirable to have at least part-time staffing to support such

efforts. Grant writing, staff support to a trail committee, meeting planning, working with a master plan consultant, providingfeedback to the Council, working with landowners to explore or acquire property access and working with transportationplanners (Town Highway Department or DOT) would be among the key needs that this individual might fill.

The town may also wish to have a half or full-day design charrette to kick-off any new efforts and get detailed input aboutpossible new trail development. The community input received within the context of research for this project was a beginningstep, but much more detail is needed for implementing any trail projects. This might be done in conjunction with hiring a trailsconsultant or trail planning staff.

City of PlattsburghThe city has had great success at beginning the trail system within its boundaries, but needs to move forward with the manyidentified next projects in order to provide connectivity. To do this, it will need to identify capital funds to develop itsidentified projects. Persistence with grant applications for funding will likely be the best way to make this happen, eitherwith new staff or a consultant familiar with the trail.


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The city has been fortunate to have received a number of grants, which do require time to implement and administer. Thesenumerous projects and the need to identify and submit new grant applications may justify at least part-time staffing forthe City Engineers office to assist in trail development. A trail support staff person would also provide assistance tothe SRT advisory committee, which exists only through volunteers, thereby slowing its progress.

Plattsburgh (City and Town), Schuyler Falls, Saranac, Clinton County, SUNY Plattsburgh, Clinton Community CollegeThe Town of Plattsburgh, City of Plattsburgh, Town of Schuyler Falls, and Town of Saranac should convene to discussregional trail efforts, perhaps with the oversight of Clinton County officials and the participation of SUNY Plattsburgh andClinton Community College. A regional effort should include all parties and might develop at some point at the county leveland with intern assistance through the colleges. The progress of the SRT in these communities varies substantially, but as trailplanning is looking into the next several decades, it should involve long-term regional planning.


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A-1Saranac River Trail (SRT) Valley Corridor Study

Preliminary Trail Concept Report July, 2011Appendices

APP ENDIX A P ROJECT SCOPE

Saranac River Trail (SRT) Valley Corridor Study

Project Scope:

Project Sponsors- City of Plattsburgh, Eastern Adirondack Healthcare Network, Town of Plattsburgh, CVPH Foundation

Task Force Member Representatives- TAC at SUNY Plattsburgh, Clinton County Health Department, Town of Saranac, TheDevelopment Corporation Clinton County, Town of Schuyler Falls, SRT Advisory Committee

1. Organize SRT Task Force

Create a task force to come together to represent the interests of an expanded trail.Timeframe completed: January 2011

2. Measure Bicyclist and Pedestrian Usage of SRT and within County

Complete a baseline measurement of bicyclist and pedestrian usage of the first Saranac River Trail segment. Also compilecurrent walking and biking rates from Census data.

Timeframe completed: April 2011

3. Community OutreachCreate a media release with the task force, to advertise the study and solicit input.

Timeframe completed: June 2011

4. Convene Task Force and Obtain Input from Municipalities


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Obtain input from the task force and from municipal representatives from the City of Plattsburgh, Town of Plattsburgh,Town of Schuyler Falls and Town of Saranac. Task force representatives will be main conduits for Schuyler Falls andSaranac.


5. Identify and Define Trail ProjectsBased on task force and municipal input, identify possible project concepts in expanding the SRT. Summarize generalopportunities and constraints of each.


6. Convene task force (in conjunction with municipal representatives)Meet with task force and municipal representatives (electronically) to present possible projects. Work with group toprioritize projects (at least in term of high, medium or low priorities).

Timeframe completed: July 2011

7. Create a list of prioritized trail projects and provide concept mapBased on task force input, create a narrative description of trail projects, by priority and a concept map showing projectareas in the City and Town of Plattsburgh (and other areas generalized as input provided).

Timeframe completed: July 2011


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APPENDIX B PEDESTR IAN AND B ICYCL IST ESTIMATED USE TABLES


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Estimated Daily Bicycling Activity- City ofPlattsburgh:

Employed Adults Source/Calculations

City Population 19,291

US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 American

Community Survey

Employed Persons (16+) 8,483US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey

Bicycle Commute Percentage 1.20%US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey

Bicycle Commuters 102US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey (8,483*1.2%)

Work at home percentage 3.10%US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey

Work at home Bike commuters 33

(8,483*3.1%/8) Assumes 1 out of 8 workers from

home use bike for a trip per day

School Children

Population 5-18 2,081US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey

Estimated school bicycle commute share 2%National Center for Safe Routes to School Survey,2010

School bicycle commuters 42 (2% *2,081)

College StudentsFull-time students 5,906 SUNY Plattsburgh Registrar, 2010

Bicycle commute percentage 10%Federal Highway Administration, National Bicyclingand Walking Study, 1995

College bicycle commuters 591 (5,906*10%)


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Work and School Commute trips sub-total

Daily commuters sub-total 768

Bike commuters(102)+Work at home bikecommuters(33)+School bike

commuters(42)+College bike commuters(591)

Daily commute trips sub-total 1,536(768*2) Assumes that commuters make 2 trips perday

Other Trips

Ratio of "other trips to commute trips 3.17

National Household Transportation Survey 2009,24% of all trips are commute trips, 76% are non-commute (76/24)

Estimated non-commute trips 4,869 Daily commute trips * Ratio other trips(1,536*3.17)

Total Estimated Daily Biking Trips 6,405Daily commute trips + Non-commute trips (1,536 +4,869)

Estimated Daily Walking Activity- City ofPlattsburgh

Employed Adults Source or Calculations

City Population 19,291US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey

Employed Persons 8,483


Community Survey

Walking Commute Percentage 11.90%US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey

Walking Commuters 1,009US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey



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Work at home walk commuters 33(8,483*3.1%/8) Assumes 1 out of 8 workers fromhome walk for a trip per day

School Children

Population 5-18 2,081 US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey

Estimated school walking commute share 13%National Center for Safe Routes to School Survey,2010

School walking commuters 271 (2,081*13%)

College Students

Full-time students 5,906 SUNY Plattsburgh Registrar, 2010

Walking commute percentage 50%Federal Highway Administration, National Bicyclingand Walking Study, 1995 (modified)

College walking commuters 2,953 (5,906*50%)


Daily commuters sub-total 4,266

Walk commuters(1,009)+Work at home walkcommuters(33)+School walkcommuters(271)+College walk commuters(2,953)

Daily commute trips sub-total 8,532 (4,266*2)

Other Trips

Ratio of "other trips to commute trips 3.17


Estimated Non-commute trips 27,046 Daily commutes*Ratio of other trips (8,532*3.17)

Total Estimated Daily Walking Trips 35,578Commute trips plus Non-commute trips(8,532+27,046)


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Estimated Daily Bicycling Activity- Town of

Plattsburgh


Population 11,170US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey



Bicycle Commuters 27 (5,462*.5%)


Work at home Bike commuters 21(5,462*3.1%/8) Assumes 1 out of 8 workers fromhome use bike for a trip per day

School Children



School bicycle commuters 37 (2% * 1,865)


Daily commuters sub-total 85Daily bike commuters (27)+Work at home bikecommuters(21) + school bike commuters (37)

Daily commute trips sub-total 170 (85*2)


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Other Trips

Ratio of "other" trips to commute trips 3.17

National Household Transportation Survey 2009,24% of all trips are commute trips, 76% are non-

commute (76/24)

Estimated Non-commute trips 539Daily commute trips * ratio of other trips(170*3.17)

Total Daily Bicycling Trips 709 Commute trips + Non-commute trips(170+539)

Estimated Daily Walking Activity- Town ofPlattsburgh


Population 11,170


Community Survey


Walking Commute Percentage 0.50%US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey

Walking Commuters 27 (5,462*.5%)


Work at home walking commuters 42


home walk for a trip per day

School Children


Estimated school walking commute share 13%National Center for Safe Routes to School Survey,2010


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School walking commuters 242 (1,865*13%)


Daily commuters sub-total 311

Daily walk commutes (27)+Work at home walk

commutes(42) + school walk commutes (242)Daily commute trips sub-total 622 (311*2)

Other Trips



Estimated Non-commute trips 1,972Commute trips * ratio "other" commutetrips(622*3.17)

Total Daily Walking Trips 2,594 Commute trips + Non-commute trips (622+1,972)


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Estimated Daily Bicycling Activity- ClintonCounty


Population 81,755 US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey



Bicycle Commuters 146 (36,561*.4%)


Work at home Bike commuters 206


home use bike for a round trip per day

School Children



School bicycle commuters 243 (2% *12,170)

SUNY Plattsburgh College StudentsFull-time students 5,906 SUNY Plattsburgh Regsistrar, 2010

Bicycle commute percentage 10%Federal Highway Administration, National Bicyclingand Walking Study, 1995

College bicycle commuters 591 (5,906*10%)



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Bike commuters(146)+Work at home bikecommuters(206)+school bikecommuters(243)+college bike commuters(591)


Other Trips



Estimated Non-commute trips 7,519Daily commute trips *ratio of other trips(2,372*3.17)

Total Daily Bicycling Trips 9,891 Non-commute trips + commute trips (7,519+2,372)

Estimated Daily Walking Activity- ClintonCounty

Employed Adults Source of Calculations

Population 81,755US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey


Walk Commute Percentage 4.1%US Census Bureau- 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey

Walk Commuters 1,499 (36,561 *4.1%)


Work at home walk commuters 411(36,561*4.5%/4) Assumes 1 out of 4 workers fromhome use walk for a trip per day

School Children


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Estimated school walk commute share 13%National Center for Safe Routes to School Survey,2010

School walk commuters 1,582 (12,170*13%)

College Students

Full-time students 5,906 SUNY Plattsburgh Registrar, 2010

Pedestrian commute percentage 50%Federal Highway Administration, National Bicyclingand Walking Study, 1995 (modified for college use)

Pedestrian walk commuters 2,953 (5,906*50%)



Walk commuters(1,499)+Work at home walk

commuters(411)+school walkcommuters(1,582)+college walk commuters(2,953)


Other Trips



Estimated Non-commute trips 40,861

Daily commute trips *ratio of other trips

(12,890*3.17)

Total Daily Walking Trips 53,751Non-commute trips + commutetrips(40,861+12,890)


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A-13Saranac River Trail (SRT) Valley Corridor StudyPreliminary Trail Concept Report July, 2011Appendices

APPENDIX C BENCHMAR KIN G TRA I L USE INVENTORY IN C ITY OFPLATTSBURGH

Assessm ent Loca t ion : Sa ranac R ive r Tra i l A long S te l t ze rDr i ve /R i ve r s ide Cem e te ry , C it y o f P l a t t sbu rghDate Time Travelers Types

Thursday April 14, 2011 7:30 AM Adult Pedestrian 3

to 8:30 AM Minor Pedestrian 2

Bicyclist 1

Totals: 6

Wednesday May 4, 2011 4:00 PM Adult Pedestrian 4

to 5:00 PM Minor Pedestrian 4Bicyclist 2

Totals: 10

Friday June 3, 2011 7:30 AM Adult Pedestrian 2


Bicyclist 0

4:00 PM Adult Pedestrian 0

to 5:00 PM Minor Pedestrian 0Bicyclist 3

Totals: 5

Monday June 6, 2011 7:30 AM Adult Pedestrian 4


Bicyclist 0


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to 5:00 PM Minor Pedestrian 0

Bicyclist 1

Totals: 8

Wednesday June 8, 2011 7:30 AM Adult Pedestrian 1


Bicyclist 0



Bicyclist 1

Totals: 3


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Assessm ent Loca t ion : Terry Gordon Tra i l , C it y o f P la t t sbu rgh Date Time Travelers Types

Tuesday June 7, 2011 7:30 AM Adult Pedestrian 4


Bicyclist 0



Bicyclist 5

Totals: 24

Wednesday June 15, 2011 7:30 AM Adult Pedestrian 6


Bicyclist 3



Bicyclist 12

Totals: 50


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APPENDIX D P UBL IC W ORKSHOP N OTES C ITY OF PLATTSBURGHJUNE 15 , 2011

City of Plattsburgh Public Workshop

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Opportunities

On-road bike trail on North Margaret Street (Route 9)

Corporate sponsorship to finance trail part or improvements

Install zig-zag ramp under Cumberland Avenue Bridge to pedestrian bridge

Install ramp to Green Street from pedestrian bridgeMore direct route from Old Base to SMS (add buffer zone)

Finish sidewalk on west side of Route 9

PCSD install paved trails behind PHS

Old Riverview Mobile Home Park now open land

Nature Trail on Webb Island

Connect from behind Police Station to Auction House on Durkee as a way toavoid downtown

Construct path under Broad Street Bridge

Obtain easement on GP property (near gazebo)

Obtain easement on Adirondack Lane (private road)

Install extension behind PHS/George Angell Drive closer to Adirondack Lane

Use of SUNY property to west

Use of reservoir for paddling

Use of state land to west

Connect in the back of PHS to trail on west


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Install more formal running trails near reservoir (current blue trails)

Install many places to park bikes at Farmers Market/Municipal Parking Lot tomake it a biker destination

Install bike lane in Municipal Parking Lot

Have a bike rental station in Municipal Parking LotUse Durkee Street for bike maybe rather than Margaret Street wider

Use left turn lane at Bridge and Margaret Streets as a bike lane

Floating boardwalks for bikes

Install additional crosswalk on Route 9 maybe at Fort Brown (near ByrneLane)

Making things safer for kids helps make them better for others too, especiallythe elderly

Connect the Fleury Bike Path at the north end to signalized crosswalk (its astate road)

Connect Fleury Bike Path to connector road bike path

Install left turn lane on Route 9 to turn onto Byrne Lane

Connect Terry Gordon Bike Path to marina and Peace Point Park

Connect Terry Gordon Bike Path to Karen Fleury Bike Path to SRT make itseamless so you dont have to get off bike

Shared roadway on Margaret Street concept works well on City Hall Place

Use crossing at Ft. Brown on Route 9 to avoid downtown using Saranac Street

Connect southern and northern lake bike paths smoothly

Connect lake bike path (after its built) to SRTExtend river path westward first to Adirondack Lane, then to TurnpikeExtension to Cadyville

While working on each part make all connections safe for all users andpleasant for most users

Priority should be connecting all of Route 9 from GP to Fleury Trail


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City of Plattsburgh Public Workshop


Constraints

North Margaret Street (Route 9) not configured for bikes

Pedestrian bridge off Cumberland Avenue not biker friendly

Crossing Route 9 (at Geoffrey's) is dangerous

Safety issues for the Webb Island pedestrian bridge

No access to Webb Island

Obtaining access to privately own land

PCSD BOE currently posts forbidding pubic use of land behind PHS/GeorgeAngell Drive

Adirondack Lane is private road with private property on both sidesMargaret Street is very narrow

Margaret to Bridge street is one way - need to go to City Hall Place to getthrough

No connection between MacDonough Park and Champlain Park

Being able to turn right on red at the corner of Hamilton Street and Route 9makes it a dangerous intersection for bikers and walkers

Ends of segments of SRT are dangerous - there is nowhere to cross roads,especially at the ends of the Karen Fleury Bike Path

North end of Karen Fleury Bike Path had a big ditch

Retaining wall at corner of Pine and Broad Streets makes intersection toonarrow for bike path

Families have difficulties using shared roadways, particularly in busy trafficareas


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APPENDIX E PUBL IC W ORKSHOP NOTES TOWN OF PLATTSBURGHJUNE 22 , 2011

Town of Plattsburgh Public Workshop


Opportunities

Adirondack Lane to I-87 Overpass: 1.5 miles

Use of existing trails in "Rugar Woods" - has been access for over 40 yearsNeed to plan for year-round use of all segments

I-87 Overpass to Treadwell Mills Fish Ladder: 1.0 mile

Already opportunity for recreation trail use due to FERC lisence for powercompany near power station at fish ladder (posted as such)

Connect via Military Turnpike

Use road along power canal

Use power station as bicycle destination - bike racks to use - use as place tostore bikes then use recreation trails

Use Carbide Road as connetor (south side of underpass)

Build pedestrian bridge under overpassPath under overpass not susceptible to flooding

Treadwell Mills Fish ladder to South end of Old Clinton County Airportvia Military Turnpike, Brown Road and path across TDC property: 1.5miles


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Area along water "conservation zone" (zoning area)

Use Brown Road to TDC property to conservation zoneAvailable for wider use

South end of Old Clinton County Airport to Lapierre Lane via Airportproperty and Fairground: 3.0 miles

River front town-owned

West on 22B - sidewalk present

Use already built/used portions as leverage for financing new portionsSmall section to build - Old Airport to Route 22B sidewalk

Lapierre Lane to Sand Road/ Rt 22B intersection-picnic area: 0.75miles

Sidewalk in place on both sides of Green Bridge

Scenic overlookBridge project - can build crosswalk - sidewalks on bridge

Can build under bridge

Cross before bridge (safest place) - engineers on bridge project can investigate

Maybe cross at Post Office

Shared bikeway possible - can use for traffic calmingShoulder all way from Lapierre to Sand Road

Rt 22B P icnic area to Cadyville Park via Kent Falls Road: 3.5 milesInformal connection to river in place

Use of Kent Falls Road

Goddeau RoadKent Falls Bridge


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Cadyville Park to Cadyville Beach: 1.0 mile

Use Goddeau Road to get to Park

Park Road - paved shoulder - crossroad - sidewalk

Cross at Fire Station - sidewalkNeed bikeway to beach

Cadyville Beach to Bowen R oad, Saranac

Water way - 6 miles

Bike lane on Rte 3

Hardscrabble Road to Harney Road

Use of Laurel Lane to get off Rte 3

Use of powerline access road off Hardscrabble to Hank Wilson

Cross at Duquette Road - not busy - low trafic

Power company land near river

Rte 3 wider for shared use

Possible spur - from Carbide Road (at Shluter's) to Rte 9 in SouthPlattsburgh

Connection to Rte 9 North at Karen Fleury Path

Shared roadway on Rte 9

State road out of cityShould be built like path on Rte 9 South

Connection to Route 9 South

Link to Gordon bikeway through rail line to Sunset Drive

Continuous trail between bike paths


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Town of Plattsburgh Public Workshop


Constraints

I-87 Overpass to Treadwell Mills Fish Ladder: 1.0 mile

Problems crossing from north (trail under overpass) to south (fish ladder)

Road along power canal blockedTown has closed Carbide Road

Treadwell Mills Fish ladder to South end of Old Clinton County Airportvia Military Turnpike, Brown Road and path across TDC property: 1.5

milesWetlands

Motorized use already there

Developing community recognition of more formal trail systemHunting

South end of Old Clinton County Airport to Lapierre Lane via Airportproperty and Fairground: 3.0 miles

Neighborhood resistance to traffic

Private ownership

Lapierre Lane to Sand Road/ Rt 22B intersection-picnic area: 0.75miles

Need to cross 22BDifficult crossing at bridge


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Rt 22B P icnic area to Cadyville Park via Kent Falls Road: 3.5 milesSteep slope past Aird Dorrence - difficult river access

Cadyville Park to Cadyville Beach: 1.0 mile

Busy intersection - Church and Harney Bridge RoadGaps in sidewalk

Cadyville Beach to Bowen R oad, Saranac

Rte 3 busy roadRte 3 narrower in places - not wide shoulder

Connection to Rte 9 North at Karen Fleury Path

Connection to Route 9 South

Avoid going under overpass (entering Cliff Haven)

Crossing rail line dangerous

Srt Valley Corridor Report Final

Documents

Transcript of Srt Valley Corridor Report Final