Boone sidewalk

plan steps up
By Frank Ruggiero
ruggiero@wataugademocrat.com

A sidewalk prioritization plan has talked the talk, and now the Boone Town Council hopes to walk the walk.

At its regular meeting Thursday, April 17, the Boone Town Council approved a sidewalk prioritization model from HSMM Engineering. The model will be used by town staff as a tracking tool to help in determining, evaluating and prioritizing the need for additional sidewalks throughout Boone.

The Boone Transportation Committee had requested the council’s approval of the model, and Paul Anderson, assistant vice president with HSMM, presented it, saying the goal was “to provide the town of Boone with a prioritization model for located streets that project the greatest demand for sidewalks today and in years to come.”

The tool would use GIS (geographic information system) and build on to some of the planning department’s current technology, Anderson said, adding, “One of the real benefits of that is by using GIS, we can use data you already have.”

Anderson said the model works by determining pedestrian generators, such as attractors and detractors, and then dividing them into subcategories and assigning scores, such as a weight or multiplier, to each factor, depending on importance.

HSMM looked at population density, primarily two categories – those 21-years-old and less and those 65 and older, as those demographics would be more likely to use sidewalks, Anderson said.

According to the HSMM’s prioritization study, those who are students, those too young for a drivers’ license, and those with limited financial resources are more like to walk to a destination. Also, older citizens might not feel comfortable driving or are no longer able to drive are more likely to walk to a destination, while others view walking as a viable form of exercise.

Anderson said attractors include where people would want to walk, such as commercial areas and manufacturing/industrial zones.

The study notes that retail shops and restaurants tend to generate pedestrian traffic, especially if parking is limited in the areas near the business. “Well lighted and maintained sidewalks can make a significant different in the traffic and revenues of such establishments,” the study reads.

Proximity to schools is another attractor, as areas near schools and universities tend to generate high pedestrian traffic. The study notes the effect declines as the distance from the school increases.

Anderson said recreation centers, bus stops and parks are also attractors, and proximity plays an important role with each.

Detractors, which would deter people from walking, include steep slopes. “Especially steep areas tend to limit pedestrian activity due to the physical demands associated with climbing or descending long or steep grades, especially in inclement weather,” the study reads.

Anderson said other detractors are road crossings and waterways.

HSMM divided all the subcategories and assigned scores to each, the highest of which went to university zoning, followed by high density/multi-family dwellings, Anderson said.

Council member Rennie Brantz asked if HSMM took into account the existing width of streets. “There are some places in Boone with narrow streets, and while [sidewalks] might be warranted, it could make it even smaller.”

Anderson said such instances would be based on right-of-way availability.

Brantz moved to approve the transportation committee’s request, saying, “I think this is another example of the kind of careful … forward-looking planning that’s making the quality of life in our community much, much better.”

Council member Stephen Phillips seconded, and council member Janet Pepin asked Boone Public Works director Blake Brown how much the model would cost. Brown said the entire cost was $14,900, with part of it already having been paid.
The motion carried unanimously.