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07/13/09
Chairman anticipates August decision on
town-center traffic light
The Town Council is looking for a better idea of its financial obligations to the state before it will officially kill, or decide to go ahead with, a proposed traffic signal at the intersection of Scott Dyer, Shore and Ocean House roads.
"We hope to have a decision some time during the month of August," said Jim Rowe, chairman of the Town Council, at the council's meeting July 13, 2009.
Rowe reported on a workshop the council held with officials from the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS), and the Maine Department of Transportation, immediately before the regular council meeting. The workshop allowed councilors to ask questions about the project funding, among other issues, as well as the state's desire to know whether or not the town is going to use grant money allocated for the project.
In 2004, the town applied for and was awarded a grant to construct a full traffic signal at the town center. Since that time, and after numerous public meetings, forums and design workshops, the cost of the project has risen to $1.1 million as last estimated, with the town's share being $736,400.
Public opposition to the project has also grown, with several members of the public asking why so much should be spent on a project that many believe is unnecessary.
Last November, the council voted to table further consideration of the traffic light in favor of installing passive measures for traffic control and pedestrian safety. In May 2009, the light was again tabled until November, to give the passive traffic control measures implemented last year a better chance to prove their effectiveness, Rowe said.
Officials at PACTS and MDOT, however, would like Cape Elizabeth to make a firm decision, yeah or nay, before November, Rowe said. "It puts them in a difficult spot to have the monies not being used," he said.
Before it does make a decision, however, the town needs to know how much it will owe the state for design work it has already incurred. Estimated costs range from $30,000 to $130,000, Rowe said. "Quite a difference," said Rowe. "And we were not able to get a firm answer tonight," he said.
MDOT Bureau of Planning Director Kat Fuller will take the issue back to the executive board for answer later this week, Rowe reported.
The other question councilors need answered is how much of a 2008 bond issue, earmarked for town center improvements, is available to be used.
"So without those answers, we are not yet able to act on this item tonight," Rowe said.
Rowe said he anticipated the council would have the information needed for a decision by August, either at a special meeting or at the regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 10, 2009.
Town Center Intersection Evaluation Committee
In a related matter, Rowe announced the members of a Town Center Intersection Evaluation Committee, a committee charged to review the effectiveness of the passive control measures implemented to improve pedestrian safety, and to make recommendations if necessary.
These measures include increased signage, more visable crosswalks and orange flags for pedestrians to carry across crosswalks.
Committee members are Sara Lennon, town councilor; Mary Townsend, School Board member; and Tom Kinley and Cynthia Dill, citizen representatives.
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