SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
DOVER/KENT COUNTY MPO TOWN HALL TRANSPORTATION FORUM
The Town Hall Transportation Forum of City Council and Kent County MPO was held on March 27, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Assembly Room, Dover Police Department, Queen Street with Council President McGlumphy presiding. Council members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Carey, and Mr. Salters.
Also present were Mr. Chris Asay, Transportation Committee, Ms. Eva Perine, MPO, and Mr. Ralph Reeb, Mr. Jim Plummer, and Ms. Terry Gorlich of DelDOT. Staff members present were Mr. DePrima, Mr. Petit de Mange, Mr. Koenig, and Mrs. McDowell.
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION
Representatives of the City of Dover, Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Delaware Department of Transportation provided display boards of projects planned or already underway in the City and were available to hear comments and answer questions related to the projects.
OPEN FORUM - TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
Council President McGlumphy stated that, rather than engaging in a debate about various transportation projects, the purpose was to hear public comments and suggestions for future consideration by the Transportation Committee and City Council regarding issues as follows:
Partial Interchange Between SR 1 (Relief Route) and SR 8 (East Division Street), Including Protection of Residential Areas from Traffic
Mr. Mike von Reider, 740 E. Division Street, stated that he is a resident of Edgehill, as well as a member of the City of Dover Planning Commission. It was Mr. von Reider’s feeling that, while the interchange would probably help property values, he was disappointed that DelDOT does not plan to make any sidewalk or traffic calming improvements for at least one year after the interchange opens. He indicated that there are over 50 driveways that open onto Division Street between Rt 1 and Rt 13, in addition to a good deal of pedestrian traffic. Mr. von Reider stated that one of the Planning Commission’s major goals is to protect the citizens by providing adequate sidewalks. He also noted that the police do not appear to strictly enforce the speed limit on Division Street.
Mr. Charles Johnson, 419 S. State Street, expressed concern with turning a City street into an expressway. He did not feel that there were enough attractions to the west of Dover that would prompt the need for an exit on Rt. 8.
Sidewalks and Service Roads Along U.S. 13 Business Areas for Better Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, Including Crosswalk Markings
There was no one present wishing to discuss this topic.
Bike/Pedestrian Plan
There was no one present wishing to discuss this topic.
Improvements to South Governors Avenue from Water Street to Webbs Lane
Mr. Walter Werkin, 955 Woodford Drive, stated that he owns two (2) properties on S. Governors Avenue. He felt that the planned projects looked good, however, there is also a need for parking in front of the properties south of Wyoming Avenue. Mr. Werkin also indicated that he would like to see the bridge reconstructed so that the water could flow through.
Mr. Rex Bell of Lynnhaven Drive stated that the Governors Avenue project has already begun further south and wondered why the plan was changed mid-stream. He indicated that he likes the turn lane in the middle and would like to see that carried through the rest of the project.
Mr. Robert Sadusky stated that implementing the recommendations of the MTA (McCormick,Taylor & Associates) South Governors Avenue Planning Study, dated November 7, 2001, would improve the area significantly. He indicated that he was in favor of the center turn lane and that he would like to see the stream cleaned up so that the water could flow through.
Better Timing of Traffic Lights in the City
Mr. Dave Petrucci, 218 Millcreek Drive, stated that growth in the City has prompted a need for a traffic management center dedicated to maintaining traffic lights, the operation of transit, and pedestrian safety issues in the City.
Improvements to North Street from Saulsbury Road to West Street
There was no one present wishing to discuss this topic.
Route 8/Saulsbury Road Safety Improvements
There was no one present wishing to discuss this topic.
Relocation of Greyhound Bus Terminal to Water Street Public Transit Hub
Mrs. Norene “Renie” Mullaney stated that she is employed by DuPont Pediatrics, 102 W. Water Street, which is located directly across from the Water Street Transit Hub. She expressed concern with the safety of their clients crossing Water Street with additional Greyhound traffic. She noted that they had expressed similar concerns and requested a crosswalk in this location prior to having any knowledge of the proposal. It was her feeling that the Greyhound terminal would only compound the safety issues involved in crossing Water Street. She also expressed concern with the security of their staff once Greyhound passengers are dropped off in the lot. Mrs. Mullaney stated that they currently pay $3,400 per year for permits to park in the Water Street lot and often times there are not enough spaces available.
Dr. Kevin Sheahan of DuPont Pediatrics stated that he often rides his bike to work due to the lack of parking. He expressed concern with adding the Greyhound traffic to an area that is already heavily congested.
Mr. Tim Mullaney, 142 Brandywine Drive, requested that a traffic study be conducted prior to taking any action. He noted that DelDOT typically requires a study prior to consideration or approval of a concept. Mr. McGlumphy noted that the concept has not yet been presented to Council and no action has been taken.
Mr. Gerry Street stated that he located his business, which backs up to the Water Street Parking Lot, in that particular area to take advantage of the parking available in the lot. Since the DART facility moved into the lot, the parking has been reduced significantly. It was his feeling that, although the plan to co-locate the buses is good, the area being proposed is inappropriate. He noted that the lot is primarily used by jurors, the elderly, and injured clients seeking legal services. Mr. Street did not think it made sense to subject that clientele to large buses and heavy traffic.
Referring to the Transportation Committee Meeting of March 19, 2002, at which Police Chief Horvath indicated that he was only aware of one complaint received regarding the Water Street lot, Mr. Street stated that he has personally made five crime related complaints about the lot. His business was burglarized twice and his gas lines were tampered with since the DART facility moved in. It was his feeling that the Transportation Committee did not receive adequate information prior to making their recommendation to support the proposal.
Mr. Jack Costello, 21 Par Haven Drive, stated that there is a great deal of opposition to the Greyhound terminal, including opposition by the Mayor of Dover. He suggested that the former train station be expanded to accommodate a bus/train terminal with a restaurant and gift shop, noting that train service would be coming in the future.
Mr. John Mancini, 532 S. Claymont, Wilmington, representing Laborers’ International Union Locals 847 and 199, stated that their efforts are to work with the City and the State to achieve recommended projects and provide jobs to citizens. He indicated that they would like the opportunity to work with the City in accomplishing their goals.
Mr. McGlumphy thanked the public for attending the meeting and encouraged them to continue to share their viewpoints. He stated that their goal was to be responsive to their concerns.
Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
TRACI A. McDOWELL
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
/TM
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