minutes from January 24, 2005

[Rachael E Kennedy]

BikeWalk Alexandria Minutes
Monday, January 24, 2005 7:30, St. Elmo's Coffee Pub

ATTENDING:Bill Hendrickson, Dave Levy, Elizabeth Wright, Bruce Dwyer, Larry Grossman, Scott Newsham, Jerry King, Maitland Bottom, Rachael Kennedy, Marc Walowac, Robin Ludt, Steve Murphy

1. Acceptance of November Minutes--approved

2. Affiliation with BikeWalk Virginia-- Bruce Dwyer, former board member of BikeWalk Virginia gave an overview of their non-profit organization and what affiliation with them would entail. At this point they are just beginning to discuss affiliates. This will be voted on at their board meeting in April. At that time we can decide what course to take based on their requirements. For information on on BWVa go to www.bikewalkvirginia.org. Also note, they host a annual BikeWalk Virginia conference which this year will collaborate with the Governor's Greenways-Trailways Conference. This will be held the end of April-May. In the past Bruce Dwyer and Rachael Kennedy have attended so if you want more information you may query them. This year Rachael will present at the Greenways-Trailways conference.

3. Logo-- it was agreed to delay working on a logo until after the BikeWalk Virginia board meeting since we may use their logo if we become affiliated. Robin Ludt will work at the logo at a future date.

4. Meeting locations: Due to other conflicts it was decided the meetings should be held the 1st Monday of each month. Jerry King confirmed with St. Elmo's that we are booked there for the next year. **This means the next meeting is February 7, 2005.

5. Major issues and priority list strategy: This will be the major discussion at the next meeting with the hopes of creating a definite priority list and strategies to address. To that end: Jerry King will resend the previous member driven priority list to the list serv for review. Bruce Dwyer will send or link the priority list from the Open Space Committee. Everyone is asked to access the Bicycle Master Plan and read through to familiarize themselves with priorities previously set. Please come to the next meeting with ideas in hand.

6. City Bike and Ped. Coordinator position: Dave Levy reported that Tom Culpepper (T&ES) stated applications are in and they hope to have the position filled by March. Dave reports the interview questionnaire has some knowledge specific questions such as "What does AASHTO report to be the correct...."

7. WWB Neighborhood Task Force Update: Jerry King reported that on Feb 4th he and others are presenting the recommendations to City Council. This is an open meeting held at 5 pm.

8.Potomac Yards: Larry Grossman reports that according to Emily Baker (planning) they are looking at the logistics of the new bridge and how to maintain traffic flow. The bid will go out this year and hopes are to complete the bridge within 2 years. Larry requested they look at the multi-use path dynamics, especially how it will flow from Slater Ln. to N.Fayette St. The main concern being that residents around Slater Ln. need adequate access to Braddock Metro. Larry will request that Planning for a time when some members can meet with them to discuss bike/ped issues.

9. Web site: Maitland Bottom stated that info may be funneled to him for inclusion. He and Bruce Dwyer will meet to look at more specific content that can be added. Suggestions were: add links from our page to other bike/ped spots, add more content in general, have info about local issues, create an outlook calendar to list various important meetings, add the mission and slogan, add the ability to un/subscribe from main page.

10. Transportation Committee: No one attended the Nov. meeting. Bruce Dwyer attended January 31st meeting, reports that members were discussing need for increased walkability and decreased automobile reliance. Meetings are on the 3rd Monday of the month and are open, information can be accessed on the T&ES web.

11. Foxchase Shopping Center: Elizabeth Wright has been following the plans closely and reported that plans are going to the Planning Commission on Feb. 1st. Major proposed changes are to demolish buildings behind the gas station and build a supersized Harris Teeter. The access road in will be closed. A bus pull off will be added onto Duke St. The sidewalk will be wider. The main entrance will be in the middle of the current shopping center. Walk way cover will be removed and mini awnings will be placed at the entrance of each store.  Major concerns are: increased pedestrian risk factor since the entrance way is being moved, decreased accessibility for pedestrians/bicyclists, new awning structure does not protect shoppers in times of inclement weather and will cause financial burden to shop owners, shop owners left out of decision making process, confusion for motorists due to access road closing. Recommendation: Elizabeth to draft a position paper, those attending meeting will revie

12. Grants: Rachael Kennedy stated that numerous grants are available but generally require 501(c)3 status. This may be another reason to affiliate with BikeWalk Virginia.

13. Open items: 
**Jerry King was nominated for Chair. Voted in Yeah:12, Nea:0
**Feb 5th: 4 mile run planning workshop. Larry Grossman to post more info to list serv.
**Jan 24th there was also a meeting on Meridian Place Planning. Idea is to build a Harris Teeter and 8 stories of living space at Madison and Route 1. If you have any comments they should be given ASAP to Planning and City Council.
**ALL MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO POST ON THE LIST SERV ANY MEETINGS THEY ARE AWARE OF THAT HAVE A BIKE/PED CONCERN. ALSO POST ANY NEWS YOU KNOW OF SO WE ARE ALL AWARE! WE ARE ALL EMPOWERED TO MAKE THIS CONNECTION HAPPEN.
**Paul DeMaio (T&ES) will be asked to present at the March meeting on traffic calming activities in the city. Please plan to attend. March 7th, 7:30 pm St. Elmo's Coffee Pub

Submitted by Rachael Kennedy

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Rachael Kennedy, M.Ed.
Coordinator
Cardiovascular Health Project
Alexandria Health Department
703-838-4400 X271

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