V Hugh Lewis II
Jefferson Jimplecute
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of articles focusing on the Texas Target Communities [TTC] presentation and draft proposals made during a public meeting on April 27. The project is ongoing and is designed to help the City develop a 20+ year Strategic Plan. The series will focus on the three areas presented: Transportation, Housing, and Economy.
Texas Target Communities presented a series of draft proposals last Thursday to obtain additional public input on where the graduate students see the City of Jefferson need to focus as part of an ongoing project funded by JEDCO. The program uses graduate students at Texas A&M to gather input, evaluate the City in various areas, and make recommendations for long-term development. The project began last fall and is expected to finish in December of this year.
Transportation
The development of a “Thoroughfare Plan” which includes better access for pedestrians, bicycles, golf carts, and automobiles was proposed by TTC.
Students first gathered information on existing conditions, and community feedback.
Students found the highest crash density is at the intersection of US59 (Broadway) and Tx49, and traffic volumes are higher inside the city limits. They also found the majority of households used a private vehicle to commute to work while others used carpools, walked, or worked from home.
Based on community feedback, the group found citizens were happy with the low traffic volume in town, the ability to expand trails and the use of golf carts, but wanted options for public transportation and dedicated bicycle/golf cart lanes. Citizens also reported the desire for improved safety around the schools, better sidewalk connections, reduction in train noise, and better signage and more parking.
As a result, TTC identified six strategies they’re recommending the City persue:
– Improve Signage and Lighting to enhance wayfinding for vehicular travelers
– Improve Pavement conditions on local roads
– Mitigate roadway congestion
– Improve Sidewalk connectivity around the city
– Improve Bike and Golf Cart travel
– Improve Public Transportation and other mobility alternatives
Signage and Lighting: TTC recommended the City develop a signage inventory to ensure good visibility and retro-reflectivity; communicate with the community and residents to identify locations that need proper signage, like identifying the historic district; and conduct a comprehensive lighting assessment to identify deficient locations
Pavement Conditions: TTC recommended the City develop an ongoing local roads inventory and maintenance schedule to perform appropriate treatment at economically-optimal timing; and develop a system for community reporting of pavement safety and quality issues.
Roadway Congestion: TTC recommended the City identify bottleneck locations and possible alternative paths; and explore solutions to bypass the rails at intersections on Tuttle Street.
Sidewalks: TTC recommended the City identify and construct sidewalks at locations with the greatest needs; develop a master plan for future expansion; develop an ongoing inventory and maintenance plan; and develop a pedestrian/bike path along the streets of S Walcott, S Line, W Camp, N Walnut, Watson, and MLK Dr.
Bike and Golf Carts: TTC recommended the City implement bike facilities through dedicated bike lanes and shared-use plans starting with Alley Street; and promote bicycle and golf cart safety through education and outreach programs, including public awareness campaigns
Public Transportation: TTC recommended the City review ways to improve on-demand transit services; and review ordinances to update the allowance of rideshare services.
The group is scheduled to present their findings and final recommendations later this month at a public forum.