Meeting Attendees: Roger Alig, Peter Bilton, Ken Carlson, Bruce Ellsworth, Dan Frabrizio, Marcus Loecher, Ken Naglak, Mame Reynolds, Don Smart

Guests: Bob Murray, Andy Pratt

Mayor's Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

• Sidewalk Scoping- Roger Alig summarized the results of a meeting he and Myra Hockman had with Jim Parvese, Township Engineer to scope out maps for a sidewalk inventory. Jim agreed to provide aerial and Township maps which Roger and Myra will use to begin plotting out existing sidewalks. Inventory assignments can then be made to the rest of the group based on need to verify information from the aerial map. A color code will be developed to record the sidewalk information on the Township map. A status report will be provided at the next meeting.
• Millstone Road Sidewalk- Andy Pratt, a resident of Millstone Road presented his views with regard to the need for a sidewalk along Millstone Road from Grover's Mill to the Plainsboro border in light of the high volume of pedestrians now walking along the roadway. The group felt that this sidewalk could fit well with the planned Millstone River Trail through the Yeger property and plans to renovate the Grover's Mill Dam. As an initial step toward determining the feasibility of such a sidewalk connection, it was suggested that an informal canvassing of homeowners who might be affected be undertaken. Since the road is in a state of disrepair, it was suggested that sidewalks could be put in at the same time as road resurfacing. It was also suggested that the addition of minimum (e.g., one foot) shoulder would improve conditions for cyclists. We should find out if Millstone Road is slated for resurfacing.
• Historical Sidewalk Project Perspective- Bob Murray, a former West Windsor mayor, presented an historical review of prior efforts to install sidewalks which he indicated were not always readily accepted by residents affected by the project. In particular he spoke about his administration's project to install a sidewalk along Washington Road in Penns Neck due to the high volume of pedestrians walking along the roadway to get to the Princeton Junction Train Station. Despite the obvious safety issue, there was much resistance primarily due to homeowner concerns with taking of property, liability, maintenance, and snow removal. Based on this experience, he suggested that future projects need to be carefully thought out, based on logical and clear thinking, and be carefully communicated to those affected. In the best of circumstances, resistance can be expected.
• 2nd Annual Mayor's Bike Tour of WW- In light of the rapid approach of Arbor Day, a postponement of the second annual Mayor's Bike Tour was suggested. Any one interested in serving on an ad hoc committee for the ride should contact Ken Naglak.
• Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program- Ken Carlson reported that the application for planning assistance under the NJDOT's Bicycle/Planning Assistance Program has been completed including a draft resolution which will be presented at Town Council on March 17th. The bulk of the application was ably prepared by Bruce Ellsworth with minor editing assistance from Ken Naglak and Ken Carlson. This Program provides municipalities with a paid, private bike/ped consultant to help in mobility planning. Our planning focus will be on enhancement of the current infrastructure to provide improved bike/ped safety and movement as well as planning and input for new development occurring within the Township.
• Penn's Neck EIS- Ken Carlson reminded attendees of the upcoming meeting with Jon Carnegie to discuss the Millstone Bypass and Penn's Neck EIS process. The meeting was arranged by Susan Conlon. Given the importance of this meeting everyone is encouraged to attend.
• Funding- Ken C briefly discussed funding options for upcoming bike/ped grants. The most appropriate grant application appears to be the DOT's Local Aid Grant. This grant can be applied to either pedestrian or bicycle safety projects with total costs under $150,000 and is due in early June. Sam Surtees is interested in working with us on this application and in early discussions with Sam it was determined that bikelanes on Southfield Road from Norstrand to Village and bikelanes on Edinburg Road from Old Village to Mercer County Park would make for a very appropriate project.