The towns of Clifton Park and Halfmoon will hold a second public workshop to gain feedback about the use of the land near Exit 9 off of Interstate 87.
The meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, at the Shenendehowa Senior Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park, will be used to review the draft Exit 9 Land Use and Transportation Study and draft maps according to John Scavo, director of planning for Clifton Park.
Planning consultants Buckhurst Fish Jacquemart will present the draft plans before opening the floor for public comment.
The plan, which is part of a 20-to-30-year vision, includes proposals to build both residential and commercial property.
This is not something that is going to happen overnight, Scavo said. `We are looking at the functionality of the corridor while improving safety.`
The two towns undertook a joint study of the land in January.
More than 70 residents came to the first public workshop held Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Halfmoon Senior Center, where residents designed the area off Exit 9, and offered suggestions to the planning consultants on how to proceed with the space.
At the time, residents were asked to consider a series of items, including opportunities within the study and land use strategies.
Preliminary goals of the study are to improve performance of transportation systems, enhance conditions for all travel modes, especially pedestrian and bike traffic, and enhance the community character of the area.
Resident’s suggestions included implementing a park-and-ride incentive; synchronizing traffic lights on Route 9, especially near Route 146; adding an exit on Interstate 87 to cut back on traffic exiting at 9 and 10; and fixing road conditions to provide safer paths for pedestrian and bike traffic.
`I know the recommendations took into consideration what was offered at the workshop,` said Scavo.
He said that although he was not the planning director at the time of the first meeting, he knows the consultants looked into the recommendations made by the residents.
`It will be a community focal point where you can find residential, commercial and recreational opportunities all in one place near the Northway,` Scavo said of the area.
The draft plan includes opportunities for mixed land use, where residential and commercial properties could be located in the same area.
Scavo said the plans include two-story buildings, where residential properties would be located on the top and commercial properties on the bottom level.
Another feature in the draft is raised landscape medians, where the median provides green space and often lighting.
Scavo said raised landscape medians are what they use on Route 9 in Saratoga Springs.
`The green space provides a safe refuge for people crossing the street,` Scavo said.
Pedestrian and bicyclist safety improvements are also a part of the plan.
`We encourage residents to come, listen in and provide feedback about the draft plans,` Scavo said.
Other features include back lot power, visual amenities, outdoor sitting areas and increased CDTA transportation.
The study area is a connection point between the two towns.
Halfmoon and Clifton Park have worked together in the past on projects that have benefited the two communities according to Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett.
According to the study, which is partially funded through a grant from the Capital District Transportation Committee’s Linkage Program, 11,686 residents in the area are employed, and more than 50 percent commute to work outside the study area. Forty-two percent travel to Albany Count for work while 34 percent work in Saratoga County. They also concluded that 4,200 people work in the study area, and 90 percent drive by themselves to work.
The heaviest volume of traffic is between the Northway and Route 9 on Route 146.
Individuals with special needs who wish to attend the public workshop should contact the Department of Planning for the Town of Clifton Park at 371-6054 no later than Monday, June 2, to make the necessary arrangements.“