More than 50 town officials, school officials and residents attended the second public workshop on the future of Exit 9 off Interstate 87.
Georges Jacquemart, a traffic engineer from BFJ Planning, shared the designs for land use, which include mixed-use buildings and increased safety measures for bicyclists and pedestrians, before opening the floor to workshop attendees.
I think there are ways to make it more attractive, said Jacquemart of the area.
The proposal, which is a 20-to-30-year vision, includes plans to build both residential and commercial property.
Clifton Park Councilman Scott Hughes, who attended the workshop, said, `Fast forward maybe a year, you’re going to see dramatic, positive improvements in that corridor.`
The busy corridor is a connection point between the towns of Halfmoon and Clifton Park.
`I really thought it was exceptionally well done,` Hughes said of the workshop.
The mention of roundabouts worried residents, who said they are concerned with the safety of the constructions.
`There is a perception of safety that goes along with traffic lights,` Jacquemart said.
He defended the safety of roundabouts, saying that drivers are more cautious when entering a roundabout because they have to be more attentive to the road.
`In a roundabout, we are asked to pay attention,` he said.
Jacquemart said people are so accustomed to traffic lights that they often focus on places other than the light.
He also noted that the roundabouts are more attractive and add character to an area, which is one of the goals of the project.
Halfmoon residents Jack and Joanne Leonard said they attended the meeting to discuss where Plant Road intersects with Route 146. They said the intersection is very busy and unsafe. The couple attended the first meeting and raised the same concerns, but said they think the intersection is being addressed in the plan.
When asked how they feel about roundabouts, they said they were concerned with the safety of them, but that they were getting used to using them in Malta.
`I think it is safe to say if you don’t see the broad public support by residents, that won’t be part of the plan,` Hughes said in regards to constructing roundabouts in the area.
Another recommendation offered by the engineers was to substitute off-road trails with trails near roads to allow for use by pedestrians attempting to access retail establishments.
Landscaped medians were another feature of the plan. These medians provide green space and a refuge for walkers.
Overall, the public was pleased with plans to install these particular medians.
Hughes said he thought increased safety measures for pedestrians and bicyclists were useful.
`Everything is being done in a holistic way,` Hughes said.
Halfmoon and Clifton Park 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 shared their ideas 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.
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.
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