Title
Dept/ Agency: Engineering
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Application for Grant Funds
Purpose: City of Newark Ironbound District Bicycle Circulation Plan
Entity Name: City of Newark, Department of Engineering
Entity Address: 920 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102
Grant Amount: N/At
Funding Source: New Jersey Department of Transportation
Total Project Cost: N/A
City Contribution: N/A
Other Funding Source/Amount: N/A
Contract Period: N/A
Contract Basis: ( ) Bid ( ) State Vendor ( ) Prof. Ser. ( ) EUS
( ) Fair & Open ( ) No Reportable Contributions ( ) RFP ( ) RFQ
( ) Private Sale ( ) Grant ( ) Sub-recipient ( X ) n/a
List of Property: (if applicable)
(Address/Block/Lot/Ward)
Additional Information:
body
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Master Plan has established a vision for New Jersey as a place where people choose to walk or bicycle with confidence and a sense of security, where both activities are a routine part of the transportation and recreation systems. The New Jersey Department of Transportation ("Department") has taken steps to fulfill this vision through the adoption of a Complete Streets Policy through which the Department commits to the planning, design construction, maintenance and operation of facilities that will provide for the safe access and mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users of all ages; and
WHEREAS, in order to implement this policy and make New Jersey a better place to bicycle and walk, it is essential that infrastructure improvements be undertaken that address the safety and access needs of these modes. The benefits of such improvements are maximized if they evolve from a rational planning process, in fulfillment of a local Vision that complements the one expressed in the Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan; a process that reflects a conscious and concerted effort to create livable communities and complete streets where the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists are central; and
WHEREAS, to assist in fulfilling this vision, and to facilitate the implementation of capital projects that fulfill the safety and access needs of pedestrians and bicyclists; the Department has created the Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program and under this program, the Department has retained the services, of several consultants with expertise in local bicycle and pedestrian planning. The services of these consultants are provided at no cost to municipalities that demonstrate a need and desire to undertake planning activities that will lead to capital improvements to benefit the non-motorized modes; and
WHEREAS, the City of Newark, Department of Engineering is eligible to apply to the Department for the preparation of a Bicycle Circulation Plan for the City of Newark Ironbound District under the Department's Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Engineering is seeking a Resolution of Support authorizing the Mayor and the Director of Engineering to apply to the Department for the preparation of a Bicycle Circulation Plan for the City of Newark Ironbound District; and
WHEREAS, the Bicycle Circulation Plan for the City of Newark Ironbound District will utilize existing crash data to identify problem intersections and corridors within the Ironbound. Statistical findings will be complimented by close collaboration with the Ironbound community; residents, businesses, community and business development associations, and other community stakeholders. Local expertise paired with data will guide planning decisions, from specific intersection treatments to the location of bicycle lanes and corridors. These planning decisions will result improved connection to Penn Station, Downtown Newark, the Riverfront, Parks, and Recreational Centers; and
WHEREAS, this Resolution of Support is a commitment to make a good faith effort to implement the recommendations of the planning study.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. The Mayor and Newark Municipal Council of the City of Newark, New Jersey, hereby supports the City of Newark, Department of Engineering, Division of Traffic and Signal's, application submitted to the New Jersey Department of Transportation ("Department") for the preparation of a Bicycle Circulation Plan in the City of Newark Ironbound District under the Department's Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program.
2. No municipal funds are required for this project.
3. The Mayor and/or his designee, the Director of the Department of Engineering, are hereby authorized to submit an application to the Department for the preparation of a Bicycle Circulation Plan in the City of Newark Ironbound District under the Department's Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program.
4. The Municipal Council hereby ratifies its authorization of this application from the date of application submission to the date of adoption of this authorizing resolution.
5. Upon notification by the State that the City's application has been approved, the services provided by the Department for the preparation of a Bicycle Circulation Plan in the City of Newark Ironbound District under the Department's Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program are hereby accepted.
6. A copy of the application shall be filed in the Office of the City Clerk by the Director of Engineering.
STATEMENT
This resolution authorizes the Mayor and/or his designee, the Director of the Department of Engineering, to submit an application to New Jersey Department of Transportation ("Department") for the preparation of a Bicycle Circulation Plan in the City of Newark Ironbound District under the Department's Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program and accept the services for the preparation of said plan . No municipal funds are required.