Sidewalks revisited

I have had a number of requests for follow up on issues raised in my earlier posting. I spoke with members of the township staff and the planning commission and these are some answers to your questions, As provided by them:

Sidewalk width –
The 5’ design width was first suggested in the Township Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) that was prepared over the course of a year working with consultant Urban Research and Development Corporation and approved by the Board in the spring of ’05. They indicate that sidewalks should be 5 – 8’ wide.
The consultant retained to develop the first phase planning for implementation of the PROS Plan recommendations, Jacobs Engineering, also came in with the 5’ width. This is now becoming the normal standard across the country and the Planning Commission has briefly discussed the possibility of revising our current ordinance minimum width of 4’ to match this accepted standard practice, although no action has yet been taken.
They are connecting to existing narrower sidewalks since replacing them would have added more cost.

Curbing –
This issue was discussed at great length in the numerous meetings, both public and with the STAP (Sidewalk Trails & Path) Comm., with the consultant and Township Staff. There was a strong feeling by some members of the STAP Comm. that a curb should be required, but after further discussion with the consultants that a curb is not a real safety consideration and that stormwater can be effectively handled in other ways we were confident in the design. If curbs were used the cost to install the underground collection piping and to then find a place to take the outflow would result in staggering costs and kill the project. In fact we would have had to take some of the water to Easttown Twp. which would have caused additional problems. The project areas along Irish Rd. currently have existing curbs and a stormwater collection system.

Stormwater –
The stormwater collection system that has been designed to handle the impervious surface of the sidewalk and to handle normal runoff from the adjacent roadway was designed by a consultant team from West Chester, Cahill & Associates, who are part of the Jacobs Engr. team.
The Township engineer also provided input.

Trees, plantings, fences, etc. –
The location of the sidewalk was designed to be entirely within the legal right of way of each road, although some temporary grading easements were required for a few properties to ease slopes, etc. Unfortunately, many homeowners have planted trees, shrubs, hedges, fences, etc. in this area over the years and they will require attention. The consultant had an arborist look at each affected tree to see which could be saved or where the root system would be affected that it may eventually cause death. I have heard from the Township that they will do their best to replace trees, hedges, etc and to relocate fencing, mailboxes, etc. This additional cost work is not legally required but was done as a commitment by the Township staff and Board to try and make the work as pleasing to residents as possible.

Traffic calming -
One of the design elements on the section of Conestoga Rd. from Daylesford Station to Old Lancaster Rd. involves “bump out” sections that will act as stormwater control areas and delineate the “de facto” parking areas that will be provided. Again, the Township says it has taken the extra effort to ease the changes on residents by providing a design that retains numerous areas in front of their homes where vehicles can park as they do today. The Township provided stabilized grass areas that can be parked on. These “bump out” areas will also help to visually reduce the roadway width and traffic speed.
In addition, the two school crosswalks on Old Lancaster Rd. will be elevated “tables” that will reduce traffic speed.


Funding –
The Township recently was awarded a stimulus fund grant of $2.8 million to accomplish the construction of this project.