By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant is asking the City Council to adopt a Complete Streets Policy, a statewide program designed to promote safety, health, economic viability and quality of life.
The action is the result of the Transportation Bond Bill passed by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed by Governor Deval Patrick in April 2014, which authorized up to $50 million for a grant program for cities and towns in the state’s Complete Streets certification program, the mayor stated in his communication to the council at the July 27 meeting. To qualify for funding, the city must adopt “a complete streets bylaw, ordinance or administrative policy,” Vigeant stated.
Councilor Kathleen Robie moved to have the request referred to the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee and the Planning Board for review.
The policy directs city departments and developers to consistently plan, design, construct and maintain streets to accommodate all anticipated users. Design recommendations will be incorporated into all public and privately funded projects, as appropriate and feasible.
Complete Streets are designed and operated to provide safety, comfort and accessibility for all the users of city streets and trails, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles and for people of all ages, abilities and income levels, Vigeant stated in the communication.
City departments will be required to use the best judgment regarding policies for routine roadway maintenance such as repaving and restriping.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) will conduct a baseline inventory of pedestrian and bicycle accommodations in the city to assist in identifying priority projects and eliminate duplication if it exists. Training will be provided for pertinent city staff and decision-makers on both the technical content of Complete Streets principles and best practices, as well as community engagement methods for implementing the policy, according to the mayor’s suggested implementation plan.
“The grant program is expected to be finalized early this fall,” Vigeant said. “It is my hope that Marlborough will adopt its Complete Streets program before the state program is finalized, so we can begin identifying potential projects and be prepared to apply for state funding immediately.”