MORPC’s Proposed Complete Streets Policy and Checklist Available for Review and Comment

MORPC wants to upgrade its Routine Accommodation (RA) Policy into a Complete Streets (CS) Policy and has a draft Complete Streets Policy available for public review and comment. The Complete Streets Policy that would apply to all transportation projects in the MORPC planning area receiving federal funding. MORPC’s planning area consists of Delaware and Franklin counties, Bloom and Violet townships in Fairfield County, and the city of Pataskala in Licking County.

Complete Streets is an initiative that improves travel options and makes roadways safe, comfortable, and convenient for travel by automobile, bicycle, foot, or transit, regardless of age and ability. Providing Complete Streets has a variety of benefits which include:

• improving safety
• promoting various modes of transportation
• reducing congestion
• improving air quality
• encouraging physical activity
• providing access and connections for people who are unable to drive
• strengthening economic growth and stability for communities and regions

“According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, a total of 120 jurisdictions in the United States have adopted policies or have made written commitments to do so. We are aware of only a few other Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) with a comprehensive policy. As far as we know, MORPC’s policy would be the first for a large MPO. Several Ohio cities, such as Columbus or Dayton, are currently adopting their own,” states Kerstin Carr, Manager of Active Transportation and Safety Programs.

The Complete Streets Policy provides background information, a definition of Complete Streets, and the vision and purpose of the policy. The policy section itself includes statements, information about applicability, requirements to adhere to the policy, and recommendations. A brief implementation and evaluation section are also included, along with a checklist to assist project sponsors in planning and designing their projects in adherence to the policy.

Evidence is mounting that providing safe and accessible facilities for all users is important to the health and well-being of many of our residents, not to mention having the long-term potential to conserve our resources.

Please click here to view the Draft Policy http://mid-ohioregionalplanningcommission.createsend.com/t/r/l/oxlht/iuurlhhu/r and Checklist http://mid-ohioregionalplanningcommission.createsend.com/t/r/l/oxlht/iuurlhhu/y .

If you have any comments regarding the proposed CS policy and checklist, please submit them to Kerstin Carr’s attention (kcarr@morpc.org), Fax: 614.233.5733, Phone: 614.233.4163) no later than Friday, March 19, 2010. It is MORPC’s goal to adopt this policy on April 8, 2010 so that it can be in place prior to the adoption of the updated MORPC federal funding policies and procedures and the following solicitation for funding applications. Additional information can also be found on the MORPC website http://mid-ohioregionalplanningcommission.createsend.com/t/r/l/oxlht/iuurlhhu/j .