Public Meetings on January 17, February 25 and April 4 January 17 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Public Meetings on January 17, February 25 and April 4 • January 17 Meeting • 54 attendees signed-in • Wide ranging discussion – frustration • Suggested small discussion groups • February 25 Meeting • 38 attendees signed-in • 4 focus groups • 4 lists of issues / possible solutions • April 4 Meeting • 35 attendees signed-in • Presentation of recommendations • Discussion of many issues and recommendations

Recommendations for consideration. 1. The Township should proceed / continue with modifications to traffic signals, traffic signal timing, and additional signage as recommended by the recent PennDOT safety study along the Wertzville Road Corridor. 2. Continue and expand targeted enforcement by Hampden Township police to identify and ticket reckless or speeding motorists. 3. Work with East Pennsboro Township, Silver Spring Township, Middlesex Township, PennDOT and Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS) on a Land use and Corridor Traffic Study along the entire Wertzville Road (Rt 944) Corridor. 4. Develop a concept streetscape plan along the Hampden Township Wertzville Road Corridor that includes both traffic calming measures, safety enhancements and provides for multi- modal connectivity along the corridor. 5. Develop a Township-wide trail and sidewalk connectivity plan with a goal of increasing multi- modal facilities in the Township for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. 6. Explore options for land use and zoning changes along the Wertzville Road Corridor in Hampden Township. Any action on any of these options should be delayed until the multi- municipal corridor study is completed.

RECOMMENDATION #1 The Township should proceed / continue with modifications to traffic signals, traffic signal timing, and additional signage as recommended by the recent PennDOT safety study along the Wertzville Road Corridor. • Hampden Township’s traffic engineer is examining possible signal modifications as suggested by PennDOT at a variety of intersections along Wertzville Road. • A signal permit modification has already been issued for Wertzville/Valley/Technology Parkway. Specifically, this work will include a Protected Left Turn Arrow while traveling westbound and turning on to Technology Parkway along with Advanced Dilemma Zone Detection technology for the Wertzville Road approaches.

RECOMMENDATION #1 The Township should proceed / continue with modifications to traffic signals, traffic signal timing, and additional signage as recommended by the recent PennDOT safety study along the Wertzville Road Corridor. • Additional permit modifications are being pursued at Wertzville/Lamb’s Gap, Wertzville/I- 81 Northbound Ramp, Wertzville/Orr’s Bridge in hopes of enhancing safety at these intersections. • Wertzville/Good Hope Road and Wertzville/I-81 Southbound Ramp intersections will be evaluated with the Highway Occupancy Permit associated with transportation improvements for the Penn State Health Hospital project. Note: Funding for these improvements is yet to be identified and secured. Recommendation is to aggressively pursue funding.

RECOMMENDATION #2 Continue and expand targeted enforcement by Hampden Township police to identify and ticket reckless or speeding motorists. • Hampden Police and PA State Police have commented on the challenges of enforcement along Wertzville west of Good Hope Road due to limited safe zones to pull motorists over. Recommendation is to keep these efforts in full view of the residents. Note on- going efforts on Township website and in newsletters

RECOMMENDATION #3 Work with East Pennsboro Township, Silver Spring Township, Middlesex Township, PennDOT and Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS) on a Land Use and Corridor Traffic Study along the entire Wertzville Road (Rt. 944) Corridor. • Determine likely corridor development build-out over the next 25 years based on existing zoning, each municipality’s Comprehensive Plan and market trends / projections. • Project traffic growth beyond normal background increases based on likely development. • Develop concept level traffic control and roadway design improvements with cost estimates that will make travel along the corridor safer. Recommendation is to aggressively pursue funding through a multi-municipal application to complete this study.

RECOMMENDATION #4 Develop a concept streetscape plan along the Hampden Township Wertzville Road Corridor that includes both traffic calming measures, safety enhancements and provides for multi-modal connectivity along the corridor. Likely improvements include: • Sidewalks • Enhanced crosswalks with enhanced pedestrian signals • On-road bicycle facilities (use full lane / improved shoulders) • Pedestrian level lighting • Low stature street trees (that will not interfere with overhead utilities) to constrict perceived roadway volume, reduce motorist speeds and add beauty • Safety and wayfinding signage • Vehicle lane width reductions as permissible • Drainage improvements to handle stormwater flows • Pedestrian and cyclist connections to destinations both on and adjacent to the Corridor • Seek funding via TASA, Multi-Modal or other funding programs for design, engineering and construction.

Existing

Possible

RECOMMENDATION #4 Develop a concept streetscape plan along the Hampden Township Wertzville Road Corridor that includes both traffic calming measures, safety enhancements and provides for multi-modal connectivity along the corridor. Why do a project like this? • Protect / Enhance property values • Multi-modal facilities enhance safety for all modes • Constrict perceived volume of road will reduce speeds • Equitable design – gives pedestrians and cyclists ability to use corridor • Makes the corridor more attractive Recommendation is to aggressively pursue funding. The multi-modal grant program can be used for preliminary engineering.

RECOMMENDATION #5 Develop a Township-wide trail and sidewalk connectivity plan with a goal of increasing multi-modal facilities in the Township for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. • Bicycle connectivity should focus on on-road bike routes since most of the Township is developed and the greatest opportunities for new trails are on-road. • Include off-road routes wherever possible. • Eliminate sidewalk gaps on high priority routes and destinations. • Add final connectivity proposed routes to the Township Official Map.

RECOMMENDATION #5 Develop a Township-wide trail and sidewalk connectivity plan with a goal of increasing multi-modal facilities in the Township for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Recommendation is to aggressively pursue funding. DCNR, DCED and regional grants are available to create township wide trail and connectivity plans. Non-vehicular connectivity can be improved across the entire township. FYI, Camp Hill Borough recently completed a plan and Lower Allen Township is currently engaged in developing one.

RECOMMENDATION #6 Explore options for land use and zoning changes along the Wertzville Road Corridor in Hampden Township. Any action on any of these options MIGHT be delayed until the multi-municipal corridor study is completed. East of the I-81 interchange, these options include: • Rezone RS Suburban Residential Area that fronts on the south side of Wertzville Road to AO Apartment Office (or similar district) to allow transition of uses and facilitate Wertzville Road improvements / widening in this area. West of the I-81 interchange, these options include: • No changes to existing RC zoning • Add “home occupation” use for lots that front on Wertzville Road • Conditional Use Overlay zoning district (that leaves RC zoning in place) but allows additional uses with the assembly of larger lots and rear yard buffers.

Possible Rezone to AO RS

RECOMMENDATION #6 Explore options for land use and zoning changes along the Wertzville Road Corridor in Hampden Township. Any action on any of these options MIGHT be delayed until the multi-municipal corridor study is completed. West of the I-81 interchange No changes to existing RC zoning. Permitted uses: • Single Family, detached • Family day care home • Public Utilities & facilities • Municipal buildings and uses • Public park, playgrounds, open spaces • Agriculture, horticulture, truck gardening, riding academies, public and private stables • No-impact home-based business • Accessory uses • Wind turbines (special exception) • Outdoor wood-fired boilers • Residential solar energy system • Churches, convents and cemeteries (conditional use) • Schools, libraries and museums (conditional use)