The purpose and goals of the study were presented as follows:
Several observations can be made about these charts.
1. The goals are very non-specific and mushy. Every individual can read them and interpret them to suit their own biases.
2. Only 58% of the respondents believe that the goals are being met as described in the plan.
3. 50 responses out of a population of 60,000+ is very disappointing and the sample size is so small as to be almost meaningless as a reflection of community concerns.
The Georgetown Transportation Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Board both reviewed the plan and made extensive inputs.
One, the approval of the plan should be limited to those elements that can be accomplished in the next four years.
Two, the goals of the plan should be sharpened and made specific with the number one goal should be improvements in motor vehicle traffic flow with concurrent safety considerations.
There were several issues conspicuous by their absence. There are over 150 "curb cuts" or driveways along the Williams Drive study area and they were not addressed at all. These curb cuts impact both safety and traffic flow as vehicles enter and exit Williams Drive.
Also, there was no recognition of the three low income residential developments planned along Williams Drive.
This brings us to the point that a traffic study needs to be done to assess the current traffic as well as project future traffic levels. This is a critical element that needs to be accomplished early on to guide traffic mitigation plans.
Goals like sustainable growth, quality of life and context sensitive mixed-use services are feel good concepts that do not provide actionable guidance to city staff.
Focus on vehicle traffic flow and safety for all using Williams Drive.
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