CASB June 11, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Opening 7:05 PM
Meeting facilitator: Duff Durkin
Duff reported on his inquiry from SHA on repairs to route 214. Duff was told the projects were slated for 2017 and 2018. The Bowie City Staff Report dated May 7, 2015 is included below, which has a different time line: Hall Road and MD 214 Railroad CrossingsBowie City Staff attended a meeting with SHA and CSX this week about these crossings.
SHA update on Hall Road:· Hall Road is currently a signalized crossing, without gates. The plan at this location is to add the gates and improve the visibility of the signals by extending the signals on cross arms over the center of the road.
This will require replacing all existing poles, signals, and the control equipment. It also will require relocation of communication and power lines. The surface of the crossing itself will also be replaced. The work is fairly extensive. SHA anticipates a five-day road closure will be required to complete the work.
SHA has initiated plans to provide a sidewalk along the northern side of Hall Road to allow safe pedestrian traffic to the intersection at 214. That project is currently not funded, only in planning stages.
SHA update on MD 214:· The 214 railroad crossing surface is currently in poor condition. The road surfaces have subsided creating a poor driving surface over the crossing. The 214 railroad crossing is currently a signalized crossing with gates. The gates, which drop down from the outside of the roadway, do not reach across the entire pavement, allowing motorists to maneuver around the gate (an extremely dangerous act).· The plan at this location is to replace the existing gates, and add gates that drop from the island. This way, the gates will cover the entire paved surface.· The surface of the crossing itself will also be replaced.· The work is also extensive. SHA anticipates a five-day road closure will be required to complete the work; the closure however may be only one direction at a time.
- While SHA hoped to have this work completed in summer 2015, the CSX staff members estimated that the work would most likely occur in spring 2016.
One resident commented on the potholes at the curve on Mitchellville Road (which have been brought up at previous CASB meetings). Mayor Robinson responded that Mitchellville Road is a county road and is not serviced by the city. Another resident asked how we can get a schedule of county roads to be resurfaced. Duff said he would look into that and try to obtain one. Another resident asked if the city would consider doing a study at the intersection of Nottinghill Drive and Mt. Oak Road since there is so much traffic in that area. Delegate Marvin Holmes and a representative from Delegate Joe Vallario’s office were present at the meeting. Delegate Holmes addressed the residents.
Update on Amber Ridge parcelDuff addressed the recent developments with the proposed legislation out of the county council that would lift the county’s restriction on the percentage of townhouses that can be a part of a new development. City officials present at the meeting indicated that it appears likely the county council would vote favorably for the townhouse cap would be lifted, clearing the way for the Amber Ridge property to be developed with a number of townhouses in addition to the pad sites. Councilman Brady encouraged residents to be vocal and make their voices heard as plans are made public for development of the Amber Ridge parcel. A resident expressed that she had asked to speak at a council meeting regarding the traffic pattern that would be put in place with development at Amber Ridge. Other residents shared thoughts about the Amber Ridge development. Councilman Trouth addressed the need for a left turning light coming from Amber Ridge for safety reasons. It was stated that the County Council Member Todd Turner and chair Mel Franklin support a measure to remove the 20% restriction on townhomes in MXT zoning. Amber Ridge is in MXT zone and there was discussion of a potential developer to build town homes at Amber Ridge. Evelyn J. Archie was present to represent County Council Member, Todd M. Turner.
Update on Widening of Route 301Councilman Brady discussed SHA’s plans to widen route 301. Please see below a motion that was made to modify SHA’s letter at the City of Bowie Council Meeting. Councilmember Brady made a modification to the letter to include verbiage to extend a third lane all the way to Central Avenue. Councilmember Brady made a motion to approve the letter as modified. Mayor Pro Tem Trouth seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by the Bowie City Council.
Update on Wal-Mart at Mill BranchThe County Council approved the Wal-Mart project 8-1. Final action for approval with conditions by the County Council is due on June 22, 2015. There were questions about the New Wal-Mart’s impact on Bowie Town Center, Amber Ridge and Pointer Ridge but no recommendations. A resident shared the concern that a new Wal-Mart at Mill Branch would increase traffic on Excalibur Road as well. The resident shared the concern that there is already an issue with cars traveling west on Excalibur approaching Mitchellville Road. That intersection becomes congested with cars trying to turn left onto Mitchellville as they try to use Mitchellville to avoid traffic on Route 301 South.
Residents’ Input:It was stated that more publicity was needed to get more members to attend CASB meetings It was suggested to invite Gary Rappaport to CASB meetings for updates on Pointer Ridge Shopping Center and the Amber Ridge Project. Duff will get together with Sgt. Henderson from the Bowie City PD to set up a Speed Awareness Day. The suggested location is on Pointer Ridge Drive because of the heavy traffic. A resident suggested having a sign at Pointer Ridge and Philmont to indicated turning on Pittsfield to get to Mitchellville Road. The resident said many drivers attempt to turn into Philmont before correcting and she is afraid of an accident.
Board of Directors Elections:There were five names presented of residents interested in serving on the CASB Board of Directors. The names were:Norman Constantine, Duff Durkin, Stephen Lord, Patrice Murray and Terry Rogers. It was moved and second to close the nominations on the five names. The motion passed. Councilman Brady shared that there should be a September announcement for the city’s new recreation center.
Meeting ended at 8:46 PM Respectfully Submitted, Councilman Isaac C. Trouth III, Ph.D. and Duff Durkin, CASB President
