People on Bicycles at Crossgates

A number of transportation related projects are envisioned for the Western Ave./Washington Ave. corridors. One of these is the hotel proposal for the south side of Crossgates Mall. To ensure that people on bicycles are considered in this plan, the Albany Bicycle Coalition has taken steps to be involved in the review process. Following in is one example of these steps.

++++++

May 16, 2017

Mr. Stephen J. Feeney
Chairman – Planning Board
Town of Guilderland
Town Hall, Route 20
PO Box 12084-0339
Guilderland, NY 12084

Dear Mr. Feeney:

On April 26, 2017, representatives of the Albany Bicycle Coalition, Inc. attended the Planning Board meeting regarding the Crossgates Mall Hotel – Lehner Rd. proposal. Our interest in this is predicated on our commitment to making the streets and roads in the area welcoming to people on bicycles and safer for all road users.

We were encouraged that the proposed site plan for the relocated Lehner Road included a bike path. With recent developments in the area, we believe that this project – with the proper guidance and input – can contribute to success in our goals for this notably cycling unfriendly section of Guilderland. In particular, the Westmere Corridor project, the advent of CDPHP Cycle! BikeShare this summer, completion of the Madison Avenue Traffic Calming project and its direct connection to Guilderland via Western Ave, and the growing cultural interest in reducing pollution, road deaths and environmental degradation all suggest a firm commitment by the Town of Guilderland to ensure that this new project is integrated into these other efforts. I would also note that the representative of Crossgates, Michael Shanley, approached us informally outside the meeting to express interest in our being involved in plan’s development. We hope that you will be in a position to encourage this collaboration as the project moves forward.

At the hearing, we inquired about the appropriate forum to raise our concerns and to explore plans by the developer. You suggested that the upcoming site plan review sessions were the proper setting.

Accordingly, please include the following representatives from ABC in the announcement of these sessions: [List of contacts follows]

Sincerely yours,

Albany Bicycle Coalition, Inc.