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THE CHALLENGE
Delaware Avenue between Elsmere Avenue and the City of Albany is a heavily traveled state road through the heart of Elsmere. Unfortunately, it has several serious problems.
THE SOLUTION
The Delaware Avenue Complete Streets Project is designed to address these problems by building on lessons learned by state DOTs across the country with a modern design to make Elsmere’s Main Street safer for cars, safer for people, and better for businesses.
In October, 2016, the Town Board heard a presentation about redesigning Elsmere’s Main Street using national complete streets standards. In 2017, the Town began the big-picture planning process which included:
The core product of this planning effort was the Delaware Avenue Complete Streets Feasibility Study. The study included analyses of traffic operations and crashes, and assessment of four potential lane designs.
WHAT’S NEXT
In December, 2017, the Town Board considered the findings of the study and input from residents and businesses, and voted to move forward with the complete streets project. In 2019, the Town was awarded a federal grant for $2.91 million to complete design work and to cover a portion of the construction costs. The State DOT has also committed $1.56 million for paving. The Town will only have to cover 20% ($728,000) of the $5.2 million total cost for the 1.3 mile long project.
On November 2, 2021, Bethlehem voters will decide whether or not the Town should take the financial steps needed to accept the $2.9 million state grant. The following Proposition No. 6 will be on the ballot.
PROPOSITION No. 6 Shall the bond resolution adopted by the Town Board, Town of Bethlehem on July 28, 2021, authorizing the Town of Bethlehem to (a) undertake the Delaware Avenue Complete Streets and Road Diet Project, at a maximum estimated cost not to exceed $5,200,000, and (b) finance such Project by the issuance of bonds and/or notes of the Town in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5,200,000, with such amount anticipated to be partially offset by the receipt of federal and state grants, and other sources of funds, currently estimated to equal approximately $4,472,000, be approved? ___ YES ___ NO |
Major construction on the road, with or without the Complete Streets safety improvements, is anticipated to begin in 2024.