As we continue our way into the mobility planning phase of the Planning District process, we’ve learned that transportation projects take a long time to develop, and often times funding opportunities are passed up due to a lack of planning capacity at the local level.
At our last meeting, we discussed the relationship between local municipalities, County Planning, PennDOT, and SPC in the transportation planning and programming process and the subsequent support offered to our municipalities.
This mobility planning process will be guided by principles and objectives, similar to the land use planning process. Listed below are proposed principles and objectives, for which we will be seeking consensus at our next meeting.
Principle 1: Land Use and Transportation Are Inextricably Linked
Simply put, transportation is the movement of people or goods from one location to another. It is the very location of people and places that determine the mode, route, duration, etc. of travel. Sound land use planning will inform how and where transportation occurs.
Principle 2: Transportation Has Impacts
Transportation has both positive and negative impacts on economies, the environment, and society. Thoughtful planning and focused efforts will support the positive and mitigate the negative effects of transportation.
Principle 3: Transportation Depends on Public Decisions
The public, both in its broadest sense (countywide) and narrowest sense (the individual), has an opportunity to shape transportation in ways that maximize the financial, environmental and social impact of local decisions.
Principle 4: Public Involvement Is Essential
Since transportation depends on public decisions, the public has a right to be a part of the decision-making process.
Principle 5: Impacts of Transportation Extend Beyond Municipal Boundaries
Decisions made regarding transportation in one community can have financial, environmental, and social impacts on neighboring communities.
Principle 6: Transportation Priorities Vary Among Individuals and Among Communities
How a community chooses to grow and develop impacts how people connect to and within it. Individuals themselves may also desire or rely upon certain modes of travel. Balance among priorities to ensure accessibility and mobility for all is essential to highly valued communities.
Principle 7: Planning Is Essential at the Smallest and Largest Scales
A cohesive community that balances the financial, environmental, and social impacts of transportation relies on planning at the site, street, block, neighborhood, village, town, city, county, and regional level.
At the last meeting, we also conducted a survey of mobility priorities among municipalities as they pertain to the strategies of Reimagining Our Westmoreland. Listed below are the mobility strategies.
In order to get a complete picture of the Alle-Kiski region, we ask that if you were not able to attend the last meeting, please prioritize the strategies listed above by identifying the top three (3) for your community and send your results to email@example.com. We also ask that members of the same community discuss and reach a consensus and submit only one (1) response per municipality.
And lastly, as we discuss project development, we’d like for you to begin thinking of projects in terms of the following categories: