Introduction to the Concord Pike Monitoring Committee
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The Concord Pike Monitoring Committee (CPMC) was formed in 2021 with the purpose to guide and fulfill the recommendations of the Concord Pike Master Plan, which established a shared vision for the transportation and land use of the corridor.
This work is being accomplished through a collaborative dialogue between the Committee members, who represent a diverse group of stakeholders, including implementing agencies, local civic and community leaders, elected officials, state police, business interests, and advocacy groups.
The CPMC will meet three (3) times a year. There will also be an annual public workshop. In addition, an annual report will be produced to document progress during the previous year. Since the CPMC was formed the group has met three times:
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- The first meeting of the CPMC was held virtually on December 8, 2021. The meeting included an overview of the roles and expectations of the CPMC, an overview of the Concord Pike Corridor Master Plan, and a presentation on Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress.
- The CPMC met for a second time on May 11, 2022, with a hybrid-virtual format with an in-person component at the Talleyville Fire Hall. This meeting included a review of key takeaways from the first CPMC meeting, agency updates, and featured presentations on Bicycle Network Modeling by Paul Moser (DelDOT) and the New Castle County Comprehensive Plan by Matt Rogers (New Castle County Department of Land Use).
- The third and most recent CPMC meeting was held in-person on November 30, 2022, at the New Castle County Government Center. Beginning with this meeting, the Committee has transitioned to fully in-person meetings to foster engagement and discussion between Committee members. This meeting included a review of the previous CPMC meetings, updates from each of the implementing agencies on efforts related to the Concord Pike corridor, and an overview of the workplan for the year ahead.
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All materials and video recordings for each CPMC meeting can be found on the Concord Pike website.
While the CPMC meetings are designed for the benefit and active involvement of the Committee members, the public is welcome to attend and provide comments at the end of each meeting.
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This newsletter will be published twice each year, during periods when the CPMC is not meeting. There will be a winter and summer newsletter with meetings expected to take place during the fall and spring. The newsletter will provide updates in between the CPMC meetings to keep the Committee members and the public informed on Committee meetings and public workshops, projects along the corridor, and other news related to the Concord Pike Master Plan.
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The November 30, 2022 meeting of the CPMC sparked discussion on several key topics. From this meeting we heard an interest in identifying funding opportunities for additional studies, specifically at Mount Lebanon Road, and bicycle and pedestrian connections associated with the concept of a tunnel under Concord Pike near Rocky Run. Other topics discussed include the traffic backups that form on Concord Pike at the McDonalds, the potential of a trail associated with the development proposed on the former Brandywine County Club property, and a bus stop on the Target side of the Brandywine Town Center.
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April Monitoring Committee Meeting
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New Castle County Government Center; Gilliam Multipurpose Room
67 Reads Way, New Castle DE 19720
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Regional Transportation Plan
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- WILMAPCO is in the process of updating their Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP is a fundamental transportation planning document that identifies long-term transportation needs, and the projects and activities that seek to address them. Get involved by reviewing the Draft 2050 RTP and submitting a comment. Public comment began on January 15 and will continue through March 6, with Council adoption of the RTP anticipated in March 2023.
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DART Reimagined Study Update
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- DART is embarking on a year-long statewide transit study, DART Reimagined: Reshaping DART Transit Services to Meet the Needs of Today and Beyond, to evaluate the current DART system and examine rider activity and need. The study will identify opportunities to reconfigure the bus network and future service plan for a more sustainable and equitable transit system.
- In addition to robust public and rider outreach, DART will be engaging stakeholders through an Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) and four Technical Advisory Committees (TAC), one per County and the City of Wilmington. The first virtual meeting of the EAC was held on January 25, 2023. While the EAC meetings are designed for the involvement of the committee members, the public is welcome to attend and provide comments. DTC leadership will soon be identifying possible members to join the TACs.
- The project website for DART Reimagined is in development and scheduled to be launched on February 27, 2023. In the meantime, check the DART website for any updates regarding DART Reimagined.
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Transportation Tips During the Winter Months
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Winter months mean shorter days and slippery roads and sidewalks. With winter weather upon us, we wanted to provide some helpful tips to keep everyone safe on the roads.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides the following tips for driver safety during the winter months.
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- Ready Your Vehicle. Check on your vehicle’s battery, wipers, coolant, and tires when temperatures drop. Additionally, clear your car of snow, ice, or dirt from the windows, forward sensors, headlights, and taillights before hitting the road.
- Ready Yourself. Check the weather and traffic conditions before heading out and allow yourself more time to get to your destination. Drive slowly in the case of wet, icy, or snowy roads and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Ready for an Emergency. Prepare yourself and your vehicle in case you get caught out in the elements. Keep blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, and flares or emergency lights in your vehicle this winter.
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NHTSA provides the following tips for bicyclists and pedestrians.
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- Ready Your Bicycle. Make sure you will be seen on the road this winter with bright headlights and safety lights on your bike.
- Ready Yourself. Wear reflective gear that will make yourself more visible to others. Dress for warmth and wear layers before walking or biking in winter.
- Stay Vigilant. Walk on sidewalks, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, and watch for vehicles. Winter conditions can make motorists’ driving unpredictable, stay alert and focused while walking and biking.
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