HomeMy Public PortalAboutr 18-021Ymoluttion of thie �3orough of Tarterd, N. 5C
No. 18-21
Date of Adoption Fifty 8, 20 18
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF WIDENING THE
SIDEWALKS ON THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE
WHEREAS, the George Washington Bridge's sidewalks are the only connection across
the Hudson River between New York City and New Jersey for pedestrians, runner and
bicyclists; and
WHEREAS, the paths are heavily used, with an average of 1,700 cyclists and 900
pedestrians crossing each day; and
WHEREAS, the sidewalks are ten feet wide except where the bridge's suspender ropes
pass through, where they are less than seven feet wide; and
WHEREAS, according to Federal Highway Administration guidelines, shared -use paths
should be at least ten feet wide and up to fourteen feet wide if they are heavily used; and
WHEREAS, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is planning an extensive
renovation that will replace all of the bridge's suspender ropes beginning in 2017 and
lasting until 2024; and
WHEREAS, as part of the project, the sidewalks will be replaced and new ramps that
will provide access to the sidewalks will be constructed, but the sidewalks will not be
widened; and
WHEREAS, New York City has made efforts in recent years to make its roadways safer
and more convenient for pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly through the Vision Zero
Street Safety Initiative and the expansion of the Bicycle Lane Network; and
WHEREAS, the Port Authority's own Bicycle Policy states that its goals are to integrate
"improved bicycle access" and "safe bicycle lanes" and to "promote the safe co- existence
of motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians" at its facilities; and
WHEREAS, the width of the bridge's sidewalks do not meet federal standards for high -
use pedestrian and bicycle paths; and
WHEREAS, the planned renovation project presents a unique opportunity to build
sidewalks that would be able to safely and comfortably accommodate the increasing
number of pedestrians and bicyclists expected to use the bridge in the decades to come;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough
of Carteret call upon the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to widen the
George Washington Bridge's sidewalks.
Adopted this 8`t' day of February, 2018
and certified as a true copy of the
original on February 9, 2018.
KATHLEEN M. BARNEY, MMC
Municipal Clerk
RECORD OF COUNCIL VOTE
COUNCILMAN
YES
NO
NV
A.B.
COUNCILMAN
YES
NO
NV
A.B.
BII.LIM
X
JaIAL
X
DIAZ
X
IQdM
X
DD A=
X
NAPLES
X
X - Indicate Vote AB - Absent NV - Not Voting XOR - Indicates Vote to Overrule Veto
Adopted at a meeting of the Municipal Council
Febr
9
8 2015
CLERK
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