Support Complete Streets in Andover

Complete Streets Progress in Andover

August 2

Thank you Andrew for attending the Select Board meeting on August 1 to provide an update that the Complete Streets Policy was approved by the Select Board 5-0.

The DPW included maintenance under complete streets responsibilities, however they exempted "routine maintenance that does not change the geometry or operation of the roadway" to include things like existing sidewalk reconstruction and curb ramp installation. Both of these are prime opportunities to consider complete streets treatments, so hopefully as individuals begin working with the complete streets policy it will become second nature to incorporate these ideas into all of our street work.

A citizen advisory group was not included in the policy, although there was been a verbal commitment to create one.

July 29

Read the updated Complete Streets policy that will be presented to the Andover Select Board at their meeting Monday, August 1. The meeting with be held at 5 Campanelli Drive in the Municipal Services Facility Kitchen.

They incorporated several improvements.

First, in Core Commitment, Section II, the second paragraph to is revised to “The Town will to the greatest extent possible design, construct, reconstruct, maintain, and operate all streets…"

Second, in Implementation, Section IV, the second paragraph is revised to “The Town will make the Complete Streets practices a routine part of everyday operations ...” and each subsequent paragraph uses “will”.

They chose not to include establishing a Citizens Advisory Task Force to help assure public input in all aspects of the policies.

Next Steps: The Select Board will vote on adopting the Complete Streets policy on August 1.

What You Can Do: Come to the Select Board meeting and show your support!

June 14

Last night’s Select Board meeting included a discussion of the Complete Streets policy with energetic input from residents. All of the residents who spoke up, spoke in favor of adopting the Complete Streets policy. Multiple residents spoke up in favor of strengthening the Town’s commitment by replacing “may" with “will” in the following two places:

• In Core Commitments, Section II, revise the second paragraph to commit “The Town will to the greatest extent possible design, construct, reconstruct, maintain, and operate all streets…"

• In Implementation, Section IV, second paragraph make the commitment clear by saying The Town will make the Complete Streets practices a routine part of everyday operations ...'

Some of the comments shared:

Andrew, who is an active member of the Andover Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee shared his analysis of the Complete Streets Policy Language in neighboring towns and cities. He found NONE that used the language of “may”.

Andrew also spoke about how it is important adopting the Complete Streets policy is as a statement showing that the Town cares more about safety and lives of those biking and walking than the convenience of cars. In addition, this policy is a benefit to drivers as well, as no driver wants a moment of inattention to result in an injury or death to a pedestrian or bicyclist.

Harry spoke about the need for there to be a formalized Task Force for citizen input rather than just occasional opportunities.

Mary spoke about how this is a critical inflection point for the town and an opportunity to align our goals of being a livable community and reduce our fossil-fuel dependence with improving safety so more folks will walk or bike rather than drive. Throughout our history Andover has adapted to using new forms of energy.

Multiple folks reiterated the importance of using the language of “will” to show that the town is moving forward with the times rather and becoming a more livable town.

Next Steps: The Select Board will vote on adopting the Complete Streets policy at either a June or July board meeting (TBD)

What You Can Do: Write all of the Select Board members and reiterate the importance of changing the language to “will” (described below) and to establishing a citizen group for ongoing input as Andover implements the policy.

June 10

Read the draft Complete Streets policy that was be presented to the Andover Select Board at their meeting Monday, June 13.

We agree with the following recommended improvements:

First to strengthen the Town’s commitment replace “may" in the following two places and insert “will” to consistently strengthen the commitment. Using “may' to define the commitment makes the adoption completely discretionary. Most Towns in the region have developed strong Complete Street policies and Andover should be in the forefront.

• In Core Commitments, Section II, revise the second paragraph to commit “The Town will to the greatest extent possible design, construct, reconstruct, maintain, and operate all streets…"

• In Implementation, Section IV, second paragraph make the commitment clear by saying The Town will make the Complete Streets practices a routine part of everyday operations ...'

Second, the policies require collaboration between Town departments and must also have strong citizen involvement to be successful. Andover has a very engaged citizenry and as part of the policies a task force should be developed to support all aspects of implementation.

• The Department of Public Works as the lead department to carry out the Complete Streets Policy should establish a Citizens Advisory Task Force to help assure public input in all aspects of the policies.

Interested in getting involved? Check out Ped and Bike Andover and their page specifically on Complete Streets.