South Shore Trail Phase IISouth Shore Trail Phase II Community Meeting February 20, 2020 Arundel Middle School 1179 Hammond Lane, Odenton, MD 21113. ... alternative transportation

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South Shore TrailPhase II

Community Meeting

February 20, 2020

Arundel Middle School

1179 Hammond Lane, Odenton, MD 21113

DPWandYOU.com | Making a difference, together

Project TeamDawn Thomas, CPRPProgram SpecialistDepartment of Recreation and Parks410-222-7317, x [email protected]

Robert M. Fernandez, P. E.Project ManagerDepartment of Public [email protected]

Consultant: Pennoni Associates, Peter J. Stone, Project Manager

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Comments

Website for additional information and to submit online comments:https://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/trails/south-shore-trail/index.html

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Gambrills Area Map

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South Shore Trail

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STATUS OF PHASES

Phase I - CompletePhase II – Under DesignPhase III-IV – Under DesignRoute 3 Crossing – FeasibilityCompletePhase V – (Dawn to provide)


Phase II

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Phase II

STATUS OF PHASE II

• Public Meeting – February 2020

• Submit Construction Document Package – February/March 2020

• Submit Permits – February/March 2020

• Advertise and Award Contract – Spring 2021 (Subject to County CouncilApproval and Appropriation of funds)

• Construction Start – Summer 2021 (Subject to County Council Approval andAppropriation of funds)

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PHASE II OVERVIEW

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Trail Overview• Development occurs entirely

within County right-of-way

• 1.7 miles from Sappington Station Road to Bonheur Avenue

• 10’ wide asphalt surface

• ADA accessible – slopes generally 4.5% or less

• Multiple retaining walls and a boardwalk and bridge to minimize tree clearing, grading, and environmental impacts

• Stormwater management facilities and landscaping provided along trail

• Three road crossings proposed: Burns Crossing Road, Gambrills Road, and Holladay Street

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Trail Overview

Typical Existing Conditions

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Trail Overview

Typical retaining walls and bridge

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Sappington Station Road to Burns Crossing Road

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• Located within County right-of-way

• Steep side slopes and wetland areas

• Retaining Walls to minimize clearing

• Boardwalk to access Watts Avenue and Arundel High School


Burns Crossing Road to Gambrills Road

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• Located within County right-of-way

• Steep side slopes and wetland areas



Gambrills Road to Holladay Street

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• Located within County Right-of-Way

• Parallel to Horizon Farm

• 110’ Pedestrian Bridge prior to crossing of Holladay Street


Holladay Street to Bonheur Avenue

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• Located within County Right-of-Way

• Parallel to Holladay Park Road

• Wetland areas



MODIFICATION REQUESTS

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Modifications• Where impacts to state or federal regulated environmental features occur on

County owned land, a modification request to the County Code must be filed withthe Department of Planning and Zoning

• County Code Reference 17-6-401 Nontidal wetlands - Development may notoccur within a nontidal wetland or within a 25-foot buffer of a nontidalwetland

• County Code Reference 17-6-402 Streams - Development may not occur withina stream bed

• Any impacts to wetlands, wetland buffers, or streams would require both a Countymodification and a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment. Awetland permit and a modification request for this project have been prepared andwill be submitted.

• Forest clearing >20,000 sf – This project is considered a linear project, but will clearmore than 20,000 sf of forest. A modification is required for this clearing

• County Code Reference 17-6-303(b) – preservation of priority forestretention areas

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ModificationsWhy are impacts occurring?

• Limited Right-of-Way – Generally a 60’ wide swath available for trailconstruction, no additional right-of-way is being acquired for thisproject.

• Existing Conditions created by Railroad construction – drainage sumpsand steep slopes were created when the grade was established for therailroad. These have developed into protected wetland areas over theyears

Minimization of impacts

• Utilization of retaining walls, boardwalks, and bridges minimizesimpacts on these features and limits the clearing and grading that willbe needed for trail construction.

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Modifications

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Modification Area – Sappington Station Road to Burns Crossing Road

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Modification Area – Burns Crossing Road to Gambrills Road

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Modification Area – Gambrills Road to Holladay Street

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Modification Area – Holladay Street to Bonheur Avenue

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Modification Areas

There are impacts to wetlands and wetland buffers as part of the trail project. The area where the trail is being located has largely been previously disturbed and graded for railroad and utility construction.

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Typical Wetland Area at

Bottom of Slope

Typical Wetland Area at

Bottom of Slope


Tree Preservation/Forest

Conservation

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Tree Clearing

• Limited Tree Clearing – corridor largely cleared already for power lines

• 1.10 acres being cleared

• Preservation of 0.50 acres within right-of-way

• 17 specimen trees being preserved (100%)

• Additional landscaping being added

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Project TeamDawn Thomas, CPRPProgram SpecialistDepartment of Recreation and Parks410-222-7317, x [email protected]

Robert M. Fernandez, P. E.Project ManagerDepartment of Public [email protected]

Consultant: Pennoni Associates, Peter J. Stone, Project Manager

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Comments

Website for additional information and to submit online comments:https://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/trails/south-shore-trail/index.html

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Questions?

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Bureau of Utility Operations

24-Hour Emergency Water Services: (410) 222-8400

Billing Inquiries: (410) 222-1144

Bureau of Waste Management Services

Bulk Trash Service/Curbside Collections: (410) 222-6100

Bureau of Highways

Northern District: (410) 222-6120

Central District: (410) 222-7940

Southern District: (410) 222-1933

Traffic Lights/Signs: (410) 222-1940

Bureau of Engineering

General Inquiries: (410) 222-7500

@AACoDPWwww.facebook.com/annearundeldpw

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M E M O R A N D U M TO: Robert Fernandez, PE

FROM: Peter J. Stone, RLA, LEED AP BD+C

DATE: March 6, 2020

SUBJECT: South Shore Trail Phase 2 (Contract No. P372005) Design Development Public Meeting

Meeting Date: February 20, 2020 Meeting Location: Arundel Middle School, 1179 Hammond Lane, Odenton, MD 21113 Attendees: Robert Fernandez, PE, Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works

Erica Matthews, Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks Qiana Ray, Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works Dave Coble, Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks Peter Stone, RLA, Pennoni Associates, Inc. See sign-in sheet

The overall scope of the project was discussed, including project limits, the proposed trail and associated structures, clearing, stormwater management, landscaping, traffic, and parking. In addition, the various modification requests (wetland and wetland buffer impacts, tree clearing) were discussed with the community. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation and sign-in sheet are attached. The presentation will be uploaded onto the County’s trail webpage along with a comment form. The comments will be taken through March 17 after which they will be reviewed and posted to the webpage (https://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/trails/south-shore-trail/index.html) along with responses or information. The following questions were asked during the meeting: Q1: Resident: An 1839 property search deed showed our properties go to the center of the

railroad tracks. How much land is being taken? As late as 1951 BGE was paying money to the homeowners in the area.

A1: The County is not taking any property with this project. All work is occurring within the County right-of-way. Questions regarding property concerns cannot be handled at this meeting; residents should contact DPW directly to discuss further. The County will respond to inquiries from residents whose property is adjacent to the abandoned railroad right-of-way.

Q2: Will there be a bridge crossing like the BWI trail? A2: A bridge over MD Route 3 is not planned at this time, it will be a separate project. Q3: We have privacy concerns, is there some kind of living hedge?

https://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/trails/south-shore-trail/index.html

https://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/trails/south-shore-trail/index.html

A3: Landscaping is being considered in certain situations for privacy. There will be tree planting, mainly for shade, and additional landscaping may be considered on a case by case basis.

Q4: When did this trail first appear in the County’s master plan? What was the trails original

stated purpose? A4: The trail was originally planned in the 1989. The trails offer active recreation as well as

alternative transportation. This is a linear park. Q5: You are putting in swales and an impermeable pathway to direct more water coming down,

that is not good. A5: The swales will provide stormwater management (SWM) treatment and groundwater

recharge, helping to slow runoff. A permeable surface was not considered for this trail due to long term maintenance concerns, and the need for BGE to use this surface to access their infrastructure.

Q6: What is proposed at Gambrills and Maple Rd? A6: A raised crosswalk across Gambrills Rd. at the Gambrills Road/Maple Road intersection

with additional road signs and signs on the trail. Rumble strips are also proposed in both directions on Gambrills Road in advance of the trail.

Q7: There is a section of about one-half of the way down WB&A trail where the width of the

road was constricted to slow traffic, is there any consideration to do that in this area? A7: A raised speed bump was the initial thought for this area, but other options can be

considered to calm traffic at this intersection. Q8: If we are losing our property with this work will our taxes change? A8: The County is not taking any property with this project. All work is occurring within the

County right-of-way. Questions regarding property concerns cannot be handled at this meeting; residents should contact DPW directly to discuss further.

Q9: You can barely drive two cars on Holiday Park Rd, how will you add anything to it? A9: The trail is separated from the road; it is not part of the road. Q10: Explain the idea behind the picnic area? A10: There are no tables, just two benches. Q11: When is the crossover to Route 3 planned? A11: At this time only a feasibility study has been prepared. Further design is required and is not

funded at this time. Q12: How long is construction? A12: Approximately one year, weather permitting. Q13: Why is the proposed parking lot undersized? Five spaces are not enough. Usage of the trail

may be much more heightened. A13: We will investigate adding more spaces.

Q14: What is the timeline for the next phase? A14: Currently scheduled to award the construction contract spring 2021, and start construction

Summer 2021. Q15: Who will maintain the trail? A15: The trail will be maintained by Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks

(DRP), and will include landscape maintenance, leaf removal, and trash pickup. Park Rangers will also patrol the trail.

Q16: Will Ranger foot traffic expand as the trail is expanding? A16: Yes, we do anticipate more Rangers as the trail expands. Q17: What are the park hours? A17: The park is open from dawn to dusk. Q18: Landscaping? What do you mean? A18: Landscaping primarily includes large shade trees and evergreen trees. Q19: Is it native planting? A19: Yes. Q20: Are non-trees planted? A20: No, mainly trees. We may plant evergreen shrubs if appropriate for additional screening. Q21: How will planting under the existing powerlines be handled? A21: BGE planting guidelines will have to be followed. Q22: What do you do for clearing shrubs? A22: Brush within the limit of disturbance (LOD) would be removed. Upon completion of

construction, disturbed areas would be grassed and planted with native trees such as oaks and maples, and evergreens.

Q23: Where is the LOD between Maple Road and trail? How close is it to Maple Road? A23: Approximately 10’. Q24: Why a parking lot at Bonheur? Why near residential area? Don’t want parking lot at end of

road. A24: This can be investigated further. Q25: Residents would like speed bumps at end of the road. A25: Residents who desire traffic calming devices should consult the DPW Traffic Engineering

Division’s Neighborhood Traffic Control Guidelines, found here: https://www.aacounty.org/departments/public-works/highways/road-

maintenance/Traffic_Maintenance/neighborhood-traffic-control Q26: Will there be a retaining wall in my yard?

https://www.aacounty.org/departments/public-works/highways/road-maintenance/Traffic_Maintenance/neighborhood-traffic-control

https://www.aacounty.org/departments/public-works/highways/road-maintenance/Traffic_Maintenance/neighborhood-traffic-control

A26: Please see us after the meeting to discuss your particular situation. Q27: Will BGE utilize the trail for maintenance? A27: Yes. BGE’s heavy equipment was another reason porous asphalt is not a suitable

alternative for this project. Q28: What kind of stormwater management (SWM) will be used for this project? A28: SWM treatment will occur in primarily in swales alongside the trail. Bioswales and grass

swales will be used. A submerged gravel wetland will also be utilized. Q29: Is BGE paying the landowner for power lines? A29: This is not something that can be addressed at this meeting. Contact DPW to discuss in

more detail. Q30: Do the property deeds run to the center of the railroad right-of-way? A30: Questions regarding property concerns cannot be handled at this meeting. Residents should

contact DPW directly to discuss further. Q31: How much rainfall will trail capture? A31: Approximately 13,000 cubic feet (cf) of water is required to be treated. Approximately

16,000 cf will be treated. This equates to approximately 2-2 ½” rainfall in 24-hour period. Q32: Residents are concerned about runoff. How will it be handled? A32: Swales are being provided along trail to treat and slow runoff. Q33: Residents would like a green ‘barrier’ between trail and private property. A33: This can be discussed and will be considered on a case by case basis. Q34: What is the total width of the trail and the associated swales? A34: The trail is 10’ wide with a 2’ shoulder on either side. The swales are approximately 8’ to

10’ wide including side slopes. Q35: We would like better landscaping than what’s along South Shore Trail Phase 1. A35: The proposed landscaping will meet or exceed current county regulations. Q36: The County doesn’t own the right-of-way. The property owners own it according to my

attorney. A36: This is not something that can be addressed at this meeting. Contact DPW to discuss in

more detail. Q37: As a runner, I want the trail in this area. A37: Comment noted. Q38: There are concerns about people turning right at Burns Crossing. A38: The crossing of Burns Crossing Road will be signed and marked. Additional measures

may be considered.

Q39: What about sidewalk along Route 175 in Odenton? A39: Installing sidewalk along Route 175 is not part of this project, but there may be other

projects looking at these types of improvements. There are many considerations associated with adding sidewalks and widening roads such as right-of-way availability, environmental features, and existing utilities.

Q40: What is the anticipated use? A40: The WB&A Trail has experienced an average annual visitation of 54,000 people, and we

would anticipate Phase II of the South Shore Trail to approach this figure. Q41: Resident concerned about runoff from Maple Road – yard flooding. A41: Please see us after the meeting to discuss your particular situation. Q42: Is fencing a possibility? A42: The trails are meant to be open and not resemble linear boxed-in corridors. At this time and

unless shown, the DRP is not proposing any fencing and requests should be submitted for evaluation on an individual property basis. Residents will maintain the option of installing fences along their property.

Q43: Concerns were raised about the proximity of the community pool to the trail. A43: This area will be reviewed during final design to determine if additional landscaping will

address this concern at this location. Q44: A resident commented about studies showing benefits of trails such as the B&A trail. A44: Comment noted. Q45: Why not put the trail on the road along Holladay Park Road. A45: Holladay Park Road is a narrow road, and the intent is to separate the road from the trail. Q46: How does the crossing Maple Road ditch occur? A46: There is a proposed bridge at this location. Q47: Where the trail is located on front yards, can fencing be considered? A47: At this time and unless shown, the DRP is not proposing fencing. Requests for fencing

should be submitted for evaluation. Residents can install fences on their property along the trail.

Q48: What about buffering from Route 3? A48: No clearing is proposed between Bonheur and Route 3 at this time. Q49: Could the trail be accessed from Route 3? A49: No, not at this time. Q50: Residents inquired about plans for Route 3 crossing. A50: A feasibility study was completed and will be the subject of additional review with future

funding.

Q51: Concerns were raised about locating a rest area at Maple Road near the Gambrills Road crossing due to safety; a rest area is not good there.

A51: This area will be further investigated during final design. Q52: Residents raised concerns about motor bikes riding on trail. A52: This will not be permitted, and is not expected to be a problem, given our experience with

the other county trails. Q53: Will horses be allowed? A53: The trail is intended for hiker/biker use only, no horses will be allowed. Q54: Can we use the SeeClickFix app on our mobile phones for maintenance issues along the

trail? A54: Yes. Q55: Will the trail have lights? A55: No, the trail is open from dawn to dusk. Q56: Can you describe what a retaining wall is? A56: This is a wall that helps to hold back soil, and create a level area for the trail. The blue

lines shown on the exhibits are the walls. Q57: Is this still proposed? Can portions be altered? A57: The trail is not yet permitted through the County permitting process, but the design is fairly

far along. Some adjustments can be made. Q58: What kind of bridge is it? A58: A prefabricated steel bridge with a concrete deck. Q59: What are the benefits of the B&A and WB&A trails? A59: The success of the B&A Trail, also former railroad right of way, is a testament to the

economic benefits of paved trails. Update: The extensive use of the trail provides a stimulus to local retail establishments and restaurants. Trail connections to parks and schools bring about enhanced revenues through entry fees, event fees and concession operations. Phase II will have future connections to Dairy Farm Park, Odenton Natural Area, Arundel High School, Arundel Middle School and the Odenton Library. In addition to economic benefits, the trail will also reduce reliance on automobiles thus contributing to improved air quality. From a cultural perspective, the adaptive re-use of an historic railroad provides for historic interpretation using trailside storyboards and brochures. Also, this project was identified in 2009 by the Maryland Department of Transportation as a Statewide Missing Link under the heading Maryland Trails Strategic Implementation Plan (TSIP). Our 2017 Land Preservation, Park, and Recreation Plan Anne Arundel County used three main inputs to determine the demand for recreational land and facilities: Three recreation surveys; Review of past plans; and Public input from meetings and comments. In 2017, the Department of Recreation and Parks initiated an online survey about the County-operated parks and recreation. The survey was conducted via the internet and respondents to the survey were self-selected. Over 2,100 responses were received. Facilities reported as

having the highest usage levels included trails (B&A, BWI, WB&A). Strava heat maps show significant activity by bicyclists in this corridor and a separated facility will increase safety for those users and provide a facility for pedestrians. In May 2017 during Bike to School Day 220 children rode their bikes to Broadneck Elementary School with Police escorts along College Parkway. The children marked it as one of the best days of their school year. The proposed facility will provide a safe place for similar children.

Q60: Residents concerned about potential crime. A60: Discussed past experiences of the B&A trail. County police are best to respond to these

issues. Q62: Will the trail go over or under Route 3? A62: Most likely over Route 3. Q63: Is landscape for wetland mitigation? A63: No. There is no wetland mitigation proposed as part of this project. Q64: What is the policy for the community meeting? A64: Meeting notices were mailed to all property owners within 300’ of the project. Q65: Will this trail legitimately reduce traffic? A65: The trail will take a small amount of trips off of the surrounding roads, but also provide

recreation for residents. Q66: How will this project be funded? Shouldn’t funds for this project be used for sidewalks

instead? A66: Trail funds are separate from sidewalk funds. Q67: How will communication progress? A67: A meeting will be held prior to construction. The notes from this meeting will be placed on

the County website, and emailed to those who provided their email addresses. Contact information was also provided for County project managers.

Q68: Can you show the location of the parking lot? A68: The parking lot was pointed out on plans. Q69: Concern was raised about maintenance along the trail. A69: Beautification groups that are present along B&A trail were mentioned as a model for this

trail. Q70: Questions were asked about crosswalks and safety. A70: These will be evaluated as the design progresses.

Documents

South Shore Trail Phase IISouth Shore Trail Phase II Community Meeting February 20, 2020 Arundel Middle School 1179 Hammond Lane, Odenton, MD 21113. ... alternative transportation