“Enhanced Union Ave” – New Date for Public Workshop: Feb. 16

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs residents will get a chance to participate in advancing potential designs for an “Enhanced Union Avenue” at a public design workshop at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16 on the third floor Music Hall in City Hall. 

“Union Avenue is an important part of our Complete Streets network,” said Ken Grey, chair of the city’s Complete Street Advisory Board, in a statement. “It connects the track and city neighborhoods east of the Northway with downtown, with plans to connect through Congress Park to Railroad Run and the Spa State Park. We’d like the public to help us make that walking and biking connection as safe and as attractive as possible.” 

The workshop is the third public meeting in the past four months seeking citizen input on plans to reimagine this iconic street to slow down cars, make safer pedestrian crossings, add more greenspace and include a protected bike lane, according to a release by the city.  

The workshop will begin with an overview of the city’s 2016 plan to build a connected bike and pedestrian network, a plan that includes a bike lane on Union. A representative from JMT of NY, the city’s engineering and design consultant, will discuss the results of their traffic study. 

After the presentations, CSAB member Mike King will invite the public to break into small groups to evaluate how well potential designs address safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Participants will also consider how potential design changes will affect traffic flow during the racing season and comment on possibilities for more trees and new greenspace. 

“We have a chance to do something exciting on Union Avenue,” said city Mayor Ron Kim. “Making it safe for cyclists and pedestrians to come downtown without using a car is part of the city’s climate mitigation plan. If we can do that while adding more greenspace and trees, it’s a win-win for everybody.”