Engineering company seeks Scotia residents input on potential upgrades to Mohawk Avenue corridor

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

A bike path would be integrated into Glen Avenue in Scotia, seen here Thursday, as part of proposed upgrades.

SCOTIA — Scotia residents have until April 4 to provide comments on proposed improvements to the Mohawk Avenue corridor suggested by MJ Engineering.

During a public workshop Wednesday, the Clifton Park firm hired by the village at a cost of $60,000 presented a draft of the changes that could be made in that part of the village.

Part of the plan calls for a bike path to be integrated into Glen Avenue. People traveling on the Western Gateway Bridge would be able to follow a path to Mohawk Avenue and then cross to Glen Avenue, which runs parallel to the Mohawk Avenue corridor.

“Because of the inability to widen or change the width of the corridor, the study recommends shifting bicycle traffic on to Glen Avenue,” senior project engineer Lisa Wallin said.

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She said the path would be shared-use lanes with pavement markings and signs.

Other updates include a raised center median along Mohawk Avenue — coming off the bridge — that would include a turning lane into businesses. The engineering company also suggested two mid-block crossings in the 100 block of Mohawk Avenue between Route 50 and the village municipal parking lot. Those crosswalk placements were determined by where other crosswalks are currently located in conjunction to on-street parking and the municipal lot, Wallin said.

Curbs in parts of the corridor would be raised and extended as well.

“What that does is reduce the length that the pedestrian needs to cross the roadway,” Wallin said.

Wallin said that the state Department of Transportation indicated that mid-block crosswalks are not generally recommended.

The study also suggests a slip ramp off of the bridge onto Schonowee Avenue that would be more of a gradual turn and wider ramp to make it easier for trucks to turn.

After the presentation a few residents asked questions.

Michael Horan, an attorney for the owners of Ming’s Flavor Chinese Restaurant, said the owners were concerned about the raised curb and grass that would be placed in front of their business because of how their delivery trucks exit to avoid backing onto the road.

“That would be terribly difficult for them to maintain their establishment,” he said.

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Wallin said this plan is not the final proposal and stakeholders — like business owners — would be included in conversations once construction begins to take shape.

Karen Laing asked whether there would be any changes because the village is still deciding where it should build a new fire station.

Wallin said they are watching what happens with that project and taking it into consideration.

Mayor Tom Gifford said plans to update Mohawk Avenue have been suggested for years, noting he came across a 1980s plan to add trees to the street.

“This study is a fantastic opportunity to leapfrog to funding – almost necessary for today’s world,” he said. “We’re really excited about the possibility that this is going to happen this time, it’s great.”

Wallin said the company will take feedback from the community and revise the plan and update construction cost estimates before presenting it to the board of trustees. The plan would also include details on how improvements like curb cuts and the bike path could be implemented both in the short- and long-term, as well as funding mechanisms, according to Wallin.

People can view the presentation and provide feedback at https://www.scotiaconnections.com/public-engagement.

Reporter Shenandoah Briere can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on twitter at SB_DailyGazette.