The proposed pedestrian plan to be considered by the Washington City Council today does not include extending the Jack’s Creek greenway, which had been considered.

At its Nov. 29 meeting, the Planning Board endorsed the plan as prepared by the Mid-East Commission, recommending the council approve it, with the exception of the greenway extension. The pedestrian plan references other plans with recreational-related elements.

A $10,000 Community Transformation Grant paid for the plan. The city contracted with the Mid-East Commission to complete a comprehensive pedestrian plan.

“The City of Washington Comprehensive Bicycle Plan and the Beaufort County Comprehensive Transportation Plan support the vision of developing an updated comprehensive pedestrian transportation planning document that will provide direction in achieving safe transportation and connectivity in Washington,” reads the plan’s executive summary. The summary continues: “Washington’s vision is to develop a pedestrian friendly environment that connects neighborhoods, parks, shopping, and employment destinations,while attracting new residents and businesses with the beautiful natural settings in which these walkway facilities are located.”

The draft plan also notes: “The City should consider allocating resources on an annual basis to establish and maintain a pedestrian network, maintain existing facilities, and fund programs and on-going activities directed towards encouragement, enforcement, and education. The allocation of City funding for pedestrian facilities will be an ongoing need.”

The plan follows the N.C. Department of Transportation’s expanded municipal pedestrian plan template and address several items, including, but not limited to, the following:

• immediate concerns and long-term aspirations;
• an explanation of the benefits of walking;
• system map showing each proposed project according to location and type;
• specific project identification and priority list;
• cost estimates for proposed facilities.

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St. To view the council’s agenda for a specific meeting, visit the city’s web­site at www.washingtonnc.gov, click “City Agendas.” Locate the appropriate agenda (by date) under the “Washington City Council” heading, then click on that specific agenda listing.