Morristown passes its own Complete Streets Policy

Our good friend, Kendra Arnold of Bike and Walk Morristown informed us just a few minutes ago that Morristown has passed its very own comprehensive Complete Streets Policy.

One of the most telling parts of a government entity's commitment to it's Complete Policy is in the Exceptions.  While the policy is otherwise very good, the exceptions are a little vague and could be manipulated to scrap otherwise worthy / needed complete street projects. "d" is particularly concerning as there is no definition of "disproportionate cost." The standard is that bike/ped improvements not exceed 15% of the total project cost.  The vague exceptions of concern are below.

c) Detrimental environmental or social impacts outweigh the need for these accommodations.

d) Cost of accommodations is excessively disproportionate to cost of project.

e) The safety or timing of a project is compromised by the inclusion of Complete Streets.

Putting that aside another mutual friend, Gerald points out that the policy places emphasis on planning for future bicyclists and pedestrians.  A good cool point.  Also the checklists are pretty neat and make it simple for implementers in the future to follow the policy.

Good job Morristown!