Please share any additional thoughts you might have.

·        -Redevelopment should be encouraged to be brought up, vertically, to the street - buildings could have entrances or parking on the lower level accessed from the rear and pedestrian entrances from the bridge on an upper level.
-Look outside the right-of-way. Consider closing part of old Avon St and using its ROW to provide a shared-use path in addition to bike lanes - it might fit further north by narrowing the median.
-During construction, make all efforts to provide some bicycle accommodations. If limited space is available, perhaps a bike lane can be provided on uphill segments during construction (i.e. northbound only from Garrett to the peak and southbound only from Market to the peak; bikes would merge with traffic after climbing the hill). Radical idea: consider only maintaining one-way motor vehicle traffic (northbound would be best) during construction if the bike lane can only be accommodated that way.

·        Forgot this in my previous comments: Provide bicycle parking along the bridge at the Mall entrance if there's still a wide spot there.

·        It would be nice to turn that little nub sticking out by the pavilion, assuming it's still needed for a new bridge, into an amenity. Add some planters, maybe a little interpretive sign about the original railroad station or the Pavilion, and a bench.

·        As money allows, I think we should incorprate artwork,  and high quality design elements and materials into the bridge.  The bridge sits at what often feels like the heart of the city and is seen by so many visitors and locals that it needs to be something we're all proud of and that improves Downtown and Belmont instead of being an eyesore.

·        We, in the neighborhoods adjacent to the Pavillion, are STILL absorbing the detrimental effects of Pavillon noise due to the fact that the City continues to waive the legal noise restrictions for Pavillon "special events". 

Believe us when we say that the loud and disruptive effects that we consistently experience are far from "special".  This unjust intrusion on resident's daily lives all in the name of money for Corin Capshaw, the city coffers and business must be mitigated.
 
Rebuilding the Belmont Bridge is a perfect opportunity for the City to do right by the tax payers of these neighborhoods.  Sound engineers and architects need to build proper noise abatement structures into the new bridge as well as into the landscaping above, below, and around the Pavillon.  For example, high side walls on the bridge or trees such as the Leyland Cyprus/Magnolias would provide a better barrier than the current trees found there.
 
We deserve to be able to enjoy our back yards and sleep in our homes as we had for the decades previous to this public park being commandeered as a too-loud-event and music venue.

The City must protect our property values from this noise pollution.
 
Please make it right.

·        The southbound lane should be one lane, rather than the existing two lanes. Having 2 lanes makes drivers think they're on a highway, when this is really a residential street linking 2 (3?) very pedestrian oriented neighborhoods.

·        Roundabouts at each end might help with traffic flow.

Make old Avon/Monticello one way north to eliminate need for signal time. Cars can take south street back to Garret at 6th and take Garrett to the signal.

Can the bridge be straightened out?  Cars making the curve create safety concern for pedestrians/bikes, they are aimed right at the sidewalk (southbound) if they fail to curve.

Retain useful steel beams from the old bridge for use in smaller trail bridges in other locations around the City.

Than you for this opportunity and for replacing the bridge to ensure safety into the future.

·        Pedestrian and cyclist safety is my biggest concern.  The bridge as currently designed is an accident waiting to happen especially given the number of cars and people sharing this corridor.

·        Has the city considered replacing the traffic signals at each end of the bridge with roundabouts? Compared to traffic signals, roundabouts are safer, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce fuel consumption (and pollution) by around 30% due to shortened stop times.  See: http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/roundabouts.html

·        Crossing the street at spudnuts to access the mall side of the bridge is dangerous.  Even without my children-- if cars do stop for pedestrians, I feel the need to not start crossing until I see the cars behind the stopped car slow down and stop because many times cars have gone AROUND the stopped car (which would hit me if I had trusted in my safety).  And crossing one direction of traffic at a time is hard, because the median is so narrow.  In short, that street crossing needs to be made more pedestrian friendly.

·        The two crossings at Garrett and in front of Spudnuts are horrible and dangerous; thought should be given to improvement of traffic flow near crosswalks, signage, and crosswalk design. The streetlight that precedes the Spudnuts crossing makes that crossing dangerous, since drivers are reluctant to stop if (a) they just got a green light, or (b) they just sped through a yellow light.

·        Wondering if there is a way you can make a separate turning lane for people turning left in front of fox's cafe going onto the bridge because i have see where accidents have almost occurred because of those turns and also it congests the bridge traffic.  Thank you!

·        Thank you for taking the communities input!

·        Don't be penny-wise and pound foolish.  If the bridge needs to be rebuilt do it right the first time so that it lasts for the next 100 years.

·        Do not use future LOS projections to determine the capacity of this bridge.  This is the gateway to downtown, and the critical link to Belmont, two of Charlottesville's most dynamic urban neighborhoods.  Do not allow the free-flow of vehicular traffic determine how many lanes are needed on the bridge.  Instead, think about it from the perspective of the human being, not the vehicle.  Take the opportunity to become a world class city by designing a world class bridge.  Start by reducing the number of vehicular traffic lanes on the bridge.  Monticello Avenue is one lane each direction.  High Street is 1 lane in each direction.  There is no need for the bridge and the 2 blocks of 9th Street between Market and High to be 2 lanes in each direction.  We need to shrink our streets and return them to people of Charlotteville, not their vehicles.  If there is any place in our city where a little congestion should be tolerated, it is in our city center, where we want people to linger, not speed through in a vehicle.

·        Please add more signage to bridge, ie.. "careful-- heavy pedestrian use" and "share the road" and other signs like these.

·        Looks like you didn't put as much thought into the intersection operation at 9th and Garrett as you did at 9th and Market. Meaning you put "More thought" into the "money end of the bridge" (9th and Market) then you did at the "poverty side of the bridge" (9th and Garret). 

And this is demonstrated by the graphics on those subjects and how one of the 2 has more info in the graphic than the other.

·        I have walked under this bridge many times. There seems to be space at the existing height for a lower level. This would work nicely with the bus station and Belmont Neighborhood. I feel that the existing design lacks the necessary intermodal concepts and flexability for the future. Charlottesville can handle more aggressive public integration. Look at the mall more closely and integrate where possible into the design adapt the pocket parks for solar charging to support the LED lighting on the bridge. Grid interconnect and let the city sell the credits. Thats what Charlottesville likes. Do your homework on financing sources to pay for this. I know its tough trying to satify everyone. Excellent web outreach, thank you.

·        Please use the money and resources to fix other areas of the city that are failing. Schools, unfinished hotels... Green space projects.

·        Thank you for making the effort to obtain feedback and creating a simple forum for the feedback. This would be a useful tool with other projects that impact residential/ urban living.

·        Pedestrian access seems good right now.  Might the bridge have to be widened to include a separate bike lane?

·        Slightly higher guardrails are needed, but should still allow kids to see through them.

Pocket parks are a great idea.

At least one crosswalk at the South end of the bridge with embedded lights (if not both) would greatly improve pedestrian safety.

Thank you again for the opportunity to offer input.

·        Charlottesville is so beautiful.  Please use caution with this bridge as it will be something that some people look at every day.  Explore all options, sometimes the best option isn't thought of or recommended. 

Please, please, please consult with businesses around the worksite.  If the project is too disruptive it might end a persons livelihood. 

Thank you for your time.

·        Large evergreens at both ends of the bridge, and along the base of the bridge.
These would give some shade, but also absorb some of the NOISE which
bothers so many residents in Belmont.

In fact, and structural change which could ameliorate the NOISE of the Pavilion
would be appreciated by many, many residents.
(I am still disappointed that our local music venue which was free and encouraged mingling of residents is now The Pavilion which does not encourage community...
in fact, bothers a good many residents.)    Thanks for taking my comments!

·        Please do not waste precious bridge real estate on a median or central planters!  it is EXPENSIVE to build a bridge, let's maximize its traffic-moving capabilities (all modes).  Bike lanes on BOTH sides is a must, as well as sidewalks - bike lanes provide the much-needed buffer between commute-minded motorists and vulnerable pedestrians.  Potential uses for the space saved by not having a large median include a pedestrian boulevard on the west side of the bridge with planters and benches to enjoy the view, a mixed-use trail, or BOTH.

·        Please do not turn this into something like the Meadowcreek Parkway circus that has taken 40+ yrs to complete. If we have the money, MAKE A DECISION and GET IT DONE. Thats what we pay you for.

·        Please do not remove any trees that are already in place, especially the big tree on the west side at the southend.

·        Designs look great!  Thanks!

·        I travel this way every day to and from work.  Please use design choice A or B.  One lane southbound is preferable to avoid unnecessary merging on the bridge.  Likewise, the separate left turn lane onto Market from the bridge is necessary, particularly in the a.m., to avoid backups on the bridge. 

·        The free parking under the bridge would be lost to all employees that work in the downtown area. So if additional free parking will be available during the construction of the bridge replacement then there would be no problems.

·        I applaud your efforts to gather public input in this process.  I would recommend advertising all such meetings and events related to the bridge in local papers and with the surrounding neighborhood groups.  If you have an email list related to this process, please add me: Xxxxxn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx

·        The raised median seems to create an unnecessary obstacle.

The four-lane idea is a bad one as it would force many bikes onto the sidewalk, where it is more dangerous for peds & for bikers.

·        In sum, I am not convinced that this bridge which primarily moves single occupancy vehicles over sparsely used train tracks is worth the cost. If it really is better than at-grade, I would like to see something better than what we're losing, that supports the city's vision, and that doesn't kill the city budget for years to come.

·        PLEASE don't incorporate any "modern" art resembling playschool toys. Although the transit building is modern and attractive perhaps we can have some traditional touches to tie into the "old" parts of the mall and Belmont. With just enough modern flair to match the transit building.

·        Great website

·        GOOD LUCK

·        Knock it down and keep it that way. Belmontians should stay in belmont.

·        Thank you for soliciting public comments.

As a veteran cyclist I am strongly against Option C, which would put cyclists on the same path as pedestrians.  Much better is either Option A or Option B, where the bikes lanes are on the street level, and on both sides.

Also, that first left turn lane going south looks shorter than it need be.

·        If the eastern sidewalk will indeed be closed until reconstruction of the bridge, (years?) then we need a nicer way to block it off. The "temporary" chain link fence sections and crossbuck construction barriers may do the job, but they look horrible. I think  nice looking barriers could be constructed that would make pedestrians aware that the bridge is closed, but have a non-offensive  non-temporary look that would be more aesthetically pleasing.
Actually, I believe the city should have an aesthetic-czar who could give advice to all projects, larger and small, and help guide the city with simple decisions.
For instance - the small concrete block structures at the intersection of  McIntire Road and 250 should not be painted white, but should be a very dark color (Charleston Green for example) that recede from view rather than white which draws your eye toward them.
I'd be happy to do it.
thank you.

·        I support option A for the bridge. We should actively seek to ENCOURAGE increased pedestrian and bike traffic between the heavy residential area of Belmont and the downtown mall area.

·        Thank you for requesting citizen feedback!

·        I'm simply concerned that the bridge may not be safe for another 6 years. Should it be closed now?  I don't know how you would handle all that additional traffic on other roads, but I would hate for someone to be seriously injured or die because the bridge can no longer support the traffic burden.

·        Please incorporate the study of particular bridge precedents (full projects rather than individual components) that are relevant to this particular bridge. Some of the images and conditions of public art that are currently presented seem less particularly relevant/applicable to this particular place. Please incorporate analysis that goes beyond arrangement of traffic lanes/ movements and that more carefully understands/considers the pedestrian patterns that exist and could be benefited by work on the bridge along with an idea about how the bridge functions as an important element of urban fabric within the broader urban context of charlottesville. I hope that forward thinking technology(lighting,materials structure) and sustainability (materials, size and mass of the bridge,  stormwater management, climate and the human expereince of the bridge, heat island effect, etc) can be intelligently incorporated into the process of determining a new direction for the bridge  becoming a memorable urban place. The new bridge should be forward thinking and anticipatory and derived from careful analysis and thoughtful design investigation.

·        have other innovative/possibly lighter weight structural approaches been explored for the bridge? if not, why? Is there any place to submit precedents of other bridges for consideration in this project as examples for study? many of the images on the boards just don't seem relevant, appropriate or current. I hope that this bridge will be much more than what is currently suggested which seems like a very simple strurctrue with a variety of potential applied ornamentation  (almost all of which seem dated at best). I hope that this process will engage a more expanded,  integrated and context based analysis that will yield a more integrated and resolved project.

·        First things first!  Please place ramps at Avon Street extended for I 64 access so travelers both ways will have the option of going around construction to get to school, work, etc instead of having to go through town.  This should cut down considerably of traffic problems as you proceed to do construction on this extended project!  This should cut down on 50% of traffic issues as you proceed!
Thank you for your time.  

·        Hopefully this will be a long term change so inclusion of efficient lighting would be beneficial and environmentally responsible.  Any thoughts of built in light along the walkways for pedestrians?

·        do what u can to reuse what u can, taxes are to high now, especialy in belmont. my taxes have doubled in the last ten years and i dont see what i get out of it but a hard time...

·        Functionality above all else!

·        This project needs to take into account future growth for the city. As the plan stands this has not been taken into account. It seems as if it is just a replacement of the bridge. If we want the city to grow we must design a bridge that will allow for higher flow volumes. The only plan stated that will even try to accomplish this is the two lane nb & sb but the sb interior lane is also a turn lane. This will still obstruct traffic for those turning into the neghborhood. How about making the exit to the neghborhood a right only and make the sb lanes straight only? On another note why don't we focus on starting the Charlottesville portion of the Medowcreek Parkway so the county section can be reopened and used instead of sitting, as it currently is? basically the traffic problems in this town will never be solved until we acknowadge that our city is growing faster than our infustructure can keep up.

·        The big snarls happen when folk need to left turn onto Garret from Northbound Avon/9th without a concomitant green light and green arrow and going Southbound (only 1 lane to go straight) past the Market street light and onto the bridge.

·        LED street lights, Brick exterior/siding. blend into downtown atmosphere

·        I am very discouraged with the way Dave Norris and the rest of City Council (and City Manager) have handled the excess money Charlottesville has seen over the last two years.  In my opinion, if government has a surplus at the end of the fiscal year, that means they are overtaxing their citizens!  The surplus really needs to go back to the TAX-PAYING citizens of Charlottesville in the form of tax-rate reductions.  However, because I know this will never happen, I propose a different idea.  Instead of Charlottesville using the extra money to "tip" city employees ($750.00 gifts vs. Albemarle County's more responsible approach of $350.00) or fund more ridiculous welfare programs to those who find it easier to depend on government rather than earn an honest living, why not channel that money into fixing things around Charlottesville, for example, THE BELMONT BRIDGE.  Stop waiting for grant money or handouts from the federal government and start taking some initiative with the surplus you continue to experience each year.  If I am going to be overtaxed, I want the overtaxed money to go to good use.  The Belmont Bridge is a major safety concern and needs to be addressed NOW, not three to four years from now.  And while you’re at it, start working on your portion of the Meadowcreek Parkway.
 

The pedestrian , vehicle (cars and trucks) and bikes aught to be kept completely separate from one another.

·        As a daily pedestrian commuter, I frequently walk along the Belmont Bridge. However, I often choose to walk down Garrett Street instead because at rush hour, walking on the bridge can feel like walking unprotected next to a highway. I hope the structural repairs are accompanied by environmental and safety improvements for non-vehicular travelers, and appreciate the considerations already expressed in the above images.

·        This forum that you all have created is really wonderful. Very clear, easy to navigate and a job well done. Just wonder why with all of this Belmont is still waiting for some speed bumps...no this is not the place but when Woolen Mills has one at every corner....you gotta wonder.

Thanks muchly

·        Make sure the cross-walks get attention - there are a lot of children who cross here.  The more plantings the better! 

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this re-design.  Also, nice job in alerting the public that this is going on.  The signs on the bridge were extremely helpful in reminding me to comment.  I would recommend the city do that for other issues where possible! 

·        Thank you for allowing us to submit our thoughts on this important project.  As someone who uses the bridge frequently, both in my car and on foot, I've given the bridge replacement project a great deal of thought over the past few years.  I'm tried to summarize some of those thoughts here.  -

CONNECTION WITH WATER STREET:  I am eager for the new bridge to include a pedestrian connection to Water Street, specifically with the bus stop in front on the Transit Center.  Right now, in order to get to the bus stop, pedestrians crossing the bridge must travel all the way around the Transit Center to the stairway at the far side.  Nothing is more frustrating than watching your bus pull into the station from the bridge, only to watch it pull away once you finally make it all the way around the building - I can’t tell you how many buses I have missed that way!  Furthermore, I think it is important to keep a pedestrian connection with the downtown mall that will be open from the south, even during Pavilion events.  A direct connection with Water Street could adequately address this problem.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY:  The siderail needs to be altered in order to improve safety for pedestrians, particularly children.  However, in doing so, I am hopeful that it will preserve the view of the trains below, even for the shortest among us.  Kids seem to be fascinated by trains, and the bridge provides a unique opportunity to watch them in action.

Another important safety feature would be to provide more of a buffer between pedestrians and traffic.  Right now, it can be nerve-wracking experience walking with children over the bridge.  One false step, even a little trip, has the potential of throwing someone into traffic.  While it is important to separate pedestrians from traffic, it is equally important that pedestrians can easily cross whatever barrier/buffer is in place.  As a woman who often walks across the bridge at night, it is critical to feel like I have an escape path.  I don’t want to feel like I’m in a tunnel and can’t get away if necessary.  Anything that encloses pedestrians, even a moderately low wall, will add to an uneasy, unsafe feeling, for those crossing the bridge alone.

Furthermore, the crosswalk by Spudnuts is one that is heavily used by pedestrians.  It is my hope that the design for a new Belmont bridge will include increased safety measures for this crossing – this may be as simple as adding flashing lights in the pavement (similar to what has been installed at nearby crosswalks), or it may involve more elaborate plans.  In any case, this crossing should be given special attention in the new design, especially when considering any possible alterations to the traffic pattern.

BIKE SAFETY:  My husband commutes on his bike over the bridge every day, often with children in tow.  Making sure that there are wide, well-lit bike lanes is a vital part of this project for our family. 

ASTHETICS:  The Belmont Bridge is a gateway to our city.  Replacing it presents a tremendous opportunity for us to invest in a beautiful structure that will set the tone for people coming into downtown.  Money spent on making an attractive, distinct structure will come back over time in the form of increased revenue.  This new bridge has the potential to become an iconic symbol for Charlottesville.  I hope that it will make us all proud.
 
On a side note, I feel that the graffiti wall by the parking lot underneath the bridge is an asset to the area – it adds to the character of downtown in a positive way.  We’ve enjoyed stopping as a family to watch people paint it.  It is tucked out the way from street view, but something that ads to the pedestrian experience.  I hope that the graffiti wall, or a similar place for street artists, will remain when the new bridge is in place.

·        I once found a dead cat on the Belmont Bridge which no one ever took away.  After more than a week, in the heat of summer, I collected this cat (and all the dead kittens inside her) into a plastic bag and had it cremated. This cost me $65.  I had already called to have the body removed, but it never was. 

·        next time use a local architect/landscape architect.

·        For long term planning probably makes sense to have 2 car lanes each way (and bike paths both ways).  Aesthetic concerns are important since the bridge is in a prominent location. 

·        we would like the bridge to be safe, convenient and attractive for the pedestrian traffic.

·        The usefulness of bike lanes is significantly diminished, even nullified at times, when filled with road debris (gravel, broken glass, car parts, etc.).  The city needs to plan, commit, and follow through with regular clearing of the BIKE LANES, not just on the bridge but throughout the entire city.

I live at XXXX Graves Street and want to include a plea that is somewhat off topic but very important to me.  The extreme noise pollution from many / most of the Charlottesville Pavilion concerts is a) rude and inconsiderate, b) overwhelming and inescapable in every room in my house, and c) an injustice to area residents for many blocks all around.  It has to stop.  Please. 

A comprehensive solution might include more effective sound buffering but certainly also needs to include a lower maximum sound threshold and earlier end times Sun-Thurs as well as active enforcement!  I would appreciate hearing from the City about what they plan on doing to address this issue.  It is extremely important to me.  If the City doesn't commit very soon to solve this problem for the upcoming 2011 season, I will be forced to move.  I'm sure my landlords will be dismayed to lose yet another tenant to this issue.

·        I prefer option C because of the merge lane on the west side of the bridge.

·        Motorists tend to accelerate on this bridge but it is flanked by two high-pedestrin use intersections so speed should actually be discouraged.

·        Since the bridge was rebuilt, the city has changed a lot at this end of the mall and the neighborhoods around it have changed too.  In a city with as many design professionals as we have, I am confused about how such a project isn't more inclusive of that community or doesn't get advertised more publicly before a firm is selected.  This project would benefit from a thoughtful team that includes an architect, a landscape architect and an urban planner on it - not just an engineering firm.

·        Children love to watch the trains. It would be ideal if the bridge railings were not solid concrete/stone and could provide a view to the rails below for those under 4' tall.

Also, this area is in desperate need of some public art or colorful landscaping, especially at the Garrett Street end of the bridge.

·        Two southbound lanes are a must, especially when there's plenty of space for an extra southbound lane.  If you've ever tried to drive south over the bridge during 5:00 traffic you'll agree. 

What will happen to the parking lot under the bridge and the steps to access the sidewalk under the bridge.  Would be great if those were incorporated into the new design since they get a lot of traffic and provide access for those working on the opposite side of the bridge to access the Downtown Mall without having to walk across the railroad tracks.

·        I'd suggest that the city consider installing a durable, attractive fence along both sides of the railroad track to SCREEN the view of the rail yard and to direct pedestrians away from the tracks, over the bridge.

·        Green growth depends on landscape changes and alternative flow options. A centrally located farmer /craft market doubles as parking (Belmont side) which could have charging facility for vehicles, they're coming, lets be prepared. 
  Tunnels have less maintenance, won't need replacing.  Budget long term on long term plan.

·        _This bridge needs to read as a modern structure built in the 21st century. It should not be designed as a nostalgic interpretation of what would have been built early in the last century.
_No purely decorative design. See garish new city way-finding signs for multiple examples of uselessly decorative design.
_No falsely historic lighting, bollards, railings, street furniture, etc. See city sidewalk lighting at Transit Center for new lighting masquerading as historic lighting. Unfortunately, the MMM precedent images shown on the Future Design Considerations/Constraints boards display this neo-historic approach.
_No stamped concrete stone or brick patterns. Stamped brick patterns on concrete are shown on MMM’s Future Design Considerations/Constraints boards. Let concrete be concrete!
_No decorative banners.
_No planted medians. Charlottesville’s Parks and Recreation department does a wonderful job maintaining road medians at the expense of occupiable parks. The city doesn’t need more medians to perpetuate this trade-off.
_Pocket parks are shown on the MMM Future Design Considerations/Constraints boards. I hope a reputable landscape architecture or architecture design firm is hired to design these spaces. The last time MMM designed a public space in Charlottesville, it (the Downtown Mall) was placed on The Cultural Landscape Foundation’s at-risk listing for historic landscapes in danger of destruction. I’m sure they are capable engineers but I worry about their architectural design credentials.

·        With the redevelopment of the Belmont neighborhood + the pavilion + the mall the bridge has become very active with pedestrians. I think the pedestrian experience should be very gracious and an opportunity to link it to the mall experience in terms of the materials palette. I like that the idea that the bridge become it's own lovely experience from the pedestrian point of view so some richer materials, art in place and lots of plants.

·        maybe add a viewing/listening balcony for folks to enjoy the free sonic drift from shows at the pavilion?  ha!

·        be alive and be an architectural highlight of the city!!! not just a bridge - a landmark. Really invest in something that does more than gets you over the railroad - shops in it (like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence - why not), architectural significance (like the Brooklyn Bridge), a meeting place (like the Charles Bridge in Prague).

·        Pylons with lanterns such as on Memorial Bridge in Roanoke or the Connecticut Ave Bridge that spans Rock Creek Park Washington, DC

·        Replace bridge, not just fix existing bridge, as soon as possible, current bridge is an eyesore and a safety hazard.

·        The development is Charlottesville, particularly in the downtown/Belmont area is overwhelming. I've been here for 20 years and thank goodness I bought my house when I did. Couldn't afford to buy it today. And what of all the empty houses for sale? Too bad we can't seem to do less with fancy condos and big houses and more with affordable SROs or just affordable 1-2 bedroom units for folks who are struggling/ don't get enough on an SSI check to rent a room! I hope that the new bridge, if it's going to cost 9 million... is worth the money spent again encouraging biking and walking!

·        The shape of the bridge maybe most visible at night so lighting design is key and should not be an afterthought. Input from professional lighting designers may be useful.

Should the design be more sensitive to the fabric of the city and avoid competing for visual impact with other elements in the area? To my eye simple, clean and well detailed moves though subtle can be the most elegant, show maturity/sophistication of design and may be more timeless and durable. The railing detail currently on the bridge is to me such a detail.

We have an opportunity and a community that (I think) will support thoughtful design and attention to detail. Please take the time and raise the money needed to make this gateway a signature element in our city. 

·        Possible high wall/buffer for Pavilion for sound attenuation.

·        What ever you do, make a decision and do it. Don't wait decades to get the job done with study after study.

·        Bonus: make it a toll bridge and charge the county residents for their daily automobile commutes...city residents, RT.20 travelers and ped/bikes are free.

·        ALTERNATIVE "C" IS UNACCEPTABLE. Please build alternative "A" or "B" with ON-ROAD BIKE LANES!

·        The bridge is a wonderful opportunity to extend the welcoming feel of the downtown mall to the surrounding neighborhood.  I encourage the designers to think of ways to use the bridge as a way to extend the downtown mall toward downtown Belmont. 

·        Please avoid planters (especially enormous ones like on mall) – any planting could be accommodated much more elegantly at grade on the bridge through the use of a green roof system.

·        call me.