Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-07/1046/46201/Freight_in_Gresham.jpg (Freight, such as this truck driving along Interstate-84, is one of the five major modes of transportation – along with automobile, bicycle, pedestrian and transit – the City of Gresham is evaluating through its Transportation System Plan update project. )

GRESHAM, Ore. – City staff are asking for the community’s feedback on what’s important when it comes to getting around town. A Transportation System Plan (TSP) Community Forum is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, in the Springwater Trail Room at Gresham City Hall, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway.

“All of Gresham’s residents use the transportation system on a daily basis, whether it’s as a driver, a pedestrian, bicyclist, transit user, or recipient of goods and services,” says Kelly Niemeyer, associate transportation planner for the City. “We want to know what streets work well, what streets could work better, and, for example, where do we need better walking connections or bike paths?”

Gresham is updating its TSP, which outlines the transportation system’s 20-year vision, goals, policies, actions and implementation plan. It’s a plan for all major modes of travel – automobile, bicycle, freight, pedestrian and transit – and considers how each type of travel functions alone and interconnected citywide and beyond.

“The public plays an important role in this project because the transportation system is a reflection of the community,” Niemeyer says. “We want to make sure the community’s concerns and visions are considered and incorporated into the plan.”

The City’s TSP was created in 2002. This is the first update to consider the area’s many changes including significant development, a rapidly growing population, the adoption of the Springwater and Pleasant Valley areas, and revisions to plans for the Historic Downtown and Civic neighborhoods as well as Rockwood.

Gresham is required to update its TSP to make sure its plans and projects are compliant with Metro’s Regional Transportation Plan.

In addition to gathering community feedback, Gresham is inventorying the existing system’s current condition, analyzing traffic volumes and pinpointing areas where the TSP needs refinement. The updated TSP is scheduled for Council adoption in fall 2012.
In addition to the public forum, citizens may let the City know their concerns and suggestions through an online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/traveleastmetro

For more information visit GreshamOregon.gov/tsp.

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Contact Info: Laura Shepard, Communications Director, 503-618-2247