OCTOBER 24, 2002 OPEN HOUSE

On Thursday, October 24, 2002, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) held a Public Officials Meeting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Berlin-Brothersvalley School in Berlin, Pennsylvania. This meeting was followed byan Open House for the public from approximately 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. These meetings were held to provide the public and public officials with a project update, and to give them an opportunity to view and comment on the four study alignments that have been developed during the Detailed Study Phase of the project.

Public Officials Meeting

The Public Officials Meeting was opened by Mr. Ron Samuel, PENNDOT District 9-0 ADE-Design. Mr. Samuel provided an overview of both the North and South U.S. 219 Projects (Meyersdale to Somerset and Meyersdale to I-68). Mr. Dave Sherman, Project Manager, PENNDOT District 9-0, then provided more detail about the Meyersdale to Somerset project. According to Mr. Sherman, field work was completed over the summer. The design team then used this data to refine the preliminary study corridor alignments. Mr. Sherman then turned the meeting over to Mr. Joel Smith, Project Manager, Greenhorne & O'Mara, Inc., who provided a tour of the Open House and gave a brief introduction of the various display subject areas: Engineering, Environmental, Farmlands, Cultural Resources, Noise, Mining and GIS. Mr. Smith pointed out that the four study alignments were designed using the appropriate horizontal and vertical geometry and typical roadway section, so the cut and fill lines shown on the display maps now show the "footprint" of the roadway if it were constructed in the locations indicated, instead of the wider corridors that were shown during the preliminary study phase of the project. Mr. Sherman then provided information about the project schedule.

Following the presentation, the meeting was opened for questions and comments. One question asked was whether or not there is a preferred alternative. Mr. Sherman responded that the design team is leaning toward Alignment C-1. However, a preferred alignment can not be selected until all of the analysis has been completed. The public officials also asked for a comparison of the schedules for completion (construction) of the northern and southern projects. Mr. Sherman explained that the southern project started one year behind the northern project. The southern project is moving well, and there is a small chance that construction could begin on both projects at the same time, but budget constraints probably will not allow this to happen. Mr. Sherman pointed out that construction will probably not start until at least 2006.

Public Meeting (Open House)

An Open House was held following the Public Officials Meeting and was attended by approximately 105 people. Poster boards were displayed showing engineering, environmental, cultural, noise, and mining features. A 3-D simulation model of the project area was available, which allowed community residents to zoom in and view the proposed alignments from their property and to view their property from the alignment. This was done in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, displayed on an adjacent computer. This allowed property owners to see what specific physical and environmental features would be affected by the various alternatives in the vicinity of their property. Paper plots of project maps were also displayed, on which the public could indicate areas of special interest to them.

Many Open House attendees returned comment sheets and questionnaires to the Project Team. Overall, many citizens were in favor of the project and are eager to see it completed. Some residents stated that these improvements are necessary in order for Somerset County to grow and progress. One resident commented that they would not use the new route, but that it would probably increase the possibility of new industry coming to the area. Another resident believed that the road improvements will mean less traffic in front of his home, which will make it less dangerous to enter and exit his property.

A few meeting attendees indicated that Alignment D is the best alternative. Four individuals indicated that if Alignment D is chosen as the preferred alignment, an interchange where it crosses existing US 219, south of Berlin, would be better than an interchange on Mud Pike. One individual also indicated that the Mud Pike interchange would not be beneficial to the Berlin community. They believed it would be too close to the existing U.S 219 interchange near Somerset and would not be used. According to another resident of Berlin, Alignments B, C, and C-1 would take business away from the community and would have a negative impact on the Borough of Berlin.

Some residents indicated that Alignment C-1 is the best alternative. One individual stated they would like the shortest route to Meyersdale. He believed this would reduce costs related to snow removal and maintenance.

Several individuals did not favor any of the alignments and would prefer to see the project not happen. Concern was expressed that the road would disturb the natural beauty of the environment and would adversely affect the wildlife in the area. Some individuals expressed concern that the road would be too close to their homes and would interfere with their lives. Increased noise was also a concern for these individuals.

Environmental issues of concern included wetlands, endangered species, farmlands, water quality, and watershed damage. Special Interests that may be affected by the project include farm communities, sportsmen/hunters, and elderly people.