Background
The Town of Milton is a growing suburban community centrally located in Saratoga County, New York and has a current population of around 19,000 people. The area surrounding the Geyser Road/ Rowland Street Intersection functions as the commercial hub and Town Center for the community and provides key transportation access to the City of Saratoga Springs to the east, the Village of Ballston Spa to the south, and residential areas of the Town to the north and west. This study will explore concepts to make the Town of Milton a more connected community, both internally and to the greater Capital Region.
Study Purpose
The purpose of the Milton Town Center Plan Update is to develop design concepts to improve the functionality of the Geyser Road / Rowland Street intersection and provide Complete Streets concepts to expand and improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the Town Center, including linkages to local trails and parks.
The study will also provide a review of current Town Center zoning and design guidelines and offer recommendations that will contribute to reducing vehicular speeds and creating a safer environment for bicyclists and pedestrians.
The needs of this Town Center Plan are focused on five main areas: Complete Streets designs and policies; safety; pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure; reduced congestion; and trail linkages and connections.
Recently, the Geyser Road / Rowland Street intersection in the Town Center of Milton has been experiencing increased congestion. Heavy vehicle traffic has deteriorated curbing due to inadequate turn radii. There is also currently no dedicated bicycle infrastructure, and, while sidewalks exist, they do not extend to existing and planned residential areas in the community and they lack connections to nearby key trails and multi-use paths. Linkages will be sought to the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail, Zim Smith Trail, Saratoga Spa State Park, and Woods Hollow Nature Preserve. Zoning and design guidelines are also needed to help reduce vehicle speeds and create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians.
Vision and Goals
The Milton Town Center is the Town’s main commercial hub and is a focal point for key transportation linkages within the Town and region. The central intersection of Geyser Road and Rowland Street is safe, walkable, serves all users and all forms of transportation, and has improved functionality as a link to other communities, trails, and amenities. The enhanced Town Center will enable safe connections for residents and visitors, supporting the community’s sustainable growth.