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station, not a park & ride. The GC Light Rail Steering Committee supports a walk-up station. A central location would maximize the number of walk-up riders, promote patronage to businesses in the vicinity of a station, and foster Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and redevelopment.

An alternative to a downtown station would be a park & ride station that would require large

amounts of land for a parking lot, removing ratable from the tax base. The quantity of land needed would necessitate the station be located at either the extreme south end or north end of town. These locations would be farther away from a critical mass of potential walk-up riders.

After careful consideration and much debate, the GC Light Rail Steering Committee recommends the light rail station be located somewhere on the Conrail ROW between Hudson and Market streets. More specifically, three possible locations: between Hudson and Monmouth streets, between Monmouth and Cumberland streets, or between Cumberland and Market streets. Further consideration to recommend one preferred location will require consulting with the DRPA and PATCO.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

To maximize the benefits of the new light rail line to GC, the Committee embraces the concepts of Transit Oriented Development (TOD), and recommends such concepts be considered and adopted by the City in and around the proposed train station. The Zoning and Planning Board is developing a new Master Plan, and the City planner has introduced a proposal for TOD concepts within a half mile radius of a light rail train station.

TOD development is in alignment with New Jersey “Smart Growth” programs and policies that encourage planned growth in already developed communities, rather than “sprawl” in open space and farmland areas that lack required supporting infrastructure.

Parking Plan

The Committee does not have the resources to determine the ideal number of parking spaces at a light rail station. Light rail stations along the RiverLine, excluding park & rides, range from zero to 70 parking spaces dedicated to the light rail station. The City will need to work with the DRPA to determine what is right for GC. The Committee does recognize the potential conflict for parking in and around a station. The City will need to address the potential conflict of parking between residents, light rail train users, and business district customers.

Track Crossing Safety

There are a total of 14 Conrail rail crossings in GC, and 11 are located along the proposed Glassboro-Camden Line. The DRPA will conduct a Safety and Security Analysis, including input from City and school officials, and residents. The study will consider the proposed operating conditions, identify potential impacts, and recommend measures to mitigate the impacts.

“We believe the children of GC to already be savvy and respectful of the rail in Gloucester City. We cite the proximity of numerous playgrounds and recreation facilities that border existing rail lines. However, we recognize the light rail will increase the volume of train traffic in the city,” Committee members said. Therefore, the City will need to develop educational materials and programs to reinforce our children’s safety.

Light Rail Noise – FRA Quiet Zone Designation

The Federal Railroad Administration has introduced a new process for communities to mitigate the effects of train horn noise by establishing new “quiet zones.” If this status is achieved, Gloucester City would benefit most by the quieting of the Conrail freight rail lines.

The Committee received the following response from the DRPA on the inquiry on Quiet Zone designation:

“While specific funding has not been identified at this stage of the project, it is the DRPA’s intent to improve grade crossings in a manner that would meet minimum quiet zone specifications. GC will need to submit the application for quiet zone designation. The DRPA will provide specific guidance to GC for the application during the design and construction phase of the project.”

Public Scoping Meetings

DRPA and PATCO invite everyone to attend and participate in a public scoping meeting. “Scoping” is the first step in the environmental impact study and will establish the scope and focus of the environmental review. The Committee recommends interested parties, residents and businesses take the opportunity to learn more about the coming light rail by attending one of the meetings.

Interested participants will be allotted three minutes to provide formal comments. Those who wish to speak should register at the start of the meeting.

Thursday, May 6, Evening Session, 5:30 p.m., Camden County College, Camden Technology Center, 200 North Broadway, Camden.

Tuesday, May 11, Day Session, 1:30 p.m., and Evening Session at 5:30 p.m., Rowan University, Henry M. Rowan Building, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro.