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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2010-11-07DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 12:15 p.m. November 3, 2010 PRESENT: DAC Chair — Roberts DAC Vice Chair - Gizewski DAC Members: David McElrath Erin Sember Jason Anderson Andrew Rappaport Alderperson Rooker Ed Swayze, Director, 2 -1 -1, Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County Information Management Specialist — Myers Traffic Engineer — Logue Assistant Civil Engineer — Yost Engineering Technician — Johnson EXCUSED: George Eberhardt Siobhan Whalen Otis Jackson OTHERS PRESENT: Danielle Conti, Tompkins County Office for the Aging Gary Ferguson, Downtown Ithaca Alliance Director Nicole Carrier - Titti- Interested member of the public and Finger Lakes Independence Center (FLIC) Board member Cynthia Kopell, Interested member of the public and Tompkins County Department of Social Services Mobility Specialist Introductions were made between Disability Advisory Council (DAC) members and members from the public. Chair Roberts expressed his thanks to Scott Kronenbitter, from the Information Technology Department, for his assistance in setting up the online survey for the DAC. He also thanked the City Clerk's office for their assistance with sending out the public service announcement regarding today's public hearing, and for the DAC members for attending the meeting today. He explained the Disability Advisory Council advises the Mayor, Common Council, city boards and committees, city officials and staff, on the rights and needs of people with disabilities in the City of Ithaca. He also noted that there are vacancies on the DAC should anyone be interested in making application to serve on the Council. Chair Roberts stated that the following questions were asked regarding the public's concerns about pedestrian issues: • Do you consider the City to be pedestrian friendly? • Can you describe specific concerns you have, including locations? • What are some things that can be done to improve the pedestrian experience for people with disabilities? Assistant Civil Engineer Yost explained that she oversees the City's sidewalk program, and noted that the city began building sidewalk ramps before the ADA in 2007. She stated that the city developed an in -house sidewalk crew that works during the summer to construct sidewalks, and works during the winter to remove snow from sidewalks. She further stated that the city billed $9,000.00 last winter for the crews' work to remove snow from sidewalks ($50.00 per property). She presented a map to the Council to show how sidewalks are "tagged" for repair /replacement. She noted that 800 out of 4,500 properties in the city have public sidewalks. She stated that staff in the office are reviewing ways to improve efficiency, construction methods, and the use of more structural soil to help diminish damage to sidewalks caused by tree roots, and other methods to replace sidewalks. She reported that there are big challenges with the November 3, 2010 sidewalk program, and a sub - committee was created and met early in 2010 to review how to improve the sidewalk program. The sub - committee developed recommendations, which have not been reviewed or implemented yet. Chair Roberts asked what happens when the city receives a complaint about a bad sidewalk. Asst. Civil Engineer Yost responded, that the complaint is noted, tagged on the sidewalk map, inspected by the city, and notice of defect letters are sent to the property owner. She further reported that the sidewalk crew just lost staff, which will not help the program either. Ms. Carrier -Titti asked what the best way for the public to communicate to the city what sidewalks need snow removed. Asst. Civil Engineer Yost responded that information about unshoveled sidewalks should be provided to the Streets and Facilities Department. The public can call that office at 607- 272 -1718, staff will schedule the crew to go out to remove the snow, and create a bill for the property owner. She further stated that complaints about the poor condition of sidewalks can be made to her office by calling 607 - 274 -6532. Chair Roberts explained that in 2005 Mayor Peterson convened the Pedestrian Advisory Committee. That committee recommended the creation and hiring of the City's "Sidewalk Crew ", as well as changes to the City Code whereby all sidewalks need to be cleared of ice and snow within twenty -four (24) hours of the start of a snow storm. He stated that the City made these changes because it views the issues of accessibility as very important. Discussion followed on the floor regarding what the policy is regarding the removal of snow from corner properties. It becomes frustrating to property owners who clear their sidewalks at corner properties only to have the city snowplows come through and put snow back onto the sidewalks. Asst. Civil Engineer Yost explained that when corner properties are cleared by the city's sidewalk crew, that the owner is billed for the service. She stated that if property owners wish to appeal the bill they can do so by petitioning the Board of Public Works. Chair Roberts, who is the DAC Liaison to the Board of Public Works, noted that very few appeals have come to the Board of Public Works about snow removal charges. He feels that shows the publics' understanding of the importance of snow removal from sidewalks. Traffic Engineer Logue reported that Phase III of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail has been completed, and that work on Phase II continues. He stated that there are also plans to connect the trail from Six Mile Creek gorge area into the neighborhoods — although it may be only a dirt or stone dust trail to start so may not be accessible to everyone at this point. He reported that in 2009 -2010 the City obtained information and input from the community about where new sidewalks should be installed throughout the City. He said that grant money was obtained to construct a sidewalk along Giles Street — after reviewing all the proposed areas for sidewalks and then categorized and prioritized the work. Some of the considerations in decision making were is it a high traffic area, or is a second sidewalk on the street as important as one on a street where there are no sidewalks, by density of neighborhoods, and then by geography. He stated that there are a lot of areas in the City where sidewalks are needed, but new sidewalks are very expensive. He further explained that money for sidewalks might be obtained through capital projects or grant funding; although it is the property owner's responsibility for the sidewalks. He stated that the cost of $30,000 to $50,000 for a new sidewalk in certain areas is an awful lot to ask a property owner to pay for. This is an ongoing discussion and long -term project for the city. He further reported that the City has been working on the timing of some traffic signals, particularly in Collegetown and the intersection of Green and Cayuga Streets. He noted that other improvements are being made to help pedestrian accessibility at various crosswalk locations. November 3, 2010 Danielle Conti, from the Tompkins County Office for the Aging, explained that in April 2010, their office participated in conjunction with Ithaca College's Gerontology Institute in the AARP "The April, 2010 Complete Streets Week Initiative: Tompkins County Participation and Findings" . The study involved surveying different parts of Tompkins County that had been identified as problematic. Team members ranged in age 18 to 70, with those participants 60 years old or older very excited in the study because they feel it is so important. The survey included whether or not there are crossing signals, curb cuts, turning lanes, etc. and areas were rated excellent to poor. Please see attached document noted above for more details of the study and its results. Ms. Cynthia Kopell, Tompkins County Department of Social Services — Mobility Specialist noted that sidewalk condition is very important for those people with limited vision. She noted that there is a particular area of concern near the DeWitt Mall at the Cayuga Street /Seneca Street intersection. She encouraged the City to continue its work to install sidewalks where there are currently none, to work on textured curb cuts, and improving the condition of sidewalks where needed. She stated that another area of concern is on Floral Avenue /Route 13A corridor where the new HUD Section 8 housing was constructed lacks continuity of the sidewalk which makes it difficult for pedestrians, bus riders, and someone in a wheelchair. Ms. Carrier -Titti stated that she lives on Wood Street, near Route 13, and that as a result of a spinal injury she suffered, she walks with a limp and a cane or walker. She is very sensitive to a lot of intersections where there is not enough time for pedestrians to cross the street with the current timing of the signal for pedestrians. She understands that Route 13 is a State Route, but feels very strongly that something needs to be done at the South Street /Route 13 intersection because seven (7) seconds is not enough time for a pedestrian to cross the street. She feels that the visual and audio clues are very important as well. She suggested an education campaign for drivers regarding the rights of pedestrians at cross walks might be helpful because the default currently is that the car has the right -of -way and it shouldn't. Gary Ferguson, Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) reported that the DIA has been working with the Disability Advisory Council on an accessibility map of the downtown area. He stated that pedestrian issues and concerns need to be addressed as projects are developed downtown to make sure everyone has access to wherever they need to go. Ed Swayze, Director, 2 -1 -1, asked whether additional signs /cones alerting motorists of the need to give pedestrians the right -of -way at different crosswalks could be placed in high traffic areas. Traffic Engineer Logue responded that the City did receive a lot of positive response when the cones /signs were placed in the roadways at various crosswalks in the past. The only downside is that they get hit and damaged. He noted that Common Council did designate funds for this purpose, so he will work with the city's sign shop to get the signs /cones ready for use in 2011. He stated that the following intersections would be included in the placement of the signs /cones: Clinton Street /Plain Street, Clinton Street /Corn Street. Chair Roberts stated that he wanted to compliment Gary Ferguson for including input from the Finger Lakes Independence Center in the DIA's downtown five -year comprehensive plan. He requested that Mr. Ferguson consider doing a presentation to the DAC at some point about the plan to provide an overview. DAC Member Sember questioned who would get the results of the survey conducted by Tompkins County Office for the Aging and Ithaca College. Ms. Conti responded that the results were shared with the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, and Tompkins County Public Works department. Asst. Civil Engineer Yost and Traffic Engineer Logue noted they had not received a copy of the survey results yet. Chair Roberts suggested that perhaps they meet with Ms. Conti or another V November 3, 2010 representative from Tompkins County Office for the Aging to review the results of the survey. Traffic Engineer Logue reported that a capital project was established to improve the pedestrian crossing at Third and Dey Streets to extend paths and sidewalks. DAC Member McElrath reported, on behalf of a resident at Titus Towers who is visually impaired, the need to improve sidewalks so that they are even because in some places in the City she has to walk in the street. He also noted that near Titus Towers II there are no street lights. Commons Upgrade Project: Chair Roberts stated that he participated in the Client Committee to review the proposed Commons upgrade project. He stated the first phase of the study has been completed regarding the design concept. He further stated that Common Council would be voting on whether or not to include money for the next phase of the project in the 2011 budget at their meeting tonight. He thought the DAC might provide input to Common Council since it is a lot of money to spend, and the Commons needs to be a central part of making the City accessible for pedestrians. He stated that City Planner, Jennifer Kusznir, provided a resolution in support of the next phase for the DAC to vote on today if they are in support of the project. Resolution in Support of Capital Funding for the Ithaca Commons Design and Upgrade Project By DAC Member McElrath: Seconded by DAC Vice Chair Gizewski WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has been working on the first phase of the design and upgrade to the Ithaca Commons, and WHEREAS, a member of the Disability Advisory Council was a member of the client committee and has been involved with the preliminary design phase of this project, and WHEREAS, the preliminary design phase included multiple outreach efforts to the community and specifically included a focus group discussion and surveys geared towards members of the Disability Advisory Council and other people with accessibility limitations, and WHEREAS, many concerns were raised over the existing state of the Ithaca Commons, including the damaged uneven surface conditions which create difficult and dangerous surfaces including many tripping hazards, and WHEREAS, comments were also received stating that the existing Commons, particularly during special events, can become very crowded resulting in very small passageways making it incredibly difficult for those in wheel chairs to maneuver, and WHEREAS, in order to address these and other concerns with regard to the existing conditions of the Commons, the City must move forward with the next phase of the Commons upgrades including detailed final designs and construction documents, now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Disability Advisory Council does hereby strongly encourage the Common Council to approve the funding for the final design phase of the Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade project. CC Liaison Rooker stated that Common Council will probably approve this project, even though some Common Council members have expressed concern about the spending of such a large amount of money on just the downtown area and not on other areas of the City. He further stated that it would be good for the DAC to provide its support of the project to Common Council by way of this resolution. Cl November 3, 2010 DAC Member Rappaport stated that he does not support the resolution for two reasons: one being the proposed design in its current form, and the cost of the project whereby funds would be sent to a design firm in Boston, rather than be spent locally. He stated that the City should be supporting local designers during this difficult economic time. Vice Chair Gizewski asked whether there is a way to review and follow the design phases of the project. Chair Roberts responded that information about the project is available on the City's website and people can also call Jennifer Kusznir in the Planning Department for additional information. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows: Ayes (6) Roberts, Gizewski, McElrath, Sember, Anderson, Rooker Nays (1) Rappaport Abstentions (0) Carried Chair Roberts thanked the Council for their support and noted that he would bring the resolution to Common Council for their meeting this evening. Chair Roberts stated that he would work with the City Clerk's office to put together the survey responses, and review the input from today's meeting. That information will be brought to the December 1St DAC meeting for review and discussion, and to decide what the next step should be. DAC Member Rappaport asked Asst. Civil Engineer Yost what the square footage of sidewalk was that was replaced this year versus the back log of sidewalks that need to be done. Asst. Civil Engineer Yost responded that she does not have those figures right now. However, she did have a comment from a woman who called her to report that she was unhappy with the city's snow removal policy. The woman had worked with Tompkins County Office for the Aging and Life Long to get assistance with snow removal and was not satisfied. She reported that using those programs the property owner is left at the mercy of strangers who do not always show up, and she feels that the city's legislation was ill considered as it does not take into consideration senior citizens on fixed incomes or people with disabilities. Chair Roberts stated that most older people do own their homes in the City and are faced with three challenges regarding snow removal: (1) Snow removal at curb cuts (2) Trouble removing snow — even within 24 hours (3) Cost prohibitive Ms. Conti explained that the Tompkins County Office for the Aging updates their list of people who volunteer to do snow removal each year so that it is always kept up -to -date. Chair Roberts noted that it would be good for the DAC to get a sense of the snow removal services that are out there for the public to see what is working and what isn't. Asst. Civil Engineer Yost, Traffic Engineer Logue, and Engineering Technician Johnson were excused at 1:10 p.m. Chair Roberts stated that he was traveling on South Plain Street across the bridge to South Street, past Parkside Gardens so he could get to Titus Towers to vote, and discovered that the sidewalk ends and there is a concrete barrier. He stated that at night that could be a very dangerous situation for someone and should be reviewed to see what improvements could be made to make it safer. '61 November 3, 2010 DAC Member Sember left at 1:20 p.m. Ms. Carrier -Titti noted that barrier was meant to be a temporary traffic calming means until a decision was made about what should go there next. She stated that the neighborhood is concerned about it and would like it removed since the next step has not been taken. DAC Member Rappaport reported that Buffalo Street does not have curb cuts all the way up the hill. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Larry Roberts Information Management Specialist Chair, DAC SURVEY RESULTS Can you describe specific concerns you have, including the location of the problem? 1. It is hard to cross Green Street at the corner of South Geneva Street. Cars have a stop light at South Albany and Green, and South Cayuga and Green, but not South Geneva which is the block in- between. At times cars are looking to get through the upcoming light and are going a bit fast; or they are just going rather fast. Over the years McGraw House residents have often opted to take Gadabout to get to Family Medicine on State Street so that they do not have to deal with crossing Green Street at this intersection. In years past we have been informed that it is hard to add a light on Green Street because it is a NYS route. However, a light was added mid -block near the Green Street Parking Garage, so it can be done. 2. My mom uses a wheelchair and we've found it difficult to get her around some neighborhoods. Specifically, we took her on the MS Walk via Cayuga - Buffalo- Aurora Streets and had difficulty. 3. low hanging tree limbs on Buffalo St 4. There needs to be some consistencies with the traffic walk lights - how much time does one really have? You really don't know because they are all so different and only a few give how many "seconds" are left. The bottom of Seneca St. just invites people to take a chance and cross. 5. The crosswalks with timers allow for only 30 seconds for someone to cross a 4- lane highway (Rt 13 near Tops and Wegmans). Thirty seconds may be enough for able bodied people but it isn't easy for the disabled. On top of that, turning traffic gets their light while the timer is still showing 20 seconds so I now have 10 seconds to cross the street before traffic moves. 6. 1 am moderately disabled: bad arthritis in my knee, but I can walk, with a cane. Winter changes the picture. My main destination is the TCPL. Unless things have changed since I was trying to help my mother get access to TCPL, there is no real handicapped parking with easy access to the building. The problem I discovered for myself last winter was when I finally found a parking space, usually on Cayuga, I would then have to walk (hobble) in the street, with the traffic, because there was snow piled on the curbs. I had to make it to a corner to find a curb cut that allowed ne to get to the sidewalk. Unpleasant and unsafe. 7. Not enough talking crosswalks 8. The corner of Buffalo Street and Stewart Avenue is practically impossible for any pedestrian to cross, especially a person with mobility impairment, or a child. The intersection currently has a blinking yellow light on Buffalo and a blinking red on Stewart which creates confusion resulting in erratic behavior by drivers. Pedestrians are often lured into the intersection by a car stopped at the yellow blinking light heading up Buffalo, only to find that another car is coming fast through the yellow blinker on the downhill side of Buffalo St. City buses have difficulty crossing Buffalo while traveling on Stewart Ave due to the fast traffic encouraged by the blinking yellow. Because of the significant number of pedestrians in the rental housing in the area, and the Carriage House, Chapter House, and other eating establishments in the area, this intersection is long over -due to be prioritized for a regular traffic light to replace the blinking lights. 9. Getting into Tompkins County Library is a long walk for physically disabled, even from handicapped parking places. I don't know how it could be done, but an easier entry would be appreciated. I would go more often. rl 10. walk around downtown and I am always tripping over sidewalks that are being turned up from nearby trees roots. I have MS and it is hard to lift my leg up high enough sometimes to get over the fracture of a sidewalk. 11. 1 only feel safe crossing the street with my dog. No one wants to run over a cute little dog, otherwise I feel like my life is in danger every time I cross a street in Ithaca. Allowing right hand turns for vehicles with the OK to cross light on for pedestrians is very dangerous. I have learned just to look both ways for cars and cross when peds don't have the so called right of way. It's safer. In your opinion, how pedestrian friendly is the City of Ithaca? Friendly 8.3% Somewhat Friendly 25% Average 16.7% Somewhat Unfriendly 33.3% Unfriendly 8.3% No Opinion 8.3% What are some things that should be done to improve the city's pedestrian friendliness? 1. Different corners have different types of lights and crossing etiquette. It is necessary to know the City and what rules govern a particular corner. For example, the corner of Seneca and No. Cayuga Street has a very short walk sign and a very long doesn't walk sign. It is so long that you start to think it is broken. If you live here, you know you have a lot of time when the don't walk signal comes up. The Green St /So Cayuga St intersection near the library has a very short time to cross. People who live here cross diagonally; out of towners just look on in disbelief when they see this. The intersection near CSMA has buttons to push in order to pass. At one time (I'm not sure if this is still the case), you would never get a walk sign unless you pushed the button. People who did not know they needed to push a button would be standing there and standing there... It is just the lack of standard set of practices that I think create a problem for all pedestrians, including the disabled and elderly. 2. Uneven sidewalks was the biggest issue and although the curbs were more navigational, some of them were not as level to the street as could be for smooth rolling 3. 1 don't know what other cities are like. Increase vigilance against snow /ice on sidewalks. Fix timing of lights so people know how much time is really left to cross. Very bad places for pedestrians include Meadow St. near Wegmans and crossing to Farmers Market. 4. ALL vehicle traffic should come to a COMPLETE stand -still before a pedestrian begins to cross. Short of that, move the blue bridge -to no -where from near Home Depot to where people can use it to get across Rt 13. 5. Clear the curbs - and sidewalks. And the City should do it - not try to rely on the folks who live there. I lived in Rochester for many years; the city sent sidewalk plows to clear the walks. It wasn't perfect: a residue was left behind, which sometimes froze, but it was sure a good start. I was a homeowner and taxpayer and I felt it was money well spent. 6. Slow down city traffic with more traffic lights at dangerous intersections like Buffalo St. and Stewart Ave. 7. fix sidewalks 8. Give a few more second to cross for us old people who can't run, and STOP allowing vehicle turns! 9. Sidewalks need to be fixed, and bikes (even though illegal) need to be kept off the sidewalks �'j