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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-07-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Meeting of July 19, 1989 NOTES Present: Commissioners Cannon, Cox, Daley, Reeves, Sprague; Council Liaison Nichols, Acting Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were additions to the Agenda: 11. State Parks Improvements - Andy Mazzella present. 12. Hillview Place Concerns - Ken Deschere of 202 South Hill Terrace present. 13. Street Light request on Fayette Street. 14. Use of City Property. 15. Bike Racks on the Commons. 1. PARKING REOUEST AT 100 FALL VIEW TERRACE Mr. Kenneth Beck was present to explain his request. He would like two parking spaces in front of his home on the street at 100 Fall View Terrace. It was noted that Fall View Terrace is a very narrow street - not wide enough to allow on- street parking. Mr. Beck noted that the area that he would like to have for parking he maintains. However, Mr. Beck was not sure if this was on the City right -of -way or not. It was noted that if these spaces were created on City property, they could not be limited to the Beck's use. Discussion followed about alternate side parking. Discussion followed about front yard parking, and if this was possible, it would be on private property and could be limited to the Beck's exclusive use. The BPW referred Mr. Beck to the Building Department to investigate the possibility of getting a zoning variance to allow front -yard parking. 2. HILLVIEW PLACE CONCERNS Mr. Ken Deschere of 202 South Hill Terrace, was present to voice his concerns about Hillview Place. He was concerned about the amount of dust and requested that the DPW oil the gravel; he felt that the intersection should not be cut into any further; he felt that the DPW should repair /replace the open storm sewers and manhole covers; he felt that the grading and paving should be completed as soon as possible; and he also felt that the residents should be advised of work being done before it is done. Mr. Deschere noted that there is an increase in traffic coming from businesses on South Hill, and that speeding is becoming a problem. Acting Supt. Fabbroni noted that other projects have come up that required immediate attention which caused a delay for Hillview Place. He also noted that he wanted to coordinate this work with the Hudson Street Reconstruction. He also noted that he felt a few good adjustments have been made to Hillview Place. It was further noted that some of the delay is due to utilities, i.e. NYSEG, etc. Discussion followed about widening and paving the street. Commissioner Cannon noted that speeding on these streets is an enforcement problem, and Mr. Deschere should alert the Police Dept. to this. Staff noted that this project actually consists of three projects and that it would take about a month to complete. Staff further noted that they would be happy to meet with the residents to discuss their concerns. 3. STATE PARKS IMPROVEMENTS Andrew Mazzella and Jesse Miller from the State Parks Dept. were present to discuss the proposed improvements to the area's State Parks. Mr. Mazzella discussed the controversial improvements to the Allan H. Treman State Marina Park, and discussed the protection of Hog Hole. He noted there was a problem with mowing in this area recently and that he has met with Acting Supt. Fabbroni and discussed this. Mr. Mazzella noted that the improvements to the Marina include the addition of another pier and construction of a road. Mr. Mazzella further noted that there are colored maps in his office showing all proposed improvements to the State Parks, and that a public meeting may be held to discuss this. Commissioner Reeves asked about the proposed picnic area development and the proposed trees. Discussion followed about the proposed road and Mr. Mazzella noted that there is some opposition to this road. Mr. Mazzella felt it was necessary to have a road near the picnic area for the sake of the handicapped, and those who can't walk that far. Commissioner Reeves was pleased that the improvements were allowing Hog Hole to remain an natural habitat. Mr. Mazzella will give the BPW a copy of a map of the improvements. Mr. Mazzella discussed improvements to the other State Parks - Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman, Taughannock Falls. Mr. Mazzella also discussed the Cayuga Inlet Trail. It was noted that the State Parks will cooperatively construct and administer this with the City and Town of Ithaca. Mr. Miller noted the three phases of this project, and how complicated the project has become in the past 15 years. Mr. Mazzella noted that there is some controversy regarding this trail and that they hope to get it resolved soon. 4. REQUEST FOR STOP LIGHT AT MITCHELL AND STATE STREETS to Alder persons p ns Booth and Killeen, along with residents of the neighborhood, were present for this discussion. Acting Supt. Fabbroni reviewed the Traffic Engr.'s report and maps. He noted that the Traffic Engr. suggested two options - the installation of a traffic island or the installation of a left -hand turn only lane. Alderperson Booth felt that the traffic island was a move in the right direction and urged the BPW to make changes. Alderperson Killeen felt that pedestrians should be discouraged from crossing at this intersection. Susan Blumenthal liked the island idea. Discussion followed about traffic on State Street being at a disadvantage. Commissioner Daley noted that traffic coming up State Street sometimes does not signal when turning left onto Mitchell Street. Bud Gerkin suggested that any plan should be implemented as to cover a time during the winter months. Alderperson Killeen asked that the Ithaca Transit not stop at this intersection. Discussion followed about the Traffic Engr.'s suggested plans. The BPW decided to direct staff to implement Plan B -1, installing a traffic island using the existing pavement widths during part of the winter, installing no pedestrian crossing signs and asking the Transit drivers not to stop there. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary