HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-05-26BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting ,1 :00 P.M
May 26, 1993
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) Rusof.f, Tr,.pi,: Reeve., Gerard, Smith, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT• t
Superintendent of Public Worm. Gray
Asst. Superintendent of Street,. h Pa CI'.; I. ies Ferrel.
Asst. Superintendent of Water h Sewer Shimer
Common Council Liaison Beru
Deputy City Controller - Thava-,
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle -
Alderpersons - Blanchard, Daley: Schroeder
r
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
lO
T—
Mayor Nichols led all present i, the
American Flag.
Pledge of Allegiance to the
co
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
L
Approval of Minutes of the 44Y 12,
Meetinv
1993 Board of Public Works
By Commissioner Reeves: "e' (""led uy
RESOLVED, That approval
roaimi.ssioner Tripp
of (.he Mi nui es
Public Works Meeting be potitpor,ed
of the May 12, 1993 Board of
r,nt:,';
the June 9, 1993 meeting.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITT099 TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE. - AGENDA:
New Business
Superintendent Gray requested he addition
of the 12" Water Main
of Item A Cornell Use
on Easr Avenue,
No Board member objected
Creeks. H�13yms and—Parks Items:
Commissioner Reeves requested the deletion of Item A - Request from
Ithaca Festival for Use of DeWitt. Park - Resolution, as the Ithaca
Festival has withdrawn their request.
No Board member objected
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Public Hearin o for South Titus Avenue, Barricades
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Publics year liul fn, South Titus Avenue Barricades
be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
Mr. Lyle Neigh, 321 South T, „s Avenue, addressed the Board in
favor of closing the section )f South Titus Avenue between Fair and
South Streets. Mr. Neigh suggested that the curbline be realigned
`tom the South Plain Street bridge to Fair Street to prevent
bottlenecked traffic. Mr'. Neagh also suggested that a "NO Left
Turn" sign be placed on Meadow street, at its intersection with
South Titus Avenue. Mr. Neigh further stated that he is supportive
of the idea of placing a r.hreeway !;top sign on South Titus Avenue
at South Plain Street.
Mr. Daniel Krall, 612 South Plain Street., addressed the Board in
favor of closing the portion of Souch Titus Avenue, and the curb
realignment. Mr. Krell ai ro ~uggested that sidewalks be
constructed on the North Side of South Titus Avenue for
pedestrians. Mr. Krail stated `:hal 4e , very supportive of
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BPW Minutes
May 26, 1993
creating a park for kids arid t.eenagero, ai t.hat location, hopefully
even including a basketbat' court.
Gladys Haskins, 800 S. Plain t addre,a;ad khe Board i
closing the above mentioned po,: I. i. n.,• of in support of
creating a park, South Titus Ave. and
Nina Bassuk, Chair of the Shade Tree Advisory Committee, and member
of the Parks Commission, addressed the Board in favor
additional green space at that of creating
local. ion for either passive or
active recreation.
Howard Ingraham, 425 South Titus Avenrie addressed the Board in
Opposition to the idea of clos.i ng i. tie above mention section of
South Titus Avenue and creating a park. He inquired as to the
results of the changed traffic: pattern, and noted that traffic
counters and surveys were never c:omplet:ed at that site. As a
result of the barricades, his observations included increased
traffic on the other portion of Sourti Titus Avenue and South Street
which are residential ne.ighbc,rboode: and decreased traffic at the
end of South Titus Avenue, which is let a residential neighborhood.
Mr. Ingraham cited the ecorioml, -ally deprived neighborhood, and
crime rate in that location as reasons not to invest money in
creating a park. Mr. Ingraham noted many of his neighbors he has
spoken with who are also oppt,,i i,. ! -he• creation of a park.
Alderperson Blanchard read ..hr : n•,,,.„j:.I.at.ement into the record:
"I am here today representing Aiderman Romanowski and myself in
accordance with your resolution of March 24th enlisting our
assistance in obtaining feedback From the neighborhood on the
proposal to permanently abandon south Til,us Avenue between Fair and
South Streets. Alderman Romanowski and i both have personal
opinions about this issue bul my presentation will focus on
information that we have cottected' not on our own views.
Apparently, at some point, you also requested assistance or
authorized Commissioner Gerard' assistance because it appears that
he has also been canvassing Lie neighborhood. Perhaps we should
have coordinated that a little better but thats all past now.
One point of clarification. The ca;) Fot a public hearing and the
aubsequent legal notice of hearing refers only to abandonment of
the street. I am assuming, the, afore, chat the issue of conversion
of the street - -if it is abandoned- to park space, will be
discussed and decided at some 'ater date i make this distinction,
not only because of the legal notice aspects but, also, because the
park issue raises a whole other set of planning questions and
concerns not related to the street itself.
My remarks are divided into 3 categdries. First, some history;
second, the results of our' Contacts with residents; third, some
long range planning issues that may have bearing on your decision.
History: In the late 1960s, he City Plann i. ng Board commissioned
the preparation of a Citywide open Space and Recreation
Study. I am familiar wlt.b this report. because I was one
the p l uttgw s first t the noton of abandoni Fly Soh Tts A waraised. A
wasta time,
lane no W the South Pl Tops,
in Street bridge
was still functioning„aS a traffic carrier.
Early in 1992, Alderman Romauowski forwarded to you a
request from Frank h Filomena Hall of 417 South Titus
Avenue to close the :;t rest and make certain other changes
in signing. Mr. Hal.) proposed two alternatives and went
to a great deal of trnuble preparing drawings and
BPW Minutes
May 26, 1993
explanatory mat:erlal 'II we-. al that time that the trial
street closing was inipiementsd it is important to note,
however, that this was only a part of Mr. Hall's
alternative recommendations.
J
Shortly after the ba ni caries were erected, Alderman
Romanowski and I began r:u receive complaints about the
change. Some of these complaints were from residents of
the immediate neighbor hood; some were from several blocks
away. We never received any positive comments about the
barricades. Abour three months ago, I brought a
collection of these �omplaints to you and the decision
was made to extend the trial by 90 days.
Information from Residents:
There are approxi.inately 16 residences that. directly front
on South Titus and Fair Street. Alderman Romanowski and
I have personally talked with or received communications
LO from 11 of these residents. of these 11, 7 were opposed
T— to closing the street, 4 were in favor of closing to one
m degree or another, some more than others. If it would be
helpful to have speci
z for you. fic comments, I can prepare a list
g
` While there was no consensus, on the street closing,
almost everyone acknowledged the serious traffic problem
that exists on the straight portion of the street leading
directly to Wegmans. The issues are speed and general
safety; volume was not as much a concern as speed. In
fact, there was a general recognition that, short of
moving the grocery store, there was not much of a
solution for the volume .issue_
Long Range Planning Considerations:
Two important considerations here. First, as a part of
the Rt. 96 improvements -which will happen within the
next 3 years - Meadow Street will become one -way
northbound. In addit. ion, North Titus Avenue will be dead
ended. We don't know what impact this will have on
traffic patterns.
Second, the City is anticipating a major renovation of
the Landmark Square Wood Street Park area that also
incorporates some proposed traffic controls that may
affect traffic movements in this area. Coincidentally,
this project will also result in major improvements to
Wood street Park making it much more attractive
useful for the neighborhood. and
In conclusion, I would ask you lu consider additional study of this
area before you make any decision about . the street or the park.
There are a number of ideas floating around about this section of
the City and within them, we might find a reasonable long range
solution or, at a minimum, ways of snit- igating the problems.
Alderperson Joseph Daley, Chair of the Traffic Task Force,
addressed the Board to offer several alternatives to the traffic
problems in the Titus Avenue area. The Traffic Task Force is
opposed to closing the above mentioned section of Titus Avenue,
because it removes traffi. e: r:um a predominantly non- residential
street and forces more traff.i.c: 11111-0 a densely populated residential
street (South Street). Alderperson Daley suggested that the other
side of the grass triangle (still South Titus Avenue) be partially
barricaded to allow access for the residents, but would force the
bulk of traffic onto the other side of South Titus Avenue, making
Wegmans accessible through its back entrance on west Clinton
Street. Alderperson Daley noted as well that speed is the majority
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BPW Minutes
May 26, 1993
Of the traffic problem in that area as opposed to volume. He
further stated that the Task Force has also investigated the idea
of Stop signs for the area although ).hey did not select a specific
site to place them.
Mr. Frank Hall, 417 S. Titus Aveuur, ,;ubmit.t.ed a petition
Board with 24 signatures I:hat. read as Follows: to the
"We, the undersigned residents of the South Titus Avenue area,
respectfully petition the City of Ithaca to enlarge the park that
is currently located to the north of 419 -427 South Titus Avenue,
west of 102 -108 Fair Street and south of Six Mile Creek, bordered
by South Titus Avenue, South Street, and Fain Street. Th
to include South Titus to the north) a5 is park is
part of the grasslands.
This proposal, if accepted, would combine the tin- numbered section
Of South Titus to the North and a currently unused portion of land
into a casual park not to include sports and play structures but
rather benches and trees. To r'e- affirm and protect the right -of-
way of the pedestrians crossing to the park we request realignment
of the stop signs on the corner of the intersection of South Titus
Avenue /South Street and Fair Streei. to face east and west rather
than north and south as they currently face. Also considered
should be 10:00 PM park closing signs to abide by the current
statutes of the city as well as signs discouraging commercial truck
traffic from traveling the .incoming streets of this area.
We trust you will a
aforement pprove the resolution to enlarge the
ioned piece of property into a much needed and desired
casual park."
Motion to Close Public Rearin
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing for South Titus Avenue barricades
be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Soutq Titus Barricades
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded oy Curmn.i.ssioner Brandford
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved
temporary barricades on South Titus of placement for
Streets, and Avenue between Fair and South
WHEREAS, the extension of the placemeni;. expires on June 1, 1993,
and
WHEREAS, the Board held a publi hearing t:o receive input from the
neighbori public hearing property owners, and
WHEREAS, the Board has received urbu) from the Task Force on
Traffic Issues concerning it input; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public works hereby directs staff to
take the necessary steps to convert South Titus Avenue between
South and Fair Streets into greet) sparse for additional park lands.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED,, That the Resolved clause read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby directs staff to
take the necessary steps to aljattdori South Titus Avenue between
South and Fair Streets,
Ayes (5) Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard, Smith, Brandford
Nays (1) Reeves
Carried
BPW Minutes
May 26, 1993
Ameadiaa Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by conuoissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the following Resolved
Resolution: I.'lause be added to the
suggestions submitted £ om the olel6hborhoodf residents regarding the improvement of traffic flow and pedestrian safety in this area.
Ayes (4) Rusoff Tripp, Gerard, Smith
Nays (2) Reeves, Brandford
Carried
Superintendent Gray reminded Board members that this section of
South Titus Avenue was recent ly used as a detour for Route 13
during the recent flooding. Superintendent Gray concurred with the
Traffic Task Force that this -of of the street is an asset to
the City because it is only occupied nn one side, which makes it a
r better traffic carrier than residential streets that are occupied
LO on both sides, with additional comps i cat. ions of driveways, and on-
T— street parking. Superintendent Gray further asked thre Board to
m define whether they are pursuing the idea
z space. of park land or green
C Commissioner Reeves stated that she also agrees with the Traffic
G Task Force and will not support this Resolution
will grossly, and unfairly imps r.t as she feels it
the Fair Street residents.
further noted that without signage, crossi ng to the green space She
dangerous, and with the current and potential staff cuts, is Department of Public Works is already experiencing difficulties the
he
maintaining the parks, in
Alderperson Daley asked the Board to consider keeping the Street as
a right -of -way and making it a green space, as
abandoning the Street. He further opposed to
asked the Board to take into
account the divided opinion of the residents, and the flux that the
area is going through, because of both the current change in the
traffic pattern, and the future changes l.n traffic patterns as the
Route 96 project begins, as well as new business ventures in the
area such as Walmart. He stated that the City may wish to
investigate different traffic: pattern options at that intersection
in the future, which would be much inure complicated if the Street
has been abandoned, and formerly dedicated as park land, and the
City has to alienate it.
Main Motion- As Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard, Smith
Nays (2) Reeves, Brandford
Call for Public Rearing Carried
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, there has been signi.f:icanl public interest in a Park at
the South Titus Avenue triangle, and
WHEREAS, the City is interested i.n expanding its green space; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Publ is Works calls for a Public Hearing
to determine whether staff should be directed to take the necessary
steps re convert South Titus Avenue between South and Fair Streets
into green space for add.i t i. ona' park lands.
Ayes (5) Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard, Smith, Brandford
Nays (1) Reeves
Carried
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BPW Minutes
May 26, 1993
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols referred to a recent art. icle in the Ithaca Times
which raised the issue of whether the City has been neglecting its
infrastructure, and the Department of public Works. He distributed
financial charts illustrating that Ehe amount of funding the
Department of Public Works has received during the past five years
has basically remained unchanged.
Commissioner Brandford noted i.he vac i.oas projects and equipment
purchases which have been delayed recently.
Mayor Nichols also reported that he has been contacted by Mr. Danny
Wheeler, representing the Sons of the Union Veterans. Mr. Wheeler
was concerned about the appearance Of DeWitt Park and offered his
services to help clean it up before the Memorial Day celebrations.
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel wilt contact. Mr. Wheeler.
REPORT OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISON:_
Alderperson Berg reported that he has been investigating the
possibility of area residents and concerned citizens taking a more
active role in maintaining the City's neighborhood parks. He
stated that this would remove pressure from the DPW crews and allow
them to complete other projects that have been delayed.
Alderperson Berg stated that Asst rity Attorney Kennedy is
researching the issue of liability in connection with citizens
using City equipment.
Alderperson Berg reported that Common Council will be voting on an
increase in hours for the City Forester.
Alderperson Berg further reported that meetings have begun
regarding the future use of debit cards in the City parking garages
and lots.
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS•
Request from DII to Provide. One Hour _Free. Parkiaa
By Commissioner Tripp; Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, Downtown Ithaca Inc. has proposed that merchants and
service oriented businesses be allowed to provide one hour free
parking in the downtown ramps or Lot D (Woolworths) to their
patrons, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has proposed that the City sell to DII (in
quantity) stickers or a similar device at a discounted rate of $.05
less than the posted rate (or $.25 currently) each that will be
good for one hour of parking i.n l.he downtown ramps or Lot e
(Woolworths), and
WHEREAS, DII will act as the City's a'genl :. by selling such devices
to the downtown businesses and professional offices upon request;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Pub,. ic: Work: approves of DII's proposal
for a period of one year, renewable upon agreement of both parties,
and, be it, further
RESOLVED, That the Board urges DI1 and the City Chamberlain to
implement the program as soon as possible. -
Discussion followed on the El. y:or regarding the option of area
merchants and businesses, who are not members DII, being able to
purchase these stickers from DTT at the rate of $.30, because DII
will be handling the administration and marketing of this program.
The City will absorb the cost of printing the stickers.
BPW Minutes
May 26, 1993
Further discussion followed regarding whether these stickers would
only be good for the first hour of parking, or if accumulated
stickers would be honored. The Board decided that they would honor
the accumulated stickers.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (5) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Smith
Nays (1) Brandford
Carried
BUILDINGS PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
Bus Passas for City EmnloVass
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works and Common Council passed a
resolution allowing City employees to ride Ithaca Transit for a
period of one year, expiring 'on April 1, 1993, and
T
L0 WHEREAS, staff is requesting that the agreement be continued with
T— the same stipulations as last year; now, therefore, be Sit
m RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that Common
L7 Council pass a resolution to extend this agreement for one year
provided that the Unions agree to extend their agreement concerning
this service.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS•
Mitchell Street Redesian
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by COmnlissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the City Engineer's office has provided several
alternatives for reconstruction of the curve on Mitchell Street at
College Avenue, and
WHEREAS, it is the Board's intent co have this work performed by
the Streets and Facilities division during the 1994 construction
season, and
WHEREAS, a public meeting has been held to hear resident's input
and concerns; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the City
Engineer's office to proceed with the design for reconstruction of
the Mitchell Street curve at College Avenue, based upon a
superelevated 330 ft radius curve, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Engineer's office will work with area
residents that are directly affected dux i.ng the final design phase.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the rollowing Abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract f10
General Fund ................
Water and Sewer Fund........ .. " " " $ 28,137.02
Joint Activity Fund..,,,,,,,,, " " ........ ' 83,942.64
Capital Projects ............. 31,149.16
113,925.90
Solid Waste.......,... " " '
11,741.60
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved.
Carried Unanimously
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FA
E.
BPW Minutes
May 26, 1993
NEW BUSINESS:
Cornell University Use of 12" Water Main on East Avenue
Superintendent Gray reported that Cornell University has requested
use of the 12" water main on East Avenue to avoid having to re-
route their water mains while they, relocate steam lines and
utilities. By looping the 12" main with their water mains they
will be able to provide better fire flows directly to campus and
Cornell Heights. The City would then be supplying water to the
west dorm complex and locations within the City with a lower
elevation which would save energy.
The Board directed the Superintendent. to draft a 1 year revokable
license agreement, which could be renewed every year, for use of
the East Avenue water main.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting was adjuurned at 6;15 P.M.
Julie Conley oyl e.t�
Deputy City Clerk
F
Benjachols
Mayor