HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-09-29BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting/ 4:30 p.m. September 29, 1999
Public Hearing
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (5) - Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Vargas, Gutenberger,
Korherr
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deputy Clerk – Korherr
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Common Council Liaison - Hershey
EXCUSED: Commissioner Jenkins
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS:
Resolution for Albany/Spencer/South of the Creek Traffic Project
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
Whereas Common Council authorized a capital project in the amount
of $250,000 to improve the intersection at West Spencer and
Albany Streets and to reduce traffic volume and speed on South
Albany Street, and;
Whereas, Common Council requested that the Board of Public Works
investigate a variety of options that would address the traffic
problems of this neighborhood, and;
Whereas, the Board of Public Works obtained an analysis of a
variety of potential traffic solutions for the project
neighborhood from traffic engineer Steven R. Ferranti of SRF
Associates of Rochester NY (SRF), and;
Whereas, the Board of Public Works has considered the analysis
and recommendations of SRF with Mr. Ferranti and with the
residents of the neighborhood and involved both Mr. Ferranti and
residents in developing and evaluating potential solutions, and;
Whereas, residents and the Board of Public Works are in agreement
that immediate and significant action is necessary to arrest the
decline in the quality of life and property tax base of the
neighborhood, and;
Whereas, the continued use of South Street, South Titus Avenue,
and Wood Street as through routes to the regional commercial
district along Route 13/34 is a clear, present, and worsening
danger to the integrity of the neighborhood, and;
Whereas, the Board of Public Works and neighborhood residents
have agreed upon a set of short term changes to achieve the
objectives of the project, and;
Whereas the Mayor has discussed the project with the Ithaca Fire
Department and Tompkins County Area Transit and they have no
objections, and
Whereas, the best, long term solution to the overall problem
requires further analysis in the context of the GEIS for
Southwest Area development and citywide traffic calming planning,
and;
Whereas, the best long term solution requires further delay than
the neighborhood can reasonably be expected to endure and more
money than the City can reasonably be expected to commit at this
time, now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Board of Public Works directs the Department
of Public Works to do the following:
Board of Public Works – Sept. 29, 1999 - Page 2
1. design and construct a form of timber and stone to place in
the intersection of South Albany and West Spencer Streets
which channels turning movements in a safe manner
2. design and construct a basic traffic calming gateway at the
southern end of South Albany Street extending from the 600
block south along Old Elmira Road at least half-way to its
intersection with South Plain Street
3. install a diverter across the intersection of Wood Street and
Fair Street from northwest to southeast in a manner which
permits buses to enter and exit from Titus Towers to and from
Meadow Street
4. install a diverter across the intersection of South Street and
Fair Street from northeast to southwest
5. design and install traffic calming devices in the 400 block of
South Geneva Street, on South Titus Street between Albany and
Cayuga Streets, and at the eastern entry to East Spencer
Street
6. install “bump-outs” on the east side of South Albany Street
immediately north of West Spencer Street, and immediately
south of Geneva Street, South Titus Avenue, and Clinton Street
for the purpose of narrowing the street at these turning
locations
7. make Park Street one-way from Albany Street to Plain Street
8. install NO TURN ON RED signs at all intersections of South
Titus Avenue and Albany Street and at the south and east sides
of the intersection of North Titus Avenue and Albany Street,
and be it further
Resolved, that the Board of Public Works requests that Common
Council direct the GEIS traffic consultants for Southwest Area
development to perform a thorough study of all possible elements
of a long-term solution to the traffic problems in this
neighborhood which will not only mitigate the impact of existing
and future commercial development in the Southwest, but in
combination with whatever other initiatives Common Council deems
fit, will yield positive benefits to the quality of life for this
neighborhood, and be it further
Resolved, that the Board of Public Works considers the
implementation of a long-term solution to be necessary within the
next three years.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Ehrhardt called to the Board’s attention to the
notes that were drafted by Steven Ferranti relating to these
changes. He noted that the Traffic Systems Engineer will be
involved in the implementation of these changes.
Mayor Cohen summarized the creation of the resolution as the
result of discussions that took place at a neighborhood meeting
on September 13,1999. TCAT route changes were discussed. The
changes will not alter services provided to the residents in the
area for trash removal or plowing.
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel stated that the TCAT route changes
would not be a problem for his department.
Commissioner Ehrhardt spoke of the intent to continue to study
the traffic situations in the area.
Mayor Cohen disucssed the project timeline. Due to the
rescheduling of transit drivers, printing of altered bus
schedules and resident notification the earliest project
completion would be January, 2000.
Alderperson Hershey questioned the need for the continued need
for speed humps on S. Titus Avenue.
Board of Public Works – Sept. 29, 1999 - Page 3
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Commissioner Ehrhardt gave a brief description of the Bicycle
Plan to the members of the public.
Mayor Cohen confirmed the fact that the Bicycle Plan requires
final approval from Common Council. The public will also be
allowed to address Council during the public comment portion of
the meeting prior to the final vote on the resolution.
The following people shared their comments with the Board of
Public Works regarding the Bicycle Plan:
Andy Ruina City of Ithaca,
Vice Chair of Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory
-described handouts
Kerman Glaser City of Ithaca
-against removal of parking
Martha Fischer City of Ithaca
-Supports the plan
Jack Claiborne City of Ithaca
-Supports the plan
Margaret McCasland City of Ithaca
Member: Disability Advisory Council
DAC Liason to BPAC
-against removal of parking and supports paths vs. lanes
Tsve Bokaer City of Ithaca
-supports the plan but not removal of parking
Fay Gougakis City of Ithaca
-supports bicycle travel but not removal of parking
Phil Koons City of Ithaca
-supports bicycle travel but not this plan
-presented petition against parking removal: 113 signatures
Lisa Hoyte City of Ithaca
-spoke of the need for safe bicycle travel
Joe Grengs City of Ithaca
-supports the plan but not removal of parking
Rick Manning City of Ithaca
Author: Bike Plan
-supports the plan with two way bike lane travel
Guy VanBenschoten City of Ithaca
-against the removal of parking and the plan
John Beach City of Ithaca
Chair: Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Council
-supports the plan and thanks all volunteers
-concerned over motorists lack of respect for traffic laws
Charles Elliott City of Ithaca
-against the plan, streets are now bike friendly
Ron Chapman City of Ithaca
Member: Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Council
-against the plan, streets are now bike friendly
Don Persons City of Ithaca
-supports the plan, prepared parking count handout
Esther Gass City of Ithaca
Member: Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Council
-supports the plan with alterations and safety measures
Dave Richie City of Ithaca
-would support a bike plan with dedicated paths
Sage Unknown address
-described a human powered alternative to the automobile
Robin Korherr City of Ithaca
-supports safety, suggests Lake Street vs. Cayuga St. bridge
Paul Glover City of Ithaca
-supports safety measures for youth cyclists
David Nutter City of Ithaca
Member: Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Council
-supports original plan without alterations
-Lake Source Cooling proceed with bike path efforts
Peter Penniman Village of Trumansburg
-limited bike space only applies to the city
Robert Vanderlan City of Ithaca
-supports the plan
Board of Public Works – Sept. 29, 1999 - Page 4
Letters from the following people were presented to the Deputy
City Clerk:
Opposed to the Bike Plan:
Arthur Barry Minister, Church of Christ, City of Ithaca
Raymond Haringa City of Ithaca
Genevieve Haringa City of Ithaca
Robin Munch City of Ithaca
Verle Walters City of Ithaca
Jean Walters City of Ithaca
David Corbin City of Ithaca
Lisa Hoyte City of Ithaca
A petition was presented to the Board containing signatures of
113 residents that oppose the removal of on street parking.
Supports the Bike Plan: with alterations
Carol Hoffman City of Ithaca
D. Chorba City of Ithaca
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Mayor Cohen thanked the public for their comments.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that continued discussion will take
place during the Committee of the Whole meeting October 20,1999.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council may be consulted if
the Board of Public Works has difficulty coming to a consensus on
the North South route. Dates for public hearings on the other
routes in the Bike Plan have not been set.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Cohen adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen
Deputy City Clerk Mayor