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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