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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-TRAFFIC-1957 TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE CITY OF ITHACA, N.Y. Regular Meeting 4160 p.m. January 28, 1957 PRESENT: Paul Kilby, Chairman Agda Osborn, Common Council D. Boardman Lee F. Egan, B.P.q. Langford Baker, Pol. Comm. James Clynes, Jr. , City Attorney Edward Melchen , Ass't. Engr. Taylor Lewis, Traffic Consultant John F. Lyan, Mayor Robert Horn, Alderman NEW MEMBERS: Chairman Kilby welcomed Agda Osborn, Chairman of Traffic Committee of the Common Council replacing Frank Connolly and Langford Baker, Police Comm. , re- placing Edward Barron, resigned. Chairman Kilby commended the fine work done by Alderman Connolly and former Pol. Comm. Barron. MINUTES: The minutes of the previous meeting were duly approved. SALVATION ARMY REQUEST: The Clerk read a letter written by Lt. Rishway of the Sal- vation Army requesting that the parking meter in front of the Salvation Army Build- ing, located at 121 W. State St. , be removed and that the space be made available for people dropping off clothes and other items and to facilitate unloading of parishioners who wish to attend services. Chairman Kilby referred the matter to the Traffic Engineering Committee for study and report. RUTH POLSON LETTER: The Clerk read a letter written by Ruth Poison, who resides at 105 Eastwood Ave. , commending the City for restricting parking on the west side of Dryden Rd, in the 800 block, noting that she can walk with safety in that area going to and coming from classes at Cornell Univ. It was noted that further im- provements in this area were still being studied. TITUS AREA CIVIC ASSOC. LETTER: The Clerk read a letter written by Marcella Burns, Secretary of the Titus Area Civic Assoc. , commending the Traffic Advisory Comm. for its part in restoring two-way traffic on N. Geneva St. LOUIS PICKERING LETTER - BUS ROUTE: A letter was presented, which was written by Louis Pickering, General Manager of the Ithaca Journal, suggesting that the City buses could possibly use Seneca St. going west and Green St. going east and thus free more parking spaces on State St. and relieve congestion. He suggested that the City ask the Bus Co. to consider this change. DR. NEISH LETTER - WAIT AVE.: A letter was also presented .ritten by T'Talter Neish noting the congestion on Wait Ave. between Wyckoff Ave. and Thurston Ave. caused by people parking an both sides of the street, making driving almost impossible on this narrow thoroughfare. He asked that something be done to relieve this situa- tion. Chairman Kilby referred the matter to the Traffic Engineering Committee for study and report. REPORT ON USE OF CITY BUSES: Comm. Egan reported that he had invited Chamber of Commerce representatives and B eromn rtepresentative to this meeting and that Michael Hanna and John Tilley prom ie hamber of Commerce, and Charles Tuttle from the bus company. Mr. Hanna, speaking as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Traffic Committee said that he believed that the use of buses be promoted, but as to route, he had no opinion. He suggested the study of possible use of Seneca St. as a route. Charles Tuttle speaking for the bus company said that if the buses were to follow other streets besides State St. that the bus company might just as well quit operatio- Mr. Lee noted that the bus franchise had three years to run and no change could be made without the consent of the bus company. Comm. Egan reviewed a phamplet on a bus program being used successfully in Tulsa, Oklahoma. John Tilley, Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, said that in his observations that the merchants would in certain instances, work with the bus companies but that it was not a common practice. Chairman Kilby referred the matter to the Traffic Engineering Committee for study and report and to confer with Mr. Carlton Bangs, Chairman of the Retail Merchants Bureau. - 2 January 28, 1957 TERRACE PLACE TRAFFIC: Traffic Consultant Lewis reported that a study of traffic on Terrace Place had been made. He noted that the traffic moves in a northerly direction only, not room enough for turn around, and that there had been no report of accidents from 1952 to 1956. He suggested that a 15 mile per hour speed limit be posted in this area and more enforcement be made. By Mr. Lee, seconded by Comm. Egan RESOLVED, that the speed limit on Terrace Place be 15 miles per hour and so posted. Carried. SOUTH TTOGA STREET CONGESTION: Consultant Lewis also reported that he and Asst. Engr. Melchen had conferred with Paiph Smith in regard to his protest of the traffic flow on S. Tioga Sts and that Mr. Smiths hOW satisfied einde the Christmas traffic is over that his problem would be solvedg 700-800 BLOCK EAST SENECA ST. TRAFFIC: Consultant Lewis said that a considerable amount of study had been made ontraffic movements in the 800 block of E. Seneca St. by the engineering dept. and that no change was recommended except that the STOP signs at its intersection with Stewart Ave. be removed and warning signs be erected. By Mr. Lee: seconded by Alderman Osborn RESOLVED, that the STOP signs at the intersection of E, Seneca St. and Stewart Ave. be removed and warning signs to drive slowly be erected and that East Seneca con- tinue as a one-way street west. Carried. BARKING SPACE - MISSIONARY ALLIANCE CHURCH: Mr. Lewis said that the request of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church for parking spaces in front of their church was being studied and that the request will be taken care of. ALL NIGHT PARKING - ONE WAY STREETS: Mr. Lewis reviewed briefly the problem of all- night parking as it pertains to one-way streets. He suggested that the problem be referred to the Traffic Engineering Committee for further study and report. It was so ordered by Chairman Kilby. PARKING - CORNER N. CAYUGA & FARM STS. : Traffic Consultant Lewis further reported that a study was being made for parking restrictions by the store located at the in- tersection of Farm and N. Cayuga Sts. and a report would be made later. OAK AVENUE TRAFFIC: Consultant Lewis reported that the request of the Bryant Park Civic Assoc. to make Oak Ave. a one-way street west had been studied and that it was the opinion that no purpose would be served by making Oak Ave; a one-way street. He cited several reasons for the decision. By Comm. Egan, seconded by Pol. Comm. 3aker RESOLVED, that the request of the Bryant Park Civic Assoc. to make Oak Ave. a one- way street west be denied. Carried. E. STATE ST. - MITCHELL ST. INTERSECTION: Consultant Lewis said that a study had been completed for safety island at Mitchell and State Sts. and that if proper street lighting is provided that the plan be submitted to the B.P. T. for their consideration, By Attny. Clynes: seconded by Mr. Lee RESOLVED, that Comm. F. Egan be requested to ask the B,P.'r. to consider the instal- lation of two more street lights at the intersection of E. State & Mitchell Sts. Carried. HANCOCK ST. - WILLOW AV 7. INTERSECTION: Consultant Lewis urged that the B.P.'1. be requested to give further consideration to eliminating the concrete bridge rails and replace with a type that would not block visibility and to consider installation of flasher lights at each end of bridge. Chairman Kilby referred the matter to Comm. Egan to present it to the B.PO'I. at their next meeting. WAGNER REQUEST: The request of Elwood Wagner for NO PARKING in the vicinity of the Wagner Funeral Home was still being studied and a report -could be made later was reported by Mr. Lewis. TRUCK LANES - ITHACA ROAD: Consultant Lewis also reported that the study of a truck lane on Ithaca Road was still under study and would be reported on at a later meeting, PARKING - CASCADILLA HALL AREA: Consultant Lewis said that a meeting had been arranged between Mayor Hyan and the Cornell Traffic Committee on Feb. 5th to discuss the possible use of the area adjoining Cascadilla Hall for parking. - 3 - January 28, 1957 DELAWARE AV . PARKING: Asst. Engineer Melchen reported that the trial period had expired for No Parking at Any Time, Delaware Ave. , Bryant five. to Mitchell St. , • east side. He further reported that it was the opinion of the Acting Fire Chief that the street was too narrow to allow parking on both sides and that the parking restriction as now being followed be continued. Asst. Engr. Melchen suggested that a new trial period of ninty days be made at this location and that the Common Council be requested to amend the Traffic Ordinance to make this restriction permanent. By Mr. Lee: seconded by Comm. Egan RESOLVED, that No Parking At Any Time, Delaware Ave. , Bryant Ave. , to Mitchell 5t. , east side be continued on a 90-day trial basis and that the Common Council be re- quested to amend the Traffic Ordinance to make this permanent. Carried. TRAFFIC OFFICERS REPORT: Consultant Lewis reviewed the Traffic Officer's Report and termed it a very weak report with lack of enforcement. Attny. Clvmes in analyzing the traffic ticket situation noted that 319 old tickets had been processed and 158 subpoenas issued. He felt that the situation should improve gradually. TRAFFIC SIGNS PROGRAM: It was noted by Asst. Engr. Melchen that a request in the budget for 1957, in the amount of `%3,300 had been deleted from Traffic Control. Engr. Melcheo explained that a three year program for better traffic signs had been recommended by the Insurance Industry Committee on A'otor Vehicle Accidents, and that this amount was to pay the cost of the first year. Alderman Osborn said that she would discuss the matter with the Finance Committee at the next meeting. DUNMORE PLACE: A request presented through Mayor Ryan to make reverse the one-way traffic on Dunmore P1. was referred to Asst. Engr. Melchen for study and report. STOP SIGN - EAST SENECA ST. - TUNING FORK: In reply to a request to place a stop sign at the intersection of East Seneca St. and the Tuning Fork was referred to Asst. Engr. Melchen for study and report. TOWNLEY RECUEST: Raymond Townley of 620 N. Tioga St. through Mayor Ryan asked that a study be made of making every other street a one way street. Chairman Kilby re- ferred the matter to Asst. Engineer for study.- 200 BLOCK - COLUNSIA ST.: A request to restore parking in the 200 block of Columbia on one side with all-night parking allowed now that the South Hill bridge is com- pleted was referred to Lsst. Engr. Melchen for study and report. METERED PARKING - FRIDAY NIGHTS: P c c .e aker raised the question a s to why gt� metered parkinas placed in effect at parking lots but not in the East State St. section. The matter was referred to Aset. Melchen for study and report. SIDEWALKS - TUNING FORK: Mayor Ryan said that he had received complaints concerning lack of sidewalks adjacent to the Tuning Fork on E. Seneca St. It was pointed out that the State Dept. of Public TTorks should take care of this matter. STEP APPROACHES - EAST SENECA ST. : Mayor Ryan also pointed out that he had received complaints about people parking across the steps leading to homes on E. Seneca St. and that it caused difficulties in reaching home by using the steps from the street to the sidewalk. Chairman Kilby referred the matter to Engr. Nelchen for study and report. On motion the meeting was adjourned. i ! Howard J. sabaugh Deputy City Clerk TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE CITY OF ITHACA, NAY. Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. February 25, 1957 PRESENT: Paul Kilby, Chairman Agda Osborn, Common Council Robert Horn, Common Council Francis Egan, Bd. Pub. TTks. Langford Baker, Pole Comm. Taylor Lewis, Traffic Consultant F.J. Laverty, Supt. Pub. Wks. J.P. Porter, Common Council Frank Komaromi, Common Council John Ryan, Mayor Howard J. Sinsabaugh, Clerk ROBERT HORN: Chairman Kilby welcomed Robert Horn as a new member of the Traffic Advisory Committee. MINUTES: The minutes of the last regular meeting were duly approved. BRANDON PLACE - DUNMORE PLACE PETITION: The Clerk read a petition signed by the residents of Brandon & Dun m ore Place citing the inconveniences caused with Brandon and Dunmore Places recently being made one-way streets, and asking that two-way traffic be restored again. The request was referred to the Traffic Engineer for study and report. SALVATION ARMY - NO PARKING REQUEST: Traffic Consultant Lewis reported that a study had been made of the request of the Salvation Army for parking space in front of their building and recommended that a NO PARKING bag be given to the Salvation Army to be used when needed. By Alderman Horn, seconded by Alderman Osborn RESOLVED, that the Salvation Army be given a NO PARKING bag to be used on the park- ing meter in front of their building as needed. Carried. WAIT AVENUE PARKING: Consultant Lewis also reported that the parking situation on Wait Avenue between Wyckoff Avenue and Thurston Avenue had been studied and it was the opinion that the situation was of an enforcement nature and that the matter should be referred to the Police Dept. for enforcement. By Alderman Osborn, seconded by Comm. Egan RESOLVED, that the matter of illegal parking on ?'Tait Ave. be referred to the Police Dept. for enforcement. Carried. PARKING - CORNER N. CAYUGA & FARM STREETS: Consultant Lewis said that no r ecom- mendation had been made on the request for limited parking at the corner of N. Cayuga and Farm Sts. but the matter was still under study. WAGNER FUNERAL HOME REQUEST: Traffic Consultant Lewis also said that the request by Elwood `Tagner for no parking in front of his funeral home was still under study and no report was ready at this time. DUNMORE ONE WAY REQUEST: Traffic Consultant Lewis also reported that the request to reverse the one-way traffic flow on Brandon & Dunmore Places was still under study and would be reported on later as would the request for restoring two-way traffic as requested above. STOP SIGN - TUNING FORK & E. SENECA STS.: Traffic Consultant Lewis further reported that after study of the request for a STOP sign where E. Seneca St. merges with the Tuning Fork, that it was the recommendation that the request be denied. He noted that the flow of traffic was moving freely at this point. By Comm. Egan, seconded by Pol. Comm. Baker RESOLVED, that the request for a STOP sign at the intersection of E. Seneca St. and the Tuning Fork be denied. Carried ALTERNATE ONE-WAY STREETS: Consultant Lewis said that it was the opinion of the traffic engineering Comm. that the request for alternating one-way traffic on every street should be referred to the Planning Board for study and report. By Comm. Egan, seconded by Alderman Osborn RESOLVED, that the request to make alternate one-way traffic every other street be referred to the Planning Board for study and report. Carried. - 2 - February 25, 1957 PARKING - COLUMBIA STREET: Taylor Lewis said it was the recommendation of the Traffic Committee that now the Aurora Sts Bridge is open that parking be restored on the north side of Columbia St. By Alderman Osborn, seconded by Pol. Comm. Baker RESOLVED, that parking be restored on the north side of Columbia St. between Aurora and Hudson Sts. and that all-night parking be permitted on the designated nights. Carried. FRIDAY NIGHT N TED PARKING: In regard to the reference to making metered parking in the uptown section on Friday nights, it was pointed out that this request has been made to the Common Council by the Board of Public Works and that no action is necessary by the Traffic Advisory Committee in this regard. E. SENECA STREET STEP APPROACHES: Consultant Lewis said that the complaint that people were unable to reach their homes directly as cars were parked in front of approaches was no different than for any other residents in the city and that nothing should be done about it. TRAFFIC REPORT: Taylor Lewis reviewed the Traffic Officers Report and noted lack of selective enforcement and too little enforcement. The Clerk read a report from Attny. Clynes noting that from Jan. 28th through Feb. 21st, that 427 old tags were processed, 271 subpoenaed and 23 subpoenas issued. After a general discussion of the situation and the suggestion that a study be made as to remedies it was felt that Attny. Clynes should forward to Judge Casey the appreciation of the Traffic Advisory Committee for the progress he is making to clear up outstanding traffic tickets. ALL NIGHT STREET PARKING: The question of all night street parking was introduced at this time and as to what action the 3.P.W. had taken on this request for study and report. Supt. Laverty- noted that the 3.P.W. was on record as opposing all- night parking on city streets. He also noted that before all-night parking was allowed that cars seemed to find some place to park and that any study being made should be of a joint committee composed of members of the various boards and urged that such a committee be formed, and that the study referred elsewhere than to the By Comm. Egan: seconded by Alderman Horn RESOLVED, that the request of the Traffic Advisory Committee that the B.P.LT. make a study and report of all-night parking be rescinded. Carried. BRYANT AVENUE - DRYDEN INTERSECTION: Alderman Horn spoke as to the poor visibility for cars approaching Dryden Road on Bryant five. He noted that a car had to ease into Dryden Load with great care and the app. oath was dangerous. He suggested that perhaps parking should be allowed on the north side of Dryden Tid. instead of the south side. The matter was referred to the Traffic Engineer for study and report. CONTINUOUS METE! PARKING: Comm. Egan cited the several cases of continuous parking in metered zones and suggested that something be done to correct the existing violations. After some discussion between several members as to what could and what could not be done the matter was referred to the Pol. Comm. TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: A general discussion for the need to educate the public in traffic safety was entertained at this time. Supt. Laverty noted that there was a great opportunity for this group to further educate the public through radio, newspapers and speakers and he also noted that Chairman Kilby when a member of the education committee had done very fine work. rr. Lewis said that the public schools are doing a good job in this respect but it seems to end after leaving the schools. Chairman Kilby appointed Alderman Osborn & Alderman Horn to the sub-education com- mittee. On motion the meeting was adjourned . /rL Howard J Sinsabaush Deputy City Clerk TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE CITY OF ITHACA, N.Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. March 25, 1957 PRESENT: Paul Kilby - Chairman Agda Osborn - Common Council Robert Horn - Common Council Francis Egan - 3d. Pub. Wks. Langford Baker - Pol. Comm. Edward Melchen - Ass't. Engr. Taylor Lewis - Traffic Consultant James Clynes, Jr. - City Attny. Frank Komaromi - Common Council John Ryan - Mayor Howard Sinsabaugh - Dep. City Clerk Chairman Kilby complimented Asst. Engr. Melchen for the accomplishment of being the first city in the state to have placed red and white signs throughout the city far in advance of the time requested by the State of New York. MINUTES: Minutes of the last regular meeting were duly approved. CATHERINE ST. - ONE WAY REG?TJEST: The Clerk read a letter written by a Mrs. Sawyer of 127 College Ave. suggesting that Catherine St. which is very narrow be made an "up" street only. She noted that Cook St. was a one way street down. Chairman Kilby referred this matter to the Traffic Engineer for study and report. EAST SENECA STREET REQUEST: The Clerk read a letter written by G. Eric Peabody again requesting something be done to aid traffic in E. Seneca St. and prevent the block- ing of steps leading to sidewalk from road. Chairman Kilby referred the request to Taylor Lewis for study and report. ITHACA WINDOW CLEANING LETTER: The Clerk read a letter written by Peter Piech proprietor of the Ithaca 1•'Tindow Cleaning Co. noting that in many instances that while employees are working in metered sections that many times a job cannot be com- pleted before the expiration time on the parking meter and inasmuch as the employees are instructed never to leave ladders unattended that a problem existed which the company would like to avoid in some manner. N.Y.S ELEC. & GAS CORP. LETTER: The Clerk read a letter written by Don Price, Mgr. of the Ithaca District pointing out that many times their trucks have to work in metered zones and that in many cases the meter time elapses before the job is com- pleted. He also noted that the company does everything to avoid these circumstances but would like to see something done to allow working men to complete jobs without incurring penalties. Pol. Comm. Baker said that he had conferred with both the Ithaca Cleaning Co. and the N.Y.S, Elec. & Gas Corp. and that the suggestion was made that a yearly fee be paid with the privilege of using parking meter bags when working in metered zones. By Attny. Clynes: seconded by Alderman Osborn RESOLVED, that Chairman Kilby appoint a committee to meet with the people to discuss the matter and see if some solution can be worked out. Carried. Chairman Kilby appointed Pol. Comm. Baker, Attny. Clynes, D. Boardman Lee, and Taylor Lewis as a committee to study the problem. TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE NAME CHANGE: Asst. Engr. Melchen said that under the Traffic Ordinance, Article II, Section 28 this body was listed as Traffic Commission and felt that the name should be changed to Traffic Advisory Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 32 of the General Municipal Law. By Ass't. Engr. Melchen: seconded by Attny. Clynes RESOLVED, that the Common Council be requested to amend Article II, Section 28 of the Traffic Ordinance by deleting Traffic Commission and inserting Traffic Advisory Committee. Carried. BRANDON PLACE - DUNMORE PLACE PARKING: Asst. Engr. Melchen reported that the trial period for no parking, Brandon Pl. Mitchell St. to Dunmore, and on Dunmore Pl. , south side, -was proving satisfactory and should be continued but that one-way traffic should be discontinued. - 2 - 3y Asst. Eng. telchen, seconded by hr. Lee RESOLVED, that the Common Council be requested to amend Article XX, Section 182, Schedule III of the Traffic Ordinance Parking Prohibited At All Times on Certain Streets by adding to the following: Brandon Place, Mitchell St. to Dunmore Pl., east side Dunmore Place, Brandon Pl. to State St. , south side Carried. ONE WAY STRE'TS: Asst. Engr. Melchen noted that the trial period had expired for traffic flow on Tioga & E. Seneca Sts. and was working satisfactorily, and recom- mended that this pattern be made permanent. It was acted upon as follows: By Asst. Engr. Nelchen: seconded by Mr. Lee RESOLVED, that the Common Council be requested to amend the traffic ordinance by deleting the following: Article XX, Section 180, Schedule I, One tray Streets Tioga St. , Green St. to Seneca St. , north bound traffic only and adding thereto the following: Tioga Street, Green St. to State St. , north bound traffic only. By deleting the following: Seneca St. , Tioga St. to Meadow St. , west bound traffic only And adding thereto the following: Seneca St. , Eddy St. to Meadow St. , west bound traffic only. Carried. PARKING - FARM & CAYUGA STS: Asst. Engr. Melchen reported that after a study of the parking problem on N. Cayuga and Farm St. caused by all day parkers that a one-hour parking limit be established. By Asst. Engr. lvlelchen: seconded by Alderman Horn RESOLVED, that the Common Council be requested to amend the Traffic Ordinance by adding to the following: Article XX, Section 184, Schedule V, Limited Parking One hour parking - N. Cayuga St. , Cascadilla Ave. to Farm St. , east side and Farm St. , Cayuga St. east a distance of 1201 south side. Carried. DRYDEN ROAD PARKING CHANGE: After a discussion regarding the parking pattern on Dryden Rd. the following action was taken. By Asst. Engr. Melchen: seconded by Alderman Horn RESOLVED, that no parking be established on Dryden Rd. from Bryant Ave. to Ithaca Rd. , south side, and that parking be permitted on Dryden Road from end of metered zone to Ithaca Rd, north side for a ninety-day trial period. Carried. SAFETY EDUCATION: Consultant Lewis noted that Ralph Jones of the Ithaca Public Schools was continuing to promote safety education by talks to assemblies and other groups and therefore that the safety program .;,as being continued on an adult basis. TRAFFIC OFFICERS REPORT: Police Comm. Baker reviewed the Traffic Officer's report and noted the large amount of outstanding traffic tickets. He also noted that this situation should be corrected when the new employee is added to the traffic Dept. t'r. Lewis commenting on the report in general asked that more enforcement be given to stop sign offenders. He also stressed the need for more safety education by radio, etc. Attny. Clynes reported that between Feb. 26th and March 22, 1957, that 346 old tags were processed, 291 subpoenaed and 19 subpoenas issued. CONGESTED PARKING - ALBANY, ESTY & PLAIN STS. : Alderman Osborn reported that she had received a call from a Mrs, Ray TAheaton who resides in the 100 block of Esty St. calling attention to congested parking on Esty St. , N. Plain St. and N. Albany tit. adjacent to the N.Y.S. Elec. & Gas Corp. plant and with double parking at times that traffic was difficult in this area. By Attorney Clynes, seconded by Alderman Osborn RESOLVED, that this matter be referred to the Traffic Engineer for study and report. Carried. - 3 - March 25, 1957 TRAFFIC VIOLATOES SCHCOL: Chairman Kilby presented an article from the Elmira, N.Y. newspaper regarding a school for traffic violators. He suggested that this body give some study to this plan. By Attorney Clynes: seconded by Mr. Lee RESOLVED, that the Education Committee be requested to contact Elmira regarding this school and to make a study and report at a later meeting. Carried. TRAFFIC STREET PLANNING: Traffic Consultant Lewis suggested that the Planning Board be requested to make a street improvement plan in view of future traffic problems and that Wait Ave. would be a good starting point with its traffic problems. Asst. Engr. Melchen said thpt he would take a traffic count and study this street for additional data. NITER MAIDS: Asst. Engr. Melchen reported that a study as to the value of meter maids was being made and that now that they would be on six hour working periods a report would be forthcoming. TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNPLS: Upon questioning, Engr. Melchen reported that a survey of signalized intersections had been taken as to timing and forwarded to Crouse Hinds in Syracuse and that after study by their experts that a progression chart would be recommended by them. On motion the meeting was adjourned. -'� G.s-a Howard J.Minsabaugh 7 Deputy City Clerk TRAFFIC i VIgORY COMMITTEE CITY OP ITHACA 1 N4t4 Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. April 22, 1957 PRESENT: Paul Kilby, Chairman Agda Osborn, C.C. Francis Egan, B.P.W. D. Boardman Lee James J. Clynes, City Attny. Langford Baker, Pol. Comm. Edward Melchen, Asst. Engr. Taylor D. Lewis, Traffic Consultant John F. Ryan, Mayor H. Sinsabaugh, Dep. City Clerk MINUTES: The minutes of the last regular meeting were duly approved. MRS. SHJVTJ LETTER: The Clerk read a letter written by Mrs. Jennie Shaw, who resides at 307 N. Albany St. , regarding; the "No-Parking, No-Standing" signs in front of her residence. She noted that her source of income from her home being used as a Tourist Home was opardized seriously if prospective tourists could not stop to unload or make arrangements as they would look further for lodging where they would be able to stop. She asked that seomething be done to help her situation. Asst. Engr. Melchen said that he had inspected this area and that the reason "No Parking, No-Standing" signs had been placed in the 300 block of N. Albany St. was to give proper turning space when school buses were unloading or loading at the Junior High School. He suggested that the sign could be moved to 20 ft. from the Buffalo St. cross walk and that this would still leave room for turning space. By Asst. Melchen: seconded by Mr. Lee RESOLVED, that the "No Parking-No Standing" signs in the 300 block of N. Albany St. east side be placed from the crosswalk to a point 20 ft. from that intersection for a trial period of 90 days. Carried. MCINTYRE LETTER: The Clerk read a letter written by R.H. McIntyre who resides at 426 E. Buffalo St. regarding the "No Parking" restrictions as placed on E. Buffalo St. from Aurora St. to Stewart Ave. during the winter months. He also noted the days and amount of snow fall and removal. He again urged that no restrictions be placed in that area. Asst. Engr. Melchen noted that the "No Parking" signs had been removed April 1st and that the situation would be considered further by the B.P.?IT. By Attny. Clynes: seconded by Comm. Egan RESOLVED, that Asst. Melchen write Mr. McIntyre and inform him as to what decisions were being made as to E. Buffalo St. between Aurora & Stewart Avenue for the future. Carried. E. SENECA ST. REQUEST: Frank hiller, who resides at 803 E. Seneca St. , and James Ripley, who resides at 806 E. Seneca St. appeared on behalf of the residents of that area asking that two way traffic be restored on E. Seneca St. between Stewart Ave. and Eddy St. due to problems caused in the winter where the slippery streets made driveway approaches very difficult. hr. Lee said that he thought that the one- way traffic was working satisfactory but he would be willing to have further study made. By Mr. Lee: seconded by Alderman Osborn RESOLVED, that the matter be referred to the Traffic Engineer for study and report. Carried. CATHERINE ST.: Asst. Melchen reported that he had studied the request of Mrs. Sawyer iniegard to making Catherine St. a one-way street up, and it was his opinion that nothing would be gained by making Catherine St. a one-way street. By Attny. Clynes: seconded by- Mr. Lee RESOLVED, that the Clerk be requested to inform Mrs. Sawyer that it was the opinion of the Traffic Engineer that two-?ray traffic be continued on Catherine St. Carried. ALBANY - PLAIN - ESTY STREETS: Asst. Engr. Melchen reported that a study was still being made as to traffic conditions and parking in this area and was not ready at this time to report his findings. TRAFFIC STREET PLANNING: Asst. Engr. Melchen also said that no report was available at this time on Traffic Street Planning. 2 .a METERED PARKING: Asst. Engr. Melchen also reported that a follow-up study was being made as to the effect on parking meters from the use of meter maids and that by there use more parking spaces were being made available and he hoped that soon they would be used on a full time basis. TRAFFIC SIGNAL TIMING REQUEST: Asst. Engr. Melchen said that at this time he had not received back the progression charts from Crouse-Hinds Co. inregard to traffic signals but would prompt them to see if it could be made available as soon as possible TRAFFIC OFFICER'S REPORT: The Clerk distributed copies of the Traffic Officer's report and Pol. Comm. Baker reviewed the report in detail. It was his opinion that with the new girl helping and getting acquainted with the new work that progress would be made in processing the outstanding traffic tickets. PARKING - CAYUGA-FARM ST. VICINITY: Alderman Osborn reported that at the last Common Council meeting the question was raised as to why there should not be more restricted parking in the vicinity of Farm and N. Cayuga Sts. and that the Traffic Committee of the Common Council look into the matter. Asst. Engr. Melchen said that he had discussed the matter with Alderman Porter and that several people in that area were opposed to further restricted parking. By Alderman Osborn: seconded by Attny. Clynes RESOLVED, that the matter be referred to the Traffic Engr. for s tudy and report. Carried. E. BUFFALO - EDDY ST. INTERSECTION: Mr. Lee noted that cars traveling up Buffalo St. when reaching Eddy St. many times had a very difficult time making the turn due to poor visibility and with the steep pitch of E. Buffalo St. He suggested that Buffalo St. be made a Through street at its intersection with Eddy St. By Attny. Clynes: seconded by Ar. Lee RESOLVED, that the matter be referred to the Traffic Engineer for study and report. Carried. ITHACA WINDOW CLEANING CO. - N.Y.S. ELEC. GAS REQUEST: In answer to the request from the Ithaca Window Cleaning Co. & N.Y.S. Elec. & Gas Co. for special parking privileges in metered zones, it was pointed out that the special committee had con- ferred with the interested parties and with the Police Chief. It was the opinion of the committee that the request be denied. By Pol. Comm. Baker: seconded by Mr. Lee RESOLVED, that the request by the Ithaca window Cleaning Co. and the N.Y.S. Elec. & Gas Corp. for special parking privileges in metered zones be denied at this time and that the Clerk be directed to notify these companies accordingly. Carried. BI-NONTNLY MEETINGS: Asst. Engr. Me lchen suggested that meetings be held twice a month so that action on pending matters could be acted on with a minimum of delay. It was his belief that such meetings would be brief and would be to the advantage of the committee. By Asst. Melchen: seconded by Attny. Clynes RESOLVED, that the chairman appoint a committee to study the advisibility of meet- ing twice a month. Carried. Chairman Kilby appointed Alderman Osborn, Attny. Clynes as a committee to meet with Asst. Engr. Melchen. TRAFFIC ENGINEER: By Comm. Egan: seconded by Attny. Clynes RESOLVED, that the Traffic Advisory Committee request the 3.P.W. to appoint Asst. Engr. Melchen to the position of Traffic Engineer now that Engr. Cass is back to resume his duties as City Engineer. Carried. On motion the meeting was adjourned. Howard J insabaugh Deputy City Clerk TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE CITY OF ITHACA, N.Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. May 27, 1957 PRESENT: Paul Kilby, Chairman D. Boardman Lee Francis Egan, B.P.W. Robert Horn, Common Council J.J. Clynes, Jr. , City Attny. Leon Cass, City Engineer Edw. Melchen, Asst. City Engr. Langford Baker, Pol. Comm. Taylor Lewis, Traffic Consultant John Ryan, Mayor MINUTES: The minutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved. SUMMER RECESS: By Attny. Clynes, seconded by Comm. Egan RESOLVED: that the Traffic Advisory Committee recess for the months of June, July, and August subject to the call of the Chairman if a special meeting is necessary. Carried. OVERNIGHT PARKING - METERED ZONES: The Clerk read a resolution approved by the Board of Public Works, May 8th 1957 requesting the Traffic Advisory Committee to discontinue,effective June 1, 1957, the trial period which permits overnight parking in metered zones. It was their opinion that the opening of the Seneca-Aurora St. parking area would prove adequate. By Comm. Egan, seconded by Mr. Lee RESOLVED: that the trial period 'or overnight parking in metered zones be discon- tinued as of June 1, 1957, Carried. TRAFFIC ENGINEER: The Clerk also read a resolution approved by the Board of Public Works at their May 8th, 1957 meeting as follows: RESOLVED, that with the return of the City Engineer to duty, Leon H. Cass be author- ized as provided in Section 26 of the Traffic Ordinance to resume his duties as City Traffic Engineer with the understanding that he may designEte a representative to attend Traffic Advisory Committee meeting and that the City Clerk be authorized to notify the Committee to thisFeffect. The request was ordered to be placed on file. City- Engineer Cass at this point announced that he was designating Asst. Engr. Melchen to represent him on the Traffic Advisory Committee. USE OF LOADING ZONES: The Clerk read a letter written by John L. Tiley, Mgr. of the Chamber of Commerce of Ithaca, I.Y. suggesting that the city release the loading zone spaces reserved for trucks on Saturday mornings so that more parking places could be used by shoppers on that day. He indicated that the merchants would coop- erate by asking their suppliers to make deliveries before 9:00 a.m. By Attny. Clynes, seconded by Comm. Egan RESOLVED, that the request of the Chamber of Commerce to release truck parking space: on Saturday mornings be referred to Asst. Engr. Melchen for study, and that the Clerk be requested to notify Mr. Tiley in this respect. Carried. EAST S N ECA ST. - TWO WAY TRAFFIC REQUEST: Asst. Engr. Melchen reported that Con- sultant Lewis, Chief Simmers and Engr. Melchen had studied the request to restore two-way traffic on E. Seneca St. between Eddy St. and Stewart Ave. and gave the following reasons for their decision to keep the traffic flow one way. (1) Traffic patterns not yet established for E. Seneca St. (2) Undesirable to have one-way and two-way traffic on same street. (3) The number of drivers experiencing difficulty entering driveways for a few days each year does not warrant returning the two blocks for two-way traffic and consequently return of accident hazards at three intersections. By Engr. Melchen, seconded by Iii'. Lee RESOLVED: that no action be taken to restore two-way traffic on E. Seneca St. between Eddy St. & Stewart Ave. and that Mr. Miller and Mr. Ripley- be so notified as to the reasons. Carried. ALBANY--ESTY-PLAIN ST. PARKING: Asst. Engr. Melchen said that the parking problem for street parking congestion on N. Plain, Esty and N. Albany Sts. was being further studied and he commented that the Gas & Electric should do something to alleviate the situation. - 2 - May 27, 1957 TRAFFIC STREET PLATTING: Engr. Nelchen also reported that the request for the Planning Board to make a study of Traffic Street Planning was being acted upon but their report was not ready at this time. TRAFFIC SIGNAL TIMING: Asst. Engr. Melchen further reported that the progress charts on traffic light signals had been received but could not be put into use until the completion of the tuning fork. CAYUGA-FARM STS. PARKING: Asst. Engr. Melchen reported that the parking situation in the vicinity of Farm and N. Cayuga Sts. was being studied and that one merchant had been contacted in this regard but that no decision or report was available at this time. BUFFALO-EDDY ST. STOP SIGN: Asst. Engr. Melchen reported that the request to make Buffalo St. a through St. at its intersection with Eddy St. had been discussed with Chief Simmers and at this time no recommendation was reached but that further study would be given to the matter. TRAFFIC OFFICERS REPORT: Pol. Comm. Baker reviewed the Traffic Officers report and it was noted that an improvement had been made in many respects. He further stressed the need for motorist education as a means to cut down violations in general. City Attorney Clynes presented a report on traffic tickets for the period April 23, 1957 through May 24, 1957 noting that 199 old tags were processed, 141 subpoenaed, and 22 subpoenas issued. SPECIAL MEETING - CONTINUANCE TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Mr. Lee reported on the special meeting that had been called to decide whether or not the Traffic Advisory Committeeshould be dissolved. He noted that the feeling was divided and that nothing definite was decided and that it be held in abeyance for further consideration in the fall. On motion the meeting was adjourned. c�au R .m-, U Howard J. Sinsabaugh Deputy City Clerk