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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-TRAFFIC-1954 I T H A C A TRAFFIC COMMISSION. JUNE 28, 1954. 4.:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: RADIO & PRESS. CHAIRMAN GUARNIER. MAYOR COOK. MR. CHATFIELD. MR. SAPERSTONE. MR. CASS. MR. CLAREY. MRS. BLACK. MR. LEWIS . MR. HAKTON. MR. SCOTT. MR, DAHMEN. MR. SWAYZE. MR. STALLMAN . CHIEF SIMMERS . SECRETARY ROBERTS. MINUTES of the May 24th meeting approved on the motion of MR. SCOTT, seconded by MR. SAPERSTONE. CHAIRMAN GUARNIER stated that MR. LAVERTY was absent at this meeting due to a death in the family. CHAIRUA%t •GUARNIER noted the receipt of 4.3 letters in regard to the removal of -parking on State Street during stated hours, and referred this correspondence to MR. WILKINSON' S COMEITTEE ON ARTERIAL STREETS, CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT. MR. CASS reported that a conference with Lehigh Valley Railroad officials had been held to discuss a better means for erecting Stop signs at the Fulton Street intersections. Adding a second section, showing a flashing red on Fulton Street and amber on the other streets was considered the best solution. The L.V.R.R, can make up the second section at an estimated cost of $75.00. More details are to be worked out including the percentage of participation in the cost by the city and railroad. TRAFFIC ISLANDS, ELM, CLIFF & WEST STATE STREETS. These safety islands have been if' operation for a period includ. ing the last two weeks of school. Installation was 'made primar- ily to provide a safer crossing for school children. The islands have slowed traffic s.t this point, and the School Guards feel that they are necessary. Chief Simmers - stated that he believes that they are working out very well. MR. CASS stated that he believed the continuance of these island should depend upon their effectiveness, and that the trial should be continued on an experimental basis throughout the summer, and should be checked in the Fall for their overall effect on conditions at this intersection. DEY, AUBURN, TOMPKINS STREET INTERSECTION. From general observation, the traffic volume is low, and visa- bility average. The accident' record'is good with only one prop- erty damage accident in 4 1/3 years, although Dey Street enter- ing the intersection at an angle is somewhat confusing. On November 23, 1953, the Traffic-Commission voted no change for this intersection at that time, and unless some policy change is made in .the` matter of making Tompkins - Hancock Street a Thru- Street - west of Cayuga Street, MR. CASS recommended no action at this time. The Commission has already approved-Stop Signs for all Hancock Street intersections west of Lake Ave. Hancock St- reet is now a Stop Street at both Lake Avenue and Willow Ave. REPLACE TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT S. ALBANY AND CLINTON STREET. The storm of June 12th damaged this traffic signal so extensively that'the purchase of a new signal was necessary at a cost of 0205.04. MR. CASS moved that this purchase he made from the funds available to the Traffic Commission. The Traffic Commission has a present balance of 04.61.51. MR. SCOTT seconded. Approved. CITY ATTORNEY. MR. D_HMEN road the following Resolution drawn by him in compli- ance with the instructions of the Traffic Commission at it' s meeting May 24th, 1954 RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION. RESOLVED, that this Traffic Commission, acknowledge' upon his retiring from the position of Police Commissioner, tho untiring efforts of Truman K. Powers above and beyond the actual duties of his office which have produced such excellent results vit}Fin the entire .Police Department, As a result of his interest, initiative, thoroughness, and practicalness, there exists today a now loyalty and esprit de corps in this Department i I T H A C I T R A F F I C C O M M I S S I O N. OCTOBER 25, 1954, MEMBERS PRESENT: RADIO & PRESS . CHAIRMAN GUARNIER. MR. CASS. MR. CLAREY. MRS. BLACK. MR. SCOTT. MR. CHATFIELD, MR. SAPERSTONE. MR, LAVERTY. MR. SWAYZE. MR. DAHMEN. MR. STALLMAN. SECRETARY ROBERTS . CHIEF SIMMERS . MINUTES of the SEPTEMBER 27th meeting APPROVED. The SECRETARY read two letters addressed to the COMMISSION from PROF. TAYLOR LEWIS , TRAFFIC CONSULTANT, and was directed to acknowledge receipt of the suggestions contained in one of the letters , to PROF. EMERITUS WILLIAM T. FORBES. (Copies of these letters attached to these minutes). A letter from Superintendent of Schools WILLIAM GRAGG was read in regard to purchasing school signs. MR. SAPERSTONE discussed the 1955 Budget of the COMMISSION into which the cost of signs and the cost of WALK-WAIT signs for a State Street intersection trial would be incorporated. CHAIRMAN GUARNIER referred consideration of the COMMISION 'S 1955 BUDGET to a Committee of COMMISSIONERS LAVERTY, CASS , LEWIS and STALLMAN with POWER for presentation to the COMMON COUNCIL. The COMMISSION 'S BUDGET for 1954 was $1500.00 A letter from MR. ORCOTT was read and referred to MR. SAPERSTONE, CHAIRMAN PARKING & METERS COMMITTEE.. A letter from MR. RAYMOND V. HEMMING was read and ordered filed. MR. CASS stated that the FULTON STREET signals were now in COMMITTEE REPORTS. operation. ENFORCEMENT - M . STALLMAN. No report. PATZKING & METERS - MR. SAPEESTONE. The Committee recommended that a NO PARKING regulation be placed on the NCR TH SIDE of COLUMBIA STREET from GILES to HUDSON STREET on a 90 day trial basis. APPROVED . SAFETY COMMITTEE - MRS. BLACK. The Committee recommended that HANCOCK STREET AND TOMPKINS STREET between WILLOW AVENUE and CAYUGA STREET be designa- ted as a THROUGH STREET on a 90 day trial basis. APPROVED. A request from the residents of HEIGHTS COURT for the des- ignation of a play area for children was referred to the TRAFFIC ENGINEER for study and report at the next meeting. A request for the employment of a school guard at the COOK and EDDY STREET crossing was approved with one vote in the negative. A recommendation that a motorized patrolman be assigned to the JUNIOR HIGH-CENTRAL-PAROCHIAL SCHOOL area was referred to COMMISSIONER STALLMAN for consideration, A recommendation that SCHOOL GUARDS be deputized was refer- red to COMMISSIONER STALLMAN and CHIEF SIMMERS . MRS. BLACK recommended the placement of a CAUTION LIGHT at the intersection of TURNER PLACE, SPENCER, PROSPECT & CLINTON STREETS, This was referred to the TRAFFIC CONTROL and SAFETY COMMITTEE for study and recommendation. NEW BUSINESS . MR. SCOTT recommended that a NO PARKING regulation be placed in effect on the SOUTH SIDE of MITCHELL STREET below the new church. Referred to the PARKING & METERS COMMITTEE FOR report at the next meeting. On motion, meeting adjourned 5:25 p,m, B.L,Roberts. September 30, 1954. Mr. Larry Guarnier, Chairman Ithaca Traffic Commission, City Hall, Ithaca, New York. Dear Mr. Guarniers Today I had a visitor in my office who was deeply concerned with the lack of consideration that is given to the pedes- trian locally. He is Professor Emeritus William T. Forbes. He had six points for consideration. 1 - Permanemt marking of crosswalks - I suggest that the Board of Public Works be asked to establish a policy which would automatically provide precast white con- crete markers for crosswalks whenever a street is reconstructed of brick or bituminous material; and that bituminous permanent markers be us'©d on concrete sur- faces . 2 - Corndrs rounded beyond the point of pedestrian take-off suggestion is made that the intersection of State and Eddy, College and Central, and others which are particu•• larly confusing and hazardous to the pedestrians be in- vestigated with the idea of providing pedestrians refuge. 3 - Warning pedestrians by showing yellow with the green just prior to the change of a signal light to red and to expose the yellow light so that a pedestrian may have a better chance of seeing this intersection - suggestion is made that this matter be considered only with the discussion on walk-wait signals, since it is contrary to the New York State uniform traffic law, 4 - Police to take responsibility for turning vehicles at intersections - Mr. Forbes advocated that the police at intersections direct the turning motorists when to make the turn and leave the initiative up to the motor- ist. This matter should be referred to the Police Comm- issioner for his consideration. 5 - Police invisable at intersections - Mr. Forbes states that police at intersections are practically invisable and they should be provided with white safety belts or some other device. Suggestion is made that this natter be referred to the Police Commissioner for con- sideration. 6 - Parking on sidewalks and crosswalks - Mr, Forbes states that there are numerous cases where pedestrians are inconvenienced by the parking of vehicles on sidewalks or within crosswalks. He further states that conditions have improved over the years . Suggestion is made that the police commissioner be given this matter for what- ever consideration he feels necessary. It would be appropriate, I am sure if Professor Forbes is notified as to any action taken on these matters. Sincerely yours, signed. Taylor D. Lewis . TDL:sln cc/Mrs. Wm. Black, October 19, 19546 Mr. Larry Guarnier, Chairman of the Traffic Commission, City Hall, Ithaca, New York. Dear Mr. Guarnier: Yesterday I spent some time with Mr. Thorne of the Planning Board. Our discussion concerned the Pequest of the Traffic Commission to the Planning Board concerning arterial streets. Mr. Thorne considered our request vague. He did not know what we meant by an arterial street. However, in the next paragraph of his memorandum he says that: Tho aucQmpAnying map shows the streets designated as arterial by the Planning Board. They meet the require- ments of the definition, and this is the starting point for a comprehensive plan of traffic-ways for the city and environs , such as has been urged by the undersigned for many years. The request referred to, speaks of "an arterial street plan for the City of Ithaca". If a com- plete traffic..way plan is meant, that of course would require intensive study with a sizable staff over a con- siderable period of time. It is on the Planning Board's Agenda, if and when a suitable staff of helpers becomes available. We,of course, are interested in the comprehensive plan of traffic-ways for the city and environments. The map, which he will present, shows major city streets and is a starting point, but does not give us the guide we requested. Therefore, I believe that the traffic Commission should do everything in its power to assist Mr. Thorne in making that comprehensive study. The city budget for the next year is now under consideration and should include provision for the staff, requested by Mr. Thorne. The Traffic Commission can provide justification for this expense. In my mind, I believe Mr. Thorne agrees the present lack of long range planning, coupled with a lack of capital budget, is the basis of many of our traffic problems. A glance at the map, submitted by Mr. Thorne, will show a duplication of traffic-ways in some instances and total lack in others. It is my understanding that Mr. Wilkinson has proposed a long range street widening program to the Board of Public Works recently. The Traffic Commission is certainly inter- ested in this project and should help to further street widening programs which coincide with the pattern city traffic-ways as part of long range city planning. Sincerely yours, signed. Taylor D. Lewis. TDL:sln T R A F F I C C O M M I S S I O N October, 1954 R E P R T . THIS Oct. IRIS YR LAST Y INC. 2497 TICKETS ISSUED BY OFFICERS _ MONTH_ 5 ..T IlATE4,T Il D C - IWUMBER (F TI�GKET5 PROCESSED. 1396 3163' 666 • 734 METER VIOLATIONS. 463 280 3146 4085 - 939 OVERNIGHT PARKING. 651 343 2196 2074 + 122 VARIOUS INFRACTIONS. 604 537 3415 3355 + 60 TICKETS VOID., 111 91 802 981 • 179 PERCENTAGE OF TICKETS BY MAIL 46% PENALTY FINES. J 06.00 142.00 1303.00 1355.0 • 52.00 TOTAL TO CHAMBERLAIN. 2104. 1424. 11,586. 11,970 • 434.00 OUTSTANDING TICKETS . 855 FOREIGN TICKETS. 1 157 TRAFFIC OFFICER'S REPORT . INCREASE THSS_ MS?. .TH S.XBI.LA.3T_Y134/$ rt2Z11SE TOTAL • 53 517 423 I + 94 TYPE OF ACCIDENTS. INJURIES . 9 79 62 1 + 17 NON-INJURIES . 37 394 330 f + 64 PEDESTRIAN. 7 38 24 , + 14 BICYCLE OR COASTING. 0 6 7 • 1 CAUSES. VIOLATION OF STOP SIGN. 5 47 37 + 10 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL. 1 16 5 + 11 SPEEDING. 4 37 18 * 19 PARKING. 1 15 20 • 5 ROAD CONDITIONS. SNOW AND ICE. 0 73 40 + 33 WET OR RAINING. 13 113 76 + 37 MEQIANICAL DEFECTS STEERING. 0 0 1 - 1 BRAKES . 0 6 14 • 8 HIT AND RUN. 2 12 ' 10 * 2 MON. ' TUES . RED. iTHURS4 ;,, FRI. SAT. I SUN. TOTAL DAY OF WEEK. J- a _ 7 _ 5 a 7_ 15 7 _ _ 7 ,_ 53 M. F . RESIDENCE CITY OUTSIDE. NOT SEX OF DRIVER OF STATED. 61 . 7 RIER_ 77 20 1 UN E 23=z 4z - 4 5:51 -35:6167--741-MIT RO -I S- T1: AGE OF DRIVER 20 STATE ENTS . 12.4 15 ,. 19 j, 8 i 12 I 2 1 2 L 0 20 21 DAYLIGHT DUSK OR DARK. DARK WITH S!'Ji- " LIGHT CONDITIONS . DAWN. LIGHTS . 35 2 16 0 TRUCK TAXI MOTORCYCLE PRIVATE CAR BUJ TYPE OF VEHICLE. _ S_ _ f_ _ 0 j 0 _ _ ! _ 93 _ _ I _ 0 _ STAND. 0-10 1-20 21-30 81.40 1. 50 NOT F ED OF VEHICLE. 13 1_ 14_ L 13 J -_ 17 .41 2 _ L _ 0 §TTTED.I, 39 OPEN SCHOOL BUSINESS RESIDENCE INDUSTRY ! LOCATION OF ACCIDENT., 0 I 8 � 18 ! 27 0 I- - - - - - BLDG SHRUBPARK rEMBK RAIN HILL HEAD OTHER. VISION OBSCURED BY CARS . SNOW CREST LIGHT 1 O . 3 .L 1.I 7 _, 1 ,_ 0 , 4 -. - -e- - -'.- MOVING VIOLATIONS . ^r A rt B _c____ Z DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED. 3 2* 0 1 0 SPEEDING. 43 42 1 0 0 RECKLESS DRIVING. 0 0 0 0 0 DRIVING THRU STOP SIGN. 16 16 0 0 0 DRIVING THRU ELEC. SIGNAL. 16 15 0 0 1 VEHICLE & TRAFFIC LAW. 10 6 0 0 4 NO OPERATOR'S LICENSE. 7 5 0 0 2 LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT. 0 0 0 0 0 CITY ORDINANCES . 2 2 0 0 0 ONE-WAY STREETS . 1 0 1 0 0 NO U-TURNS . 5 5 0 0 L 0 B CONVICTED A. ARRESTS. D • ADJOURNED. C • FORFEITED BAIL. E - DISMISSED. * 1- Changed to Reckless Driving. 1 - Changed to Speeding. "y v� jIA:se, "ALL WAY" PEDESTRIAN WALKS. Howard F. Iigner. The Municipality, pp. 151 & 162, July,1954. Highway Research Abstracts , October, 1954. On July 21, 1953, the City of Milwaukee installed and put in operation on atrial basis an "A11 Way" walk interval system at four adjacent intersections on Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of the heart of the downtown retail shopping district. The system was discontinued by order of the Common Council on January 12, 1954, after a trial period of more than five months. This experiment indicated that while under certain condi- tions this system of traffic signal operation could be successful, it is not necessarily so under all conditions. The street intersection pattern, vehicle traffic volumes, vehicle turning movements, traffic accidents, and traffic delays must be all considered in makinga decision as to the desirability of using this system of traffic signal timing. Comparing the trial period with a similar period the previous years *l) traffic accidents were only slightly less during the "All Way" trial period; (2) travel time for straight east and west vehicular traffic on Wisconsin Avenue and parallel adjacent streets was about 30 percent greater during the trial period; and (3) the number of motor vehicles going through the area during the evening peak period was approx- imately 20 percent less during the trial period due to the smaller percentage of cycle time alloted to moving vehicles* Comments by pedestrians were both for and against "All Way" pedestrian interval system. Right turns could be easily made without pedestrian inter- ference except during periods of extremely heavy pedestrian volunee. 1 t _ I T H A C A T RAF F I C C O M M I S S I O N . Nov. 22, 1954. 41100 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT. RADIO & PRESS . MR. GUARNIER. MRS. WM. BLACK. MR. CHATFIELD° MR. SAPERSTONE. MR. SCOTT. MR, CLAREY.. MR. WILKINSON, MR. DAHMEN. MR. SWAZEY. MR. LAVERTY. MR. CASS . MR. HAXTON. MR. STALLMAN. MR. LEWIS, SECRETARY ROBERTS . CHIEF OF POLICE SIMMERS: SGT. WALLENBECK: MR. RALPH JONES . MINUTES of the OCTOBER 25th meeting approved. SGT. WALLENBECK described a new portable safety exhibit board for use at the various schools , and requested the purchase of it by the Commission. After verifying that adequate funds re- mained in the Commission's account, MR. LAVERTY moved that the Commission purchase this item. MR. WILKINSON seconded, APPROVED. COMMUNICATIONS. A letter from MR, E. B . HUGHES, DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT of the NEW YORK STATE DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS in regard to an ORIGIN & DESTINATION su.vEV l.ao read and ordered filed. A ie++ov xron Margaret D. Hoover, 742 S. Aurora Street in Yegard to the GREEN STREET PARKING LOT was read and referred to MR. CASS. COMMITTEE REPORTS. ARTERIAL STREETS MR. WILKINSON. No report. TRAFFIC CONTROL - MR. STALLMAN. No report. TAXIS , BUSES & TRUCKS * MR. SCOTT. No report. LEGAL COUNSEL - MR. DAHMEN. No report. PARKING & METERS - MR. SAPERSTONE. MR. SAPERSTONE reported that his committee felt that the com- plaint filed with the Commission by MR. ROBERT ORCUTT of 518 Stewart Avenue concerns the use of private property as a drive- way, and therefor did not come within the jurisdiction of the Commission. He requested that the Secretary notify MR. ORCUTT of the Commission's findings. MITCHELL STREET - ITHACA ROAD to ELMWOOD AVENUE. MR. SAPE'ZSTONE moved that a NO PARKING restriction be placed on the SOUTH SIDE of MITCHELL STREET between ELMWOOD AVENUE and ITHACA ROAD on a 90 day trial basis. MR. LAVERTY seconded. APPROVED. LAKE STREET - FALLS STREET TO UNIVERSITY AVENUE, Lake Street now has a NO PA .tKING restriction on the WEST side between UNIVERSITY AVE. and the bend by the ITHACA GUN COMPANY, and on the EAST side between LINCOLN STREET and FALLS STREET. These restrictions are not covered in the Ordinance., MR. SAPERSTONE moved that a recommendation be made by the Commission that the Common Council pass the necessary legidlation to in- clude these restrictions within the Ordinance„ MR. STALLMAN seconded. APPROVED. HIGHLAND AVENUE - THUIRSTON AVE TO FALL CREEK DRIVE. There is a NO PA:;?KING restriction now in effect on both sides of Highland Avenue between ROBERTS PLACE and FALL CREEK DRIVE. These restrictions are not included in the Ordinance,. MR. SAPERSTONE moved that the Common Council be requested to pass the necessary legislation to include these restrictions in the Ordinance. MR. SCOTT seconded, APPROVED. (2) November 22, 1954. PARKING & METERS (cont. ) THURSTON COURT APARTMENTS. MR. SAPERSTONE stated that the TRAFFIC ENGINEER had received a verbal request from MRS . GRIFFIN regarding the need of one restricted parking space in front of the THURSTON COURT APART- MENTS . MR. SAPERSTONE recommended and moved that one parking space nearest Thurston Avenue on the WEST SIDE of HIGHLAND AVENUE be restricted to 10 minute parking, and that it be so marked, MR. DAHMEN seconded. A`' x ROVED e NORTH GENEVA STREET - TWO HOUR PARKING. MR. SAPERSTONE stated that the Common Council had referred back to the Commission the request for legislative action oft the two hour parking restriction for more adequate signing, and re- quested that the trial period be extended fcr another 90 days. MR. SAPERSTONE recommended and moved that the trial period for the two hour parking restriction on NORTH GENEVA STREET from COURT STREET to a point 62 feet Southerly on the WEST SIDE, and to a point 84 feet Southerly on the EAST SIDE bop extended for an additional 90 day period beginning this date. MR. LAVERTY seconded. AP PROVED. CHILDIENS ' LOADING ZONE. MR. SAPERSTONE read a petition signed by 21 persons requesting parking space for loading and unloading children at the Day Nursery. MR. SAPERSTONE recommended and moved that ono park- ing space be restricted and signs placed designating it as a CNILDRENS ' LOADING ZONE with a 10 minute restriction between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. MR. SCOTT seconded. Approved. SAFETY COMMITTEE - MRS . BLACK. MRS. BLACK stated that the Committee 's study of the intersection of PROSPECT, S''ENCER & TURNER PLACE had not been completed and ask ed that the report on this matter be deferred for further study. DEPUTIZATION OF SCHOOL GUARDS. MRS. BLACK stated that she was expecting more data on this matter from Albany, and asked that the report be deferred until this information could be studied by the Committee. SAFE DRIVING DAY - DECEMBER 15th, 1954, MRS . BLACK requested the Police Safety Car be used on SAFE- ' DIVING DAY as an added aid to the program. This was referred to the POLICE COMMISSIONER. CITY ENGINEER - MR. CASS. HEIGHTS COURT PLAY AREA, MT'. CASS stated that he did not feel that any street area should be designated as a play area. However, due to the topog- raphy of this street with a sharp break in grade in the middle of the block, he realized that an element of danger existed due to the possibility of a motorist not being able t > see children until too close to stop. Therefore, with this in mind, and with no intent to set a precedent, He moved that a CHILDREN AT ,'LAY sign be erected at each end of the street as a warning. MR. LAVERTY seconded. APPROVED with one negative vote, SPECIAL CURB PARKING AT POST OFFICE FOR MAIL TRUCKS . MR. CASS stated that the 90 day trial period had expired, and requested that this area for the parking of Highway Post Office Trucks he continued under this authorization for an additional 30 days , MR. LAVERTY seconded, MR. SAPERSTONE will investigate the possibility of the area 's misuse, APPROVED. NO PARKING RESTRICTIONS - GENERAL. MR. CASS stated that there is a continuing demand and need for placing No Parking restrictions on many of our residential streets , which he felt was due to the alternate side night park- ing, and he suggested that these restrictions be continued on a trial basis until some final action is made on night parking (3) CITY ENGINEER - MR. CASS . (cont. ) rather than send them to the Common Council when the initial trial period has expired. HUnSON STREET - NO PARKING. The No Parking restriction on the WEST side of HUDSON STREET from P2°SPECT STREET to the CITY LINE will expire on November 26th, MR. CASS moved that this be continued for another 90 days. MR. SCOTT seconded. APPROVED. C 1URT STREET, CASCAPILLA STREET, NORTH CAYUGA ST. AREA., MR. CASS stated that a request received by him in regard to better signs and lighting in this area was being studied, and recommended that the part regarding lighting, be referred to the Board of Public Works. MR. SAPERSTONE seconded,. APPROVED. TRAFFIC C')NSULTANT - MR. LEWIS. MR. LEWIS stated that a report on the school areas was being prepared with maps for each school area. PEPESTRIAN WALK SIGNALS MR. LEWIS informed the Commission that charts are being prepared by the CITY ENGINEER and would be in readiness for the next meeting of the Commission. NEW BUSINESS . BUrGET FOR 1955. MP.. LAVERTY moved that the Budget for the Commission remain at the same amount of $500.00 for the year of 1955, with the understanding that additional amounts may be requested for specific items if necessary. MR. SATLLMAN seconded, APA R')VEP. C°MMITTEE MEETINGS. CH.iIRM.AN GUARNIER requested that MR. LAVERTY be designated to set all Committee Meetings , contact members of these Committees, and channel correspondence to them as necessary. AP?RoVED3 TRUCK TRANSFER TERMINAL. MP.. GUARNIEIL suggested that the possibility of having a FREIGHT TRUCK TERMINAL be considered as a method of removing large transport trucks from the streets when they have less than truck load deliveries; unloading all part loads at the terminal for .delivery by smaller vehicles. This matter was referred to MR. STALLMAN for study and report at the next meeting. PARKING STATE STREET AT MITCHELL STREET. Referred to MR. CASS for recommendation and report. PARKING - UNIVERSITY AVENUE at MCGRAW PLACE. Referred to MR. JAVERTY for study and recommendation. NEXT MEETING. PATE of the next meeting set for DECEMBER 27th, 19540 APJ')URNMENT at 5t15 p.m. Benj. L. Roberts, Secretary. f TRAFF I C COMMI .SS I ON November 19,.4. R E P R T . _ _ _ _ _ THIS ' Nev. TRIS YR LAST Y INC. _ - TICKETS ISSUED BY OFFICERS _ M N2M- _1221 TI1 DATE*T.Q MAT DEC.. NUMBER d' TI�GKETS4 PROCESSES?. 1017 972 9683 10422 - 739 METER VIOLATIONS, 338 359 3484 4444 - 960 OVERNIGHT PARKING. 283 269 2479 2343 + 126 VARIOUS INFRACTIONS. 411 . 353 3826 3708 * 118 TICKETS VOID.. '78 77 880 1058 - 178 PERCENTAGE OF TICKETS BY MAIL , 43% 46% PENALTY FINES. 206.00 63.00 1509.00 1418.0 + 91.00 TOTAL TO CHAMBERLAIN. . 1567. ~ 1116, 13103. 13086. + 17.00 OUTSTANDING TICKETS . 575 FOREIGN TICKETS. i 97 TRAFFIC OFFICER'S REPORT . INCREASE THIS_ KO. S HI S..XR .LAS T Y$ 11EG�RFtA S.E TOTAL - 60 577 466 I + 112 TYPE OF ACCIDENTS. INJURIES, 11 90 63 1 + 27 NON»INJURIES . 46 440 367 I + 73 PEDESTRIAN. 3 41 28 • + 13 BICYCLE OR COASTING. 0 6 7 - 1 CAUSES. . VIOLATION OF STOP SIGN. 5 52 38 + 14 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL. 0 16 6 + 10 SPEEDING, 4 41 19 + 22 PARKING. 2 17 22 6 ROAD CONDITIONS. SNOW AND ICE, 2 75 50 + RS WET OR RAINING. 11 124 79 + 45 MEQI ANICAL DEFECTS STEERING. 0 0 1 - 1 BRAKES . 0 6 15 • - 9 HIT AND RUN, 1 13 ' 12 + 1 MON. TUES . RED. ' THURS.' RI. SAT. SUN. TOTAL DAY OF WEEK. 11 . 8_ _ 10_`� 7 —� 6 14 _ ,_ _4- ,- 60 � _ M. F . RESIDENCE CITY OUTSIDE. ' NOT SEX OF DRIVER 93 26 �OF 94 25 STATED. 'UNDER 23.74 - -35»a 8-53 36=6 C5-.:71-UVEz 110 ITTIM AGE OF DRIVER 20 STATNTS . 21 20 , 20 14 14 8 1 0 L 1 21 34 DAYLIGHT DUSK OR DARK. DAkK WITH STII:rE " LIGHT CONDITIONS • DAWN. LIGHTS . _ 32 _ 3 1-170-idiciciiii 25 _ _ 0_ _TRUCK TAXI PRIVATE CAR BUt, POLICE TYPE OF VEHICLE. 6 - �_ 1 _ 0 _ _ - 110 _ _ 1 _ 1 STAND. 0-10 1-20 121.30 31-40 1-50 NOT SP=ED OF VEHICLE. 23 _'_ 2_0_ _28_ 1 _18_ �_ 1_ _ 0 STATED, _29 OPEN SCHOOL BUSINESS RESIDENCE INDUSTRY LOCATION OF ACCIDENT.] 0 7 16 1 38 _ 0 _ _ BLDG SHRUB PARK rEMBKIRAIN HILL rgar OTHER,`TSION OBSCURED BY 0 CA6RS .' 2 SN� CREST LIGHT 3 41 ,L J ... .y - -!- -- 1- M V II3C VIOLATIONS . �.__A__ __ B .0 g DRIVING WHILE• INTOXICATED, 0 0 0 0 0 SPEEDING. 14 14 • 0. 0 0 RECKLESS DRIVING. 1 1 0 0 0 DRIVING THRU STOP SIGN, 7 7 0 0 0 DRIVING THRU ELEC. SIGNAL. 11 : 9 0 0 2 VEHICLE & TRAFFIC LAW. 5 2 0 1 2 NO OPERATOR'S LICENSE. 5 2 0 1 2 LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT. ' 0 0 0 0 0 CITY ORDINANCES . 4 4 0 0 0 ONE-WAY STREETo . 1 0 0 0 1 NO U-TURNS. 1 • 1 0 0 0 B - CONVICTED A. ARRESTS. D • ADJOURNED. C - FORFEITED 'BAIL, E . - DISMISSED. A;-"Ti/1 November 16, 195l. Ateritr- School of Civil Engineering Cornell University Our Quotation Ithaca, New York TS-2361 Mr. Taylor D. Inwis Your letter November 5 Traffic Signal System in Downtown Ithaca Dear Mr. Irwis: Thank you very much for your letter of November 5th regarding 'the proposed installation of neon pedestrian signals at the intersection of State and Tioga Streets as well as the proposed changes in timing in the control system. First of all, the following cuotation would apply on the pedestrian signals for State and Tioga Streets: 4 2-way assemblies of TIN,-3 016955 r q "Walk DonQt Walk" signals complete with Tle 1256 bracket arms; less next; tubing Net Each - C296.12 8 KIP3139 pole clamps for street lighting pole having outside diameter of 8-5/8 Net Each - 011.00 The above cuotation assumes that there are street lighting poles on each of the four corners of the intersection on which' the pedestrian signals can be installed. Since the exact size of the street lighting poles at the 81 mounting height is unknown we have assumed a size of 8-5/8" outside diameter for estimating purposes. The price of the pole clamps will be higher or lower depending on the exact size re- quired. If there are no street lighting poles on these corners, making the installation of special poles necessary, the following quotation would apply on both pedestrian signals and poles: 4 2-way assemblies of TNO-3 0.6955 neon "Walk Don't Walk" signals complete with TL-1761 pipe arm assembly with slip-fitter for It" pipe pole; less tubing Net Each - e'294.69 .2.. 4 #45673, 8° traffic signal pole with ornamental base Net Each $ 46.75 Prices cuoted above are net to the City of Ithaca. There are no further discounts. Shipment is f.o.b. car, Syracuse, New York, with freight allowed to Ithaca. Neon signals are sold less tubing because it is virtually impossible to ship this tubing for any distance without excessive breakage. We will furnish a drawing of the tubing, a template, and instructions for filling the tubing with gas so that tubing maybe obtained locally. For estimating purposes you can figure that tubing for each of the eight signals will cost $25.00. The total cost of the tubing would therefore be about X200.00 for the intersection. The type TN0e3 signal is shown on page 23 of Section 601, A 2egay assembly of these units is similar in appearance to the assembly shown in Fig. 7, page 20, Section 601. The assembly shown in Fig. 7 is designed for use on existing street lighting poles although the pole clamps are not shown. The assembly shown in Fig. 9 of this same page is arranged for installation on an 8e pipe pole which is quoted on above and is shown on page 2, Section 609, encl sed. We regret that we would be una'kle to give you an estimating cost on the miscellaneous item such as the cable recuired to connect the signals to the controller orthe labor cost for making the installation. To operate the signals it is necessary to run 6 conductor cable from the controller around the intersection to the neon pedestrian signals. The 6.conductars includes the corm on which may be dispensed with if the existing vehicular signals are corner mounted since the same common may be used for both vehicular and pedestrian signals. Each conductor in this cable should preferably be #12 AZJ0, It will be necessary to add four carte and contacts to the controller for operation of these pedestrian signals at a total cost of approximately $8.00. For an estimating cost of labor, cable, etc. we would refer you to the Cortright Electric Company, 653 Elmira Road, Ithaca, New York, who in the past has installed traffic signals and controllers for the City of Ithaca. Enclosed are drawings 7741-L through 77b8-L which are the time space graphs for the downtown system as it was originally set up when the Super-Trafflex control system was first installed. Drawing 77414, is the graph for State Street. If you will compare drawing 770.-L with the State Street graph prepared by Messrs Urdas and Matos you will note that the groupines are identical. However, the splits used on 7714.L are realistic in that they reflect the actual traffic counts on the main and cross streets. ..3.. On the basis of recent traffic counts which have been submitted, I believe that the splits used on 7741-L are as realistic today as they were when the graph was originally prepared. You will note that all of our graphs are plotted 1.0 percent of total period (time cycle) rather than time cycle in seconds. We have found this to offer greater flexibility since timing dials are calibrated in percent rather than in seconds. As you probably know, the Super-Trafflex control system in use in Ithaca is so designed that the systemtine cycle may be adjusted from the Master controller through a ranee of from 40 to 120 seconds. We understand that during off peak hours the City is using a time cycle of 55 seconds which will provide e speed of approximately 17.6 miles per hour on the basis of the band shown on 7 7141-L. A time cycle of 60 seconds will give a speed of 16 miles per hour and we understand that the 60 second cycle is used during heavy traffic conditions. We understand that the City is contemplating the use:tea longer time cycle and would like to know what effect a longer cycle would have on progression. As you know, the width of the progressive band in seconds will increase in direct proportion to the increase in time cycle. A system time cycle of 65 seconds would provide a progressive speed of 15 miles per hour, A system time cycle of 70 seconds would provide a speed of approximately 114.8 miles per hour. The use of a 65 or 70 second time cycle during peak conditions is certainly worth considering because the speed obtained maybe more in keeping with actual vehicular speeds. This would result in a smoother flow of traffic with fewer stops and less congestion. The effect of an all-red pedestrian "Walk" interval, when used at the intersection of Tioga and State Street, is shrwn in red pencil on drawing 7741-I4. You will note that it cuts into both the east and westbound bands considerably. State Street is 40' in width from curb to curb. The average pedestrian walks 3.5' per second and would recuire a minimum of U.S seconds to cross the street, We have figured on allowing 25 percent of the time cycle for the all-red "Walk" interval which would amount to 13,8 seconds on the 55 second cycle and 15 seco lis on the 60 second cycle. Since the all-red "Walk" interval must be stolen from the State and Tioga Street Vehicular green intervals, we could anticipate considerable backing up of vehicular traffic at this intersection during peak traffic conditions. In general, it has been our experience that the use of an all-red "Walk" interval at one intersection in the midst of a system such as this has very detrimental effects, The intersection where it is used becomes a bottleneck for both vehicles and pedestrians resulting in criticism from all sides. It would be our reeoamendation that the "Walk" signals be operated with the green and that as many turns as possible be eliminated. When the "Walk" signals are operated with the green, the pedestrians are naturally exposed to whatever turning movements may be permitted. However, in most cities there has been little or no criticism on this point. As you probably know, when the pedestrian signals are operated with the green, it is customary to display the "Don't Walk" indication a few deconds before the vehicular amber indication appears. This is done because vehicular traffic can cross the intersection much mare quickly than a pedestrian. Display of the "Donn Walk" indication somewhat ahead of the vehicular amber indication precludes the possibility of having pedestrians caught in the middle of the intersection when opposing vehicular traffic is in motion. With reference to progression on north and south streets, it appears to us to be virtually impossible to improve this without changthg the timing splits so as to give more time in. the north and south direction. Since the timing splits at all intersections seem to be in accordance with the most recent traffic counts, we are afraid that any change would simply transfer the congestion to the east and west movements. In your folder you included a graph for Aurora Speet, In comparing this with drawing 7748-L, which is our graph for Aurora Street, we note that you have shown signals at Creen and Clinton Street. If controllers and signals have been installed at these additional intersections, they are apparently not interconnected ' with the Super-Trafflex control system because there are no recent orders on file for controllers which could be used in this system. Should timers of any other type be ixtalled at these additional intersections traffic could not move progressively until it reached Court Street. It is recommended that any controllers now installed at these two intersections be replaced with our type GF..1 Trafflex controller and interconnected with the present system. To show one-way progression on State and Seneca Streets, we have drawn two new garaphs which are drawings 98864, and 9887-L respectively. 9886-L provides excellent eastbound progression on State Street with the west- , bound band very limited in width. Presumably the City has no intention at the present time of making State Street one-+way eastbound. Therefore, there will be only one available eastbound traffic lane. The reduction in stops and starts of eastbound vehicles brought about by the wider eastbound band, should somewhat increase the capacity of this one east- bound lane. However, since most westbound traffic will be starting and stopping at every intersection, the overall capacity of State Street to handle vehicles will probably be slightly reduced from its present capacity where two-array progression is afforded. There would certainly be a great increase in capacity of State Street if two lanes for eastbound traffic could be rode available. In arlecase, vehicles wishing to proceed westbound would quickly learn to use Seneca Street rather than State Street. Judging from the map which we have here, they would turn off State Street at Aurora and proceed north on Aurora to Seneca where they would make a left turn and proceed west. Referring to drawing 9887-L, you will none that the westbound band starts during the Aurora Street red. This will accommodate left turning vehicles rather/vehicles wishing to go straight through on Seneca Street. As a than result, diverted westbound traffic will find themselves in the progressive band on Seneca Street from the instait they turn left into Seneca Street. It is suggested that the signal and controller at the intersection of Aurora and Seneca Streets be modified so as to permit a leading left turn into Seneca Street for westbound vehicles. If you will refer to the new Buffalo Street graph, shown on drawing 9888-le you will also note that the westbound progression favors traffic turning a6� right and left from Aurora into Buffalo Street rather than the through movement. This condition is produced by the interlocking effect necessary to get progressive movement on Aurora and the other north and south streets. We did not prepare a time space graph for Green Street since it is onew way east and the eastbound progression afforded will be identical to that provided on State Street. According to our records there are only two signals on Green Street which are located at Albany and Cayuga Streets. Time space g aphs covering the north-south movenents would remain the same as those prepared for the present timing and as a result we have prepared no new graphs covering the north-south movements. For your information, we are enclosing prints of timer s=itting charts 16406.A and 16407-A covering the timing dial settings as established from graphs 771 1-L through 77h8-L, If the present timing Is to be retained it night be advisable to check the dials of all controllers to make sure that they are set in accordance with these charts. We have not prepared tuner setting charts for graphs 9986-L through 9888.4 but will be very glad to do so if you would like to change the timing on the basis of these graphs. We are returning the report prepared by ressrs Urdaz and Fatos. If we have failed to cover any point satisfactorily or if there are any questions with regard to this matter please let us know. Very truly yours, J. J. Jerry Traffic Signal Department vrh Enc s. II I T H A C A A T R A F F I C C O M M I S S I O N . DEC. 27, 1954. 4:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: RADIO & PRESS. CHAIRMAN GUARNIER. MR. SAPERSTONE. MR. CLAREY. MAYOR COOK. MR. SCOTT. MR. SWAYZE. MRS . WM. BLACK. MR. LAVERTY. MR. CHATFIELB . MR. WILKINSON. MR. LEWIS . MR. HAXTON. MR. DAHMEN. MR. CASS . CHIEF SIMMERS . SGT. WALLENBACK. SEC 'TY, ROBERTS . MINUTES of the November 22nd meeting approved amended as followg; HIGHLAND AVENUE - THURSTON AVE. TO FALL CREEK DRIVE. After the words " ROBERTS PLACE and FALL CREEK DRIVE" delete the period; add a comma and the following " and on the East side between ROBERTS PLACE and THURSTON AVENUE" period. COMMITTEE REPORTS. ARTERIAL COMMITTEE a MR. WILKINSON. No report. PARKING & METERS * MR. SAPERSTONE. No report. TAXIS & BUSES - MR. SCOTT. No report. TRAFFIC CONTROL - MR. STALLMAN. CHIEF SIMMERS reported for COMMISSIONER STALLMAN in regard to a TRUCK TERMINAL. MR. BENNETT has contacted the trucking companies serving this area and had some response but as yet has not had a complete return. He will set up a schedule to make less-than-truck-load deliveries using a small truck. This will remove a great percentage of the large trailer type trucks from the business area of the city. He requested that if legislation is to be passed making this mandatory, two or three months be allowed him to get the program into effect. It was moved, seconded and approved that temporarily this program be on a voluntary basis until MARCH 1, 1955, and CHIEF SIMMERS to report to the COMMISSION at the FEBRUARY meeting on the results of the program. SAFETY COMMITTEE - MRS . BLACK. MRS . BLACK READ the following report of her Committee. 1 - In reference to the crossing at SPENCER, PROSPECT & TURNER, the Committee reports that pedestrian crossings will be established at this location in the Spring, and in the meantime, the TRAFFIC ENGINEER is to make a further study and report. 2 - Regarding the deputization of School Guards at the Comm- ittee 's request, the Mayors ' Conference is conducting a State-wide survey of current practices in this respect, and when the results are ready they will be presented to the Commission, 3 - The Committee recommended, and MRS . BLACK moved that the Common Council be requested to pass the proper legislation requiring the use of LOW GEAR by trucks on hill streets, when properly signed; and further that SOUTH AURORA STREET be so signed. Motion seconded and Approved. 4 - The Committee recommended, and M RS. HACK moved that to facilitate snow and ice removal, overnight parking be prohibited on EAST STATE STREET: MITCHELL STREET: ITHACA ROAD, between SCHUYLER PLACE and the CITY LINE. Also on EAST SENECA STREET BETWEEN AURORA STREET AND STEWART AVE. during the period DECEMBER 1, to APRIL 1. Motion seconded and Approved, 5 - A report prepared by MR. RALPH JONES of the Ithaca Schools was presented to the Committee. This report was referred to Mr. TAYLOR LEWIS and TRAFFIC ENGINEER CASS for the report on School Safety. I T H A C A T R A F F I C-C 0 M M I S S I O N. DECEMBER 27, 1954. (2) (cont. ) CITY ENGINEER. MR. CASS stated that he had made a study of the possibility of designating Entrance and Exit Gates at the GREEN STREET PARKING LOT, and found that such action would tend to confuse motorists as to the proper meter to use, and increase the chances of accidents due to the necessity of backing into some parking stalls. A letter is now being sent to Miss Hoover who suggested the change, PARKING ON EAST STATE STREET. Parking is now prohibited on the EAST SIDE of STATE STREET from MITCHELL STREET to CITY LINE, and MR. CASS recommended that parking be permitted to remain as at present for the time being as resurfacing and curb work will have to be done in the near future on this street. TRAFFIC CONSULTANT - MR. LEWIS . No Report. SUPT . OF PUBLIC WORKS - MR. LAVERTY. No Report. CITY ATTORNEY - MR. DAHMEN. No Report. POLICING OF CITY PARKING LOTS . MR. WILKINSON suggested that the City Parking Lots be policed on such Holidays as Election Day. and Bank Holidays. This was referred to PARKING & METERS COMMITTEE. SGT. WALLENBACK - TRAFFIC COMMISSION ASSIGNMENT. MR. SAPERSTONE moved that the Mayor be requested to appoint SGT. WALLENBACK to the TRAFFIC COMMISSION in an Advisory Capac- ity. MRS . BLACK seconded. Approved. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING was set for JANUARY 24th, 1955 and the FEBRUARY MEETING for FEBRUARY 21st, 1955. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4t40 p.m. Benj. L. Roberts Secretary. r TRAFFIC COMMI •SS ION R E P R_T_.- ec„sbe51454.L _ _ _ THIS Dec. TEIS YR LAST-Y INC. 1083 TICKETS ISSUED BY OFFICERS _ UNTIL. _135J _T.2 DA T12 DAT DEC.., _ NUMBER(F TICKET PROCESSED. 668 970 10351 11374 • 1023 METER VIOLATIONS , 222 324 3706 4768 - 1062 OVERNIGHT PARKING. 172 273 2651 2669 • 18 VARIOUS INFRACTIONS. 280 325 4106 4037 + 67 TICKETS VOID.. 83 91 963 1197 • 234 PERCENTAGE OF TICKETS BY MAIL 51% 48% PENALTY FINES. 62.00 94.00 1571. 1479. + 92.00 TOTAL TO CHAMBERLAIN. • 994. 1045. 14,097. 14,140 • 43.00 OUTSTANDING TICKETS . 420 FOREIGN TICKETS. j 99 TRAFFIC OFFICER'S REPORT , INCREASE THIS_ ILO.7 .THIS..te,1 'Lim(LAEc.RF,ASE TOTAL • 78 655(1F) 513(5F)1 + 142 TYPE OF ACCIDENTS. INJURIES , 9 99 64(2F)' + 35 NON-INJURIES . 67 507 408 + 99 PEDESTRIAN, 2 43(1F) 32(3F)' + 11 BICYCLE OR COASTING. 0 6 7 • 1 CAUSES „ VIOLATION OF STOP SIGN. 9 61 39 + 22 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL. 2 18 7 + 11 SPEEDING, 4 45 • 22 + 23 PARKING. 3 • 20 23 • 3 ROAD CONDITIONS. SNOW AND ICE. 25 100 66 + 34 WET OR RAINING. 22 , 146 • 94 + 52. MECH ANICAL DEFECTS STEERING„ 0 0 1 • 1 BRAKES , 4 10 16 • 6 HIT AND RUN, 2 15 13 + 2 MON. TUES . BED, TUURS FRI. SAT. SUN. TOTAL DAY OF WEEK, 3 15 J„ 14 1. 8 L 17 12 #_ 9 _ ,- _78 M. F . I RESIDENCE I CITY I OUTSIDE. NOT SEX OF DRIVER 131 • 22 OF 114 39 ST TFD , MINDER 2I•'L4"25= -35-4 45.511 35=6 665=14rOv li - 77.7'? AGE OF DRIVER 20 STATE Ek4 S . 26 29 22 26 13 8 1 3 L 0 26 36 DAYLIGHT 1 DUSK OR DARK, DARK WITH STREET LIGHT CONDITIONS . DAWN. LIGHTS . 42 4 f_ _ _ _ _ 3_2 _ _ _ 0 T 18 _ 1_ TA®I- MOT ORRCYCLE FR VA E CAR I B`TYPE OF VEHICLE. _ _ _ 132_ _ _ 1 3 STAND.10-10 1-20 1:50 NOT SPEED OF VEHICLE. 33 _1 24 411.21•10-ji17.4-6. _11 - 4 - j _ 1 §STATED,. 39 TWIN'"" ®N SQHOOL BUS2I�NESS RESID4E:NCE INDUSTRY - LOCATION OF ACCIDENT. - BLDGfSHRUB PARK rEMBKIRAIN HILL HEAD OTHER. VISION OBSCURED BY CABSI SNOW CREST LIGHT 1 - 0 • - 2 �1-1® � - 1 L S 2 MOVING VIOLATIONS . A _- - B C D F, __, DRIVING WHILE' INTOXICATED. 0 0 5 0 0 SPEEDING. 11 11 1 0 0 RECKLESS DRIVING, 2 1 0 1 0 DRIVING THRU STOP SIGN, 0 0 0 0 0 DRIVING THRU ELEC. SIGNAL. 9 9 , 0 0 0 VEHICLE & TRAFFIC LAW. 3 3 0 0 0 NO OPERATOR'S LICENSE. 5 5 0 0 0 LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT. • 1 0 0 0 1 CITY ORDINANCES . 1 0 0 0 1 ONE•WAY STREETS . 1 1 0 0 0 NO U-TURNS , 0 0 0 0 0 B • CONVICTED A- ARRESTS, D • ADJOURNED. C • FORFEITED SAIL, E . • DISMISSED.