HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2017-06-26BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. June 26, 2017
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (3) – McCormick, Morache, Warden
OTHERS PRESENT:
Information Management Specialist - Myers
Director of Engineering – Logue
Transportation Engineer – Hathaway
EXCUSED:
City Attorney – Lavine
Common Council Liaison – Fleming
Director of Parking – Nagy
Supt. of Public Works - Thorne
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Commissioners Jenkins and Greene
Call to Order/Agenda Review:
Commissioner McCormick requested the addition of a discussion of the possibility of
installing an all-way stop sign at the intersection of W. Clinton and S. Plain Street.
This discussion will be added to the agenda as 14A under “New Business”.
No Board Member Objected.
Mayor’s Communications:
Mayor Myrick reported that he returned from the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s early so he
could attend the meeting today. He reported to the Board that at the conference the
City of Ithaca was awarded a $50,000 grant for a “Pay it Forward Program”.
He explained that it works as follows: “the hungry and homeless can walk into
small businesses and receive for free the things they need.
The small businesses are compensated by generous people who donate into
four pay boxes we've set up around town.
The boxes are placed near hot spots for panhandling. The boxes provide a way
to give without fear that when you give to a panhandler your money may
ultimately end up in the hands of a controlling boyfriend or a drug dealer.
245 cities applied for this grant. Only six won.
And all credit goes to the pioneering small businesses of Downtown Ithaca who
have worked to solve this problem and provide for the people most in need.
Special thanks to Center Cafe and Green Street Pharmacy for providing the
moral leadership and operating the pilot program.
Now that the City has been awarded a grant for the program, it will need to work with
the Downtown Ithaca Alliance to set the program up formally.”
Communications and Hearings from Persons Before the Board:
Carol Cedarholm, City of Ithaca and on behalf of the Northside Neighborhood
Association, addressed the Board in support of the resolution entitled “Approval to
Amend the Vehicle and Traffic Schedule to include a Four-Way Stop Control at the
Auburn/Lewis/Adams Street intersections” on the agenda for approval at today’s
meeting. She further requested the Board consider some sort of traffic calming on
Hancock Street. The neighborhood residents are especially concerned about speeding
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes June 26, 2017
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and increased traffic on this street when the “210 Hancock Project” opens in the very
near future. In addition to that project, the area also includes the Sciencenter, a
daycare center, the public works building, and a church. The residents encourage the
City to take a look at this area and request that something be done to improve the
safety of pedestrians and families in the area.
Mayor Myrick suggested that item 13A “Modification of Hancock Street/Lake Avenue
and Hancock Street/Willow Avenue to All-Way Stop Conditions” be moved up on the
agenda because of the public being at the meeting for that topic only.
No Board Member Objected.
Discussion Items:
Modification on Hancock Street/Lake Avenue and Hancock Street/Willow Avenue
to All-Way Stop Conditions - Discussion
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is authorized by Section 346-4 of the City
Code to adopt and to amend a system of Schedules in order to administer the
Vehicle and Traffic Law; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Transportation Engineer has determined that the
intersections of Hancock Street/Lake Street and Hancock Street/Willow Avenue
should be changed to all-way stop control to improve safety and operation; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the amendments below:
Schedule VIII: Stop Control Intersections.
In accordance with the provisions of §346-12, the following described
intersections are hereby designated for control by an all-way stop as
follows:
Hancock Street and Lake Avenue
Hancock Street and Willow Avenue
The following intersecting streets or locations are hereby designated for
control by stop sign(s) (not “all-way”):
Intersection Direction of travel
Hancock Street and Lake Avenue Northbound/Southbound
Hancock Street and Willow Avenue Northbound/Southbound
Mayor Myrick noted that the comments on the traffic calming needs on Hancock Street
have been clearly stated. He didn’t realize that the intersections weren’t controlled by a
stop sign.
Transportation Engineer Hathaway joined the Board for discussion of this topic. He
reported that he and Alderperson Murtagh visited the area to walk the noted corridor to
discuss the proposed modification to the intersections. He would suggest that the City
wait to conduct a formal speed control study for the area pending further investigation.
The Ithaca Police Department conducted speed control enforcement for a few days in
the area, and during that time they did not encounter any speeders. He recommended
increased or better signage in the area to see if they might resolve some of the
concerns. At this time, he would recommend repainting the cross-walks and
increased/better signage rather than the installation of a speed bump.
Commissioner Warden explained that he travels this area frequently. He has a lot of
thoughts on some improvements that could be made to increase the safety of the
neighborhood. He asked whether a traffic study was conducted when the 210 Hancock
Street project was proposed.
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Director of Engineering Logue responded that vehicular trips were counted for the
project; however, a traffic study is only done if there are capacity problems. The City
doesn’t have that problem in this area. The traffic volume (less than 3,000/day) is not
what makes this intersection different, so why does the neighborhood feel that it is any
different from similar intersections that exist in other parts of the City that don’t have any
issues.
Mayor Myrick asked whether the presence of the new 210 Hancock Street project would
now necessitate the need for a traffic calming study to be conducted.
Director of Engineering Logue responded that even if the 210 Hancock Street project
didn’t happen, the neighborhood would still be calling the City to request some form of
traffic calming, so this request is not specific to the 210 Hancock Street project.
Actually, in this case, the City is getting something out of that project – a new creek walk
and additional stop signs which were constructed and paid for by Ithaca Neighborhood
Housing Services as part of the project because of the impact of the project on the
neighborhood. As development continues downtown, the City would like to encourage
other developers to provide similar amenities since pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be
increasing and the City wants to ensure the safety of everyone.
Commissioner Warden stated that he looks at the situation differently. Prior to the 210
Hancock Street project, there was a market with an open parking lot and visibility was
clear. The construction of the 210 Hancock Street project will provide limited visibility
and the volume of pedestrians and vehicles will increase; that will create an increased
safety risk to both vehicles and pedestrians. He noted that Hancock Street is used
heavily by locals to avoid the traffic on Route 13; that is also a concern because of the
probability of increased speeding through the neighborhood.
Director of Engineer Logue stated that he respects that point of view, and he doesn’t
want Board members to think otherwise. He asked Board members whether they felt
that the 210 Hancock Street project should do more traffic related amenities related to
concerns that have been raised. He noted that the Board already submitted their
support for the studies conducted prior to the start of construction for the 210 Hancock
Street project.
Commissioner Morache stated that there is such complexity to the intersections in this
neighborhood compared to other areas of the City. He agrees that Hancock Street is
used by locals as a quicker easier way to access the Fall Creek neighborhood than by
taking Route 13. This could be related to the fact that there are no stop signs. He did
note, that the speed of traffic is slower on Hancock Street (20 mph) before the Third
Street intersection because the road is in poor condition. Because of the good condition
of the road the rest of the way on Hancock Street there is increased potential for
speeding, as well as less visibility related to the new 210 Hancock Project. He feels this
intersection/area would be a good place for a double stop sign (like the one on South
Albany Street, before and after the bridge between North and South Titus Avenue).
Commissioner Warden noted that there is a concern with the speed limit in general
around the City. Staff noted no violation of the 30 mph at the Third Street and Route 13
intersection; however 30 mph is pretty fast. Does the City have any flexibility in possibly
reducing the speed limit City-wide to 20-25 miles per hour?
Director of Engineering Logue responded that the City can’t set speed limits less than
30 miles per hour in neighborhood areas or city-wide because of New York State
Vehicle and Traffic law. It can establish specific streets and school zones at lower
speed limits. In addition, staff would like to consider alternative methods to slow the
speed of vehicles through the neighborhood other than by stop signs. Some sort of
crossing improvement would be a better solution.
Mayor Myrick questioned whether the City could implement a 25 mile per hour speed
limit city-wide like New York City recently implemented.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes June 26, 2017
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Director of Engineering Logue responded that he has not heard a lot of feedback on that
new program in New York City. He did explain that the City is limited to ¼ mile as far as
designating certain area as slower speed limits, i.e. school zones. He cautioned that
any speed limit still relies on enforcement to be effective and followed.
He also noted that 85% of drivers are going 30 mph, and that results of past studies
showed that there are just a very small amount of speeders in the City in general.
Traffic calming programs have the potential to have some significant positive impacts,
so he would encourage the Board to consider trying those methods first.
Transportation Engineer Hathaway reported that it was recently brought to the City’s
attention that due to the creation of the multi-user trail by the 210 Hancock Street
project, it pushes additional pedestrian traffic into the intersection at Lake Avenue. As a
result, it warranted the installation of a stop sign by the City because of the sight
problem and increased traffic. Fortunately, the City Sign Shop was able to fit this
request in sooner rather than later and as a result the City will be installing the sign in
the very near future. If that had not been able to have the sign made and installed now,
he would have been more hesitant to open the pedestrian trail.
Commissioner Morache requested that staff keep an eye on First and Hancock Streets
after the stop sign goes up at Lake Avenue to see what changes it may make,
anecdotally. He noted that Third and Auburn Streets are the only streets with a
crosswalk in this neighborhood.
Transportation Engineer Hathaway agreed that increased pedestrian crossings painted
on streets could improve the safety in the neighborhood. Staff will go ahead and do
studies on crash speeds for the area closer to Route 13, and look at some increased
signage and improving the visibility of crosswalks in an effort to slow vehicles speed. If
that works or doesn’t, they will then try something else; it’s always best to start with
simple, inexpensive methods before spending additional funds unnecessarily.
Mayor Myrick asked whether the Board of Public Works needs to vote on this item.
Director of Engineering Logue said yes; staff will prepare a resolution for the Board to
vote on at their next meeting.
Commissioner Morache inquired as to the possibility of a stop sign being installed at the
intersection of North Cayuga and Cascadilla Street near “Gimme Coffee”. He noted this
item came up three to four years ago at a Board of Public Works meeting; however,
nothing was done. He was wondering what staff’s thoughts were on the proposal. He
stated that there is a visibility problem for drivers turning from Cascadilla Street onto
North Cayuga Street because of the bridge.
Transportation Engineer Hathaway stated that the City will be replacing the pedestrian
bridge over Cascadilla Creek, which is near this same intersection.
A request was made to the contractor for that project that if the City provided additional
funds, could they do work at this intersection to improve safety, and they can. He has
requested engineers look at the same safety issues as Commissioner Morache raised;
if they determine the intersection warrants a change, then the City will pursue the
installation of an all-way stop sign at the intersection. Although, he noted that the traffic
lights on Seneca Street cause traffic to back-up on North Cayuga Street that helps slow
traffic down in the area, which is one form of traffic calming. If there is an issue with
sight distance problems, then it will be addressed when this work is completed. He
further explained that because of the TCAT buses making the turn to and from
Cascadilla Street, a bump out does not work related to the radius needed for the bus to
turn. He also needs additional data for the intersection, and noted that the crash history
is not as large as one would think for the visibility issue. He believes it is related to the
fact that people know it's a bad intersection and proceed cautiously through the
intersection.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes June 26, 2017
5
Reports:
Director of Engineering Logue reported that the mill and pave contract was awarded for
the East Lincoln Street work. The contractor is the same one who did the work on Tioga
Street last year. A notice to proceed was issued to the contractor for the roof
replacement project on the maintenance building at Stewart Park. The repainting of the
Stewart Avenue Bridge will be done in July. The new paint will prolong the life of the
bridge and steel so that is reason for it being done at this time.
Highways, Streets & Sidewalks:
A. Recommendation to Pursue Final Design of Design Option 1 for University
Avenue - Resolution
By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, three preliminary design alternatives for a redesign of University
Avenue from Linn Street to Lake Street were presented at an open house on
April 11, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the vast majority of feedback received at the open house and from
emails was that Option 1 (7-foot sidewalk, downhill parking lane, two ten-foot
travel lanes and a 5-foot uphill bike lane) best meets the transportation needs of
the community; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works hereby recommends
to staff that an Option 1 be carried forward to final design.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the street being located in an area that there
is no way to physically make it wider to accommodate further amenities.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Approval to Amend Vehicle and Traffic Schedule to Include Four-Way Stop
Control at Auburn/Lewis/Adams Intersection - Resolution
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is authorized by Section 346-4 of the City
Code to adopt and to amend a system of Schedules in order to administer the
Vehicle and Traffic Law; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Transportation Engineer has determined that the
intersection of Auburn Street, Adams Street, & Lewis Street should be changed
to all-way stop control to improve safety and operation; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the amendments below:
Schedule VIII: Stop Control Intersections.
In accordance with the provisions of §346-12, the following described
intersections are hereby designated for control by an all-way stop as
follows:
Auburn St and Adams/Lewis St
The following intersecting streets or locations are hereby designated for
control by stop sign(s) (not “all-way”):
Intersection Direction of travel
Auburn St and Adams/Lewis St Northbound/Southbound
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes June 26, 2017
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New Business:
Discussion of Installation of All-Way Stop Sign at West Clinton and South Plain
Street:
Commissioner Morache explained that the Board has discussed this suggestion in the
past about making it a more comfortable and safe crossing for the bike boulevard users
and pedestrians. The Community would welcome an all-way stop sign and it would also
be good for the users of the bike boulevard. In the past, he has heard from Board
members that they feel such an all-way stop sign would be confusing for drivers. He
supports the proposal because it can be very hard to cross the street due to the high
volume of traffic at certain times of the day. Southside Community Center is also in
support of the proposal and the effort to create a safer crossing there for everyone. He
is not sure if a traffic study would be needed to evaluate the impacts.
Director of Engineering Logue stated that staff should conduct an engineering study to
evaluate current and past information to determine if an all-way stop sign is the best
answer to the situation.
Commissioner McCormick feels that an all-way stop sign would be the less expensive
means to slow traffic in the area, so he would support that option being investigated.
Director of Engineering Logue stated that the City doesn’t want to use stop signs to just
stop traffic. Motorists become very familiar with particular areas and may not pay strict
attention to the signs by rolling through them due to lack of enforcement, so the signs
are only as helpful as enforcement is consistent. In addition, all engineers are taught
not to use all-way stop signs to control traffic because it is not the right way to calm
traffic. If traffic calming is needed then a study should be completed. He further noted
that if there is enough volume on West Clinton Street, it will warrant something being
done. Staff should start with an all-way stop sign analysis first, and then report back to
Board and go from there. He will put this project on the department’s Work Plan;
however, he is not sure how soon staff will get to it.
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
_______________________________ _____________________________
Sarah L. Myers Svante L. Myrick,
Information Management Specialist Mayor