Loading...
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 2 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. Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes June 26, 2017 3 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 4 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 6 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