HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2017-06-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. June 12, 2017
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (5) –Greene, Jenkins, McCormick, Morache, Warden
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Director of Engineering – Logue
Executive Assistant – Servoss
EXCUSED:
City Attorney – Lavine
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin
Director of Parking – Nagy
Common Council Liaison – Fleming
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Supt Thorne requested that Item 12A, entitled “Appeal of Water Bill for 118 North Aurora Street
– Resolution,” be moved before Item 8A. He further requested that Item 13A, “Request for
Waiver of Fee for Stewart Park Pavilion for the Employee Recognition Picnic,” be deleted
because the Board had already ruled on it, and Item 13B, “Stewart Park Field Rental Fee
Structure,” be moved to the end of the agenda. Commissioner Greene suggested holding the
discussion for Item 13B for another meeting.
No Board member objected.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
The Mayor had no communications at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
No members of the public appeared to address the Board.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
No response was necessary.
REPORTS
Board Liaisons
DW requested any information he should convey to the Youth Council regarding the
reorganization of the boards and committees. Mayor responded
Superintendent and Staff
Supt. Thorne reported on the following:
Staff was working on submitting Capital Project requests;
The Forest Home Project was moving forward as funding issues have been resolved.
Crews were going to replace a 16” sanitary sewer line and replace the retaining wall;
Crews installing street lights on Cayuga Street were working on the west side of the
street to get electricity to the poles; and
Sewer crews were moving to Hector Street to install an underground sewer and remove
the open ditch, which would cause road closures and traffic delays.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that the water treatment plant project was in its final months, the
contractor hoped to wrap up in July. He further reported that crews were completing sewer
replacements on the South Hill Recreation Trail. He was filling several key employment
positions that had become open recently, and was working on the capital project requests.
Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that Engineering was entertaining a permit request from DDS
Utilities to replace gas mains on College Avenue this summer, which would cause road
closures in Collegetown. He further reported that staff had issued the first part of a street
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Regular Meeting
permit to the project to rebuild the building formerly known as Chapter House; street permit
fees for projects that already had permits to close streets or parking lanes would increase
effective July 1st because Vitali Construction had requested a delay in beginning sidewalk work
throughout the city; the first preliminary meeting was held regarding work zone areas for
Harold Square project; and staff was working to clear up the lack of a temporary no parking
program policy and to formalize the program in some way due to recent towings.
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS:
Approval of the May 22, 2017, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 22, 2017 Board of Public Works meeting be
approved as proposed.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Jenkins arrived at 5:01 p.m.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT:
Request for Encroachment Agreement/License at 213 Cascadilla Street – Proposed
Resolution
By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, Christopher Kourkoutis, owner of the property at 213 Cascadilla Street (Tax Map
Parcel No. 50.-3-1), in the City of Ithaca, has requested an encroachment agreement/license
from the City into the adjacent street right-of-way for Cascadilla Street; and
WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following:
A landing and portion of steps, approximately five foot in width, encroaching in
the street right of way for a span of approximately 5.33 feet to the north,
thereby encompassing an encroachment into the right of way by
approximately 26.65 feet, which is shown and described on the Use of City
Property application materials, hereby referenced as Exhibit A,
WHEREAS, in consultation with City Engineering staff, the proposed encroachment is inside
the current location of the existing City right of way and public sidewalk on the south side of
Cascadilla Street and will not interfere with the right of way or sidewalk as currently
constituted; and
WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public
works uses or needs; and
WHEREAS, the 2017-18 schedule of fees for use of City-owned property requires an initial
application fee of $100 for new licenses, but stipulates that the annual use fee shall be waived
for minor encroachments, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the request for an encroachment
at 213 Cascadilla Street, as proposed, contingent upon the execution of a license/agreement
and submission of the required application form and fee (and renewal fees for any subsequent
terms) and proof of required insurance, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon consultation with the Superintendent and City Attorney, is
hereby authorized to execute a license/agreement allowing said encroachment, revocable
upon 90 days’ written notice by the City in the event that the encroached upon City property is
required for any City purpose, and containing the usual terms and conditions, including those
specified in Chapter 170 of the City’s Municipal Code.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Sign Installation for Ithaca Children’s Garden – Resolution
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children’s Garden requested approval to install a three-sided, free-
standing sign on their leased property, owned by the city, along Taughannock Boulevard, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the request on November 14, 2016, and
required that the request be presented for approval to the Planning and Economic
Development Board, Parks Commission and receive a variance from the Board of Zoning
Appeals, and
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WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board discussed the request and had no issue
with the location or design of the proposed sign, and
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission reviewed the final sign proposal in January 2017, and were
supportive of the design and location, and
WHEREAS, Assistant City Attorney Kevin Levine reviewed the sign proposal and determined
that a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals was not required, and
WHEREAS, the Building Department is prepared to administer a sign permit upon approval
from the Board of Public Works, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the installation of the
freestanding sign as proposed by the Ithaca Children’s Garden along Taughannock Boulevard
(Route 89).
Supt. Thorne noted that this request had been discussed about a year and a half ago and the
Board had asked that the Parks Commission, Planning Board and BZA review the request and
provide input. Neither the Parks Commission nor the Planning Board had any issues with the
request, and it was determined the request did not need to go to BZA.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS:
Proposed Resolution to Select a Preferred Alternative for the West Martin Luther King
Jr. Street Corridor Enhancement Project
By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the Engineering division is progressing a corridor enhancement project for West
Martin Luther King Street, from Floral Avenue to Taughannock Blvd, and
WHEREAS, two alternatives have been developed in the draft design report, and
WHEREAS, the City has received public comment on the two alternatives, and
WHEREAS, the BPW has completed environmental review on both alternatives, and
WHEREAS, considering input from the public, other City staff, and other stakeholders,
Engineering staff recommends selection of Alternative 2 as the preferred alternative with some
modifications, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby selects Alternative 2 as the preferred
alternative and directs staff to develop this alternative in detailed design.
Commissioner McCormick noted that the main concerns regarding the bike lanes was that
many people would like barriers between the travel lane and bike lane. The preferred
alternative would be to raise the bike lane where possible through the corridor between Floral
Avenue and Taughannock Blvd. However, a barrier, which does not have to be concrete but
could be flex posts or something else, would be the second preference. He further stated that
pedestrian crossings should be placed at Floral Avenue, Taughannock Blvd., and mid-block
maintaining activated signals for pedestrians.
Commissioner Greene asked if the Board should memorialize the discussion it has had
regarding the project within the resolution. He has spoken with individuals in the biking
community, locally and nationally, about the bike lane. He further stated that the Board and
staff need to step back when these types of projects come up, well in advance of the project, to
figure out a way to look at other ways to enhance the bicycling community, realizing that there
is a timeline associated with each project. He would like to discuss policies for future planning
of road projects.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding including more detail in the resolution, and having a
bigger discussion at a future meeting about long-range transportation planning, though at this
point, staff needs to work on bicycle travel one project at a time. Dir. of Eng. Logue reminded
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Regular Meeting
the Board that the City’s Bike Plan was out of date and a lot has changed in bicycle facility
design.
Commissioner Warden noted that the perfect solution to this area of the city (the “Octopus”
area) has not been developed, so safety issues and plans should be modified on an on-going
basis. Commissioner Greene stated that the Board knows the community really well, so they
should be able to give staff guidance to begin designing projects that include bicycle facilities.
Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that the Board’s job was to balance community wants with needs.
Marshall stated that the Board has not had enough time to work with staff to figure out what
would work best. He added that staff has expertise and should be considered. He further
stated that if buffered lanes were put in this corridor, part of the reason would be to see if these
lanes work, it would be a pilot to see it they would work elsewhere in the city. Dir. of Eng.
Logue suggested creating a comprehensive plan for all transportation needs in the City,
looking at the big picture, and not just one aspect of transportation, such as bike lanes.
Supt. Thorne stated he hesitates adding new things to the infrastructure because there are so
many other higher priority projects that need to be done in the city.
Asst. Supt. Whitney left the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Dir. of Eng. Logue state he would report back to the Board, but the project would have to move
fairly quickly through final design. Commissioner Greene noted that a lot of progressive cities
have made the decision to choose bike lanes over vehicles, and he would like to take a slightly
more articulate direction that starts seeing biking and pedestrians taking a larger role in
transportation planning. Supt. Thorne noted that budget constraints would determine which
projects would be completed.
Mayor Myrick responded that discussions would continue, including at the Common Council
level.
A Vote on the Resolution as Amended Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Resolution to Name Three Cass Park Access Roads
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, there are currently two separate roads within Cass Park, both are called Cass
Park Access Road, which causes confusion for people looking for Ithaca Children’s Garden,
boat docks, sports fields, and other amenities within Cass Park, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children’s Garden has tens of thousands of visitors each year and a
named road would give the garden an address that can be easily found by GPS navigation
systems, limit confusion for utility mark-out requests throughout the park, and improve
emergency services to locate callers within Cass Park, and
WHEREAS, it has been recommended that the North access road be broken up into two
named roads: one named “Runway Lane,” as a reference to the road being the former site of
the former Ithaca Airport runway; and the other section to be named “Cove Lane: as a
reference to the “cove,” the location of the public boat docks which the road passes, and
WHEREAS, it has been recommended that the South access road be named “Turtle Lane” in
reference to the native snapping turtles that frequent this area and were the inspiration for the
giant turtle sculpture installed in 2005 at the Ithaca Children’s Garden, and also in reference to
the common use of snapping turtles in creation stories of the native peoples of this region, and
WHEREAS, this topic has been discussed by the Parks Commission and the aforementioned
names have been recommended, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby names:
1. The North access road within Cass Park between the intersection with Taughannock
Blvd. Extension near Hanger Theatre and the intersection with the proposed “Cove
Lane” near the Cass Park tennis courts be named “Runway Lane,” and
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2. The North access road between the intersection with “Runway Lane” and the
intersection of Taughannock Blvd. (Route 89) near the Cass Park pool be named “Cove
Lane,” and
3. The South access road which is a loop road intersecting with Taughannock Blvd.
(Route 89) near Union Fields baseball diamonds at one end and Ithaca Children’s
Garden at the other be named “Turtle Lane,”
And be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works, or his designee, shall communicate
these new names to emergency services and the United States Postal Service.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC:
Resolution to Grant Hardship for 213 Mitchell Street for the Residential Parking Permit
System
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works (BPW) has promulgated regulations, adopted June 9,
2004, for implementation of the Residential Parking Permit System (RPPS), which was
established by Common Council on May 6, 1998 after an act of the New York State
Legislature, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 260-4 of the City Code and in accordance with the
BPW regulations, the BPW may grant hardship requests, and
WHEREAS, 213 Mitchell Street is on a street within the residential Parking Permit Zone
without on-street parking and is within the R-1 zoning designation; therefore allowing up to two
permits per single family dwelling, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works hereby grants the residents of 213 Mitchell Street
to purchase permits for the Residential Parking Permit Systems, in accordance with the above-
mentioned regulations.
Carried (5-0-1)
Commissioner Greene Abstained
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS:
Approval of the Ithaca Reggae Festival Request to Re-Route Cayuga Waterfront Trail
through Stewart Park and Close the Road within Stewart Park – Resolution
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Greene
WHEREAS, a new ticketed Ithaca Reggae Festival will be held in the west end of Stewart Park
on June 24, 2017, with proceeds going to local non-profit organizations to benefit Cayuga
Lake, and
WHEREAS, event organizers have requested to close the road within Stewart Park west of the
tennis courts in order to fence off the festival area, and
WHEREAS, the Special Event Committee recommends that the Cayuga Waterfront Trail
remain open during the event, which will require the trail to be re-routed around the fenced
area, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the request to close the road and re-route
the trail within Stewart Park on May 22, 2017, and requested additional written authorizations
from Cascadilla Boat Club, Ithaca Fire Department, Paddles-N-More and Ithaca High School
indicating their agreement with the transportation, parking and emergency services access
plans for the event, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the closure of the Stewart Park
access road west of the tennis courts, contingent upon the Cascadilla Boathouse and Paddles-
N-More concessions sites remaining accessible to members and customers, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the organizers will work with the Director of Engineering Services to create
a detailed detour plan to re-route the Cayuga Waterfront Trail through Stewart Park for the
Ithaca Reggae Festival on June 24, 2017.
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Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that the intention of the request was to re-route the trail through the
parking area next to the playground to the suspension bridges in order to keep the trail open
during the festival.
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER:
Appeal of Water Bill for 118 North Aurora Street, Account #3210506601 - Resolution
By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Greene
WHEREAS, on 9/13/2016 a credit in the amount of $2,925.00 was issued for the bill dated
8/18/2016 for water consumption from 5/2/2016 through 8/1/2016, and
WHEREAS, on 11/7/2016 a credit in the amount of $2,281.50 was issued for the bill dated
11/18/2016 for water consumption from 8/1/2016 through 10/31/2016, and
WHEREASE, these credits were calculated in accordance with the Board’s direction in the
crediting of above-normal usage due to discolored water issues system wide during the
months of June, July, and August 2016 using the past five year average usage for the quarters
including these months or the average for the time period the current customer owned the
account, if less than five years, and
WHEREAS, the Meter Technicians, at his request, met with Mr. Maan Alzitoon at the Sahara
Restaurant at 118 North Aurora Street on 9/7/2016 to troubleshoot the continuing above-
normal usage, and
WHEREAS, the Meter Technicians printed a data log of the water meter’s record and
inspected the water supply plumbing in the business, identifying a malfunctioning ice machine
with a constant flow through of water, advising Mr. Alzitoon that the ice machine be serviced
and repaired, to which Mr. Alzitoon stated the machine is okay, and
WHEREAS, the water flow through the ice machine was finally addressed sometime prior to
the November 2016 billing, which was verified in a 11/4/16 check of the water meter reads,
and
WHEREAS, the 8/18/2016 bill was $3,755.70, less the 9/13/16 credit of $2,925.00, equaling a
balance of $830.70, and the 11/18/2016 bill was $3,287.70, less the 11/7/2016 credit of
$2,281.50, equaling a balance of $1,006.20, and the 2/20/2017 bill was $635.96 (back in the
normal usage range), equaling a total outstanding balance of $2,472.86, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed this appeal at their regularly scheduled
meeting on 5/22/2017, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the issuance of any further credits
or reductions related to the water bills dated 8/18/2016 and 11/7/2016 for 118 North Aurora
Street, Ithaca, and be it further
RESOLVED, That late fees or penalty charges shall not be calculated on the current balance
of $2,472.86 until 30 days beyond the date of this resolution.
Carried Unanimously
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Request for Waiver of Fee for Stewart Park Pavilion for Employee Recognition Picnic –
Resolution
This topic was removed from the agenda.
Stewart Park Field Rental Fee Structure
This topic was not discussed.
University Avenue Preliminary Design Conclusions
Dir. of Eng. Logue summarized that some major work needed to be done along University
Avenue, including replacing water and sewer mains, the stormwater system, sidewalks and the
pavement. Transportation Engineer Hathaway provided a memo to the Board listing three
options for street design and soliciting public outreach:
Board of Public Works Page 7 June 12, 2017
Regular Meeting
To: Board of Public Works
From: Eric Hathaway, Transportation Engineer
Date: 12/4/2017
Re: University Avenue Preliminary Design Conclusions
Both the City Streets and Facilities division and Water and Sewer division have identified priority
improvements along the section of University Avenue from Linn Street to Lake Street, including
roadway surface, stormwater drainage, sanitary sewer and water main conditions. Since addressing these
utility projects would require full roadway reconstruction, the Engineering Department has worked with
Erdman Anthony, an engineering company, to assess how the future roadway might be configured to
best meet the needs of the community.
Three preliminary roadway designs were created and shared at on open house that took place on
Tuesday, April 11th. The materials from the meeting were also posted on the City website for public
review and comment (http://www.cityofithaca.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=138&ARC=225). Some of these
materials, including the typical sections, parking study, feedback sheet and project brochure are included
in Appendix A. The color renderings of the design are too large to attach, but can be accessed at the
aforementioned link.
Description of Alternatives
The three alternatives considered are described below as depicted in Appendix A:
Option 1:
7-foot sidewalk on west side of roadway
8-foot parking lane adjacent to downhill lane
10-foot downhill travel lane
10-foot uphill travel lane
5-foot uphill bike lane
2-foot buffer to rock face on east side of roadway
Existing utility poles relocated to west side of roadway
Option 2:
5-foot sidewalk on west side of roadway
8-foot parking lane for downhill lane
10-foot downhill travel lane
10-foot uphill travel lane
9-foot uphill parking lane
Existing utility poles remain on east side of roadway
Option 3:
9-foot sidewalk on west side of roadway
12-foot downhill travel lane
12-foot uphill travel lane
5-foot uphill bike lane
4-foot buffer to rock face on east side of roadway
Existing utility poles relocated to west side of roadway
Parking Impacts of Alternatives
University Avenue currently provides approximately 60 undefined parking spaces on the east side of the
uphill lane against the rock wall and approximately 56 on-street spaces along the downhill lane. Parking
is currently free along both sides of University Avenue. The west side of University Avenue is subject to
odd-even parking and the east side is 24-hour limit parking.
A parking study was conducted to determine whether there is sufficient available parking nearby that
can accommodate any parking removal associated with the three options. Occupancy was counted over
several days in November/December 2016 and February/March 2017 during the morning, mid-afternoon
and evening to capture a variety of conditions.
Board of Public Works Page 8 June 12, 2017
Regular Meeting
As shown in Appendix A, occupancy on the uphill and downhill parking lanes along University Avenue
varied between half and full occupancy. The lowest occupancy was noted during the evening time
periods and highest in the mid-afternoon. Parking occupancy counts were conducted simultaneously in
the University Avenue parking lot, east of University Avenue, and along the 600 block of Stewart
Avenue. The University Avenue lot had between 60-70 open spaces at any time and Stewart Avenue had
between 40-45 open spaces at any time.
The University Avenue Parking Lot is owned by Cornell University; however, anyone with the
Parkmobile app can park there for a rate of 75 cents per hour ($6 per day maximum) plus a 35 cent
convenience fee. Per our conversations with Cornell University, Cornell Employees can buy an annual
parking pass for $333.15 and on-campus residents can purchase an annual pass for $752.86.
Implementation of Option 1 would necessitate removal of all 60 parking spaces along the rock wall and
15 spaces along the downhill lane for a total of 75 spaces. Alternative 2 would remove approximately
23 spaces on the east side of University Avenue to protect the existing utility poles and potentially
provide parking stations. Option 3 would remove all 116 parking spaces on University Avenue. Based
on the parking occupancy counts, the removal of parking associated with Options 1 and 2 can be
accommodated between the University Avenue Lot and Stewart Avenue with at least 25 unused spaces
at any time. However, the loss of parking under Option 3 could not be absorbed by the University
Avenue Lot and Stewart Avenue.
Feedback and Recommendations
The vast majority of those providing feedback indicated a preference for Option 1. Appendix B provides
a summary of the typical comments received at the open house. Option 1 was most popular as it
provides an uphill bike lane along an achievable bike route between downtown and Cornell.
Additionally, though it removes significant parking, the parking study shows that there is available
parking nearby to absorb the loss. Many felt that keeping most of the downhill parking would help to
keep downhill speeds low. Several also liked the “floating bus stop” design at the intersection of
University Avenue with Cornell Ave, as it separates bus and bike conflicts. Representatives from TCAT
preferred Option 1 due to the floating bus stop and because they believe that a 10 foot uphill travel lane
adjacent bike lane provides them with improved operating room compared to the existing uphill parking
lane.
We spoke with several individuals at the open house that live or own residential properties along
University Ave about the impact of potentially losing parking on the east side of University Avenue. In
general, they seemed open to removing the parking on the east side of the roadway if the parking on the
west side of the roadway could be designated as residential parking only.
The downhill parking lane along University Avenue in the study area is within the Residential Parking
Permit (RPP) Zone B. According to Section 260 of the City Code entitled “Residential Parking Permit
System,” RPP areas can only include properties in an R-1 or R-2 zoning district; however, the residences
along the west side of University Avenue are designated as R-3. My understanding is that the Board of
Public Works can approve hardship cases to allow residents to purchase permits in certain cases, but it
seems that only Common Council has the authority to allow a R-3 block to be included as a RPP area.
Unless I am advised otherwise, I think it would take an action of Common Council to allow a RPP area
on University Avenue, a mitigation that the residents would appreciate if parking were removed on the
east side of University Ave.
Based on feedback received and the roadway needs and constraints in the study area, I recommend
pursuing a final design that is most similar to Option 1.
Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that Transportation Eng. Hathaway had calculated parking occupancy
trends along University Avenue and in the nearby public lot. There was parking space
available on Stewart Avenue that would allow for longer term parking (4-5 hours or more).
Staff believed there was capacity on Stewart Avenue if parking was removed on one side of
University Avenue, but there was not capacity to remove parking on both sides of the street.
He further stated that interest was shown at public meetings to extend the Residential Parking
Permit System (RPPS) to University Avenue, though the zoning in the area were R3, which
was not included in the eligibility for RPPS. He noted that the RPPS system was in the area,
but it did not include that street, and would require Common Council approval to adjust the
rules.
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Commissioner Morache expressed support for Option 1, but expressed concerned about the
crosswalk where the Baldwin Staircase was located because of the amount of pedestrian
traffic using the stairs. He suggested installing a pedestrian bump-out to assist pedestrians
crossing the street. He further expressed concern about buses and large trucks traveling on
the curved portion of University Avenue from Linn Street, and asked if parking could be
removed in that portion to give large vehicles more space to drive through the curves without
causing problems.
Commissioner Warden asked about the number of residents that depended on on-street
parking. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that most residents at the public meetings were
comfortable with Option 1, recognizing it would create some restrictions on parking.
Commissioner Greene suggested an option of using a parking lane as a buffer for a bike lane.
He further asked if it would make sense to put the bike and pedestrian lanes together, maybe
creating a step down for pedestrians to get into bike lane. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that
the bike lane should be on the uphill side, and he would like the parking lane and sidewalk on
the other side. He expressed concern about mixing pedestrians and bicyclists on the downhill
side due to the speed of some cyclists.
Commissioner McCormick expressed support for Option 1, particularly due to the floating bus
stop, and suggested adding painted Sharrows and signage, stating bicyclists may share the
road with vehicles on the downhill side to ensure drivers are aware of bicyclists.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the various bus routes that include University
Avenue and Stewart Avenue.
Dir. of Eng. Logue explained that this project would not require an environmental review
because the road would not be widened and would be put back in the same location. As soon
as the next meeting, the Board could vote on their preferred option. Supt. Thorne stated that,
if the City had no other road projects, it could take up to three and a half years to develop a
funding plan for the replacement of this road.
Commissioner Greene suggested trying to move parking from University Avenue to Stewart
Avenue to see how it works. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that there may be some
opportunities to do that, though it depends on how the new pay stations were deployed.
Commissioner Morache requested that Dir. of Parking Nagy begin working on a plan to move
parking from University Avenue to Stewart Avenue.
Proposed Four-Way Stop Control at Auburn/Lewis/Adams Intersection
Dir. of Eng. Logue explained that this location was part of the Bike Boulevard, which caused
the stop signs to be flipped. As a result, traffic does not quite line up properly at the
intersection.
The Board generally agreed to approve this request, but requested a discussion of
methodologies about how these requests were brought to the Board. Another intersection to
consider for four-way stops might be Court Street at Plain Street.
Mayor Myrick noted that Clinton Street had a traffic light, then a four-way stop, then another
traffic light. Supt. Thorne responded that this was something former Supt. Bill Gray didn’t like
either. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that over the years, the neighborhood had fought to keep
the four-way stop at Albany and Clinton Streets.
Commissioner Warden left at 5:55 p.m.
Proposed Traffic Calming Program Methodology
Dir. of Eng. Logue summarized the memo provided by Transportation Engineer Eric Hathaway:
To: Board of Public Works
From: Eric Hathaway, Transportation Engineer
Date: June 5, 2017
Board of Public Works Page 10 June 12, 2017
Regular Meeting
Re: Proposed Traffic Calming Program Methodology
Overview:
A Traffic Calming Capital Project has been established for the purpose of restarting the City’s previous
traffic calming effort that was underway from 2000-2006. Funding in the amount of $51,000 has been
allocated for use in 2017 for the purposes of designing and/or constructing traffic calming infrastructure
and/or related equipment. The goal of the program is to produce infrastructure measures that physically
encourage motorists to drive more slowly and carefully to improve safety, and perceived safety, in a
coordinated way that addresses residents’ concerns.
Program Goals and Objectives:
Produce infrastructure measures that physically encourage motorists to drive more slowly and carefully
to improve safety, and perceived safety, in a coordinated way that addresses residents’ concerns. Traffic
calming measures are intended to make streets safer and more comfortable for people to walk, bike, and
drive.
The Institute of Transportation Engineers lists the following goals and objectives for a traffic calming
program.
Traffic calming goals include:
increasing the quality of life;
incorporating the preferences and requirements of the people using the area (e.g., working,
playing, residing) along the street(s), or at intersection(s);
creating safe and attractive streets;
helping to reduce the negative effects of motor vehicles on the environment (e.g., pollution,
sprawl); and
promoting pedestrian, cycle and transit use.1
Traffic calming objectives include:
achieving slow speeds for motor vehicles,
reducing collision frequency and severity,
increasing the safety and the perception of safety for non-motorized users of the street(s),
reducing the need for police enforcement,
enhancing the street environment (e.g., streetscaping),
encouraging water infiltration into the ground,
increasing access for all modes of transportation, and
reducing cut-through motor vehicle traffic.1
1Lockwood, Ian. ITE Traffic Calming Definition. ITE Journal, July 1997, pg. 22.
Other key objectives should include:
1. Develop and implement a coordinated and informed process so that various traffic calming
measures are appropriately designed and reinforce each other, rather than simply shifting traffic
problems to nearby streets
2. Evaluate before and after data to determine the effectiveness of the traffic calming measures
3. Develop a program that uses both data and public input to inform the decision making process
about where traffic calming is built in the City.
A Proposed Traffic Calming Process for the City of Ithaca
Traffic calming request procedure:
A traffic calming request form will be developed for residents seeking such improvements. The form
will explain the process, will ask questions about the perceived traffic problems, and will require
signatures from over 50% of the nearby residents (as determined by the Traffic Engineer). Traffic
calming projects can also be initiated by City staff or officials at the discretion of the Transportation
Engineer. A master list of requests will be maintained by the Transportation Engineer that can be
updated annually and re-ranked annually.
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Location selection factors:
To determine if a location (which could be an intersection, a block, a neighborhood area, etc.) warrants
the installation of traffic calming measures, a number of data types could be considered, depending on
availability of data, such as:
- Traffic speeds (85th percentile speeds and the percent of traffic traveling over the posted speed
limit)
- Traffic volumes
- Presence of schools, parks, bus stops, community services, and other pedestrian and bicycling
generators
- The presence of existing pedestrian and/or bicycling facilities such as sidewalks and bike lanes
- Crash history
- Street classification (e.g., should the program focus on local streets or perhaps crossings of
arterial streets)
- Residential Density along roadway
- Other factors or public feedback that might be relevant to a particular location
If multiple locations are under review, they may be ranked to determine which ones are the most
beneficial to advance.
Infrastructure selection methodology:
Once it has been determined that a location warrants consideration for traffic calming measures, a design
process will be undertaken to determine suitable infrastructure options. Measures such as speed humps,
curb extensions, driver speed feedback signs, signage, signage enhancements, pavement markings and
others will be considered, depending on the context.
Board of Public Works approval process:
After candidate locations have been selected and their corrective traffic calming measures have been
determined, the Transportation Engineer will present recommendations to the BPW. In some cases,
temporary traffic calming devices may be recommended to gauge their effectiveness prior to installing
permanent devices. If the estimated costs of all of the candidate locations exceed the available budget, a
ranking will be provided to the BPW. BPW members will then provide direction on what locations and
measures shall be constructed.
Public participation:
This program seeks to find a level of public participation that is meaningful and convenient for residents
while at the same time not overly time-consuming. Given the expected staff resources, a modest process
that takes advantage of existing BPW meetings is recommended at this time.
Next Steps:
3-4 Months: Finalize programmatic procedures. Purchase and test data collection equipment.
1-2 months: Call for projects
2-3 months: Collect data, evaluate traffic conditions
2-3 months: Present conceptual project recommendations to BPW for approval
2-3 months: Develop preliminary traffic calming plan, present at BPW
1-2 months: Produce final plans and bid documents for spring construction
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the timeline in the process, prioritizing requests, and
allowing residents to have their own traffic calming items like hay bales on the corners,
plantings, etc. Dir. of Eng. Logue stated there was a similar program in Maine, but the City did
not have the staff or funds to do that type of experimental program, though it could be very
interesting, fun, and informative.
Mayor Myrick offered that there were three ways to increase civic participation:
1. The Sidewalk Program
2. A Traffic Calming Program
3. Participatory Budgeting
Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that through a traffic calming program, the City could play with ideas
before they are installed in concrete. Commissioner Greene noted that if a resident had a
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suggestion, they could forward it to the City and staff could play with the idea. He suggested
that residents be encouraged to participate in this program.
Commissioner Greene asked how the funding would be prioritized, whether by region or
project. Commissioner Morache asked if traffic calming could be included in the Sidewalk
Program. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that the programs could work together, but sidewalk
funds could not be used for traffic calming projects.
The Board agreed to approve the methodology as presented, and staff could send out a
request for projects.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick
Executive Assistant Mayor