HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 Parking & Traffic•
1
REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY: Complaint from Mrs._Halloran
City Attorney Shapiro reported he had received a telephone call from Mrs.
Halloran of Turner Place requesting him to present the following problem
before the Board: Mrs. Halloran claims that many employees from the Morse
Chain factory are parking on the residential streets, most particularly
Turner Place, creating a problem for the residents there. She said the
parking lot is clear and they could park in the Morse Chain lot but don't
because it is easier to park on the street. She maintains she has heard of
a: Supreme Court ruling of some sort that says that residential parking
gets priority over industrial parking if there is parking available for
industrial parking. She asked what the city could do about it, and City
Attorney Shapiro agreed to bring it to the attention of the Board.
Discussion followed on the floor. It was agreed that a letter will be
written to the Morse Chain Company requesting them to warn their employees
before any action is taken. � 17�/
- - z
Request for Replacement of Truck :parking Sign
George Harper, 411 Dryden Road, who owns property a: 103-105--107 Dryden
Road, addressed the Board saying that there are 4 parking meters at his
place of business, one of which is usually marked for truck parking
between 6 and 12 a.m. This is essential for carrying on business. He
said this is the third spring that the sign has been torn off, and although
he has requested the Department of Public Works on several occasions to
replace the truck -parking sign, this has not been done. As a result, he
Aft has paid a trucking charge of $66.00 because a truck from Ohio delivering
to his business would not park there because of having received a parking
ti.cket for parking in a prohibited area previously.
Supt. Dingman commented that Mr. Harper had spoken to him duringpast
six months regarding theassured thenpas
b g parking sign and him that the sign
would be replaced.
2
Tow -away
,Mr. Dan Stinebring, 504 Stewart Avenue, Apt. 1, spoke to the Board, requesting`
the Board to redress all or part of the towing charge of $30.00 which he
paid to retrieve his car which was towed from Stewart Avenue by Ryan Towing
0 Service during the snow emergency. He reported that the street was posted
for three days but not plowed, and he had had to park in a downtown parking
;garage and walk back to his residence on Stewart Avenue. He feels the
:circumstances were extenuating, and that he made every effort to cooperate.
ri
Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution
By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
1 RESOLVED, That the Board accept Mr. Stinebring's request and refer it to
the Parking, Traffic $ Transit Committee.
Carried. Unanimously
Report on Stinebring Tow -away
City Attorney Shapiro reported that after reviewing the request of Dan
Stinebring, 504 Stewart Avenue, Apt. 1, to redress all or.part of the
towing charge of $30.00 which. he paid to retrieve his car which. Was towed
from Stewart Avenue by Ryan Towing Service during. the snow -emergency, he
recommended denial of the request due to the fact that Mr. Stinebring was
parked illegally and he felt th.e Board should not set a precedent under
the circumstances..g
Mc,..cOr .tea) to
Resolution
1 By Comm. Shaw; Seconded by Comm. Schickel
RESOLVED, That the Board denies the request of Mr. Stinebring for all or
partial reimbursement of the $30.00 towing charge whichoccurred as a
0, result of his car being towed from Stewart Avenue by Ryan Towing Service,
and that the City Clerk inform Mr. Stinebring by letter of th.e Board's
decision.
Carried Unanimously
Reimbursement for "Tow-aways"
'By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Allan
RESOLVED, That on the advice of Attorney Shapiro, reimbursement be made
Ifor the following "tow-aways":
377/77
David and Nancy Fuller - $32.10
Manachen Nathan - $26.75
Carried Unanimously
City Attorney Shapiro commented that directions should be given to the
City Controller and City Clerk that the above checks be sent out.
Requests for refund of towing charges
The following persons appeared before the Board to request the refund
of $26.75 each for towing charges incurred as a result of the Department
having their cars towed away after posting the street that work would be
done. The signs were posted on Thursday and no work was done on the road,
so they parked their cars on Sunday and they were towed away Monday. The
group protested the parking ban that appeared longer than necessary.
Debby Gershel, 302 Utica Street
Bob Anton, 305 Utica Street
Maxine Hunter, 104 Utica Street
6/0 by
Mr. Anton also objected to the method the City used to post signs during
the snow emergency.
City Attorney Shapiro commented that he had calls from other individuals
involved in the same situation.
Resolution
By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
RESOLVED, the matter of the charges for cars towed from Utica Street
after posting that work would be done on that street, be referred to
the Highways, Street Lighting and Refuse Committee for review and with
power to act. 6-N7y
Carried Unanimously
Request for refund of towing charges �� /7f
Comm. Shaw reported that the committee hdd considered the request for
refund of towing charges incurred as a result of the Department having
cars towed away after posting Utica Street that work would be done.
Resolution
By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Allan
RESOLVED, That the request for refund of towing charges from Utica Street
after posting that work would be done on that street be denied, and that
the appropriate parties be notified by the City Clerk.
Carried Unanimously
•
3
Aurora Street Status
Mayor Conley asked for the status of the request to return Aurora Street
to traffic both ways and was advised the petition is still in committee
and may require a public hearing. //2.,/7/
! Petition for Elimination of One-way Street System 3x/7
Comm. Allan reported that the committee had met wit the petitioners for
1 elimination of one-way street system on Aurora and Cayuga Streets; however,
decision at this point is not available to the Board. He said he wishes
to have a meeting on that item with the committee between now and the
next Board meeting. In addition he hopes to have reports on the parking
on Lincoln Street and South Aurora Street school crossing at the next
meeting.
• I
Request for Two-way Traffic on Aurora and Cayuga Streets
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell
RESOLVED, That the request to return the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of North
Aurora Street, the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of North Cayuga Street, and
the 100 block of South Cayuga Street to two-way traffic be denied.
The one-way system in the Central Business District on these streets was
instituted as a result of repeated and insistent demands of the general
public, the motoring public, and the merchants of the Central Business
District* Any scheme for relieving this congestion while still main-
,* two -direction traffic would have resulted in the removal of nearly
,'all of the on -street parking in the Central Business District on affected
streets. Such a course of action was determined to be more damaging to
business in the Central Business area than the one-way system.
The one-way system resulted in a better movement of traffic with the
ability to adjust the flow as needed without causing annoying and time-
consuming delays due to left turns at the intersections which cause con-
gestion in the short blocks in the Central Business District.
The system has provided the ability to handle future increase in traffic
which was not available in the two-way system. This will be especially
important when downtown redevelopment has been fully accomplished.
The one-way system provides desirable and necessary parking in truck-
' loading zones without impeding the movement of traffic.
A much safer condition for both pedestrians and vehicles has been
accomplished because of the reduced amount of conflict between pedestrians
Iand vehicles.
Discussion followed on the floor, Harold Kuntz, proprietor of Halls
Delicatessen, spoke in favor of restoring two -traffic on Aurora Street.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
41111
661.-
Carried Unanimously
4
Standard Traffic Signal and Controller Equipment
By CGmm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
WHEREAS, the City now has Crouse -Hinds traffic signal controllers and
traffic equipment in use in 52 intersections throughout the City, and
WHEREAS, labor costs for servicing a standard signal dquipment will be
less than for servicing different types,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to
adopt Crouse -Hinds as the standard traffic signal and controller equipment
to be purchased and usedby the City of Ithaca in the year 1978, except on,
the existing arterial system on Meadow Street, and to authorize the Board
of Public Works to advertise for bids, and to purchase traffic signal and
controller equipment of this manufacturer in such quantity as the funds
provided in the 1978 budget will permit.
Carried Unanimously
•
5
Sun Day
Mr. Ben Nichols, 109 Llenroc Court, addressed the Board, as a representative
of the Sun Day group, stating their purpose is to promote the use of sources
of renewable energy of the country and also promote conservation of energy.
They will observe Sun Day on Saturday, May 6, 1978 on the Commons with
demonstrations, workshops, displays, etc. To encourage people coming to
the Commons that day by use of public transportation and bicycles instead
of cars, Mr. Nichols -requested that the City provide free bus service
between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., in addition to designating an area for
the parking of bicycles, preferably on the ground floor of one of the
parking garages, at no cost.
Resolution /t eL(e-h WI %
By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Allan
RESOLVED, the request for free bus service and accommodation forbicycles
on Sun Day, Saturday, May 6, 1978 be referred to the Parking, Traffic
and Transit Committee for recommendation.
Carried Unanimously
Sun Day
'Supt. Dingman reported that Mr. Ben Nichols had requested free bus service
and bike racks for Saturday, May 6, 1978 "Sun Day." He said that while it
would not be a major problem to reserve the lower part of the Seneca Street
;garage for bicycles, supplying bike racks would be a major problem.. Also,
he said that provision of free bus service is something the city does on
a very limited basis, and he felt no real purpose would be accomplished by
providing free bus service.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell
RESOLVED, That the city provide free bus service, provided the City Transit.
System be given credit in public manner, and that the promotors of this
'event publicize the free bus service to the fullest extent possible; also
space be provided in the Seneca Garage for bicycles, with no bike racks.
Carried Unanimously
Bus Service for Sun Day
Asst. Supt. Dougherty reported that in respect to free bus service on
Sun Day, not only was it not adequately publicized, but as far as the
City Transit System was concerned, it was not publicized at all, so
there was no free bus service on Saturday, May 6, 1978. 57/d%n
•
•
6
Additional Traffic Control - Aurora Street at Hillview Place
Comm. Allan reported that a request for additional traffic control at
the existing flashing signal and school crossing on Auroraegt at Hill-
veiw Place intersection has been under consideration. :11/2_2. r
Resolution
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell
RESOLVED, That the department be directed to restripe the crosswalk on
Aurora Street with heavier than normal lines and to augment the existing
flashing warning signals and warning signs with new pavement markings and
legends on the Aurora Street
paches tandincrease
assistthe
theoscliool crosswalk sing
value, and to promote better observance,
guard in providing more safety for children crossing the street.
Carried Unanimously
•
•
Twenty-four Hour Parking in West Lincoln Street
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell
RESOLVED, That the request for 24-hour parking in West Lincoln Street be
denied for the following reasons:
1. Public streets are primarily constructed and maintained for the move-
ment of vehicle traffic.
2. Twenty-four hour parking permission in effect permits garaging of
vehicles at night on city streets. It has been a city policy to limit
this to those few city streets where due to severe off-street parking
problems it was found necessary.
3 Twenty-four hour parking does not encourage the creation of new off-
street parking facilities and consequently is detrimental to the
effective maintenance of the street; effective snow removal; and
effective parking enforcement. (")--1-11g
4.
4. Surveys in the area requested proved that sufficient curb space was
available within reasonable distance of Lincoln Street.
Carried Unanimously
24 -Hour Parking Hawthorne Circle
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki /a"//3/7d'
RESOLVED, that the request of the Common Council for 24-hour parking
on Hawthorne Circle be referred to the Parking and Traffic Committee.
Carried Unanimously
Resolution
By Comm. Ewanicki: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
RESOLVED, That twenty-four hour limit parking be permitted on Hawthorn
Circle by requesting the Common Council to insert in Section 60.42B,
Alternate Parking Schedule A: Hawthorn Circle; both sides; Ok717Y
•
Removal o Parking Meters Comm. Schickel 3/ z�i�P
By Comm. Allan: Seconde by
RESOLVED, That a letter from Ray SDaePasStreetTe uestinnd on gheremoval
00 of parking North
meters on the 100 block of West
and South Cayuga Street, be referred to the Parking edUTraffic Committee.
Carri
Removal of Parking Meters Re•uest
By Comm. Allan: Secon•e' by Comm. Whispell property
RESOLVED, That the request from Raymond
Street
dDipasq ale on behalf alfsofothe
owners in the West State Street/Cay g
removal of parking meters, be denied, Carried Unanimously III
Green Street Parking Garage Maintenance
For the information of the Board, Supt. Dingman reported that in respect
'to the Green Street Parking Garage there are maintenance items which have
become more and more urgent. He went to the Budget and Administration
Committee for appropriation of money for this purpose and has retained an
engineer to make a maintenance report of the garage. When completed, he
will bring the report to the Board for further action as required.
1
•
Report - Green Street Parking Ramp
Conan. Schickel reported that Eckerlin, Klepper, Hahn and -Hyatt,
Consultant Engineers, have submitted their report, recommenda-
tions and conclusions on the Green Street Parking Ramp. The
report includes recommendations for maintenance work amounting
to approximately $28,000 and deck coating of the top parking
levels and both bridge levels at a cost of approximately $135,000.
These recommendations and conclusions are under study by the
department. Departmental recommendations for remedial work and
budgeting will be forthcoming. W\-1((
Green Street Parking Garage Repairs
By Comm. Banfield: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki
RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to provide $180,000 to
perform the repairs to the Green Street Parking Garage which are called
for in the report of Eckerlin, Kiepper and Hahn.
F/23l7
Discussion followed on the floor.
Comm. Banfield added a friendly amendment to the resolution as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the possibility of products involved,
workmanship and the architect's responsibility be explored.
A vote on the amended resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Invoice - Ecklerkin, Klepper, Hahn and Hyatt
By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Allan %//31/x'
RESOLVED, That an Invoice of Ecklerkin, Klepper, Hahn and Hyatt for
consulting services, in connection with the inspection of the Green Street
Parking Ramp through July 28, be approved in the amount of $1,285.37.
Carried Unanimously
!r
Green Street Parking Ramp
Comm. Banfield requested a status report in respect to repairs to be made
to the Green Street Parking Ramp, and whose responsibility it is. Hly/7g
City Attorney Shapiro explained that the greatest portion of the repairs
is a result of the city not having had the upper floors sealed at the start.
City Engineer Cox disagreed with City Attorney Shapiro. He said that
when he was consulted at the eleventh hour and inspected the building he
made a list of the defects which were the same defects as exist now. He
also commented a small amount of money was withheld for a lot of the seals
and joint repairs that were pointed out in his inspection report.
Supt. Dingman commented that it would be difficult to determine whether
the needed repairs are due to faulty workmanship or faulty design.
City Attorney Shapiro said, at the time of closing, enough money was held
back to do the repairs if the contractor did not do them, but he doesn't
know what happened --why the money was not used to make th.e repairs. He
said he was under the impression th.e matter had been rectified.
City Engineer Cox commented that we are talking about a small amount of
money that was withheld --less than $1,000, probably about $700.
Comm. Ewanicki suggested, and Mayor Conley agreed, that a letter should
be sent by the City Attorney informing the contractor of the city's
decision and what they are doing.
Supt. Dingman reported that the coating of the upper floor was not funded;
the repairs were, and design work has been started. rt appears that the
panel at th.e head of th.e stairs will have to be replaced before winter.
It is unlikely that the remaining work can be done before the end of the
year.
•
Request fdi---U-715-i Seneca Street Garage
Comm. Schickel reported that Raymond DiPasquale has presented a proposal
to th-e Board of Public Works which would provide for the exclusive use of
the Seneca Street Garage on certain Sundays so that he could use it for a
used automobile market. The Buildings E Grounds Committee met with Mr.
DiPasquale and certain conditions were discussed; however, an opinion of
the City Attorney indicates that even if the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
and the New York State Urban Development Corporation were to agree to such
use of the structure, competitive bidding would be required and approval of
three-quarters of the Common Council.
Resolution
By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Whispell
RESOLVED, That because of the complexity of public actionsrequired to
permit such use, and because of the limited benefit to be derived by the
City, the proposal of Raymond DiPasquale to use the Seneca Parking Garage
for a public automobile sale, be denied.
Mr. DiPasquale appeared before the Board to answer questions regarding his
proposal.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution to Table
By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Cleveland
RESOLVED, The resolution denying Mr. DiPasquale's proposal for the use of
the Seneca Parking Garage be tabled.
Carried Unanimously
Resolution
By comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Allan
RESOLVED, That City Attorney Shapiro is directed by the Board to seek per-
mission
er-
Tnission�from�the*Urban Renewal Agency and the NYSUDC to use the Seneca Parking
r•;rTs•.:.
. fir-• . .. ^ s�-c ^TR^. - r � r r 1 1 T T n 1 n i n i i c 1
LTL..33.10Ai
Reauest for use of parking ramp for auto sale display.
Comic.. Schickel commented that after requesting the use of the parking_
ramp, Mr. Raymond DiPasquale was not notified of the decision of the
Urban Renewal Agency, denying his request. 7117(
Mayor Conley said he will consult with City Attorney Shapiro requesting
him to take appropriate steps to notify Mr. Di Pasquale of the decision
of the Board and Urban Renewal Agency.
-11-
Traffic Signal at Meadow, t Clinton andTitus Avenue
Comm, Allan reported that a letter hasbeen indir_areceived from
Regional
waded
Director of Transportation, Region 3, West Clinton Street an
a new study of the intersection of Meadow Street,
Titus Avenue, and has determined that the
trafficicountsal of
a� /7�
usingthe side streets do not ,warrant LI% /
•
12
Authorization - parking meters in east portion of Family Medicine Center
By Comm. Cleveland: Seconded by Comm. Shaw
RESOLVED, That Common Council be requested to designate the eastern
portion of the Family Medicine Center parking area as a metered zone
to be known as Parking Lot 'H'.
5/0/7i Carried Unanimously
13
•
•
Code Amendments - Article V Parking Meters, Section 60'.51 $ Section 60.53
By Comm. Cleveland: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki
RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to make the following
amendments to the City Code:
ARTICLE V. PARKING METERS
Section 60.51 ZONES
B. Public Parking Lots
Delete: 1. East Green Street Parking Area
2. East Seneca Street Parking Area
3. East State Street Parking Area
4. West Green Street Parking Area
5. West State Street Parking Area
Insert: 1. East State Street Parking Area (Lot "E")
2. West State Street Parking Area (Lot "F")
3. Dryden Road Parking'Area, or the "Corson Lot" (Lot "C")
4. Health Facility Parking Area, Eastern Portion of Lot '(Lot
Section 60.53 PARKING TIME LIMITS IN PUBLIC PARKING LOTS
A. One hour parking
Delete: 1. East Green Street Parking Area
2. East Seneca Street Parking Area
3. East State Street Parking Area
4. West Green Street Parking Area
Insert: 1. Health Facility Parking Area, Eastern Portion of Lot (_Lot "H'')
Insert: Ii
5-1/0/7 .
B. Two hour parking
The parking of vehicles is hereby prohibited for a period of longer
than two hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except Sundays and
holidays in the following public parking lots:
1. East State Street Parking Area (Lot "E)
2. Dryden Road Parking Area, the "Corson Lot" (Lot "C"),
eastern half of lot.
Delete
B. Ten hour parking
The parking of vehicles is hereby prohibited for a period of longer
than (ten) hours except Sundays and holidays in the West State
Street Parking Area.
Insert:
C. Ten hour parking
The' parking of vehicles is hereby prohibited for a period of longer.
than (ten) hours except Sundays and holidays in the following public
parking lots:
1. West State Street Parking Area (Lot "F")
2. Dryden Road Parking Area, the "Corson Lot" (Lot
western half of lot.
010/2V
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
-14-
rr-
Stop sign at N. Aurora and E. Tompkins Streets
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell "-21/7.6C7.'
RESOLVED, That the request for a stop sign at North Aurora and. East
® Tompkins Streets which was referred to the Board by the Common Council,
be referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee.
Carried Unanimously
•
Parking - Giles Street
Comm. Allan reported that residents of Giles Street area have
many problems with parking on the street and on city property
in their area. It is necessary to determine as a matter of o1c
whether the city will continue to permit parking on Giles 6 7</
72
Street opposite the homes of Morrisey and Cooper, and to d vop
the existing parking spots, or whether the city will prohibit
parking at these spots and on Giles Street itself. It is also
necessary to determine as a matter of policy whether the city
will develop a piece of the water shed land in the vicinity of
Van Natta Pond to provide off-street parking for people using
the Circle Greenway and the water shed area for recreation pur-
poses.
Resolution
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
RESOLVED, That the Parking, Traffic $ Transit Committee consider
these matters and prepare recommendations for action byt e
Board and/or recommendations to the Common Council. may,/jam
Carried Unanimously
Proposal for parking lot at Van Natta Pond
Steve Karr of the Planning and Development Department reported on the
progress to date on a proposal for a parking lot at Van Natta Pond
which came about as a result of complaints by residents of the area of
the abuse of on -street parking. He presented the schematic design which
is in three stages: (1) initial allowance for parking of 20 vehicles;
(2) development of additional landscaping with consideration of persons
wishing to walk or sit and view the area, and addition of separate .
pedestrian entrance; (3) expansion to allow for parking of 36 vehicles.
Mr. Karr commented that an alternative would be a parking situation
which stays north of the stream which would allow for 19 vehicles. The
alternative poses the problem of the parking lot being landlocked, and
the possibility of expansion in the future is limited, in addition to
not being aesthetically pleasing to have the cars on the water's edge.
Mr. F. Thomas Morrissey, 302 Giles Street, inquired about a barricade
across the road from the residences on Giles Street, and suggested that
a sign be posted on the existing gate (Park closes at 10:00 P.M.) and
that -the closing be enforced.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
RESOLVED, That the problem of providing parking at Van Natta Pond be
referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee.
Carried Unanimously
Supt. Dingman expressed appreciation to Mr. Karr for his presentation
and the work he has done toward resolving the problem of parking at
Van Natta Pond.
61417(
Parking on Giles Street
Comm. Allan reported that the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee
met with representatives of Circle Greenway and residents of Giles Street
and concluded that it would be in the public interest to prohibit parking
on either side of Giles Street between Columbia Street and Water Street,
except.in the vicinity of houses numbered 207, 209 and 215 Giles Street,
to erect a barricade to prevent unauthorized off-street parking in this
same area, and to encourage the development of permanent public parking
next to Van Natta Pond.
gpe/1
Resolution
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki
RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to revise its Ordinances
to prohibit on -street parking on either side of. Giles Street from 215
easterly to Water Street.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Parking --Giles -Street/Six Mile Creek Area 707(
Comm. Allan reported that the following actions ave been taken with
respect to parking in the Giles Street/Six Mile Creek area:
1. Common Council has been requested to prohibit parking on either side
from 215 Giles Street, easterly to Water Street.
2. The Department will construct an earth barrier to prevent off-street
parking opposite the homes of Cooper and Morrissey.
3. The Department will remove the present gate at VaiNatta Pond and
remove any prohibition of parking in the area adjacent to the pond.
Parking - Giles Street/Six-Mile Creek Area
Asst. Supt. Hannan reported that the department has done work on the street
opposite the homes of Cooper and Morrissey to prevent parking there, and
the gate at Van Natta Pond has been removed so that people may park in the
area adjacent to the pond. .1I$M
•
•
16
Request for 'Reserved for Handicapped-' parking area
1By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Cleveland
RESOLVED, That the request of Paul gibbons for the removal of a meter -
and the installation of a 'reserved for handicapped'. parking area, in
connection with Meadow House in the 600 block of West State Street, be
referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee.
67, ,c/.7" Carried Unanimously
Removal of meter --State Street
Comm. Allan reported that the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee
reviewed a request of Paul Gibbons that the meter in the parking space
on State Street, just west of Meadow House, be removed to provide a space
to load and unload handicapped persons. The Committee found that:
1. The existing "No Parking" spot in front of MeadoW House now provides
a convenient spot for loading and unloading handicapped persons.
This "No Parking" spot was established with this use in mind.
2. The removal of the meter, as requested, would deprive adjacent
businessmen of customer parking in an area which is already de-
ficient in parking.
Resolution
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki.
RESOLVED, That the request be denied.
Parking Space for Handicapped Persons
Comm. Allan reported that the Common Council, at its last regular
meeting, directed that the Board of Public Works select and establish
a parking space suitable for use by handicapped persons, in the Central
Business District. Traffic Engineer Combas is working on this project,
and when a suitable spot has been selected, a further report will be
made to the Board.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Designation of Space for Handicapped and Request for Appropria-
tion
Comm. Allan reported that responding to a request by the Common Council on
August 9, 1978, the Traffic Engineer recommends that two spaces be set
aside on the ground floor of the Seneca Garage for cars carrying handicapped
persons.
Resolution
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki nigi f
RESOLVED, That a ramp be built from the ground floor of Seneca Garage to
the sidewalk on East Seneca Street, and that a handicapped ramp be built
into the curb at the northeast corner of East Seneca and North Tioga Streets.
*IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Common Council provide $3,000 in its 1979
budget to provide for the construction of a ramp in the Seneca Garage and
at the northeast corner of East Seneca and North Tioga Streets.
Carried Unanimously
Handicapped People
Mayor Conley commented that on December 12, 1978, Urban Renewal
Agency Committee had a public hearing where people had an opportunity
to comment on Urban Renewal's Fifth Year applications from our Com-
munity Development Block Program. At that meetint there were several
people who were handicapped or who represented people who were handi-
capped, agency type people. Mayor Conley mentioned that a lot of
comments were made about curb cuts for the handicapped, and parking
provisions for the handicapped. The Mayor said at that time he was
not in position to respond to many of the continents. However, he
understands that the Board of Public Works has now a permit system,
people who are handicapped can now come to City Hall, at the City
Clerk's Office, and ask for a permit. Applications may be filled
out and they are issued a permit which allows them to park in the
City's designated handicap places already set aside by the Board. The
places will be marked just as soon as markers become available. Mayor
Conley mentioned that there are now two places in the Seneca Street
Parking Ramp available to the handicapped and there is further study
underway to establish the best parking spaces in the peripheral street
area. He is to work with the handicapped people to establish other
things that can be done by the City to help the handicapped. 0.1i3/7g
Mayor Conley mentioned that in talking to the Board he found out that
many things have already been done to help the handicapped and that
it is the City's policy that where sidewalks are being repaired that
handicap access to those sidewalks will be included. The Mayor
mentioned that Marcey Silverman was present at the meeting and will
be working with the Mayor and City Engineer Cox to find ways to
further help the handicapped get around the City. He also had a lot
of literature pertaining to the problems of the handicapped which he
was going to turn over to the City Attorney, City Clerk and the
Board of Public Works.
17
•
•
Parking at Cass Park 6/arbf
Mayor Conley addressedthe problem of parking at Cass Park, saying many
complaints have been received due to persons who have parked on the
grass being tagged by the Police Department, as a result of E. Lynch's
concern over the maintenance of the lawn. Mayor Conley has temporarily
requested that the cars not be tagged until the situation can be
clarified. He has since met with Youth Bureau Director Cutia, Supt. of
Public Works Dingman and Asst. Chief of Police Pagliero to try to resolve
the situation. They decided that, after Department of Public Works staff
complete a survey of the parking needs at the height of the ball -playing
nights, if a serious parking problem does exist, the Board will be asked
to allow parking on the grass, at least temporarily until more parking
can be provided.
•
•
-18-
Traffic Flow Scheme for Parking Lot "E"
Philip Cox, City Engineer, reported on the plan now recoulinended
for parking Lot "E". The scheme involves the alleyway between
Mayer's Smoke Shop and T. G. Miller's Paper Company, of which
owners have rights-of-way. Work was to have begun this year but
Council decided otherwise. There was only enough money this year
for a small amount of work. The scheme as explained by Mr. Cox
should move traffic faster; there will be approximately 34 park-
ing spaces instead of the present 26. Mayor Conley asked for an
estimate on the cost and Mr. Cox gave a round figure of $50,000.
Design of Parking Lot 'E'
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki
oSpThatr tahe flowpoftment be traffic throughZed theto design lott from northntolsouth'
to provide for
only. 63(7
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
-19-
Signage for Tompkins County Hospital
Comm. Allan reported that Tompkins County Hospital had requested the
implementation of an emergency signing system to direct motorists passing
through the Ithaca area to Tompkins County Hospital in the event of
emergency. The system has been devised and approved by the proper State
agencies. The NYS Department of Transportation has agreed to sign that
portion of the route which is not in the city. The city would be required
to erect signs on the route where it lies within the city. No funds exist
in our budgets for these signs. If funds were provided, the signs could
be fabricated and erected before winter. 03/7'
Resolution
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Cleveland
RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to provide $800 in Acct.
No. A3310A for the purchase of materials for a hospital route signing
system.
Carried Unanimously
•
-20-
.Requests rom TACC Day Care Center and Southside Center
;Comm. Schickel informed the Board he had received a letter from the IACC
;Day Care Center, located in the basement of the Presbyterian Church, 100
block of East Court Street, with playground across th.e street, in which
they request that something be done to improve signage warning people
that there are children crossing in that block.
/o////7g
Comm. Schickel also received a request from the Southside Center for
better signage warning people that children are playing in that area.
'Resolution
By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Allan
RESOLVED, That the requests from the IACC Day Care Center and Southside
Center for better signage be referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit
Committee.
Carried Unanimously
Request from Day Care Center for Additional Signage in the 100 Block of 7//g'/%y
East Court Street
Comm. Allan reported that a request on October 11,11978 from the IACC Day
Care Center that the 100 block of East Court Street be made a school zone;
ihat the intersection of East Court and North Cayuga Streets be clearly
marked at all times; that the traffic signal cycle be lengthened to allow
a group of 75 children to cross safely; and that a loading zone be estab-
lished adjacent to the church at the Day Care Center entrance, was referred
to this committee. A school zone may not legallybe established and en-
forced in this area since no public school exists. The Traffic Engineer will
provide advance warning signs to indicate the presence of children in the
area. It is not possible to lengthen the cycle of th.e signal at Court and
.Cayuga
because this signal is part of the synchronized system. The Traffic
Engineer has suggested that the school change its method of taking th.e
children across the street so that the groups fit the time available on the
present signal operation. The Traffic Engineer will consider the possibility
of erecting a 'no turn on red' sign for westbound traffic on' East Court
Street as they approach North Cayuga Street. The pedestrian crossing has
been marked. The high demand for parking in the area of the 100 block of
East Court Street does not permit the creation of an additional loading zone
space. A large amount of loading zone space does exist on North Cayuga
Street directly in front of the Presbyterian Church.
Signage at Southside Center ///b0 75/
Comm. Allan reported that a request presented to the Board on October 11,
1978 and assigned to this committee, suggested the need for better signage
to warn people of children playing in the area of the Southside Center at
South. Plain Street and Cleveland Avenue. Investigation indicates that
adequate signage already exists. Playground warning signs were erected on
South Plain Street in May of 1977 in response to a request from Arthur
Wilkins, and a similar sign was erected on Cleveland Avenue on March 31,
1978, at the request of Mayor Conley and others.
•
Petition from residents of Spencer Road
Comm. Schickel requested information concerning the petition from residents
of Spencer Road which was presented to the Common Council at its October 4,
1978 meeting. Alderman Bordoni explained to the Board what appeared to
cause the residents of Spencer Road concern. --a substantial increase in
.vehicular traffic on Spencer Road, and the removal of vegetation from
resident's property to make way for electrical lines, and misrepresentation
of.persons seeking the easement from the property owners. City Engineer
Cox commented that he believes the issue of the removal of vegetation was
raised because 'of a misunderstanding of a new owner on Spencer Road
concerning the easement.
Resolution
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Shaw
RESOLVED, That the matter of the 'installation and operation of a traffic
light at the corner of Elmira Road and Spencer Road th.ereb:y-promoting a
substantial increase in vehicular traffic on-Spencer:Road' be referred to
the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee for exploration.
Carried Unanimously
Spencer Road Traffic Complaint
Comm. Allan reported that a complaint by Spencer Road residents heard by
the Common Council on October 4, 1978 and by the Board of Public Works on
October 11, 1978 and referred to this committee, will be handled as follows:
"WV
The Traffic Engineer will make a new traffic count to see if the
allegation of greater traffic on Spencer Road is justified. He
will also check the operation of the traffic signals on Elmira
Road to make sure that they are operating as designed. A possible
solution to the problem of excessive traffic on Spencer Road could
be the erection of a 'no turn on red' sign northbound on Elmira Road
at Spencer Road.
•
Expungement of portion of bill
By Comm. Schickel; Seconded by Comm.. Cleveland
RESOLVED, That $27.00 of the total $207 of a bill to Charles Leven for
the replacement of traffic signs and meter posts damaged in an automobile
accident on September 27, 1078, be expunged.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows;
Carried Unanimously
-23 -
Appeal for traffic signal and traffic guard
Alderman Slattery addressed the Board regarding the need for a traffic
signal or 4 -way stop at W. Court and N. Geneva Streets, and a traffic
guard at W. Court and N. Albany Streets. He commented that there has
41, been an increase in the amount of traffic on Court Street and an increase
in the number of children using the GIAC facility in addition to changes
in the traffic patterns; consequently a number of people are now using
Court Street as a main thoroughfare to get to Meadow Street and vice
versa. There is a 4 -way stop at the one intersection, but more often
than not the cars slow up for the sign and pass right on through it.
Small children crossing the street are narrowly being missed.
Dan Lee, Principal of Central School, appealed to the Board for a minimum
of a crossing guard at the corner of W. Court and N. Albany Streets
before and after school. He said the Police Department had done a
traffic count there about two months previously. /// 7.S/
Dennis Byron, Director of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, addressed
the Board, saying that he had written a letter to the Board two or three
years before concerning the problem, but had received no response. He
said a device is needed which will insure that cars will come to a com-
plete stop at the corner of W. Court and N. Albany Street.
Frank Gombas, traffic engineer, addressed the Board, reporting that he
had conducted a study in 1975 of the activities at the GIAC and the
school and they were not sufficient to warrant a signal. He discovered
there were other problems to be dealt with first --visibility, signing,
replacement of stop signs, additional emphasis on crosswalks. On that
basis they dealt with the requirements at that corner. Since that time
things have changed and he feels that additional consideration should be
'given the intersection in view of the additional activity there. He
said he feels a study could be obtained in relatively short time.
Mayor Conley asked him to coordinate a study of the intersection with
Officer Norman of the Traffic Division and to get a report back to the
Board as soon as possible, by the first of the year, if possible.
Resolution
By Comm. Banfield: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
RESOLVED, That this appeal be referred to the Parking and Traffic
Committee to give the Traffic Engineer an opportunity to study the situa-
tion and concur with representatives from GIAC, the school district and
the aldermen of the neighborhood, and make a recommendation to the Board
of Public Works at its December 27, 1978 meeting.
Carried Unanimously
Report of Traffic Committee Meeting
Comm. Ewanicki reported on the Traffic Committee Meeting of December 19
which dealt with the matters of traffic control at North Albany/West Court
Street intersection; North Albany/North Geneva Street intersection; and
on odd -side even -side parking on Hawthorn Circle., 7) )7I)7I-3Y
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an "all -way" stop control replace the existing
signs at North Geneva Street/West Court Street intersection;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the request for additional traffic control at,
North Albany Street/West Court Street intersection be denied.
Carried Unanimously P�2�I��
It was agreed that copies of the Traffic Committee Meeting and their
recommendations would be sent to GIAC, the school principal and the First
Ward aldermen.
•
•
-24-
Month y Parking Permits
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Couiui. Ewanicki
RESOLVED, that the rates for monthly permits for off-street parking
in unmetered areas be changed to provide for the following: /41317�
$15.00 per month permits parking anywhere in any unmetered
facility. (Seneca Garage, Lot "D", Green Street Garage.)
$10.00 per month permits parking anywhere in the Green
Street Garage.
$5.00 per month permits parking anywhere on the top
deck of the Green Street Garage.
1; Ji3/7'
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above rates are for permits
which will be issued at the parking booths and will be good for
a calendar month. No part -month tickets will be offered.
Discussion followed on the floor.
By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki
RESOLVED, that the request for change in the Monthly Parking
Permits be referred to the Parking and Transit Cou,uiittee.
Carried Unanimously
Off -Street Parking
By Comm. Ewanicki: Seconded by Comm. Shaw /zlgIV
RESOLVED, That the present off-street parking rates be continued in all
.of the off-street parking facilities.
Carried Unanimously
Traffic Light on Green Street by Parking Ramp iJa77g
Alderman Bordoni asked for the recommendation concerninglthe traffic
light on Green Street and Mayor Conley informed him that it provided an
excellent 'opportunity for the handicapped persons to cross to the Commons;
also people corning out of the parking ramp have to re-enter the traffic.
flow on Green Street; and there is a significant amount of pedestrian.
traffic from the development on Terrace Hill at noon going to the Commons,
Therefore, it was decided that the light be maintained until after develop-
ment occurs- so the full impact can be seen at that intersection.
-26 -
Downtown Ithaca Businessmen's Association
Stewart Lewis complimented Supt. Dingman for the lighting of the Commons
during the Christmas season, and also for the maintenance of the Commons.
Mr. Lewis, representing the Downtown Tthaca Businessmen's Association,
addressed the Board requesting an extension of free parking in the Seineca
Street Ramp, Green Street Ramp and Parking Lot D on Thursday and.Friday
evenings and all day Saturday to enhance shopping in the downtown. He
also requested improved signage in the parking area and presented a sample
of what the Association would like to Comm. Schickel. He discussed the
type of lighting on the Commons and Cayuga Street, requesting additional
wattage output. Supt. Dingman informedhim that the procedure to follow
if the lights burned out is to notify the Police Department.
Supt. Dingman explained that the sodium lights give 1.3-1.5 times as much
light as the mercury for the same wattage, and suggested that perhaps a
higher wattage output is needed which might require changing the ballasts.
Mayor Conley suggested that the DIBA, NYSE$G and the Board meet to discuss
the lighting problems.
Mr. Lewis also suggested looking at the parking situation in the near
future, whichdiffers seriously between the malls and the downtown.
PARKING, TRAFFIC AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE: id,J�,�h$
Free Parking I r
By Comm. Ewanicki: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
RESOLVED, That the present provision of free parking on Thursday and
Friday evenings and all day Saturdays be continued in Parking Lot 'D',
Green Street Parking Garage and the Seneca Parking Garage.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Conley voted Aye also.
Memo from Andrea Clardy, Ithaca Commons Coordinator re Parking Ramps
Mayor Conley called attention to the following memo from Andrea Clardy,
;Ithaca Commons coordinator, to Mayor Conley which deals with the parking
conditions on the Green Street Parking Garage and the graphic systems for
the Central District:
"Would you kindly advise the Board of Public Works of the following
resolutions unanimously accepted by the members of the Commons Advisory
Board at the most recent meeting of that Board, on December 15, 1978?
1. "Resolved: That Mayor Conley be asked to advise the Board of Public
Works of the concern felt by the Commons Advisory Board for proper
and complete exit marking in the Green Street Parking Ramp." The
motion was made by H. Stilwell Brown, seconded by Peggy Underwood
and unanimously passed. Discussion included comment on the need
for proper exit markings to..be posted at the earliest possible time
to minimize confusion and expedite use of the facility.
2. "Resolved: That Mayor Conley be asked to draw to the attention of the
Board of Public Works the danger of the Green Street Parking Ramp
during and after snowfalls and that the Board of Public..Workcs be asked
to assign first priority to proper maintenance of the exit ramp when
snow falls." The motion was made by Jinn Rothschild, seconded by
H. Stilwell Brown and unanimously passed. In discussion of the morion,
recent expressions of anxiety by users of the ramp were detailed and
Andrea Clardy agreed to draw this resolution and concern to the
attention of Mr. Dingman.
3. "Resolved: That Mayor Conley be asked to remind th.e Board of Public
Works of the Commons Advisory- Board's concern about the need for full
graphics which have been three years in coming, including posted
speed limits in the parking ramps," The motion was made by Jim
Rothschild, seconded by K, Stilwell Brown and passed -uananimously.
Resolution /a,f2, l�r
By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Ewanick.i / /
RESOLVED, That th.e question of upgrading of downtown lighting be referred
to the Highways, Street Lighting and Refuse Committee.
Carried Unanimously
Resolution
By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Banfield */jg
RESOLVED, That the problem of th.e parking in downtown be referred to the
Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee.,
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Conley commented that he would like the Planning staff to sit in
at th.e meetings.
•
Halloran complaint - Morse Chain employees parking on Turner Place
Tow -away from Steuart Avenue - Dan Stinebring requests redress of charges
Aurora Street - request to revert to two-way traffic
Standardization of traffic signal and controller equipment
1
2
3
4
Tow -away from Turner Place - reimbursement requested 2
Request for free bus service and bicycle racks for "Sun Day" 5
Aurora St at Hillview Place - additional traffic control 6
W. Lincoln St. - 24 hr. parking request 7
Request to remove parking meters - 100 block W. State & 100 blocks N. & S. Cayuga 8
Maintenance - Green St. Parking Garage/WP 9
R. DiPasquale - Requests use of Seneca St. Garage for Car Auction 10
Meadow-- West Clinton Sts. - Titus Ave. - DOT report re:Request for Traffic Signal 11
Tow -away from Utica St. - reimbursement requested 2
Family Medicine Center - Parking meter request 12
Amendments - City Code - Parking 13
N.Aurora/E.Tompkins - Request for stop sign 14
Tompkins Co. Firemen's Assoc. request use of Parking Lot D (See B & G pg. 16)
Giles Street - parking / Van Natta Pond - parking 15
600 block W. State - Request to reserve for handicapped parking area. 16
Cass Park - Parking complaint re parking on grass 17
Parking Lot "E" - Traffic flow scheme & parking spaces 18
Selection and establishment parking space for handicapped 16
Request for Hospital Route Signage system 19
Requests for better signage for IACC Day Care Center and Southside Center 20
Spencer Rd. - Petition from residents re operation of traffic light 21
& Elmira Rd.
Expungement of bill to Charles Leven - replacement of traffic signs and meter posts 22
W.Court/N.Geneva & N. Albany Sts. - Appeal for traffic signal and guard 23
Hawthorne Circle - 24 hr. parking request 7
Monthly Parking Permits - request for rate change off-street parking 24
Recommendation re Traffic Light on Green St. near parking ramp 25
Parking Ramps - Requests for extension free parking, improved signage and markings,
and maintenace during snowfalls, upgrading downtown lighting 26...
Requests for Handicapped parking spaces 16