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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019_09_25 Traffic Committee Minutes To��+il Mi° ironeckNe w York i�o�aeat�c+we Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes September 25, 2019 A regular meeting of the Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee was held on September 25, 2019 at 2 PM at the Town Center Courtroom, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Doris Shaw Block, Chair Abby Katz, Town Board Member Stephen Bartell Connie Green O'Donnell, Deputy Town Administrator Ben Garcia Lt.James Maher, Mamaroneck Police Department Arthur Katz Kimberly Larsen Camille Odierna Doris Block provided an update regarding the Town's proposed commuter parking law. The purpose of the law is to prevent commuters from parking on neighborhood streets during the day. As a result of the number of negative comments (written and oral) the Town Board received, they decided that the scope of the area would be reduced and parking restrictions on certain streets, rather than all the streets, in the area surrounding the train station would be more effective in deterring commuters from parking. Also, the Committee stated they were supportive of the Walking Safety Assessment Feasibility Study that would be conducted at the Central School. If there is further involvement needed by the Committee, they requested that it be placed on the next agenda for further discussion. OLD BUSINESS: Follow-up on Traffic Concerns on Country Road: Kathleen Charla, who resides at 6 Leatherstocking Lane, expressed her concerns for neighborhood traffic safety. Ms. Charla claims there is poor visibility due to vehicles parked on the right side of Country Road just before the curve. To substantiate her claim, she provided the Committee with a petition signed by residents in the neighborhood and pictures of the area. In her opinion, a stop sign should be installed at the corner and parking should be restricted in front of two homes. Another resident was present at the meeting who was in agreement with Ms. Charla about the safety issue and her recommendations. According to Lt. Maher, there were no accidents reported during the past three years. NEW BUSINESS: Request for Feasibility Study-New I-95 Northbound Entry Ramp-Resident requests an access ramp to 1-95 North off of Harmon: A resident requested that a traffic study be conducted to determine whether an access ramp to I-98 going north, in the vicinity of Weaver Street and Harmon Drive would be viable. He stated he had prior discussions about this request with County Executive George Latimer, Assemblyman Steve Otis and County Legislator Shelly Mayer. According to the resident, all three officials though it was a good idea and suggested that he address his request to his local government officials. He presented to the Committee a petition that included approximately 300 signatures in support of conducting the feasibility study to construct the access ramp onto 1-98 north. There were a number of Harmon Drive residents who spoke against the proposal given it would increase traffic in an already congested area. Lt. Maher spoke of the negative impact this would have on emergency response for fire and ambulance services as it is already a congested area. Both the Town's Fire Department and the Volunteer Ambulance Corp facility are located in the vicinity of the proposed access ramp. The respective departments were not in favor of the access ramp in that area nor was the Police Department. After discussion, the Committee voted against the request that a feasibility study be conducted. They based their decision on input from Lt.Maher regarding emergency response and the fact that this would increase traffic in the area of the proposed access ramp. Request for a No Parking Zone on Forest Avenue: The resident was unable to appear before the Committee. However,it was decided that the request would be placed on the next Traffic Committee agenda. In addition, neighbors who may be adversely impacted by the recommended restricted parking, are to be notified that the issue will be discussed at the next meeting. Referral from Town Planning Board-Site Plan Amendment-Trader Joe's: As required,the Planning Board referred the item to the Committee for their review and recommendation. The engineer for the project presented to the Committee the plans,which included the elimination of the left turn lane onto the Boston Post Road. This was proposed after having conducted a traffic study and was to address the Fire Department's concern about having adequate space to maneuver a fire truck in order to respond to an emergency at the shopping center. The Committee thought that the removal of the left-hand turn would increase the safety of pedestrians crossing at the entrance, as well as reduce the traffic congestion created by vehicles entering and exiting the shopping center due to the difficulty of making the left-hand turn onto the Boston Post Road. Although the Committee approved the removal of the lane,they did have reservations as to what impact that will have on the increased traffic at Stop&Shop's parking lot, as well as traffic on Weaver Street. Referral from Town Planning Board-Site Plan Amendment-Winged Foot Golf Course- US Open: As required,the Planning Board referred the item to the Committee for their review and recommendation. The Committee was asked to review the proposed traffic plans that will be implemented during the 2020 US Open that will be held at the Winged Foot Golf Course. Although the coordination of off-site parking facilities and shuttle services have yet to be finalized, the Committee agreed that the proposed plans,which are similar to what was done for the 2006 US Open at Winged Foot,were acceptable. Resident at 3 Washington Square Request Speed Bumps at the Entrance to I-95 Doris Block shared with the Committee that she spoke with the resident and informed him that the Committee would not support the installation of speed bumps. Review—Traffic Committee Review Request Form and Recordkeeping Procedures The Committee reviewed the form and suggested that the name be changed and a question be added as to whether other individuals or property would be impacted by the proposed recommendation. Depending upon the issue being presented, an internal review and determination would be made as to whether neighbors should be notified, accident reports obtained, etc. All relevant information would be included in the Committee's agenda packet in advance of the meeting. Next Traffic Committee Meeting Scheduled for October 30, 2019