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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988_04_30 Traffic Committee Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK TRAFFIC COMMITTEE HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1988 AT THE SENIOR CENTER IN THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK. PRESENT: Martin Zavell, Chairman Dennis Kenny Richard Mari Anthony Math Kathleen O'Flinn Edward F.X. Ryan EXCUSED: Leslie Schlom ALSO PRESENT: Arthur Dallas, Police Commissioner The Chairman opened the meeting at 8:00 p.m. APPROVAL_ OF MINUTES On a motion from Richard Mari, seconded-by Dennis Kenny, the minutes of June 28, 1988 were approved with the following corrections and additions: On page 2, under NEW BUSINESS, OVERNIGHT PARKING-paragraph five, line two should be corrected to read". .. determined if they met Fire Department criteria." On page 3, under NEW BUSINESS, LAKESIDE DRIVE - line five should read"since he feels it would not be seen." On page 3, under NEW BUSINESS, PARKING LOT #1 - add "We as a committee will get our ideas together with the benefit of the plans and work out an idea for changes. ROCKINGSTONE AVE AND MOUNTAIN AVE Mrs. Maraffino read a letter from a new resident, Mrs. Peter Mondo of 158 Rockingstone Ave, expressing concern regarding this intersection and requesting another form of traffic control there. Mr. Maraffino stated that he sees the committee as having two responsibilities - seeing to the traffic flow and seeing to the safety at the intersection. . Mrs. Maraffino stated that the residents feel even more strongly since there has been a third accident this year where a car was totaled. Commissioner Dallas' recommendation is as follows: due to the many valid concerns along with the topography of the area, it appears to justify the installation of an electric traffic control signal at Rockingstone Ave. and Mountain Ave. The Police Department recommends that such signal be regulated by a alternate phase favorable to the obvious preponderance of North/South Rockingstone Ave. traffic. Mr. Zavell stated that he couldn't agree with the Police Commissioner's recommendation more. He feels a traffic light is warranted with control in favor of the Rockingstone Ave. traffic. He further stated that if the committee is favorable to this recommendation he would like it stated that this a unique situation. Mr. Kenny stated that after viewing the video along with committee discussion, he is in favor of the Police Commissioners recommendations. Mr. Mari stated that although he does not feel a traffic light will eliminate many of the problems, he will vote in favor of it since the residents feel so strongly that it will solve the problems. Mr. Math stated that although he feels the current criteria does not substantiate the need for a traffic light at this intersection, the area is unique due to topography plus the resident input. For those reasons he will vote for the light. Mr. Ryan questioned why the recommendation for a traffic device was for Mountain Ave. rather than Wildwood Road. Commissioner Dallas stated that if at some time the committee felt the traffic device sould change from a timed device to being tripped by traffic, it would have to be Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee August 30, 1988 Page 2 ROCKINGSTONE AVE AND MOUNTAIN AVE (CONT) at Mountain Ave., not Wildwood Road. This gives the motorist the knowledge that his vehicle is tripping the device. The Commissioner further stated that he is not one hundred per cent satisfied with his recommendation, but feels it is the best one considering the topography of the area along with a unique situation. Mr. Ryan stated that he feels the situation is exactly the same further up on Rockingstone at Seton Road Commissioner Dallas stated that he did not find any other part of Rockingstone Ave. where he lost sight of other vehicles. Mr. Maraffino suggested that the Rock on Rockingstone Ave. may create a natural impediment which slows down traffic further up Rockingstone Ave. Mrs. O'Flinn stated that after spending a great deal of time at this intersection, she sympathizes with the residents of the area due to the unique topography causing traffic problems. She feels a traffic light will solve some, but not all the problems of the area. She feels a trip on the light will not be effective since residents will still not be able to exit their driveways. Mrs. O'Flinn stated that she would support the recommendation. Kathleen O'Flinn made the following recommendation to the Town Board: Pursuant to the numerous traffic warrants in the vicinity of Rockingstone Ave. , Mountain Ave. and N. Chatsworth Ave. , the traffic committee recommends that an electric traffic control signal be installed at the corner of Rockingstone and Mountain Avenues and should be regulated by an alternate phase favorable to the North/South Rockingstone Ave. traffic. Further, if experience shows a need for modification, other alternatives will be studied. The recommendation was seconded by Mr. Zavell and the vote was as follows: Mr. Zavell, Mr. Kenny, Mr. Mari, Mr. Math and Mrs. O'Flinn - Aye Mr. Ryan - Nay The recommendation carried by majority vote. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING - FALLS ROAD AND LAKESIDE DRIVE James Druker of 4 Falls Road addressed the committee. He stated that pedestrians are constantly crossing at this intersection to go to and from the duck pond. He feels the visibility is very poor when traveling north from Myrtle Blvd. and turning left onto Falls Road. He further stated that there is a great potential for a pedestrian accident at this intersection. Mr. Zavell asked the Police Commissioner for his recommendation regarding this intersection. The Commissioner responded with the following: Consideration of various traffic warrants in the immediate vicinity of Falls Rd. and Lakeside Drive (the Commissioner went on to point them out) lead me to strongly suggest a pedestrian walk with stop signs for both North and South bound vehicles. In response to Mr. Math's question of placement of the crosswalk, the Commissioner recommended the top or crest of the bridge well before Falls Rd. and stated that warning signs stating "pedestrian crossing, full stop ahead" be posted, along with florescent markings on the street. Mr. Ryan stated that he concurs completely with the Commissioner's suggestion of a cross walk but feels that the location for a pedestrian crosswalk might be Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee August 30, 1988 Page 3 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING - FALLS ROAD AND LAKESIDE DRIVE (CONT. ) better at the foot of Falls Road since the sight line here is better for motorists. He stated that he has reservations due to the abrupt turn at the bridge. Mr. Ryan further stated that motorists should not be surprised to see a pedestrian crosswalk in this area since it is so scenic. Mr. Druker stated that he feels the pedestrian has a better sight line at the crest of the bridge. Mr. Ryan stated that stop signs are missing at the foot of Falls Rd. and W. Garden Road. He asked that Mr. Leddy see to their replacement. Mr. Math stated that he agreed with the Commissioner's recommendation and would like to see the shrubbery trimmed at this location. Mr. Mari stated that he did not agree with the crosswalk being placed at the crest of the bridge since there are no sidewalks there. He feels that the foot of Falls Road would be a more natural crossing. He would like to see the stop sign before the bridge when coming from Hickory Grove Drive. Mr. Zavell reported that there was a consideration from the Town to put a pedestrian bridge parallel to the vehicle bridge. He further stated that he agrees with the need for a pedestrian crosswalk but does not agree with the location recommended. He would rather see it closer to Myrtle Blvd. Mr. Kenny stated that he also agrees with the need for a pedestrian crosswalk but questions the placement. He felt there should be further discussion in the committee meeting regarding the safest place to stop vehicles during inclement weather. Mrs. O'Flinn stated that perhaps the volume and speed of the traffic is temporary due to the Weaver Street bridge closing. She stated that she feels the crosswalk should be placed closer to Myrtle Blvd. with no stop signs. Mr. Druker stated that a crosswalk with no stop signs would not help the problem and that the same visual problems will exist when traffic travels the Weaver St. bridge again. Mr. Ryan stated that he does not feel this can be considered a main road. It is a through street surrounding a public pond designed to be attractive to both pedestrians and motorists. Therefore, he feels a crosswalk with stop signs is appropriate. he nextzmeet g&giying, Mr. Zavell polled the committee and it was decided that the committee members would like to study the area again for placement of the crosswalk. It was agreed that the committee is working to establish a crosswalk with the decision pending as to placement of it. REQUEST FOR STOP SIGNS AT PRYER MANOR RD. AND DOGWOOD LANE, PRYER MANOR RD. AND WILDWOOD CIRCLE Kenneth Rothouse of 19 Pryer Manor Rd representing the Pryer Manor Assoc. stated that the requests for stop signs were made because there are four blind curves on Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee August 30, 1988 Page 4 REQUEST FOR STOP SIGNS AT PRYER MANOR RD. AND DOGWOOD LANE, PRYER MANOR RD. AND WILDWOOD CIRCLE (CONT. ) Pryer Manor Rd. coming from the Boston Post Rd. Mr. Zavell stated that the committee is very much against stop signs to slow down or impede traffic. He stated that he agrees with the residents concerns and would normally suggest police surveillance but does not feel this would work in this area. Mr. Mari stated that he does not feel stop signs should be used to slow down traffic. Mr. Math agreed that stop signs should not be used here but does feel that selective enforcement by the police department might be helpful. Mr. Ryan stated that he agrees with Mr. Zavell and adopts his comments. Commissioner Dallas stated that he would like to try selective enforcement to curtail the speeding. He further stated that the resident's perception of speed may be incorrect. It was agreed that selective enforcement would be used as suggested by the commissioner. Mr. Mari asked that the police officers also observe the amount of commercial traffic to see if that is the problem. It mod . _ r3r report back atot S CURVE - 26 WINGED FOOT DRIVE Arthur Knapp of 26 Winged Foot drive stated that motorists coming from Rockland Ave. have ridden up on his lawn, hit his mailbox and shrubbery. He is requesting that the yellow center line which ends before his home, be extended. He further requests that white lines be added to the side of the road. Mrs. O'Flinn suggested that the resident add large stones painted white along his property line and also agrees that the yellow center line be extended. Mr. Kenny stated that he has a similar problem and sympathized with Mr. Knapp. He supports extending the yellow center line. Mr. Zavell reported that he spoke with the Town Administrator regarding this problem and the Town will extend the yellow line to Fenimore Rd. which will be rechecked with Mr. Altieri. He further reported that the road is too narrow to paint white lines on the sides. Mr. Ryan stated that the yellow lines might help, but he is concerned that the curb stones have been lowered by settling and repaving of roadway. Mr. Ryan stated that he would like to know if the Town has responsibility for the curbs. He ag 'eed to inquire about this and bring the information back to the committee. He also agreed to contact Mr. Knapp with his findings. OVERNIGHT PARKING - 43 VALLEY ROAD In regard to this request, the family was to poll the residents to see where their sentiments lie regarding overnight parking. The committee is waiting to hear from . the resident. • <I Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee August 30, 1988 Page 5 OVERNIGHT PARKING (CONT. ) As requested by the committee, Mr. Ryan presented the following information regarding overnight parking: Using the existing criteria for overnight parking exemptions to proceed from, Mr. Ryan suggested that the category of a parking hardship sticker be added. Mr. Ryan stated that his investigation has shown that problems have arisen in the courts if a fee is charged for such a sticker. He further stated that snow and leaf removal would have to be addressed and a Town Ordinance would have to be drafted. Mr. Ryan's proposal was discussed with suggestions and questions. On a whole, the committee voiced support for Mr. Ryan's suggestion and agreed unanimously that it was worth pursuing. It was agreed that Mr. Kenny and Mr. Mari will work with Mr. Ryan as a sub committee. ; MYRTLE BLVD. UPDATE Mr. Altieri sent word through Mr. Zavell that an ordinance does exist regarding no parking on Myrtle Blvd. More signs will be installed on Myrtle Blvd.and residents will be notified and reminded of the ordinance. REQUEST FROM METRO-NORTH A request was made by Metro-North to increase parking at their stations. Metro- North has offered to lend money for this purpose at low interest rates but parking could not be limited to Town residents only. Mr. Zavell reported that the Town Administrator asked that this be tabled until studies are completed by the Supervisor/Administrator offices. Mrs. O'Flinn and Mr. Ryan asked to be part of this discussion and be notified of meeting dates with Metro-North. Mrs. O'Flinn reported that the master plan update noted that approximately forth per cent of the spaces were available. NEW BUSINESS COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT MEETING Mrs. O'Flinn reported on the meeting she attended as representative from the traffic committee including discussion of redistribution and better use of parking spaces and the possible Bonnie Briar development. Mrs. O'Flinn asked if we, as a committee, should request input in regard to the possible Bonnie Briar development. Mr. Ryan stated that he agrees with the instinct that the committee should be involved. Mr. Zavell requested that Mrs. O'Flinn stay with this by attending the next meeting of the Planning Board on Sept. 14th. Mr. Ryan and Mr. Zavell will also try to attend. After discussion, it was agreed that the entire committee would like to be notified of the Planning Board meeting dates. Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee August 30, 1988 Page 6 NEW BUSINESS (CONT. ) PARKING LOT #1 Mr Ryan reported that the repairs requested have not been made. Lights are still out, broken glass remains and the lot is generally not maintained. Mr. Ryan reported that he has not received a layout of the parking lot. NORTH CHATSWORTH INTERSECTION Mrs. O'Flinn reminded the committee that the sign stating Right Turn on Red Permitted was to be installed on N. Chatsworth turning onto Myrtle Blvd. Mr. Zavell read from letters dating back to March 1987 to the Town Administrator, requesting signs be erected directing traffic at this intersection as voted upon by the traffic committee. NEXT MEETING DATE After discussion, it was agreed to change the meeting night to Monday. The next meeting of the Traffic Committee would be set for Monday, October 3, 1988 at 8:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT On a motion from Mr. Mari, seconded by Mr. Kenny and carried unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Cynthia Rocchio