Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988_03_15 Traffic Committee Minutes die MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1988 AT 8:00 P.M. IN THE SENIOR CENTER OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK. PRESENT: Martin Zavell, Chairman Dennis Kenny Richard Mari Anthony Math Edward F.X. Ryan Leslie Schlom ALSO PRESENT: Steven V. Altieri, Town Administrator Arthur T. Dallas, Police Commissioner Henry Korn, Liaison from the Town Council Approval of Minutes On a motion from Mr. Kenny, seconded by Mr. Schlom and carried unanimously, the minutes of February 16, 1988 were approved as written. Requests of Larchmont Knolls Neighborhood Leslie Hughes of 11 Alden Road explained that the problem is parking on Alden Road, particularly for residents of the Alden House complex. Although the re- quest has been made by neighbors to make Alden Road a one way street, Ms. Hughes is not in favor of the request, but suggested permit parking be allowed on the street. Wing Hui of 19 Alden Road stated that it is difficult to pull out of his drive- way since some houses are on the crest of the hill. Mr. Hui feels that by making Alden Road a one way south, it would eliminate much of the safety problem he experiences. He agrees with the suggestion of Alden Rd. becoming a one way. Bernard Axler of 5 Harmony Drive fells it is in the best interest of safety to make Alden Road a one way street. He feels Harmony Drive has become a parking lot since the restaurant is open. He stated that two cars can not pass one another on Harmony Drive due to parking on both sides of the street. Mr. Axler further stated that the stop sign at the intersection of Harmony Drive and Alden Road is largely ignored. Howard Horowitz, representing 11 Alden Road Tenants Corp. stated that the feeling is a one way street would help both safety and noise in the neighborhood. He requested that parking be allowed on both sides of the street along the building. Steve Vierengel of 5 Copley Rd. stated that he is somewhat indifferent to the question of a one way street, but is very concerned with the limited parking in the area. He suggested that the Hommocks parking lot be chain linked in for safety and permits be issued to park there. Dennis Mulcahey of 14 Alden Rd. stated that the main problem is the congestion, noise and traffic movement caused by commercial traffic spilling over on to residential streets. Mr. Zavell explained that this has come before the committee at the previous meeting and read from last month's minutes. Mr. Altieri stated that the Fire Chief is not in favor of parking on both sides of the street, but the one way would not effect him, since he would get to a fire scene the best way possible and use the fastest route. Mr. Zavell asked the Police Commissioner for his input. Commissioner Dallas pointed out that in this area, the Town of Mamaroneck is co-terminus with the Village of Larchmont. By making Alden Road a one way, traffic will be forced onto other streets which will have to bear the burden. All traffic would have to enter the area via Nassau Road. The Commissioner recommends against making Alden Road a one way street. Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee March 15, 1988 Page 2 Requests of Larchmont Knolls Neighborhood (cont. ) Frank Clemens of 89 Colonial Avenue suggested that the problem is not the one way street as much as the concern for the restaurant customers parking on the residential streets. He suggested that the restaurant be informed of the problem and perhaps asked to look for alternative parking. Mr. Zavell stated that the Town has approached the restaurant in reference to this matter. Cynthia Lewis of 4 Harmony Drive stated that she is concerned with the noise and safety on the street. For this reason she is in favor of the one way street so residents only would be on these streets. Martin Rosen of 2 Harmony Drive stated that he feels it is irrelevant if Nassau Road is in the Village of Larchmont. Lillian Reid of 14 Harmony Drive stated that everyone entering the area from Palmer Ave. must use Hall Ave. She does not feel there would be any more of a problem on Nassau Road than on Hall Ave. . Mr. Zavell polled the committee regarding this situation. The results were as follows: Mr. Ryan stated that he agreed with Commissioner Dallas. He does not feel that it is appropriate to make a one way street on one of two access roads to the area. He feels that parking should be allowed on the Boston Post Road after the Town line. He also suggested that the restaurant management be spoken to and made aware of the problem. Mr. Ryan would like to see the State D.O.T. response to parking on the Boston Post Rd. in this area. Mr. Zavell asked Mr. Altieri to look into this. Mr. Math stated that if the heaviest traffic enters the area from Palmer Ave. , he supports the one way street. If the heaviest traffic enters from the Boston Post Rd. he is against making Alden Rd. a one way. Mr. Mari stated that he supports leaving the street a two way. Mr. Kenny stated that he agreed with the Police Commissioner regarding leaving the street a two way. Mr. Schlom stated that he is inclined to favor making Alden Rd. a one way street for a three month trial period. Before doing so he would like to see all other residents who may be affected1notified. Mr. Ryan proposed that this issue be tabled until the next meeting and that all residents of the area including Nassau Rd. , Kenmare Rd, Devon Rd. and Forest Park Ave. be notified that there is a possibility of Alden Rd. being made a one way street for a trial basis. The committee agreed unanimously with this proposal and asked Mr. Altieri to see that all area residents are notified. Hommocks Road and Boston Post Road Andrea Potash, president of the Hammocks P.T.A, sent a letter proposing that a left turn lane be added to the road leading out of Hammocks onto the Boston Post Road. The committee discussed this suggestion and were in agreement with it if there was enough room to make an additional lane here. Mr. Altieri suggested that the paved area and the right of way be measured to determine if it would be possible to add the left hand turn lane here. He will bring the information to the committee at the April meeting. The entire committee was in favor of this suggestion. Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee March 15, 1988 Page 3 One Way Traffic - Preston Rd. Between 4:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M. John Parker, a resident of the area, would like to see the one way sign from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. removed from Preston Road. After a short discussion, the committee agreed that they had already voted to have this done and asked Mr. Altieri to check into this. Request - Stop Signs at Rockingstone and Mountain Avenue Sandra Marraffino of 150 Rockingstone Ave. stated concerns of area residents re- garding the intersection of Rockingstone and Mountain Ave. . She reported that several accidents and near misses have occurred at this intersection which is a high traffic area and a cut through for Larchmont, New Rochelle and Scarsdale traffic. Residents of the area have requested a four way stop sign along with a four way red lights at the intersection of Mountain Ave. and Rockingstone Ave. . Paul Marraffino of the same address, brought a map of the area in question showing the terrain and elevation. He explained that there are several blind spots at and around the intersection. He further stated that a precedent for installing stop signs had been set further up the street. After discussion, the committee agreed that this was a dangerous intersection. Mr. Schiom suggested a traffic light at this location to control traffic and allow pedestrians and vehicles to cross safely. Mr. Mari agreed that something must be done at this location. He did not feel that a four way stop sign is the answer. Mr. Math stated that he would support a four way stop sign in this area. Mr. Ryan stated that speed may be the problem. He feels that if vehicles are traveling slowly enough, the area would be traversed safely. He felt that motor- ists do not pay heed to the blinking yellow lights warning motorists to slow down. Commissioner Dallas stated that the State has outlawed the four way red flashing lights since it is difficult to establish liability. The Commissioner suggested that this area be subject to selective enforcement in order to slow down traffic in the area. The Commissioner would like to try selective enforcement for the next few weeks and report back at the next committee meeting regarding what he has found. He will also look into when the traffic counters would be free to use in order to determine if there is enough traffic in the area to warrant a traffic light. Kevin O'Brien of 169 Rockingstone stated that he does not feel speed is the problem at this intersection. He feels the blind spots in several areas coupled with the difficult terrain were the problem. After discussion, the committee agreed that this will be put on the agenda for the next meeting when the committee will be updated regarding the selective en- forcement results. Speeding - Rockland Ave. at Jason Lane Intersection Frank Clemens of 89 Colonial Ave. stated that since the Weaver Street bridge is closed, more traffic is traversing the Rockland Ave. bridge. He is concerned because the stop sign on Hickory Grove and Rockland Ave. is obscured by trees and shrubbery. Also, traffic on Rockland Ave. going towards the bridge should be warned of the precarious and unique situation of traffic driving up Rockland Ave. , turning left onto Hickory Grove Drive. After discussion, it was agreed that the committee should look over this area and decide if there is anything that can be done in the Town jurisdiction. Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee March 15, 1988 Page 4 Request - Blinking Light in Place of Traffic Light at Intersection of Forest Ave. And Weaver Street A resident suggested that a blinking light be installed at this intersection so that traffic would not be stopped when there is no pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Members of the committee explained to him that the light must be activated by a vehicle or pedestrian. The resident was not aware of this and withdrew his request. Request - Posted Speed Limit Sign - No. Chatsworth Ave. After discussion, the Police Commissioner recommended that a speed li ' sign be posted on No. Chatsworth Ave. within the first block Northeast of ckla Ave. He further recommended a two way traffic sign be placed on Mountain Ave. facing southbound traffic. The committee agreed to adopt these recommendations. Unmarked Fork - Mountain Ave. & No. Chatsworth Ave. Intersection A resident suggested that several signs are needed at this intersection, including dangerous intersection at Rockingstone and Wildwood. Mr. Schlom suggested that a no parking sign be placed on No. Chatsworth Ave. adjacent to the triangular park. The committee was asked to look over this area and report their findings at the next meeting. It was also agreed that residents of the area would be notified. Mr. Zavell asked Commissioner Dallas to look over the area and make a recommendation regarding signs at the next meeting. Update - Weaver Street Bridge Commissioner Dallas reported that the current traffic pattern shows that most of the traffic which passed over the bridge was out of town traffic passing through. This traffic has changed its' pattern since the closing of the bridge. NEW BUSINESS Intersection - Myrtle Blvd. , N. Chatsworth Ave. and Murray Ave. Mr. Ryan reported that the Town Council accepted Arthur Davis' proposal which was strongly recommended by the Traffic Committee. He further stated that Mr. Altieri made an excellent presentation to the Town Council. There was discussion regarding the Town Council adopting the traffic consultant's recommendation rather than the Traffic Committee's recommendation which had some modifications. It was agreed that Mr. Altieri will check the minutes and make sure the proposal was worded correctly. Since the committee recommended that the stanchen at this intersection remain, Mr. Altieri have the minutes amended to show this if necessary. Burton Road Mr. Mari reported that the no through traffic sign on Burton Rd. does not appear to be an ordinance that can be enforced. Myrtle Blvd. Parking Lot Mr. Ryan stated his concern regarding this parking lot being a disaster area. He stated that it is poorly maintained and feels that it should be put on the agenda to be discussed at the next meeting. The committee agreed. • Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee March 15, 1988 Page 5 Next Meeting Date It was agreed that the next meeting date for the Traffic Committee would be April 19, 1988 at 8:00 p.m. . Adjournment On a motion from Mr. Schlom seconded by Mr. Math and carried unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m. . Respectfully submitted by Cynthia Rocchio