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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988_11_14 Traffic Committee Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK TRAFFIC COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 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 Kathleen Tracy O'Flinn Edward F.X. Ryan Leslie Schlom EXCUSED: Anthony Math ALSO PRESENT: Steve Chapin, Liaison from the Town Board Steven Altieri, Town Administrator Arthur Dallas, Police Commissioner The chairman announced that he would delay calling the meeting to order until the arrival of Mr. Altieri and Commissioner Dallas. The chairman called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m. Mr. Zavell explained to those present that the purpose of the committee was to make decisions based on information brought before the committee and then to make recommendations to the Town Board. He then introduced the committee's new liaison from the Town Board, Mr. Steven Chapin. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion from Mr. Kenny, seconded by Mr. Mari and carried, the minutes of October 3, 1988 were accepted with the following corrections and additions: Under approval of minutes, referring to Rockingstone Ave. add-Mr. Ryan feels that there are many other areas equally unique in their own way which could justify a traffic light if there is to be a light at this location. On page 2 under Traffic Situation change the first sentence to read: Mr. Ryan asked if the original plan and proposal of sineage, street markings, etc. had been put in place. INTERSECTION - MURRAY AVE. , MYRTLE BLVD. AND NO. CHATSWORTH AVE. Mr. Ralph Engel, Vice President of Pinebrook Association, stated concerns re- garding the Murray Ave. , Myrtle Blvd. and No. Chatsworth Ave. intersection. Mr. Engel had sent a letter to the traffic committee stating his concerns along with some suggestions to help ease the traffic flow at this intersection. Mr. Zavell explained that a sub committee had been set up to work with several concerns regarding this intersection and the committee as a whole has spent much time discussing the intersection. Mr. Zavell further suggested that Mr. Engel's letter along with his suggestions be sent on to Davis engineering firm to see if the suggestions meet with the specifications and design as planned. Mr. Ryan stated that he shares some of the same concerns as Mr. Engel regarding road markings and signs regarding making a left turn over the bridge. He stated that these were to be implemented and cannot explain why it has not been done. Mr. Altieri stated that the difficulty with posting the signs was the need.:to resolve the issue of how 4ky wires were to be installed in order to hang the signs. Mr. Altieri pointed out that although the design of the intersection has been discussed regarding its safety, thirty accidents were reported in the last year before the redesign and no accidents have been reported since the redesign. Mr. Zavell stated his concern that the pavement markings had not been painted. Mr. Altieri stated that he will see that it is done. • ' Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee November 14, 1988 Page 2 PROPOSED ONE WAY - HOWELL AVENUE Mr. Richard Hesel of 118 Carleon Ave. would like to see Howell Ave. be made a one way from Weaver Street to Meadow Place. Mr. Ryan stated that after spending much time in this area looking it over as a member of the traffic committee, he has not seen a need for this. Mr. Schlom stated that the Weaver Street Bridge closing has caused many traffic problems. He suggested that once the bridge reopens, the committee will continue to work on the Weaver St. and Palmer Ave. intersection which directly affects this area. Mr. Hesel stated that the problem has lessened since the Weaver St. bridge has closed. Residents are concerned that the problem will worsen when the bridge reopens. Mr. Mari stated that he is in favor of the request, but does not want to dis- continue work on that intersection. Commissioner Dallas stated that he has seen Howell Ave. turned into a major thoroughfare, equal to Palmer Ave. during commuter hours. Cars have been clocked traveling 45 miles per hour and the volume is of concern. Ms. O'Flinn stated that she is inclined to question if there were some wa to en purage traffic to proc,ed to the corner of Weaver St. and Palmer Ave. — Commissioner Dallas stated the problem is exasperated by the fact that the school crossing is also at this intersection. Mr. Zavell stated that although he is concerned that creating a one way could increase the problem, he would be willing to vote for it on a trial basis. Mr. Mari made the following recommendation to the Town Board: Howell Ave. be made a one way from Weaver Street to Meadow Place for a six month trial basis. The recommendation was seconded by Mr. Zavell and the vote was as follows: Mr. Kenny - aye, Mr. Ryan - nay, Ms. O'Flinn - nay, Mr. Schlom - nay. The recommendation did not carry. A resident asked if a police car could be present in the area to curtail the speeding. Commissioner Dallas stated that this can be done as selective enforcement, but it will be of a short duration. Richard Mari recommended that residents write to their elected officials pointing out the intersection of Palmer Ave. and Weaver Street as the problem. Mr. Chapin stated that the long term solution is to redesign this intersection. He further stated that when the Weaver St. bridge opens for traffic, the committee observe the area. • f Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee November 14, 1988 Page 3 PROPOSED ONE WAY - HOWELL AVENUE (CONT) Mr. Schlom explained to the residents that the traffic committee attempts to follow as closely as possible, the traffic codes set by N.Y. State in order to keep a uniform code. REQUEST - ADDITIONAL OVERNIGHT PARKING ALDEN ROAD Mr. William Sheridan, President of the Board of 11 Alden Road Association, addressed the committee. He stated that the Association appreciates that the street was made a one way street, but feels that it is wide enough to accommodate over- night parking on both sides. Mr. Gary Hallman of Alden House stated that he has written before (in 1978) requesting overnight parking spaces. Mr. Lutzsky of 11 Alden Road stated that there were originally 20 parking spaces in the parking lot on the Boston Post Road which were taken away about six months ago, thus, creating more overnight parking problems. Ms. Mary Fenner of 11 Alden Road stated that since the street is now a one way, it may be worth investigating parking on both sides. Mr. Zavell stated that the Fire Department was against this when it was re- quested in the past. Commissioner Dallas agreed that it would be a problem for the Fire Department to maneuver trucks on this street if there were cars parked on both sides. Since residents also stated a problem with the one way signs being ignored, Commissioner Dallas stated that he will make an effort to see to compliance. ROCKLAND AVENUE AND MCKENNA PLACE Mrs. Olympia Cora of 2 McKenna Place has requested that flashing light be installed before the curve on Rockland Ave. at McKenna Place to notify motorists of the curve. She is concerned with the number of accidents at this site. The committee asked the Police Commissioner's recommendation regarding this. Commissioner Dallas responded as follows: Police Department records disclose from seven to ten auto accidents annually at this site. It is recommended that flashing warning lights be installed at this location. On a motion from Mr. Ryan, seconded by Ms. O'Flinn and carried unanimously, A- ` `J the committee adopts the recommendation of the Police Commissioner to_stdy`in- stalling flashing warning lights at this site. PROPOSED OVERNIGHT PARKING PERMIT Mr. Ryan stated that he has spoken with the Town Clerk in regard to overnight parking permits. The concern is that elected officials would be put in the position of making discretionary decisions regarding the permits. Mr. Ryan explained that the criteria would be set by the traffic committee. The Town Clerk felt that the permits should be issued on an annual basis. Mr. Ryan stated that the Town Attorney has concerns which Mr. Ryan has addressed. Mr. Ryan further stated that he feels this is a bit premature since he does not have the feedback needed from the Town Officials. He has distributed material on the Ossining decision. ' Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee November 14, 1988 Page 4 PROPOSED OVERNIGHT PARKING PERMIT(CONT) Mr. Zavell gave Mr. Chapin a packet of background information. NEW BUSINESS PARKING LOT #1 Mr. Altieri reported that the Town Board will look into hiring Davis Associates to redesign lot #1 with additional parking spaces. The proposal should be ready to present to the traffic committee for the January 1989 agenda. Mr. Ryan stated his concern with the lack of spaces in this lot since the con- tractor is working there. Mr. Altieri stated that the contractor will backfill and pour temporary black top. He believes the lot will be restored by the end of December. Mr. Ryan requested that the tunnel be opened later in order to give access to parked cars. After discussion, Commissioner Dallas reminded Mr. Altieri that there are other problems in the area which would discourage leaving gates opened later. Richard Mari requested that closing times be posted at the gates. TRAFFIC LIGHT - ROCKINGSTONE AVE. Ms. O'Flinn asked the current status of the traffic light at this location. Mr. Altieri reported that Mr. Davis had been sent all past minutes of the traffic committee regarding this traffic light. NORTH CHATSWORTH AVE INTERSECTION Ms. O'Flinn stated that she would like to see the right turn on red at the N. Chasworth Ave. bridge onto Myrtle Blvd. continue even though it was originally meant to be a temporary measure until the Weaver St. bridge opened up. Mr. Altieri reminded the committee that the no turn on red sign was originally installed so that there would be a full pedestrian walk phase. STREET CLEANING Mr. Mari submitted to the committee, a suggestion of 25 holidays suspending the requirement to move cars for street cleaning. Mr. Altieri asked that he have time to study this since the current contract only calls for thirteen dates and there is the question of how to publicize the dates. Mr. Mari stated that he did not feel it was necessary to publicize the dates. He felt it would be appropriate to withold issuing tickets on the agreed upon holidays. NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting date of the traffic committee will be held on Monday, January 9, 1989 at 8:00 p.m. The next meeting set for the sub committee on overnight parking permits ' Town of Mamaroneck Traffic Committee November 14, 1988 Page 5 NEXT MEETING DATE (CONT) will be December 2, 1988 at 5:00 p.m. at which time the sub committee will meet with Town officials. ADJOURNMENT On a motion from Mr. Zavell seconded by Mr. Kenny and carried unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Cynthia Rocchio