2010-07-20 TPC MinutesTransportation and Parking Commission
City of Northampton
210 Main Street, Room 18,
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587 -1210
www. northamptonma.gov/tpc
MEETING Minutes
MEMBERS present: Maureen Carney, Jesse Adams, Ned Huntley, Russell Sienkiewicz, Wayne Feiden,
Deborah Bruce, Gary Hartwell, Leslie Stein, James Lowenthal
Meeting called to order at 4pm by Chair Carney at Council Chambers
Approval of Minutes of 6/15/10 Approved (with amendment to #7—should read South St TCR at August
meeting)
Engineering Review TCR #9 Austin Circle. Motion Sienkewicz /Adams to direct DPW to take necessary
steps to decrease speed limit to 25mph on Austin Circle. Resident Diane Lake (56 Austin Circle) and
Councilor from Ward 6, Marianne LaBarge, provided anecdotal data in response to Engineering Review
provided by DPW. Discussion centered on whether resources should be expended on TCR at bottom of
ranking, and whether signs would in fact have intended effect of reducing speed. Lowenthal stated that data
shows that signs alone do not calm traffic, and that combination of narrowing width (by parking cars, planters,
or other resident - activated means) would be more successful.
Motion DEFEATED 8 -1.
Engineering Review TCR #10 Florence Rd. Presentation generated discussion about possible engineering
solutions given the lack of funds.
Commission heard from residents Marlene Morin and Rosa (resident of Florence Heights) concerning traffic
aqccident on Florence Rd that resulted in the death of Rosa's dog. Ms Morin asked about a fence at Florence
Heights; Carney informed her that Florence Heights is under jurisdiction of Northampton Housing Authority.
Lowenthal suggested TCR go back to pool of ranking for future funding.
Feiden suggested that Commission discuss recommended priority use of funds, should some become available
through Capital Improvements, at August meeting.
Traffic Mitigation Funds – no updates
DPW Updates: status of remaining TCRs – South St to be presented at August meeting
Committee & Department Head Reports —none
New Business -- Mass DCR awarded Northampton $15,000 for signage for rail trail
Motion to adjourn Adams/ Feiden CARRIED. 6pm
Respectfully Submitted
Maureen T Carney