2010-09-21 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
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers, Puchalski Municipal Building
212 Main Street, Northampton
MEMBERS present: Maureen Carney, Jesse Adams, Ned Huntley, William`'Letendre, Russell Sienkiewicz, Wayne
Feiden, Deborah Bruce, Gary Hartwell, Leslie Stein, James Lowenthal. Also present —Laura Hanson, DPW
Absent: Paul Sustick
1. Public Comment —Steve Cahillane presenterd request for removal of PVTA bus stop at 15 Straw
Avenue. In response, Public Tran
recommended that Public Transit
2. Approval of Minutes of 8/17/10 as
chair Leslie Stein gave some history, and
further on this with PVTA
Pedicabs – Amend Ordinance 316 -28; Amend Ordinance 174 -16 – Councilor LaBarge presented
Mr Sinclaire, owner of pedicab interested in operation in Northampton. Councilor Narkewicz also
spoke in favor of pedicab ordinance, modeled on language from other successful ordinaznces
across the nation. Noted Northampton's commitment to alternative energy and sustainability. Mr
Sinclaire spoke to the process he has followed in securing requisite permits for the business. A
dislocated worker himself, Mr Sinclaire see this as a way to promote restaurants and other venues
in the city, and hopes to offer free rides to downtown visitors with business sponsorship.
MOTION to recommend Letendre/Lowenthal . Discussion included remarks by Hartwell to
exclude gasoline
restrict to pedal
based on date -sp
Huntlev raised a
requestea treat any
t offered amendment (language to be worked out in Ordinance Cttee) to
e with electric- assist. Sienkiewicz offered amendment to make license
(as in taxi license), insurance required language, and appeal language.
n about language allowing operation on sidewalks— amendment needed to
ised concern that ordinance not apply to pedicabs for personal use. Bruce
ire ordinances specify width of vehicle. MOTION CARRIED
4. TCR #12 for Park Ave – Jeff Gutterman, Park Ave resident, spoke about the traffic on Trumbull
Ave, between State St and King St. (Noted that request should be labeled Trumbull Ave Request).
Mr Gutterman noted the data from the State St Engineering Rebiew that specified the number of
accidents at Trumbull and State. Asked whether speed table or raised crosswalk might be
appropriate. Lowenthal suggested this might best be folded into State St Engineering review.
Lowenthal noted that, if pursued, this would still fall near the bottom of priority list. Motion
Lowenthal/Huntley to place traffic counters on Trumbull to gather data to inform State St
review. MOTION CARRIED
Leslie Stein -- Public Transit Committee on identifying and posting bus stops in the city
presented draft proposal from subcttee for comment. Letendre noted that "half the stops in the
city have no ordinance to back them up. What is the issue ?" Letendre noted that he is willing to
draw up ordinances for any approved bus stops. Stein noted 66 bus stops, many of which are in
fact unsafe. Huntley noted that Commission approved 40- something bus stops, and questions why
signs have not been installed—it is PVTA responsibility. Motion Sienkewicz/Letendre to
approve process as recommended from subcttee. MOTION CARRIED
6. Elm St concerns —Wayne Feiden, Gary Hartwell – Hartwell presented the parts of Elm St
contract that Smith does not own —Seeks endorsement from Commission on plan for striping
down to South St. Motion Lowenthal/Feiden to endorse plan. Lowenthal praised the plan, noting
the previous fatal accidents at this location. Bruce noted that South St traffic calming discussions
have raised the issue of standardization —that bike lanes should be consistently painted across the
city. She is a strong proponent of coloring. Lowenthal clarified for Stein the term "bike box ".
Huntley noted that DPW budget is strapped—concerned that expectation will remain that DPW
will maintain, but his budget doesn't support. Bruce concurred, but noted that paint is still
cheapest method. Carney recommended that endorsement include request to Smith College to
commit to annual maintenance of bike lanes. Siekewiez raised question of sidewalk at Seelye, and
whether this repair should take priority.
7. Plowing new sections of the rail trail -- Ni
trail was specifically for safe routes to sct.
roads and streets, and are often packed by
discussed with Mayor putting rail trails of
and snow melts within a few days, per his
plowed, city assumes liability. Feiden and
bike /ped subcttee.
8. Bike trail north to Hatfield —query from I
stated that he clarified to resident that rec(
will take many years before we
abstained)
Horton letter — Huntley reported that plowing of rail
el for children. Rail trails are plowed secondarily to
when DPW can get to them. States that he has
to private contractor. Lowenthal noted that road ice
xperience on Norwattic trails. Huntley noted that once
owenthal will report back to Mr Horton on behalf of
?ark residents about progress on project. Feiden
chase of land was first step in process, and that it
necessary to complete trail top Hatfield line.
9 ''Debin Bruce— update Austin Circle discussions. Ms Bruce had discussions with Principal
Margaret Riddle, and discovered that crosswalk and crossing guard are likely called for, as this is
an "unofficial" back entrance to school. Maybe signs to indicate? Lowenthal noted signs don't
work.
10. DPW Updates—Roundabout final paving tomorrow... detours to be expected.
11. New Business —Adams noted 15 minute spots at Crackerbarrell Alley should be removed. Also
complained that South - State -Main pedestrian conflicts remain. Feiden noted Nelson/Nygaard
report for intersection data, and Feiden asked we put this on October agenda.
12. Motion to Adjourn Adams/ Sienkewicz CARRIED at 6pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Carney, Chair