2012-06-19 TPC Minutes e
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TRANSPORTATION & PARKING COMMISSION
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Councilor Gene A. Tacy, Chair
►: . ` °` Councilor Owen Freeman-Daniels, Vice-Chair
Ned Huntley,Director of Public Works-
Russell Sienkiewicz, Chief of Police
Yea o;e Feiden,Directors of-Planning-and-Community Development-----
eve opment-__._ -----.__ _-- -_.----
Debin Bruce,Planning Board
Gary Hartwell, Board of Publ is Works
Leslie Stein, CitizenlPVTA Representative
Janes Lowenthal, Citizen
Richard Cooper, Citizen
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Meeting Minutes
Tuesda y, June 19 2012
4:00 pm—6:00 pm
City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Wallace J. Puehalski Municipal Building,Northampton,MA
1, Members present:Leslie Stein,Gary Hartwell, Gene Tacy,Ned Huntley,Owen Freeman-Daniels,Wayne Feiden,
Russell Sienkiewicz.Absent: James Lowenthal,Richard Cooper,Debin Bruce,
Tacy: Rich Cooper sends his regards--sad to miss it because of a standing meeting in Washington DC.
Mr Ammons will not be taking minutes anymore,Freeman-Daniels will be taking today's minutes,Mary
Midura taking minutes from next meeting onward.
2. Meeting Called to Order:4:03 PM
3. Announcement of Audio/Video Recording of Meeting: audio recording.
4. Approval of Minutes of May 15,2012 '
Huntley:MOTION: approval of minutes
Stein: Second.
DISCUSSION:
Huntley:Amend: Page 5 first bullet: State has paving contract for Pleasant St,not Hockanum Rd.
9A New Business: "Norwottuck"Rail Trail is spelled wrong.
VOTE:
Unanimous.
5. Public Comment
Mayor David Narkiewicz: There are draft ordinances for fixing'the TPC's authori-ing ordinances.My hope is TPC
will co-sponsor it. Two changes:Parking subcommittee ordinance.In the previous ordinance a line said the
parking division manager would be ex-officio. The draft struck that. Would like TPC to consider someone from
parking enforcement(parking clerk or his/her designee)for ex-officio member of parking subcommittee. They are
working with parking enforcement daily. The other suggestion is a way of including a collectorlenforcer on the
commission. Whether that means a permanent spot on TPC, or having Central Svc or Parking enforcement share a
seat, something I ask TPC to consider. The last thing I wanted to tell you about was a new version of the parking
pass amendment. I've asked council to table the original ordinance, since TPC took two votes;first in favor of this
ordinance, then another in favor of a different ordinance. This ordinance also fixes some enforcement problems
the collector's office pointed out, and also raises the parking permits for the parking garage so that there is similar
equity.-
-- - - - ---BID Directo��Dan Yacuzao.=I'n2 looking--at-the--agenda-and don't know--why-the-BID's-application-.is.on_the-..agen.da..__---._ - -_-- - ----_- -
I sent an email to the chair over a month ago, and we are asking for parking spaces for the sidewalk sales. The
event is in 4-weeks. This is to use parking spaces during the event to create accessibility. ;
[Huntley:DPW grants sidewalk permit to BID in previous years.]
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David Newton 211 North St:I have a quick list of things that would like sore c ari rcatior�on, ere wt e a
major re--routing of traffic once the.North St reconstruction project begins. A lot of people want to know what the
re-routing of traffic on the outside of North St will be. There's been a lot of discussion recently about the trucks
coming in to Lincoln Ave(and other streets). Once North St is in full fledged construction, will there be added
incentive not to let truckers onto the feeder streets going toward North? Where are questions about the parking
ordinance design and the bicycling ordinance design, and there is interest in.the no parking"areas that'Will be
Apparently--there will--be-a-reduction--in parking,---but where will--that be-? -_
Sienkiewicz: MOTION: close public comment
Huntley: second.
6. Gift of Bike Corral at Strong Avenue from Craig Della Penna
Feiden: There is a letter in the package about a bike corral(made by Sam Ostroff)that Craig Della Penna is
willing to donate to the city with the condition that it stays on Strong Ave this year,without him having to
pay for the parking space for the duration of the year, and then the city will own it and can place it where it
wants.
Hartwell: who would take ownership of this property?
Feiden:DPW, School Dept,or Central Services.
Freeman-Daniels:MOTION:DPW accepts this corral.
Huntley: would prefer that Central Services takes this over instead. Since they're taking over parking
downtown,they can determine where the corral would best fit and where to move it to.
Sienkiewicz:I don't think we can specify who can take ownership of it,it should just be a recommendation
to accept from city.
Freemna-Daniels:that's friendly:MOTION:Recommend the city accept bike corral from Mr Della Penna
Feiden: second.
VOTE:
Unanimous
7. Northampton Jazzfest: John Michaels(Northampton Jazzfest)
John Michaels:not much for logistics has changed this year from last year.The festival is growing,this is
our second year.we'd like to make this a regional presence and think we can do it in the next couple of
years.
Feiden:Is this within the scope of our authority?I figured this was a parking issue. Shouldn't this be
handled at the staff.level?
Tacy:I had the same problem,for instance with the electronics recycling by Yes Computer.
Freeman-Daniels:I would be in favor of letting staff do this,but perhaps have the TPC act as an appeal
body.
Sienkiewicz: This body is not an appeal body. In the past these kinds of things came before the TPC as a
matter of agreement.MOTION: TPC supports the Northampton Jazz Festival on Sept 15.
Freeman-Daniels: Second. n
VOTE:
Unanimous
Sienkiewicz: putting all the power into one person's hands is not a good process.Putting these things in
front of a commission like this is a way for everyone to have a look at these issues,and would be a
preferable process.
8. Traffic Calming Request Fruit Street: Toni Hochstadt(Fruit St)
Toni Hochstadt: I want to thank the TPC, and have a couple of ideas and highlights that I'd like to share
with you now.I checked a lot of things off on the application. we have senior center,Cahill Apartments,
f Smith properties cut-through.Problems: speeding down our street,people walking in the street rather than
on the sidewalk.Let me give some suggestions:There are sidewalks all the way down one side of the
- -- -- — _ - -- - street,but not-on-the-Cahill-side.-Perhaps-it's.-a-good--idea-to-paint_a-crosswalk-at.t e..space,—where..Cahill'-s --- -------------- -
sidewalk stops.Perhaps paint a bike lane on the street,a visual reminder of narrowing street.Perhaps make
Fruit St a one-way street,There is bad parking enforcement..durng snow removal,there isn't a lot of towing
on Fruit St so maybe we have to get onto a"hot list" for towing/snow removal.The last challenge is the
- difficulty of living downtown,people-use Fruit St as their parking-they don't pay for parking and work-
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downtown.It is very difficult to find any pail{ing'for residents or their visitors on Fruit St:The density,at - -
Cahill and rental units makes a lot of parking needs on the street.These are the most of my comments.
Tacy:Is there any traffic counts on the street?
Huntley: I suggest traffic counts to see if speeding/volume is an issue on the street.
Hanson: is there more volume when Smith is in session or when school is in session?..
Hochstadt: I would say there is some greater usage during the "3 o'clock rush.I'm findwith September)_- - -
- waiting-for Smith--and--schools-to--go--back into--session:---- __
Hanson:the preliminary analysis should include accident.data.
Sienkiewicz: Is there not enough ticketing and towing?
Hochstadt:Yes,there is sometimes not enough enforcement.
Stein:In some winters there is no way for a bus to go down the street since the street gets so narrow.
Freeman-Daniels:What about crosswalk in middle of street?
Huntley: we don't like mid-block crosswalks since the drivers aren't expecting something happening in the
middle of the street.The ideal solution is to see if we can extend that sidewalk all the way down the street.
Sienkiewicz: it seems that people walking in the street and high traffic volumes is contradictory.
Hochstadt: I agree,I don't understand but what happens is that people walk in the street instead of crossing
it to get to the sidewalk.
Hanson:the next step is to create a preliminary analysis and then when we get that information we will ask
for you to come back.
Feiden:MOTION:order a preliminary analysis.
Freeman-Daniels: Second.
VOTE:
Unanimous.
9. Ordinance: Amend §312-109 Schedule VIII: On-Street Parking Meter Zone--ring Street: Christine
Newman(St Valentine's Church)
Christine Newman: I've been here a few times so that we can get two parking spaces in front of the church.
We have elderly people who use these spaces and I know it's small but at least it's there.
Sienkiewicz:MOTION: recommend ordinance as written.
Huntley: second.
DISCUSSION:
Freeman-Daniels:the ordinance says 4 hours...?
Newman:yes,that's fine.From here it goes where?
Hanson:If this is approved today,then it will be late-filed possibly for City Council for Thursday(June
21),and then it will be moved to the Ordinance Committee,and then City Council,which takes two votes
on two separate meetings, and they only meet once a month in the summer.
VOTE:
Unanimous
10. Update Status on North King Street Roundabout(Workshop to follow at 6:00 pm)
Feiden: We've hired Tighe&Bond to design the intersection.Hanson&Feiden met with MassDOT earlier,
there's a workshop at d PM with the engineer that is mainly for the abutters.
Stein: This is j ust the design phase,but will there be sidewalks?
Feiden: Sidewalks from roundabout to River Valley M-arket,to Cooke Avenue, and roundabout to entrance
to Wal-Mart on North King.
Hartwell: So the roundabout is at Hatfield and North King?
11. Meadow Street--No Parking—Ann-Marie Moggio,Director of Recreation
Carol Bertrand(Recreation commission):I support the no-parking zone to be established on Meadow St.
We are almost ready to build the Florence Rec fields,which will be 5 soccer/multi-purpose fields and two
baseball fields. One of the major concerns we heard was about parking and safety,so this was a big interest
m n_the-street.We're afraid a cars or us. V - - - _
pulling
in and out may be hit, and neighbors are complaining about parking as well. We wanted to make
sure there was adequate parking for gardeners,so they don't have to park-on the street.
Stein: do the plans include parking lots?
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Bertrand:225 parking spaces are for recreation;the plan for community garden is supposed to have parking -
along roadway that weaves in-between some of the gardens.
Sienkiewicz: so the entire parking plan included establishing no parking on Meadow St?
Bertrand:Rec Department always intended to have no parking on Meadow St,and the Rec Commission,
which oversees the community gardens,made sure to tell Grow Food Northampton that we didn't want
parking on the street.
_-_. _---- - - Sienkiewicz: so-theremay be-some push-back-ifwe-approve no-par-king- ---- _------_------__.___._.---____-----_____-_ -_-------_--. _----------.__�.-_---
Feiden:During the fora,many neighbors said the things that did not work was the on-street parking. So the
master plan showed enough internal circulation roads to allow parking. The biggest issue is timing. Grow
Food Northampton may not be ready for this yet because of funding concerns,so they may oppose it this
..year.The reality is that even if you vote today to endorse this, it won't really even take effect until
September.
Huntley: on the North side of the street(with no curb),parking may kill those recently planted trees.The
South side not as much of an.issue.My other concern is the cost of these signs.Island Road was$4K,this
could be$2K.
Stein:You don't want parking all the way on Meadow?
Bertrand:just to the bridge maybe,but really most of the way. Some of us remember the parking issues on
Arcanum field,before it was re-done.Really this is a safety issue.
Tacy:We were all lead to believe that the parking would be handled first. That didn't happen.Grow Food
Northampton has a$4K item for crosswalks,which I believe the DPW has already done.
Feiden:That was paid for using Recreation Commission allotments,not from Grow Food Northampton.
Tacy: So,do they know when they're going to get parking in there?I've been getting several calls.Is it a
no-parking zone,Ned?
Huntley:No,it's not.Could the police put out the 24-hour no parking notices on the tomato stakes? r
Sienkiewicz: we have to be convinced there is a serious enough issue to do that--if a half-dozen trees are
being killed then we would stop that area off.
Tacy:In an email it says they're negotiating parking in the Elks lot,as an interim solution.
Feiden:I'm ok with no parking on Meadow St.If there were a compromise,it would be allowing parking
loo ft to the east and I ooft to the west on the south side of the road by Grow Food's parking lot.
Tacy:But the parallel parking going on across the street is a real issue.
Feiden:The north side is not good.The problem is that people are parking on the dirt.
Tacy: The plans do not show parking on the south side.The plan shows parking within.
Sienkiwicz: Someone needs to map out what was agreed to in the plans.
Bertrand: We asked about where the parking would be,and Grow Food said it would be on the internal
roadways.
Freeman-Daniels:just to be clear,the fields haven't happened yet.
Bertrand:they're about to go out to bid.
Freeman-Daniels: So there aren't a lot of kids running around now.But you're more worried about it
becoming a pattern such that when the no parking signs do get set up,that people will...ignore them?A
few $15 tickets for a few weeks and you'll stop ignoring the signs.
Bertrand:Right,if this is declared a no parking zone,the issue will resolve itself.
Feiden: On the north side there's the tree killing, on the south side it's still compacting the soil. So it's going
to look like a parking area for a long time if people keep parking there.This construction contract is 2
years, it takes a year for the turf to come in.
Freeman-Daniels: So right now we have to protect those trees--that has to happen now.Doesn't TPC have
some no parking authority?why don't we do that for the north section?
Sienkiewicz: we should get the no parking ordinance in to the queue,and ready for next year.And then I
have to be convinced that there is some emergency that would necessitate putting in emergency no parking
that allows me to act; and how big is this area?
Feiden:It's the entire length of the property area.
Tacy: must be 2000ft, from the bridge.
- - ---- ----- - -- Huntley-: Some trees-have-been more recently--planted,-but-some-of these-are-trees.that-have-been planted..in- --- _--------_-_----_
the past I o ears or so. Some were used as a wind barrier for drifting snow.Then 4 were replanted this
p Y g p
summer. i.
Feiden: I suggest we ask for no parking on both sides ordinance to go forward,and to request the chief to
consider making no parking on the North side.The emergency is not damaging the trees now. i
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B the time the recreation area is open, it is critical people are not parking on either side o the street
Sienkiewicz: They're parking on a grassy surface. Who owns the grassy surface?
Huntley:The layout is 66 ft wide.
Feiden:MOTION: the TPC strongly recommends the police chief examine his authority to temporarily post
no-parking on the north side of Meadow St in order to protect the newly planted trees.
Hartwell: second.
a
Unanimous
Feiden:TPC introduce an ordinance to ban parking on both sides of Meadow St,from Corticelli to Spring
St.
Hartwell:ell: second.
Hun tle : amendment:that this is contingent on the Rec commission issuing a letter of co-sponsorship
Felden:I change my motion to include that language.
Hartwell: second.
VOTE:
Unanimous
New Business:
Daniel Yacuzzo:Representing Northampton BID. When we took over from the Chamber for doing
sidewalks sales, one of the complaints we heard was that it was crowded.We've decided to try to create
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pedestrian edestrian access,so requested the use of parking spaces n three areas along Main St.In the past
we've used the metal barriers that the city owns that are stored at DPW,and we also provide police detail
because we are narrowing Main St. We are requesting 29 spaces,and last year it was 27. See letter
(enclosed).
Sienkiewicz: did the plan work out well last year?
Yacuzzo: Yes,worked well last year. when I see someone with a stroller, or wheelchair navigating away
from the sidewalks,I think then it's well worth the parking.The garage almost filled,but didn't last year.
We're looking for the 15 minute space and a metered spot,not the handicapped spot.
Sienkiewicz:the p p police department had no problems last year,even as it was a big change.
Huntley: we haven't dealt with sidewalk permit,but we haven't dealt with a blocking off the street permit.
Also there is the issue of no food being served in a public way unless there is a seating area.There is a city
policy against vending on the public ways.
Freeman-Daniels: let's bracket that food vending issue since we're only working on the parking spots.
MOTION:to approve the BID's use of the public parking spots for the sidewalk sales.
Tacy:second.
Huntley: as far as I know,the BPW has never permitted a food vendor policy for downtown streets. The
only exception made this year was for the farmers market.There may be some exception for the businesses
that already sell food,but I know that anyone who tries to sell prepared food on downtown streets,we say:
„Noy,
Yacuzzo: we've always considered this an extension of premises.But if we have to look at this in the
future,then I'm willing to do so.
VOTE:
Unanimous.
12. Ordinance: Amend§22-115 Northampton Transportation&Parking Commission;Membership�continzced
from May 15, 2 012)
Hartwell:MOVE approval.
Felden: second.
Feiden: I sent a series of amendments on May 23rd,but I didn't send it to the right people. So I'll walk you
through it.
-�- -- ---- - --Feiden:-MOTION:-Amend:D: "And-his or her-designe-e",and_add:."1;the Board of Health Director."They
- - - -- ----- -
have been getting a lot more interested in movement as a way to health.
_ Sienkiewicz: second.
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Freeman-Daniels:I would like someone from Board of Health,rather than an administrator.
Stein: I agree.
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Feiden: as long as someone from there is involved.
Sienkiewicz:Both would be full voting members?
Feiden: I think as full voting members
Freeman-Daniels: The previous parking director was a full voting member, and that would give the
commission an odd number, or was it already? Oh,we'd have 12 members.
Sienkiewicz:Board of Health is taking on a lot more roles. what do you see the Board of Healt roe m
parking-&--transportation.
Fieden: It seems they are thinking more about how to serve populations with transportation,how
transportation affects health,walking,bicycling.Pedestrian friendliness in terms of public health, from a
different perspective.
Sienkiewicz: I'm worried about going too far afield,already with membership not being-regularly here.
Evacuations routes are planned by other organizations. I don't see the relevance.
Feiden:Board of Health is now looking much more closely at subdivision sign-offs,looking at pedestrian
friendliness.I think they're looking from a different perspective.
Tacy: I don't see the necessity for the Board of Health having to participate.I'm not sold on that
membership.
Huntley: I think it would be nice to have Board of Health state their feelings in letter format,that way we
can know their direct feelings,not just second-hand.
Freeman-Daniels: I could see how BOH would be interested,and a good case can be made,but I agree that
we should listen if they want to make their case. So maybe we should table this amendment,but if they
want to make the case...
Hanson:How would this process work?We have to make sure they are willing and interested. One of the
questions is: can they make the meeting, it's once a month,non-typical hours.
Feiden:Withdraw portion of amendment that started with
Sienkiewicz: Ok.
VOTE:
Unanimous.
Huntley: about the last phrase: "and shall act as staff to the Commission". What is that supposed to mean?.
Is that about taking minutes and notes and such?We have no problem providing assistance,but the "staff'I
think this is undefined and I'm concerned about that.
Tacy: MOTION:Amend: strike"and shall act as staff to the Commission".
Sienkiewicz: second.
VOTE:
6-0-1 PASSED
(Feiden Abstains: did not know intent of Mayor)
MAIN MOTION VOTE:
Unanimous.
13. Ordinance: Amend §22-119 Northampton Transportation&Parking Commission;Powers and Duties
(continued from May 15, 2012)
Sienkiewicz:MOTION: approve as written.
Tacy: second.
Feiden:MOTION:Amend: Strike in 2th line: "Downtown",add 5th line: "West St Parking Lot".
Freeman-Daniels: second.
Huntley: Amend amendment; 2nd Line,and 3rd line: strike"Downtown" and replace with "Public".
Feiden: accepted amendments.
Huntley:I have a concern about underground facilities that are associated with the parking lot,like
drainage structures that are the Parking Division's domain.DPW has helped them maintain that,but I don't
really want to "own"their drainage system going forward.I have no problem assisting and working with it,
but there are some public water lines and public sewer lines that run through the parking areas,and DPW
doesn't want to be responsible for the parking area's water systems.want to AMEND: Add at end of
- -- -- -- =-=--- -
-second-paragraph:--"But--is-not.responsible-for-maintenance-of all-surface-and-all--below.-grade_*infrastructure
controlled by central services."
Sienkiewicz:But anything that needs to be fixed would be subject to appropriations. Here's an-example,the-
police station parking garage,where is the DPW,and where is the parking division responsibility?
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Huntley: I would assume we'd have responsibility for some of the structures that run through it,so some -
would be our infrastructure.The oil separator would not be my responsibility,but the lines would be my
responsibility.
Freeman-Daniels: Suggestion: strike whole second paragraph under 3b.
Huntley:withdraws amendment.
Freeman-Daniels:MOTION-..strike whole 2nd paragrap under 3b�.
Unanimous.
Huntley:We have no responsibility for Forbes Parking lot,correct?
Tacy: correct.You never have.
MAIN MOTION VOTE:
Unanimous.
Freeman-Daniels:MOVE Adjourn.
Feiden: Second
DISCUSSION:
Sienkiewicz: One really quick update,as the police station construction is phasing into parking,the area
behind Urban Outfitters . We're applying to take parking spaces,one on Gothic and another on Center. Plus
there is a dispenser for tickets on Masonic St lot, at the foot of cracker barrel alley,on Thursday that will be
marked permit parking only,for my officers. The lot rarely gets filled up during the day.The only time it
gets filled up is at night, so the city isn't losing much money on it.
VOTE:
Unanimous
14. NEW BUSINESS—Reserved for topics that the Chair did not reasonably anticipate would be discussed..
At 5:57 p.m. Councilor Freeman-Daniels moved to adjourn and was seconded by Wayne Feiden. The
motion passed unanimously(7-0).
'his meetin g has been continued to June 27,2012 from 5:30 pni—7.00 pm in City Council Chamhers.
1. Ordinance: Amend§22-120 Northampton Transportation&Parking Commission;Bylaws,Rules and
Procedures(continued from May 15, 2012)
2. Ordinance: Amend §22-121 Northampton Transportation&Parking Commission;Parking Receipts
(continued from May 15, 2012)
3. Ordinance: Amend§22-123 Northampton Transportation&Parking Commission; Staffing(continued
from May 15, 2012)
4. Ordinance: Amend§40-5 List of Enforcing Officers&Penalties for Noncriminal Disposition(continued
from May 15, 2012)
5. Ordinance: Amend§28-10 Department of City Property/Central Services;Duties&Responsibilities of
Director(continued from.11✓lay 15, 2012)
6. Ordinance: Amend§28-11 Department of City Property/Central Services;Additional Areas of
Responsibilities of Director(continued from May 15, 2012)
_-- _--_-- -----_----7:.._-- Ordinance:-- Amend.§3--1-2-3-6.Parking-Meter Locations_.&_Regulations(Referred by City Council-June 7,_-_-------_------_--- --------------------
2012)
8. Ordinance: Amend §312-33 Location of Parking Areas for Municipal Vehicles,Etc. (Referred by City
Council June 7, 2012)
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9, Ordinance: Amend§312-109 On-Street Parking Meter Zones(Referred by City Council June 7, 2012)
10, Ordinance: Amend§312-110 Off-Street Parking Areas(Referred by City Council June 7, 201 2)
- -- -- -- ---11 --DPW- Updates- - - - - --
➢ Traffic Calming Summary
Union Street Temporary Speed Humps
Ridgewood Terrace No Parking
➢ North Street Reconstruction
➢ Cracksealing Contract
Prospect/JacksonlWoodlawn-PVPC Stop Sign Warrant Analysis
A Forum regarding Union Street Traffic Calming Feedback and Discussion will be held on Jane 27,2012 from
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7:00 pm--9:00 pn2 ill City Council chambers.
The next regular meeting is July 17,2012
Respectfully submitted,
Councilor Owen Freeman-Daniels
June 26, 2012
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Bicycle and--Pedestrian-Su bcom-m-ittee-meeting
7:30 AM to 8:34 AM on Tuesday June 12, 2012
210 Main Street, Room 11, Northampton
Minutes_
Members present: Wayne Feiden, Debin Bruce,Frandy Johnson, Laura Hanson, and David
Paine. The meeting opened at 7:35 AM.
1. Approve minutes for 2011 and through May 2012.
Upon motion by David Paine and second by Frandy Johnson,the subcommittee voted
unanimously to approve all of the 2011 and 2012 minutes through May 8, 2012.
2. Update on on-going projects
-The signs for the rail trail kiosks are going to the vendor on Friday. The should be installed
sometime in August.
-The plans for the rail trail tunnel under the railroad tracks by Mill Yard Terrace are being
advanced by the state. They expect to set up a meeting to present to the community in the next
month or so.
-DPW has asked a consultant to look at signal timings and possibly right turn lanes at the Main
Street/King Street/Pleasant Street intersection to optimize safety at the intersection.
-David Paine has been exploring what trail maintenance could be done by volunteers. He will
work with an intern from the planning office to identify possible ways to create an adopt a trail
program.
-Craig Della Penna offered to donate his bicycle corral to the City if the city will keep it on
Strong Avenue (at no charge to him) for the 2012 season. Upon motion by Debin Bruce and
second-by Ruthy woodring, the Subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend that the
Transportation and Parking Commission and ultimately City Council accept the offer.
3. Potential of bicycle racks in the Bridge Street/Hawley Street area and bicycle corral(s) in
downtown and potential for pedestrian improvements at Main/State/New South/West Street
compound intersection.
Owen Freeman-Daniels and Jim Nash presented the opportunities for bicycle racks in this area to
serve the increased demand and for shared pedestrian phase (instead of the current dedicated
pedestrian phase), which would make the intersection work more efficiently for pedestrian and
vehicle traffic. The Subcommittee noted that the city has six racks available from for this or
other locations.
4. one way Roads for Contraflow Bicycle Travel
The Subcommittee agreed to review what one way roads are appropriate for contraflow bicycle
- -- -_ -- -.tr_ave .at_their_next-meetings.----------------=-------- --=----- ---- ----- - --------- ----- -- -=- --- ---- -----=--- -- -
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The Subcommittee adjourned at 81, AM.
i. :T3a:I:•�l-lvllci.il Street,Room-11 •Northampton,MA 01060 ■ www.Nortliampto.nMa.gov * Fax 413-587-1264
original primcd on rccycicd paper
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VPC
- - - - - June-14,201-2
Timothy W.Brennan Executive Director
• Laura Hanson
Assistant Civil Engineer
Department of Public.Works. .
City of Northampton
.12 5 Locust Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Reference: Multi-Way'STOP' Warrant Analysis
Dear Laura:
As requested by the CAy of Northampton;the Pioneer Valley Planrdng Cornmission(PV.PC)has ,• .
completed work can the above referenced study. The intersection of Prospect street;.Jackson• .
Street,and Woodland Avenue was examined to determine whether a multi-way STOP sign` .
control is warranted to Improve safety and congestion at the intersection.. As you are aware,the
. Manual-on Uniform Traffic Control Devises(MUTCD) identifies four distinct criteria to- .
evaluate f a:nn•intersection meets the minimum requirements-for a multi—way `STEP}'sign '
installation. The analysis results show that the intersection meets the minimum voliune.
.
requirements to warrant the installation.of a multi—way `STOP'sign with ;All Way'.plaque.
The initial analysis showed that the intersection currently operates at Level of Service (LOS)"F"
from the Jackson Street approach.. Under a 4-way STOP control,the LOS changes to"D"or
better. It is important to keep in mind that conversion to a 4-way STOP would add delay to
traffic on Prospect Street. The approach delay would be less than 30 seconds for all.4
approaches. During traffic data collection,our crew was approached by 1 ocal residents who
expressed concerns regarding some motorists not stopping for pedestrians on the crosswalks. It
is anticipated that this concern may be addressed by the installation of a multi-way `STOP' sign .
If you have any questions or need additional information,please feel free to call me.
AZOV
Arnir A. Kouzehkanani
Principal Transportation Planner/Manager
cc:G.Roux,P•VPC
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1).--Roscoe,P�VP-
T.Brennan,PVPC
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission 60 Congress Street-Floor 1,5prin.gfield,MA 01104-3419
phone 413. 81.6045 fox413.732.2593 TTY413.781.7168 www.pvpc.org {
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The intersection of Prospect Street, Jackson Street, and woodland Avenue was
examined to determine whether a multi -- way 'STOP' sign control is warranted to
improve safety and congestion-at the intersection. The Manual on- Uniform Traffic
- control Devices-( distinct-criteria_to__evaluate--if--an--intersection
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meets the minimum requirements for a multi -- way 'STOP' sign installation. The first
criterion permits a multi -- way 'STOP' installation as an interim measure at
intersections where traffic control signals are proposed. Criterion two permits a multi-
way"'STOP' installation if the intersection has five or more reported crashes in 12 month
period that are susceptible to correction by the installation. The third criterion consists
of the ' um volume j
requirements �uirements for major street and minor street approaches.
Criteria four is considered if none of the other requirements are satisfied, however the
requirements in both criteria two and three are satisfied to 80% of minimum
requirement values. Table below shows the results of the multi --- way 'STOP' warrant
analysis for the intersection.
Table: Multi-way`STOP'warrant Analysis Results
Criterion Description Status
1 Interim Measure Not Applicable
2 Crash Warrant Not Satisfied
Condition 1: Maj or Street Volume meets
Condition 2: Minor Street Combined Volume meets Satisfied
. 3 f
Higher Speed on Major Street Approaches Not
re u iced
4 SO°o of um Requirements Not Re aired
Source:PVPC
As can be seen from the above table, the intersection meets the minimum volume
requirements to warrant the installation of a multi -- way "STOP' sign with "All way'
plaque.
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. .. ......•_. ..._..........._......._........ ........... ....�........ ,. .... .............._...._...Traffic-,CaYming..R-equest-Form._...._....._....................... ...... ...._..._.._......,..........._.,..................._......
what is traffic calming? The goal of traffic calming is to make streets safer and more comfortable for
pedestrians,bicyclists,drivers and transit users by im' plem' enting roadways with features that induce r'iVers to .�
slow down and pay more attention to their surroundings. Three major categdries of traffic calming include: �l�
narrow-in g_the real or apparent width of the street 2 deflecting-or-introducing-cur-vature--to--the--vehicle--paths--an
(3)altering the vertical profile of the vehicle path. Traffic CahTiing does not include the installation bf regulatory
traffic control devices such as signals,stop signs,and roundabouts or lowering a speed limit because they are not
self enforcing, A copy of the Northampton Traffic Calming Manual is available by visiting
htt :// rww.northa�n to�i a.rrovlt chraffxccahnin , Cali the Department of Public Works(DPW)if you have
any questions at(413)587-1570.
Traffic Calming Request Form Directions:Please fill out this form and mail it to the address listed below,By
using this form you will help us assess the type of issues or concerns you are having with a street in your
neighborhood. Each request will be considered separately. We will place your request on the agenda for the
Transportation&Parking Commission(TPC} within 60 days of its receipt, The TPC will make a determination
how to best address the request and forward it to either the DPW,Police,or other appropriate City Departments).
If recommended by the TPC, a City Engineering Assessment will follow, and be given as a presentation within 90
days at a scheduled TPC meeting(weather permitting).
1.Name TtPi Date - 1
Address MOVQ I T- '�''T'
Email TbtZil WM - ,, -SM1714 City ward •
Phone(day) 14 1 jal '1 120 (night)_ !1 ' 58 1-Up 2,
2.Please list the street(s)/location/intersection that concerns you most:
F-91)I r S
3,'what time of day do the concerns you have seem most noticeable?
glL am t'
P HP! Ls
4.Please check each item below that applies to the referenced streets):
'� Pedestrian/Bicyclist Safety X Speeding vehicles X Sign placement
_High traffic volume/trucks AC Parking Issues Difficult to cross street
Sight Distance Issues (for drivers) Poor Road Condition •Other.(describe):
77 f+CHeN
5.Please encourage others in your neighborhood to sign the back of this-request form and participate
in the Northampton Pace Car Program. Additional neighborhood support will help gain a higher project
ranking during the scoring process. See page ten in the Traffic Calming Manual for an explanation of the
prioritization.criteria for projects (our.website is listed above).
6.You may also attach a drawing on another sheet of paper if you think it will be helpful.
Please return this completed form to: Transportation and Parking Commission
Traffic Calming Request Form
2,/o Main Street,Room 18 .
_ _ - --- = ---- --------- --- ----- - -- - -- -- ---- =--�N o rth anp aM3tn.- A-- ------_--_--=-- -=---- ----- ---------------
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City of NorthamptQn, MA
Traffic Calming Request Form
- Hochstadt,Toni
....28-�`rti t- t.
Noithainpton,MA 01060
413.586,7268 (H)
413.387-1209 (W)
April 5,2012 `
RE: Fruit Street
4. Please cheek each item below that applies to the referenced street(s):
x Pedestrian/ Bicyclist Safety x Speeding Vehicles 60 Sign placement
x High traffic volume/trucks , x Parking Issues Difficult to cross street
,Sight Distance Issues (for drivers) Poor Road Condition x Other (describe):
• Inadequate cross walks & sidewalks (ends1begins on west side of street in front of Cahill
Apts.)
• Parking; routinely being used for"free" downtown parking spaces. We are interested in
permit parking for residents and their guests
• High volume traffic:
o High density of residents (due to Cahill)
o Location of Senior Center: draws large volume of senior citizen drivers, as well as
participants at community meetings which make use of the space, as well as the
Center being a polling site for elections.
o Bus route
o Vehicles avoiding traffic srgnal at corner of Conz St. & old South St.: we are
interested in exploring one way traffic from Smith to Old South St. along Fruit St.
■ Pedestrians
o often walking in street instead of on sidewalk
o Smith college's cut-through trail draws additional pedestrian traffic to/from Ward 4
neighbors
o Low income elderly &disabled (Walter Salvo & Cahill residents) pedestrians
■ Problems with adequate and timely snow removal and lack of enforcement of parking bans
■ Speed limit posted in one direction; not enforced nor respected
2:3 pages {
Fruit Street
April 2012
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General Laws: CHAP TE�44, Section ct�on�3 A 112 Page 1 of 1
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-Print
B'AR'T' T ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
(Chapters I through 182)
TITLE VII CITIES, TOWNS AND DISTRICTS
CHAPTER. 44 MUNICIPAL FINANCE
Section 53AIf 2 Guts of tangible personal property; acceptance
S.ectiOn 53AI12. A city council, Frith the mayor's approval if the c arter so provides, or a
board of selectmen or town council may, in its sole discretion and authority, accept gifts,of
tangible personal property on behalf of the city or town from the federal government, a
g p Y
charitable foundation, private corporation, individual,-or from the commonwealth or any
political subdivision thereof, and may in its sole discretion and authority, use said gifts,
without specific appropriation thereof, for the purpose of such a'gift or, if no restrictions are
attached to the gift, for such other purposes as it deems advisable.
3
http:l/www.m'alegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter44/Section53AlN... 5/30/2012 �