2009-06-23 TPC MinutesTRANSPORTATION AND PARKING COMMISSION
City of Northampton
JUNE 23, 2009
City Hall, 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 -3199
(413) 587 -1249 Fax: (413) 587 -1275
Councilor David Narkewicz opened the meeting at 4:04 p.m. in City Council Chambers,
Puchalski Municipal Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton, MA.
Members present: David Narkewicz, Ned Huntley, William Letendre, Russell
Sienkiewicz, Wayne Feiden, Kenneth Jodrie, Gary Hartwell, James Lowenthal, Paul
Sustick
Also present: Laura Hanson, Asst. Civil Engineer, Northampton DPW
Members absent: Maureen Carney, Leslie Stein
1. Public Comment
Cynthia Kochan, 12 Day Avenue, spoke about traffic problems on Day Avenue.
(Attachment) It is a 20 ft. wide street, and a "No Truck Street ", but is still on GPS as an
egress and exit from the Industrial Park. Ms. Kochan cited damage to the house from
vibrations. The residents of 290 Bridge Street have 13 vehicles parked, including long -
bed trucks, closed -panel vans, and SUVs. Ms. Kochan cannot park and cannot see to pull
out of her driveway. There are also children waiting for the school bus. This creates a
dangerous situation.
Councilor Narkewicz stated that the Committee would follow up on the sign and GPS
issues.
2. Minutes of May 19, 2009
Chief Sienkiewicz stated a correction "The ordinance was written to include Montessori
and College Church ".
Ken Jodrie wanted to add that he had mentioned, "Several Planning Board members had
gone up to the site, and felt strongly that the existing sidewalk needs to be increased to
accommodate the new rail trail. It wouldn't be difficult to increase to at least 8 ft." This
should be reflected in the May minutes, as this has become an issue of public hearings at
the Planning Board. This should be added to No. 8, under the topic introduced by Wayne
Feiden. "
• Laura Hanson stated that, on page 4, the correct name of the company is
Frietas Construction. (Also, correction on item #6 = TCR #1 — Bay State
Association- This is near completion and can be brought to the
Commission for presentation in July. — Correction received via email
from Ms. Hanson June 29, 2009)
Chief Sienkiewicz motioned to approve the amended minutes of May 19, 2009;
William Letendre seconded. The vote passed unanimously (9 -0).
3. Traffic Calming Preliminary Evaluation
Traffic Calming Application #6 — Prospect Street /Jackson Street /Woodlawn Avenue.
Charlotte Causton, 45 Jackson Street, spoke to the Commission regarding the application.
Many neighbors are concerned about this intersection and cars speeding. Some cars do
not slow or stop or see pedestrians until the pedestrians are almost halfway across the
crosswalks.
Juanita Forsythe, 303 Prospect Street, spoke to the Commission regarding the application.
There have been five major accidents at this intersection. There is no right of way, with
traffic buildup and heavy traffic and cars speeding. There are many opportunities for
accidents to happen.
Councilor Narkewicz clarified to the residents that the DPW has 90 days to answer this
application, but can use previous information and does not have to take the fall 90 days to
recommend and review.
James Lowenthal stated he is supportive of this application. He suggested that traffic
calming measures such as bollards could be considered. He has experienced the
difficulty crossing at this intersection. He suggested discussion be reopened for
consideration of roundabouts and other measures.
Chief Sienkiewicz moved to formally move forward TCA #6
Prospect /Jackson /Woodlawn application to DPW; William Letendre seconded. The
vote passed unanimously (9 -0).
4. Traffic Calming Final Recommendation
Jackson Street School Traffic Calming Application (Transportation and Parking
Commission conducted preliminary evaluation on April 15, 2008 prior to
finalization of the current Traffic Calming Manual process)
Councilor Narkewicz gave a brief history of this application. Ms. Causton and her
colleagues came forward and presented a formal petition in April of 2008, just prior to
this Commission finalizing the Traffic Calming Manual and application form. That
project has been working with the Safe Routes to School program, grant funding, and
now has funds through the Stimulus package. Actual construction will now happen this
year.
This is now the final phase of the Traffic Calming process in which recommended
solutions and designs have developed and the Transportation and Parking Commission
must evaluate and state whether it supports those recommendations. There was a public
hearing by Mass Highway, and takings of land approved by City Council.
Wayne Feiden moved approval of Jackson Street School Traffic Calming
Application; William Letendre seconded. The vote passed unanimously (9 -0).
Councilor Narkewicz thanked Ms. Causton, Ms. Forsythe and residents who did all the
work for this application, and for being part of the pioneers of the Safe Routes to School
Program that brought the grant, and put that program into position for Stimulus funding.
5. UPDATE: Smith College Campus School school zone request
Councilor Narkewicz met with the headmaster of Smith College. Smith College would
like additional crossing signs put at crosswalks. Smith College would also like this
considered a "School Zone" to mark down to 20 mph before Fall 2009. This would
require an Ordinance and signage. The question was asked whether the Street Smart
signs could be used, once the present study of Street Smart signs could be done. Laura
Hanson stated that UMass will come back in the Fall 2009.
Chief Sienkiewicz stated that the Lions Club has donated signs for such uses. These may
be usable. Ned Huntley stated that he has signs for use. Councilor Narkewicz can speak
to Smith College further regarding this.
Wayne Feiden moved to use remaining mitigation funds (approximately $6,100)
toward signage and measures at crosswalks at Smith College; William Letendre
seconded. The vote passed unanimously (9 -0).
DPW Transportation Engineering Updates
• Jackson Street School SRTS Project Update — Mass Highway project out
to bid by June 27. This will not start this year. A large oak tree may be
removed, and would be discussed tonight at the Tree Committee meeting.
Mass Highway is proposing planting of 15 trees along the sidewalk.
• Elm Street Crosswalk Safety Study by Smith College Update — Laura has
let Smith College know that Police Department would like to implement
recommendations before Fall 2009.
Traffic counts for corridor from Florence Center to Northampton Center
Update — Completed, data analyzed and Mass Highway traffic counts are
done. Laura may have a report for the next Tranportation meeting.
DPW Project Updates
➢ Hatfield Streets sidewalk - the project is coming in on schedule.
This may be done this weekend.
➢ Look Park Roundabout — Bid has been continued to August 29.
We should have definite answers by September meeting.
7. Committee/Department Reports
Wayne Feiden stated that the Rail Trail in Easthampton would be advertised this
Saturday. This will make the first contra flow bike path. Chief Sienkiewicz stated that
brush would be removed from certain areas of the bike path to discourage congregating
of groups.
Ned Huntley stated that an article in the newspaper on Monday was well done regarding
DPW road projects. The Lions Club has generously donated signs for crosswalk projects.
At 5:02 p.m., Chief Sienkiewicz moved to adjourn and was seconded by William
Letendre. The vote passed unanimously (9 -0).
The next meeting is July 21, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary L. Midura
Executive Secretary
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