2009-03-17 TPC MinutesTRANSPORTATION AND PARKING COMMISSION
City of Northampton
City Hall, 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 -3199
(413) 587 -1249 Fax: (413) 587 -1275
MINUTES
March 17, 2009
Councilor David Narkewicz opened the meeting at 4:04 pm. in City Council Chambers,
Puchalski Municipal Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton.
Members present David Narkewicz, Maureen Carney, Ned Huntley, William Letendre,
Russell Sienkiewicz, Nate Best (for Wayne Feiden), Leslie Stein, James Lowenthal, Paul
Sustick
Also present: Laura Hanson, Asst.Civil Engineer, Northampton DPW
Guest Observer: At -Large Town Councilor Paul Boudo, West Springfield, MA
Members absent
1. Public Comment: None
2. Request from City Council President James Dostal, Councilor Marianne LaBarge,
and Councilor Raymond LaBarge, regarding: Scanlon Avenue/Florence Road/Ryan
Road —
Council President Dostal informed the Commission that a recent Public Works meeting
was held, and at that meeting a discussion was held regarding traffic problems on Ryan
Road. He stated he believes there are different avenues to change the speeding and
attitudes of drivers. Most drivers are traveling at 40 mph, with posted speed limit of 25
mph. One idea is to borrow the speed sign on Island Road and install on a temporary
basis. Another idea is to change the direction of Scanlon Avenue. There is a plan to
meet with residents on Bliss, Scanlon, Florence and Ryan Roads to discuss this issue. He
stated that Sergeant Trushaw and Sergeant Allard were present at the Public Works
meeting, and their professional opinion was that this is a valid problem. Councilor Dostal
wants to formally inform the Transportation and Parking Commission of the intention to
have this meeting with residents, and the willingness to cooperate with the Commission.
Councilor Marianne LaBarge also spoke to the Commission regarding this issue. She
stated that this is a very dangerous situation with many accidents; affecting children,
people crossing in sidewalks, elderly, wheelchair and other disabled residents.
Chairman Councilor Narkewicz responded by stating that a One -Way on Scanlon was
tried for ninety days as an experiment, came before Council, and a full analysis was done
with PVPC. There were public meetings of several months and PVPC recommendations
including making Scanlon Ave. a one -way, difficulty in turning was noted, and stop lines
were recommended.
Police Chief Russell Sienkiewicz stated that, in regards to accidents last year, there were
three accidents. Two were due to drivers not stopping at the stop lines. The third
accident was due to intoxication. These would not be affected by changing the direction
of Scanlon Ave.
Councilor David Murphy was also present and spoke to the Commission regarding this
issue. He stated that he had not heard of problems in his ward since the prior traffic
study, but he does not think changing direction of Scanlon Road would solve the
problem.
Leslie Stein questioned if there was a link between direction of Scanlon Ave. and traffic
on Ryan Road?
Ned Huntley stated that a contributing factor to the traffic could be the construction on
Rte. 66.
Council President Dostal suggested the Commission could re -open this for consideration.
Chairman Narkewicz stated that the question here is "Is it related to Scanlon Ave. ?"
Chief Sienkiewicz further stated that the original plan was based on public support at the
time, as the least problematic. He stated that the opinions of the officers at the Public
Works meeting were not a departmental opinion.
Upon further discussion, Councilor Maureen Carney brought up the timeline of the public
hearing in 2006 and early 2007, closing of the Clement Street bridge in August 2007 and
work begun on Rte. 66 in 2008.
Ned Huntley stated that the Rte. 66 work is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2009.
Chairman Narkewicz introduced a guest observer, At -Large Town Councilor Paul Boudo
of West Springfield, MA. Mr. Boudo stated that he is also Chairman of the Traffic and
Safety Committee of West Springfield.
3. Minutes of January 20, 2009 and February 17, 2009
Chief Russell Sienkiewicz made the motion to accept the minutes of January 20,
2009 and February 17, 2009; Councilor Maureen Carney seconded the motion.
The vote on the minutes of January 20, 2009 was 7 Yes, 2 Abstentions (Chief
Sienkiewicz and Nate test absthiniaag as they were not present at the meeting).
The vote on the minutes of February 17, 2009 was 7 Yes, 2 Abstentions (Ned
Huntley and Leslie Stein abstaining as they were not present at the meeting).
4. Recognition of Departing Members:
• Keith Wilson
• David Reckhow
Chairman Narkewicz stated that the two departing members will be greatly missed and
the Commission thanks them both for all their service and hard work.
5. Traffic Calming Application — Preliminary Review: State Street TCA# 4
James Lowenthal presented the application to the Commission. The original study of this
problem was done in 2005. He stated that State Street connects downtown to residential,
and is a perfect consideration for Traffic Calming. The compliance drivers is very
low. Now that there is an official protocol with this Commission, Lowenthal wants to
present this application formally.
Chief Sienkiewicz made the motion to forward the application to the DPW;
Councilor Maureen Carney seconded the motion. The vote passed 8 Yes, 1
Abstention (James Lowenthal abstaining).
Chief Sienkiewicz further stated that the small portable solar - powered speed sign might
be useful in this area in the area southbound of Summer and Trumbull Streets.
6. Ordinance Review: 312 -99 Increased Fines at Bus Stops
William Letendre explained that this brings Northampton into compliance with State
Law. The penalty was $10.00 previously; penalty will now be $100.00.
Leslie Stein made the motion to recommend the Ordinance; William Letendre
seconded the motion. The vote passed unanimously (9 -0).
7. DPW Transportation Engineering Updates:
Laura Hanson presented updates on the following
2/26/09 Traffic Calming Infonnational Forum — this was very successful. Fire
Department, Ambulance and TEC representatives were supportive of speed
table to be proposed before the school entrance. TEC is now working with
designs for Jackson Street School. This would be funded with federal EOT
funds. Jackson Street School was chosen as part of the Safe Roads to School
program. EOT would oversee the bid, implement and fund this project. (Also
attached is an email with link to video of the 2/26/09 informational meeting)
• Smith College Crosswalk Safety Study — see attached meeting. Another
meeting was held on February 23, 2009. The recommendations should be
received by the end of March.
• North Elm Street /Elm Street PVPC Turning Movement and Level of Service
data review — A traffic signal is not recommended.
• UMass Pedestrian Study with Prof. Knodler — see attached email. This group
has done 80 hours of field observation. There will be more information by
end of March.
Leslie Stein questioned how many traffic calming applications have been received in
total? There have been four, including the above application of State Street.
Ned Huntley stated that it would be safe to start reviewing these in April. All applicants
understood that weather could affect timeliness of addressing their applications.
8. Proposed State Gas Tax — James Lowenthal asked that the Commission support
raising the Gas Tax. After discussion, it was decided to continue this to the next
Commission meeting.
9. Continued: Election of Chair and Vice Chair —
Chief Sienkiewicz made the motion to elect Chairman Narkewicz to continue as
interim Chairman, and to elect Councilor Carney to continue as interim Vice Chair;
William Letendre seconded the motion. The vote passed 8 Yes, 1 No (Chairman
Narkewicz voting No).
10. Committee Reports —
Chairman Narkewicz is working with Alex Ghiselin to put minutes on City webpage.
James Lowenthal reported from the Bike/Ped Committee that there might be $4.6 million
for the Manhan Rail Trail.
Lowenthal made the motion for the Transportation and Parking Commission to
endorse the completion of the Rail Trail; Councilor Narkewicz seconded the motion.
The vote passed unanimously (9 -0).
11. Department Reports-
Ned Huntley reported that the DPW has made Hatfield Street a priofity through Capital
improvements. He has $200,000 to work with. The DPW will have to cut approximately
$400,000 in budget cuts of 12 %. This will result in less line painting and many other
services.
Chief Sienkiewicz stated that his 12% budget cut would result in loss of 12 Police
Officers, and a third less of patrol of each shift.
Chairman Narkewicz further recognized Keith Wilson and thanked Keith for all his
efforts. The Commission will miss his membership and knowledge. Keith Wilson
thanked the Commission and said he has enjoyed his 10 -11 years here in Northampton!
He said that Santa Fe, New Mexico is very much like Northampton, MA and he hopes to
maintain contact with those here.
12. New Business —
James Lowenthal informed the Commission that the second week of May is National
Bike Week, with Wednesday, May 13 as Northampton Bike Breakfast.
At 5:30 pm, Chief Sienkiewicz made the motion to adjourn and was seconded by
William Letendre. The vote passed unanimously (9 -0).
Page 1 of 1
Mary Midura
From: dnarkewicz @gmail.com on behalf of David Narkewicz [dnarkewicz @comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 11:02 AM
To: David Narkewicz; David Reckhow; Ed Hagelstein; Elizabeth and Paul,Sustick; James Lowenthal;
Keith & Amy Wilson; Keith Wilson; Ken Jodrie; Laura Hanson; Leslie Stein; Mary Midura; Maureen
Carney; Ned Huntley; Russell Sienkiewicz; Wayne Feiden; William A. Letendre
Subject: 2/26/09 Traffic Calming Informational Meeting Video
The video for the recent meeting to discuss raised structures (speed humps, speed tables, etc.) referenced
by Laura Hanson at yesterday's Transportation and Parking Commission meeting is online
at: htt / /www.vimeo.com/3527403
3/18/2009
Meeting Report
Elm Street Crosswalk Safety Study
Report Number: 1
Meeting Date: 2/4/09
Meeting Location: Northampton DPW Board Room
Recorded by Gary Hartwell
Attendance:
Ned Huntley, Director, Northampton DPW
Laura Hanson, Transportation, Northampton DPW
Paul Ominsky, Director, Smith Public Safety
Scott Graham, Associate Director, Smith Public Safety
F
Gary Hartwell, Project Manager, Smith Facilities
Item
1. 1.
Jason Schreiber, AICP, Principle, Nelson\Nygaard
Sergeant Michael Allard, Accident Reconstruction,
Northampton P.D.
Staff Sergeant Andrew Trushaw, Traffic, Northampton
P.D.
Discussion
Reviewed goal of the Cross walk study and time frame — Requested observations and ideas
for improving safety in the crosswalks on Elm Street
Action
Record
1.2. Recognition was given to the current Traffic Calming program and the former Safe Streets Record
committee that was formed after a pedestrian fatality at the Henshaw/Elm Street crosswalk
that culminated with the construction of the current crosswalk improvements on Elm Street.
It was noted that 3 students were hit in the Henshaw crosswalk this fall and that there have
been many other accidents in the past, mostly at the Henshaw crosswalk, including 2
fatalities.
1.3. Traffic calming was defined as accident avoidance by reducing speeds to improve safety. Record
The group discussed what that meant.
• Incorporate ubiquitous design standards into the basic roadway infrastructure such as
reduced lane widths, a clearly defined crosswalk approach, consistent road surface
markings, clear sightlines for adequate visibility between motorists and pedestrians.
1.4. Noted Deficiencies and /or obstacles, concerns: Record
• Inconsistent design standard - Current crosswalks vary in design and type. Markings
unique to the City.
• Visibility of pedestrians is difficult for drivers, especially approaching the Henshaw
Street crosswalk.
• Young, distracted or preoccupied students rushing to cross street.
• Stop distance for vehicles is too long for the given speed limit
• It was noted that the curb to curb dimensions and building setbacks varied significantly.
• General consensus is that the posted speed limit (35 heading East toward downtown) is
too high and doesn't drop to 25 until John M. Green Hall.
• Sun glare heading east in the morning has contributed to many crashes, particularly at the
Henshaw crosswalk.
• Process needed to complete a "speed study" to petition the State to lower the posted
speed limit from 35 to 25.
• No pedestrian crossing in front of St. Mary's church where roadway is 4 lanes wide and
there is a compelling desire to cross.
• Vehicular /pedestrian conflict at the John M. Green gate — may be closed to vehicles in
future.
1. 5. Suggested strategies or proposed solutions to improve safety: Record
• Message Board- temporary installation during worst sun glare months (or permanent ?)
• STOP, LOOK & LISTEN signs at each crossing approach.
• Construct Pedestrian Island at crosswalks.
• Placement of large "Caution- Pedestrian Crossing" Cones in center of street (removed at
night).
• Application of reflective "Sharks Teeth" on pavement surface approaching each
crosswalk.
• Motion Detected - Voice Activated "Warning" at each crosswalk approach with changing
messages /languages.
• Petition State to have speed limit reduced to 25 MPH before reaching the Smith campus
from the West.
• Install speed limit/speed indicator (Radar speed signs)
• Education, educational resources, enforcement.
• Increase visibility: 1. Remove 2 parking spaces on each side of Elm at the Henshaw
crosswalk. 2. Limb up tree branches.
• Reduce vehicular lane from 12' to 11'and increase bike lane from 4' to 5'.
• Extend bike lane to South Street and extend South Street bike lane to Main Street.
• Improve crosswalk curb extensions to eliminate drainage problem and improve
pedestrian approach.
• Increase lighting.
• Raise the crosswalks slightly (not as high as rte. 9 crosswalks in Amherst)
• Change markings to City standard — use thermo plastic paint with reflective beads.
• Install different surface materials such as granite in lieu of paint.
• Install rumble strips.
• Install "Street Smart Signs" (to be installed at the State & Center Street crosswalk).
• Post crossing guards at high volume or high risk time periods.
• Change traffic light operation at Bedford Terr. from pedestrian activated to timed_ -
1.6. Action Items:
• Conduct speed study — Need price for additional traffic counters
DPW /Smith
• Remove parking spaces at the Henshaw crosswalk by ordinance
DPW /City
• Forward Traffic Signal control plan to Nelson\Nygaard
DPW
• DPW gave Nelson\NyGaard a provisional plan (24" x 36 ") for Elm Street that showed
Record
drainage pipe layout, directional flow, and catch basins.
• Continue investigating proposal to close JMG gate to vehicles
Smith
• Schedule workshop with various members of the community — week of February 23
Smith
• Provide current crosswalk construction documents (Aug. 2000) to Nelson\Nygaard
Smith
• Smith College will provide the final NON report to DPW & Police Dept.
Smith
• Smith College will schedule a follow -up meeting with DPW after finance evaluation to
Smith
discuss recommended implementations.
Next meeting — Workshop with members of the public to be scheduled week of Feb. 23.
Smith
Ke: upstate on Lrosswatts Natety Z!tuay
Subject: Re: Update on Crosswalk Safety Study
From: Mikeknod @aol.com
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:18:26 EST
To: Ihanson @hampdpw.org
Sure, I will let you know as soon as we set a time and location.
In a message dated 2/10/2009 10:05:16 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, Ihanson @hampdpw.org writes:
Thanks Mike,
WOW ... 80 hours ... this is more than I /we expected!
Would it be OK to meet you at the site to clarify the crosswalks etc..?
Let me know, Laura
Mikeknod @aol.com wrote:
> Hi Laura,
• Hope all is well. By way of an update 1 have met with the students and
• we have developed a preliminary design. In short we intend to include
• Experimental (State Street), Quasi -Exp (Elm Street) and Control (1
• with AYM and 1 Traditional) crosswalks. We will evaluate each of the 4
• selected crosswalks during each of three time periods (before,
• immediately after, and long after). We will also be sure to split out
• both directions of travel at each of the crosswalks. One last variable
• we have decided to include is day -of -week. We are proposing to cover
• both weekend and weekday.
• Isolating this level of detail and providing 100 observations per
• crosswalk approach results in the need for 4800 field observations.
• This translates to roughly 80 hours of field observations. The
• students and I are hoping to meet on site this Friday to discuss the
• field protocol in detail and set the schedule for collecting the
• before data.
• We will certainly be in touch with regards to that as we will want to
• make sure the police are involved so that they are aware of our
• presence and probable filming.
> Mike
1 of2 2/13/2009 3:33 PM
Location : Northampton
Counter # : 0944
operator: JIM, TP
Fun. Class: U2
Pioneer Valley Planning Commiss"roh
26 Ceniral St.
West Soking:field, MA 01089
(413) 781 - 6045 1www.pvpc.org
File Name
:5451 PM
Site Code
: 5451 PM
Start Date
: 12/4/2008
Page No
: 1
03:00 PM 7 110
1
North Elm Street
89
67
North Elm Street
167
'69
Elm Street
0
75
Peak Hour for Entire
350
From North
3
10
From South
4
111
From West
75
2
Start Time
RI ht
Thru Trucks
App.
Totqi
Thru
Left
I Trucks
I APO.
Total
Ri ht
Left I Trucks
I App,
Total
Int. Total
Factor
0.98
0.98 0.98
4
0
0.981
0.981
0.981
03:45 PM
0.981
0.981 0.98
2
112
80
02:00 PM
11
117 3
131
115
55 2
172
73
10 1
84
387
02:15 PM
10
105 2
117
78
45 2
125
64.
4 2
70
312
02:30 PM
10
117 3
130
97
62 1
160
59
3 1
63
353
02:45 PM
7
84 1
92
86
54 2
142
74
8 0
82
316
Total
1 38
423 9
470
376
216 7
5991
270
25 4
2991
1368
03:00 PM 7 110
1
118
89
67
1
167
'69
6
0
75
Peak Hour for Entire
350
03:15 PM
3
10
97
4
111
91
75
2
168
73
7
2
82
118 0 121
361
03:30 PM
05:00 PM
8
114
4
126
82
65
3
150
71
4
0
75
351
03:45 PM
9
101
2
112
80
55
2
137
63
2
1
56
305
Total
34
422
11
467
342
262
8
612
- 266
19
3
288
1367
04:00 PM
5
104
1
110
74
52
1
127
72
5
1
78
315
04:15 PM
4
126
2
132
82
70
0
152
70
2
1
73
357
04:30 PM
5
126
1
132
96
66
3
165
78
3
2
83
380
04:45 PM
3
118
0
121
100
74
1
175
64
3
1
68
364
Total
17
474
4
495
352
262
5
619
284
13
5
302
1416
05:00 PM
2
104
0
106
109
80
0
169
59
1
0
60
355
05:15 PM
5
83
0
88
78
80
2
160
79
5
0
84
332
05:30 PM
1
79
0
80
85
82
0
167
63
1
9
65
312
05:45 PM
3
74
0
77
85
72
0
157
41
3
2
46
280
Total
__
11
__
340
0
351,
357
314
2
673
242
10
3
255
1279
Grand Total
100
1659
24
1783 i
1427
1054
22
2503
1062
67
15
11441
5430
Apprch %
I
5.6
93
1.3
I
57
42.1
0.9
I
92.8
5.9
1.3
Total %
1.8
30.6
0.4
32.8
26.3
19.4
0.4
48.1
19.6
1.2
0.3
21.1
North Elm Street North Elm Street
I
RI ht
_ _From North_
Thru Trucks A . otal
Thru I
Fror
Left
Start Time
Peak Hour Analysis
From 02:00
PM to 05:45 PM - Peak 1 of 1
2
83
Peak Hour for Entire
Intersection Begins at 04:15 PM
64
3
04:15 PM
4
126 2 132
82
70
04:30 PM
5
126 1 132
96
66
04:45 PM
3
118 0 121
100
74
05:00 PM
2
104 0 106
109
80
Tote! Volume
14
474 3 491
387
290
0 152
70
2
1
7'
357
3 165
78
3
2
83
380
1 175
64
3
1
68
364
0 189
59
1
0
60
355
4 681
271
9
4
2841
1456
location :'Northampton
Counter # : Oa46`
Operator: TP
Fun. Class: U2
S .
Pioneer Valley Planni�g'`Comni.is " "si,on
26 l -St'. `+
�t: ;..::..,.,
West Springfield, MA 0108.9
(413) 781- 6045 1www.pvpc.6rg'
n......... n.t..i:.. A t I.... G.tA...I
File Name :5451 AM
Site Code :5451 AM
Start Date : 12/16/2008
Page No : 1
08:00 AM
5
Route 9
2
08 :15 AM
Route 9
5
110
Elm Street
08:30 AM
47
6
107
From North
'08:45 AM
4
From South
1 1 8
_ 6
From West
917
21
Start Time
Ri ht I
Thru Trucks i App.
Total
Thru I
eft I Trucks
I A ". Total
Right I
Left I Trucks.
A , TotaI
Int. Total
07:00 AM
10
64 3
77
37'
50 0
87.
50
t 4 1
55
219
07:15 AM
13
112 3
128
82
72 6
160
56 +.
7 2
65
353
07:30 AM
7
93 6
106
121
34. 5
160
" 60 ..
7 0
67
333
07:45 AM
10
107 5
122
93
41 7
1441
59
5 1
65
328
Total.
1 40
376 17
4331
333
197 18
5,48
225
23. 4
2521
1233
08:00 AM
5
112
2
08 :15 AM
74
5
110
5
08:30 AM
47
6
107
3
'08:45 AM
4
5
1 1 8
_ 6
Total-
917
21
447
16
Grand Total
60.8
61
823
33
Apprch %
I
6.7
89.7
3.6
Total %
35 424 16
2,4
32.4
1.3
119
58
36
4
120
74
38
4
116
64,
47
1
129 1
88
48
4
4841
284
169
13
917
817
366
31
466
60.8
36.1
3.1
36.1
24.3
14.4
1.2
98.
92.
1
I
94
311
116
: 78 '
3
2
.83
319
112
P% 86
4•
2
92
320
140'
76
61
1
85
354
466
335
19
. 6
354
1304
119
r
- 36
4
To #af Volume
35 424 16
10141
` 560
36
10
606
2537
92.4
5.9
1.7
I
40,
22.1
1.4
0.4
23.9
Peak Hour Analysis Frorn 07:00 AM to u8:4b AM - treaK - i or i
Route 9
From North
Route 9,
From South
Elm Street
From West''
Start Time
:Ri ht Thru I Trucks I AD6. Total
Thru I Left I Trucks I A ' . Total
I Ri fitl Left-I Trucks I A0. T otal
Peak Hour Analysis Frorn 07:00 AM to u8:4b AM - treaK - i or i
160
60
7
Peak Hour for,Entire
Intersection Begins at 07:15 AM
98
'92
1
67:'1 5 AM*
13 112 3
128
8z
72
6
07:30 AM
7 93 6
106
921
34
5
0?:46 AM
10 107 5
122
93
41-
7
08:00 AM
5 112 2
119
58
- 36
4
To #af Volume
35 424 16
475
354:
183
22
1 so 5'6 r
160
60
7
141
98
'92
1
559
267
20
91.8
6.9
873
.726
-714
2'
0
1
Int. Total
65 353
67 333
65 328
94 311
291 1325
Hi Laura,
I have the intersection analyzed for Level of Service (LOS) and here
are the results:
During the AM peak hour, the intersection operates at LOS of A with
respect to the left turns onto Elm Street from Route 9 and operates at
LOS of F with respect to the left turns out of Elm Street onto Route
9. During the PM peak hour, the Levels Of Service are A and D
respectively.
I talked to Gary about this and he is of the opinion that based on the
LOS results alone, we should not recommend a traffic signal because of
1 of 2
RE: Elm and North Ehu
I high volume of right turning traffic from N.Elm Street to Elm Street.
The recommendation for the installation of a traffic signal could be
based on safety concerns. Local crash data, including copies of the
actual crash reports would be needed in order to analyze the
intersection with respect to safety issues.
Thank you.
Amir
Laura Hanson, Asst. Civil Engineer
Dept.of Public Works, Engineering Division
125 Locust Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: (413) 587 -1570, ex. 112
lhanson @hampdpw.org , Fax: (413) 587 -1576