2009-02-17 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
February 17, 2009
Councilor David Narkewicz opened the meeting at 4:10 pm. in City Council Chambers,
Puchalski Municipal Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton.
Members present David Narkewicz, Maureen Carney, William Letendre, Russell
Sienkiewicz, Nate Best (for Wayne Feiden), Keith Wilson, James Lowenthal
Members absent Ned Huntley, David Reckhow, Leslie Stein, Paul Sustick
1. Public Comment:
Resident Cynthia Kochan, Day Avenue spoke about the truck traffic on her street, in spite
of street being designated as No -Truck street. She stated that there are over 150 trucks
per day on this street!
2. Election of Chair and Vice Chair — This item is deferred to the next meeting on
March 17, 2009.
Minutes of January 20, 2009 — This item is deferred to the next meeting on March
17, 2009.
4. Ordinance 312 -99 (2) #12 —The Commission cannot yet review this item; it is on the
City Council agenda for February 19, 2009 to be referred to this Commission.
Update — Main Street Crosswalk at City Hall — There are 3 fifteen- minute spots,
visibility can be a problem, and safety standards are a concern. William Letendre
stated that he could put up a sign stating "No Delivery Trucks ". He will put up one or
two signs.
6. Traffic Calming Application #3 — Meadow Street, Florence -
Ms. Friedrich spoke to the Commission about this application. She moved to
Northampton in 2007 and lives at 61 Meadow Street. The speed on Meadow Street is
posted at 35 mph. She has observed many dump trucks with debris, many speeders. She
is concerned as many walk their dogs or with walk with their children along this road.
There are no sidewalks at the intersection with Mill River, so people have to walk in the
road.
After consideration, Councilor Narkewicz stated that the next step would be to send this
application to the DPW for a formal analysis in the Spring; then the DPW comes to the
Transportation and Parking Commission with a report.
Keith Wilson made the motion to send the TCA #3 Meadow Street to the DPW for a
formal analysis and evaluation; William Letendre seconded the motion. The vote
passed unanimously (7 -0).
7. DPW Traffic Engineering Issues /Updates — There was no one present from the
DPW today. These issues will be continued to the next meeting on March 17, 2009.
There will be a meeting regarding Traffic Calming led by Laura Hanson on February
26, 2009 at the community room of the JFK Middle School.
8. Committee Reports — None
9. Department Reports -
Chief Sienkiewicz stated that there is expected to be a 10 -12% Budget Cut, which may
mean layoffs of 10 Police Officers.
James Lowenthal stated that Governor Patrick has signed the Bike Safety Bill, and this
puts Massachusetts Law in line with the rest of the country.
10. New Business —None
At 5:08 PM, William Letendre made the motion to adjourn; Chief Sienkiewicz
seconded the motion. The vote passed unanimously (7 -0).
The next meeting is March 17, 2009 at 4:00 PM.