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HomeMy Public PortalAboutTraffic Commission Meeting Minutes June 2017TOWN OF WATERTOWN TRAFFIC COMMISSION Michael P. Lawn Chief of Police Michael P. Lawn, Chair Mario Orangio, Fire Chief Gerald Mee, Supt. Of Public Works Steven Magoon, Community Development and Planning Mr. John S. Airasian Ms. Kelly Gallagher David Sampson Sergeant Tel: 617-972-6547 July 6, 2017 June, 2017 Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes In attendance: Michael Lawn, Gerald Mee, Steven Magoon, John Airasian At the June 28, 2017 Traffic Commission meeting, members discussed following items: Item 1— Mr. Airasian made a motion to approve the minutes of the May, 2017 Traffic Commission meeting; Mr. Magoon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Item 2 — The Commission reviewed a request by Ms. Debbie Helie of Hazel Street for the installation of an in -street yield to pedestrian crossing sign at the intersection of School Street and Boylston Street, and cautionary Slow Children signage in the area of Hazel, Quimby, Cypress & Laurel Streets. Ms. Helie reported that there is an increase in traffic in the area and speeding on Dexter Avenue, and she was concerned about the many children that live in the neighborhood. Because there are no crossing guards during the summer, Ms. Helie requested an in -street yield to pedestrian sign at the intersection of School Street and Boylston Street to help the children cross the street more safely. In the area where Hazel, Lauren, Cypress and Quimby Streets intersect, Ms. Helie would like to have enhanced signage to warn motorists of children playing in the area. Sgt. Sampson explained that a potential future improvement program in the area of School at Boylston Street could include rapid flashing beacons however, this would not happen immediately and that an in - street sign may make sense during the summer months. Sgt. Sampson also assessed the area of the intersection of Hazel, Lauren, Cypress and Quimby Streets; cautionary signage already exists. The intersection could benefit from an isolated stop sign on Hazel Street eastbound at Quimby Street. This is a five -way intersection and, based on the current stop signs on Quimby and Cypress Streets, Laurel Street is the primary road with the right-of-way. Sgt. Sampson reported that a speed feedback sign was posted at 114 Dexter Avenue for northbound traffic; as of the Commission meeting, the data revealed an 85th percentile speed of 29.63 mph. Once the sign is removed, the Department will likely conducted spot enforcement in the area to dissuade speeding. Mr. Mee recommended that the intersection of School Street and Boylston Street should be assessed to ensure it could support an in -street sign prior to placing it in the roadway. The Safe Routes to School project includes a reconfiguration of this intersection and a proposal for rapid flashing beacons to assist pedestrians who wish to cross the street. Mr. Mee supported an in -street yield to pedestrian sign at this location but only as an interim measure and only if the Town's engineer felt the road has sufficient room to support the sign. Mr. Mee also supported an isolated stop sign at the intersection of Hazel Street at Quimby Street. Mr. Magoon made a motion to install in -street yield to pedestrian sign at the intersection of School Street at Boylston Street subject to an engineering review, and the installation of an isolated stop sign on Hazel Street at Quimby Street for eastbound traffic; Mr. Airasian seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Item 3 — The Commission reviewed a request by Mr. Richard Robertson, Trustee of Coolidge Towers at 131/151 Coolidge Avenue to reduce the length of the No Parking restriction on the east side of Coolidge Avenue from 200' south of Grove Street to Grove Street to 160'. Mr. Robertson reported that he represents 192 residential unit owners and explained that there is very little guest parking for Coolidge Towers. Mr. Robertson felt that the current 200' parking restriction was not necessary to maintain safety and, because no other alternative parking arrangement were available, the addition of two parking spaces on Coolidge Avenue would benefit the residents of Coolidge Towers. The current spaces in front of the building are often occupied. Chief Lawn reported that if the available parking on Coolidge Avenue is being misused, the area can be assessed for overtime parking violations. Mr. Airasian felt that perhaps some residents may park on Coolidge Avenue instead of in their assigned spaces due to convenience. Mr. Mee explained that the configuration of each intersection must be assessed to determine appropriate parking restrictions. Mr. Mee believed that the trustees of the Coolidge Towers may have requested the original parking restrictions in the area. Mr. Mee felt the 200' was reasonable, but wanted to try to help the situation particularly since all other parking alternatives were exhausted. Sgt. Sampson assessed the area and felt that reducing the parking restriction to 160' reduced the sight lines for motorists attempting to exit the Coolidge Towers parking deck. Motorists had difficulty seeing oncoming vehicles when Sgt. Sampson placed his cruiser at the 160' point. As a potential compromise, Sgt. Sampson assessed the potential impacts of reducing the restriction to 180'. At 180 feet, sight lines appeared adequate and this option would provide an additional parking space on the roadway. Mr. Magoon and Mr. Mee supported modifying the restriction to 180 feet. Chief Lawn supported the 180' option and reiterated that if there were parking problems, the area could be assessed for 2 hour parking violations. Mr. Magoon made a motion to restrict parking on the east side of Coolidge Avenue from a point 180' south of Grove Street to Grove Street; Mr. Airasian seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Item 4 — The Commission addressed a request by Ms. Helen McCool of Boylston Street for a Handicap Parking Only restriction in front of 214 Boylston Street. Sgt. Sampson explained that there are two people in the household that currently possess handicap placards, and another family member who is critically ill. Ms. McCool wanted a portable sign on a sawhorse so that it could be placed in front of the home as needed. Sgt. Sampson explained that typically the Commission would not approve of this, but may find a permanent sign appropriate. Mr. Magoon reported that he would support the restriction with a permanent sign, but would not be in favor of a portable sign. Mr. Magoon made a motion to restrict parking in front of 214 Boylston Street for handicap parking only and the installation of a handicap only parking sign at this location; Mr. Airasian seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Item 5 — The Commission addressed a request by Sergeant Sampson to reinstate and repost the regulatory speed limits on Lexington Street. Sgt. Sampson explained that on April 27, 2016 he incorrectly asked the Commission to remove the regulatory speed signs on Lexington Street because he could not find any justification or history of the regulations. Since that time, Sgt. Sampson obtained a copy of Special Speed Regulation 7109. This regulation established the various speed limits on Lexington Street and mandated the posting of speed limit signs. Chief Lawn, and Mr. Airasian agreed with Sgt. Sampson's request. Mr. Magoon made a motion to reinstate and repost the regulatory speed limits on Lexington Street; Mr. Airasian seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. New Business — 1. Mr. Mee asked the Traffic Commission for a letter of support for the Safe Routes to School project currently being considered for the Hosmer School. Mr. Mee noted the important upgrades and improvements to the area that would shorten the crosswalk lengths and clearly define area intersections. Mr. Mee felt this was a valuable project. Mr. Airasian made a motion to compose a letter of support concerning the Hosmer School Safe Routes to School improvement project; Mr. Magoon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Magoon made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Airasian seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Sgt. David Sampson Assistant to the Traffic Commission