HomeMy Public PortalAboutFebruary 2020 MinutesTOWN OF WATERTOWN
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
Michael P. Lawn
Chief of Police
Michael P. Lawn, Chair
Robert Quinn, 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
February 28, 2020
February 26, 2020 Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes
In attendance: Michael Lawn, Robert Quinn, Steven Magoon, John S. Airasian, Kelly Gallagher
At the February 26, 2020 Traffic Commission meeting, members addressed following items:
Item 1— Chief Quinn made a motion to approve the minutes of the November, 2019 Traffic Commission
meeting; Mr. Airasian seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 2 — The Commission reviewed a request by Ms. Carole Montalto of Pleasant Street for the
installation of a cautionary Hidden Drive sign at #111 Pleasant Street for westbound traffic. Ms. Montalto
reported that she has difficulty exiting her driveway due to westbound vehicles traveling too fast; this is
particularly difficult because of the bend in the road prior to her driveway. Ms. Montalto noted that there
is a Children sign in the area that was posted for the DCR Dealtry Pool at 138 Pleasant Street but the
crosswalk and crossing guard are no longer present at this location.
Sgt. Sampson reported that although the crossing guard and crosswalk were no longer present for the pool,
the area has a large influx of children using the pool during the summer months. Sgt. Sampson received
Town Engineer Matthew Shuman's opinion on the matter; both he and Sgt. Sampson were in favor of
keeping the Children sign posted on Pleasant Street. Sgt. Sampson assessed the driveway of #111
Pleasant Street and noted that the private bushes and stockade fence belonging to #111 Pleasant Street
contribute reduce the line of sight for motorists attempting to exit the driveway. Sgt. Sampson asked Ms.
Montalto to work with her condominium board to reduce the size of the bushes. Sgt. Sampson also stated
that he could install a temporary speed feedback sign in the area to make motorists more aware of their
speeds.
Ms. Gallagher reported that she is familiar with the area and has a business office on Pleasant Street. Her
location is more open than #111, and would not be opposed to another Hidden Drive sign for #111
Pleasant Street.
Mr. Magoon and Mr. Airasian also reported that they would support an additional warning sign.
Ms. Gallagher made a motion to install a cautionary Hidden Drive sign in an appropriate location
determined by the Department of Public Works for the driveway of #111 Pleasant Street; Mr. Airasian
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 3 — The Commission reviewed a request by Ms. Araxie Poladian on behalf of several residents of 56
Bigelow Avenue to consider re -installing a crosswalk at 56 Bigelow Avenue. Ms. Poladian reported that
she speaks for many of the residents of 56 Bigelow Avenue — All are senior citizens. Due to the number
of churches and businesses in the area, the "cut -through" nature of the street, and the limited mobility of
many residents of her building, she would like to have a crosswalk re -installed in front of her building.
She suggested that a crosswalk similar to the one at 48 Bigelow Ave is necessary to maintain pedestrian
safety. An additional benefit of the former crosswalk was that vehicles could not park in front of the
building; this created a convenient area for the residents to be picked up and dropped off.
Resident Ms. Jannie Koumjian reported she uses the area more often at nighttime. She noticed that the
crosswalk brings more awareness to the area and cars slow down. Many times, she is being picked up and
without a crosswalk, she will have to stand between two parked cars. She hoped that the old crosswalk
could be re -installed.
Sgt. Sampson reported that in May, 2017 the Traffic Commission voted to remove the crosswalk. At that
time, roadway improvements were completed which included bump outs and compliant crosswalks at
Nichols Avenue, and a raised crosswalk at 48 Bigelow Avenue. The former crosswalk at 56 Bigelow
Avenue was non -compliant. The Town could not install a compliant crosswalk at this location due to
driveway openings, trees, and drainage issues. Municipalities install crosswalks where it is safe to cross
the street and they must be ADA compliant.
Although a crosswalk may not be appropriate, Sgt. Sampson suggested that a no parking area in front of
56 Bigelow Avenue may benefit the residents. This area could be used as a pick up and drop off area.
Under the current conditions, a 26 foot space could be restricted in front of the building.
Mr. Magoon reported that in addition to the reasons noted by Sgt. Sampson, the former crosswalk was
situated mid -block — This is also not encouraged. Mr. Magoon felt that Sgt. Sampson's parking restriction
suggestion made sense, and only questioned whether the restriction should be No Parking, or No Parking
— Loading Zone. If approved, Sgt. Sampson will obtain Engineer Shuman's opinion for the appropriate
restriction.
Ms. Gallagher agreed with Mr. Magoon and felt that the parking restriction could be a benefit as long at
the old crosswalk can be fully removed.
Chief Lawn reported that the former crosswalk should not have been installed in that location. He noted
that residents should use the crosswalk at 48 Bigelow Avenue, and supported a parking restriction in front
of 56 Bigelow Avenue.
Mr. Magoon made a motion to restrict parking as a general No Parking or Loading Zone in front of 56
Bigelow Avenue; Ms. Gallagher seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
[Note] On Thursday February 27, 2020 Sgt. Sampson received guidance from Town Engineer Matthew
Shuman regarding appropriate signage for the area. Mr. Shuman suggested MUTCD signage R7-4, "No
Standing Any Time". The Watertown Traffic Rules and Orders defines Standing as, "The halting of a
vehicle whether occupied or not, otherwise than for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving
or discharging passengers or in obedience to a police officer or a lawful traffic regulating signal, sign or
device." Based on this definition, passenger pick-up/drop-off would be allowed in the area.
Item 4 — The Commission tabled a request by Ms. Laura Wiener, Watertown Senior Transportation
Planner, for Traffic Rules and Orders modifications; the Commission will address these matters at a future
meeting.
Item 5 — The Commission reviewed a request by Sgt. Sampson of the Watertown Police Department to
remove the Handicap Only parking space at 34 Keenan Street. Sgt. Sampson reported that in October,
2018 the Traffic Commission voted to restrict parking at this location to Handicap Only. Unfortunately,
the person for whom the space was granted passed away in January, 2020. Sgt. Sampson notified the
Department of Public Works and requested removal of the sign, and now asked to remove the restriction
from the Traffic Rules and Orders.
Mr. Magoon made a motion to remove the Handicap Only parking space in front of 34 Keenan Street; Mr.
Airasian seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
No new business was brought before the Traffic Commission.
Chief Quinn 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