2008-11-18 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
November 18, 2008
Chairman David Narkewicz opened the meeting at 4:03 pm. in City Council Chambers,
Puchalski Municipal Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton.
Members present David Narkewicz, Ned Huntley, William Letendre, Wayne Feiden
left at 6:00 pm, Keith Wilson, David Reckhow arrived 5:15pm, Leslie Stein, James
Lowenthal arrived 5:05 pm.
Members absent Maureen Carney, Russell Sienkiewicz, Paul Sustick
1) Public Comment — Residents were present to speak regarding the applications of
Traffic Calming. See comments in section no. 3 below.
2) Minutes of October 21, 2008-
Leslie Stein moved approval of minutes of October 21, 2008; William Letendre
seconded. The vote passed unanimously (6 -0).
3) Traffic Calming Applications (TCA) — Preliminary Evaluations
TCA #1 - Riverside Drive, Florence
TCA #2 — Pine Street & South Main Street, (intersection) Florence
Councilor Narkewicz stated that we are operating this application process under the rules
of the Traffic Calming Manual (TCM) These applications follow certain criteria in the
TCM as follows, "If the Commission determines that a request for traffic calming merits
further consideration under the Northampton Traffic Calming Program, it shall request
that the Department of Public works (DPW) prepare a "Traffic Calming Needs
Assessment report within ninety (90) days, unless prevented by weather or other
mitigating circumstances, for presentation at the next regular meeting following it's
completion." Will send to the DPW for assessment.
TCA 91- Riverside Drive, Florence (see attached application)
Public speakers showing support:
a) Peter McLean, 298 Riverside Drive — The application from Baystate Village Civic
Association — since submitting the application and 40 signatures, gone door to
door and collected 70 more for total of 111, including entire board of Nonotuck
Day School — also a letter from Councilor David Murphy in support. Bike traffic
is also increasing, speeding and volume of traffic also increasing, will increase
when Clement Street Bridge reopens.
b) Ed Hagelstein, 121 Nonotuck St. — more serious than realized, my comments in
2003, traffic analysis does not address — must slow down traffic — one lane bridge,
should be evaluated, Citizens Advisory Committee meeting last night —160%
increase into town, can we absorb that much traffic? Traffic Calming would work
if police used more unmarked cars, would like to see the City look into this
option.
c) Alex Ghiselin, 164 Riverside Drive — urge you to consider the application, major
shortcut to Cooley Dickinson Hospital. History success, "Saving Lives" program,
increased enforcement, dangerous spots, accidents, hope you will consider it.
d) Councilor David Murphy wrote a letter of support (attached)
Keith Wilson moved that the Transportation and Parking Commission ask the
DPW for formal assessment; William Letendre seconded. The vote passed
unanimously (7 -0).
TCA #2 —Pine Street & South Main Street (intersection), Florence (see attached
application) Send to DPW for assessment.
Public Speakers showing support:
a) Aaron Hexall, 168 South Main St, Florence = Thank you for the manual, public
safety and quality of life.
b) John Norton, 39 Winslow Ave, Florence
c) Gary Hartwell, 419 Riverside Drive
d) Susan Norton, 29 Winslow Ave, Florence
e) Ann Wassell, 32 Pine Street, Florence — many changes in 25 years, people avoid
Main Street, drive through our residential street, would love to see the Traffic
Calming measures implemented.
f) William Childs, 12 Pine Street, Florence — intend to live here long time, daughter
(9yrs old) is scared, traffic calming is needed, cars honking, driver screaming,
yelling, rocks thrown.
g) Sarah Ribesh, 7 Pine Street, Florence — Spoke with police, sergeant noted the
busy street, 5 yrs. resident, please consider no sidewalk, lost cats, speeding cars.
h) Corado Bracci, asked to speak during the Cooke Avenue presentation.
Keith Wilson moved that the Transportation and Parking Commission ask the
DPW for formal assessment; William Letendre seconded. The vote passed
unanimously (7 -0).
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4) Northampton High School (NHS) Evaluation (see attached memo)
Hanson explained that Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) should be
performing a Turning Movement Assessment (TMA) within the next few weeks for the
intersection of Elm Street and North Elm Street. The attached memo has been endorsed
by Mayor Higgins, and indicates that the PVPC is performing this study through the
Local Technical Assistance (LTA) Program at no charge to the City of Northampton.
The data collected during the TMA can be used to help evaluate the intersection in front
of the NHS. Hanson will bring back information from the TMA as
soon as she receives it from PVPC.
There will be a presentation near the end of this meeting on a special lighted pedestrian
sign from a company called "Street Smart Signs ". Consideration should be given to
possibly purchasing a set of the Street Smart Signs for the intersection in front of the
NHS in the future."
5) Intersection Safety Reviews /Recommendations
Cooke Avenue & Hatfield Street (continued) — Cooke Avenue & Hatfield Street
(continued) - There is currently no official report from the PVPC for the four -way STOP
warrant analysis at this intersection. However, Hanson had a recent phone conversation
with Amir Kouzahkanani (PVPC, Senior Planner) and discovered it did not meet all of
the warrants. Warrant B (Crash Warrant) was not met completely, and Warrant D
(Volume Warrant) was not totally satisfied. The volume warrant requirement was met
for Hatfield Street but not for Cooke Avenue. It was recommended by PVPC to perform
another warrant study at this intersection at a later date. Hanson will send everyone on
the TPC a copy of the warrant analysis from PVPC as soon as she receives the
information.
Finn Street & State Street (continued) - A Turning Movement Assessment (TMA),
similar to the Elm Street and North Elm Street study, will be performed by PVPC this
week. The data from the study will be used in a computer program (SYNCHRO) to help
evaluate the impacts of a potential four -way STOP at the intersection. Hanson will send
information to the TPC members once she receives it.
Prospect /Woodlawn/Jackson - This intersection is a concern due to the skewed entrances
of Jackson Street and Woodlawn Avenue, the wide travel lanes on Prospect Street, the
amount of accidents, and the speed of drivers on Prospect Street. Wilson stated that a
study was performed for this intersection by PVPC in 2002 and it met the warrants for a
traffic signal but he suggested a mini - roundabout or roundabout.
Hanson mentioned that a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) preliminary study was received
by the DPW on November 11, 2008. Hanson gave everyone a paper copy of the SRTS
Study at this meeting as a reading assignment for the next TPC meeting December 18,
2008. The DPW is in the process of writing a response to the Executive Office of
3
Transportation (EOT) concerning the SRTS preliminary study. This intersection is
mentioned in the preliminary study but the DPW will be requesting a larger intersection
study be performed for a potential roundabout in their response letter. Hanson will
forward everyone on the TPC a copy of the DPW response letter before the next
meeting."
6) Presentation — StreetSmartSigns, Inc. — John M. Juby and associate presented a
PowerPoint presentation about their prototype of illuminated sign, amber lights,
computer based, push- button, solar- powered. Not yet on the market, but one is to be
installed at Baystate Medical Center on Birnie Avenue in Springfield soon. William
Letendre asked if they would consider using Northampton as their test and study —
they would not commit, but would discuss the possibility.
Cost for a set of two signs is $8,995.00. However, the company is currently offering a
promotional discount of $3,000.00 to the first municipality in each County to install the
signs, where a set of two signs would cost $5,995.00."
Their website is www.streetsmartsigns.com for more information.
This presentation took the meeting to 6:10pm.
7) Continued — Transportation Plan Review
8) Continued — Parking Cash -Out
9) Committee Reports - None
10) Department Reports
11) New Business —
William Letendre presented Janet Moulding, Director of Forbes Library. Forbes would
like 4 -hr. meters installed. Letendre will write the Ordinance and proposal, bring to the
next meeting. This would use 15 meters, labor and minimal cost to program. Would
need to also put up signage.
12) Adjourn
Ned Huntley moved to adjourn at 6:15 pm; William Letendre seconded. The vote
passed unanimously (7 -0).
Next meeting is December 16, 2008 at 4:00 pm.
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Transportation and Parking Commission
Please find attached our Traffic Calming Request Form, submitted by The Bay State
Village Association.
The complete package includes:
1) Cover letter
2) Traffic Calming Request Form
3) Attachment to Traffic Calming Request Form, answer to question 2
4) Attachment to Traffic Calming Request Form, answer to question 3
5) Four signature pages
Thant: you for your consideration,
Peter McLean
Bay State Village Association
C/o.298 Riverside Drive
Bay State Village, MA
01062 =2722
.586 =7961
pmclean @lefh - .net
Transportation -and Parking Commission
C /o.2I0 Main Street, room 18
Northampton, MA
01060 - 31992
Commission members,
- We are very happy see the effort you are making to address the need to
calm traffic in Northampton. The attached Traffic Calming Request Form is
presented with renewed optimism. The.strategies outlined in the Traffic Calming
Manual -present,great-possibilities to make the streets safer in our neighborhood.
As you may be aware the Village Association has a long history of
launching initiatives to.address traffic dangers in Bay State Village. When the
Clement Street Bridge was previously closed in the 1980's the association worked
with the Saving Lives Program to - reduce speed on Riverside Drive. This positive
collaboration between the city and-the neighborhood had.a lasting impact. in
1993 we successfully - petitioned -the:Department of Public Works topaint_a double
_line down the center of Riverside: Drive. In the winter of.2004 there was.a_sharp
increase in crashes at the intersection of Riverside .and Federal :Street. Our
Association entered a dialogue With city regarding the dangers at the Federal
.Street intersection. - That.3uly then D:P . : Director, George .Andrikitis and then
Traffic Committee member, David Narkewiczmet with Association members at
the Federal :Street intersection. .Several .actions were taken thatyear which had
some _impact,.including the of.a broken pipethat contributed to icing
problems. Nonetheless the federal Street intersection is -among those of particular
concern.
Traffic'.safety is a constant topic voiced at Village Association meetings.
ve,y years.our -are directed towards specificzetions. We
have had go slow .signpainting-par ies, .created phone trees to call the -police to
- request: there presence.to.catch.speeders -and to request that the sign that displays
- the speed limit -and your current.speed be on Riverside. With all our
efforts people continue - to -speed on Riverside and intersections are dangerous,
- more.dangerousthan they could be.
Riverside Drive the perfect opportunity to apply the strategies
described by traffic calming initiative. We also appreciate the opportunity to
be proactive. This past year while the Clement Street Bridge has been closed
City of Northampton, MA
Traffic Calming Request Form
What is traffic calming? The goal of traffic calming is.to make streets safer and more comfortable for
pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and transit users by implementing roadways with features that induce drivers to
slow down and pay more attention to their surroundings. Three major categories of traffic calming include: ( I )
narrowing the real or apparent width of the street, (2) deflecting or introducing curvature to the vehicle path, and
(3) altering the vertical profile of the vehicle path. Traffic Calming does not include the installation of regulatory
traffic control devices such as signals, stop signs, and roundabouts or lowering a speed limit because they are not
self - enforcing. A copy of the Northampton Traffic Calming Manual is available by visiting
htt� /�w��«' northamptonma�sov /tpc /trafficcalinin <� . Call the Department of Public Works (DPW) if you have
an) questions at (413) 587 -1570.
Traffic Calming Request Form Directions: Please fill out this form and mail it to the address listed below. By
using this form you will help us assess the type of issues or concerns you are having with a street in your
neighborhood. Each request will be considered separately. We will place your request on the agenda for the
Transportation & Parking Commission (TPC) within 60 days of its receipt. The TPC will make a determination
how to best address the request and forward it to either the DPW, Police, or other appropriate City Departmcnt(s).
If recommended by the TPC, a City Engineering Assessment will follow, and be given as a presentation within 90
days at a scheduled TPC meeting (weather permitting).
r.
1. Name IP4 �1�1 Lc ,t V1 I c.�� t +�� `t�rlc,n� Date l-,i., u- 90.
Address
Email ;� _-,0; J( o y t City Ward.
Phone (flay) ( "U,>— `/�L{ _ 3�i (night) SS; —�c{ & {
.2. Please list the street(s)l location/ 'intersection that concerns you most:
Sc F �- -wrcl�
3. What time of day do the concerns you have seem most noticeable?
4. Please check: each item below that applies to the referenced street(s):
X Pedestrian/ Bicyclist Safety V Speeding Vehicles Sign placement
< High traffic volume / trucks _Parking Issues A Difficult to cross street
. Sight Distance Issues (for drivers) _Poor Road Condition _Other (describe):
5. Please encourage others in your neighborhood to sign the back of this request form and participate
in the'Northampton Pace Car Program. Additional neighborhood support will help gain a higher project
ranking during the scoring process. See page ten in the Traffic Calming Manual for an explanation of the
prioritization criteria for projects (our website is listed above).
6. You na2v,also attach .a drawing on another sheet of paper if you think it will be helpful.
Please return this completed form to: Transportation and Parking Commission
Traffic Calming Request Form
.210 Main Street, Room 18
Northampton, MA 01060 -31442
12
there has been a significant reduction in traffic volume on Riverside Drive. The
bridge closing has not only reduced traffic volume but has kept away the
commuting traffic. Commuters seem more likely to speed and are speeding
through the neighborhood when there is the highest volume of pedestrians
including students walking to school and waiting for school busses. Shortly the
bridge will again be open. Combine that with housing developments on the old
State Hospital grounds and at other spots on the other side of the bridge, we are
about to see higher traffic volumes on Riverside Drive than we have ever
experienced. The time to act is now. We look forward to your response to our
request.
Sincerely.
Peter McLean
President, Bay State Village Association
City of Northampton, MA
Traffic Calming Request Form
Bay State Village Association
2. Please list the street(s) /location/intersection that concerns you the most:
Riverside Drive is our main concern, including three intersections on Riverside.
As for Riverside itself, it presents a long straight stretch of road that many commuters use
to bypass other parts of Northampton, and it seems others use to test their acceleration
capabilities. There are many children vulnerable on Riverside. There are numerous
school bus stops that feed the elementary and middle schools. With Northampton High
School at the end of Riverside there are many High School students walking and riding
on Riverside. Also the Nonotuck Day School caters to our youngest citizens who go for
walks during their day and some of whom walk and ride to school with their parents.
Maines Field provides a local park for families to take advantage of but many do
not because walking or riding Riverside between Ladd and Landy is too. dangerous. With
thoughts of sustainability, there is also a noticeable increase in.bike traffic on Riverside.
Traffic speeds and dangerous intersections give a Riverside biker more the feel of being
on a highway instead of a neighborhood street.
The intersections:
1 Riverside Drive, Milton and Elan Streets
The motorist who is traveling east on Riverside and making a right onto Elm has
poor visibility looking back onto Elm, where traffic is often also speeding. There is
confusion regarding traffic coming down the hill on Elm from the High School; are they
turning in front of me or are they turning onto Milton. And if a car is also coming off of
Milton and onto Elm it becomes a hit the gas and hope for the best. scenario. At the
beginning and end of the High School day things are much worse.
2 Riverside Drive and Federal Street
Cars traveling Riverside have likely reached their top speeds at this point. A
speeding car traveling east on Riverside has a poor view of the intersection. Cars
crossing or entering Riverside from Federal have a limited view of what is coming from
the west on Riverside. On this portion of Riverside there is sidewalk on only one side of
the street. At this intersection the side walk changes from the north side to the south side
of Riverside. Pedestrians need to cross Federal and Riverside. This is a dangerous
intersection.
3 Riverside Drive al Ladd Street where it bends, turning 90 degrees.
At this corner the speed is posted at 20 miles an hour. There is good reason as
cars do loose control at this corner. There are no sidewalks at this point. With The
Village General Store at the corner there is increased pedestrian traffic, including many
children.
City of Northampton, MA
Traffic Calming Request Form
Bay State Village Association
3. 'What time of day do the concerns you have seem most noticeable?
The traffic volume appears to be highest during the morning and evening
commutes, shortly after 7:00 am to 9:00am and again 3 :30 pm to 5:00 pm. The traffic at
the High School is much worse at the beginning and end of the school day. Outside of
these times, when the street is not cluttered with other traffic drivers have a chance to hit
top speeds.
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COUNCILORS
AT LARGE
Michael R. Bardsley
James M. Dostal
WARD
1 Maureen T. Carney
2 Paul D. Spector
3 Robert.C. Reckman
4 David J. Narkewicz
5 David A. Murphy
6 Marianne L. LaBarge
7 Raymond W. LaBarge
November 5, 2008
David Narkewicz
Chairman
Transportation & Parking Commission
210 Main Street, Room 18
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear MR. Narkewicz:
MASSACHUSETTS
I write you in support of the Bay State Village Association's request for your assistance in traffic
calming measures at various intersections on Riverside Drive in the Bay State Section of
Northampton.
Closure of the Clement Street Bridge and the resulting reduction of traffic has only reinforced in
the eyes of the residents of Bay State Village that calming measures are necessary at several
intersections on Riverside Drive.
With the re- opening of the bridge and return of traffic to its normal level the problems will
return. Please give whatever support is possible to the Association's request for assistance.
David A. Murphy
City Councilor
Ward Five
M'^iffi ^y�y_
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
a
�..
City of .Northampton, MA. r1&
Traffic Calming Request Form
What is traffic calming? The goal of traffic calming is to make streets, safer and more comfortable for
pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and transit users by implementing roadways with features that induce drivers to
slow down and pay more attention to their surroundings. Three major categories of traffic calming include: (1)
narrowing the real or apparent width of the street, (2) deflecting or introducing curvature to the vehicle path, and
(3) altering the vertical profile of the vehicle path. Traffic Calming does not include the installation of regulatory
traffic control devices such as signals, stop signs, and roundabouts or lowering a speed limit because they are not
self - enforcing. A copy of the Northampton Traffic Calming Manual is available by visiting
h =: // www. northgMptonma :gov/tpc /trafficcahning Call the Department of Public Works (DPW) if you have
any questions at (413) 587 -1570.
Traffic Calming Request Form Directions: Please fill out this form and mail it to the address listed below. By
using this form you will help us assess the type of issues or concerns you are having with a street in your
neighborhood. Each request will be considered separately. We will place your request on the agenda for the
Transportation & Parking Commission (TPC) within 60 days of its receipt. The TPC will make a determination
how to best address the request and forward it to either the DPW, Police, or other appropriate City Department(s).
If recommended by the TPC, a City Engineering Assessment will follow, and be given as a presentation within 90
days at a scheduled TPC meeting (weather permitting).
1. Name I—I 2 mw 4c-y'
Address S. S
Email
Phone (day) C (e -'2-c 41 -
Date
x y City Ward
(night) A4J - SSG - �43-E
2. Please list the street(s) / location/ intersection that concerns you most:
TL�e t n�+trs�c.�r..r. b� C�;y�•e. S� �.,.�1 56���. �„r, S-� E Floc -�n
3. What time of day do the concerns you have seem most noticeable?
4. Please check each item below that applies to the referenced street(s):
Pedestrian/ Bicyclist Safety Speeding Vehicles _Sign placement
,High traffic volume / trucks _Parking Issues Difficult to cross street
_Sight Distance Issues (for drivers) _Poor Road Condition _Other (describe):
5. Please encourage others in your neighborhood to sign the back of this request form and participate
in the Northampton Pace Car Program. Additional neighborhood support will help gain a higher project
ranking during the scoring process. See page ten in the Traffic Calming Manual for an explanation of the
prioritization criteria for projects (our website is listed above).
6. You may also attach a drawing on another sheet of paper if you think it will be helpful.
Please return this completed form to:
Transportation and Parking Commission
Traffic Calming Request Form
210 Main Street, Room 18
Northampton, MA 01060 -31992
12
Name, Address & Sienature
''ace Car Pro?ram
"X" = yes
2. ;Q�l tJ (C) As s * c � d �v � �o i �� � / r ` �e ST
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Edward S. Huntley, P.E.
Director
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
125 Locust Street
Northampton, NM 01060
413 - 587 -1570
Fax 413 - 587 -1576
Memorandum
To:
Ned Huntley, P.E., Director
From:
Laura Hanson, Assistant Engineer
Date:
November 6, 2008
Re:
Northampton High School
Parking & Traffic Evaluation on September 25, 2008
Copy: Jim Laurila, City Engineer
Tom Smith, Senior Engineer
Northampton High School (NHS)
Northampton Police Department (NPD)
Transportation & Parking Commission (TPC)
Present: Sergeant Trushaw (Northampton Police Department)
Officer Allard (Northampton Police Department)
Ms. Nancy Athas (Northampton High School, Principal)
Laura Hanson (Northampton DPW)
1. Northampton Department of Public Works (DPW) painted "No Parking" zone stripes in front
of the Northampton High School (NHS) on September 24, 2008 as per request of the Northampton
Police Department (NPD) (Photo #1 on next page). Safety cones were placed on the outside edge
of the painted area to alert drivers to the restricted zone. The NHS called all the parents with a
recorded message on September 24, 2008 explaining that this existing condition was to be
enforced by the NPD. Principal Athas agreed to have someone place the cones during the
morning and afternoon "peak times" and remove them afterward. Due to the success of the new
pavement markings, on September 29, 2008, Officer Allard requested additional "No Parking"
zone stripes be added on the south side North Elm Street (both sides of the intersection) under the
existing "No Parking signs ". DPW painted the "No Parking Zone" lines on North Elm Street and
a stop bar at the stop sign on Elm Street on October 7, 2008 (Photo #2).
2. The road in front of the NHS was replaced by greep space about years ago when the NHS
was reconstructed by request of the school and approve tl by the Roard of Public Works. It was
suggested by Sergeant Trushaw to reinstate the road in front of NHS ,pNghisively for bus
transportation because it would help with the traffic congestion. Discussion followed concerning
the project expense, snow removal, and using it as a major cut - through.
Pg.1 /6, KAProjectsWorthampton High School Study_l1- G- 08.doc
Photo 1: Painted "No Parking Zone" lines in front of NHS on Elm Street (westbound)
Photo 2: Painted "No Parking Zone" lines in front of NHS on North Elm Street (eastbound)
Pg.2IC
3. The DPW is investigating the addition of "Pick- up/Drop -off Zone -15 minutes parking" plates
below the current "No Parking" signs on Elm Street within the parent's drop -off area.
4. A traffic signal was suggested by the NPD for the intersection. Ms. Hanson agreed to check
into the procedure for acquiring a traffic control device, and suggested holding a discussion about
this intersection with the Transportation and Parking Commission (TPC), where Police Chief
Sienkiewicz is a member. Ms. Hanson mentioned that a current traffic count and warrant analysis
would be necessary for a traffic control signal. During a recent phone conversation with the
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) on October 31, 2008, it was suggested by their
Principle Transportation Engineer that a turn movement, traffic volume and pedestrianibicyclist
assessment be performed at this intersection under the Local Technical Assistance (LTA)
Program. The study would include two technicians placed at the intersection during peak hours
(9:00 -11:00 AM and 2:00 -6:00 PM) who would manually record vehicle and pedestrian/bicyclist
movements. An extra two hours of data recording are automatically included for the afternoon
peak hours because it is considered a school zone. A letter of recommendation for the free LTA
services from PVPC was sent to Mayor Clare Higgins for approval on November 6, 2008. The
DPW requested this study in order to collect traffic data for a future discussion with the TPC.
5. The accident reports from the past five years were obtained from the Northampton Police
Department and are summarized for the following three intersections near the NHS:
Elm Street and Woodlawn Avenue:
Year
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
# Accidents
1
2
0
1
1
1
Elm Street and North Elm Street:
Year
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
# Accidents
4
1
5
2
1
1
Northampton High School (280 Elm Street):
Year
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
# Accidents
1
2
0
1
0
4
According to the 2003 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MTJTCD),
there are eight warrants to be investigated before installing a traffic control signal. Warrant 7,
listed as Section 4C.08, Crash Experience states, "Five or more crashes, of types susceptible to
correction by a traffic control signal, have occurred within a 12 -month period, each crash
involving personal injury or property damage apparently exceeding the applicable requirements
for a reportable crash; ". At this time, the Elm Street and North Elm Street intersection met
Warrant 7 in 2006 and has four recorded accidents for 2008; whereas, the other two intersections
have not met Warrant 7 for any of the past five years.
Pg.3 /6
6. According to the Special Speed Regulation #7383 dated October 9, 1986, the speed limit is 35
miles per hour (MPH) in front of the NHS in both directions on Elm Street. Ms. Hanson noted
that there are no posted speed limit signs either approaching or in front of the NHS on either side
of Elm Street. The first sign (westbound) was observed just west after the Maynard Road
intersection, and no sign was discovered (eastbound) until just before the Federal St intersection
(approximately 2,200 feet before NHS). These signs are in the correct location per Special Speed
Regulations #7383. Discussion followed concerning the high rate of speed for drivers in front of
the NHS, and the existing sharp comer near the NHS entrance Elm Street (Photo #3 below).
Photo 3: Corner on Elm Street in front of NHS (southbound)
According to a Speed Regulation #312 dated January 14, 1966, the North Elm Street speed limit is
35 MPH. Mass Highway can be contacted for a re- evaluation of speed limits on the Elm and
North Elm Streets for a possible speed limit reduction if desired.
7. There was a traffic counter in place in front of the NHS (between the NHS entrance and
Riverside Drive) during the site visit but it was not a DPW traffic counter. Ms. Hanson confirmed
that it was a PVPC traffic counter, and it was placed upon the request of Mass Highway between
September 23, 2008 and September 25, 2008. PVPC shared the collected volume and speed data
on Elm Street with the DPW. The results showed that the weekday average daily volume is 7,087
vehicles (3,821 westbound and 3,266 eastbound). The 85 "' percentile speed was 33 miles per hour
(MPH) for both the westbound and eastbound directions on Elm Street. It was discussed that a
reduced speed of 25 MPH would be more appropriate for this area of Elm Street. Ms. Hanson
agreed to bring this issue forward at the next TPC meeting to see what action could be taken.
Pg.4 /6
8. There are two crosswalks at the intersection of North Elm Street and Elm Street. There is not
a pedestrian crossing sign for the crosswalk on Elm Street (Photo #4), however, one leg of the
intersection is controlled by a STOP sign. DPW can install additional pedestrian crossing signs
for these locations.
Photo 4: Two Crosswalks at the Elm Street & North Elm Street Intersection (northbound):":
There is a Pedestrian School Crossing sign on North Elm Street (eastbound) approximately 250
feet before the intersection (Photo #5 on next page). An additional Pedestrian Crossing sign can
be installed by the DPW adjacent to the North Elm Street crosswalk. There is a Pedestrian School
Crossing sign on North Elm Street (westbound) adjacent to the crosswalk located the intersection
(Photo #6 on next page). The other crosswalk near the NHS (located further east on North Elm
St) was found to have Pedestrian Crossing signs installed in in each side of the street. The
crosswalk at the Riverside Drive/Milton Street intersection has a Pedestrian Crossing sign near the
crosswalk in the Eastbound direction on Elm Street.
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Get Google Maps on your phone
C Text the word "GMAPS "to 466453
http: / /maps.google.com/ maps ?client= safari &ie= UTF8 &oe= UTF- 8 &hl= en &11 =42. 333161, -72. 670408 &spn = 0.004973,0.011072 &z= 17 &pw =2 Page 1 of 1
C r OF NORTHAMPTON
Mayor Mary Clare Higgins
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton MA 01060
(413) 587 -1249
FAX: (413) .587 -1275
mayor @city.northampton.ma.us
November 6, 2008
Mr. Amir Kouzehlcanani
Principle Transportation Planner
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
26 Central Street — Suite 34
West Springfield, MA 01089 -2787
Re: Traffic & Pedestrian Study near Northampton High School
North Elm Street & Elm Street Intersection
And Finn Street & State Street Intersection
The City of Northampton Department of Public Works (DPW) is interested iri having the Pioneer
Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) perform Traffic and Pedestrian Studies at the intersection of
North Elm Street and Elm Street near the Northampton High School (NHS), and at the intersection of
Finn Street and State Street. It is understood that the technical services provided by the PVPC would
be performed at no charge to the City of Northampton through the Local Technical Assistance. (LTA)
Program.
This evaluation would include two technicians electronically recording traffic volume, pedestrian .and
bicyclist counts, and turning movements during.pealc hours of traffic. Peak hours are usually
considered to occur between 7:00 — 9:00 AM and 4:00 — 6:00 PM, however, an additional two hours
would be included for the Elm Street study because it is located within a school zone. The study
would be extended between.2:00 — 6:00 PM in the afternoon to encompass the NHS departure.
The City of Northampton can use the fee Traffic and Pedestrian Studies provided by the PVPC to aid
in a safety evaluation of these intersections. The Engineering Department will coordinate with PVPC
and share the information with the Transportation and Parking Commission (TPC) for a discussion of
possible improvements at these locations.
Please contact the Engineering Department to let them know when you will have time to perform this
study. We appreciate your assistance in the evaluation of these intersections.
If you have any questions about this request, please contact Laura Hanson in the Engineering
Department at (413) 587 -1570, ex. 112.
Sincerely,
Honorabl Mayor Mary late Higgii s
cc: Northampton Engineering Dep ment
Inquiries
Street Smart Signs, Inc. is actively
seeking inquiries from:
• Traffic Sign Distributors Nationwide
• Potential Investors
• Community Traffic officials and DPW Mgrs.
• Police Depatments
• Concerned Citizens and organizations
• Community Developers
• Colleges and Universities
• Corporations with Social Responsibility
Fulfillment Goals
• Press and other Media
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streetsmartsognsS
Crosswalk Traffic Signs Division
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info @streetsmartsigns.com
www.streetsmartsigns.com
(C
Over 5000 are killed and over 70,000 are
injured every year in crosswalk accidents.
Three years of intensive research and
development have taught us that it's all
about driver awareness.
Existing crosswalk signs are passive. They do
not forewarn drivers of an active crosswalk.
Too little too late.
Our signs show a bright, animated display
which immediately forewarns drivers that an
active crosswalk lies ahead.
Our corporate goal is to reduce the national
death and injury statistics by 50% in ten
years.
Nationwide, Street Smart signs installed on
dangerous crosswalks could prevent 7
deaths and over 96 injuries every day!
That's over 2500 deaths and 35,000 injuries
prevented every year!
Together we can make a difference. Help us
save lives. Please call today.
streetsmartdans'
Crosswalk Traffic Signs Div.
146 Bellevue Avenue, Suite C
Adams, MA 01220
Phone: 413- 776 -0347
Fax: 413- 743 -0604
info @streetsmartsigns.com
www.streetsmartsigns.com
Mary Midura
From: Laura Hanson [Ihanson @hampdpw.org]
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 4:20 PM
To: Mary Midura
Cc: Ned Huntley; David Narkewicz
Subject: Corrections for the Nov. 18, 2008 TPC meeting
Hi Mary,
Could you please send me a copy of the letter from Councilor David
Murphy for the DPW file (an email would be fine)?
Also, could we number the Traffic Calming Applications (TCA #_) to help
with the record keeping?
Please make the following corrections to the minutes from the 12/18/08
TPC meeting:
1. Page 1 ( #3 Traffic Calming Applications -2nd paragraph -5th sentence)
Correction, should read: "Clement Street Bridge" not "Clemens Street
bridge"
2. Page 1 - ( #3 Traffic Calming Applications - bullets)
Correction, should read:
" *3. Traffic Calming Applications (TCA) - Preliminary Evaluations*
0 TCA #1 - Riverside Drive, Florence
tt TCA #2 - Pine Street & South Main Street (intersection),
Florence
Narkewicz stated that we are operating this application process under
the rules of the Northampton Traffic Calming Manual (TCM). These
applications follow certain criteria in the TCM as follows, "give
specific sections Dave read ". Add this section as being read, "If the
Commission determines that a request for traffic calming merits further
consideration under the Northampton Traffic Calming Program, it shall
request that the Department of Public works (DPW) prepare a "Traffic
Calming Needs Assessment report within ninety (90) days, unless
prevented by weather or other mitigating circumstances, for presentation
at the next regular meeting following it's completion."
_TCA #1 - Riverside Drive, Florence (see attached application)
_Public speakers showing support:
(a) Peter McLean,
(b) Ed Hagelstein,
(c) Alex Gheslin,
(d) Councilor David Murphy wrote a letter of support (enclosed)."
3. Page 2 ( after bold type at the top of page)
Correction, should read:
TCA #2 - Pine Street & South Main Street (intersection), Florence (see
attached application)
_Public speakers showing support:
(1) Aaron Hexall, ...
(2) John Norton, ...
(3) Gary Hartwell,
(4) Susan Norton,
(5) Ann Wassell,
(6) William Childs,
(7) Sarah Ribesh, ...
(8) Corado Bracci, asked to speak during the Cooke Avenue presentation.
4. Page 2 (Northampton High School Traffic Evaluation)
Correction, should read:
" *4. Northampton High School (NHS) Evaluation (see attached memo)*
Hanson explained that Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) should
1
be performing a Turning Movement Assessment (TMA) within the next few
weeks for the intersection of Elm Street and North Elm Street. The
attached memo has been endorsed by Mayor Higgins, and indicates that the
PVPC is performing this study through the Local Technical Assistance
(LTA) Program at no charge to the City of Northampton. The data
collected during the TMA can be used to help evaluate the intersection
in front of the NHS. Hanson will bring back information from the TMA as
soon as she receives it from PVPC.
There will be a presentation near the end of this meeting on a special
lighted pedestrian sign from a company called "Street Smart Signs ".
Consideration should be given to possibly purchasing a set of the Street
Smart Signs for the intersection in front of the NHS in the future."
5. Page 2 (_ *5. I * *ntersection Safety Reviews /Recommendations *_)
Correction, should read:
n Cooke Avenue & Hatfield Street (continued) - There is currently no
official report from the PVPC for the four -way STOP warrant analysis at
this intersection. However, Hanson had a recent phone conversation with
Amir Kouzahkanani (PVPC, Senior Planner) and discovered it did _not_
meet all of the warrants. Warrant B (Crash Warramt) was not met
completely, and Warrant D (Volume Warrant) was not totally satisfied.
The volume warrant requirement was met for Hatfield Street but not for
Cooke Avenue. It was recommended by PVPC to perform another warrant
study at this intersection at a later date. Hanson will send everyone
on the TPC a copy of the warrant analysis from PVPC as soon as she
receives the information.
z Finn Street & State Street (continued) - A Turning Movement
Assessment (TMA), similar to the Elm Street and North Elm Street study,
will be performed by PVPC this week. The data from the study will be
used in a computer program (SYNCHRO) to help evaluate the impacts of a
potential four -way STOP at the intersection. Hanson will send
information to the TPC members once she receives it.
n Prospect /Woodlawn /Jackson - This intersection is a concern due to
the skewed entrances of Jackson Street and Woodlawn Avenue, the wide
travel lanes on Prospect Street, the amount of accidents, and the speed
of drivers on Prospect Street. Wilson stated that a study was performed
for this intersection by PVPC in 2002 and it met the warrants for a
traffic signal but he suggested a mini - roundabout or roundabout.
Hanson mentioned that a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) preliminary study
was received by the DPW on November 11, 2008. Hanson gave everyone a
paper copy of the SRTS Study at this meeting as a reading assignment for
the next TPC meeting December 18, 2008. The DPW is in the process of
writing a response to the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT)
concerning the SRTS preliminary study. This intersection is mentioned
in the preliminary study but the DPW will be requesting a larger
intersection study be performed for a potential roundabout in their
response letter. Hanson will forward everyone on the TPC a copy of the
DPW response letter before the next meeting."
6. (top of Page 3 -3rd sentence)
Correction, sentence should read:
"Cost for a set of two signs is $8,995.00. However, the company is
currently offering a promotional discount of $3,000.00 to the first
municipality in each County to install the signs, where a set of two
signs would cost $5,995.00."
Note: the numbers, 4,5 & 6 need to be in bold, too.
Thank you Mary, Please call with any questions, Laura
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
2