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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-13 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Minutes 2:11:34 Councilors Attending: Peter D’Errico, Gerry Palmer, Frank Farrington, Geoffrey Gratwick, Harold Wheeler, Susan Hawes Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, Jim Ring, Ron Gastia, Sally Balancia, Parke Clemons, Joe McNeil, Dana Wardwell Others Attending: Members of the Public Committee convened at 5:00 p.m. Consent Agenda 1. Sewer Abatement Request: 16-18 Sanford Street, Account # 049080 With no discussion the abatement was moved by Councilor Farrington and seconded for passage. Regular Agenda 2. Pickering Square Parking Concerns Parke Clemons, General Manager of Republic Parking explained that Pickering Square was vandalism to the restrooms and had to be closed due to the activity. Those people then disappeared once that was done. The proposal was to hire a security guard to give a presence, this guard would work 15-20 hours on random hour/day shifts. Sally stated this was to keep the Committee informed, to take a proactive stance, and a request for a blessing. Joe McNeil with the BAT bus system stated there were filed complaints from citizens due to the crowds hanging out. Councilor Wheeler asked if the security person would be armed or have equipment for protection, Parke responded no. Ron Gastia stated the bike patrol would soon start up Tuesday-Saturday starting the end of May. It would not be cost effective to station an officer at that location due to lack of resources. He was supportive of security measures, stating it would be more a deterrent/asset for someone to be there consistently. Councilor Wheeler asked about the communication between the security person and the Bangor Police Department. Ron stated that would need to be worked out, and with regards to 1 arming that would need serious conversation due to obligations and duties associated with it. Councilor Palmer asked about security cameras to which Ron stated that would be ineffective and identification from them would be difficult, also someone would need to continually monitor them. Joe McNeil stated they would need to look at fencing for the BAT area customers. Mary Brockway a resident of the Freeze’s building addressed the Committee about the crowds that hang out, loud music during activities being very disruptive and they don’t feel safe. The BAT and BAT patrons were not, however, a problem. There was discussion about the congestion with crowds due to the BAT being located there and relocation of the BAT, also there was a discussion of potentially having a presence of a retail store. Councilor Gratwick requested a progress report. 3. Howard Street – Council Ordinance 08-152, Deleting Section 291-8A of the Code of Ordinances – Left Turns Prohibited – State Street and Howard Street Councilor Gratwick gave an overview of the history and actions taken. He stated more time spent on this than the 40 million dollar city budget. Jim Ring stated there was new information in the memo and outlined the history of the action taken by the Council since the process started as Ed provided handouts to the public. Jim stated there was an interest in revisiting the issue and work was suspended. Ron Gastia found no accidents reported during the no left turn trial period. BACTS provided more current counts on eight streets and found that Howard traffic was reduced, distribution to other streets hadn’t changed, and there was a reduction of traffic by approximately 1,000 on Howard Street. It was possible traffic counts were lower due to the completion of the interstate projects and the cost of fuel. Ron Gastia provided an outline of his review of accidents. Dana Wardwell provided costs associated with the traffic calming measures. Councilor directed the public to adhere to the “three minute” rule, only address the chair of the Committee, and invited members of the public to speak. Ken Doiron, 35 Bellevue Avenue doesn’t want the no left turn. Jack McGill has an office on Howard/State Street, doesn’t want left turn. Jody Jellison, 103 Howard Street, stated the no left is effective and continue the no left turn. John Frawley, former City Engineer was contacted by Jim Bulter to obtain his opinion. John stated Howard Street has been an arterial since 1964. Speed had been addressed with the calming measures, and suggested to look at the counts with a “grain of salt”, the construction may have boosted the Ames counts. He suggested to try not to place barriers on moving traffic, it would be overkill to place an island on State Street. Bill Riley, 118 Howard Street preferred the one- way and stated there should not be a pitting of street against street. Nancy Torreson, 27 Bellevue Avenue stated preference to stop left turns on Summit and Bellevue and expressed concern there was no data for these streets. Susan Kominsky, 24 Howard Street prefers to stay with the no left turn. Jim Butler, 125 Warren Street has purchased property on Howard/State Streets. He presented a petition with 417 signatures to repeal the ban. He asked what did 2 taxpayers do wrong to deserve limited access? He observed that Howard Street was the only street that was listed in every column with a count. Barry Goodell prefers the left turn and stated the neighborhood has benefited. Larry Wiley, 27 Howard Street suggested Bangor do a Citywide Comprehensive Study. He state Kenduskeag and Essex Streets had a severe problem, the roundabout, by G.E. was dangerous and going to kill someone. He also stated the City has been warned. He stated Otis Street should be parking prohibited, Wing to Summit Streets should have a turn lane and to repeal the prohibition. Paul Svendsen, 89 Howard stated the street width is too narrow, he figured there was 1,600 less cars, the speed bump is ineffective, and continue the prohibition. Diana Harper, 213 Birch Street stated there was a lack of information in part due to a stolen counter on Birch Street. She concurs with Larry Wiley. Jay McCloskey, 27 Bellevue Avenue urged that between 10-6 p.m. was a very dangerous turning left on Bellevue and Summit and invited the Committee to visit and observe. Neal Cummings, 159 Howard Street stated the high traffic and the narrow road conditions. Howard Street is a neighborhood Street now, not an arterial. Chris Vedus, 114 Center Street was against the ban because of traffic flow. Shawn Harper, 213 Birch Street stated it was a philosophical issue; the bigger issue is it’s bad to have a no left turn anywhere, don’t impede traffic flow. He suggested the Committee look at “MapQuest” for the quickest route from Brewer to the mall area suggested taking Howard Street. Councilor Gratwick suggested to Staff and Committee to think about the incomplete data which had been heard over and over again and the budget with no money at this time. Councilor Wheeler suggested gathering more numbers over a greater period of time, it would be discriminatory to repeal left turn until a Citywide comprehensive survey and analysis was done. Councilor Palmer stated there was merit to all comments and these are the true numbers, there was not a solution for everyone. He suggested there was a need for a division of the comprehensive plan to look at traffic calming measures. Councilor D’Errico thanked the public and was in support of the repeal and suggested looking into other options. Councilor Farrington addressed the issue of speed and was more reluctant to control the volume, recommended slowing of traffic to the Council. Councilor Hawes stated concern about the costs associated with additional studies and not moving forward. Ed Barrett stated as soon as the Council “gives” the money they can proceed. Councilor Hawes suggested forming a committee to get started. Councilor Hawes also stated to leave Howard Street as is and no left turn for Summit and Bellevue. Councilor Gratwick suggested to explore the larger picture and hold a workshop to include public dialogue. He supported doing away with the prohibition. Councilor Wheeler motioned to recommend deletion of Ordinance. Councilor Gratwick, Councilor D’Errico, Councilor Farrington, Councilor Wheeler voted yes. Opposed: Councilor Hawes and Councilor Palmer. Motion and seconded to adjourn meeting. 3