Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.4 Motion to waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and adopt an ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, "TRAFFIC" IN THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT PROSPECT. This ordinance will limit parking on Henry Street between Owen Street and Louis Street.Mr�GauC �'d'+rt;�iect Subject Motion to waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and adopt an ORDINANCE AMENDING TE , "TRAFFIC" IN THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT PROSPECT. This ordinance will limit parking on Henry Street between Owen Street and Louis Street. Meeting September 7, 2021 - REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT VILLAGE BOARD - Fiscal Impact false Dollar Amount N/A. Budget Source N/A. Category CONSENT AGENDA Type Consent The Transportation Safety Commission transmits their recommendation to prohibit parking along the south side of Henry Street between Owen Street and Louis Street. Busse Park is a neighborhood park located north of Central Road and east of Main Street (IL Route 83). It has two tennis courts, two baseball/softball fields, and a playground that are run by the Mount Prospect Park District (the Park District). Most streets in the neighborhood are a standard width. Henry Street, however, is narrower than other streets near the park making it difficult to maintain two-way traffic when cars park on both sides of the street. Public Works Department Engineering Division staff (staff) received two separate complaints this spring from residents about parking on Henry Street. The Park District has a softball league both in the spring and fall utilizing both fields; each season lasting approximately two months. The spring season takes place in May and June. The fall season takes place in September and October. 1 Games are typically Saturday morning, Monday evening and Tuesday evening. However, if games are postponed, they can be rescheduled any other day of the week except Sunday. Practices are Wednesday evening and Thursday evening. The Park District has used Busse Park for softball for many years without issue but enrollment is higher this year compared to the past. Staff observed traffic around the park on six separate occasions in May during games and practices. Not only was congestion evident along Henry Street caused by parked cars but kids were observed walking between cars crossing the street along the block. To address the vehicle congestion and pedestrian safety issues, the Village Manager gave permission for Public Works to install NO PARKING ANY TIME signs on the south side of Henry Street on a temporary basis. The limits of no parking were from Owen Street to Louis Street. Parking on the north side of Henry Street and other nearby streets were still permitted at all times. This allowed two-way traffic to be maintained and was safer for pedestrians. In addition, the Park District notified parents and coaches of the temporary change to minimize any issues. Staff then observed traffic around the park on four separate occasions in June during games and practices after the NO PARKING ANY TIME signs were in place. Motorists adhered to the signs improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety along Henry Street. Residents affected by the parking changes were notified prior to installing the temporary NO PARKING ANY TIME signs and then again after removing the signs. Staff has received comments from two properties. Both are supportive of prohibiting parking on the south side of Henry Street on a permanent basis. The temporary NO PARKING ANY TIME signs improved traffic flow on Henry Street and prevented children from crossing the street between vehicles. Additional vehicles parked on William Street but it did not appear to create any issues. The Engineering Division considered partial parking restrictions based on times, days, and months; however, the variety of practice and game schedules make it difficult. The preferred solution to ensure traffic flow and pedestrian safety is to prohibit parking at all times. The Engineering Division also recommends a marked crosswalk on Henry Street at William Street to further enhance pedestrian safety. The issue was presented to the Transportation Safety Commission at their August 9, 2021 meeting. There was no one in the audience to speak on the issue. The Commission supported the parking prohibition and marked crosswalk to maintain 2 traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety. By a vote of 8-0, the Transportation Safety Commission recommends to approve the following for ordinance: 1. Prohibit parking at all times along the south side of Henry Street between Owen Street and Louis Street (Section 18.2006). Alternatives 1. Adopt an ordinance limiting parking on Henry Street between Owen Street and Louis Street. 2. Action at the discretion of the Village Board. Staff concurs with the recommendation of the Transportation Safety Commission. The Transportation Safety Commission recommends the Village Board enact an ordinance that prohibits parking at all times along the south side of Henry Street between Owen Street and Louis Street. ATTACHMENTS: vb recommendation map 2021.pdf TSC-august2021-minutes. pdf Ordinance CH 18 No Parking - Henry Street.pdf KI v I I U V) LU z ry Q IL LU LU V) ry z LU U LU n V) O ry n z O LL O LU Q J J MAYORVILLAGE MANAGER Paul Wm. Hoefert T M(xmtP,(Apect j Michael J. Cassady TRUSTEES Agostino S. Filippone Terri Gens John J. Matuszak Peggy Pissarreck Richard F. Rogers Colleen E. Saccotelli rni i Tr) nPr)PP Village N Mount Prospect Public• DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Sean Dorsey 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMISSION Phone: 847/870-5640 Fax: 847/253-9377 www.mountprospect.org The meeting of the Mount Prospect Transportation Safety Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 9, 2021. Rni i roi i Present upon roll call: Justin Kuehlthau Chairman Christopher Prosperi Vice Chairman Tina DeAragon Commissioner John Keane Commissioner Jeffrey Nejdl Commissioner Scott Moe Public Works Department Representative Nicholas Mavraganis Police Department Representative Todd Novak Fire Department Representative Matt Lawrie Traffic Engineer —Staff Liaison Absent: Carol Tortorello Commissioner Others in Attendance: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Keane, seconded by Commissioner Nejdl, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Transportation Safety Commission held on April 12, 2021. The minutes were approved by a vote of 7-0 with Commissioner Prosperi abstaining. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD There was no one in attendance that spoke on an issue not on the agenda. TSC Meeting Page 1 of 6 August 9, 2021 5 OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS A. Henry Street Parking Restriction 1) Background Busse Park is a neighborhood park located north of Central Road and east of Main Street (IL Route 83). It has two tennis courts, two baseball/softball fields, and a playground that are run by the Mount Prospect Park District. Most streets in the neighborhood are a standard width. Henry Street, however, is narrower than other streets near the park making it difficult to maintain two-way traffic when cars park on both sides of the street. Village Staff received two separate complaints this spring from residents about parking on Henry Street. The Park District has a softball league both in the spring and fall utilizing both fields, each season lasting approximately two months. The spring season takes place in May and June. The fall season takes place in September and October. Games are typically Saturday morning, Monday evening and Tuesday evening. However, if games are postponed, they can be rescheduled any other day of the week except Sunday. Practices are Wednesday evening and Thursday evening. The Park District has used Busse Park for softball for many years without issue but enrollment is higher this year compared to the past. The Engineering Division observed traffic around the park on six separate occasions in May during games and practices. Not only was congestion evident along Henry Street caused by parked cars but kids were observed walking between cars crossing the street along the block. To address the vehicle congestion and pedestrian safety issues, the Village Manager's Office gave permission to Public Works to install NO PARKING ANYTIME signs on the south side of Henry Street on a temporary basis. The limits of no parking were from Owen Street to Louis Street. Parking on the north side of Henry Street and other nearby streets were still permitted at all times. This allowed two-way traffic to be maintained and was safer for pedestrians. In addition, the Park District notified parents and coaches of the temporary change to minimize any issues. The Engineering Division then observed traffic around the park on four separate occasions in June during games and practices after the NO PARKING ANY TIME signs were in place. Motorists adhered to the signs and traffic flow improved along Henry Street. Village staff did not receive any complaints during this time. Additional parking was noted on nearby streets, particularly William Street. The temporary signs were removed once the softball season ended. 2) Analysis The Engineering Division analyzed the parking data to determine if permanent NO PARKING ANYTIME signs should be installed prior to the fall softball season. Prior to installing the temporary signs, the Engineering Division observed between 12 and 17 vehicles parked on the north side of Henry Street during games. There were between 4 and 12 vehicles parked on the south side of Henry Street and between 3 and 7 vehicles parked on William Street during games. There was an average of 27 vehicles parked on Henry Street and William Street during a game. There were only a few vehicles parked on Village streets during practices. TSC Meeting Page 2 of 6 August 9, 2021 6 After installing the temporary signs, the Engineering Division observed between 15 and 27 vehicles parked on the north side of Henry Street during games. There were 0 vehicles parked on the south side of Henry Street and between 11 and 17 vehicles parked on William Street during games. There was an average of 37 vehicles parked on Henry Street and William Street during a game. The Engineering Division visited the park on two separate occasions during scheduled practices but no one was there. Residents affected by the parking changes were notified prior to installing the temporary NO PARKING ANYTIME signs and then again after removing the signs. The Engineering Division received comments from two properties. Both are supportive of prohibiting parking on the south side of Henry Street on a permanent basis. The temporary NO PARKING ANY TIME signs improved traffic flow on Henry Street and prevented kids from crossing the street between vehicles. Additional vehicles parked on William Street but it did not appear to create any issues. The Engineering Division considered partial parking restrictions based on times, days, and months; however, the variety of practice and game schedules make it difficult. The preferred solution to ensure traffic flow and pedestrian safety is to prohibit parking at all times. 3) Recommendation • Prohibit parking on the south side of Henry Street between Owen Street and Louis Street at all times. • Install pedestrian crossing signs and a marked crosswalk on Henry Street at William Street. 4) Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided a brief presentation on the issue. He summarized the traffic study and communicated staff's parking restriction recommendation for Henry Street. Commissioner Keane asked for clarification of the proposed crosswalk location. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said it would be across the west leg of the Henry Street & William Street intersection. Commissioner Prosperi asked if staff considered other options such as widening Henry Street. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said widening the street could be considered when it comes time to resurface the street but that it would be an expensive endeavor at this time. He said staff considered time and day parking restrictions but there are too many variations with the softball schedule. There was discussion on whether the increase in softball enrollment would continue or return to lower numbers in the fall. There was consensus that even with lower numbers there is a safety concern with vehicles parked on the south side of Henry Street. Chairman Kuehlthau asked if traffic volume has increased on Henry Street with completion of the Mount Prospect Pointe development (Texas Roadhouse, Buona Beef, Tile Shop). Traffic Engineer Lawrie said there has not been a noticeable change as the driveway on Henry Street only permits right turns into the site and no egress onto Henry Street. Commissioner Prosperi made a motion to concur with staff's recommendation to prohibit parking on the south side of Henry Street between Owen Street and Louis Street, and to install a marked crosswalk on Henry Street at William Street. Commissioner Keane seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0. TSC Meeting Page 3 of 6 August 9, 2021 7 B. Traffic Regulations Around Maple Street Lofts 1) Background The Maple Street Lofts Development is located on the east side of Maple Street between Prospect Avenue and Lincoln Street. The development will be a combination of multi -story apartments, townhomes, commercial businesses and a commuter parking garage. The parking garage was completed in 2020 but remains closed because of surrounding construction and the current lack of demand for commuter parking. The apartments and commercial businesses are expected to begin occupancy soon, and the townhomes in 2022. The Engineering Division has reviewed parking, speed limit, and intersection control regulations along the three adjacent public streets. 2) Analysis Maple Street and Lincoln Street are both approximately 31' wide, and Prospect Avenue 40' wide (back -of -curb to back -of -curb). Maple Street and Lincoln Street currently have a 25 mph speed limit with a 2 -hour parking limit on both sides of the street, Monday — Friday. Prospect Avenue has a 30 mph speed limit with a 2 -hour parking limit on the south side of the street, Monday — Friday. The north side of Prospect Avenue is permit parking for commuters. Fifteen angled parking spaces have been constructed along the east side of Maple Street south of Prospect Avenue and eighteen angled parking spaces along the south side of Prospect Avenue east of Maple Street. These spaces will primarily be occupied by local shoppers and visitors to those living in the apartments. It is recommended these spaces have a 2 -hour parking limit, Monday — Friday in order to discourage commuter parking. These areas currently are part of a 2 -hour parking ordinance. Three parallel parking spaces have been constructed along the south side of Prospect Avenue immediately east of Maple Street. They will be designated short-term parking (pick-up) for the Caputo's grocery store and monitored/enforced by their staff. On -street parking may increase on Maple Street and Lincoln Street with construction of the townhomes. Given the width of the streets and volume of traffic, it may be difficult to maintain two- way traffic with vehicles parked on both sides of the street. It is recommended that the 2 -hour parking limits remain on both sides of the streets but the Engineering Division monitor on -street parking. Should on -street parking create traffic flow and safety issues, modified parking regulations will be considered such as prohibiting parking on one side of Maple Street and Lincoln Street. The angled parking spaces on Prospect Avenue will result in vehicles backing out into the travel lane on a consistent basis. In addition, the area will experience an increase in pedestrian activity. It is recommended that the speed limit on Prospect Avenue between Maple Street and School Street be lowered to 25 mph, consistent with the speed limit on Prospect Avenue west of Maple Street. Finally, the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Maple Street is currently controlled with a STOP sign on Maple Street only. There are marked crosswalks at the intersection primarily used by commuters during the morning and evening peak periods. The new development, with its various uses (residential, commercial, commuter parking) may increase pedestrian activity at the intersection. The Engineering Division will monitor the intersection and may consider in the future modifying the traffic control to an all -way STOP intersection. TSC Meeting Page 4 of 6 August 9, 2021 3) Recommendation • Post a 2 -hour parking limit for the angled parking spaces on Prospect Avenue and Maple Street, Monday — Friday. • Lower the speed limit on Prospect Avenue between Maple Street and School Street from 30 mph to 25 mph. • Monitor on -street parking on Maple Street and Lincoln Street, and consider prohibiting parking on one side of the streets, if necessary. • Monitor the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Maple Street, and consider changing the traffic control to an all -way STOP intersection, if necessary. 4) Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided a brief presentation on the issue. He summarized the traffic study and communicated staff's recommended traffic regulations around Maple Street Lofts. Commissioner Keane asked if the Village can enforce the STOP signs that have been installed within the development. Officer Mavraganis responded that the Police Department does not enforce STOP signs on private property unless there is an agreement with the property management company or association. Commissioner Keane asked if there are STOP signs on the private streets at their intersection with Village streets. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said yes. Officer Mavraganis said vehicles turning onto a Village street from a private street or driveway are required to yield the right-of-way to traffic. There was discussion on enforcing the time limits within the parking garage. Officer Mavraganis said it would be done in a similar way to other public parking lots monitored by the Police Department. Commissioner Nejdl asked how speed limits are determined by the Village. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded the Village performed a Village -wide study 10 years ago using a method developed by IDOT. Traffic data was gathered on streets throughout the Village and factors such as on -street parking, the number of driveways, and sidewalk were taken into account. A majority of neighborhood streets in the Village have a 25 mph speed limit. Commissioner Prosperi made a motion to concur with staff's traffic regulation recommendations around Maple Street Lofts. Commissioner Keane seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0. COMMISSION ISSUES Commissioner DeAragon noted recent vehicle accidents at the intersection of River Road and Euclid Avenue. She expressed concern for pedestrian safety with the recent addition of crosswalks at the intersection. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said he would review crash reports over a three year period to determine if there are any trends that are correctable through engineering. Superintendent Moe noted both roadways have recently been resurfaced that may lead to an increase in vehicle speeds. Officer Mavraganis said one recent accident involved a left turning vehicle struck by a through vehicle and suggested vehicles only be permitted to turn left on a green arrow. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded this would be an IDOT decision and that such a change would require traffic signal and roadway modifications. TSC Meeting Page 5 of 6 August 9, 2021 9 Chairman Kuehlthau asked the status of the bike route signage project discussed in April. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said staff recently decided to purchase the necessary materials, fabricate the signs in-house, and install the signs using Public Works forces rather than hire a contractor in order to save money. Sign design is nearly complete and fabrication will begin in the near future. Installation is anticipated to take place this fall and winter. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Transportation Safety Commission voted 8-0 to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Keane. Commissioner Prosperi seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Matthew P. Lawrie, P.E. Traffic Engineer h:\engineering\traffic\safety_commission\recs&mins\TSC-a ugust2021min.docx TSC Meeting Page 6 of 6 August 9, 2021 10 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18 ENTITLED "TRAFFIC" OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT PROSPECT BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS ACTING IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR HOME RULE POWERS: SECTION ONE: That Section 18.2006, "SCHEDULE VI —" NO PARKING ANY TIME" of Chapter 18 of the Village Code of Mount Prospect, as amended, is further amended by inserting the following: "Name of Street Side of Street Description Henry St. South Btw. Owen St. and Louis St." SECTION TWO: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication in the manner provided by law. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: PASSED and APPROVED this 7th day of September, 2021 Paul Wm. Hoefert, Mayor ATTEST: Karen M. Agoranos 11