Committee Report - T&P - 3-3-16 — File 200897

Traffic and Parking Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 3/9/2016 March 3, 2016 REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Robert J. McWatters Chair Present Matthew McLaughlin Vice Chair Present Tony Lafuente Ward Four Alderman Present Others present: Alderman Mary Jo Rossetti, Alderman Katjana Ballantyne, Alderman Dennis Sullivan, Lt. James Polito - SPD, Suzanne Rinfret - T&P, Terry Smith - T&P, Richard Melillo, Stan Koty - DPW, Tim Snyder - Mayor’s Office, Charles Sillari - Clerk of Committees The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Alderman McWatters and adjourned at 6:45 PM. Document List: none Approval of the September 9, 2015 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 200639: That the Director of Traffic and Parking initiate the installation of a raised crosswalk at Powderhouse Blvd. and Dow Street, in front of the West Somerville Neighborhood School. Chairman McWatters discussed a situation on Powderhouse Blvd. regarding traffic calming measures in the area of the West Somerville Neighborhood School and said that the crosswalks would be replaced and speed data will be calculated. Ms. Rinfret gave a synopsis of Article 14 of the city's traffic regulations, which was updated about a year ago to make the process of dealing with residents' concerns easier. Mr. Koty stated that raised sidewalks cost between $75,000 and $150,000, (due to the amount of work involved), and are usually funded through Chapter 90. The raised sidewalk on Shore Drive had a price tag of $125,000.

Traffic and Parking Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 3/9/2016 Lt. Polito spoke about speed readings taken at the school during the times when crossing guards were present and Mr. Smith reported that the average speed for. The period from February 22nd through February 25th was 28 mph east bound and 22 mph west bound, noting that drivers are speeding during the beginning and ending times of the school day. He believes that the existing flashing lights are not visible to drivers and suggested that new signs, showing the speed of an approaching vehicle, along with a month-long period of intense traffic enforcement will help to correct the problem. Lt. Polite said that officers will be assigned to the area for traffic enforcement. Alderman Rossetti feels that a one month period is not long enough. Chairman McWatters noted that Somerville has 50,000 registered vehicles and that the area is used as a cut through to Cambridge and Boston, adding that he would like the speed limit in the area reduced. He spoke about "safety zones" near elderly housing, hospitals, etc., and said that the Law Department could draft the appropriate legislation for them. Mr. Snyder will notify the Legislative Matters Committee Chair, Alderman Rossetti, when the Law Department is ready to discuss the matter of "safety zones". Alderman Lafuente pointed out that the raised crosswalk on School Street has been successful in slowing traffic there. Ms. Rinfret told members that a flashing beacon would help the problem temporarily. Alderman Ballantyne stated that a problem exists, making it difficult to cross at the crosswalk, and gave examples of the unsafe conditions. She discussed the school bus schedule and asked for details regarding the flashing beacon option as well as a proposed plan. Residents expressed concerns about solar glare on Powderhouse Blvd., traffic backing up and the possibility of expanding the NO PARKING zone. Chairman McWatters would like to hear from the Administration regarding the proposed work to be done on Powderhouse Blvd. Alderman Ballantyne mentioned a paving and sewer upgrade schedule. Mr. Snyder said that the Administration would like to move forward with flashing signs. Ms. Rinfret states that the Traffic and Parking Department would purchase a sign board and conduct speed studies. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200740: David and Leah Ekbladh submitting comments re: #200639, a raised crosswalk at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Traffic and Parking Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 3/9/2016 200741: Dan Rosan submitting comments re: #200639, a raised crosswalk at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200742: Mark Jewell submitting comments re: #200639, a raised crosswalk at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200743: Laura Beretsky submitting comments re: #200639, a raised crosswalk at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200744: Coleen Cunningham submitting comments re: #200639, a raised crosswalk at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200762: Leiran Biton submitting comments re: #200639, a raised crosswalk at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED