TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Transportation Review Committee Meeting was held on October 21, 2003, at 12:00 noon with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mr. Pitts, Mr. Ritter (departed at 1:15 p.m.), Mr. Asay, and Mr. Ornauer. Mr. Truitt was also present.
Agenda Additions/Deletions
Mr. Ornauer moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
Approval of Minutes - September 16, 2003
The City Clerk advised members that as a result of recent Council action that changed the Transportation Review Committee so that it now serves as a Standing Committee of City Council, minutes of the meeting would no longer be presented to the committee for their approval. As a Standing Committee, minutes must now be presented to City Council as a report since all items considered by the committee would require Council’s final approval. The committee minutes of September 16, 2003 still required the committee’s approval.
Mr. Ornauer moved for approval of the minutes of September 16, 2003, seconded by Mr. Ritter and unanimously carried.
Status of Saulsbury Road Feasibility/Planning Study (DelDOT Representatives: Jay Kelley and Robert McCleary)
Mr. Ruane welcomed representatives of the State of Delaware, Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Mr. Robert McCleary and Mr. Jay Kelley. He invited them in order to provide members with the status of the Saulsbury Road Feasibility/Planning Study. Mr. McCleary explained that DelDOT is currently in the process of finalizing the contract with the consultants and securing the necessary funding. Once the contract with the consultants has been finalized, representatives from Kramer and Associates would begin conducting a series of interviews with various members of the community (business and civic leaders, residents, etc.). These interviews will provide the Department with what the community feels the transportation problems are in the area. Mr. McCleary stated that the task would be to determine what the transportation problems were before they begin developing a solution.
Responding to Mr. Asay, Mr. McCleary explained that there were two (2) separate efforts underway: the development of Eden Hill Farm and the extension of Saulsbury Road. The development of this property would entail a rezoning of the property, which they are not involved in, and the separate effort of the extension of Saulsbury Road. Their involvement from this point forward would not deal with land use issues.
Mr. McCleary stated that DelDOT was considering the potential of extending Saulsbury Road through Eden Hill Farm and connecting it to some point on New Burton Road. Although there have been connecting points identified as potential locations, no decision has been made as to where this connection will occur. First, a determination of the problems is necessary, then the process of developing potential solutions can begin. These potential solutions will be developed from the interviews conducted by the consultants. He stated that DelDOT will develop computer simulation models of the proposed solutions and present them to the public at a workshop.
Mr. McCleary anticipated that the interviews would begin within the next couple of weeks and continue through the fall, providing for workshops to be scheduled in the spring. With these two (2) efforts, DelDOT should be able to ascertain what the concerns are, the potential benefits, and determine whether this project should be pursued. Mr. McCleary indicated that Secretary Hayward made it clear that this would be a “whether and where” project; first determining if it makes sense to move forward with some type of connection and if so, where such a connection should be located.
Mr. McCleary explained to members that a part of the process would include traffic counts which would extend well beyond the area. Mr. Asay suggested that Dover Street also be included in the traffic counts, noting that a substantial amount of traffic already utilizes the street and no type of extension of Saulsbury Road would alleviate the traffic.
Mr. McCleary felt that the traffic counts would be accomplished during the fall/winter, with a simulation model being ready for the spring workshop. The traffic counts would be a starting point for discussions. He assured members that the use of the Eden Hill property would be taken into consideration, realizing that it would have an impact on the outcome of the counts. An assumption would be necessary in this case, which would be made based on the conceptual plan.
Mr. Ornauer suggested that DelDOT contact the County and City recreation representatives as a part of the interview process due to the desire to connect Brecknock and Schutte Parks. He explained that the connection would present a dilemma with the railroad. If the extension of Saulsbury Road was accomplished as an overpass, which would provide for pedestrian and bicycles, it would overcome the dilemma for connecting the two (2) parks. This is another area that should be included in the interview process.
Mr. Ruane noted that traffic counts are typically accomplished on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Due to the close proximity of Spence’s Sale, which increases traffic in the area, he suggested that DelDOT consider conducting a traffic count on Friday. He also noted that the development plan for this site indicates that it be both pedestrian and public transit friendly. Mr. Ruane stated that in addition to the medical facilities and doctors offices already in the vicinity, the proposal for a mixed use for this development includes additional doctors’ offices. It was his hope that DelDOT would take this into consideration when developing their analysis and include, not only vehicle traffic, but the possibility of integrating public transit service.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. McCleary explained the manner in which improvements in the area would be approached by DelDOT. It would be necessary for assumptions to be made to provide for a multi-modal solution, to include transit, bikes, pedestrians, etc. He assured members that W. Reily Brown Elementary School would be taken into consideration, realizing that it truly serves as a neighborhood school with many of the students walking to and from neighborhoods in the area. This was just one of many concerns that would be balanced and factored into the equation to decide whether or not the project should come to fruition.
Mr. McCleary reminded members that DelDOT was just in the beginning stages and that the initial workshop scheduled to be held in the spring would have a certain amount of information, but all issues would not have been analyzed at that time.
Mr. Ornauer suggested that a presentation similar to that provided for the Puncheon Run Connector proposal, which included many definitive specifics given for each proposal, be given. Responding, Mr. McCleary indicated that there were certain specific details that would be provided for each proposal.
Mr. Ruane alluded to a previous meeting when Secretary Hayward eliminated the concept of Wyoming Avenue being considered as an option for this project. He questioned what definitive option list was now being considered. It was Mr. McCleary’s recollection that the tentative option list included Kesselring Avenue, Webbs Lane, and Wyoming Avenue. He indicated that there is also the option for the back side/south side of Rodney Village, which enters onto Route 13 at Charles Polk Boulevard. This option would require an extension across the farm field and, although it is thought by many to be the least disruptive, it could impact 14 residences.
Mr. Ruane questioned if a firm decision had been made that the roadway would be connecting onto New Burton Road. Mr. McCleary explained that no firm decision had been made whatsoever. The notion that the roadway could connect further down on Wyoming Mill Road would be another option. DelDOT must creatively determine where the roadway extension would make the most sense to connect, the potential impacts, benefits, costs, etc. and then decide the best way to move forward to have it accomplished.
Mr. Kelley explained that Kramer and Associates would first be meeting and coordinating with DelDOT to develop a list of interview questions. DelDOT has obtained a list of 12 individuals who are interested and wish to be directly involved with this project. Once the list of interview questions is developed, Kramer and Associates will interview those 12 people. They will then summarize and report the results and submit a proposal for proceeding to DelDOT.
Mr. Asay suggested that additional “through” traffic as a result of this project be considered. He explained that by making a more convenient means of traveling through the area, more “through” traffic could be attracted that would otherwise utilize other routes.
Residents of Crossgates in attendance, Ms. Ann Rider, Ms. Janice Sibbald, and Ms. Sandy Kinkus introduced themselves and expressed their concerns and interests in the proposed project.
Discussion - Traffic Impact Studies - Review of current Requirements and Suggested Modifications or Improvements (e.g. Wyoming Mill Road, North Street, and Hazlettville Road) - Appendix B - Zoning Code, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 8 - Performance Standards
Members were provided copies of Section 8 of Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations of the Zoning Code that explains the requirement of property owners to comply with the performance standards review procedure. Mr. Ruane also provided members with copies of Section 15 of the Traffic Impact Studies (TIS) for DelDOT and information from Mr. T. William Brockenbrough regarding possible amendments to the TIS.
Mr. Ornauer suggested that the same comprehensive TIS be required, as was done for the developments in the area of the SR1/RT8 Interchange, for the proposed developments in the area of Hazlettville and Wyoming Mill Roads, inclusive of any possible development further west. Mr. Laing, DelDOT, explained that the development located at the SR1/RT8 Interchange are all in a centralized area, which is easier to combine in a TIS than those developments more spread out because it can become difficult to decide when and where to stop including possible development.
Mr. Ruane explained that his purpose for having members consider this matter was to understand the City’s current policies and procedures for TIS, and then to understand the State’s. Also, how the two jurisdictions interface or integrate and, noting that the State is currently reviewing their policies and procedures for TIS, suggested that the City may want to review their policies and procedures.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima explained the City’s current practice for requiring Traffic Studies. He assured members that when it is determined to be necessary, the Planning Commission has required such studies. He noted that the recommendations of Section 15 of the State TIS includes reducing the proposed density of the development or construction off-site improvements. Less density is not typically elected, rather the developers have always offered off-site improvements. Mr. DePrima also cautioned members that developers have abandoned potential projects because they could not afford the costs. Based on the traffic analysis, DelDOT could require substantial improvements to be made to the roadway that are costly, thus, the project is not pursued by the developer.
Mr. DePrima advised members of the traffic congestion performance standards. If an intersection drops in standards resulting from a TIS, the Planning Commission can deny a project. What typically happens is a developer will make off-site improvements to prevent any decrease in the standards. He further explained that a decrease in the standards is not always an indication of traffic congestion; it could simply indicate that there is more traffic but not necessarily congestion. Mr. DePrima stated that during the site approval process, the Planning Commission will typically utilize DelDOT for TIS.
Mr. DePrima also explained the concern of utilizing units as a trigger for the requirement of a TIS and that the City’s Zoning Code allows for the requirement to be based simply on the knowledge of the Director of Planning and Inspections. He advised members that many developers would reduce the number of units in order to avoid the requirement of a TIS and improvements.
Mr. Ruane noted that the revisions being considered by DelDOT are to develop standards based on local traffic rather than national traffic. With an understanding of the City’s ordinance and policies, he suggested that members review the State’s policy and proposed revisions for discussion at the next meeting of the committee. In the meantime, he will contact Mr. Brockenbrough for the status of the revisions to the State’s policy.
Mr. DePrima advised members that any amendment to the City Zoning Code would require the Planning Commission’s review and recommendation. Mr. Ruane explained that his intention was to allow members of the committee the opportunity to learn more about the procedures and then, perhaps, develop suggestions to be forwarded to staff and the Planning Commission for their review.
MPO/PAC/TAC Report
Mr. Ornauer advised members that bids have been requested for the Walker Road and Scarborough Road Access (Crawford Carroll Avenue). A request has been submitted by MPO to DelDOT, for additional information regarding the Signage on U.S. Route 13 to allow for a better understanding.
UPDATES
During the past several months, members have been kept abreast of certain issues relative to transportation, as follows:
Eden Hill Farm
Members were provided with a letter dated October 17, 2003 to Mr. Reeb, Office of Planning for DelDOT, regarding the Eden Hill Farm Project. Mr. DePrima stated that the City would be considering the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan Update for the development of the Eden Hill Farm. He noted that the Plan calls for the creation of a new Traditional Neighborhood Design Zone to be incorporated in the City’s Ordinances.
Traffic Studies - SR1/RT8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects
Mr. Laing advised members that a workshop regarding the SR1/RT8 traffic study is scheduled to be held on November 12, 2003; the location was not yet known. Information has already been provided regarding the impact of the interchange. At the workshop, results of the traffic impact study of the East Dover housing development project will be made available.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima explained that the Planning Commission’s approval of the new developments could be contingent upon a satisfactory entrance approval from DelDOT. The developer will not be permitted to record the plan unless a letter is received from DelDOT indicating that all requirements have been met. In addition, the City will not issue building permits until a notice to proceed letter is issued.
In response to Mr. Ornauer, Mr. Koenig stated that the follow-up and assurance that all criteria has been met is now an administrative function.
TEA-21 Re-authorization and Intermodal Bus Terminal
Mr. Ruane requested that members defer discussion on the TEA-21 re-authorization and intermodal bus terminal until the next committee meeting.
North Street and State Street Intersection Study
Due to staff’s time available to conduct a study of the North and State Street Intersection, Mr. DePrima suggested that members recommend the installation of signs restricting left-hand turns during peak periods. He explained that, depending on the number of complaints received, the restrictions may or may not remain.
Noting that the City has not contacted merchants to obtain their feelings, Mr. Laing indicated DelDOT’s reluctance to install signs that could cause confusion to motorists, since the signs may be taken down. He explained that when this type of action takes place, motorists are not sure if the signs have been vandalized and are missing or if the restriction has truly been removed.
After much discussion, Mr. Laing stated that he would determine if DelDOT was willing to assume the responsibility for conducting the study and report back to members.
Water Street Drainage and Resurfacing Between New/Queen Streets and Governors Avenue
Members were advised of a drainage problem on Water Street and what, if anything, could be done to alleviate this problem when the resurfacing of the street between New/Queen Streets and Governors Avenue was being accomplished.
Mr. Koenig explained that the absolute solution would be the installation of a huge drainage pipe. An analysis has determined that this would be a multi-million dollar project, which the City is not willing to fund. Staff is considering an Enhancement Grant that would provide for underground water flow to be built. An alternative would be to install a storm water pumping station.
Status of Road Projects
Mr. Koenig reported the following status of road projects:
1) Clarence Street - the City has received authorization to start this project;
2) Division Street - will begin project following the completion of Loockerman Street;
3) East Loockerman Street - project is being completed under DelDOT’s Pavement Maintenance Contract, not as an enhancement project. The status of the City’s application for the enhancement project is undetermined at this time. Mr. Laing advised members that the City has prohibited the continuation of night work due to the receipt of resident complaints. His concern is that, due to this being a heavily traveled roadway during the daytime hours, more complaints will be made to the City due to this change. (City Clerk’s Office Note: In an e-mail received October 22, 2003, Mr. Laing indicated that the Interim City Planner has worked out an accommodation to allow DelDOT to continue the night work on Loockerman Street. The working hours have been moved, allowing more work to be done before people retire in the evening. DelDOT will also attempt to work in the residential section in the earlier hours. There was also a note that the brick sidewalks are scheduled to be replaced as part of this project);
4) Webbs Lane - DelDOT has completed paving and handicap accessibility improvements from New Burton Road to Governors Avenue. This work is not part of the Webb’s Lane Sidewalk Project. It was noted that there is a substantial amount of debris that remains to be cleaned up; and
5) Paving of College Road from Saulsbury Road to Kenton Road - Mr. Koenig has submitted a request to DelDOT for this work and will report back on the status at the next meeting. The City and MPO have requested major upgrades to this corridor and these upgrades are being submitted to DelDOT for their CTP.
Meeting Schedule
It was the consensus of members to schedule the Transportation Review Committee meetings on Tuesday following the Second Monday of each month at 12:00 noon (i.e. November 11, 2003, December 9, 2003, January 13, 2004, etc.).
It was noted that November 11, 2003 is the Veteran’s Day Holiday; therefore, it was agreed that the meeting for November would be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 12:00 noon.
Mr. Ornauer moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:56 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
EBR/jg
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