HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-5-15Town and County of Nantucket
ROADS AND RIGHT OF WAY COMMITTEE
d
Meeting of 15 May 2018
Conference Room of 2 Fairgrounds Road_.
N
FINAL AND APPROVED MINUTES `"
s
1. Call to Order, Approval of the Agenda, Approval of Minutes, and Public Comments.
A. Chair Allen Reinhard called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm. In attendance were Rick
Atherton, Nelson (Snookie) Eldridge, Leslie Forbes, Allen Reinhard, Bert Ryder (arrived 4:54
pm), and Lee Saperstein; there was a quorum at all times.
Absent: Nat Lowell, John Stackpole, and Stephen Welch.
Guest: Mike Burns, Transportation Planner
B. Public Comment. Mike Burns reminded the committee members of forthcoming open
planning sessions: Thursday, May 17, 2018, at 6:00 pm, in the High School Cafeteria, to provide
the public an opportunity to give input on the three planned roundabout intersections; and
Monday, May 21, at 6:00 pm, in the Community Room of the Public Safety Facility, 4
Fairgrounds Road, for a public hearing before the Nantucket Planning and Economic
Development Commission on the Transportation Improvement Plan, TIP.
C. Minutes. Snookie Eldridge moved, and Rick Atherton seconded, approval of the minutes
from April 17, 2018. They were approved unanimously.
2. Update Road Takings List.
Allen Reinhard introduced the topic of the Potential Road Takings List by explaining that our
committee had a long history of recommending private roads that should be taken by the Town.
The List is now called "Potential" in recognition of our advisory role to the Select Board. Of
late, particularly with major infrastructure projects underway, the Department of Public Works,
DPW, has assumed a leadership role in advising the Board on roads to be taken. He then asked
the committee members what we wished to do with the list: "Should we continue to maintain it?"
Lee Saperstein projected a copy of the latest list onto the screen in the meeting room; it is
attached to these minutes ("Potential Road Takings List, Amended November 2016"). Mike
Burns, in response to a question from Lee Saperstein, said that Amelia Drive will be taken by the
Town as soon as a formal design plan can be made.
Rick Atherton spoke of the additional operating costs that will be borne by the Town for roads
newly taken. Lee Saperstein pointed out the headings on the tops of the columns in the
spreadsheet, which are the criteria we established for a road taking. Leslie Forbes said that, as
traffic increases, the Town has a responsibility to improve the road network; consequentially, she
is in favor of any taking that will improve traffic, particularly along the Old South Road corridor.
The fact that Amelia Drive is now a private way means that the Town may not control parking
along it. Frequently, parked cars reduce the roadway width to a single lane. Mike Burns spoke
on various options that have been discussed for parking along Amelia Drive.
Rick Atherton spoke again about Amelia Drive's fit with our advisory role. Lee Saperstein
responded that Amelia Drive and Ticcoma Way will be part of the larger affordable housing
project called Ticcoma Green and is, thus, very relevant. He suggested that the spreadsheet be
included in our annual report and presented in person to the Select Board in June. In light of our
next agenda topic, Friendship Way, he said that it was the highest in priority on the list. Rick
Atherton then asked if the balance of Somerset Road, which is at the bottom of the list with no
recommendation, should be moved alongside Friendship. These questions will be part of an
agenda item at the June meeting.
Rick Atherton also asked about the ownership status of Ann's Lane (`Sconset) and James Street
(Brant Point). Lee Saperstein reminded the group that there is a map, the "Nantucket Road
Ownership Worksheet," on the Town website that might answer these questions. In fact, a post -
meeting review of the worksheet found that Ann's Lane is shown as private and James Street as
public.
Allen Reinhard then commented that he has a general concern about the status of this worksheet.
Given the number of new developments that have been created in the last decade, there is any
number of new and newly named streets not on the worksheet. He does not know to whom to
turn for an accurate listing of streets and their ownership status. It was suggested that Andrew
Vorce, Director of Planning, should be asked if it is possible to create a definitive list of streets
and their ownership status. A process of renewal would also be welcome. Leslie Forbes
reminded the committee members that a recent issue was Franklin Street and its status. Another
committee member remembered that a dedicated staff person had done a substantial review in
the Registry of Deeds in 1975 but could not remember the person's name. This work may have
been updated but that is uncertain.
Rick Atherton and several other committee members suggested that all new private roads be built
to state standards so the they could be donated to the Town at any time. Mike Burns replied that
the Town would accept a deed of transfer if the road is at state standard but they do not insist on
this standard. Normally, they will approve the design, during the planning phase, of a private
road if it is, at a minimum, 20 to 22 feet wide. If a private road is built to State standards, it may
be deeded to the Town. Mike Burns reported also that the DPW may have let a contract to study
the road network database but he has no details of it. It was suggested that these two related
items, the Potential Road Takings List and the Ownership Worksheet should be on next month's
agenda and that Andrew Vorce, PLUS, and Rob McNeil, DPW, should be invited to the meeting.
2
As this item came to a close, there were several quick questions. The first was the status of
Ticcoma Way: public or private. As a post -meeting comment, the ownership worksheet lists it
as private. Several people, including Mike Burns, thought that it might be public from
Fairgrounds Road, up to either Amelia Drive or, even, Young's Way. There was a discussion on
Eel Point/Warrens Landing Roads and whether they belonged on the spreadsheet. Leslie Forbes
recounted the history of Warren's Landing Road through fishers' Landing. It was built to state
standards with the understanding that the Town would accept it, which they have not. She also
asked if Mill Brook Road should have a higher use factor, it is listed as "medium". Mike Burns
responded that, compared to other Island roads, its use was "low."
[Actions. All committee members should review the Potential Road Takings spreadsheet. Allen
Reinhard will put road takings on the June agenda and will also suggest amendments to the
spreadsheet. He will investigate updates to the road ownership list and will invite Andrew Vorce
and Rob McNeil to the June meeting.]
3. Marsh Hawk Lane and Somerset Road, Latest Developments.
Allen Reinhard reported that the people who live along these roads, including those who came to
our December 2017, meeting, have been contacting Town officials aggressively. The Town
Manager has written back to them to list the limited steps that the Town may take with private
roads. There is not much more to report on this item.
4. Discussion and Review of Outstanding Projects List: Goals, Priorities, Process.
Allen Reinhard indicated that this agenda item was meant to be a status report. He felt that, if we
keep watch on these projects, they would be acted upon when needed. Also, again as needed, we
would add new projects to the list.
The project for bringing the monument installations, and their descriptive file, up to date still
needed work. Lee Saperstein suggested that the two of them simply pick a day and go out to
record the new ones.
The Town and the DPW have been busy with new sidewalk construction. Projects on Easy
Street, Straight Wharf, Broad Street, and Beach Street have all been constructed. The selection
of projects has been organized to work on routes to and from the ferries. Mike Burns reported
that the balance of Broad Street by the wharf will be worked on in the fall. Additionally, so will
Easy Street at its intersection with Main Street in front of the Pacific Club. Allen Reinhard
suggested that our sidewalk -survey project may have helped to persuade the Town to embark on
sidewalk renewals.
With respect to Chapter 91, Lee Saperstein and Leslie Forbes agreed that they still needed to
meet with Jeff Carlson about Nantucket's ability to manage its own Chapter 91 program.
5. Pleasant Street Sidewalk Improvements, Update.
3
Financing for work on sidewalks along Sparks Avenue and Pleasant Street has been approved at
this year's Annual Town Meeting. Work may begin in the new fiscal year, i.e. July 1, 2018.
The Pleasant Street project is complicated by the desire of National Grid to emplace a redundant
power line from the Candle Street sub -station to the Polpis Road and, thence, even to `Sconset:
the L8 Project. It is needed to increase reliability of power supply to the Shimmo/Polpis area
and, thus, reduce the incidence of outages on the Island. The projected location for the new line
includes the stretch along Pleasant Street without sidewalks. Mike Burns said that coordination
on this project is important to minimize disturbances along Nantucket's roads. It has the
potential to delay sidewalk planning until National Grid completes its planning for the new line.
Allen Reinhard commented that, even though this may involve a delay, it shows how much
improvement there has been with coordination among the Town departments: DPW, sewer, and
Water Company.
Mike Burns reported that they are still seeking input on how to arrange a sidewalk at 57 through
69 Pleasant Street where trees are growing alongside the road.
6. Parking on Sidewalks, Discussion.
Leslie Forbes has taken a lead on the issue of parking on sidewalks. She has met with Chief
Pittman to ask about enforcement issues. He noted that, in Massachusetts, it is illegal to park on
the sidewalk but there is no will to enforce this law. Even though we all have anecdotal evidence
of people being forced to walk in the street when cars are parked on a sidewalk, he said there
have been very few vehicle -pedestrian accidents. She then mentioned the 2003 study of
sidewalk parking, which had provided to her by Mike Burns (copy attached).
Allen Reinhard asked the Committee if we should mark roads (as suggested in 2003) with "no
parking on sidewalks"? Rick Atherton said that we should not; we should "leave the issue
alone." Lee Saperstein asked Mike Burns if other committees with which he meets have
discussed this and he said yes: both Traffic Safety and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee. Lee Saperstein felt that our input should be shared with these committees, either by
meeting together or by sending them a copy of these minutes.
[Action: Committee members will review the memorandum in anticipation of reaching a
conclusion at the June meeting.]
7. Potential Change of Meeting Time.
Allen Reinhard reminded the Committee that there had been a request from Stephen Welch to
change the meeting time to 3:00 or 3:30 pm. In general, comments were made in favor of
staying with the 4:00 pm starting time so no motion was made for the change.
4
8. Old, New or Other Business: Cemetery Access, Member Comments.
Allen Reinhard reminded the committee that, as long as construction continues with the new
hospital, he will be checking on access to the Historic Coloured Cemetery. He is pleased to
report that it remains good. Incidentally, he checked on Founders' Burial Ground and its access
is also good.
9. Adjourn,
Adjournment came at 5:42 pm with a motion from Snookie Eldridge and a second from Bert
Ryder.
Next meeting: 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
Roads and Right of Way Outstanding Projects List:
Public Way Monument Project (Lee & Allen & Snookie)
• Install remaining monuments at Sconset Footpath, Hulbert Ave.
• Update file of existing monuments.
• Move monuments at Westchester Street Extension and Crooked Lane.
Sidewalk Projects (Allen & Stephen)
• Prospect Street (bike path to Upper Vestal St.) and on to Madaket bike path.
• Cliff Road from Coffin Park to bike path at Sherburne Turnpike.
• Pleasant Street from Gardner Perry Lane to Williams Street.
• Follow implementation of downtown sidewalk improvements.
• Bike/Pedestrian connection from Surfside to Hummock Pond to Madaket paths.
Harbor Walk Project (Rick)
• Identify route and identify sections needing constructed walkway.
• Concept drawings of construction required.
• List permits and approvals needed and process to obtain them.
• Funding.
Spruce Street (East Creek Rd.) Viewing Platform (Rick)
• Choose site.
• Review requirements of CPA grant.
• Develop concept and plan.
• Permits and approvals.
• Bids.
Chapter 91 Monitor Project (Leslie & Lee)
5
• Define goals for project.
• Make local license information available on line.
• Chapter 91 licenses along route for the Harbor Walk.
• Locate other locations on Nantucket and Madaket Harbors requiring licenses.
Nantucket Greenway and Trail System Project (Allen, Lee, Burt)
• Nantucket Central Rail Road trail.
Map existing island trail and footpath systems and identify missing links.
How should maps and information be shared?
Lee W. Saperstein,
n
Date
f
POTENTIAL ROAD TAKINGS UST, November 2015w/K. Buzanoski and Andrew Vorce Recommendations; Amended November 2016
7
Traversable
Access to
Road Status,
Public Use Road links Public
by
Public
Trak
Public(pub)or
of this
Two Public
Safety
Emergency
Abutters' Property
Circulation
Other Benefits to the General
order Road
Private (pvt)
Road
Roads
Concerns
Vehicles
Requests Including
Patterns
Public; Comments
Friendship Lane,
from Bartlett Road
Drainage and maintenance
1toJoy Street
pvt
Yes
Yes
Moderate
Difficult
Yes,%age No
Light
problems
I aking private portion and
rebuilding will provide public
access around Quaker Burial
Ground to beach bike paths.
Private portion of Winn St. is
Z Winn Street
pvt/pub
Yes
Yes
Moderate
Difficult
Yes No
Moderate
narrow and this may affect ability
Amelia is private ana i iccoma I:o
Fairgrounds) is public. Expanding
commercial developments and
narrow roadways limit two-way
traffic and suggest that the taking
of Amelia and improvements to
Amelia Drive and
both are appropriate. Impending
3 Ticcoma Way
pvt/pub
Yes
Yes
Moderate
Moderate
Yes No
Heavy
traffic studies will affect future
Backus Way is a private road but is
part of the road and pedestrian
4Backus Way
pvt
Yes
Yes
Substantial
Difficult
No Yes
Heavy
linkstothe public schools campus.
5 Millbrook Road
pvt
Yes
Yes
Slight
Moderate
Yes
Moderate
Smooth
Alternate access to Bartlett Farm
6 Hummocks Way
pvt
Yes
Yes
Slight
Moderate
Connection
Light
and beaches
Cato lane; if
Alternate access to Mid -Island f
7 connected
pvt
Yes
Yes
Moderate
Easy
No Connection
Heavy
connected
Eel Point Road
from No. ? To
Warren's Landing
8 Road
pvt
Yes
Yes
Slight
Difficult
Yes
Light
Eel Point and Warren's Landing
Warren's Landing
Light to
Access to Warren's Landi ng anc Eel
9 Road
pvt
Yes
Yes
Slight
Moderate
Yes, FLA Yes
moderate
Point; Fisher's Landing Assn Letter
Sheep Pond Road is an isolatec
public way. Taking of Red Bam
connects it to the public road
network and would provide amess
to significant open acres space and
beach resources at West Moors
10 Red Barn Road
pvt
Yes
Yes
Slight
Difficult
No Yes
Light
and Head of Plains,
Boulevarde to Clifford is now a
' Boulevarde
pub
Yes
Yes
Moderate
Difficult
Yes, %age Yes
Heavy
public way; rebuilding is next
Airport Roads:
Boulevarde,
In addition to Boulevard, Clifford is
Clifford Street,
a public way; the others are in the
Lovers Lane,
process of being taken; design and
Okorwaw,
reconstruction, if needed, are
• Monohansett
pub
Yes
Yes
Moderate
Difficult
Yes, %age Yes
Heavy
next.
This public way is due to be re-
built to provide safe access to -he
' First Way
pub
Yes
Yes
Substantial
Moderate
Yes Yes
Heavy
public schools campus
No Rec Hooper Farm Road
Yes
Yes
Slight
Moderate
No No
Light
Abutters do not wish taking
Eel Point Road,
from end of public
No Rec road to Number?
pvt
Yes
Yes
Moderate
Difficult
Yes
Light
40th Pole and Eel Point
Somerset Road,
from Raceway
Drive to
No Rec Friendship Lane
pvt
Yes
Yes
Slight
Difficult
Yes, %age Yes
Light
Takings completed; work
underway to rebuild
7
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Sidewalk Parking Study Group
(selected members of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC))
DATE: June 11, 2003
SUBJECT: Recommendations for Restricting Vehicle Parking on Sidewalks
Members of the TSAC's Sidewalk Parking Study Group (James Ellis, Jack Gardner, and Mike
Burns) viewed and measured the following streets on June 10, 2003 for the purpose of developing
recommendations regarding the parking of vehicles on sidewalks: Cliff Road, North Liberty Street,
Milk Street, Pleasant Street, Fair Street, Orange Street, Union Street, York Street, Liberty Street,
India Street.
The study group utilized a benchmark street width of 19 -feet in developing the recommendations
below. This benchmark would allow a minimum 12 -feet of travel width for emergency vehicles
(minimum width under state law) and a minimum seven (7) -feet for parallel parking, meaning the
study group does not recommend vehicles to park on the sidewalks of streets that have a pavement
width of 19 -feet or greater.
Recommendations:
Cliff Road:
1. Sign the existing parking areas of Cliff Road from Chester Street to North Liberty Street "No
parking on sidewalk".
2. Add a "No parking" yellow line on the southwest side of Cliff Road between Folger Lane and Kite
Hill Lane.
North Liberty Street:
1. Sign the existing parking areas of North Liberty from 86 North Liberty to the intersection of Cliff
Road "No parking on sidewalk".
Milk Street:
1. Sign the existing parking areas of Milk Street from 28 Milk Street to Prospect Street intersection
"No parking on sidewalk".
Pleasant Street:
1. Sign the existing parking areas of Pleasant Street from Silver Street to Mill Street "No parking on
sidewalk".
Fair Street:
1. Sign the exiting parking areas of Fair Street from Darling Street to Rays Court "No parking on
sidewalk".
Orange Street:
1. Sign the existing parking areas of Orange Street from Main Street to Union Street "No parking on
sidewalk".
2. Add a "No parking" yellow line in front of 39 Orange Street (from Plumb Lane to the end of the
front steps of 39 Orange Street).
Union Street
1. Sign the existing parking areas of Union Street from 32 Union Street to Salem Street "No parking
on sidewalk".
York Street
1. This street was less than 19 -feet in width.
Liberty Street
1. This street was less than 19 -feet in width.
India Street
1. This street was less than 19 -feet in width.
9