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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