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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTRA BOARD MINUTES JUNE 12_2012 TRAFFIC REVIEW ADISORY BOARD MINUTES JUNE 12, 2012 4:00 P.M. PRESENT: Daniel Becker, Jef Hall, James Kaprelian, Stan Kline, Timothy Schuster and Donald Seybold ABSENT: Gary Ross STAFF: Christopher Strong, Transportation Director CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Kaprelian called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Kline moved to accept the May 8, 2012 minutes. Mr. Schuster moved to accept the motion. Motion carried (6-0). NEW BUSINESS 1. A REQUEST TO RELOCATE THE INTERSECTION OF KOELLER STREET AND 7TH AVENUE TO THE WEST, IN ORDER TO ALLOW ALL TURNING MOVEMENTS. (CURRENT CONDITION: LEFT TURNS FROM 7TH AVENUE TO SOUTHBOUND KOELLER STREET ARE PROHIBITED.) Mr. Rich Meyer, 1755 W. 7th Avenue (A E Jewelers), noted that an earlier analysis by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation indicated that left turns could be permitted at the current intersection location. He suggested shortening the median strip would be an easier solution than relocating the intersection. Mr. Strong said the State’s perspective at the time was that the decision to open the median was the City’s call. The City’s concern with doing this was that it would provide new access where it did not previously exist, and it would occur in relatively close proximity to the roundabout. Mr. David Dahlke, 626 Lilac Street, saw no reason for this request to be considered at this time, since the CVS development has not been approved. This change would put extra traffic on 7th Avenue. He doesn’t want the extra traffic in his neighborhood; he wants to salvage and save his neighborhood. Mr. Jim Collier, Velmeir Company, developer for this project, discussed the request to close 7th Avenue, and noted the proposed plastic bollards are put up for the purpose of deferring traffic. Mr. Kline felt regardless of the development or not, this request makes sense. The current intersection spacing is less than 90 feet and the change would then comply with the TRA MINUTES 2 JUNE 12, 2012 municipal code spacing of at least 120 feet. Presently, this is an awkward intersection and this would make it work more functional. Mr. Becker felt just because it is now illegal to turn left at this intersection, this doesn’t justify making it legal. He questioned if Red Robin had been notified of this proposal. Darryn Burich, Director of Planning Services, said the City had received copies of correspondence between Red Robin and their corporate office approving of the concept. Mr. Hall questioned if the intersection would allow for two westbound lanes on W. 7th Avenue, one for turning left and the other for turning right onto Koeller Street. Mr. Strong replied the traffic counts showed the need for only one westbound lane and one eastbound lane. Mr. Seybold felt this was a good move, regardless if CVS goes in or not. Mr. Hall said he assumed if this is approved and CVS doesn’t go in, this would not take place. Mr. Strong replied that was correct because we haven’t been interested in doing this for other reasons; so if the developer pulls out there would be no one to pay for it. Mr. Kline moved to accept the request. Mr. Kaprelian seconded the motion. Motion carried (4-2 Becker, Schuster). 2. A REQUEST TO CLOSE 7TH AVENUE BETWEEN A PROPOSED PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT DRIVEWAY, EAST OF KOELLER STREET, AND LILAC STREET. Mr. Bruce Gutsmiedl, 527 Lilac Street, said he was confused. He thought the Board was making decisions on something that hasn’t been approved yet. He noted that the residents do not have many ways to get in or out of the area. He said it is hard to exit from Westfield Street onto W. 9th Avenue because motorists speed up when coming out of the roundabout. He and all his neighbors are opposed to this request. Mr. Rich Meyer, 1755 W. 7th Avenue, was opposed to this request. His business has been there since 1999 and based on his observations over the last 13 years, the neighborhood is better served with left turns at this intersection. Ms. Ann Froehlke, 625 Lilac Street, was opposed to this request. She felt that the bollards are not a desirable view. If they are ineffective, this would open up to other safety concerns. She feels if CVS wants to be located on 9th Avenue, they need to have both their driveways on 9th Avenue. Mr. Cliff Schwebke, 605 Lilac Street, said the closure of the street would cause residents to travel an additional two-tenths of a mile to get in and out of their neighborhood. He felt the current intersection at 7th Avenue and Koeller Street was much safer to use than going through the roundabouts. He was opposed to this request and would like to see vehicles being allowed to turn either direction at this intersection. He said CVS should be convinced to build elsewhere in the City where there are vacancies. TRA MINUTES 3 JUNE 12, 2012 Ms. Pam Kunde, 1725 W. 5th Avenue, was opposed to this request. She felt the bollards would be a temporary solution and would compromise their quiet and well-established neighborhood. She indicated that the street widths of 5th Avenue, 7th Avenue and Lilac Street were narrower than the average street in Oshkosh. Mr. David Dahlke, 626 Lilac Street, questioned if there was any reason why CVS could not have two driveways on 9th Avenue and a berm on 7th Avenue. Mr. Strong noted the decisions about driveways are done through the Plan Commission. Mr. Dahlke is totally opposed to this request. He feels that everything is about CVS and there is no concern about their neighborhood. He said their property values are being compromised. Mr. Jim Collier, Velmeir Company, said they had a couple different options and this was the one they decided on. Mr. Dennis Schwab, 601 Oregon Street, pointed out that half of this section of 7th Avenue fronts commercial property and the other half is residential. This street serves both sides. Mr. Seybold could not understand why they picked this location because it is causing so many problems. Mr. Hall questioned if waivers are granted when there isn’t 120’ between driveways. Mr. Strong answered that waivers can be granted depending on the circumstances. Mr. Hall said having both driveways on 9th Avenue would be great but it looks like it would be impossible by our own standards. Mr. Kline felt if 7th Avenue was closed off it would inconvenience the local residents much more than benefiting anyone. Mr. Hall proposed to amend the request to read “MAKE 7TH AVENUE ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT”. Motion lost for lack of a second. Mr. Becker felt if one person sees someone drive through the bollards, others will follow. We can’t reward bad behavior. Mr. Hall noted the original plan was to close 7th Avenue and put a 6’ berm across 7th Avenue. However, the police and fire departments objected. At least with bollards, their vehicles can go through but could result in damage to their vehicles. Mr. Kline moved to accept the request. Mr. Kaprelian seconded the motion. Motion lost (1 Hall – 5). AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING TRA MINUTES 4 JUNE 12, 2012 • None There being no more items to come before the Traffic Review Advisory Board and upon being duly moved and seconded (Kline, Schuster), the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.