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2009/09/14ELEVENTH MEETING Monday, September 14, 2009 6:15 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B 1) Approval of the August 10, 2009 Community Services Minutes. 2) REPORTS: a) PD-2009-70 Forest Glen Drive Parking Restrictions and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School/ Site Plan Agreement b) TS-2009-32 TransCab Transportation Pilot Project c) TS-2009-33 Queen Street at Ontario Avenue Intersection Control Review d) TS-2009-36 Harvard Avenue at Wilshire Boulevard Intersection Control Review 3) NEW BUSINESS: STAFF CONTACT: Alex Herlovitch Karl Dren Karl Dren Karl Dren Karl Dren 4) ADJOURNMENT: . _~. N><agara,FalIs MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE Tenth Meeting Monday, August 10, 2009, Committee Room 2, 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair; Mayor Ted Salci, Councillors: Jim Diodati, Shirley Fisher, Vince Kerrio, Bart Maves, Wayne Thomson Janice Wing and Victor Pietrangelo. STAFF: Ken Todd, Ed Dujlovic, Ken Burden, Todd Harrison, Geoff Holman, Alex Herlovitch, Dean lorfida, Ken Beaman, Jim Jessop, Denyse Morrissey, Karl Dren, and Marianne Tikky -Steno. GUEST: The following residents of 8111 Forest Glen Drive, .Doug & Marlyin Bradshaw, John Shurie, Peter Rahmler, John & Catherine Duffy, Kathleen Pural, Jim Priest, Krishna Murphy, Arnold & Vivian Lougheed, Nellie Martin, Rita Marsillo, Gladys Johnston, Hazdey Smith, Mary Petura. Guy Mauro-8383 Heikoop Cres., Roberto & Krystle Polillo-8312 Heikoop Cres., Harold Desroches -8773 Heikoop Cres. PRESS: Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review, Paul Forsyth, NiagaraThis Week 1. MINUTES MOVED by Councillor Maves, seconded by Councillor Kerrio that the minutes of the August 10, 2009 meeting be adopted as amended; Councillor Wing made the following amendments; F-2009-37 -Water Account Collections -Residential Tenanted Accounts that staff work with Niagara Peninsula Energy and prepare a report on the various alternatives for collecting delinquent tenant water accounts. MW-2009-50 -Review of City Buildings, In addition to the motion made by Councillor Thomson and Mayor Sacli; Councillor Wing added that constraints on Heritage designated buildings and non-profit groups receiving grants. PD-2009-39 -Proposed Northwest Urban Boundary Expansion Opposed -Councillor Wing Motion: Carried Unanimously Action: Recommendation submitted to Council August 10, 2009. -2- 2) REPORTS: a) PD-2009-57 Oswald House Fence 2922 St. Paul Avenue MOVED by Councillor Diodati and seconded by Councillor Kerrio that the Committee approve the removal of the stone fence from the City road allowance and offer the material to the owners of 2922 St. Paul Avenue. Opposed: Councillors Wing & Thomson Motion: Carried Unanimously Action: Recommendation submitted to Council August 10, 2009. b) MW-2009-57 Update Thorold Stone Road Extension MOVED by Councillor Maves and seconded by Mayor Salci that City staff provide assistance to the Region, Cytec and Canadian Niagara Hotels (CNH) to ensure the completion of the Thorold Stone Road Extension. Motion: Carried Unanimously Action: Recommendation submitted to Council August 10, 2009. c) TS-2009-22 Forest glen Drive and Glenoaks Avenue Parking Review Mr. Jack Shurie president of the Niagara South Condominium Corporation, the Mansions of Forest Glen clearly articulated the condominium corporation's two objectives; to provide a safe environment for the children who use the streets east and west of St. Vincent de Paul School, to access the school, and 2. to ensure that the pedestrian and vehicular traffic on those same streets never impede the progress of emergency vehicles responding to a problem anywhere in that neighbourhood. A discussion ensued and the following motion was made; MOVED by That a "No Stopping, 8:00. a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays" zone be implemented on the south side of Forest Glen Drive between Glenoaks Avenue and Oakridge Drive; 2. That a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays" zone be implemented on the east side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road; -3- 3. That the existing "No Parking, 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday" zone on the south side of Forest Glen Drive between Glenoaks Avenue and a point 85 metres east of Glenoaks Avenue, be removed; 4. That the existing "No Parking" restriction on the east side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road be removed; and, 5. That the existing "No Parking, 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday" zone on the west side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road, be removed. 6. That staff review the St. Vincent de Paul School Site Plan Agreement and determine if additional parking spaces are available immediately. Motion: Carried Unanimously Action: Recommendation submitted to Council August 10, 2009. d) TS-2009-31 Kelly Drive and Heikoop Crescent Parking Control Review MOVED by Councillor Thomson and seconded by Councillor Wing; 1. That a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays, September 1S` to June 30`h" zone be implemented on the south and north sides of Heikoop Crescent between Kelly Drive and Parkside Road; and, 2. That a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays, September 15f to June 30`"" zone be implemented on the west and east side of Kelly Drive between Greenfield Crescent and Heikoop Crescent; and, 3. That a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays, September 15` to June 30'h" zone be implemented on the outer bulb of the Kelly Drive and Heikoop Crescent junction. Motion: Carried Unanimously Action: Recommendation submitted to Council August 10, 2009. 3) NEW BUSINESS: a) MOVED by Councillor Thomson and seconded by Councillor Diodati that staff investigate parking for the Hendershot Trail in the vicinity of Cuviello Court. Motion: Carried Unanimously Action: Recommendation submitted to Council August 10, 2009. -4- b) MOVED by Councillor Thomson and seconded by Councillor Kerrio that staff investigate the terms of the sale of land on the Swayze Drive property including the costs of servicing. Motion: Carried Unanimously Action: Recommendation submitted to Council August 10, 2009. 4) ADJOURNMENT: MOVED by Councillor Kerrio seconded by Councillor Fisher that the Committee adjourn at 6:59 p.m. Motion: Carried __ Niagara,Falls PD-2009-70 September 14, 2009 REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Planning & Development/Transportation Services SUBJECT: PD-2009-70 Forest Glen Drive Parking Restrictions and St. Vincent de Paul Site Plan Agreement RECOMMENDATION That the "No Stopping" for the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday excluding holidays from September to June be approved. 2. That a letter be sent to the principal of St. Vincent de Paul and suggest that the school send a memo to the students' parents encouraging them to use the kiss and ride drop-off area along Kalar Road. 3. That Mr. No Coia be sent a copy of the staff report and invited to attend the Community Services meeting. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A number of parents drop off and pick up their children at the rear of St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School along Forest Glen Drive. This area is more convenient for many parents that live in the Mount Carmel neighbourhood, such thattheydo not have to exit the subdivision area and proceed onto Thorold Stone Road and Kalar Road to the front of the school. There is no change being recommended to the August 10, 2009 approved parking restrictions along Forest Glen Drive. The school also complies with the approved site plan agreement and the parking requirements of the City's zoning by-law. BACKGROUND The Clerk provided a memo to City Council on August 31, 2009 highlighting the actions taken by Council on August 10'h regarding the parking restrictions along Forest Glen Drive (Report TS-2009-22). The City received an email from Mr. No Coia who expressed objections to the revision of the "no parking" signs to "no stopping" signs and the extension of this restriction on the south side of Forest Glen Drive between Glenoaks Avenue and Oakridge Drive. Mr. Coia opposed the parking restrictions and hoped that Council would reconsider their decision so that he could maintain the current parking privileges he has in front of his house. September 74, 2009 - 2 - PD-2009-70 Mr. Coia suggested the following in his email: • change the current "no parking" to "no stopping" but do not extend the restriction; • place the restriction on the opposite side of the road (condo side) rather than residential side; • ensure the school property can accommodate all parents picking/dropping off their children; and • send letters to each resident with options and have them respond. ANALYSISIRATIONALE The current use of Forest Glen Drive by parents who drop off and pick up their children from St, Vincent de Paul is unlikely to change. The catchment area of the school consists of the entire Mount Carmel subdivision area, as well as the subdivision areas south of Thorold Stone Road to approximately Alpine Drive. Accessibility to the school for many of the parents from the Mount Carmel subdivision is more convenient via the residential roads, rather than having to travel out to Thorold Stone Road and Kalar Road to the front of the school. Due to changes in today's society, parents who live relatively close to schools are driving their children to school. This is quite different from what occurred years ago. In response to Mr. Coia's email, staff has reviewed the suggestions and have the following information to provide: Staff concurs, and the "no parking" will be revised to "no stopping". However, the extension is required to ensure that two-way traffic can be maintained. This in effect would allow parking on one side only. 2. Placing the restriction on the opposite side of the road (north side) has been considered in the preliminary analysis and the rationalefor placing the restriction on the south side was preferred based on: • the south side of the road forming the inside curve, thus parked vehicles on this side create more visibility obstructions for oncoming vehicles ratherthan those parked on an outside curve and will increase the level of safety; • residential driveways on the south side reduce the number of available spaces; • potential of driveways to be blocked by parked/stopped vehicles; • parked/stopped vehicles inhibit visibility of motorists reversing from their driveways; and • the number of parking spaces available at each residential home. 3. Developments are subject to site plan approval and are approved only when the zoning requirements are fulfilled. 4. Questionnaires were hand delivered to all residents in mid February requesting their input as to their parking preference. Given that a low response rate was received, the recommendations were based on technical assessment. September 14, 2009 - 3 - PD-2009-~~70 Transportation staff contacted Mr. Coia to discuss an alternative that could potentially address both the City's and his concern. It was suggested to implement a "time limited stopping" restriction similar to the restriction on Heikoop Crescent. The restriction would be in effect during the morning (8am-10am) and afternoon (2pm-4pm), Monday to Friday, excluding Holidays, September 1 to June 30. Mr. Coia mentioned he was not in favour of implementing any restriction. Council directed that the Site Plan Agreement be enforced, if necessary. Planning staff examined the site relative to the approved site plan. The school provides a kiss and ride drop off area on the north side of the school accessed from Kalar Road in accordance with the site plan. Some parents, however, choose not to use the drop-off area because of a perception that it is circuitous to drive out of the subdivision onto Thorold Stone Road and up Kalar Road and then return home or proceed to other destinations. The kiss and ride appears to function properly. Area residents suggested that more parking spaces should be made available. The zoning by-law requires elementary schools provide parking using ratios based on the number of teachers and support staff. Based on the information provided on the number of staff working at the school, 32 parking spaces are currently required whereas 45 parking spaces are provided. Residents noted that 18 parking spaces are behind a fenced area on the south side of the school. These parking spaces are identified as future parking spaces on the site plan. That is the spaces do not need to be made accessible until the number of employees increases as a result of future school expansion. Therefore, the property complies with the registered site plan and the City cannot force the school to make more parking available. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Council report TS-2009-22 and Mr. ICoia's c~o~rrQespondence. Recommended by: ~.~.~- t'"- Approved by: Respectfully submitted: Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning & Development ~7 ~-~ Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Ed Dujlovic, ~ecutive Director, Community Services Todd, Chief Administrative Officer B. Bolibruck/M.Carrick S:\General Administra[ion\GA 1.01 Reports\2009 Community Services\09 Sep 14\PD-2009-70, Forest Glen Perking Restrictions & School Si[e Plan wpd August 7U, 2009 TS-2009-22 .~~~~ Niag araaaaaaaaa~alls CANADA Tha recnmmendation(sj cen~ined in 4his repartwere Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair airlandedbycommi@ae and and Members of the Community Services Committee "~~~~ hyGay council Gity of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: TS-2009-22 Forest Glen Drive and Glenoaks Avenue Parking Review RECOMMENDATIONS: That a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m, to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays" zone be implemented on the south side of Forest Glen Drive between Glenoaks Avenue and Oakridge Drive; 2. That a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays" zone be implemented on the east side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road; 3. That the existing "No Parking, 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday" zone on the south side of Forest Glen Drive between Glenoaks Avenue and a point 85 metres east of Glenoaks Avenue, be removed; 4. That the existing "No Parking" restriction on the east side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road be removed; and, 5. That the existing "No Parking, 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday" zone on the west side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road, be removed. That the parking restrictions as outlined in this report be .approved and further BACKGROUND: that staff enforce ;the Site Plan Agreement. In response to a concern from an area resident, Staff has carried out a parking review on Forest Glen Drive and on Glenoaks Avenue. The concern stems from parents and guardians parking their vehicles on both sides of each street as they wait for their children to be dismissed from St. Vincent de Paul School. Forest Glen Drive is a residential roadway that extends in an east/west direction between Working Togetker to Serve Our Community ommunity 3ervicas Department ,. 5,,.; _ ~ Transportation Services a:°. - ~ < ~ __ . .... I. . .. r s: ~ - N 1'~q. . t.5, 00 '0ta 1 '1 .. ... ijr2!i August 10, 2009 Page -2- TS-zoos-z2 Oakridge Drive and a point approximately 25 metres west of Glenoaks Avenue. The roadway is approximately 250 metres in length, 9.5 metres in width and consists of a grass boulevard and a concrete sidewalk on both sides. Glenoaks Avenue is a residential roadway that extends two blocks in a north/south direction between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road, The roadway is approximately 165 metres in length, 8.5 metres in width, and consists of a grass boulevard and a concrete sidewalk on both sides. The area consists of predominantly single family residential dwellings. There is afive-storey condominium building on the north side of Forest Glen Drive, which has 77 dwelling units. Construction of the second building is underway which will include 76 condominium units. There will be adequate on-site parking according to the Zoning By-law. St. Vincent de Paul School is located on Kalar Road north of Thorold Stone Road. A pedestrian access gate is present at the rear of the school that leads to the western limit of Forest Glen Drive. There are a number of parking restrictions in the study area. Parking is restricted on the north side of Forest Glen Drive between a point 70 metres east of Glenoaks Avenue and a point 125 metres west of Glenoaks Avenue. Parking is restricted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the south side of Forest Glen Drive between Glenoaks Avenue and a point 85 metres east of Glenoaks Avenue. Parking is restricted on the east side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road. Parking is restricted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the west side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road. The above restrictions were implemented in an attempt to discourage motorists from parking their vehicles on both sides of each roadway and impeding bidirectional traffic. Concerns have once again risen regarding the parking situation on Forest Glen Drive and on Glenoaks Avenue, particularly in the afternoon when there are several parents and guardians parking on the aforementioned roads waiting for their children. Observations in the study area reveal that during thetime when children are dismissed from school, motorists predominantly park their vehicles on the west side of Glenoaks Avenue and on the north side of Forest Glen Drive. It was however noted that vehicles were parked on both sides of each road. This causes the road width to be reduced to one lane of travel: Construction trucks were observed travelling on Glenoaks Avenue as part of the second phase construction of Mansions of Forest Glen. Observations at the school parking facility reveal that there is insufficient space available on the property which leads to overflow parking on adjacent residential streets. Parking Control Staff frequently occasions the area and issue tickets to those parked/stopped illegally in order to assist with the above concerns. However, it is virtually impossible for the officers to be stationed at St. Vincent de Paul school, given that there are numerous other schools and locations they must attend to. The current school enrolment is beyond the initial student and -staff projections, which the current parking lot capacity is based upon. In fact, the enrolment is approaching the estimated full build out of the site, as identified in the traffic study prepared for the school during the planning stage. The report identified that upon full build out, additional parking should be made available, and a "future parking lot" was accounted for and illustrated on the school site plan. Given the existing traffic conditions around the school property, it is evident that this additional parking is now required. Staff has met with and made a formal written request to the school board to provide the additional eighteen (18) parking spaces in the southeast corner off the school property, as per the approved site plan. A response has not been received from the school August 'I O, 2009 Nage -s- i~-zuoa-zt board with respect to their intentioh on expanding the parking area, as of yet. Area residents were provided with a questionnaire which gave them the opportunity to comment on the parking control that would most benefit their needs. The number of responses received was below the statistical requirement and there was no clear consensus as to the preferred parking regulations. However, based on thetechnical assessment, it is recommended thatthe parking regulation be modified to provide fora "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays" zone on the south side of Forest Glen Drive between Glenoaks Avenue and Oakridge Drive. The existing parking restriction on the south side of Forest Glen Drive is recommended to be removed. These proposed changes will ensure that motorists will not be able to legally stop their vehicles on the south side of Forest Glen Drive during the school hours, regardless of duration. Parents and guardians would still be able to parktheir vehicles on the north side of Forest Glen Drive, notwithstanding the existing parking restriction encompassing the access to 8111 Forest Glen Drive, which will be maintained to ensure adequate visibility to motorists entering Forest Glen Drive.. The proposed stopping restriction will ensure adequate two-way traffic movement and emergency access on Forest Glen Drive. Similarly, it is recommended that the existing parking restrictions on Glenoaks Avenue are replaced with a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. to4:30 p.m., Mondayfo Friday, Excluding Holidays" zone be implemented on the east side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road. This will. allow parents and guardians to park their vehicles on the west side of the roadway where majority of parking activity is already taking place, while maintaining two-way traffic and emergency access. Staff has been continually working with the school to improve safety for vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the drop off/pickup times, as well as improving the efficiency of the Kiss & Ride operation. School officials were previously requested'to issue a newsletter to parents requesting their compliance with parking restrictions on adjacent roads and to ensure that their children utilize the available sidewalks en route to/from the school. Recommended by: Approved by: ~arl Dren, Director Services of Community Services Respectfully submitted: Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Tim Burshiein S:1General AdministrationlGA 1.01 Reportsl2009 Community Services108 Aug 101TS-2009-22 Forest Glen Drive and Glenoaks Avenue - Parking Review.wpd Corporate Services Department -_~~%"_" Clerk's Division Inter-Department Memorandum Niagara•FaIIs TO: His Worship Mayor Ted Saki DATE: August 31, 2009 & Members of Council FROM: Dean Iorfida City Clerk Ext. 4271 RE: Forest Glen Drive Staff received the attached a-mail from Mr. No Coia regarding the Parking & Traffic matter heard at the last Community Services Committee (August 10'"). Mr. Coia's comments opposed to the Parking restrictions were not forwarded for Committee's consideration. As you will note from the August l Os' minutes, Council approved the following actions: TS-2004-22 Forest glen Drive and Gleaoaks Avenue Parking Review !.That a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays" zone be implemented on the south side of Forest Glen Drive between Glenoaks Avenue and Oakridge Drive; 2.That a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday to Friday,ExcludingHolideys" zone be implemented on the east side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road; 3.That the existing "No Parking, 8:00 a.m, and 4:36 p.m., Monday to Friday" zone on the south side of Forest Glen Drive between Glenoaks Avenue and a point 85 metres east of Glenoaks Avenue, be removed; 4.That the existing "No Parking" restriction on the east side of Gienoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road be removed; and, S.That the existing "No Parking, 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday"zone on the west side of Glenoaks Avenue between Forest Glen Drive and Thorold Stone Road, be removed. 6.That staff review the St. Vincent de Paul School Site Plan Agreement and determine if additional parking spaces are available immediately. Transportation Services staff advise that it would not be appropriate to make an exception far one property owner. RECOMMENDATION: That Council receive and file the correspondence. Working Together to Serve Our Community CJerlcs Finance Numan Resources lnfom~atlon Systems Legal Alarming & Development From: Dean Iortida To: ivo.cofa@gmail.com; Marianne Tlkky Date: 8/24/2009 8:27 PM Subject: Re: Fwd: Forest Glen Drive Parking I will be brining forward the concerns for Council's oonskkratton at Chair next meeting (August 31st). Thanks Dean Dean Iorffda, CKy perk Niagara Falls 905.356.7521, Fxt. 4271 905-356-9083 (Fax) »> No CoH < ,cola mall mm> 8/13/2009 10:41 PM »> Good morning Marianne, I spoke with Carolynn today 0 she advised me to send you a copy of my e-mail below as she H going away on vacation. Would you be able to have my a-mall tabled with ccurall & have the parking resmctlore re~nsidered7 In addition to my suggestions/comments on my e-mail bebw, I also have one other suggestion regarding parking that you could add to the suggestions bebw. That K bo replace all the exlstlng no parking signs to no stopping AND to post no stopping signs on the "other side° of Forest Glen. "this would actually even aeate less parldrg overall, but roll not Inconvenience the current residents/homeowners In any way....same solution but no ImpactJchan~ to residents/homeowners - a hue wirywin. I have attached a photo with this highlighted. I hope your day Is off to a great start Bye for raw, (ps. between you & me, If the school would simply dock off access to the back of the sctaol with a high fence, that would also solve the problem & force parents W use the front of the scfaol to pickup their chlkfrm..,Tm not suggesdng that you table this, Cwt it Is an Idea that vrould not inconvenience the homeowners rar the rondo unit owners) No Cda 9D5-735-0510-ext-5264 _-...--.- Forwarded message -_----_ From: No Cola <hro.mla®amail com> Date: Tue, Aug 11, 2009 at 9:55 PM SubJect: Forest Glen Drtve Parking To: Ioannonl~ntaaarafalls cA Hello Carolynn, As discussed eartier today, 1 am very upset at the posslbifity to be kxnhg my parking privileges in Front of my house (for many reasons as disassed) arW ask that council kindly reconsider. I want p maintain rtrv went oarklra orivfleaes Prbr to the school coming, there were no parking restrktions at all -thus the root cause Is the shhod. We, the residents, should not have to loose parkng privileges, as this is rat ow fault. I understand that the people at the meeting yesterday were all older. The resldems on Forest Glen Dr. all all younger (with the excepdon of one) Thus, the main mneern must be ttan the-Condo (with perhaps the exceptbn of one}. The Condo have plenty of parking, and visitors parkJng, so the proposed res;lution does not effect them at all - of course they would all be for ft Can you please have countll consider some of those options: * There are currentty already parking resbic0ons on Forest Glen Or., stating ND PARKING. However, parents are "IDLING" & getting away with R. So please consider Ju_a dianaina the exlsdno ck,ns ~ read NO STOPPING. By changing the existing signs, the residerts arrendy with out reshic0or~ will not be effected. * RaUrer than puttlng signs up In front of all the residents houses and having all the residents loose their parking privileges, put them on the other side of the road, where the condo Is. It will achieve the same resuk w(th parking only be allowed on one side, but it will not effect the residents. If the ooncem is people acc(dentally bloding ddveways, [here already is alaw agakrrst this - akematlvery, If you had to, you ran put a sign up to not blodt the driveway, rather than having us loose parking prMleges (for the record I have never had anyone block my ddveway) * Mother optlon would be ro solve the root cause & have the sdnod aaommodate parents picking up their dtildren & Ikt all the resMdions on Forest Glen & bring us bade ro where we were a few years ago. In fact, If this were to be done a Few years ago when this issue was first reined, we would not be doing this today. Band akl solutions seldom work. Root cause analysts & related comedive adlons are always very effed)ve. * I krrow marry of us on Forest Glen work extended hours, commute & come home late, or qr pool. Rattner than going with the maJority of the people who were able ro attend a meeting, consider sending a letter ro each house on Forest Glen Dr. & glue them some options to choose from & have them respond back with thelrchoices -after all, this proposal dlredly effects the residents/home owners, so why not ask them? Carolynn, at the of the day, I do not wars any parking restrlctlons In front of my house. Leaving my property free from parking restrictions will not hurt anything. If you can share this email with council, I would be very grateful as I would like them to be able to also read this. I hope to hear bade from you soon and f hope you can help, Thank you for your support, [vo Cola 8100 forest Glen Drive 905-735-0510-ext-5264 during buaness hours 905-354-7533 evenings Q week ends TS-2009-32 ~~~-_ a(~~;y~¢y September 14, 2009 i/ CA %AAA REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services & Business Development SUBJECT: TS-2009-32 TransCab Transportation Pilot Project RECOMMENDATION That asix-month pilot project be established to determine the long term feasibility of a TransCab transportation program in the Montrose Business Corridor. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Business Development Division has been working closely with the Minacs Contact Centre and other businesses along the Montrose business corridor (south of Niagara Square) to look into options to meet the employees transportation needs. Transportation Services -Transit Staff were engaged to review potential transit options to transport employees to and from Niagara Square. A TransCab pilot project is being proposed for six months, to determine, if this form of transportation will assist the businesses along Montrose Road business corridor with their ongoing transportation challenges. This initiative involves the individuals taking a Niagara Falls Transit bus to the Niagara Square whereby they would transferonto a private taxi cab to continue their trip to their place of employment and/or from a private taxi cab boarded at their place of employment onto a Niagara Falls Transit bus at the Niagara Square to return home. There is potential for this pilot project to be revenue neutral if an average minimum of two individuals per cab could be achieved. BACKGROUND Business Development has worked closely with the businesses along the Montrose Road corridor regarding their transportation needs. In an effort to determine if there were. opportunities, which could assist businesses along Montrose Road south of Niagara Square, Niagara Falls Transit staff have reviewed the possibility of implementing a TransCab pilot project. A TransCab initiative would involve the area business employees utilizing our municipal transit service to travel to and from the Niagara Square, wherebythey would transfer onto a private taxi cab to continue their trip to their place of employment or home. A cursory inquiry to determine if there were any businesses (ie. ALO, Crown Trucking, ES Fox, Star Warning Systems, Minacs) in this area thatwould be interested in a transcab style transit service arrangement revealed that only Minacs responded. September 14, 2009 - 2 - TS-2009-32 The Minacs Contact Centre, located at 9515 Montrose Road, just south of Grassy Brook Road is a large operation employing in excess of 550 people and has expressed concerns regarding the lack of a bus service to meet their needs. Due to their location, which is beyond the service area of Niagara Falls Transit, affordable transportation options present an ongoing challenge to hiring and retaining personnel. Minacs has been making considerable efforts to expand business and have been in discussions with Business Development and Transportation Services Staff to determine if Niagara Falls Transit can be of assistance with their transportation requirements. At present, employees in this business corridor, using Niagara Falls Transit can only travel as far as Niagara Square and still have up to approximately three kilometres to get to their place of employment. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Though the additional transit fare will be used to subsidize the taxi costs, the full rationale for this form of investment would not be solely based in recouping enough transit fares to offset the costs associated with providing a private taxi service to a business beyond the current service area. This transportation initiative would assist Niagara Falls Transit to generate additional ridership and enable employers to better retain and recruit personnel for the greater health of the community. The pilot program would involve providing a Transcab service along the Montrose Road corridor from Niagara Square to extend as far as the Minacs Contact Centre, that would service all the businesses in that corridor. Special Transcab tickets would be sold, requiring the use of a taxi either from Niagara Square to work or from work to Niagara Square and a transfer to or from a Niagara Falls Transit bus to validate the program. The municipality will not compensate the Transcab provider for any trips whereby an adult Niagara Falls Transit ticket was not collected by the taxi operator and remitted back to transit for payment. Further, the employee must board or alight a Niagara Falls Transit bus or the municipality will not subsidize the taxi trip. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The operating costs of this pilot project were not included in the 2009 General Purposes Budget. Staff estimates that the approximate cost to perform the pilot will be up to $6,000, based on the assumption that there would be an average of less than two employees per cab ride. Staffwill evaluate the pilot project atthe completion of six-month pilot project. This expense should be able to be accommodated within the Transportation Services Budget, however if after the pilot is completed it cannot be then the costs would be offset by the use of Special Purposes Reserves. Should Council choose to proceed with this pilot project then staff will proceed to secure pricing from a taxi cab company through a quote process, develop a brochure explaining the program and engage the affected businesses through a public outreach education program. Therefore, a November 1St program launch is anticipated. September 14, 2009 - 3 - TS-2009-32 All businesses within the Montrose business corridor have been invited to the meeting to participate in the discussion. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include: developing and implementing a comprehensiveTransportation Plan and, strengthen and promote economic development within the City. Recommended by: Approved by: Respectfully submitted: D.Stuart Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Serge Felice ti, Director of Business Development Ed Dujlov~ Executive Director, Community Services Ken Todd. Chief Administrative Officer V:\2009000NCIL52009 09 145TS-2009-32 TransCab Pilot Projecl.wpd 3 :9 ~~' „.~` ~_~ ~~. v: ~~ ~~ ~ .:~ [1.::. - ~ • __ ~T R • ~ ~~ ~ ~'~ ~ , • _ •~~•' ~ . ~'r: * ~ , t4 :~~. 4 t~y~ • O f` ~a t ~_ ,.R t _ __ .~ :} 1 ; ,.~~ - 1~. /y/ ~ y ' ~y' J - T ~ 4 ry ~> r ~r --- f j;y ~ ,.: b ~.~ 'S ~ Z~. ! ~~ ,~, a 3'' ~ 'y~c'`11. Y L.~~C. Fl ~ ~i+' Y ~ ®v j P f. _'~ ( J S '~ ,y+ ~~~A33 Y~ 4 r,, t - ti }' ::. i , ~ ,~• i ,; f ~, ~ ~' ~i ,~ ~~ ;2 -. ' ~ ~ ~: +~ ides 56. ~ti 1 r, ~~ y _f 1 _ .. S ~K rY+" s ` • ~ F T y~ .~ • a . ~ . y __~sli Niagara,J~alls TS-2009-33 September 14, 2009 REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services SUBJECT: TS-2009-33 Queen Street at Ontario Avenue Intersection Control Review RECOMMENDATIONS That the existing metered parking space on the south side of Queen Street immediately to the west of Ontario Avenue be removed. 2. That a "no stopping" zone be installed on the south side of Queen Street between Ontario Avenue and a point 46 metres west of Ontario Avenue. 3. That the sidewalk on the south side of Queen Street be extended to the edge of the traffic lane and referred to the 2010 Capital Works budget for inclusion. 4. That sidewalk cafes be prohibited on the south side of Queen Street between Ontario Avenue and a point 25 metres west of Ontario. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY To alleviate the collision pattern at the intersection of Queen Street and Ontario Avenue, it is recommended that the existing metered spot on the south side of Queen Street immediately west of Ontario Avenue be removed. A "no stopping" zone is recommended on the south side of Queen Street between Ontario Avenue and the first metered space west of Ontario Avenue. To ensure that vehicles do not use the space despite the signs, it is further recommended that the sidewalk be extended to the edge of the traffic lane. Many businesses within the downtown core have applied for a sidewalk cafe. If the sidewalk is expanded to physically prevent parking on the south side of Queen Street, the abutting business owners may be enticed into providing a sidewalk cafe. However, placing a cafe within the expanded sidewalk area would result in the same visibility obstruction. Sidewalk cafes will need to be prohibited on the south side of Queen Street between Ontario Avenue and a point 25 metres west of Ontario Avenue. BACKGROUND In response to a request from the Downtown Niagara Falls Board of Management, Staff has recently carried out an intersection control review at Queen Street and Ontario Avenue. The concerns at this location stem from restricted sight lines for motorists turning onto Queen Street from Ontario Avenue, and the speed at which motorists are travelling September 14, 2009 - 2 - on Queen Street. TS-2009-33 The intersection of Queen Street and Ontario Avenue is in a cross configuration. Queen Street is the main collector route in the City's downtown core extending in an east/west direction between Victoria Avenue and River Road. Ontario Avenue is also a collector roadway that extends in a north/south direction between Bender Hill and Park Street. At the present time, the study intersection is controlled by a stop sign facing northbound and southbound motorists on Ontario Avenue. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Staff conducted several technical studies at the study intersection including a vehicular turning movement count, pedestrian count and delay study, collision history and analysis, visibility study and a radar spot speed study. A provincial traffic signal and all-way stop warrant was compiled using the data collected. A technical assessment of the total vehicular and pedestrian volume at the intersection, the volume split, and the collision statistics, the criterion to warrant traffic signals or anall- way stop control is not satisfied. Furthermore, observations revealed that pedestrians did not incur significant delays in crossing Queen Street. The existing intersection control is sufficient in allocating the right-of-way at this intersection. Traffic signal warrants were initially developed in 1978 and most recently updated by a committee underthe auspices of the Ministry of Transportation in 2000 to reflect vehicular and pedestrian trends and patterns. Prior to 1990's the province cost shared in the installation of warranted traffic signals, however, since then the cost has been solely the responsibility of the municipality. The City of Niagara Falls has maintained the use of the provincial warrants to justify the installation expenditure of $150,000 where it has been technically demonstrated they are needed to improve pedestrian, motorists safety, as well as provide an adequate level of service of operation. ONTARIO AVE @ QUEEN ST ID: INT71337 Frorrc 07 Ju1~2004 To: 30Jun~2009 ONTARIO AVE UEEN ST ~~~ r~ 4 draw Legend ~_Head On ~Dtlier '~ Righl Arogle o Injury F~Rear End • Fa[al ~ 5ideswipe ->At Fauk ~e.~ Turning movement 'h' SMV-Mimal/Pedestrian I]4- SMV ~ Fixed Dbj./Unalt. Veh. Recent radar studies carried out on Queen Street reveal that the operating speed is approximately40 km/h. Queen Street has a 50 km/h speed limit. Therefore, a concern relating to motorists travelling in excess of the legal speed limit was not identified. A review of the collision files revealed that 75% of all collisions that have been reported at this intersection in the September 14, 2009 - 3 - TS-2009-33 previous five-year period were of an "angle" collision type and involved a northbound and an eastbound motorist. Sight investigations reveal that visibility is severely reduced for northbound motorists stopped at the intersection viewing traffic approaching from the west, when vehicles are present at the existing metered parking spot on the south side of Queen Street immediately to the west of Ontario Avenue. The situation is further exacerbated when larger vehicles such as vans and light trucks are parked in the aforementioned parking stall. Motorists are currently required to encroach into the intersection in order to obtain a sufficient view of oncoming traffic. Not only does this scenario pose a potential collision risk, but the encroaching vehicle ends up blocking a crosswalk at a high pedestrian location. In 2003, the first metered parking stall on the south side of Queen Street, west of Ontario Avenue was removed and replaced with a "no stopping" zone to help curtail the collision problem. A chicane was constructed to physically prevent vehicles from occupying the space vacated by the removed parking stall. However, recent investigations identify that the visibility problem is still present and the collision pattern is still prevalent. To mitigate the collisions occurring at this intersection, it is necessary to remove the first parking stall west of Ontario Avenue (next to Balzac's Cafe). The next parking stall is about 25 metres away, at the other end of a curb extension. The recommended removal of the parking space will give northbound drivers stopped at the intersection additional visibility in order to see approaching eastbound vehicles. Facing west on Queen Street, from Ontario Avenue (south intersection approach) Staff is further suggesting that the sidewalk on the south side of Queen Street be expanded to the edge of the eastbound traffic lane. This will prevent drivers from utilizing _ ~_ r, `x~ f` _ ^~v.~ V.' ~ s -C V' ._ _ '~~' 4.4.~L .~ ~ rN y.. ~. b ~ .. ... '~ n:~. September 14, 2009 - 4 - TS-2009-33 the space vacated by the metered control. To ensure that adequate sight lines are provided, sidewalk cafes will need to be prohibited on the south side of Queen Street between Ontario Avenue and a point 25 metres west of Ontario Avenue. Staff has met on-site with the Downtown B.I.A. representative to discuss the restricted visibility and the resulting collision pattern. It was identified thatthemost feasible and cost efffective alternative at this time was to restrict the parking as recommended in this report. Furthermore, staffwill monitorthe intersection, and when trafficsignals arewarranted, their installation would be supported by staff. FINANCIALISTAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The estimated cost to extend the sidewalk as required is approximately $15,000. This work and costs was not included in the approved 2009 Capital Budget. This project should be referred to the 2010 Capital Budget for consideration. The removal of the parking meter would be performed by City staff and these types of expenditures have been included in the 2009 General Purposes Budget. The estimated cost to remove the meter is approximately $400. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study Area drawing. Recommended by: /~ Karl ren, Director of Transportation Services Approved by: Ed Dujlovic, ecutive Director of Community Services Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd. Chief Administrative Officer Tim Burshtein ,..,~ _ H~ .. ~ ,~ ~'yt ~_k is ~~„ 33~•, :a..- .. ^~~~ '~ :; ~, 7~, ~ r' I.f ~ ~ ,~ ~' c .`~ ., U c ti I 1 aAU2At/ OI.ID~UQ ! ~~ •~ ~; :. ,. ~ ~ • ,,., ~~, ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ,r ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ,~ 'i ., ~ •~ i.. -. .t.~ ,r ~ ~{ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~r ~ ~~ ,., , i r v as L i~+ Q ~_ •L C 0 a~ M M 1 0 0 N H N .~ a 0 0 c N O Q O ~: ~: ~. +~if~ vil ~~ .~..i TS-2009-36 Niagaraf~~alls September 14, 2009 REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services SUBJECT: TS-2009-36 Harvard Avenue at Wiltshire Boulevard Intersection Control Review RECOMMENDATION That a stop control be installed facing northbound motorists on Harvard Avenue at Wiltshire Boulevard. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A stop sign is required facing northbound traffic on Harvard Avenue at Wiltshire Boulevard, as there are inadequate sight lines at the intersection to maintain the existing right-of-way rule. BACKGROUND City Staff has been requested to investigate the necessity for a stop control at the intersection of Harvard Avenue at Wiltshire Boulevard. Harvard Avenue is a two-lane local roadway that is 8.5 metres in width. Sidewalks for pedestrian use are present on both sides, separated from the travelled portion of the road by boulevards. Light standards are present on the west side of the roadway. Wiltshire Boulevard is a local roadway, 8.5 metres in width with sidewalks located on both sides, also separated from the travelled portion of the roadway by boulevards. Light standards are present on the north side of the roadway. Currently, the intersection of Harvard Avenue at Wiltshire Boulevard is operating under the basic right-of-way rule. ANALYSISIRATIONALE Technical studies have been carried out at the intersection to determine whether some form of traffic control is required to allocate the right-of-way amongst motorists. The studies include observations and visibility studies, as well as a collision review. Observations at the intersection revealed that vehicular traffic is low, as both roads primarily serve to distribute traffic within the surrounding subdivision. Pedestrian activity was not noted when the area was visited on several occasions. Study results indicate that a stop control is warranted atthe intersection of Harvard Avenue at Wiltshire Boulevard. The visibility triangle requirements for an uncontrolled intersection September 74, 2009 - 2 - TS-2009-36 are not met thus warranting additional controls. This is common in developed residential areas with buildings and fencing normally constructed within the visibility clear zone. This triangle provides motorists sufficient visibility to view approaching vehicles and therefore be able to react appropriately. A collision review revealed that no collisions have been reported at the intersection of Harvard Avenue at Wiltshire Boulevard, nor any of the roads extending from the intersection in the previous three-year period. Staff conducted an additional visibility study with simulating the presence of a stop sign to ensure this traffic control will be adequate. The results indicate that motorists will be provided with sight lines exceeding the minimum suggested guidelines for safe intersection operation. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of stop signs is carried out by Transportation Services staff. The labour and material costs are accounted for in the Approved 2009 General Purposes Budget. Cost studies estimate that the cost to install the sign is approximately $500 CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Not applicable. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study Area drawing. 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