HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-01 - Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes Minutes of a meeting of the Traffic Commission
06/01/2009
Village of Rye Brook
938 King St.
Rye Brook, N.Y. 10573
Members present on this date: Chairman Blank, Commissioners Heiser, Appelbaum
and Lombardi.
Members absent on this date: Commissioners Walter, Brackman and Berman.
Liaisons: Sergeant Davison(present)
Trustee Romano (not present)
Convene Meeting: Meeting called to order by Chairman Blank at 08:05 PM.
Approval of Minutes: Motion made to accept the minutes of the 04/06/2009 Traffic
Commission meeting as is by Commissioner Heiser, seconded by Commissioner
Appelbaum. All are in favor.
Report to Commission:
1- Officers of the Rye Brook Police Department observed no parking or traffic
conditions on Knollwood Ave. Officers will continue to observe the area for any
possible future parking and/or traffic situations.
2- Sergeant Davison will inquire about the possible addition of a visibility
obstruction reporting feature as part of the village website.
Old Business:
The redesigned of the N Ridge St and Hawthorne Ave traffic pattern:
The Traffic Commission reviewed the plans for redesigning the intersection of
Hawthorne Ave and N Ridge St. The commissioners visited the area in question since the
last Traffic Commission meeting so as to observe the intersection and traffic flow. The
Traffic Commission feels that the redesigning of the traffic pattern within this
intersection would not improve the traffic flow, safety and/or visibility at this
intersection. The commission is aware of the concerns for pedestrians crossing this
intersection, specifically school children. The commission believes that the traffic pattern
in this intersection is not the problem. Due to the geographical layout of the intersection
visibility will always be low and the redesign of the traffic pattern will not change this
situation. The following improvements to this intersection have been suggested by the
commission:
I- Repainting the crosswalk with a pattern of diagonal lines highlighting the
crosswalk area.
2- Extending the double yellow lines on North Ridge Street (north of the
intersection) further southbound so as to reduce the wide turn radius of
southbound traffic making a left hand turn from North Ridge Street to Hawthorne
Ave.
3- Relocation of the existing stop sign on Irenhyl Ave closer to the corner of
Hawthorne Ave to improve motorist visibility of oncoming traffic.
The Traffic Commission feels that the safety concerns for pedestrians (school children)
using this intersection is not a problem with the existing traffic pattern, but instead a
concern for the physical ability of the appointed school crossing guard assigned to this
intersection. The commission believes that the parking of the crossing guard's vehicle
within the intersection during the performance of his duties is an unsafe practice that
impedes traffic and reduces visibility. The commission suggests that maybe this crossing
guard be switched to a less active crossing and be replaced with someone physically able
to handle pedestrian traffic at this intersection.
New Business: The commission addressed the complaint of speeding vehicles made by
the resident of 27 Hillcrest Ave and the possible need for traffic calming devices such as
speed bumps or a reduction in the posted speed limit. An e-mail was sent to Ms Muller by
Police Chief Gregory Austin explaining that Hillcrest Ave does not meet the
requirements necessary to install speed bumps or reduce posted speed limits. The Chief
of Police along with the Traffic Commission feels that this is an enforcement issue.
Officers of the Rye Brook Police Department will be assigned to conduct radar speed
enforcement details in the area followed by the placement of traffic tubes on Hillcrest
Ave to monitor traffic flow and speed. An e-mail was sent to Ms Muller by Chairman
Blank outlining the Traffic Commissions findings and proposed enforcement measures.
Meeting adjourned: Motion by Chairman Blank. Motion seconded by Commissioner
Heiser. All are in favor 09:00 pm.
Next Meeting: August 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm.