Traffic Calming Subcommittee Meeting
6.26.09
Reporting Back on Traffic Observations:
Frank:
Sydney did a drive by test from Damon Road past Coolidge Street at 35mph. It appears that 35mph seems much faster as a pedestrian standing on the sidewalk. Frank observed for about an hour. He noticed about 20 cars that appeared to be going faster then 35 miles per hour. Of the 20 cars 12 blew there horns at the merging lane.
Justin:
I have been watching traffic. I spend a lot of time on the porch with my son. However, I realize that I really can't tell how fast people are going. Sometimes I see that they are driving really fast, but I have a hard time figuring out if it seems fast but I can't tell if it is actually speeding. I see a LOT of jockeying for position and honking and rude behavior at the lane merge, and we hear beeping at the stop light to get onto 91.
Discussion:
• The speed changes to 30mph at Grant and then 25mph at the school.
• We talked about whether a reduction from 3 lanes instead of 2 lanes would reduce the jockeying for lead position in front of Frank’s house.
• We thought the bike lane was wide, but necessary for safety for bikers.
Ideas we generated:
Photo surveillance – in DC area drivers could get a speeding ticket b/c speed is monitored and photographed.
Speed Bumps
Signs on lawns – We agreed that a few signs on both sides of the street could be made to inform drivers of the next Advisory Committee meeting with Mass Highway. This will keep residents aware of the Exit 19 project.
Signs in the area:
Marianna will call Mass Highway and ask a ‘Yield; sign for driver leaving Northampton at Exit 19 southbound. Also, ask whether we would need permission from Mass Highway for a ‘Welcome to Northampton’; sign at Exit 19 or in this area.
Traffic Monitoring device: Joanne will follow through with Officer Trushaw.
W3NA I-91 Subcommittee Minutes June 26, 2009
MINUTES OF THE WARD THREE ASSOCIATION’S I-91 SUBCOMMITTEE
The Ward three neighborhood association’s I-91 subcommittee met on Friday June26, 2009. The meeting started at 8 am at Bruegger’s .
Present were Frank Werbinski, Bob Reckman, Christine Cahillance, Marianne McKim, Joanne Mackiewicz, Barbara Morgan, and Jim Nash.
First item on the agenda was an update from Bob regarding upcoming meetings with Mass Highway and the City Advisory Committee. He stated that a meeting is planned for the month of July and the purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the Exit 19 project’s Web site. He also stated that Mass Highway is planning a public meeting in September.Christine and Bob agreed to notify the committee as soon as they get word of the date, time, and place of the July meeting.
Bob was not sure if the July meeting would be open to public comment. However, he believes that the public could attend. He also said that a contract has been signed between Mass Highway and Trans System engineering. The committee also discussed how we would inform the neighborhood as to when and where these meetings would take place. One suggestion was a couple of signs on Bridge Street. Frank and Christie agreed to use there property for this purpose.
Next item was the Damon Road project. Bob reported that it is close to being 25% design complete. When it is at 25%, then a public hearing will be held to review the project. He stated that it will take at least a year before any construction could begin.
Marianne reported on the progress of the Traffic safety committee which overlaps this I-91 committee. Her report included a discussion around new ideas for Traffic Safety. She will be sending out notes of our discussion on separate minutes in conjunction with the I-91 minutes.
Jim Nash reported that he is on the City Zoning Committee and they are looking at the King Street area close to the Damon Road intersection. This information will be valuable as we look at the traffic engineering study for the I-91 project.
The next meeting is scheduled for Friday July 24th, 8 am at Bruegger’s. However, if the Mass Highway meeting takes place after July 24th, then this committee will meet on Friday July 31st. Frank will send out reminders for the next meeting.
The Ward three neighborhood association’s I-91 subcommittee met on Friday June26, 2009. The meeting started at 8 am at Bruegger’s .
Present were Frank Werbinski, Bob Reckman, Christine Cahillance, Marianne McKim, Joanne Mackiewicz, Barbara Morgan, and Jim Nash.
First item on the agenda was an update from Bob regarding upcoming meetings with Mass Highway and the City Advisory Committee. He stated that a meeting is planned for the month of July and the purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the Exit 19 project’s Web site. He also stated that Mass Highway is planning a public meeting in September.Christine and Bob agreed to notify the committee as soon as they get word of the date, time, and place of the July meeting.
Bob was not sure if the July meeting would be open to public comment. However, he believes that the public could attend. He also said that a contract has been signed between Mass Highway and Trans System engineering. The committee also discussed how we would inform the neighborhood as to when and where these meetings would take place. One suggestion was a couple of signs on Bridge Street. Frank and Christie agreed to use there property for this purpose.
Next item was the Damon Road project. Bob reported that it is close to being 25% design complete. When it is at 25%, then a public hearing will be held to review the project. He stated that it will take at least a year before any construction could begin.
Marianne reported on the progress of the Traffic safety committee which overlaps this I-91 committee. Her report included a discussion around new ideas for Traffic Safety. She will be sending out notes of our discussion on separate minutes in conjunction with the I-91 minutes.
Jim Nash reported that he is on the City Zoning Committee and they are looking at the King Street area close to the Damon Road intersection. This information will be valuable as we look at the traffic engineering study for the I-91 project.
The next meeting is scheduled for Friday July 24th, 8 am at Bruegger’s. However, if the Mass Highway meeting takes place after July 24th, then this committee will meet on Friday July 31st. Frank will send out reminders for the next meeting.
Meeting Minutes June 9, 2009
Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Board Meeting Minutes - Tuesday, June 9, 2009
7 – 9 p.m. Bridge Street School Library
Board Members: Gerald Budgar, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Fred Zimnoch, Bob Reckman, Joanne Mackiewicz, Lola Reid. Tim Fisher and Lisa DiPiano.
Other attendees: Deb Christakos
00.00
Addendum to minutes of May 12 meeting:
Reference to Al Southerland/Police Incident: Jim Nash reported that The Gazette was unable to reach the witnesses cited in the Poverty is Not a Crime posting. They made attempts. The recanting of a key witness from the PINAC report was reported to me by a Veteran affiliated with VA. In addition, Jim reported that this same Veteran had visited Mr. Southerland at Cooley-Dickinson Hospital and reported to me Mr. Southerland's face did not appear bruised. He also reported that Mr. Southerland was in poor health during the weeks leading up to the incident at Urban Outfitters. One PINAC report cites that Mr. Southerland had recently had his spleen removed. Lastly, this same Veteran rhetorically asked if a report of abuse or a crime had been filed by anyone? He had not heard of any.
03.00
1. Approval of Minutes – May 12 minutes were unanimously approved with the above addendum.
3:18
Treasurer’s Report - Fred
1. EXPENSES: $279.55 Brochures, Flyers, Watch Cards.
2. DUES: $90. Five new members and two renewals.
3. BALANCES: Previous $689.86, new $500.31 difference $189.55
4. LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = 156 members. Add three new members with email addresses from above.
5. LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 3
While I have the floor I’d like to thank Bob for his work putting together the forum. If only judged by the fact that we lured luminaries such as James Dostal, Michael Bardsley, David Narkewicz, Marianne LaBarge, Alex Ghiselin, Daryl LaFleur, Laurie Loisel of the Hampshire Gazette and et al. then the event was a grand success. Over the years I’ve always been amazed at Bob’s organizational abilities.
5:18
1. President’s Report – Jerry
Override Forum Update: On North Street Associates website
Membership/Meadows Watch Card Report – distribution went well
Owen reported on his experience biking at the Meadows.
15:20
Passenger Rail Service Get Involved? – Email PVPC and Congressman Neal with supportive comments for this project. The Board voted to support this rail service initiative through Northampton and Ward 3. Discussion ensued regarding expanding bike path in our Ward to Hockanum to the dike. A Transportation Committee was formed with Owen as chair.
Social Event With Other Neighborhood Groups - Bay State Association wants to get neighborhood group’s leaders together in a social setting.
30:15
4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Jim
-Alternative vs Permanent committee members. Lola will speak to Maddie regarding the duration of the term. Elections will be held in October. Bring a friend to September’s meeting
33:10
5. Update from Bridge Street School Committee – Tim
Teacher’s union is voting; possibly turn around position on wage freeze.
Preschoolers will now be at Bridge Street; teachers have been given lay off notices; start time has changed to 9:20. Students will be walking from South Street. The Bridge Street school sunken playground will be raised.
44:14
6. Update on website issues - Owen
Found a form vendor that can be used on website. Residents can now join online using membership form and online questionnaires will be more convenient and user friendly.
46:40
7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim
-Update on Zoning Revisions Committee: Specific-focused sub committees are being formed for the summer: urban farming, green space within neighborhoods; strong look at design standards as it relates to neighborhoods; Jim is interested in outreach.
59:50
8. Traffic Calming Committee Update – Lola, Lisa
Committee presented their application. Several possibilities were discussed regarding how the money could be spent: Concentrating on intersections, paint the bridge; plantings. Laura Hanson will be doing a traffic engineering study.
66:17
9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Jim
Next meeting on Friday, June 27.
10. Report of Business Representative - Owen.
Nothing to report at this time
68:10
11. Legislative Update from Councillor Reckman - Bob
Reported on effects of override passing and override not passing. Discussion on the assessments in Northampton for the past 10 years.
83:35
12. Update on “Best Practices” Committee- Bob and Lisa
Hope to devote a summer meeting to talk about findings of this committee. Councilors will “report in” at this special meeting.
85:08
13. Update on City Election Forum – Jim/Bob
Jim and Bob are planning an election forum for Ward 3 candidates and mayoral candidates.
87:20
14. Setting location and arrangements for July and August meetings
6-8:30 Potluck
96 Island Road; Phillip Sullivan’s house (old schoolhouse)
Marianna will organize.
15. New Business
90:02
Fred gave his suggestions for future forums.
93:23
Owen suggested that a pictorial guide to City’s departments and services be considered. He passed out Providence, RI’s pictorial guide as an example.
96:00
Add notice on the listserv to remind membership to vote on June 16.
Adjourned at 8:45
Email Addendum - Supporting the Knowledge (Railroad) Corridor
My email suggested that people contact PVPC and politicos in DC. To formalize this I spoke to PVPC today (5/21/09). Dana suggested the following:
In order to support the return of Amtrak rail service to Northampton the PVPC is composing a proposal for funding. They require as many letters or emails as possible stating that you support “Knowledge Corridor” plan. Send/Email to PVPC below.
Mr. Dana Roscoe, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 26 Central Street, Suite 34, West Springfield, MA 01089-2787
Email Droscoe@PVPC.org
Send a similar written comment to Neal by USPO or Email.
Congressman Richard E. Neal, 2208 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Email from the WEB: http://www.house.gov/neal/write_neal.html
When I spoke to Dana he also reminded me that Mayor Higgins has great plans for the new station. Of course this is likely pre-recession.
Board Meeting Minutes - Tuesday, June 9, 2009
7 – 9 p.m. Bridge Street School Library
Board Members: Gerald Budgar, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Fred Zimnoch, Bob Reckman, Joanne Mackiewicz, Lola Reid. Tim Fisher and Lisa DiPiano.
Other attendees: Deb Christakos
00.00
Addendum to minutes of May 12 meeting:
Reference to Al Southerland/Police Incident: Jim Nash reported that The Gazette was unable to reach the witnesses cited in the Poverty is Not a Crime posting. They made attempts. The recanting of a key witness from the PINAC report was reported to me by a Veteran affiliated with VA. In addition, Jim reported that this same Veteran had visited Mr. Southerland at Cooley-Dickinson Hospital and reported to me Mr. Southerland's face did not appear bruised. He also reported that Mr. Southerland was in poor health during the weeks leading up to the incident at Urban Outfitters. One PINAC report cites that Mr. Southerland had recently had his spleen removed. Lastly, this same Veteran rhetorically asked if a report of abuse or a crime had been filed by anyone? He had not heard of any.
03.00
1. Approval of Minutes – May 12 minutes were unanimously approved with the above addendum.
3:18
Treasurer’s Report - Fred
1. EXPENSES: $279.55 Brochures, Flyers, Watch Cards.
2. DUES: $90. Five new members and two renewals.
3. BALANCES: Previous $689.86, new $500.31 difference $189.55
4. LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = 156 members. Add three new members with email addresses from above.
5. LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 3
While I have the floor I’d like to thank Bob for his work putting together the forum. If only judged by the fact that we lured luminaries such as James Dostal, Michael Bardsley, David Narkewicz, Marianne LaBarge, Alex Ghiselin, Daryl LaFleur, Laurie Loisel of the Hampshire Gazette and et al. then the event was a grand success. Over the years I’ve always been amazed at Bob’s organizational abilities.
5:18
1. President’s Report – Jerry
Override Forum Update: On North Street Associates website
Membership/Meadows Watch Card Report – distribution went well
Owen reported on his experience biking at the Meadows.
15:20
Passenger Rail Service Get Involved? – Email PVPC and Congressman Neal with supportive comments for this project. The Board voted to support this rail service initiative through Northampton and Ward 3. Discussion ensued regarding expanding bike path in our Ward to Hockanum to the dike. A Transportation Committee was formed with Owen as chair.
Social Event With Other Neighborhood Groups - Bay State Association wants to get neighborhood group’s leaders together in a social setting.
30:15
4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Jim
-Alternative vs Permanent committee members. Lola will speak to Maddie regarding the duration of the term. Elections will be held in October. Bring a friend to September’s meeting
33:10
5. Update from Bridge Street School Committee – Tim
Teacher’s union is voting; possibly turn around position on wage freeze.
Preschoolers will now be at Bridge Street; teachers have been given lay off notices; start time has changed to 9:20. Students will be walking from South Street. The Bridge Street school sunken playground will be raised.
44:14
6. Update on website issues - Owen
Found a form vendor that can be used on website. Residents can now join online using membership form and online questionnaires will be more convenient and user friendly.
46:40
7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim
-Update on Zoning Revisions Committee: Specific-focused sub committees are being formed for the summer: urban farming, green space within neighborhoods; strong look at design standards as it relates to neighborhoods; Jim is interested in outreach.
59:50
8. Traffic Calming Committee Update – Lola, Lisa
Committee presented their application. Several possibilities were discussed regarding how the money could be spent: Concentrating on intersections, paint the bridge; plantings. Laura Hanson will be doing a traffic engineering study.
66:17
9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Jim
Next meeting on Friday, June 27.
10. Report of Business Representative - Owen.
Nothing to report at this time
68:10
11. Legislative Update from Councillor Reckman - Bob
Reported on effects of override passing and override not passing. Discussion on the assessments in Northampton for the past 10 years.
83:35
12. Update on “Best Practices” Committee- Bob and Lisa
Hope to devote a summer meeting to talk about findings of this committee. Councilors will “report in” at this special meeting.
85:08
13. Update on City Election Forum – Jim/Bob
Jim and Bob are planning an election forum for Ward 3 candidates and mayoral candidates.
87:20
14. Setting location and arrangements for July and August meetings
6-8:30 Potluck
96 Island Road; Phillip Sullivan’s house (old schoolhouse)
Marianna will organize.
15. New Business
90:02
Fred gave his suggestions for future forums.
93:23
Owen suggested that a pictorial guide to City’s departments and services be considered. He passed out Providence, RI’s pictorial guide as an example.
96:00
Add notice on the listserv to remind membership to vote on June 16.
Adjourned at 8:45
Email Addendum - Supporting the Knowledge (Railroad) Corridor
My email suggested that people contact PVPC and politicos in DC. To formalize this I spoke to PVPC today (5/21/09). Dana suggested the following:
In order to support the return of Amtrak rail service to Northampton the PVPC is composing a proposal for funding. They require as many letters or emails as possible stating that you support “Knowledge Corridor” plan. Send/Email to PVPC below.
Mr. Dana Roscoe, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 26 Central Street, Suite 34, West Springfield, MA 01089-2787
Email Droscoe@PVPC.org
Send a similar written comment to Neal by USPO or Email.
Congressman Richard E. Neal, 2208 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Email from the WEB: http://www.house.gov/neal/write_neal.html
When I spoke to Dana he also reminded me that Mayor Higgins has great plans for the new station. Of course this is likely pre-recession.
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