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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/24/2007 Southold Transportation Commission Southold Town Hall Minutes of the September 24, 2007 Meeting RECElvm "r.~ 2 Q ')007 \J\.... I _ ~I l. Called to Order 10:05 AM by Neb Brashich, Chair. Sou\!,vIJ Tv,/!! Clark Members Present Neb Brashich, Martin Flatley, Curtis Davids (Highway Department for Pete Harris), Frank Field, Councilman Tom Wickham, Amy Thiel, Heather Lanza, Tom Fox. Members Absent Jamie Richter, Margaret Brown, Ruth Oliva. Also Present Julie Lane, Suffolk Times. Minutes of August 27, 2007 Meeting Approved. Village of Greenport Representative A representative has not yet been named by the Village. Meeting with the Planning Board of September 10,2007 Chairman Brashich reported that there was insufficient input to the Planning Board concerning transportation issues and that transportation safety issues remain the primary concern of stakeholders. It was also suggested that, with the Planning Department, three out ten stakeholder funding requests be selected for study under a prototype pilot program. Suffolk County Department of Public Works Letter of August 21, 2007. The letter was from the Chief Engineer to the Chairman and addressed two issues concerning Route 48 _ the Soundview Inn and Restaurant and the two proposed roundabouts. Soundview: SCDPW reported that it would be installing two painted crosswalks and associated signage in the vicinity of the Soundview. As street lighting on County roadways is the responsibility of the Town, SCDPW has requested the Town to install additional street lighting in the vicinity of the Soundview. The Commission discussed those developments and would seek more input concerning the discussions between Soundview and SCDPW. Roundabouts: SCDPW reported that the appropriating resolution for funding to initiate a study at Cox Neck Road had been submitted to the Suffolk County Budget Office. The resolution has not yet been considered and SCDPW advised that it would report on its progress through the legislative process. SCDPW reported that it has serious concerns about the installation of a two-lane roundabout at the: Westohalia Avenue location. Before proceeding with a study on the two-lane option, however, SCDPW prefers to see a two-lane roundabout operate on Long Island. It also noted that, while only one-lane roundabouts have been installed on Long Island, most have operated with great success and others have not operated as planned. In that regard, a reduction of lanes and construction of a one-lane roundabout .' at that location would "create negative operational issues." The Commission asked Town Engineer Jamie Richter to review the Westohalia Avenue situation. Town OrientationlInterpretive Signage Project Update It was reported that three firms had been interviewed for about two hours each concerning requests for proposals for the above projects. By a unanimous vote, the RBA Group of Melville was selected and an agreement with RBA covering informational signage at various parts of the town would be drafted. Phase I involves contract execution as soon as possible with a report to be made within 2.5 months. Phase 2 calls for an RFP covering construction and installation ofthe signs. The Commission will review the contract prior to review and approval by the Town Board. Councilman Edwards' Proposal- Changes to Tourist-Directional Signs The Town Board has reviewed Mr. Edwards' proposal and will have the Commission review all applications for signage. Suggestions for the proposal are to be included in the RBA Group report. It is understood that the Town Board will comment on the Commission's role in the signage project and that only signs for businesses not located on Route 25 or Countv Road 48 would be considered. The Commission also understands that it's role will be reactive to the Town Board's suggestions and policies. Warex Project in Mattituck Update There is nothing further pending before the Commission at this point. The Heritage at Cutchogue Update The Transportation Commission's suggestions have been accepted by the Planning Board and the Commission awaits the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for review. Councilman Wickham noted that stakeholders are very focused on safety and transportation issues. He also asserted that the Commission should be more proactive in the future. In that regard, it was suggested that Tom Fox undertake a review of all previous studies (e.g. SEEDS, NYSDOT, Schneider) covering North Fork transportation corridor issues. The reports of those studies are available at the Town Clerk's office. Parking Problem - NYS Route 25 and Champlin Place, Greenport The Highway Department and the Town Engineer's Office are to consult concerning signage issues covering that location. Supervisor Russell's Letter of August 15,2007 The Supervisor requested that the Commission consider dealing with and advising on several requests. Laurel LIRR Trestle: It was requested that the NYSDOT be contacted concerning the replacement of the missing sign at that location indicating the height or clearance of that railroad bridge. Turn Signal at New Traffic Light at Westphalia Avenue and CR 48: The Commission was requested to provide input on the possibility/feasibility of having a turn signal installed on that new traffic light. The possibility of a "Yield on Left Turn" sign was discussed. 2 .' . Request for Soeed Limit Reduction at the Orient Causewav: Supervisor Russell observed that the current 55 MPH speed limit encouraged speeding and requested that the Commission consider and comment on the Town's requesting a reduction to 40 MPH. It was noted during discussions that the areas immediately east and west of the Causeway are covered by a 40 MPH limit and it was suggested that the NYSDOT be requested to harmonize the Causeway and surrounding speed limits. SEEDS Update It was noted that because of the reconstruction of County Road 39 in Southampton Town, the LIRR will institute extra rush-hour local train service between Speonk and Montauk. The service will commence on October 23,2007 and run through May 2008. Local shuttle bus service will connect at LIRR stations enroute. The Towns of East Hampton and Southampton have instituted ajoint shuttle bus service to Stony Brook University Hospital for senior citizens and the disabled. It was suggested that the Town of Southold contact the Town of Riverhead concerning the feasibility of establishing a similar service by those towns. Orient Causeway Project - NYSDOT Proposal re Remaining Funding It is understood that the NYSDOT is still working on an earlier proposal for using the remaining funds to improve access to the surrounding beach and to alleviate erosion concerns. Five Towns Rural Transit Update The group intends to sign a contract with the Volpe Center for a feasibility study to be partially funded by East End governments. It was suggested that the Town of Southold might be asked to provide $8,000 to $10,000 as its contribution to that fund. Old Business None reported. New Business Councilman Wickham noted that bicyclists and others have complained about debris and weeds on the Greenport LIRR Bridge. It was suggested that the NYSDOT be requested to reduce debris during construction process for the new bridge. Chairman Brashich suggested that organizers of bicycle and other rallies be required to remove and associated signage after completion of the events. He also that signage removal be made part of the event permit process. Next Meeting October 29,2007 at 10:00 AM. Adjournment 11:45AM Respectfully submitted, Thomas F. Fox 3