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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/27/2018 - Business Community Input Traffic Summit Business Community Input Traffic Summit Peconic Lane Community Center Peconic, NY June 27, 2018 – 1:00 PM Attendees Town of Southold Deputy Supervisor, Councilman William Ruland Councilman James Dinizio Police Chief Martin Flatley Town Engineer James Richter Transportation Commission Chairman Neboysha Brashich Nick Mazzaferro Thomas F. Fox Village of Greenport Trustee Mary Bess Phillips Business Community Mattituck Chamber of Commerce – David Perrin North Fork Chamber of Commerce – Andy Binkowski, Cross Sound Ferry Mattituck – Laurel Civic Association – Chris Shashkin Public Carol Forestieri – Southold Press North Fork Patch – Lisa Finn Suffolk Times – Kelly Zegers Proceedings At 1:08 PM, Councilman Ruland welcomed the attendees and provided background for the meeting. He recapped the February 28, 2018 meeting with state, county and local government representatives. This meeting is the second of a series, with the third meeting to be scheduled with the public to discuss traffic issues on the North Fork. Councilman Ruland then asked the business attendees to address traffic issues. David Perrin observed that seasonal traffic congestion had already started at the usual problem locations. He also noted that the Mattituck Strawberry Festival had occurred without major problems and that the Mattituck Street Fair had been moved to Old Sound Avenue to alleviate traffic issues on Love Lane and adjacent roadways. He added that the striping and signage improvements to Old Sound Avenue have had a traffic calming effect. 1 Councilman Ruland noted that there had been substantial discussions with the Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association and others concerning the need for those improvements. He also observed that Love Lane in Mattituck has become a “destination” and that improper parking (e.g. more than 18 inches from curbs) often impedes traffic flow. Councilman Ruland also suggested that local businesses should consider flexible pricing based on different days of the week. Moreover, while tourists are attracted by the rural character of Southold, traffic gridlock might lead to a loss of business by dissuading visitors. He observed that free parking has been abused and that the Town must work within its available resources to control that problem. The employment of additional Traffic Control Officers should lead to better enforcement of parking regulations and the introduction of paid parking might be a consideration. In the meantime, the Dean Parking Lot in Mattituck will be reconfigured and a grant should be sought to assist with that project. Chris Shashkin observed that visitors expect to pay for parking. Councilman Ruland and Tom Fox shared their respective experiences with parking in Lake George, NY. In that village, parking meters are placed on main and secondary streets in the business district with two-hour limits. Chairman Brashich noted that some local business owners and their employees tend to park all day on the street in front of those businesses. Trustee Phillips advised that rigorous enforcement of parking regulations in the Village of Greenport has resulted in improved traffic flow. David Perrin suggested that school parking lots should be used for parking with connecting North Fork Shuttle stops at those locations. However, he also observed that visitors generally prefer to use their own vehicles as much as possible. Tom Fox suggested that local businesses should incentivize patrons to use alternate means of transportation. Councilman Ruland added that Cross Sound Ferry traffic is an issue contributing to congestion. Trustee Phillips noted that the number of renters in Greenport now exceeds that of year- round residents. Chairman Brashich observed that local residents often have visitors who park on streets in front of those residences. 2 Tom Fox noted that it appears that the LIRR’s added service has brought increased ridership. Trustee Phillips observed that many businesses have instituted longer hours of operation due to increased visitor traffic. It was noted that the frequency of Suffolk County Transit’s S92 bus service has increased and that SCT is considering the usage of smaller vehicles. However, it was also observed that evening service hours should be extended and that buses should stop at LIRR stations. Chairman Brashich observed that SCT has instituted the “RIDER” app, which provides estimated arrival times for riders awaiting buses. Tom Fox observed that fare subsidies will probably continue to be required for all modes of local transit services. Carol Forestieri suggested that more advertising would be helpful in publicizing transit options. Trustee Phillips noted the emergence of Uber and Lyft as alternative transportation options, while David Perrin observed that there was only sporadic availability of those services and that riders should note drivers’ names for future service. It was also noted that there was an underserved demand for taxi services, particularly during late evening hours. Councilman Ruland suggested that visitors should be encouraged to innovate in planning their day trips. Councilman Ruland and Tom Fox recounted their individual experiences in visiting Lake George, NY. In that village there are parking fee kiosks on the main thoroughfare and adjacent streets, with free seasonal shuttle buses provided for those parking. It was also noted that local school districts have been reluctant to allow non-school- related parking at their lots. Tom Fox suggested that a visitors’ center with a significant amount of parking for day trip visitors to both the North and South Forks should be considered. Shuttle buses could be utilized to move visitors further east along Routes 25 and 27 or to water taxi terminals serving selected Peconic Bay destinations. However, one of the attendees questioned the effectiveness of that suggestion, while David Perrin suggested that parking at the Splish Splash or adjacent venues in Calverton. Trustee Phillips suggested that mini bus shuttles should be employed in moving visitors. David Perrin noted that the parking and pedestrian arrangements at the recent U.S. Open Golf Tournament in Shinnecock Hills had been successful and suggested that a temporary 3 pedestrian bridge at the Harbes venue on Sound Avenue might be considered. However, that suggestion did not gain any traction in the discussions. Chris Shashkin suggested that a roundabout should be considered at the Harbes venue. However, Town Engineer Jamie Richter noted that the available roadway on Sound Avenue permitted only single traffic in each direction. Chairman Brashich recalled that a proposed roundabout at Cox Neck Lane at the western end of CR48 in Mattituck was estimated to cost more than $6,000,000. Councilman Ruland noted that the EPCAL site in Calverton has an LIRR spur and that parking at that venue may be an option for day trip visitors. He added that LIRR service to the North Fork is underutilized. Observing that “change is constant,” he noted that both Hampton Jitney and Cross Sound Ferry have adjusted their services to meet the demands brought by changing travel patterns. Citing the limited success in having bus shelters placed on SR25, he suggested that better collaboration is necessary between all levels of government in meeting the challenges of change. Chairman Brashich suggested the business community representatives in attendance should brief their respective Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Districts about the ideas discussed. Moreover, “thinking outside of the box” should be encouraged by all interested parties. Trustee Phillips observed that the LIRR had utilized additional shuttle trains on the Ronkonkoma – Greenport line during special events such as the annual Greenport Maritime Festival and the occasional visits by “Tall Ships.” Councilman Ruland noted that there must be a willingness to explore change. He cited Suffolk County Transit as having adjusted the schedules of the S92 on the East End and had installed bike racks on its buses to accommodate increased demand for that bike riders. Similarly, after discussion with local governments and businesses, the LIRR had adjusted it schedules on the North and South Forks to better serve the specific and separate needs of ridership on each line. David Perrin agreed that business must exert more effort in considering the impact of change. On behalf of the Southold Town Board, Councilman Ruland thanked all for attending and advised that they would be kept advised of developments. The meeting was adjourned at 2:38 PM. Respectfully submitted, Thomas F. Fox, Southold Transportation Commission 4 5