MEMORANDUM

TRC Raymond Keyes Associates (TRC) has provided this review of the plans submitted by G&S Mount Vernon LLC (G&S) for the implementation of traffic mitigation items as set forth in the SEQRA Findings for the Sandford Boulevard Redevelopment Project (the Project).  The intersections submitted within the Village of Pelham include (a) Wolfs Lane and Colonial Avenue; (b) the Northbound Hutchinson River Parkway Ramp and Wolfs Lane; (c) West Boulevard and Wolfs Lane; and (d) Colonial Avenue and Pelhamdale Avenue.  The plans reviewed include the following drawings prepared by Dunn Engineering Associates, P.C.

      Sheet No.                                 Title                                                                        Date

      2 of 20             Sections                                                                                5/8/03, Rev. 8/15/03

      3 of 20             Miscellaneous Details                                                             5/8/03, Rev. 8/15/03

      6 of 20             Roadway Improvement Plan Sandford Blvd. at

                                 Hutchinson River Parkway Ramps                                      5/8/03, Rev.8/15/03

      7 of 20             Roadway Improvement Plan Colonial Ave. at

                                 Wolfs Lane, Wolfs Lane at Northbound Hutchinson

                                 River Pkwy. Ramps                                                            5/8/03, Rev. 8/15/03

      10 of 20           Pavement Marking & Signing Plan, Sandford Blvd. at

                                 Southbound Hutchinson River Parkway Ramps                   5/8/03, Rev. 8/15/03

      11 of 20           Pavement Marking & Signing Plan Colonial Ave. at

                                 Wolfs Lane, Wolfs Lane at Northbound Hutchinson

                                 River Pkwy. Ramps                                                            5/8/03, Rev.8/15/03

      13 of 20           Pavement Marking and Signing Plan Colonial Ave. at

                                 Pelhamdale Ave.                                                                 5/8/03, Rev. 8/15/03

      14 of 20           Pavement Marking and Signing Plan, Wolfs Lane at

                                 West Boulevard                                                                  7/14/03, Rev. 8/15/03

      17 of 20           Traffic Signal Plan Sandford Blvd. & Southbound

                                 Hutchinson River Pkwy. Ramps                                          5/8/03, Rev. 8/15/03

      18 of 20           Traffic Signal Plan Wolfs lane & Northbound

                                 Hutchinson River Pkwy. Ramps.                                         5/8/03, Rev. 8/15/03

      20 of 20           Traffic Signal Plan Colonial Ave. & Pelhamdale Ave.              5/8/03, Rev. 8/15/03

TRC’s review has included a field inspection of each location, review of the plans for conformance for traffic and road standards, and a summary of the impact of each improvement as submitted in Chapter 7, “Traffic”, of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Project.  For the purpose of this review, TRC has not conducted any additional traffic counts or performed analysis of intersection capacity.  All traffic volumes, Levels of Service and vehicle delays noted below are from the referenced section of the DEIS.

The DEIS Traffic Study analyzed the following traffic conditions at each intersection:

·        Existing Conditions – Existing traffic volumes based on turning movement counts collected between December 1998 and April 1999.  Existing volumes include an allowance for activities at Memorial and Hutchinson Field.

·        No Building Condition – Existing traffic volumes projected to the Year 2000 with a one (1) percent growth rate.  These volumes also include trips anticipated by adjacent developments.  These developments include Pelhamdale Mews, Summit Health Care Facilities and Wolf Assisted Living.

·        Build Condition – The addition of the No Build Volumes and the traffic generated by the Project, less volumes generated by the existing Pepsi building.

·        Build with Improvements – The traffic volumes used for this analysis were the same as the Build Condition; however, the intersection analysis includes the implementation of mitigation improvements measures as set forth in the DEIS.

The following represents our findings at each of the intersections within the Village:

A.        West Boulevard and Wolfs Lane

1.      Traffic Impact of the Project – Based on the traffic information provided in the Project DEIS, there will be a nominal increase in vehicles passing through the Wolfs Lane and West Boulevard intersection.  During the Peak Saturday Hour (3:30 – 4:30 pm) there will be an increase of 10 vehicles in the southbound direction and 9 vehicles in the northbound direction. These additional trips represent approximately 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively, of the total trips of each of these movements.  Based on the intersection capacity analysis summary, as shown on Table 7-10 of the DEIS (see portion reproduced and attached hereto), the additional Project traffic will not decrease the overall Level of Service of the intersection, but will increase the average delay approximately 1 second in the PM Peak Highway Hour and approximately 6 seconds in the Peak Saturday Highway Hour.  Individual movements, as shown on the attached table, will have various changes in delay.  The proposed improvements will decrease the average delay, but will not improve Level of Service.

2.      Comments on Roadway Improvement Plan – The proposed improvements at the Wolfs Lane and West Boulevard intersection are shown on Sheet 14 of 20, “Pavement Marking and Signing Plan, Wolfs Lane at West Boulevard”.  The following are TRC’s comments:

·        Elimination of the parking spaces on the northbound Wolfs Lane approach to the intersection will create a 19-foot wide lane.  As stated in the project DEIS, “this will permit northbound through and right turning vehicles to pass northbound vehicles queuing for the left-turn movement”.  The proposed 19-foot lane will not have a separate designated left-turn lane.  In accordance with the New York State Department of Transportation  (NYSDOT) Highway Design Manual, the lane width for local urban streets should be 10 feet minimum and that left and right-turn lanes should be 10-feet wide desirable and 9-feet wide minimum.  The manual also notes that in the location of curb, a 1 to 2 foot offset from the travel lane is desirable.  The 19-foot wide lane as proposed will allow for a 9-foot left-turn lane and a 10-foot through/right-turn lane, meeting only the minimum criteria of NYSDOT.

·        The plan does not propose to stripe a separate left-turn lane.  TRC concurs with this as the lane width only meets the minimum required width per NYSDOT standards.  However, by not striping the left-turn lane, if a vehicle turning left does not stop close to the centerline stripe, a through or right turning vehicle may not be able to pass on the right.

·        Based on TRC’s field measurements, the distance from the existing stop bar to the end of the fifth parking space from the intersection is 120 feet.  The plan does not clearly indicate the number of parking spaces to be eliminated or the distance from the intersection to the “No Stopping at Any Time” sign.

·        The relocated parking spaces on the south side of West Boulevard, east of the intersection, should be shifted further east to allow a single unit truck to make a right turn onto West Boulevard without conflicting with the first parking space.

·        The plan does not provide details for removing and installing parking meters.

·        Relocating the parking spaces to West Boulevard will reduce the existing lane widths.  Based on TRC’s field measurement, presently the westbound lane of West Boulevard is approximately 14 feet wide and the eastbound lane is approximately 15 feet wide.  The plan proposes reducing the westbound lane to 11’-6”, the eastbound lane to 11’-6” and providing a 7-foot wide parking space.  The proposed width on West Boulevard, east of the intersection, will be comparable to the existing lane widths west of the intersection where parking is currently allowed.

·        The previously submitted Conceptual Plan indicated that the existing traffic signal would be modified to provide a 90 second cycle and upgrade the controller to permit alternate timing plans for different times of the day.  No traffic signal plans are included in the set of 20 sheets referenced.  New controllers should be provided and should be compatible with the Village traffic control system.  The Applicant’s traffic engineer should submit signal timings for the signal operation, including the alternate timings for different times of the day.

·        West Boulevard, east of Wolfs Lane, has significant traffic during school periods.  The street provides access to the elementary, middle and high schools.  If the parking is relocated to West Boulevard, it may be beneficial to prohibit parking during school drop-off periods.

B.        Colonial Avenue and Pelhamdale Avenue

1.   Traffic Impact of the Project – Based on the traffic information provided in the Project DEIS, the Project would result in an increase in vehicles passing through the Colonial Avenue and Pelhamdale Avenue intersection.  During the Peak Saturday Hour, there will be an additional 67 vehicles traveling in the westbound direction on Colonial Avenue, 95 vehicles northbound on Pelhamdale Avenue turning left at the intersection, and a total of 158 vehicles traveling east on Colonial Avenue.  Of the eastbound traffic, 9 vehicles will turn left, 67 vehicles will continue eastbound, and 88 vehicles will turn right onto Pelhamdale Avenue.  These additional trips represent an increase of 14 percent in the total eastbound traffic, 18 percent in the total westbound traffic and 29 percent increase in total northbound Pelhamdale traffic volume.  Based on the intersection capacity analysis, as shown on Table 7-10 of the DEIS, the addition of the background traffic in the No-Build condition will decrease capacity of the intersection to a Level of Service F during both the Peak Saturday and PM Highway Hours, without any improvements to the intersection.  The additional Project traffic will further degrade the intersection capacity.  With the proposed improvements to the intersection, the overall Level of Service will increase to a Level of Service C for both the Peak PM Highway and Saturday Hours.  In accordance with the DEIS analysis, the Level of Service of all turning movements will be at least equal to the existing conditions.

2.   Comments on Roadway Improvements – The proposed modifications at the Colonial Avenue and Pelhamdale Avenue intersection includes striping the eastbound approach to provide a left/through and right-turn lane on Colonial Avenue, restripe the northbound approach on Pelhamdale Avenue to provide a left-turn lane and a through/right-turn lane and upgrade the signal controller to permit alternate signal timing plans during different times of the day, as well as to include a new traffic signal to accommodate the new traffic movements noted.

      The following are TRC’s comments with respect to the roadway improvement plans submitted:

      a.   Sheet No. 13 of 20, “Pavement Marking & Signal Plan, Colonial Avenue at Pelhamdale Avenue”:

·        The turning movement from eastbound Colonial Avenue onto southbound Pelhamdale Avenue and from northbound Pelhamdale Avenue onto westbound Colonial Avenue should be analyzed with respect to the stop bar location.  These roads are restricted to prohibit trucks over 2-1/2 Tons.  TRC suggests that the turning movements and stop bar locations be located to allow a single unit truck to make the turns without impacting vehicles stopped at the intersection.

·        The existing crosswalks are being restriped.  The existing curb ramps should be reconstructed, if required, to comply with ADA/NYSDOT standards.

·        Provide “No Turn on Red” on northbound Pelhamdale Avenue.  The Applicant’s traffic engineer should advise whether this “No Turn on Red” will impact the capacity of the intersection.

·        Remove the “Do Not Pass” sign on northbound Pelhamdale Avenue.  We suggest a “Do Not Block Intersection” be provided opposite Iden Avenue.

·        TRC suggests that the lane width on Colonial Avenue, west of Pelhamdale Avenue, be modified to provide a 15-foot westbound lane, 12-foot though/left-turn lane and a 13-foot right-turn lane.  The Applicant’s engineer should confirm that the existing road width will allow the lanes to be striped as noted.

·        TRC suggests that the lane width on Pelhamdale Avenue be modified to provide a 15-foot minimum southbound lane, 12-foot left-turn lane and a 13-foot minimum through/right-turn lane.

·        The proposed restriping at the intersection will impose “No Stopping At Any Time” on the north and south side of Colonial Avenue between Pelhamdale Avenue and Corlies Avenue and along Pelhamdale Avenue from the intersection of Colonial Avenue to Reed Avenue.  It will be necessary for the Villages of Pelham and Pelham Manor to make sure that their traffic regulations conform to these conditions.

·        TRC suggests that the proposed white edge lines not be provided on Colonial and Pelhamdale Avenue.

·        The pedestrian crosswalk at Corlies Avenue is shown with a symbol inferring they will be restriped with 12-inch white crosswalk bars.  A note indicating the restriping should be added.

·        Similar to the intersection of Pelhamdale Avenue, TRC suggests that the pedestrian curb ramps at the intersection of Corlies Avenue be reviewed and reconstructed to meet ADA/NYSDOT guidelines, if required.

b.   Sheet 20 of 20, “Traffic Signal Plan, Colonial Avenue and Pelhamdale Avenue”:

·        The Village should insure that all traffic signal equipment is in compliance with the Village standards.  It is recommended that all equipment be replaced to comply with the Union Metal Corporation Columbia Family Series, which is the Village of Pelham’s signal pole standard.  The Villages traffic signal consultant should review the plans and provide input.

·        The Applicant’s traffic engineer should provide signal timing of the intersection for review.

·        The traffic signal modification should include installation of pedestrian heads and pushbuttons.  The phasing and operation of the signal should be modified to include a pedestrian phase.

·        The Applicant’s traffic engineer should review the feasibility of providing pedestrian crossings on all legs of the intersection.  This would greatly enhance pedestrian safety of this intersection for children going to the middle and high school and for the elementary schools in the area.  The Applicant’s traffic engineer should provide an analysis to indicate any change in Level of Service with the introduction of pedestrian phases.

·        The Applicant’s traffic engineer should provide an analysis of alternate phasing and capacity of the intersection.  This should include providing loop detectors on Pelhamdale Avenue in order to give Colonial Avenue priority when there is little or no traffic on Pelhamdale Avenue, providing separate phases for northbound/southbound Pelhamdale Avenue as currently exists and also providing a northbound phase for Pelhamdale Avenue which would operate simultaneously with the new right turn on Colonial Avenue.  Based on the Village’s direction for the signal operation, the traffic signal plan will have to be revised accordingly.

C.        Colonial Ave. at Wolf’s Lane Wolfs Lane at Northbound Hutchinson River Pkwy. Ramp

1.         Traffic Impact of Project Traffic – Based on the traffic information provided in the Project DEIS, there will be a substantial increase in vehicular traffic passing through the intersections of Wolfs Lane with Colonial Avenue and the Hutchinson River Parkway (HRP) Exit 9.  During the Peak Saturday Hour, the increase in vehicular traffic through the intersection will be as follows (the Project percentage of each movement is shown in parentheses):

·        Left turns from HRP off ramp to southbound Wolfs Lane – 306 vehicles (72%).

·        Northbound Wolfs Lane left turn onto HRP northbound ramp – 105 vehicles (12%).

·        Westbound Colonial Avenue at Wolfs Lane – 172 vehicles (37%).

·        Northbound left turn from Wolfs Lane to westbound Colonial Avenue – 19 vehicles (45%).

·        Southbound right turn lane from Wolfs Lane to northbound Colonial Avenue –316 vehicles (57%).

·        Eastbound Colonial Avenue left turn to northbound Wolfs Lane – 114 vehicles (26%).

·        Eastbound Colonial Avenue through intersection – 158 vehicles (20%).

·        Eastbound Colonial Avenue right turn onto southbound Wolfs Lane – 18 vehicles (22%).

Overall, during the Peak Saturday Hour, there will be an increase of 800 vehicles traveling through the intersection of Wolfs Lane and Colonial Avenue.  This represents approximately 26% of the total projected traffic through the intersection.  Based on the intersection capacity analysis, as shown on Table 7-10 of the DEIS, the additional projected traffic will decrease the capacity of the intersection of Wolfs Lane and Colonial Avenue from an existing Level of Service D in the Peak PM Highway Hour and Level of Service B in the Peak Saturday Highway Hour to a Level of Service F for both periods, if no improvements are implemented.  With the improvements proposed by the Applicant, the intersection will operate at an overall Level of Service C during the Peak PM and Saturday Highway Hour.  Individual movements as shown on the referenced Table will have various changes and delays.

2.         Comments on Traffic Improvement Plan – The modifications to the intersection proposed by the Applicant include widening southbound Wolfs Lane to provide an exclusive right-turn, through and left-turn lane; modify the existing signal operation at the intersection of Wolfs Lane and Colonial Avenue to provide an eastbound advance phase while permitting southbound right turns; permit alternate signal timing plans for different times of the day; provide pedestrian signals and push buttons; restripe the HRP off ramp to provide an exclusive right-turn and left-turn lane; and modify the traffic signal at Wolfs Lane and the HRP ramp to provide a northbound advance phase while permitting eastbound right turns off the ramp.

The following are TRC’s comments:

a.   General Comments -

·        The widening of Wolfs Lane will result in a substantial change to the character of Wolfs Lane traveling north from Colonial Avenue.  The existing trees on the west side of Wolfs Lane presently provide a visual screen from the Parkway.  When traveling northbound on Wolfs Lane from Colonial Avenue, the vegetation maintains the Village atmosphere, with only the ramp terminus providing a limited view toward the Parkway.  The widening of Wolfs Lane may remove a substantial number of the trees.  It is extremely important in the review of the impact of the Applicant’s proposal to have a tree survey indicating the existing trees, trees to be removed and those to remain.  If the tree survey indicates that a substantial number of trees will be removed, methods of mitigating the visual impact should be provided by the Applicant.  One alternative may be to construct a landscape berm along the west side of Wolfs Lane, behind the sidewalk, on which new trees and landscaping could be provided.  To assist the Village in the review of the impact, it would be useful to provide cross sections from Wolfs Lane to the Parkway showing the existing and proposed conditions.

·        The proposed modifications to Wolfs Lane and resulting improvement of Level of Service is dependent upon the modification to the Exit 9 HRP off ramp.  This portion of work is under the jurisdiction of the NYSDOT.  The Applicant should provide evidence of NYSDOT’s acceptance of these modifications.  Any approval by the Village should be contingent upon the Applicant obtaining a NYSDOT permit for the ramp work.

·        There are existing street lights on the west side of Wolfs Lane.  The widening of Wolfs Lane will require the relocation of these lights.  The plans currently do not address how the lights will be moved or if additional lighting will be necessary.

b.   Sheet 2 of 20, “Typical Sections”

·        TRC suggests that granite curb be provided for all new work.

c.   Sheet 7 of 20, “Roadway Improvement Plan, Colonial Avenue at Wolfs Lane, Wolfs Lane at Northbound Hutchinson River Parkway Ramp”

·        Modify the center island of the Parkway ramp to provide a pedestrian crosswalk.

·        The existing curb ramps on the northwest corner of the intersection should be reconstructed as required to comply with ADA/NYSDOT standards.

·        Provide a pedestrian crosswalk across Wolfs Lane north of the HRP ramp.  Install curb ramps as required.

·        The existing flow of stormwater along Wolfs Lane is from north to south.  Currently the water flows around the corner and west on Colonial Avenue to the existing inlets prior to the HRP bridge.  The widening of Wolfs’ Lane will increase the amount of pavement and quantity of water flowing along the curb.  In a heavy storm this could provide an excessive spread of water along the curb.  The Applicant’s engineer should provide an analysis of the gutter spread and determine if it is necessary to install additional inlets at the intersection of Colonial Avenue and Wolfs Lane.

d.   Sheet 11 of 20, “Pavement Marking and Signing Plan, Colonial Avenue at Wolfs Lane, Wolfs Lane and Hutchinson River Parkway Ramp”

·        Indicate “No Pedestrian Crossing” signs on the southwest, northwest and northeast corners of Colonial Avenue and Wolfs Lane as appropriate.

·        Restripe the pedestrian crosswalks similar to that proposed at the intersection of Colonial Avenue and Pelhamdale Avenue.

·        The Applicant’s engineer should advise as to the feasibility of providing “No Turn on Red” signs on the signal mast arms to improve visibility.

·        The plan indicates that many of the existing signs along the west side of Wolfs Lane will be relocated (Item No. 847.10).  Removing, storing and relocating signs often result in the damage of signs.  TRC suggests that all new signs be provided.

·        Provide pedestrian crosswalks at the end of the HRP ramps and across Wolfs Lane, north of the HRP ramps.

·        The lane width on Wolfs Lane, north of the HRP ramp should be modified to provide a minimum 12-foot curb lane.

·        Provide “No Turn on Red” signs on southbound Wolfs Lane at the HRP ramp, for the right turn from the HRP ramp to Southbound Wolfs Lane and on northbound Wolfs Lane at Colonial Avenue.  The Applicant’s traffic engineer should advise if the “No Turn on Red” will impact the traffic signal operation and capacity of the intersection.

e.   Sheet 18 of 20, “Traffic Signal Plan, Wolfs Lane and Northbound Hutchinson River Parkway Ramps”

·        At both the Colonial Avenue and HRP ramp intersections the applicant is proposing to install some new traffic signals and maintain portions of the existing equipment.  It is recommended that all equipment be replaced to comply with the Union Metal Corporation Columbia Family Series, which is the Village of Pelham’s signal pole standard.  The Village’s traffic signal consultant should review the plans and provide input.

·        It is recommended that the existing pedestrian heads be replaced with the new heads with a countdown component.

·        Pedestrian push buttons and heads should be provided at the pedestrian crosswalks on Wolfs Lane and the Northbound HRP ramps.  Also, as noted above, it is recommended that a pedestrian crosswalk also be provided across Wolfs Lane, north of the HRP ramp.  This will require installation of additional pedestrian push buttons and heads.

·        The Applicant’s traffic engineer should provide signal timings for the intersections at various times of the day to accommodate the Project traffic, i.e., such as Saturdays and evening PM peaks.

·        As noted above, provide “No Turn on Red” signs on the mast arm for all right turn movements at cross walk.

·        Modify the signal phasing and operation at the intersection of Wolfs Lane and HRP ramp to provide for the pedestrian phases.

·        The Traffic Signal Plan indicates existing loops in Wolfs Lane and Colonial Avenue to remain.  These loops should be tested and repaired/replaced as necessary to insure that they are operational after completion of the traffic signal construction.

In addition to addressing the above comments, as part of any consideration of the approval requested by the Applicant, the Village should consider the following:

1.      Bonding of all Improvements - The Applicant should provide an engineer’s estimate of the work approved. 

2.      For the inspection, testing and certification of all construction, the Village may consider either hiring an independent inspector or require the Applicant to provide a consultant inspector who would review and certify that all construction is completed in accordance with the phased specifications.

2.      All construction procedures and specifications should be in accordance with the NYSDOT standards and specifications.

3.      The Applicant’s traffic engineer should provide additional information on how the signals along Colonial Avenue will be interconnected and coordinated.  This should address how providing alternate signal timings during various periods of the day will be handled.  The engineer should recognize that the Village of Pelham is moving forward with implementation of a 15 mph school zone on Colonial Avenue and should address how this may impact the coordination of the traffic signals.

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