20231019 - CSAC Minutes

MEETING MINUTES – October 19, 2023

CSAC Meeting of October 19, 2023

Members in Attendance:  Barbara Sacks, Jane Remis, Shayan Farooqi, Henry Ratcliffe, John Prieto, Lorraine Reynolds, Jovan Mehandzic, Sheila Brogan, Ofc. John Ward (RPD), Chief Forest Lyons (RPD)

Visitors in Attendance:  Julia Bruno, Rurik Halaby, Dana Glazer, Bob Fuhrman, Rob Fitch, Susan Ruane

OLD BUSINESS:

1.Follow-up: Morningside Road and Hamilton, concerns regarding safety and dangerous conditions at the intersection.  A potential solution of road paint was discussed; RPD advised there have been no reported accidents in the area for 2022-2023 and will continue to monitor the area. The idea of starting a petition by local residents for road painting was raised.  Also, an apparent sight triangle obstruction location at the intersection was discussed which will be forwarded to Engineering for review.

2.Visitor Concerns:  Mr. Halaby discussed his concerns regarding the need for a pedestrian crosswalk signal at the intersection of North Maple and Linwood; the need for improvements for road surfaces and at critical pedestrian crossings; and the need for a comprehensive proactive plan by the Village to ensure pedestrian safety.  These issues will be discussed further at the next meeting.

3.Visitor Concern:  Mr. Fitch raised concerns over the process for addressing sight triangle obstructions.  A review of the relevant code section was discussed. It was decided that the RPD would observe and forward a prioritized list of critical STO locations (such as at schools); in addition, the STO review process would be discussed with the Village Manager.

4.Follow-up: The concern of parked vehicles at the curve on Berkshire Road near Grove St was discussed. RPD observed the area including the approach westbound on Grove St and noted the change in speed limit entering the Village; no other concerns were observed at the intersection. The idea of residents starting a petition to add a no-parking sign at the curve was raised.

5.Follow-up: The need for a stop sign at the intersection of the Franklin Avenue extension at North Irving was discussed.  This issue will be discussed further at the next meeting.

6.Follow-up: Concerns over lighting in the CBD in the area of Franklin Ave and Broad St were discussed. RPD reported that a list of light locations in need of repair was sent to PSE&G and the Village Manager.

7.Follow-up: Concerns over safety issues at Clinton Road near Ridge School were discussed. RPD has been observing the area and has undertaken a safety campaign to educate drivers.  It was reported that new signage has been installed.  The idea of notifying local parents about safety issues was raised; this will be discussed with the Board of Education.

8.Follow-up: The issue of adding a double-yellow line on Bellair Road was discussed.  RPD reported on the results of a speed/volume study conducted in September; it was recommended that specific enforcement be carried out and that a double yellow line along with white edge (“fog”) lines be considered. It was decided that the need for local resident feedback would be discussed with the Village Manager.

9.Follow-up: The issue of funding for replacement of the pedestrian bridge on Kingsbridge Road was discussed; it was reported that funding is targeted for the 2024 budget.

10. Follow-up: Progress on Franklin Avenue corridor project – nothing new to report.

11.Follow-up: Pedestrian/Bike SRTS grants – nothing new to report.

12.CBDAC: The following updates in the CBD were discussed: On Thursday evenings during the holidays, retailers will be open and parking will be free; the Village is undertaking a feasibility study to explore the benefits of creating a special improvement district in the CBD; the tree streets in the CBD will be paved in November after dining corrals are removed; the ordinance to limit parking on Walnut St failed to pass due to lack of resident support. There was nothing new to report regarding the pedestrian tunnel/mural project.

13.Site Triangle Obstructions: locations will continue to be sent to Engineering for review, including the location of Spring Ave and South Van Dien.

14.West Glen Avenue sidewalks: It was reported that recent discussions with local residents resulted in overall positive feedback for the project as well as for the crosswalk flashing light at Hillcrest.

15.Intersection proposals: It was reported that a new electronic speed sign was installed on East Glen Avenue near Bogert Avenue. RPD will follow-up on the progress of an in-street crosswalk sign at Bogert.

NEW BUSINESS:

1.Comments from the public. In addition to the aforementioned items, the idea of sending safety information to new parents was raised (e.g., ‘Stop-Look-Wave’); the work of School Resource Officers in this regard is ongoing.