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TR-2015-30 NO PARKING SCHOOL ST. PARK COREY, SCHOOL, ALHAMBRA UV J S' y� TR-2015-30 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE INSTALLATION OF "NO PARKING" SIGNS ALONG SCHOOL STREET, COREY STREET AND ALHAMBRA CIRCLE SOUTH IN DESIGNATED SPOTS (Sponsored by George Bitzas) WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council has the authority to create "No Parking" zones; and WHEREAS, The Department of Public Works - Engineering Division has mapped out the location for the proposed "No Parking"Zones on School Street, Alhambra Circle South and Corey Street and are designated as red dots on the attached map (Exhibit A); and WHEREAS, these new"No Parking" zones will assist in improving the safe ingress and egress of vehicular,pedestrian and bicycle traffic on School Street, Corey Street and Alhambra Circle South, the safety of residents living along School Street and Corey Street and also the residents of the Town and those traveling along said Streets; and WHEREAS, the Town Parks and Recreation, Engineering and Police Departments believe the designated"No Parking" zones will improve the flow of traffic, both vehicular and bicycle and pedestrian, along School Street, Corey Street and Alhambra Circle South; and WHEREAS,the Town Parks and Recreation, Engineering and Police Departments have studied the creation of new"No Parking" zones and have recommended the new"No Parking" zones. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, §2, that the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Town of Agawam, adopted by the Board of Selectmen on May 7, 1937; and subsequent amendments thereto, be further amended as follows, as shown on Exhibit A: Article V. Parking Section 2 Prohibited on Certain Streets Upon the following streets or highways or parts thereof, parking is hereby prohibited: Add: Beginning on the north side of Alhambra Cir South at#86 proceeding west to the south west corner of#455 Corey Street INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: CHRISTOPHER C.JOHNSON, COUNCIL PRESIDENT FROM: COUNCILOR GEORGE BITZAS SUBJECT: TR-2015-30 DATE: JULY 9, 2015 Prior to the Community Relations Sub-Committee meeting and leaving for vacation, I had a detailed discussion with Police Chief Gillis regarding parking and safety along the streets of School Street Park. I agree with his suggestions for the police to utilize temporary no parking "sandwich-type" boards for the evening of the event(s). We also discussed the need to evaluate how these temporary boards would work after the Grand Opening on July V. As we all witnessed, these boards worked quite well and there were no parking issues that evening or during the July W h concert event as well. Therefore in my opinion the Resolution is no longer necessary. As sponsor of TR-2015-30, I respectfully withdraw this item and ask that you remove it from our next City Council Agenda during the July 13, 2015 meeting. Thank you for your attention in this matter. cc: Full Council, Mayor, Solicitor, Police Chief Gillis, Parks & Recreation Director Chris Sparks barbara bard From: Mayor Richard Cohen Sent: Thursday,June 25, 2015 9.43 AM To: AII_City Councilors; barbara bard;Vince Gioscia;Christopher Golba Cc: Eric Gillis; Michelle Chase Subject: TR2015-30 Dear Council, l am sending you remarks from our Town Engineer and Police Chief with their concerns to TR2015-30 relevant to a recent memo about this Resolution for your review. Thank you I still believe that there should be No Parking at all times at the locations we are proposing on School Street, Corey and Alhambra Circle South. If someone parks on Corey Street near the entrance at any time, it creates a sight distance issue for vehicles leaving the park. On School Street we are investing a lot of money to have 4' shoulders, share the road signs,etc. all to make the road safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Parking vehicles on School Street creates an unsafe situation for these people who want to bike or walk to the park. I brought this up at the meeting this morning with MassDOT and Fuss&O'Neill and they were happy to see that the Town was pushing for no parking on School Street. School Street, Corey Street, Main Street and River Road when complete will be a nice loop for people to bike and walk on. With the park now open, it will attract even more pedestrians and cyclists. Next year, we hope to repave Corey Street and we will make the shoulders as wide as possible to encourage cycling and pedestrians(similar to School Street). This is a nice network of roads that should be kept open to all modes of transportation and not be blocked by parked vehicles. Sincerely, Michelle C. Chase, P.E. Town Engineer P:41 M21-W25 F:413-821-0831 Agawam-Engineering Division 1000 Suffield Street Agawam,MA 01001 www.apawam.ma.us Mayor, I have a number of thoughts that I have expressed to the members of the council during a previous hearing, but will re-iterate them again. With respect to the School Street portion of the proposed area, it is my understanding that there will now be a dedicated bike lane located where the proposed NO PARKING signs are to be installed. The establishment of a zone in this area will be vital to the safety of all persons utilizing this dedicated bike lane. The majority of the proposed NO PARKING zone that will be on Corey Street and Alhambra Circle South is restricted to one side of the roadway. In the areas where it will be on both sides of the road, we have the intersection of Corey Street and Janelle Drive, and the top of Alhambra South, where lane width is already at its minimum. Everyone has acted in an effort to deal with this reasonably foreseeable situation in a proactive manner, with the safety and well-being of our residents and those who visit School Street Park in mind. 1 . Unfoxtunately it has now devolved into politics, with little consideration for the safety impacts that will surely come as a result of inaction and does not consider collateral consequences and the real potential for future events to be held at this location at any time of the day. Half measures being proposed are generally ineffective, and very difficult to enforce. Perhaps the creation of an ordinance that would give the Police Department the ability to create emergency temporary NO PARKING areas might be worth considering and a thought that I am happy to discuss further should you desire. Respectfully submitted, em,P. Eric P. Gillis Chief of Police Agawam Police Department 681 Springfield Street Feeding Hills, MA 01030 (413) 786-4767 ggillis(c-)agaw_arn ma.us chiefand(@ agawam.ma.us Richard A Cohen, Mayor 36 Main Street Agawam, MA 01001 413-786-0400 Ext.8200 A 2 INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: CECILIA P. CALABRESE, CHAIR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE FROM: COUNCILOR GEORGE BITZAS SUBJECT: TR-2015-30 DATE: JUNE 24, 2015 After hearing several concerns from area residents of School Street Park regarding parking near their homes during concert events, I expressed these concerns to the Administration. I was informed by the Mayor that the Engineering and Parks & Recreation Departments along with the Police Department were already working on a resolution to address these issues by designating No Parking zones during concert events. During conversations regarding this issue, Chris Sparks asked if I was willing to sponsor the resolution. to bring to the Full Council to which I agreed as I sympathize with the residents who have asked for my assistance. This issue poses safety concerns for the residents along School Street, Corey Street and Alhambra Circle South as well as those traveling these streets to utilize School Street Park. These departments studied and recommended the No Parking zones which were designated on the map attached to the resolution. A traffic study is not available at this time because the concert event season has not begun and in my opinion, without the concert events, there would be no need for the placement of these signs. The study and evaluation can be done after the first concert in July if necessary. We would have a better understanding of the magnitude of the parking problem at that time. As you can see from the Community Relations Sub-Committee minutes dated June 10, 2015, as many as 5000 concert attendees are expected during a concert. We must address this issue in some manner and hopefully the area residents will attend our meetings to express their concerns. As Chair of the Community Relations Sub-Committee, you can invite whomever you wish to attend our meeting on June 29, 2015 and/or our July 13, 2015 City Council meeting in order to ask any specific questions that you or any other committee member may have. The Administration along with the Park & Recreation and Engineering Departments as well as the Police Department are certainly willing to answer any additional questions you may have. As I mentioned, I am unable to attend the June 29' sub-committee meeting but would again like to suggest an amendment to the resolution. Because these potential No Parking zones are intended solely for the summer concert series and park events, there is no need for parking restrictions during other seasons. In my opinion, it is unnecessary to have restricted parking year round. Therefore, I plan to amend TR-2015-30 as follows: ARITCLE V Section 2 Prohibited on-Certain Streets Upon the following treets or highways or parts thereof,parking is hereby prohibited during concert and park events between Spm and llpm. Please read and discuss this memo and potential amendment at the meeting as well as reading my March 12t' Memo into record which is attached for your convenience. Any other suggestions are most certainly welcome. Thank you. cc: Community' Relations Sub-Committee, Full Council, Mayor, Solicitor, Police Chief Gillis, Parks & Recreation Director Chris Sparks, Town Engineer Michelle Chase, 2 INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: FULL COUNCIL FROM: COUNCILOR GEORGE BITZAS SUBJECT: TR-2015-30 DATE: MARCH 12, 2015 As sponsor of this Resolution and because I cannot attend the Community Relations Sub-Committee meeting on June 10t', I welcome any and all comments, concerns and/or amendments to this item. In order to avoid issues for the residents in the areas of concern, I offer the following suggestions: • Signs designating No Parking during park concerts/events; or • Signs designating No Parking between bpm and 11 pm during concerts/events My primary concern for sponsoring this item is for public safety in that area. Thank you. cc: Mayor, Solicitor barbara bard From: Christopher Sparks Sent: Tuesday,June 09, 2015 2:51 PM To: barbara bard;Anthony Suffriti;Anthony Suffriti; Cecilia P.Calabrese;Cecilia Calabrese; Christopher C.Johnson;Christopher C.Johnson; Dennis Perry, Dennis J. Perry; Donald M. Rheault; Donald Rheault;George Bitzas;George Bitzas; George Bitzas; Gina M. Letellier, Gina Letellier,James P. Cichetti;James Cichetti;Joesph Mineo;Joseph Mineo; Paul Cavallo; Paul C.Cavallo; Robert E. Rossi; Robert Rossi Cc: Mayor Richard Cohen;Vince Gioscia; Eric Gillis Subject: RE:TR-2015-30 Good afternoon, Unfortunately, I will not be able to make Wednesday's meeting because my son's varsity baseball team is playing in the Western Mass Tournament semi-finals at WNEC tomorrow. I strongly support the No Parking zones as established by our engineering department and supported by the Agawam Police. I brought this subject up trying to be proactive foreseeing the increased traffic and parking with the new School Street Park on Corey Street. I disagree with George's recommendation as there may be many instances where on street parking is needed besides concerts. Putting extra stipulations in the No Parking zones will only lead to confusion and will make the zones harder to control and enforce. I am sure Chief Gillis will agree and elaborate on this point. Thank you for your support as we are striving for public safety with the projected increased traffic and parking concerns that the new park will generate. Have a good day, Chris Sparks From: barbara bard Sent: Friday, June 05, 2015 1:01 PM To: Anthony Suffriti; Anthony Suffriti; Cecilia P. Calabrese; Cecilia Calabrese; Christopher C. Johnson; Christopher C. Johnson; Dennis Perry; Dennis J. Perry;.Donald M. Rheault; Donald Rheault; George Bitzas; George Bitzas; George Bitzas; Gina M. Letellier; Gina Letellier; James P. Cichetti; James Cichetti; Joesph Mineo; .Joseph Mineo; Paul Cavallo; Paul C. Cavallo; Robert E. Rossi; Robert Rossi Cc: Mayor Richard Cohen; Vince Gioscia; Eric Gillis; Christopher Sparks Subject: TR-2015-30 FYI Make it a great day! Cq Barbara A. Bard Administrative Assistant Agawam City Council 36 Main Street Agawam,MA.01001 (413)726-9716 (413)726-9717 fax bbaKda.agaWam,Ma,us 1 TR-2015-30 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE INSTALLATION OF "NO PARKING" SIGNS ALONG SCHOOL STREET, COREY STREET AND ALHAMBRA CIRCLE SOUTH IN DESIGNATED SPOTS (Sponsored by George Bitzas) WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council has the authority to create "No Parking" zones; and WHEREAS,The Department of Public Works - Engineering Division has mapped out the location for the proposed "No Parking" Zones on School Street, Alhambra Circle South and Corey Street and are designated as red dots on the attached map (Exhibit A); and WHEREAS,these new"No Parking" zones will assist in improving the safe ingress and egress of vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic on School Street, Corey Street and Alhambra Circle South, the safety of residents living along School Street and Corey Street and also the residents of the Town and those traveling along said Streets; and WHEREAS, the Town Parks and Recreation, Engineering and Police Departments believe the designated "No Parking" zones will improve the flow of traffic, both vehicular and bicycle and pedestrian, along School Street, Corey Street and Alhambra Circle South; and WHEREAS,the Town Parks and Recreation, Engineering and Police Departments have studied the creation of new"No Parking"zones and have recommended the new "No Parking" zones. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, §2, that the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Town of Agawam, adopted by the Board of Selectmen on May 7, 1937; and subsequent amendments thereto, be further amended as follows, as shown on Exhibit A: Article V. Parking Section 2 Prohibited on Certain Streets Upon the following streets or highways or parts thereof, parking is hereby prohibited: Add: Beginning on the north side of Alhambra Cir South at#86 proceeding west to the south west corner of#455 Corey Street � Add: Beginning on the north side of Corey Street opposite from #310 and proceeding west to a point opposite from #8 Alexander Drive. Add: Beginning on the northwest corner of 983 Alhambra Cir South and extending along the south side of Corey Street until 30 feet west of the entrance to Janelle Drive at#246 Corey Street Add: Beginning on School Street at the intersection with River Road and extending the entire length of School Street on both sides until the intersection with Main Street. As more particularly shown on the attached map marked Exhibit A. Dated this_day of , 2015. PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Christopher C. Johnson, Council President AdTO FORM D LEGALITY t Vincent F. 637iotcia, City Solicitor CIU� i �.. 1AN 7�= wilt J .,► w• ;� � ���� � _ ���� •. • ref f +i ��� d IT o g ` . . UV NMI EIM MAN loco • ,fir, �:,�.�.. , ter► nLAAd tp .. 7'R --010 15-3a AGAWAM POLICEDEPARTMENT u qP ERIC P. GILLIS � Chief of Police May 20, 2015 Agawam Town Council 36 Main Street Agawam, MA 01001 Dear Council Member, I am writing you today in the hopes that you will give fair and timely consideration to the request currently pending before you, which provides for the creation of a "NO PARKING" zone in the vicinity of the newly expanded portion of School Street Park. To be clear this proposed "NO PARKING" zone will encompass portions of both Corey Street and Alhambra Circle South (Exact address ranges of both streets located within proposal). It is my understanding that this new portion of the park will be utilized to host the Town Of Agawam Summer Concert Series that has become quite popular with many of our residents. As you may or may not be aware, several of the acts that were presented in Series of years past drew well over 5,000 attendees. With those numbers a reality for this year and years to come, we recognize that the number of parking spaces available at this new venue will not accommodate all of the vehicles that attendees will arrive in. As such, we have worked proactively with our partners in the Parks and Recreation Department, as well as the Engineering Department under the umbrella of our DPW, to craft a plan to effectively deal with this anticipated overflow. This plan has given careful consideration to a variety of factors including lane width on both Corey and School Streets, average speed of traffic on both roadways, and lack of sidewalks on Corey Street. Our Safety Sergeant, Steven Grasso has worked tirelessly with both Chris Sparks and Michelle Chase to identify the best way in which to manage the parked vehicles we believe will be the by-product of well-attended events. Our collective goal is to ensure the safety of all of those who attend events at this location, as well as those who utilize the roadways around the park. Given the significant limitations that we face, we firmly believe that the solution that has been presented is the best way for us to realize our safety objectives. I know that you are all aware that the new portion of the park is scheduled for a Grand Opening on July 1, 2015. We have precious little time to get these signs erected prior to that date, so the need for your timely assistance and ultimate action on this matter cannot be overstated. I can tell you that the Engineering Department and our Safety Officer have a vast knowledge base of the 681 Springfield St. • Feeding Hills, MA 01030 • Tel:(413)786.4767 • Fax:(413) 786.4821 • egillis@agawam.ma.us .y situation and are in the best position to answer technical questions that you may have related to this proposal. I would encourage you to contact them directly with any questions or concerns that you may have. Please find a copy of the report that was prepared by Sergeant Steven Grasso regarding this proposal attached hereto for your further review. I am also available should you have any questions or concerns. Res ly submitt , r' P. Gillis Chief of Police To:Chief Gillis CC: Lieutenant Blanchette From: Sergeant Steven Grasso Date: May 4, 2015 Re:Summer Concert Series-School St Park I met with the Park and Recreation Director, Chris Sparks to have preliminary talks regarding the upcoming Summer Concert Series that will now be located at School Street Park. The primary concern will be the parking situation. Currently, the new parking lot will hold 210 vehicles and the old parking lot (off School St)will hold 185 vehicles. I learned that the largest attendance for a concert in 2014 was over 5,000 people. This will in all likelihood be more vehicles than the parking lot(s) can handle. This will ultimately involve vehicles parking on the street. Both Mr. Sparks and I are in agreement that there should be no on road parking on School Street. i feel the best on street parking will be Corey Street if it can be limited to the north side of the street west of the entrance/exit of the parking lot to Janelle Drive. There is enough room up to Janelle Drive to have parking on one side of the road only and still have the ability to pass two way traffic. There should be no parking west of Janelle Drive as there is a guard rail/wire in close proximity to the roadway. I don't believe there should be any parking on Corey Street east of the entrance/exit until South Alhambra Circle. Presently, there is on street parking by residents on South Alhambra Circle. Chris Sparks and I met with Michelle Chase of the Engineering department to request no parking signs in the aforementioned area. Chase agreed with recommendations on the restricted areas and will begin the process to have these areas posted for no parking. Chase did inform us that the DPW may have to put up temporary signs for no parking. Apparently, it may take several months to get the no parking signs once they are ordered. Sparks and I spoke regarding appropriate manpower and I suggested a minimum of four officers with the potential of a fifth officer assigned to a marked cruiser to enforce parking restrictions. There wilt be four posts; an officer will be assigned to the entrance/exit at both the Corey St parking lot and the School St parking lot, Two officers will remain inside the School Street Park area during the concert. These officers can assist with traffic control at the conclusion of the concert. I will monitor the situation and address any traffic concerns as they evolve. barbara bard From: Christopher Sparks Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:08 PM To: Nadine Porfilio; Mayor Richard Cohen; Michelle Chase; lawclerk; Roland Barbeito Cc: Vince Gioscia;Christopher Golba; Eric Gillis;Steven Grasso; barbara bard Subject: RE; Corey Street Parking Mayor, Based on the new inquiries from engineering we are unable to get the new resolution on the City Council agenda for May 18. 1 would like to now try to get this ready for the June 1 City Council agenda. This would make the final reading/vote on June 15. This does not give very much leeway for the July 1 Grand Opening of School Street. Can we please schedule a meeting ASAP with all the powers to be to properly plan the no parking zones surrounding the School Street Park? Thank you, Chris Sparks From: Michelle Chase Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 11.28 AM To: lawclerk; Christopher Sparks; Roland Barbeito Cc: Vince Gioscia; Christopher Golba Subject: RE: Corey Street Parking We need to work on the description. I have the following comments: 1. Do we need to say how many parking signs are needed? Doesn't seem necessary.Things may change in the field as we are installing them.The red dots are approximate locations that may need to be changed due to field conditions(utilities, trees, etc.) 2. 1 don't believe the residents have had any input on this, unless Chris Sparks had a public hearing already? 3. The police department also had some input and recommendations on the study and creation of the no parking zones,they should be included in this. 4. The no parking on Corey will include the 15 on either side of the driveway. The signs will be located 15 feet away from the driveway but will have arrows in both directions. 5. There will be no parking allowed on the south side of Corey to the east of the park as well which isn't described. 6. Section 2 has no description of no parking on School Street. Let me know if you have any questions or need to discuss anything. Thanks! Sincerely, Michelle C. Chase, P.E. Town Engineer P:413-821-=6 P:413421-0631 Agawam-Engineering Division 1000 Suffield Street Agawam,MA 01001 www APlease consider the environment before printing this email From: lawclerk Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 11:12 AM To: Christopher Sparks; Michelle Chase; Roland Barbeito 1