STAFF REPORT
Planning and Development
Committee, September 18, 2008
Request for Waivers of Transportation Improvements
(EN09-031)
Consideration of a request for waivers of transportation improvements for the proposed project located at 120 Dry Avenue near the intersection of Dry Avenue and South Harrison Avenue
Speaker: Ms.
Laura Cove
From: Tim Bailey, PE, Director of Engineering
Prepared by: Laura Cove, PE, Traffic Engineering Manager
Approved by:
William B. Coleman, Jr., Town Manager
Approved by: Benjamin T. Shivar, Assistant Town Manager
Background
The project proposes to convert an existing single family home located at 120 Dry Avenue into an office. A site plan (08-SP-058) has been submitted and is under review by staff. During this site plan review process, staff has requested transportation improvements to the site which are consistent with our standards. These improvements include, but are not limited to, the installation of sidewalks, wheel chair ramps, pedestrian crosswalks, pedestrian signals and improved curb radii. The construction of the improved curb radii would necessitate the relocation of a signal pole and fire hydrant.
As per the attached letter, Mr. William G. Daniel, P.E. of William G. Daniel & Associates, on behalf of the owner of the subject property has requested a waiver of pedestrian signals and the construction of the improved curb radii due to the economic feasibility of the project. A figure showing the recommended improvements to this intersection as well as Mr. Daniel’s proposed interim improvements is attached.
The project is located in the Town Center. As described in the Town Center Area Plan, the plan vision is to make the Town Center Area a “unique, vibrant, dynamic, pedestrian-friendly location…” In the Transportation Network Chapter of the Plan (Chapter 4), the recommendations state that striped crosswalks and pedestrian signals be provided at all signalized intersections.
The site plan includes the installation of a new sidewalk along the east side of South Harrison Avenue on the North side of Dry Avenue. Sidewalk currently exists along the east side of South Harrison Avenue south of Dry Avenue. With the installation of this new sidewalk, a pedestrian connection across Dry Avenue is now possible. A pedestrian crosswalk and pedestrian signals across Dry Avenue will aid in providing the enhanced pedestrian environment envisioned in the Town Center Area Plan. In addition, with the close proximity to Cary Elementary School, this enhanced pedestrian connection will facilitate students being able to walk to school using a safer crossing with pedestrian signals.
As mentioned above, staff has also requested that the corner radii be improved to current standards. Currently, commercial vehicles are prohibited on Dry Avenue and Town Council is considering a request to add South Harrison Avenue to the schedule of streets where commercial vehicles are prohibited. However, these prohibitions do not restrict vehicles making local deliveries nor do they prohibit school buses. Due to the close proximity of Cary Elementary School, school buses routinely travel through this intersection. The increased turn radii would allow for the buses and other commercial vehicles to make an easier and safer turn. With the current radius, larger vehicles have to cross into opposing lanes of traffic to make the turn.
Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact to the Town at this time. However, if the Town were to undertake the improvements, as proposed by Mr. Daniel, to include the construction of improved curb radii and pedestrian accommodations as well as the relocation of the signal pole and fire hydrant, the cost could be approximately $5,000–$10,000 depending on a more detailed review of the site conditions.
Staff Recommendation: Staff has considered the vision in the Town Center Area Plan which not only encourages business development but also focuses on a pedestrian-friendly environment. For the reasons described above, staff recommends requiring the implementation of the transportation improvements as identified by staff in conjunction with the site plan (08-SP-058).
