City Council

CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA HON. THOMAS J. TOMZAK, MAYOR HON. MARY KATHERINE GREENLAW, VICE MAYOR CITY COUNCIL HON. KERRY P. DEVINE, AT-LARGE HON. BRADFORD C. ELLIS, WARD ONE HON. GEORGE C. SOLLEY, WARD TWO HON. FREDERIC N. HOWE, III, WARD THREE Council Chambers, 715 Princess Anne Street HON. BEATRICE R. PAOLUCCI, WARD FOUR Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 Council Work Session February 28, 2012 Telegraph Hill Traffic Analysis The Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia held a work session on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Conference Room. Council Present. Mayor Thomas J. Tomzak, Presiding. Vice-Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. Councilors Kerry P. Devine, Bradford C. Ellis, Frederic N. Howe, III, Beatrice R. Paolucci and George C. Solley. Also Present. City Manager Beverly Cameron, Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley, City Attorney Kathleen Dooley, Director of Public Works Doug Fawcett, Director of Planning Ray Ocel and Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey. Others Present. David White of Kimley-Horne, Larry Welford, Hunter Greenlaw, David Horsick, Russ Smith with National Park Service. Telegraph Hill Traffic Analysis. The Telegraph Hill Subdivision is proposed to be located south of Blue and Grey Parkway. The City decided to do a traffic study when a number of traffic related issue came up when the subdivision was proposed. The City asked David White of Kimley-Horn to provide an analysis. Mr. White provided a simulation of the traffic during the morning and the evening before the development and after. The analysis was taken during the two busiest hours of the day (7:00-9:00 a.m. and 4:30-6:00 p.m.), using actual traffic counts that were conducted recently. During the analysis Mr. White applied a one percent growth rate for a period of two years from the 2011 traffic count, which is a significant growth. He said that the growth is actually less than that. He noted that the area picked up Cobblestone traffic and VRE traffic. He said he looked at future build conditions adding Telegraph Hill and noted that the delay in traffic increases slightly. He also stated that the Lafayette Boulevard traffic will function about 1 the same as it does now. He said reconfiguring Lafayette Boulevard between Alum Springs and the extra through lane would not change the traffic flow conditions. Councilor Howe expressed his concern that the model was not accurately showing the significant backup along the Blue and Grey Parkway. Mr. White stated that the module does not take into affect the signal timing and he suggested that the signal timing has to be adjusted occasionally. Councilor Ellis asked why the merge lane couldn’t be extended past Alum Springs Road because the area is very dangerous for cyclist and Mr. Fawcett state that additional right- of-way was needed. Mr. White said there were long term plans for a cycling path but agreed that the area was not good for cycling. Councilor Solley stated that he noticed that Mr. White’s summary did not consider multi-mobile transportation. He said soon there would be a trail running through the intersection. Mr. White added that an on road solution is not the best solution for cyclist, he suggested an off street solution would be best. He said an off street solution should be considered for the trail as well. Mr. Fawcett noted that the change to Frederick Street does change the approach to the Lafayette intersection but it does not increase the volume of vehicles going through that intersection. He said the vehicles are just approaching from a different direction. Mr. White showed a replica of Lafayette Boulevard with the new street added for the Telegraph Hill Subdivision. Councilor Ellis asked whether that would be a good location for a round-about. Mr. White said it could work but he wouldn’t recommend putting it so close to a major intersection because it could block the whole intersection. He added that round-abouts are good for heavy rights and not a heavy thru. Councilor Howe felt the analysis should have been looked at past 2013 and he was concerned that the removal of the third lane would cause more problems along Lafayette. Mr. White explained that with the number of units the developer plans to build, there will not be a tremendous number of cars coming and going. Councilor Howe expressed his displeasure that the developer had already submitted that plans for the development before the traffic study was complete. He said he would have like to have had a public hearing to get the affected residents along Lafayette Boulevard involved. Mr. Greenlaw added that the proposed construction plans would be going to the Planning Commission for review and approval. Mr. Horsick stated that they have done everything that was asked of them and he was under the understanding that 2 after the study was completed and if there were no hazards they could continue to move forward with their development. Mr. Smith said he would like to also see a public hearing to allow the residents to express their views. Vice-Mayor Greenlaw reminded everyone that the item has to go before Planning Commission and there would be a public hearing and it would include the traffic study. Councilor Howe stated that would be fine, and that his reason for wanting a public hearing is because the City would be giving up the third lane which is an asset. Mr. Ocel clarified that it will also come before Council with a recommendation from Planning Commission. Mr. Hamilton Palmer also expressed a concern for one of his clients who has property along Lafayette. Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, the meeting was declared officially adjourned at 6:25 p.m. ___Tonya B. Lacey______ Tonya B. Lacey Clerk of Council City of Fredericksburg 3