Transportation Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Tuesday, September 5, 2017 1:30 p.m. Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor MINUTES Members Present: Mayor Linda Page, Chair; Will Haynie Members Absent: Paul Gawrych Staff Present: Eric DeMoura, Brad Morrison, Paul Lykins Mayor Page called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. 1. Approval of Minutes from the July 31, 2017 meeting Mr. Haynie moved for approval of the minutes; motion seconded by Mayor Page. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Public Comments None 3. The Groves Before and After Traffic Study findings Mr. Morrison introduced Colleen Jones, representative of the Groves Civic Association and stated that Ms. Jones worked to collect survey data and would be presenting a brief summary of the results from the traffic survey taken by the Groves Civic Association. Ms. Jones stated she is a member of the Groves Civic Association Communications Committee and that a survey was conducted among Groves residents. Eighty-seven (87) residents completed and returned the survey and results indicate that the seventy-one (71) residents are in favor of an all- way stop at the intersection of Cliffwood Drive and Japonica Drive noting, that of the seventy-one (71) residents in favor, sixty-five (65) are in complete favor with six (6) residents being impartial and taking the side with the majority. Sixteen (16) residents are against an all-way stop at the intersection. Nineteen (19) residents that commented are in favor of the proposed all-way stop, two (2) are in favor of all intersections in the Groves being converted to  Transportation Committee Minutes September 5, 2017 Page 2 of 8 all-way stops and other comments requested police presence and expressed visibility concerns relating to vehicles parking on the street and vegetation planted in the right of way hampering sight distance. The majority of residents surveyed are in favor of speed humps on Tall Pine Road, Cliffwood Drive and Lakeview Drive. Residents consider speed humps a viable solution to reduce speeding, and deterring cut-through traffic. Consistent placement of speed humps within the neighborhood is also important and some residents would like for the streets to be closed to through traffic. The fifteen (15) residents that are opposed to additional traffic calming opt for more police presence, speed humps or closing the streets to cut-through traffic due to concern that speed humps may cause damage to vehicles. The survey results also indicate that fifty three (53) residents felt that any decision made should be implemented with consistency on all streets. Twenty-eight (28) residents felt decisions regarding traffic calming should be made on a street- by-street basis and six (6) residents did not respond. Additional comments conveyed that residents support street closures, residents being required to cut back vegetation due to limited visibility on the road, additional stop signs, signage directing drivers to the proper exits from the Groves and thoughts that the streets should not be converted into the Town’s commercial transportation network. Mayor Page asked Mr. Haynie for questions. Mr. Haynie replied in the negative. Mayor Page asked Staff for recommendations with regard for an additional stop sign and installing an additional speed hump. Mr. Morrison replied that during the August 2017 Committee meeting, there was discussion of the additional stop sign at Cliffwood/Japonica and another speed hump being installed on Lansing Drive adjacent to Palm Street and an existing speed hump. In a subsequent memo, staff provided information to the Committee describing nearby intersection proximity as well as visibility issues at the Cliffwood/Japonica intersection that have since been resolved by relocating the stop bar. Decisions on these items were delayed to provide residents the opportunity to express further concerns to the Committee  Transportation Committee Minutes September 5, 2017 Page 3 of 8 related to all traffic issues within The Groves subdivision. Responses from the survey convey that approximately two-thirds (2/3) of residents are in support of additional speed humps. Staff is seeking direction from the Committee on how to proceed with implementing additional traffic calming measures, with the primary issue being whether humps should be installed on all streets at once or on an individual street basis and if residents will be required to participate in a formal petition process. If additional traffic calming is determined street by street, a majority petition could be conducted to exclude speed criteria as set forth the Town of Mount Pleasant Traffic Calming Program guidelines. Staff is seeking guidance from Committee on how to most effectively approach overall traffic calming within the Groves subdivision. A memo previously sent to Committee outlined the estimated cost for four to six (4-6) speed humps would be approximately twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) per street and if speed humps are installed on all streets, the cost would be approximately sixty thousand dollars ($60,000). Mr. Haynie asked if the cost for the speed humps is in the current budget. Mr. Morrison responded in the negative stating a mid-year budget adjustment would need to be discussed for additional funding. Mr. DeMoura concurred, stating that funding can be addressed at the mid- year budget meeting. Mayor Page asked the amount that is funded each year in the Traffic Calming Program. Mr. Morrison replied that forty thousand dollars ($40,000) is allocated each year for the Traffic Calming Program. Mayor Page commented that funding speed humps on all streets with the Groves exceeds what is currently budgeted by twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) and creates a challenge because it would move funding from other projects. However, installing speed humps on all streets is optimal to prevent traffic from being diverted to other streets. Mr. Morrison explained that data collected for the initial before and after study did not indicate any shifts or increases to other streets and reflected a  Transportation Committee Minutes September 5, 2017 Page 4 of 8 reduction in traffic by eighteen percent (18%) on Lansing Drive and a reduction on Lakeview Drive, Cliffwood Drive and Tall Pine Road. Mayor Page opened the floor for comments and questions. [None] Mayor Page stated that there are currently funds in the budget to proceed with the one speed hump and stop sign. Another issue expressed by residents is right of way visibility issues on Cliffwood Drive. Ms. Jones explained there are several yards located on Japonica Drive with landscaping in the right of way making visibility difficult for pedestrians. Mayor Page stated relocating the stop bar has improved the sight distance for vehicles, however, for pedestrians overgrown vegetation continues to be an issue. Jennifer Tomlinson, 1059 Cliffwood Drive, stated that cars speed at that location and that the initial study showed an increase of speed coming on Cliffwood Drive between Coleman Boulevard and Japonica Drive because of speed humps on Lansing Drive. Mayor Page asked Mr. Morrison if the speed data was available stating that Committee is addressing several issues, not only reducing speed and explained that the criteria is reviewed differently. Mr. Morrison stated that there was an overall reduction of vehicles. However, at that location there is a three percent (3%) increase of twenty- nine vehicles daily. Traffic volumes have decreased by approximately three hundred (300) vehicles per day on Lansing Drive and approximately seventy- eight (78) vehicles per day on Lakeview Drive. Cliffwood Drive and Tall Pine Road volumes stayed about the same and there was a speed increase of four (4) miles per hour (mph) on Cliffwood between Coleman Boulevard and Japonica Drive. Mayor Page asked the cost of an individual speed hump. Mr. Morrison replied the cost of a speed hump is approximately three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500).  Transportation Committee Minutes September 5, 2017 Page 5 of 8 Mayor Page questioned if it is feasible to install a speed hump on Cliffwood Drive between Coleman Boulevard and Japonica Drive. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative. Mayor Paged asked who is responsible for right-of-way vegetation. Mr. Morrison stated there is an ordinance that specifically addresses residents placing landscaping and other items in the right of way that interferes with sight distance and that can be enforced within the Town. Mayor Page asked how sight distance is reviewed regarding residents landscaping in the right-of-way. Mr. Morrison stated that if a specific complaint is received, the location will be evaluated by measuring fifteen (15) feet from the travel way with consideration to the speed of the approaches. At the intersection of Cliffwood Drive and Japonica Drive, the stop bar has been relocated and sight distance has improved. Mayor Page asked Mr. Morrison if relocating the stop bar has addressed the sight distance issue. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative stating that sight distance is acceptable for vehicles. Mayor Page commented that sight distance remains a concern for pedestrians and questioned if there is an ordinance pertaining to that issue. Mr. Morrison explained that generally, if there is a sight distance concern, the Town will cite the ordinance and offer the residents the option of the Public Services Department or the resident to trim vegetation and landscaping. Mayor Page asked if the residents at the location being discussed were present. Mayor Page stated there are insufficient funds to install speed humps on every road within the Groves. However, the Committee will approve funding for an additional speed hump on Lansing Drive and support the additional stop sign. Mayor Page further requested funding a speed hump on Cliffwood Drive between Coleman Boulevard and Japonica Drive.  Transportation Committee Minutes September 5, 2017 Page 6 of 8 Mr. Haynie moved to approve the installation of the additional speed hump on Lansing Drive, a new speed hump on Cliffwood Drive between Coleman Boulevard and Japonica Road and a new all-way stop sign at Cliffwood and Japonica; motion seconded by Mayor Page. Ms. Tomlinson inquired if the residents at the intersection of Cliffwood Drive and Japonica Drive will be required to trim the vegetation or if the intersection will be converted into an all-way stop. Mayor Page stated that if Town standards demonstrate adequate sight distance, the Town cannot force residents to trim bushes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Haynie stated that he would like to revisit this issue after the mid-year budget adjustment. The Groves is designed in a grid pattern, and if Mount Pleasant were to be redesigned, a grid would be preferable because the design alleviates traffic. Because the Groves is designed in a grid, cut through traffic within the subdivision is an issue and with continued growth, the issue will continue to worsen. Suburban neighborhoods do not provide adequate entrances and exits and do not provide interconnectivity. Mayor Page inquired how many residents applied for speed humps the previous year. Mr. Morrison stated that twelve (12) applications were received. 4. Authorization for staff to acquire right of way and finalize design plans for All American Boulevard Mr. Morrison stated All American Boulevard is a frontage that road that extends from Lexington Drive towards George Browder Road and has been designed and permitted within those limits. However, the project lacks funding for right-of-way acquisition on two pieces of property. The project has been designed since 2011. The Church at LifePark owns the majority of the property that was donated as a part of their impact assessment process and the church received impact fee credits. The right-of-way was given to the Town and the church is anticipating construction of the roadway. Staff is seeking permission from Committee to proceed with acquisition of right of  Transportation Committee Minutes September 5, 2017 Page 7 of 8 way of both parcels located in Laurel Hill Plantation. The land will be used as a detention pond and a portion of the road and the Town could consider combining the project in a package for construction of the Park West Boulevard widening using an A plus B bid. Staff would need permission to secure the right-of-way to proceed when the Park West Boulevard widening project is bid. Mayor Page asked if the two parcels are located to the left of the Church at LifePark. Mr. DeMoura answered in the affirmative. Mr. Morrison clarified that the location of the needed right-of-way is essentially where road currently ends and the remainder of the property was dedicated by the Church at LifePark. Mayor Page asked how the project would be funded. Mr. DeMoura replied that as funding becomes available for the Park West Boulevard Widening, both projects could be bid together to determine the cost. If the cost was not within defined funding, then alternative funding sources would need to be discussed. Mr. Morrison stated that the last cost estimate for the project was two million six hundred thousand dollars ($2.6). The estimate is conservative as it assumed paying commercial value for the Laurel Hill property. Mayor Page stated that ideally, All American Boulevard would extend to the Park West Roundabout and inquired how the Park West Boulevard widening project would be funded. Mr. DeMoura stated that staff is seeking from Committee authorization to design the roadway in conjunction with Park West Boulevard. Mayor Page stated that the roadway should be designed all the way to the roundabout. Mr. Morrison stated that portion would cross South State Bank and Publix properties. Mayor Page commented that the Publix parking lot is hard to navigate.  Transportation Committee Minutes September 5, 2017 Page 8 of 8 Mr. Morrison stated the project would entail about nine hundred fifty (950) feet of design. Mayor Page made a motion to authorize the planning and design of All American Boulevard; Mr. Haynie asked for clarification that only the design is being authorized. Mr. DeMoura answered in the affirmative. Motion seconded by Mr. Haynie. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Update – ongoing projects Mr. Lykins stated that the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project is scheduled to begin Monday, September 11, 2017, and is a two year construction project. Shem Creek Park Phase 3 is currently being permitted. Staff is coordinating with Mount Pleasant Waterworks to locate the waterline on the new pedestrian bridge and the construction is anticipated to be complete 2019. The original completion date for the SC 41 and Joe Rouse intersection improvements was September 19, 2017. However, this has been delayed due to the large amount of rain the area has received and the project is anticipated to be complete in late September or early October. 6. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Cathy Godsey September 7, 2017 Traffic Survey Results Should the Intersection of Cliffwood and Japonica be an All Way Stop? ● 87 Residents completed the survey ● 71 Residents (82%) are in favor of the all way stop ■ Please note, 71 is a sum of the following: ● 65 Residents are in favor ● 6 Residents do not care and agree with the majority ● 16 Residents (18%) are against the all way stop 35 All Way Stop Comments ● 21 Commenters are in favor ■ 19 commenters are in favor of the proposed all way stop ■ 2 commenters in favor want all intersections to be all way stops ■ 1 commenter in favor wants more police presence as well ● 6 Commenters are against ■ 1 commenter against wants more police presence instead ● 4 Commenters have visibility concerns ■ Cars should not be allowed to park on the street near this intersection, or residents should be required to cut back their vegetation due to limited visibility on the road ● 4 Commenters want more speed humps Should There Be Speed Humps on Tall Pine? ● 52 Residents (60%) are in favor ■ Please note, 52 is a sum of the following: ● 40 Residents are in favor ● 12 Residents do not care and agree with the majority ● 28 Residents (32%) are against ● 7 Residents did not respond ● If non-responders are removed, 65% are in favor. Should There Be Speed Humps on Cliffwood? ● 55 Residents (63%) are in favor ■ Please note, 55 is a sum of the following: ● 43 Residents are in favor ● 12 Residents do not care and agree with the majority ● 24 Residents (28%) are against ● 8 Residents did not respond ● If non-responders are removed, 70% are in favor. Should There Be Speed Humps on Lakeview? ● 56 Residents (64%) are in favor ■ Please note, 56 is a sum of the following: ● 42 Residents are in favor ● 14 Residents do not care and agree with the majority ● 25 Residents (29%) are against ● 5 Residents did not respond ● If non-responders are removed, 69% are in favor. 32 Speed Hump Comments 17 in favor of speed humps: 15 against speed humps: ● 11 - speed humps slow down or deter ● 3 - more police presence instead traffic ● 6 - concerned about children's safety ● 2 - speed humps cause damage to cars ● 14 - want consistent placement ● 1 - streets closed to through traffic instead ● 1 - more police presence ● 1 - streets closed to through traffic ● 1 - only speed humps on Cliffwood between Coleman and Japonica How Should These Decisions Be Made? ● 53 Residents (61%) believe whatever decision is made, it should be done consistently across the streets ● 28 Residents (32%) believe the decision should be made street by street ● 6 Residents did not respond ● If non-responders are removed, 65% want the decision to be consistent across all streets. 6 General Traffic Comments ● 1 commenter wants the streets closed to through traffic ● 1 commenter wants residents to be required to cut back their vegetation due to limited visibility on the road ● 1 commenter wants more stop signs ● 1 commenter wants additional signage that tells traffic where to exit ● 1 commented thinks, “The streets should not be converted into part of the city's commercial transportation network.” ● 1 commenter wants more data