From: 	Helen Donaldson
To:	Thomas Errico
Date: 	10/29/2013 11:44 AM
Subject: 	Hyatt mast arm
Attachments:	2013.02.07 C201 Add5_2.pdf

Tom, 
 
I found the paper trail.  I'm including your comments in their entirety, just to recreate the whole picture (i.e. how the push buttons and signalheads fit in with the mast arm discussion).  Sorry for the wacky formatting.  GroupWise doesn't make things like this easy...
 
Here are your comments for the board report/final hearing:
The City continues to request that the following signal modifications be implemented in conjunction with the project:

·         The City no longer requests that the controller cabinet be located to the opposite corner of the intersection. The applicant shall coordinate with DPS Traffic staff in coordinating the relocation of the existing cabinet on the same corner. 
·         The existing mast arm location must be relocated for following reasons. 
1.      The current mast arm is located near the middle of the sidewalk and while it does meet minimum ADA clearance requirements, it will present difficulties for sidewalk snow plows.
2.      The mast arm pole is used to mount both pedestrian signal heads and push buttons for crossing two crosswalks, the northerly Union Street crosswalk and the easterly Fore Street. Placement of the push buttons on the existing mast arm will not meet accessibility requirements of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Federal Highway Administration. While installation of a pedestal post (in addition the having the mast arm) is an option, we believe given that the existing mast arm should be relocated, minimizing sidewalk clutter is preferred.
3.      While not related to location of the mast arm, the mast arm structure is old. It is not practical to remove, install a new foundation, and re-install an aging structural support. 
·         The existing pedestrian signal heads and push buttons do not meet current standards. Given both existing pedestrian volumes and the added activity that the proposed project will have on the intersection, replacing existing non-conforming signal equipment is necessary.
 
We included a condition of approval that stated that "the applicant shall revise the site plan to include notes indicating the final location of the existing mast arm, the final location of the controller cabinet, and the final location of the pedestrian signal heads for review and approval by DPS." 
 
In response to your comments, Barry Sheff argued that they didn't really need to relocate the mast arm, given increases in clearance proposed post-construction, and that they could accommodate the push buttons using the existing mast arm and a new proposed light pole.   He tried hard to avoid it, saying that moving the mast arm wasn't their responsibility ("The need for the relocation of the mast arm is not a result of the Applicant's proposed development as sidewalk clearances will be improved as a result of the project.")
 
Here's how you responded to Barry:
Nell – In conjunction with the condition of approval for the above project, I met with DPS staff and the following outlines the requirements for modifying the traffic signal at the Fore Street/Union Street intersection.

· The City prefers to minimize the amount of equipment obstacles in the sidewalk and thus continues to recommend that the existing mast arm located on the northeast corner of the intersection be relocated to the corner between the proposed sidewalk ramps. A new mast arm foundation shall be installed and the existing arm shall be moved (a new arm and pole support is not being required). In conjunction with this effort new count-down pedestrian signal heads and push buttons shall be provided on this pole support. 
· The traffic signal controller cabinet shall be installed in the location noted on the plan provided by Woodard & Curran on November 6, 2012, only slightly adjusted northerly such that it is not located in the sidewalk ramp.
· During prior review comments the following was specified:  All pedestrian heads and push buttons at the intersection shall be upgraded (10/2/12). The existing pedestrian signal heads and push buttons do not meet current standards. Given both existing pedestrian volumes and the added activity that the proposed project will have on the intersection, replacing existing non-conforming signal equipment is necessary (10/25/12). Accordingly, all other pedestrian signal heads at the intersection shall be upgraded to count-down type heads. Push button changes are not being required.
· The applicant shall submit a plan illustrating the above noted requirements for review and approval.
· All construction work shall be conducted by the applicant, in coordination with City staff.
 
They pushed back on upgrading all the ped heads and some other things, but in the end we got them to move the mast arm.  See the attached plan w/ note.
 
Let me know if you need other background on this.  
Nell

 

 

 
 
_____________________________________
Nell Donaldson
City of Portland Planning Division
389 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
874-8723
hcd@portlandmaine.gov