From: 	Tom Errico <thomas.errico@tylin.com>
To:	Jean Fraser <JF@portlandmaine.gov>
CC:	David Margolis-Pineo <DMP@portlandmaine.gov>, "Jeff Tarling(JST@portlandmaine.gov)" <JST@portlandmaine.gov>, Katherine Earley <KAS@portlandmaine.gov>
Date: 	6/23/2011 7:58 AM
Subject: 	Harborview Townhomes

Jean ‑ The following provides a status report on my April 21, 2011 comments and is based upon new materials transmitted on June 7, 2011.

*        York Street is a major arterial and carries a significant amount of traffic.  Accordingly, sight distance for vehicles exiting the site is a very important safety issue.  I do not support the installation of fencing or landscaping treatments that obstruct visibility.  The applicant should maintain clear sight 15‑feet from the curb line on York Street.  I would also note that clear sight lines also ensure safe visibility to pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Status:  The applicant is proposing a fence that is located within 15 feet of the curb line and therefore I am concerned about sight obstruction to both vehicles and pedestrians.  The applicant has provided graphics that indicated the fence will be transparent.  I would recommend that an example of the product be provided (or identify a location in the area) for review before final approval is issued.

*        The parking lot configuration includes a substandard parking aisle width (20 feet) near York Street and tapers to the compliant 24 feet internal to the site.  The applicant should provide justification for the reduced width and formally request a waiver from the City's Technical Standards.  I would note that I 'm somewhat concerned about this width issue at the driveway entrance where entry and exit movements are complicated by the heavy traffic volume levels on York Street.  If not well maintained during the winter, this area could become problematic.

Status: I support the request for a waiver for the proposed parking lot aisle width.

*        The site plan does not provide pedestrian facilities between the public sidewalk system and the new building.  Accordingly, it appears pedestrians will be required to walk through the parking lot.  This is not preferred and I would suggest that a sidewalk connection be provided.

Status: I do not support the use of the parking lot aisle as the route for pedestrians to travel from the public right‑of‑way to the internal private portion of the site.  The City ordinance requires the following:

Site Plan Standards ‑ 14‑526
(a) Transportation
c. Sidewalks
(iii)  Continuous internal walkways shall be provided between existing or planned public sidewalks adjacent to the site, transit stops and street crossings and primary building entrances on the site.

I would suggest that the applicant extend the existing sidewalk along the eastern side of existing building to the proposed building.  This will required some parking spaces to be converted to compact spaces, such that adequate pedestrian width can be provided.  Pedestrian access to the parking lot aisle can continue for handicapped users.  I would not suggest painting the parking lot as proposed.

*        The site plan indicates a fenced dumpster will be located on the front of the new parking lot.  The applicant should provide information on how the dumpster will be accessed.

Status: The applicant has indicated that trash containers will be wheeled and emptied as necessary. Trash removal vehicles shall not block York Street during the afternoon peak travel times (after 3pm) on weekdays.

*        I have reviewed the City's standard as it related to corner clearance on an arterial street.  The standard requires 150 feet of separation.  Based upon plans provided the site driveway is located in excess of 150 feet and therefore I find the location to be acceptable.

Status: No comments necessary.

New Comments

*        A detail for the bicycle parking shall be provided for review and include: a) spacing between the racks; b) spacing from front of rack to wall; and c) dimensions for the entire bicycle parking area. If they do it correctly it looks like parking for 16 bicycles (if 8 'downtown' racks are used) can be provided instead of the number listed (8 or 9).

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Best regards,

Thomas A. Errico, PE
Senior Associate
Traffic Engineering Director
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