HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Council Action Form dated June 13, 2006 CAF
ITEM # "Ve
DATE: 06-13-06
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: BROOKRIDGE AVENUE PARKING REGULATIONS
BACKGROUND:
Staff recently received a citizen complaint regarding traffic safety in the 800 block of
Brookridge Avenue citing that vehicles parked along the east side of the street are
creating a dangerous situation. Therefore, staff initiated a study for the section of
Brookridge Avenue from the south property line of 832 Brookridge Avenue to its
intersection with 9th Street.
Parking is currently prohibited on the west side of Brookridge from its intersection with
6th Street to its intersection with 9th Street, and on the east side of Brookridge starting
23.6 feet north of the southwest corner of Lot 12 (832 Brookridge) in block 3 of the
Chautauqua Park addition, north, for a length of 225 feet. Ames City Council
established these parking regulations on July 18, 1967, under Ordinance No. 2188, and
on May 27, 1969, under Ordinance No. 2295, respectively.
During the study, no vehicular accidents were found for this section of Brookridge from
1998 to present. As a result of these findings, the City painted the curb yellow along the
east side of Brookridge, in accordance with City Code. After the painting occurred, local
residents wrote a letter to City Council stating that restricted parking along Brookridge
Avenue is creating a hardship by limiting parking along portions of the street in front of
their properties. On May 9, 2006, City Council referred this letter from the residents of
832, 836, 839, 840, and 909 Brookridge Avenue to staff for further analysis.
The analysis found the main contributing factor for the current regulation stems from a
sharp, 65-foot radius, curve in the roadway. Geometric characteristics of the roadway
were studied to determine the minimum sight distance required for two-way traffic
traversing the curve. Traffic Engineering staff used the dimensions of the "passenger
car" designated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials (AASHTO) as the design vehicle in the study.
The following three scenarios were considered: the first, involved a reduction in length
of the current regulation while maintaining the minimum sight distance required; the
second, illustrates the available sight distance without changing the current regulation;
and the third, illustrates the available sight distance if the regulation were to be removed
on the east side only.
In scenario one, when unobstructed by parked vehicles, the maximum available sight
distance would allow for a minimum stopping distance of 113 feet, which equates to a
safe traveling speed of approximately 22 mph. This criterion was applied in the first
scenario, thereby moving the start of the parking regulation to the north. The
modification would allow the beginning of parking regulation to be located 29.5 feet
north of the southwest corner of 836 Brookridge Avenue, and from there north a
distance of 165 feet.
The second scenario, which reflects the current regulations, yielded a similar available
sight distance, which also resulted in an approximate safe traveling speed of 22 mph.
Outcomes from the first two scenarios will be virtually indistinguishable considering both
calculations were metered by the geometry of the roadway and not by the presence of
parked vehicles.
The third scenario resulted in a significant drop in safety that yielded a safe traveling
speed of less than 11 mph. This is directly related to the minimum line of sight available
when vehicles are parked around the east side of the curve.
It should be noted, although not shown in a scenario, that allowing parking on the west
side of the curve would result in similar safety issues as shown in scenario three. This
is due to an earthen berm that is inherent to most properties along this portion of
Brookridge Avenue. Diagrams of all three scenarios have been provided as
attachments to this form.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Direct the City Attorney's Office to draft an ordinance modifying the regulation on
the east side of Brookridge Avenue to begin at a point 29.5 feet north of the
southwest corner of Lot 11, Block 3 of Chautauqua Park Addition, then to the
north a distance of 165 feet. (Staff Recommendation)
2. Leave the parking regulations on Brookridge Avenue in their current form,
thereby eliminating parking on both sides of the street.
3. Direct the City Attorney's Office to draft an ordinance removing the parking
regulations on the east side only of Brookridge Avenue. (Preferred alternative of
abutting Property Owners)
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Admittedly, removal of parking from both sides of the street will make it very difficult for
visitors to 839 and 840 Brookridge. However, an analysis of the roadway geometry for
sections located in the 800 block of Brookridge Avenue showed that the length of the
current parking regulations on the east side could be shortened, while maintaining the
current safe operating speed. Shifting the beginning of the regulation to the north will
provide the minimum sight distance required, while maximizing the available on-street
parking area by providing 65.7 feet of additional parking. This equates to a parking area
that would allow in excess of three extra car lengths.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, thereby directing the City Attorney's Office to draft an ordinance
modifying the regulation on the east side of Brookridge Avenue to begin at a point 29.5
feet north of the southwest corner of Lot 11, Block 3 of Chautauqua Park Addition, then
to the north a distance of 165 feet.
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Modified Parking Regulations
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Remove Parking Regulations (Eastside)