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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - 1/31/2001 - Community Development Committee (2) i � Cit of McHenr - �� y y �. �j'j_ r-}� � 333 South Green Streec McHenry,Illinois 60050-5495 i� - } r i - -� COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA January 31, 2001 6:30 P.M. Alderman's Conference Room TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: 1. Crystai Lake Road Corridor Planning Study � 2. Any and all business which may properly come before the Committee � Clerk's O�ce and Public Works, Parks and Police Administration Building and Zoning Recreation (Non-Emergency) (815) 363-2100 (815) 363-2170 (815) 363-2160 (815)363-2200 Fax(815)363-2119 Fax(815)363-2173 Fax(815)363-2173 Fax(815)363-2149 _ . _ __ . ., * �:� h � , '� � � 'F �. ,�:-�� °� . Y Y R �� yC�� "�b,A''� � � k"" � �§ 9 �i'�a�!. y. � `�u'�4m'�v . ��n�` � u�'�'sc� x�*"p�'�� Y„� n �j��?�'�'`u.i E � � .,�f : '�ac �.,..�A4w"�...�..�"�'"�",., s ;" � .�.�!;-.� . �, :"• w. . '.«, . �'�� . , ��.'a�msr�. x..S . .e,a, }�sq^�c��}��. TO: Community Development Committee FROM: Joseph P. Napolitano, Community Developmerrt Director��' FOR: January 31, 2001, Community Development Committee Meeting RE: Crystal Lake Road Cornldor Planning Study ATTACHMENTS: 1. Tab(e of Recommended fmprovements 2. AAinutes from January 3, 2001 Community Development Committee Meeting STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To review the attached materials. Background: At the January 3, 2001 meeting, the Community Development Committee reviewed the specific recommendations for improving traffic flow and safety ident�ed in the Crystal Lake Road Corridor Planning Study. The Committee was provided with a table that referred to each proposed improvement and provided opinions on the potential pluses and minuses, whether or not the improvement can/should be completed in the short term or � long term, an estimate of cost(high, medium, low) and how to fund, and the feasibility. Based on the discussion af the proposed improvements, the table has been modified. Each improvement has been assigned a priority(low, medium, high), which can be found in the far right hand column. The Committee should now discuss the recommended prioritization of each proposed improvement. Once the priority for each improvement can be determined, Staff can begin to plan and budget for propased improvements. For background purposes, meeting minutes from the January 3"° meeting are attached and provide a description of each improvement and detail the discussion of the Committee. � � �. � . Page 1 of 2 � CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD STUDY Recommended Improvements For Improvement Numbers, refer to attached graphic. Short Term: 3 years or less Est. Cost: Low: Less than $10,000 Priority: Low (L) Long Term: Over 3 years Medium: Between $10,000 and $100,000 Medium (M) High: Over$100,000 High (H) Improve- Short Long Funding ment Pluses Minuses Term Term Est. Cost Sources Feasible Priority 1 Provides additional access Impacts on nearby X Medium Dist. 156, City Yes. Can coordinate ? from school;would give residences; increase in with HS addition. Ring school traffic going south on traffic thru residential yd.on W side of school CL Road access to signal at neighborhood? proposed. Royal. 2 Discourage traffic from using Engineering costs seem to X Medium City Yes. H residential neighborhood; be a concern. aesthetics; reduce amount of pavement.. 3 Facilitate safe traffic None. X High City Yes H movements at intersection; create gaps for school traffic to exit. 4 Reduce tuming conflicts. Business loss of access; X High Private Prop. Yes, if agreement with H coordination between Owners, City prop.owners can be property owners; cost. reached. 5 Reduce turning conflicts. Who pays? X Medium Dist. 156, City Yes. Can coordinate M with HS addition. 6 Completed by Dist. 156. 7 Provides area of safety for None. X Low City Yes. Further study H cars entering and leaving needed to determine sites. best solutions. 8 Reduce/eliminate curb cuts; Numerous property owners; X High Private Not unless large-scale L coordination. developers annexation of these properties occurs. 9 City gains control. X Low Private Yes if voluntary by L developers prop. owners. City policy is not to forcibly annex. 1 � � Page 2 of 2 10 Provides safe crossing for X High City Yes. L school children. 11,12 Aesthetics. Cost. X Medium IDOT,City, Yes. Need to H private coordinate with developers Route 120 im- provements,or wait �;.i��edeve�opment of property. 13 Increase safety for bike None. X Low City, DNR Yes.Can easily be H traffic. done once appropriate measures identified. 74 Would allow CL Road traffic X Medium Property Yes. Need to M to keep moving while bus owner,City coordinate with prop. unloading. owner to develop design. • 15 Create gaps for tuming Increase thru traffic on X High City, Yes. Developer dollars M traffic;potential E-W route Dartmoor? developers available,but only if through City; signal installed by 16 Increase safety. None X Low City Yes. Can easily be H done once appropriate measures and locations identified. 17 Coordinate access points; Huge impact on North Fox X High City, property No. Impacts on L direct business owners and condos. Coordination owners residential too great. HS traffic to signal; provide between property owners; Signal at Royal with additional means of access acquisition of R-O-W;City con�ection between for businesses and Garden maintenance and upkeep. Ace and PO would Quarter. solve significant portion of problem. Consider shorter west extension of Lillian to access vacant Ace property,with access to Whisp. Point offices and secondary access to Garden Quarter. � COMMUrTITY DEVELOPMENT MEETING MINUTES January 3, 2001 Members F'resent: Chairman McClatchey, Alderman Bolger. Alderman Glab . Others Present: City Clerk Althoff, City Administrator Lobaito, High School District #156 School Board President Heffelfmger, Parks Superintendent Schmidt, Community Development Director Napolitano AND April Adkins of 4903 Joyce Court Michael Etten of 218 N. Cross 1`rail Jim Zeinz of 4736 Loyola Drive Ron Whiteside of 226 N. Cross TYail Chairpersan McClatchey called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. He stated the purpose of the meeting was to review and prioritize the Crystal Lake Road Corridor Plarming Study recommendations for consideration by full council. In addition, City resident, Mark Rapata's request for more restrictive revisions to the city's existing tree preservation ordinance will be considered. CRY3TAL LAKE ROAD CORRIDOR PLANNING STUDY Chairperson McClatchey requested Community Development Director Napolitano summarize the study's seventeen recommendations as well as staffs � evaluation of the positive and negative aspects of each recommendation. #1. New access drive for eaiting traSic only with a left-haad tura restriction exitiag the high school site on to Oakwood Drive. � Community Development Director Napolitano noted the positive aspects of this recommendation include additional access from the high school parking lot and gives school traffic traveling south an opportunity to gain Crystal Lake access to the traffic sig�nal at Royal Drive. The negative aspects include significant increase in vehicular traffic on nearby residential neighborhoods. . Some discussion followed. In response to Alderman Bolger's inquiry, Dire�ctor , Napolitano noted the Oakwood "calmingr' design will discourage traffic�rom making illegal left-hand turns to the west on Oakwood Drive. High School District #156 School Board President, Jitn Heffelfinger informed the committee the School Board was considering the installation of a service road between the north and south parldng lots. It is the consensus of the School Board members the construction of a service road w�uld allow better coordination and safety of bus routes. In response to Comrnitteeman Alderman Glab's inquiry, School Board President Heffelfmger stated the West Campus addition concept plan would be available for public reroiew by March 2001. Community Development Director Napolitano also noted at this time, the school district has already implemented Recommendation#6 to reorient bus movements in front of the higk� school permitting students to embark and � disembark on the sidewalk toward the school entrance. Community Development Committee Minutes {`�' January 3, 2001 Page Two Alderman Glab stated his opposition to this recommendation. He opined the installation of a timed traf�ic light, which would be operational at peak traffic times, would be the safest and best option. He �xpressed concern with the potential for significant additional vehicular traffic on Oakwood Drive in this residential neighborhood. He requested the committee recommend to full council staffls investigation of possible means to obtain a timed traffic signal at the west campus high school site. A lengthy discussion followed. School Board President James Heffelfinger stated his support for the timed traffic signal. Ftiirther discussion followed. It was the consensus of the committee that a second committee meeting would be necessary to fully consider each recommendation and provide full council with a comprehensive solution. #2. Developmeat of laadscape treatmeat aad signage on Royal Drive north of the Royal Drlve iatersectioa. Community Development Director Napolitano noted the positive aspects of this recommendation include vehicular traffic is discouraged from using the residential neighborhood, it adds aesthetic appeal and serves as a gateway to area neighborhoods and reduces the aggregate amount of pavement in the area. The negative aspect of this recommendation is the significant cost of engineering services. Alderman Gla.b noted the engineering services agreement with Smith Engineering for the design development of a Royal Drive median is �' one of this evening's agenda items. #3. Iastallation of a traffic signal at Crystal Lake Road and Royal Drive � iatersection. Community Development Director Napolitano stated the positive aspects of this recommendation include safer traffic movement at the intersection and the creation of timing gaps to permit school traffic access to Crystal Lake Road. No negative impacts were cited for this recommendation. . #4. Consolidated curb cuts between the Post Office aad Ace Hardware properties. Community Development Director Napolitano stated the positive aspects of this recommendation include reduced turning conflicts. The negative aspects include loss of access for the Post Office and Ace Hardware, project cost and access coordination with the property owners. At this time staff suggested the committee consider recommendation #17 the Lillian Street Alteraative, as it is relative to this specific discussion. Community Development llirector Napolitano explained the Corridor Study addresses the possibility of obtaining right-of-way aligivng from Oakwood Drive and extending north from Front Royal Drive along an acquired easement from the North Fox Condominiums. The new public street would extend along the rear, from south to north, along the rear of the Post Office, Ace Hardware and First Midwest Bank. The right-of-way would then curve east to align with � Lillian Street and the traffic signal at its junction with Crystal Lake Road. The _.. . . __ -.. Community Development Committee Minutes � January 3, 2001 Page Three extension of Lillian would pass between First Midwest Bank and Whispering Oaks Office Complex. Alderman Glab suggested staff be directed to work with the property owners in question to facilitate a solution mutually acceptable to the city and the property owners in question. He suggested a single entrance be esta.blished accessing Ace Hardware, First Midwest Bank, the Post Office and the Garden Quarter apartment complex. A monument style sign could identify these properties as well as the apartment complex entrance. Some discussion followed. Motion by Bolger, seconded by Glab to recommend to full council the direction of staff to facilitate the development of a plausible, mutually acceptable solution to the traffic congestion on Crystal Lake Road with the identified property owners of the Lillian Street Alternative Crystal Lake Corridor Plan Study. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey Voting Nay: None Absent: None Motion carried. �' #5. Add a deceleratioa laae for the southbound traffic enteriag the High School to further reduce conflicts between slowiag traffic enteriag the site and through traffic. � Community Development Director Napolitano noted the positive aspect of trus recommendation is the reduction of turning conflicts in the area. The negative aspect is project cost. It was the consensus of the committee this recommendation should be addressed. Committee member Alderman Bolger suggested a 50/50 cost share between the City of McHenry and High School District #156. + Chairperson Alderman McClatchey noted this recommendation segue with recommendation #7 to Create a coatinuous median in froat of the High School which is clearly delineated by reflective pavement iaserts, solid or striped paiat or masoary pavers. The positive aspect of this recommendation includes the development of a safety area for vehicles entering and �iting the school as well as adjacent Crystal Lake properties. There are no negative aspects. Chairperson Alderman McClatchey also recomrnended the development of a deceleration lanes in front of West Campus High School for vehicles traveling south to facilitate access to both parking lots. Alderman Glab noted a stripped median currently exists in front of the West Campus High School. He suggested the existing stripping be enhanced or a raised median be constructed. � Community Development Meeting Minutes �`-' January 3, 2001 Page Four #8. Build Kelter Street extending the aew streetalong the rear of the properties located aloag Crystal Lake Road to Marietta Street, aad improve Marietta Street to conaect with Poaca. � Community Development Director Napolitano noted the positive aspect of this recommendation is the reduction and eli.mination of curb cuts. The negative aspect of the recommendation is the project coordination between numerous property owners and the City of McHenry. Some discussion followed. It was the consensus of the committee this recommendation should be implemented, however it was classified as a long-term future goal. #9. Anaex and zone, for siagle family nse, the lots located ia uaincorporated McHenry Connty between Marietta Street and Kelter Ave. Cornmunity Development Director Napolitano noted the positive aspect of trus recom�mendation is that the city gains control of this area, which permits the consolidation of Crystal Lake Road curb cuts. Some discussion followed regarding appropriate zoning of the area. Sta.ff concurred.arith the Crystal Lake Corridor Plan Study regarding the single family zoning classification. It was the consensus of the committee this recommendation should be � i.mplemented, however it was classified as a long-term future goal. #10. Plan for a firture traffic signal at Wiading Creek Drive. Community Development I}irector Napolitano noted the positive aspect ' for this rec;ommendation is the facilitation of vehicular traffic across Crystal Lake Road between the residential neighborhoods to the elementary school on East Crystal Lake Road and the safe passage of pedestrian traffic from the west side residential neighborhood across Crystal Lake Road. No negative aspects were noted. The Committee noted this recommendation would be driven by the . Elementary School District, #15 and was classi.fied as a long-term goal. ► Some discussion followed regarding obtaining traffic counts at the Crystal Lake Road and Dartmoor and Winding Creek intersections. Citing inclement weather staff agreed to postpone tr�c counts at these two intersections until early Spring. Committeeman Alderman Glab requested, if possible, the counts at Dartmoor and Crystal Lake Road intersection be conducted on a Saturday. #11. Add a sidewalk and parkwap improvements to define and coatrol access oa the west side of Crystal Lake Road just before its junction with Illinois Route 120. Community Development Director noted the positive aspect of this recommendation includes aesthetic improvements. He also suggested this recommendation be coordinated with the improvements the IIlinois Department � of Transportation plans for Route 120. Community Development Committee Minutes � January 3, 2001 Page Five City Admuustrator Lobaito also noted the Illinois Department of'I4�ansportation [IDOT] has verbally expressed interest in purchasing the Ultimate Dog property on the southwest corner of Crystal I.ake Road and Route 120 permitting the straightening of this intersection. Committeeman Alderman Glab also suggested staff coordina.te IDOT's activity with the affected properiy owner. The negative aspect of this recommendation includes project cost. #12. Recoafigure the Crystal Lake Road east side parkway prior to its intersection with Route 120. Community Development Director Napolitano noted the positive aspect of this recom.mendation is also aesthetics. The negative aspect is also project cost. Some discussion followed. Committeeman Alderman Bolger suggested any parkway improvements be postponed until staff could coordinate the city's activities with the Illinois Department of Transportation's Route 120 activities. Some discussion followed regarding the immediate need to clear sidewalks in this area. Committeeman Alderman Glab suggested sidewalks �' accessing both High Schools is cleared as well. Staff suggested all sidewalks accessing area schools are cleared. The committee concurred. ' #13. Add pavement mark�ngs aad signage to alert drivers to the bike crossiag close to the Ronte 120. Community Development Director Napolitano noted the positive�aspect of this recommenda�ion is the increased safety for bicycle traffic. No negative aspects were noted for this recommendation. The committee noted some signage exists now which might need to be enhanced. It was also noted the , posted speed on Route 120 at this intersection makes the crossing more +- difficult and dangerous. Additional signage and markings will increase safety. This recommendation should be implemented as soon as possible. #14. Add a bus loadiag lane off of the pavement for the pre-school site located on east Crystal Lake Road across from the West Campns High School site. Community Development Director Napolitano noted the positive aspects of this recommendation permits the flow of Crystal Lake Avenue traffic while increasing the safety of young pre-school aged children while accessing and exiting the bus. The negative aspect includes design coordination with and project cost to the affected property owner. Some discussion followed with Staff noting the turn radius limitations of the existing driveway. � Community Development Committee Minutes �`- January:i, 2001 Page Six #15. Install a traffic sigaal at Dartmoor Avenue if Dartmoor is extended to Route 31. Coznmunity Development Director Napolitano noted the positive,aspects of this recommendation include the creation of timing gaps for vehicular traffic turning on to Crystal Lake Road or on to Dartmoor Avenue. In addition a more direct east-west route through the City would be created. The Corridor Planning Study also noted a traffic signal at this intersection would create gaps with signal timing which will facilitate site access in the busiest segments of the corridor from West Campus High School north to Route 120. The negative aspect includes the potential for increased traffic on Dartmoor. The Committee noted development escrow monies available to offset the cost of this specific recommendation. Staff noted these monies are available for a speci.fied period of time, which will expire soon. The Committee noted this recommendation was, in all likelihood, a long-term goal. In response to Committee member Alderman Bolero's inquiry, staff noted the installation of a traffic signal at Dartmoor would not eliminate the need for a traffic signal at Winding Creek. The signals would be timed appropriately to facilitate traf�'ic flow. �- #16. Add signs to alert aorth and southbound drivers to the coagested high-accideat area and require strict police enforcemeat of posted area speed limits. � Community Development Director Napolitano noted the posative aspects of this development include increase safety in the area. No negative aspects were cited. It was the consensus of the committee to implement this � recommendation, specifically police enforcement of the area speed limits. The committee also recommended placement and wording of signage is reviewed closely. � ` Some general discussion followed. Mr. Eton noted the intersection of Crystal Lake Road and Dartmoor Drive was very dark, particularly on the southwest corner. He requested the committee consider the installation of a second street light on the east side of Crystal Lake Rd. Staff suggested the existing light reflection be redirected. The committee concurred. In addition the residents in attendance expressed concern with the potential route of the proposed West McHenry Bypass. Mr. Eton stated the proposed bypass route incorporates Curran Road, which might, in turn, increase through traffic on Dartmoor Drive. City Administrator Lobaito informed the group Council had authorized the hiring of a tr�c consultant to review the traffic infortnation provided by the Shamrock Farm developers on the City's behalf. The proposed West McHenry Bypass route in trus area will be included in their review. �