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CC - Item 6A - Crosswalk on Jackson Ave at Whitmore St0 ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: OLIVER CHI, CITY MANAGER DATE: SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 SUBJECT: CROSSWALK ON JACKSON AVENUE AT WHITMORE STREET SUMMARY The Traffic Commission received a petition requesting the installation of a crosswalk on Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street. The petition indicated that students from the Head-Start and State Preschool on the Emerson Elementary School campus cross at this intersection. In addition, parents also drop-off/pick-up their students in the vicinity of Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street. The petition further indicated that vehicles traveling on Jackson Avenue do not stop for pedestrians accessing the school. At the July5, 2007 Traffic Commission meeting, the Commission approved the installation of a crosswalk and appropriate signage and to further study the intersection when school is back in session. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends that the City Council deny the request to install a crosswalk on Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street. ANALYSIS Field observations were made of the Jackson/Whitmore intersection at various times throughout the day and included pedestrian counts at Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street. The majority of pedestrians cross in the marked crosswalk on the west leg of Whitmore Street; however, there is a low level of pedestrian usage of the north leg but this appeared to occur only in the start time of school. There were no reported collisions at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street involving pedestrians. (See Attachments A and B.) Staff recommended denial of the request for a number of reasons. Crosswalks exist at intersections whether they are marked or unmarked. Studies have shown that, in fact, pedestrians crossing a street in an unmarked uncontrolled crosswalk are less likely to be involved in an accident than pedestrians crossing at a marked uncontrolled crosswalk. APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: 0 0 0 City Council Meeting September 25, 2007 Page 2 of 2 The conclusion was made that pedestrians are more aware of vehicles when crossing the street at an unmarked uncontrolled crosswalk. The pedestrian, in general, will look more intently at approaching vehicles to determine the best time to cross. Whereas, pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk do not look at approaching traffic and falsely assume that vehicles will automatically stop because they are in a crosswalk Therefore, based on the low volume of pedestrians crossing Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street and the favorable reported accident history, the installation of a crosswalk on Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street was not recommended by staff. However, after hearing public comment and deliberating, the Traffic Commission moved to reject staffs recommendation and to install a crosswalk at the north leg of Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street along with appropriate signs. Exhibit "A" depicts the signing and striping required for the installation of a crosswalk at Jackson/Whitmore. Additionally, red curb would be required at the northwest corner of Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street and in front of 3120 and 3126 Whitmore Street; a handicap access ramp will also need to be installed on the east side of Whitmore Street. PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. Submitted by: Rey Alfonso, P.E. Deputy City Engineer c Community Development Director Attachment A: Exhibit A Attachment B: Traffic Commission Staff Report, including petition Attachment C: Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes (July 5, 2007) • • Attachment "A" INSTALL ASSEMBLY "D" EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PAINT RED CURB REMOVE DETAIL "8" INSTALL ASSEMBLY "B" 0 DET 'B" DET ASSEMBLY 'C' DET 'A' FA in WHITMORE STREET " Rt-T r SNS 3926 INSTALL ASSEMBLY "B" PAINT RED CURB I. .TYPE K N 3920 ~ PAINT RED CURB - INSTALL YELLOW CROSSWALK INSTALL WHEEL CHAIR RAMP DET "A' DET 'A' N LEGEND SI-I n*k SI-I ® EXISTING WHITE CURB ® PROPOSED RED CURB ew1e-7P AHEAD w15-9p ,i ASSEMBLY 6„ ASSEMBLY D INSTALL "SLOW SCHOOL XING" r NO NO PARKING PARKING y"- N 'S IMONDAYY SCHOOL TO 2PM sir am. DAYS DETAIL 'A' DETAIL "B,. REMOVE DETAIL "C" DETAIL "D" i..._. 34' INSTALL ASSEMBLY "D" • - SCHOOL XING EXHIBIT A CITY OF ROSEMEAD DETAIL "C" DETAIL "D" RECOMMENDATION OF JACKSON AVENUE A TRAFFIC COMMISSION WHITMORE STREET INSTALL "SLOW SCHOOL XING" i Ld j Z LLJ N :L C- a34. W,3-I SCALE: 1"=50' • 10 Attachment "B" ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION STAFF REPORT TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSIONERS FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY DATE: JULY 5, 2007 SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR CROSSWALK ON JACKSON AVENUE AT WHITMORE STREET SUMMARY A petition requesting the installation of a crosswalk on Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street was received (attached). The petition indicated that students from the Head-Start and State Preschool on the Emerson Elementary campus cross at this intersection. In addition, parents also drop-off/pick-up their students in the vicinity of Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street. The petition further indicates that vehicles traveling on Jackson Avenue do not stop for pedestrians accessing the school. Staff Recommendation It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council not install a crosswalk on Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street. ANALYSIS Jackson Avenue is a 34-foot wide roadway with no traffic striping. Jackson Avenue is stop controlled at Emerson Place (north of Whitmore Street) and signal controlled at Garvey Avenue (south of Whitmore Street). The posted speed limit on Jackson Avenue is 30 mph (with 25 mph when children are present). Whitmore Street is a 35-foot wide roadway with no traffic striping. Whitmore Street is stop controlled at Jackson Avenue. There is an existing yellow crosswalk across Whitmore Street at Jackson Avenue. The prima facie speed limit is 25 mph on Whitmore Street. Exhibit "A" depicts existing conditions at the intersection of Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street. Discussion Field observations were made of the intersection throughout the day. These observations included pedestrian counts at Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street. The pedestrian counts were taken from 7:30-8:30 AM, 12:00-1:00 PM and 2:00-3:00 PM. 0 0 Traffic Commission Meeting July 5, 2007 Page 2 of 2 These time coincided with school (and pre-school) start and release times. The pedestrian volumes counted are as follows: Peds Crossing 7:30-8:30 AM 12:00-1:00 PM 2:00-3:00 PM • North Leg of Jackson 19 3 3 • South Leg of Jackson 1 1 2 • West Leg of Whitmore 65 23 76 As identified in the pedestrian data, the majority of pedestrians cross in the marked crosswalk on the west leg of Whitmore Street. There is a level of pedestrian usage of the north leg but this appears to occur only in the start time of school. There were no reported collisions at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street involving pedestrians. Crosswalks exist at intersections whether they are marked or unmarked. Studies have shown that, in fact, pedestrians crossing a street in an unmarked uncontrolled crosswalk are less likely to be involved in an accident than pedestrians crossing at a marked uncontrolled crosswalk. The conclusion was made that pedestrians are more aware of vehicles when crossing the street at an unmarked uncontrolled crosswalk. The pedestrian, in general, will look more intently at approaching vehicles to determine the best time to cross. Whereas, pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk do not look at approaching traffic and falsely assume that vehicles will automatically stop because they are in a crosswalk Therefore, based on the low volume of pedestrians crossing Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street and the favorable reported accident history, the installation of a crosswalk on Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street is not recommended at this time. PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. Submitted by: Joanne Itagaki Traffic Engineering Deputy Petition Request Exhibit A: Existing Conditions at Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street • May 1, 2007 Traffic Commission City of Rosemead 8838 East Valley Boulevard Rosemead, CA 91770 • cc: Rosemead City Council Emerson School, Attn: Ms. Knight, Principal Garvey School Headstart, Attn: Ms. Alicia Saulino, Director H Re: Request for Installation of Cross Walk Jackson Ave. and Whitmore Street (NW to NE side) Dear Traffic Commissioners: We are requesting that the City of Rosemead install a cross walk on the northwest to northeast side of the street on the corner of Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street so that students, parents and residents can safely cross the street without having to jay walk, and risk getting hit by cars that do not obey speed limit. There are two Headstart and State Preschool classrooms located at Emerson Elementary School and it has a separate entrance for parents to drop off and pick up their preschool students. This entrance is located on the northwest corner of Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street. There is only one crosswalk on this corner for parents to use; it is on the west side of the corner and parents are able to use it if they park on Whitmore Street. However, if parents have to park on the east side of Jackson Avenue (no parking on the west side of Jackson Ave), the parents and students would have to jay walk to cross the street to reach the preschool entrance. This is not safe because drivers do not obey the speed limit during school hours and usually do not stop for pedestrians. Fortunately, there has not been any recent accident with injuries. However, this is an opportunity to prevent an accident from happening. For the safety of residents and preschool students, we request that the City of Rosemead install a crosswalk on the northwest to northeast side of the street on the corner of Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street as soon as possible. Thank you. Sincerely, 1 h 7 N -r L~ d Print Name C Print Name M,1A o ,pr=+-Print Name c oo Parent or Residen School Parent or Resident'. School Parent or Resident P t Name Print Name Print Name School Parent or Resident School Parent or Resident School Parent or Resident Please contact Nancy Eng at P.O. Box 115, Rosemead, CA 91770 with any questions. • • Pritff Name School Parent or Resident Print Name School Parent or Resident nt ame School Parent or Resident ~'vG Print Name School Paren or Resident Print N me School Parent or Resident S Print Name School Parent or Resident S VOnnICt l,lCirc1~ Print Name School Parent or Resident Print N" School Parent or esident /(F n Print Name School Parent or Resident J/~1C Print Name School Parent or Resident ,67 LA / _f~jbri r>.cZ ~~://far Print Name Print nt School Parent or Resid School Parent Resident py Print Name 1 School Parent or Resident UC-11 61 Cy101y PZ Print Name School Parent or Resident Print Name School Parent or Resident ,1 Print Name' School Parent or Resident Print ame School Parent or Resident /1 ~`Z,,,, ~~~c~.-!rte Print Name D~ School Parent or Resident Print Name u chocl Parent or Resident Print Name chool Parent or Resident L'!C~ Ia____.LCS:; S nCrr]tT~ X1C~ Print Name School Parent or Resident n Print Name School Parent or Resident ~i eul t~ Print Name School Parent or Resident Print Name School Parent or Resident Nam~f ~ Print Na e or School Parent or Resident Print Name Print Name r~ School Parent or Resident School Parent or Resident .1 &q p Print Name Print Name Print Nam ` School Parent or Resident School Parent or Resident School Parent or Resident • fry , , f 1*11 Ji'u.1 N 6,-- - R;u Av /7 • • r 1 E Need Crosswalk Here Emerson SchooUHeadsmn Diagram of Request Crosswalk at Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street d 0 U W Whitmore Street • i I DET "B" EMERSON ELEMENTARY DET'BN.T.S. SCHOOL - - w3-I 34' DET "9* 0 ASSEMBLY "C' DET 'A" e; Y 10' TYPE K I Y j r.3 Rt -1 I' w } r~ _y SNS I 0. A0 OET 'A' DET 'A' Y 34' 3lI N0 NO PARKING PARKING i` MONDAY AM TO SPIA IOAM TO 2PU SCHOOL gym ~o DAYS LEGEND DETAIL "A" DETAIL "B" -i EXISTING WHITE CURB Y DET "C' DET "D' s SC NG EXNt01T RING OF ~ ~ F CITY 0. ROSEMEAD DETAIL „C" DETAIL „Djti,,,hSON ~ , _ rEE ~ i Ji_i= AT r %--iT~AORE ::)I,\,--T I • 10 Attachment "C" ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION JULY 5, 2007 The meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairperson Knapp at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead. PLEDGE OF ALLIGIANCE - Commissioner Chin INVOCATION - Commissioner Gay ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Knapp, Hunter, Masuda, Gay, and Chin Absent: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Masuda, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the May 3, 2007, meeting. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioner Hunter, Commissioner Masuda Noes: None Abstained: Commissioner Chin, Commissioner Gay It was moved by Commissioner Gay, seconded by Commissioner Chin and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2007, meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Speaking before the Commission: Jim Flournoy 8655 Landis View Lane Rosemead, CA 91770 Mr. Flournoy indicated his concern for the "Tree of Heaven" growing along the 10 Freeway at the westbound ramp for Walnut Grove Avenue. He indicated this is also found on the Temple City Boulevard ramps. Commissioner Gay was also concerned with the 2 right turn lanes on San Gabriel Boulevard turning on to Walnut Grove Avenue. Many people go straight from the second right turn lane. Page 1 0 0 Commissioner Hunter also expressed her concerns regarding this location. 3. OLD BUSINESS - NONE 4. NEW BUSINESS m, A. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION It is staffs recommendation that.the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council not install a crosswalk on Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street. Speaking before the Commission: Virginia Peterson, Superintendent Garvey School District Ms. Peterson summarized points of the letter the Commissioners received from Ms. Nancy Eng. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki also indicated that the Commissioner received copies of the faxed letters from Ms. Eng and Mr. Danny O'Brien. Ms. Peterson indicates that Ms. Eng and parents strongly disagree with the recommendation of staff. Ms. Peterson adds: If the installation of a crosswalk at Jackson and Whitmore is not considered, how could we continue the dialogue and work together so we could let you know of our problem? Speaking before the Commission: Anna Maria Knight, Emerson Principal Ms. Knight spoke on behalf of Emerson parents and residents regarding their concerns on safety issues. She read a letter from resident, Daniel O'Brien, who lives on Jackson Avenue since 1956. Ms. Knight urged the Commissioners to consider a crosswalk and work together to ensure community safety. Speaking before the Commission: Felipe Agredano, President, Garvey School District Page 2 0 0 Mr. Agredano expressed his concern for students, parents, grandparents, and disabled neighbors that may not be able to cross the street. Mr. Agredano would like a crosswalk. However, if that is not a possibility, he requests the City work with the school and District to find other alternatives to address their concerns. Commissioner Chin expressed her appreciation to the Garvey School District coming out especially you, because we do as a Commission desire to make the City more pedestrian friendly and that is our goal. Speaking before the Commission: Robert Miranda, Alhambra Mr. Miranda states he is well aware of that intersection of Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street. There has always been a problem at that location. Mr. Miranda suggests the police should be called to issue tickets. He feels that when people are presented with a ticket, they will stop for pedestrians. Speaking before the Commission: Jim Flournoy 8655 Landis Avenue Mr. Flournoy suggests that item be tabled and have enforcement of speeds on Jackson. He also suggests the possibility of flashing lights in street to identify crosswalk. He asks, "Does the City want to put a crossing guard? Other alternatives should be looked at; it is a very unsafe area." Speaking before the Commission: John Yuan, Boardmember, Garvey School District Mr. Yuan expressed his concern for safety and the need for a crosswalk. Speaking before the Commission: Henry Low, Boardmember, Garvey School District Page 3 0 0 Mr. Low understands that staff recommended against crosswalk. He urges the Commission to recommend a crosswalk. He would like to work out an amicable solution that will meet the concerns of the School District and the parents Commissioner Masuda was parked at Jackson just north of Whitmore with lots of cars passing by. He recommends putting in the crosswalk. Commissioner Hunter is amazed that there is not a stop sign or crosswalks along the school area. She would like to see a flashing sign indicating "Caution Pedestrian Crossing" or "School Crossing" because it will get a persons attention not only for the yellow but for the blinking light. Commissioner Chin indicated that a pedestrian's point-of-view it is time for change. Commissioner Chin relayed research that indicated in the long-term a driver going to any intersection whether marked or unmarked does not change whether you have a crosswalk there or not. It is a difficult thing because Commissioner Chin sees it from a parent's point-of-view. Commissioner Chin proposed to staff to conduct another study, if the recommendation is rejected, in October, when school started. She also suggested relocation of some school signs and consideration of in-pavement flashing light and flashing signs. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki indicated the cost of striping is minimal that has never been an issue with the Traffic Commission. She also indicated that In- pavement crosswalk lights that is a new technology and are flashing LED lights on the street where the crosswalk is. Those in-pavement lights as well as flashing beacons are used in certain situations, and they do have guidelines that we must follow. The City follows guidelines that are provided by the State of California Manual or Uniform Traffic Control Devices there are guidelines that we use for both in-pavement crosswalks and flashing beacons, as well as stop signs and traffic signals. Commissioner Gay thanks all for coming out to address this issue on the safety for children. Commissioner Gay states this item should be re-addressed. He feels it is important to have a crosswalk at the north end. Commissioner Gay also recommends in-ground LED lights. Chairperson Knapp stated she would like to see the in-pavement lights. Commission Gay would like to see the use of the radar trailer by the Sheriff Department set up. Commissioner Masuda indicates the real issue is the safety of our kids crossing. He cannot see waiting 3 months for another traffic study. Page 4 0 0 Chairperson Knapp asked district representatives if school is currently in session at Emerson. There are some students coming to the site but no summer school. It was moved by Commissioner Masuda to reject staffs recommendation and to install the crosswalk at the north leg of Jackson at Whitmore with appropriate signs and to further study the intersection when school is back in session. Commissioner Gay seconds the motion. The motion carried unanimously. B. REQUEST FOR STRIPING CHANGES ON ENCINITA AVENUE NORTH OF MISSION DRIVE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission approve change in the striping pattern as shown on Exhibit A. Commissioner Gay relayed his personal experience in this area. He approves of moving the striping towards the west. He would like to see the removal of part of the double yellow lines near the intersection. Commissioner Gay would like to see the red curb extended on the east side to the first driveway. Commissioner Gay would like staff to review the need for a left turn arrow and a no U-turn sign posted for eastbound Mission on to Encinita. Commissioner Masuda asks if trucks or semis park on Encinita on the park side. Commissioner Gay indicated that occasionally Consolidated truck parks during the lunch periods. It was moved by Commissioner Chin, seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to approve staffs recommendation and to add the removal of part of the double- double yellow striping on Encinita at Mission and to add red curb on the east side of Encinita from Mission to the first driveway. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioner Chin, Commissioner Hunter, Commissioner Masuda Noes: None. Absent: None Abstained: Commissioner Gay 5. STAFF REPORTS - NONE Page 5 0 0 6. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Hunter how long does it take for action to be taken on recommendations. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki indicates that ssues that require Council generally go at the last meeting of the City Council. Commissioner Hunter specifically wanted to know the status of the left turn lanes at Hellman and Walnut Grove. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki indicated the northbound left turn pocket has been extended. The southbound left turn lane that turns onto Ramona the City Engineer is working on that issue. That is being delayed because it is a Capital Improvement Project that requires some construction, because of the center median. Commissioner Chin recommends that when doing studies staff gathers more than one day of data. Commissioner Knapp asked staff to consider the stop sign at Marshall at Bartlett on behalf of a resident. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting is adjourned until August 2, 2007 Jl:lss/mec (06160) 16774/1002/Misc01 Page 6