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W. Elm & Forest - Neighbors chat w/ TT&P Director

Several neighbors met near the "T" intersection of W. Elm St. & Forest Rd. tonight to take a look and chat with Mike Piscitelli, Director of New Haven's Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department. He also brought a rough drawing based on an on-site meeting he had with a CT DOT engineer last week. Residents of this block of W. Elm, and many Westville neighbors, know of the many accidents (including the 2008 death of a Forest Rd. neighbor) and the hazards of this particular intersection.

The City will soon get back to the neighbors with a proposal of what TT&P can do (with cooperation/permission from CT DOT) to mitigate the dangers at this intersection. The State did study and provided a recommendation (6/09) against installing a traffic light or stop signs (email me if you want a copy). Also, CT DOT advised that perhaps making the street one-way from Forest could help. This "one-way option" has largely been dismissed after the City formally surveyed the W. Elm St. neighbors. However, nothing is completely off the table as far as remedies go. Director Piscitelli will now consult further with the City's engineers (get CT DOT input and permissions if necessary) to get a plan that can be assessed by the New Haven Traffic Authority and the neighbors.

Neighbors attending tonight seemed to agree that striping and/or an island to direct flow to a Right-Turn Only from W. Elm to Forest would be a welcomed first step. Signage for No Left Turn onto Forest would also accompany this design. Further addressing the many hazards at this intersection, also led to considering blocking all incoming traffic from Forest onto W. Elm. This two-part idea will also be compared to completely blocking off access, to and from, Forest Rd.; thus making W. Elm a cul-de-sac at Forest.

TT&P will be in touch with Ina and me when they have something more to share.

In-street Pedestrian Crossing Signs - removal for winter

Thought I'd make everyone aware that most (maybe all) of the popular, in-street pedestrian crossing signs will be removed for the winter. These signs - State Law, Stop for Pedestrians in crosswalks - are still just a "trial program." None (in our neighborhood) are permanently anchored and thus can't be left in place during snow removal season. Also, Transportation, Traffic & Parking (TT&P) wants to inventory and assess the signs. Many have been hit and damaged. They are also evaluating requests for more of these signs in addition to their own analysis for "how many and where" throughout the City.

CMT meeting (11/11) - DPW & LCI representatives speak

I attended the November CMT meeting last night. Two City employees came on their day off (Veteran's Day) to share information and take questions. Attendees and the board were very appreciative that LCI's Elaine Braffman and Deputy Director of Pubic Works, Howard Weissberg came to speak and listen to Westville/West Hills neighbors.

Elaine Braffman reiterated that folks should call her at her work number with any issues and to please always leave a name and phone number. She will return your call AND will always keep complainants' names private. Please visit LCI's website for Elaine's phone number on their Neighborhood Services page and for more info about how LCI can be of assistance to residents.

Howard Weissberg joined DPW as Deputy Director about 6 months ago. He came with a background and expertise in Right of Way Management. He's currently working on improving New Haven's Right of Way Management Program including new perspectives, requirements & recommendations born out of the BOA's Complete Streets resolution and created steering committee... and henceforth legislation. Right of Way Management includes street and sidewalk management. Howard confirmed he's working to implement new methodologies for efficient repair techniques, better work-order & job tracking management, a fresh survey of roads and sidewalks, and many other related aspects to what is a very big job! This all must also interface and coordinate with several other City departments including Parks, Engineering, TT&P, and City Plan. He also mentioned, since sidewalks & trees very often should be assessed as one, that DPW is also partnering with urban tree experts, URI, to help with surveying and best practices. DPW is currently experimenting and finding success with new repair techniques that don't damage tree roots (which most often cause sidewalk problems), are quicker than old methods, and cost less.

Howard reminds folks that currently the best reporting method for issues is the City's Web311 interface.

Howard also chatted about DPW's street sweeping and leaf collection (DPW has finished removing leaves from Ward 25's streets. They'll probably be back for more in Dec. Howard reports that leaves fell late this year) - here's my Blog entry about Leaf collection and my Blog about Street Sweeping...

Also, here are the CMT minutes from last month (Oct.). I'll link to Nov's when they're posted.