TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN PREPARED BY: LEONETTI ASSOCIATES DECEMBER 2003

2. Table of Contents • Introduction ……..……………………………..3 • Goals & Objectives…………………………….4 • Study Methodology …….……………………..5 • Transportation Systems Management……….9 • Observations and Findings ………………….16 • Recommended Improvements.………………20 • Summary of Findings ………………………..30 Leonetti Associates

3. Introduction • The South Broadway Business Improvement District (BID) retained the services of Leonetti Associates to review the traffic and parking conditions along the South Broadway corridor from Caryl Avenue (southern end) to Park Hill Avenue (northern terminus). • This report examines corridor-specific issues, identifies transportation systems management techniques and traffic calming measures to balance the efficient movement of traffic and enhance pedestrian safety. • Recommendations are made to calm traffic & improve parking along the corridor. The implementation of these measures will create a more friendly, inviting environment to maintain livability, and enhance the economic viability of the South Broadway BID. Leonetti Associates

4. Study Area • South Broadway between Caryl Avenue (southern boundary) to Park Hill Avenue (northern terminus). • The traffic and parking conditions along the corridor vary. • Traffic congestion and parking demand is greater between Valentine Lane and Herriot Street where the retail density is highest. Leonetti Associates

5. Study Area Stakeholders • South Broadway Stakeholders • Yonkers Traffic Engineering Division • Yonkers Parking Authority “Partnering forms the foundation for a shared program culture.” Partnering facilitates teamwork, cooperation, communication and trust between the study team and stakeholders.” Leonetti Associates

6. Study Goal To create a more friendly inviting environment in order to enhance livability and the economic viability of the South Broadway BID Leonetti Associates

7. Study Objectives • Establish corridor priorities • Reroute and/or reduce commercial Traffic • Create a pedestrian friendly environment • Optimize traffic flow • Maximize efficiency of parking Leonetti Associates

8. Methodology / Evaluation Tools • Traffic Composition - Evaluate the composition of traffic • Pedestrian/Vehicle Conflicts - Observe conflicts between traffic and pedestrian movements. • Traffic Flow – Operating Level of Service • Parking - Availability/Occupancy “The sum of these factors enhance a business districts economic viability.” Leonetti Associates

9. Data Collection Efforts • Traffic Control Devices (Traffic Signals, Signs, Pavement Markings, etc.) • Field Investigations – Identified “hot spots” that cause traffic congestion & conflicts • Examine On-street/Off-street parking conditions Leonetti Associates

10. Traffic Systems Management (TSM) TSM – Low Capital Intensive Alternatives that include: • Construction of turning bays to improve traffic flow • Traffic signal timing modifications to improve traffic flow and reduce queuing through the corridor • Parking regulation modifications during peak periods to provide additional travel lanes during traffic periods. • Implementation of Speed/Radar Detection to reduce speed • Implementation of Red Light Camera Leonetti Associates

11. TSM/Traffic Calming Techniques “Traffic calming is a concept that seeks a more harmonious relationship between vehicular traffic and people.” These techniques are used to enhance livability. Typical calming measures include: • Signage/Striping/Enforcement Measures (Non-Physical) • Narrowing Measures • Horizontal Deflection Measures • Vertical Deflection Measures • Diversion Devices Leonetti Associates

12. Signage/Striping/Enforcement Measures • Traffic Signage (street names, warning signs, etc.) • Crosswalks – identify the safest place to cross • Parking Modifications – Parking areas may be adjusted to improve visibility or narrow lanes widths • Targeted Police & Parking Enforcement - Enforce all aspects of applicable codes Leonetti Associates

13. Narrowing Measures • Bulb Outs – Widening sidewalks. • Chokers – Installed mid-block that narrow the street width. • Entry Islands – Small islands in the middle of the street that narrow vehicle travel lanes. Leonetti Associates

14. Horizontal/Vertical Deflection Measures • Raised Crosswalks – Channelize pedestrian movements and make crosswalks more visible • Chicanes – Alternating curb extensions at regular intervals used to narrow the traveled way • Striped/Raised Islands – Used to separate opposing lanes of traffic or channel vehicles at intersections • Speed Bumps/Humps – Used to slow traffic (Not recommended for major thoroughfares) Leonetti Associates

15. Diversion Devices • Diverters – Direct traffic flow at intersections • One-Way/Two-Way Operations – Change the directional flow of streets • Street Closures – Partial or full closure of a street to divert traffic flow Leonetti Associates

16. Effectiveness of Traffic Calming • Vehicle Composition/Speed Reduction – Minimize the impact of commercial traffic and reduce vehicle speeds by narrowing the traveled way • Accident Reduction – Minimize traffic conflicts • Noise Reduction – Reduced commercial traffic volume Air Pollution – The efficient flow of traffic will allow motorists to proceed smoothly reducing queuing Leonetti Associates

17. Observations and Findings Traffic Composition: • Broadway is used as a thoroughfare / arterial street • The majority of commercial traffic on the corridor is not destined for Broadway • Traffic flow, pedestrian safety and damage to the infrastructure is adversely impacted by commercial traffic Leonetti Associates

18. Observations and Findings Pedestrian/Vehicle Conflicts: • Street geometries are not conducive to large turning vehicles • Recent streetscape improvements are effective in channeling and demarking traffic lanes/crosswalks • Pedestrian street crossing patterns occur along the corridor at mid-block points not serviced by intersections Leonetti Associates

19. Observations and Findings Traffic Flow: • Traffic signal timing plans effectively and safely control traffic during off-peak conditions • Traffic is impeded by frictional factors during both the peak & off-peak periods due to turning movements from driveways, side street movements, and loading/unloading activities, etc • Traffic flow operates at a higher Level of Service between Caryl Avenue and Valentine lane; and Highland Avenue to Park Hill Avenue • Traffic speeds are diminished between Valentine Lane and Highland Avenue Leonetti Associates

20. Observations and Findings Parking: • Parking areas are well defined and traffic signs clearly indicate restricted areas • On-street parking is at a premium between Valentine Lane and New Main Street • Off-street parking lots are highly occupied at each facility along the corridor • The two-hour metered parking limit is not being effectively enforced Leonetti Associates

21. Recommended Improvements • Traffic Composition • Vehicle/Pedestrian Conflicts • Traffic Flow • Parking Leonetti Associates

22. Recommended Improvements Traffic Composition: • Restrict commercial traffic with the exception of local deliveries • Install commercial guide signs along Route 87 informing commercial drivers to use the Westchester Arterial (Yonkers Avenue) • Install a gateway/raised island traffic island at the intersection of South Broadway/Valentine Lane with signs directing commercial traffic to Riverdale Avenue Leonetti Associates

23. Recommended Improvements Traffic Composition: • Install bulb-outs at the intersection of Radford Street and South Broadway to restrict large trucks from turning and reduce pedestrian crossing distances. • Install mid-block crosswalks between Radford Street and Post Street and Ludlow and Morris Street. • Investigate the feasibility to consolidate loading zones to maximize on-street parking. Leonetti Associates

24. Recommended Improvements Pedestrian / Vehicle Conflicts: • Install raised traffic islands and bulb-outs to minimize pedestrian crossing distances • Install mid-block crosswalks • Install raised crosswalks to delineate pedestrian crossing areas Leonetti Associates

25. Recommended Improvements Traffic Flow: • Upgrade traffic signal system to enhance vehicular travel through the network (platoons) • Establish “No-Stopping” zones along portions of the Broadway during peak travel periods at select constraint points between Valentine Lane and Highland Avenue. • Restrict peak hour turning movements at select intersections • Evaluate one-way circular patterns with Riverdale Avenue Leonetti Associates

26. Recommended Improvements Traffic Flow: • Study institution of angle parking at select locations along the corridor • Alternating angle parking at regular intervals produce the same effect as Chicanes, and will create a more “friendly-downtown” environment • The number of on-street parking spaces cab be reduced (requires further study) Leonetti Associates

27. Recommended Improvements Parking: • Add a mix of one-hour on-street parking areas selectively to encourage vehicle turnover • Provide preferential rates for short-term parking zones • Establish a Traffic Enforcement Program for the South Broadway BID • Revenues collected under this program should be earmarked to pay for BID Enforcement Officers and traffic-related improvements Leonetti Associates

28. Recommended Improvements Parking: • Establish merchant parking program at off-street parking lots • Institute a shopper discount program • Re-establish loading zones along the corridor • Institute BID “marketing” plan Leonetti Associates

29. Recommended Improvements General: • All actions described in this plan require continuous enforcement • Design an education program to inform the public of the changes to be made • Establish a BID Enforcement Task Force • Create a reasonable fine structure for parking citations Leonetti Associates

30. Successful Implementation Practices • High degree of participation from the public and private sector during the planning process is essential • Strong political commitment from community leaders • A stable and continuing fund for maintenance is an important element for the program’s continued success • Be able to accommodate changes in land use and traffic patterns over time is central to the vitality of the area Leonetti Associates

31. Summary • The implementation of Transportation System Management techniques combined with proven Traffic Calming measures will create a more friendly, inviting environment for residents and shoppers • The recommendations offered are basically low-cost, proven engineering concepts that can be installed immediately, and do contain hefty operational/maintenance requirements • The efficacy of these treatments can be measured through a pilot program monitored by Yonkers governmental agencies and representatives of the South Broadway BID • The most significant benefits of the treatments described herein will be achieved when a comprehensive, integrated set of actions are implemented, including enforcement • A pilot program can be instituted to measure the benefits of selected alternatives Leonetti Associates