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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 01/28/2008 ���21S293p �� TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINU Monday, January 28, 2008 �:.• � h CALL TO ORDER—Meeting called to order at 2:37 p.m. by Chairperson Green1 �" II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Motion made by Mr. Soza, seconded by Ms. Beard to approve minutes for October 29,2007.. Motion passed. III. MONTHLY TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORT—Capt. Mike McKinney reported the fatality report for year end 2007 was 14. To-date for 2008 three(3)fatalities were reported. IV. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRING COMMITTEE REVIEW and or RECOMMENDATIONS- Recommendation to City Council on request to close Whataburger Way between Gollihar Road and Mildred Street - Mr. Guzman, Traffic Manager stated that Whataburger restaurants, L.P. is requesting the permanent closure and abandonment of all street right-of-way associated with Whataburger Way between Gollihar Road and Mildred Street. This street closure would connect the two existing Whataburger properties and facilitate expansion of the existing corporate offices to meet present and future needs. A Traffic Impact Analysis was prepared by Alliance Transportation Group Incorporated to analyze the impact of the potential closure of Whataburger Way on the surrounding roadway network. The analysis includes the projected impact, the future expansion of the Whataburger Corporate Offices and the anticipated development of adjacent Parkdale Plaza Shopping Center. Justification of the permanent closure and abandonment of all street right-of-way include the removal of the cut-through avoiding the intersections of Staples Street with Everhart and Gollihar; the expected safety improvements from reducing the number of unprotected left turns at the intersection of Whataburger Way and Gollihar Road; the expected safety improvements and improved traffic flow by reducing the number of permitted and illegal left turns at the intersection of Whataburger Way and Everhart; the reduction in number of driveway access point on Gollihar Road, Staples Street, and Everhart Road from the Whataburger property and the traffic impact analysis and consideration of the projected impacts on the study area. Scott Feldman, Alliance Transportation Group, Inc. presentation states Whataburger is considering several options to accommodate the continuing growth of its headquarters facilities. In addition to the property on which the headquarters sits, the property located on the opposite side of Whataburger Way between Gollihar Road and Mildred Street is also owned by Whataburger. Based on analysis results, recommendations were identified to ensure that intersections in the study area operate at an adequate level of service by not compromising the level of service projected for background conditions. Currently, the Whataburger tract, including the lots upon which Glass Doctor of Corpus Christi and the Goodyear garage formerly rested includes numerous access points. The current access points are as follows. Six driveways provide access to Staples Street, one is closed; five driveways provide access to Gollihar Road, one is closed; eight driveways provide access to Whataburger Way and one driveway provides access to Everhart. On the north side of Gollihar Road, the Parkdale Plaza Shopping Center is planned for re- development to include a Wal-Mart, various restaurants, a bank and other retail uses. The existing Guitar Center and Wendy's will remain in their current locations. The proposed traffic to be generated by the Wal-Mart project has been incorporated into the analysis of the Whataburger Way closure. SCANNED The parcel opposite Whataburger Way is currently zones `A-1, Apartment House District. This is a residential zoning category which allows for medium density, multi-family residences. Prior to development of this parcel (for non-residential uses), a zoning change would be required. This will be addressed in the development process for Whataburger's ultimate intended use of the property. In assessing the impact of closing a portion of Whataburger Way, consideration was first given to the existing function of Whataburger Way. With the proposed closure in place, access will continue to be provided to Whataburger corporate headquarters. Access to parking will also be provided from Gollihar road. Thus, the proposed closure will not adversely impact access to Whataburger's corporate offices. The proposed expansion of the Whataburger Corporate Headquarters including the proposed closure of a portion of Whataburger Way in Corpus Christi, and its impact on the surrounding roadway network has been analyzed in this study. The analyses revealed that overall operations art the study intersections would remain acceptable with the removal of this portion of Whataburger Way as a public roadway. Among the primary benefits of the proposed expansion are the removal of the cut-through avoiding the intersections of Staples Street and Everhart Road and Staples Street and Gollihar Road, expected safety improvements from reducing the expected number of unprotected left-turns from Whataburger Way onto Gollihar Road, an overall reduction in the number of access points on Gollihar Road, Staples Street, and Everhart Road, and a removal of a sight distance restriction along Whataburger Way. Motion made by Mr. Soza, seconded by Ms. Beard to approve recommendation by the Staff and forward same to the City Council expressing support for the proposed street closing upon meeting all requirements of city Ordinance No. 18399. Motion passed. V. RECOGNITATION of Audience/Public Concerns not scheduled on Agenda—None VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS—Red Light Camera update for February 25, 2008 meeting. VII. CITY'S TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT — Mr. Guzman announced that today will be his last meeting with TAC; and the City hired Mr. Charlie Cardenas as the new City Traffic Engineer. VIII. Issues for next scheduled Transportation Advisory Meeting — Possible new intersection for Red Light Cameras and speed limit change on Ennis Joslin Road. IX. Previous/New Concerns-Tabled X. Adjournment—Meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.