HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 07/14/1999 - Special TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SPECIAL SESSION MEETING
MINUTES
(Meeting of July 14, 1999)
Members Present
Stuart Sher Anthony Alejandro
Orlando Noyola Ray Mims
Shelley Krumnow
Members Absent
LCDR Harold Palmer Israel Ybarra
Clif Moss Chief Michael W. McCain
CALL TO ORDER - Meeting called to order 5:37 p.m. by Mr. Bert Quintanilla, Chairman of the
Planning Commission, serving as Convener for the joint meeting of the Planning Commission;
Park & Recreation Advisory Committee, Art and Cultural Commission and the Transportation
Advisory Committee.
II. ART CENTER EXPANSION PROPOSAL
Brief presentation was given by Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development Services
of the proposed Art Center expansion. The purpose of this project is to re-orient the Art Center
of Corpus Christi to the north with new exteriors and a main entrance while providing increased
operations areas. This project will also build a new parking lot that ties the facility to a new
pedestrian-friendly landscaped park. Currently the traffic flowing south on Shoreline looks at
the employees'rear entrance and delivery area, which does not present a proper image for our
city and bayfront. When complete, the enhanced building will feature a new balanced exterior
with parapets, balconies and walkways, creating a central bay front structure with memorable
character.
The project will renovate and add to the existing structure to providing 600 square feet required
operating space. The architecture will provide unity with other tourist bayfront facilities defined
in a Spanish Colonial style. The associated proposal to close the John Sartain median opening
would be necessary to approve the Art Center and would provide a direct pedestrian-friendly
access to the median area south of William Street.
This project will create a new landscaped park with clusters of native oak trees and shaded
structures lining meandering paths with direct access to the new parking lot at the north
entrance. The park will have a center raised platform for changing art displays and grassy areas
for outdoor functions.
III. STREET CLOSURE REQUEST - JOHN SARTAIN STREET MEDIAN CROSSOVER BETWEEN
NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND SHORELINE
Mr. David Seiler, gave a brief presentation, stating that a series of traffic volume counts at the
John Sartain Shoreline Boulevard intersection to determine the traffic demand on the median
crossover between the two legs of Shoreline Boulevard. This determination was made for the
possibility that the John Sartain median crossover be closed to allow an expanded use on the
Shoreline Boulevard median area for the Art Center of Corpus Christi. John Sartain Street and
its median crossover operate as a one-way street from Mesquite Street to the seawall. The
primary consideration for closing this crossover should be the traffic demand serviced from the
eastbound John Sartain Street to northbound on Shoreline Boulevard and the effect that
relocated traffic, from the closed crossover, would have on adjacent crossovers.
SCANNED 900(13
The weekday average traffic volume on the median crossover is approximately 850 vehicles per
day. The greatest component of this traffic demand is from traffic turning from southbound on
Shoreline to the crossover, then back to northbound Shoreline, which can be interpreted as"u-
turns"as primarily traffic sight-seeing along both legs of Shoreline. Only 18% of the total
approach demand proceeds straight onto the crossover.
Mr. Seiler further stated that demand from the direction of John Sartain Street does not
represent a high enough volume for the crossover to be considered a necessary traffic connection.
and in terms of impact the median closing would have on adjacent median crossovers to the
north or south, it is very likely that the traffic now using the John Sartain crossover would be
diverted to the next downstream crossover at Coopers Alley, which is signalized at both legs of
Shoreline Boulevard. The Coopers Alley crossover has sufficient capacity to accommodate the
diverted traffic, and the traffic signal control will offer enhanced safety. Also, the closing of the
John Sartain median crossover would need to follow the normal procedures for street/alley ROW
closure.
At this time, Mr. Alejandro asked for discussion from the Transportation Advisory Committee
members. Mr. Sher expressed concern about possible congestion on northbound Shoreline at
the driveway entrance to the Art Center. Mr. Utter responded that Traffic Engineering and the
architect for the Art Center would discuss this concern. Mr. Alejandro expressed concern about
notice being given to abutting property owners prior to the council being on this matter. Mr.
Utter responded that the new Whataburger Restaurant favors this proposal. Mr. Orlando
questioned the street closure, stating that motorists would still be able to navigate through the
park in the present design stage, suggesting perhaps that an alternate route or some speed
bumps could be placed to prevent motorists from using as a "cut-thru". With their being no
further discussion, motion was made by Mr. Sher, seconded by Mr. Noyola to approve
recommendation for closing the John Sartain Street median crossover without abandoning the
street right-of-way. Motion approved 5 vs 0.
Chairman Quintanilla called on the Art and Cultural Commission at this time. Due to lack of
quorum, Commission was unable to vote on the proposed Art Center expansion. Park &
Recreation Advisory Committee was also unable to vote due to lack of quorum. Planning
Commission, Chairman Quintanilla called for discussion of the proposed Art Center. However,
one member commented on whether the Organization for an Unblemished Shoreline (OPUS) has
been contacted. After discussion, motion was made by Commissioner Sween-McGloin, seconded
by Commissioner Underbrink to support the proposed Art Center expansion. Motion passes.
IV. ADJOURN - There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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