Marcus Garvey Park Traffic Calming Q & A
Q: Why all these sudden and dramatic changes around Marcus Garvey Park? The changes actually aren’t sudden. The history of Mount Morris Park West traffic issues goes back many decades. For years there were four moving lanes for traffic down Mount Morris Park West (MMPW) from W124 to W120 Streets and no traffic signals. It took the death of a child crossing into the Park in 1973 to convince DOT that a traffic light at MMPW and W122 Street was warranted. Then, finally, in 1991, in response to continuing community pleas to help control the traffic down Mount Morris Park West, DOT applied the painted street markings as shown in the photo to the right. These painted markings narrowed the moving lanes from four to two, added two striped buffer lanes and “islands” at the turns to direct cars into the left turns and decrease the width of the street at the turns. A traffic light was also installed at W120 Street.
View of MMPW south from W124 Street
Q: What were the main community safety issues in 1973, 1991 and in 2013? There are three primary issues that have continually plagued the community. • The speeding and weaving of traffic down the four wide, but short, underutilized lanes of Mount Morris Park West. Some people even labeled MMPW “Harlem’s Indy 500.” • The lack of crosswalks and safe access into Marcus Garvey Park on all sides of the Park • The dangerous, poorly banked 90° left turn from MMPW onto W120 Street. Cars making this left turn too fast or in slippery conditions frequently would spin out of control, crashing into houses, fences and trees along W120 Street causing significant—and repeated—property damage. And pedestrians walked this stretch of W120 Street with trepidation. Q: How did DOT come up with this plan? DOT did not come up with this design overnight. First, they needed to analyze the problems. They did traffic counts, and traffic studies, and discussed the issues and possible solutions with engi- neers, special event coordinators such as the NYC Marathon and Harlem Skyscraper Bike Race, the NYC Parks Department and community leaders and residents. In early 2013, they prepared a proposal called the Marcus Garvey Park Street Area Improvements and presented it at Commu- nity Boards 10 and 11 (twice), as well as the MMPCIA January General Meeting. In it they high- lighted the three main areas of safety concerns:
1. Wide Road & Crashes: The four-block Mount Morris Park West was found to be an overly wide and underutilized road. It was, practically and aesthetically, out of scale for the residential neighborhood. DOT determined that the traffic traveling down Fifth Avenue divided itself at 125 Street, with traffic turning right and left onto 125 Street. The remainder traveled one block to 124 Street and divided again, some turning left and others turning right. Then, the remainder turning right divided again at Mount Morris Park West, one lane going across W124 Street to Lenox Avenue and one lane turning left down MMPW, as shown on page 7 of the DOT presentation below. So, essentially, only one lane of traffic was entering at the top of MMPW. Traffic studies show that overly wide, underutilized roads allow speeding and weaving. This proved true on MMPW, especially when a green light can be seen down the road at W120 Street. Traffic studies have also shown that drivers subconsciously slow down when the parked cars are closer to the moving lane.
Wide Road & Crashes
Overly wide and underutilized road allows speeding and weaving
High speed turns contribute to crashes
Existing
7 2. Double Turns: As a result of traffic studies and traffic observation, DOT has determined that double turns— where two lanes turn at once—are dangerous for both traffic and pedestrians. As shown on page 8 of their presentation below, the roads surrounding Marcus Garvey Park have three such dangerous double turn locations.
Double Turns
Single turn
Double turns
Existing
8 3. Long or Unmarked Crosswalks: Marcus Garvey Park, the crown jewel of the Mount Morris Park Historic District and adjoining neighborhood, offers the community beautiful rose gardens with seasonal, colorful plantings. It also has three playgrounds, a full basketball court, a well-used dog run, a well-maintained Little League ball field, several picnic areas, plenty of benches to sit and enjoy a respite from the urban hustle and bustle, winding pathways up to the landmarked fire watchtower atop the wide stone acropolis and an Olympic-size community swimming pool. The Pelham Fritz Recreational Center on the west side of the Park features a fully equipped fitness center and the newly reno- vated Richard Rodgers Amphitheater. The Park is also privileged to be surrounded by handsome rows of classic 1880s brownstones and larger residential buildings, a New York City Public Library, PS 79 Horan Elementary School, Harlem Childrens’ Zone, St. Benedict’s Day Nursery, Mount Morris Ascension Head Start Program and Harlem Village Academy High School. But the residents and users of the Park have long suffered from the lack of safe and adequate crosswalks and access into the Park. And the inviting views into Park on all sides have been blocked with parked cars and large vans.
Long or Unmarked Crosswalks
Unmarked Crosswalks
Long Crosswalks
Existing
9 Q: How did you let the neighborhood know about these plans? MMPCIA has been in conversation with the Pedestrian Projects Group at DOT for years regarding the Marcus Garvey Park traffic issues and others along Lenox Avenue. In February, 2012, DOT made a preliminary presentation at the MMPCIA Monthly General Meeting. After some revisions and further studies, a more formal presentation called Marcus Garvey Park Street Area Improvements was made at the MMPCIA January, 2013, General Meeting. MMPCIA sent eblasts and posted flyers on every building from W119 to W124 Street between Fifth Ave/MMPW and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. Presentations also followed at both Community Boards 10 and 11 and with our local politicians. After DOT answered questions and concerns from the Public Safety & Transportation Committees, both Boards voted to approve the plans.
Friday, September 27, 2013 12:46:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Subject: Tonight: Traffic & Marcus Garvey Park & More. Please join us. Date: Friday, September 27, 2013 11:58:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time From: MMPCIA (sent by MMPCIA
Spring Can't read this email? Click here. Street Area Improvements
2013 Dear Ruthann,Neighbor,
! Traffic on Mount Morris Park West is about to change.
Kelley Yemen, Pedestrian Planner at NYC DOT (Department of Transportation), will show us the exciting traffic calming proposal for the streets surrounding Marcus Garvey Park that was recently presented to both Community Boards 10 and 11. Find out what's in store for one of the most picturesque yet dangerous patches of Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, New York City Department of Transportation roadway in our community. Presented by Pedestrian Projects Group, January 8 & 9, 2013 to Community Boards 11 & 10 Page 1 of 3 ! And speaking of moving on... It's also time to put plans for 2013 initiatives into motion. We want to hear your views on what the neighborhood needs, what you'd like from the organization and how you want to participate. This is the meeting that will shape the year to come.
Come listen, learn, speak up, get involved! Tuesday, January 15 at 7 PM
Note New Meeting Location: Pelham Fritz Community Center 18 MMPW at W122 Street
MMPCIA CB 10 & TRAFFIC Future dates for your calendar:
& LEAD…OH, MY! Sunday, January 20 at 3:00 PM FYI Three on 3 Presents: Jazz for Martin There’s a lot to talk about at the February Featuring Kelvyn Bell Community Meeting with MMPCIA: avant-garde jazz/funk guitarist, composer & educator District Manager, Community Board 10. Mount Morris Ascension Church PAIMAAN LODHI, It’s a 15 MMPW at W122 Street • MEET New Y Get an update on what really goes on at community board meetings, what ASSOCIATION ea r! CB 10 members are involved in, what activities are for coming slowing up. down traffic on Thursday, January 24 at 6:30 PM Let’s Mount Morris Talks to Karen Phillips! get a Pelham Fritz Community Center • LEARN ABOUT DOT TRAFFIC PLANS m o18v MMPWe at W122 Street Mount Morris Park West, West 120 Street and around Marcus Garvey Park. , Executive Director of We Act, And w on!! hethe bik r you w e, ride alk, ru • HEAR FROM PEGGY SHEPARD or driv n, one of the leading organizations for environmental justice, about their ongoing e, w______e’v news f e got efforts to reduce environmental health hazards, research the best methods for Traffic on or you! detecting lead in our homes and improve the living conditions of Northern Mount Morris Manhattan’s children. IMPROVEMENTCome hear Kelley Park West Department Yemen, is about Mount Morris Park is your community too. ThePedestrian Mount Morris Park Communityto Improvement change Association is a 501(c)(3) of Transportation,dedicated to preserving Planner and revitalizing our Historic District. and beyond, to Let’s pull together to make it even better! one of at NYC the most fostering and an environment find of open and active opportunities, and to reflect a in picturesquespectrum of voices, ideasout what’sand opinions of those who share the neighborhood. JOIN US our community. yet dangerous in store patches for And of roadway TUESDAY, FEB 21 AT 7PM speaking A strong neighborhood voice is important to Central Harlem. We need you. of moving The Development Outreach Center initiatives on …Please it’s consider becoming a member. Join today. COMMUNITY into also 63 West 124th Street, MMPW/ Lenox Avenue motion. time neighborhood We want to put plans to hear for 2013 how needs, what your views MARK YOUR CALENDAR: you you’d on what want to participate. like from the Page 2 of 3 PARK the the organization MMPCIA Wine Tasting & Membership Drive year This Thursday, April 22, 7-10 PM to come. is the meeting and that will Please keep stoop lights on continuously dusk to dawn. Make shape ☛ sure your NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY TIP! mmpcia.org voice is 212.369.4 241 | Come listen, learn, speak up, get involved! heard! MOUNT MORRIS PARK COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION [email protected] | MORRIS TUESDAY, January 15 at 7PM
NEW LOCATION:
MOUNT Pelham Fritz 18 Mount Center Morris Park $ mmpcia.org West THE NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY TIP: Please 212.369.4241 keep
stoop lights on continuously dusk to dawn. Q: What did DOT’s traffic calming proposal look like on paper? DOT’s proposal was comprehensive. It proposed the following solutions: • New crosswalks would be added in key areas where they were missing. The crosswalks on MMPW and Madison Avenue would be shortened with painted sidewalk extensions, indicated in beige the picture below. And the three double turns would be eliminated. • The turn angle at MMPW and W120 Street would be normalized and highway-style markings would be removed. • Mount Morris Park West would be reduced to one wide moving lane with two extra wide parking lanes on each side, as shown in the street elevation in the upper right in picture below. • A new sidewalk extension space, or pedestrian plaza, using the former parking lane and striped buffer zone, would be created on the west side of Marcus Garvey Park.
Proposal
Organize MMPW to one lane & eliminate double turns
14
Proposal
New painted sidewalk extensions
15 Q: So how does the DOT’s traffic calming proposal work in reality? Of course, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder and big changes in the looks and procedures of the status quo need an adjustment time. DOT will continue to monitor and test the traffic count and behavior. In one year they will be able to share the safety statistics with us. One thing is certain, in this DOT plan the safety of neighborhood property, residents and users of Marcus Garvey Park have finally received the equal attention and respect from DOT afforded the drivers traveling through the neighborhood and into the city. Is it the perfect solution? Maybe not. Can it be tweaked? Of course. But does it solve the main safety issues? Although there is significant discussion and some disagreement, anecdotal evidence suggests that this is a workable solution. Given the input to the contrary that we’ve received from the residents along MMPW, we have asked the DOT to provide us with more factual information and to continue to study and share the outcome.
Before After Q: Since the installation of the new traffic plan, MMPCIA has received a lot of feedback as to the look and effectiveness of the outcome—both positive and negative. MMPCIA, with input from DOT, would like to respond to some of this feedback. Feedback is always helpful. We’ve tried to capture residents’ comments at meetings, on the street and from emails and group them into areas of concern. Following are the replies based upon additional discussion with and information from DOT. We’ve grouped these into broader areas of concern.
TRUCKS AND BUS TURNING: “Firetruck and a flatbed truck couldn’t make turn from W122 Street onto MMPW and hit a parked car.” “Buses have difficulty turning from W124 Street onto MMPW when another bus is at the stop.” RESPONSE: DOT will remove one parking space and extend the No Parking in front of Mount Morris Ascension Church to the corner of W122 Street. This will make it easier for emergency and larger vehicles to make the turn onto MMPW from W122 Street. DOT will also move the bus stop on MMPW near W124 Street south one car length to include the fire hydrant zone. This will allow for easier turns from W124 Street onto MMPW particularly when a bus is at the curb. DOT has moved the parking regulation sign one spot closer to the intersection on W120 Street. This will improve the large vehicle turning radius from MMPW onto W120 Street.
TRAFFIC BEHAVIOR: “This plan was designed to increase traffic, not decrease it.” “The traffic has not slowed.” “The slowed traffic has increased the amount of impatient honking at the confusing flashing arrow light at W120 Street.” “The slowed traffic has increased the amount of time a vehicle blasting loud music remains in front of my building.” “The steady stream of slow moving traffic means more pollution in our front windows.” RESPONSE: Unfortunately, this is New York City, full of impatient and inconsiderate drivers. That said, DOT will discuss with Signals Division about the flashing yellow arrow in October, when the signal at Fifth Avenue and 124 Street is installed, to see if a green arrow can be used if honking doesn’t abate. The green arrow would not be flashing—it would have to be a solid green if the change was made. The problem with a green signal, though, is that it subliminally encourages drivers to speed up to make the light and to also honk at slower vehicles in front of them. Another solution under consideration is to install the pedestrian countdown signals which can also help drivers stay alert to the changes in their signals. As an interim solution, the flashing yellow arrow signal timing on MMPW has been lengthened to 90 sec- onds during rush hour, which should give traffic more time to move through the intersection.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING: “It’s treacherous crossing–one narrow lane now means a steady flow of traffic that makes crossing MMPW more dodgy–especially at a corner where there isn’t a light or crosswalk.” “Now when drivers see us trying to cross with kids and bikes at other than intersections with lights, the drivers stop and motion us to cross out of consideration creating another safety hazard when vehicles behind them don’t see why they are stopping so suddenly.” “The narrower the lane the more risk of kids running out of the Park into traffic.” RESPONSE: First, jay-walking is risky and children learn from observation, so DOT will always recommend crossing at a controlled intersection with a crosswalk. That said, DOT is investigating count down signals at the signal intersections. Showing time left in the signal will improve crossing safety for pedestrians. SERVICE VEHICLE LOGISTICS: “What about snow removal?” “An emergency vehicle on MMPW near W121 backed up traffic all the way to W124 Street.” RESPONSE: Because MMPW is a bus route, Sanitation will prioritize it as they would any other bus route. Our plastic delineators are spaced far enough apart to let the plows in. The sidewalk extensions are like other sidewalks adjacent to parks—the Dept of Parks will clear a walkway path. As DOT points out, most of streets in NYC function successfully without emergency/snow lanes, including MMPW’s feeder streets, W124 and W120 Streets.
PARKING AND TEMPORARY PARKING: “Parking is treacherous with one lane so narrow that large vehicles, like buses, can’t pass when cars double park and parked cars get hit.” “Narrower lane has now eliminated ability to double park in front of our building to unload and to get children in and out of the car.” “What about diagonal parking like on Madison Avenue?” “Backing up to parallel park or pulling into traffic is dangerous.”
RESPONSE: DOT will widen the curb side parking lane to 13’ and reduce the parkside parking lane to 11’. This will allow for more room to temporary double park along curbside and at the nursery school. Diagonal parking has never been acceptable on the west side of Marcus Garvey Park. Diagonal parking is for more commercial areas, not residential. Madison Avenue still has diagonal parking as a holdover from the former North General Hospital. As an FYI, while some parking spots were lost on MMPW, the neighborhood had a net gain of 15 spots.
PEDESTRIAN PLAZA: “NYC Parks Dept is allowing garbage to be piled up on the open area near W124 Street.” “NYC Parks Dept cars are using the plaza area as a parking lot.” “Concerned that the plaza will be a parking lot for events in the Park and look like a Yankee Stadium parking lots.” “Visibility into the Park is reduced and police can’t see in to catch a misdemeanor. “Who will take responsibility maintaining the planters?” “If street furniture is going to be installed in the plaza what is the support plan?” Who will bring these in and out, maintain them and protect from theft?” “We are concerned about the sketchy characters from the Park hanging out on the plaza and enjoying it more than we will. The street changes simply move them closer to our front doors.” “The aesthetics are a problem. Aesthetics influence quality of life. Our beautiful, wide Mount Morris Park West boulevard has been ruined. Reverse the plan. Put MMPW back to what it was and put a light at every intersection.” RESPONSE: The Parks Dept will relocate where the trash is stored before carting away. It won’t be on the plaza. DOT is working with Parks to locate more appropriate parking spots for the Parks vehicles. Some slots on Madison or W124 Street may be designated exclusively for Parks vehicles. As a result, in the near future Parks trucks will not be parking on the plaza or double parking on W124 Street, half on and half off the curb. Regarding the planters, Parks has agreed to water the 12 large planters that are placed along Mount Morris Park West and MMPCIA will do the weeding/replanting. As an FYI, DOT has jurisdiction over the plaza. Commercial activity on the plaza is not possible at this time. If the space became part of the NYC Plaza Program, which is a competitive process (see http:// www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/publicplaza.shtml), we could look at a sub-concession agreement. Regarding street furniture, DOT usually uses folding metal chairs/tables. However, DOT would need a maintenance partner to bring them in at night and set them up in the morning. MMPCIA does not have the resources to do this at this time and we definitely cannot ask Parks to do this work. The chairs and tables are like the ones seen in other DOT plazas around the city, for example at Times Square. Some of the furniture DOT uses can be seen in the photos at this link: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestri- ans/public-plazas.shtml. However, there are no current plans for furniture in the plaza at this time. DOT does not usually install traffic lights at one-way intersections in residential neighborhoods where traffic is turning off from the main traffic flow, which means that W123 and W121 Streets would not normally warrant a signal. However, a new study is underway. It was DOT’s original premise that the four-block Mount Morris Park West was an overly wide and underutilized road. They found that essentially the same amount of traffic travels along the three streets around Marcus Garvey Park, but the narrower W124 and W120 Streets did not have the same speeding and erratic traffic problems as MMPW. The new traffic calming plan has con- figured MMPW more in the proportion and feel of a residential street.
W124 Street looking east
Mount Morris Park West looking north
W120 Street looking east
Prepared by MMPCIA, October, 2013