HomeMy WebLinkAboutExplanationEXPLANATION
Mr. Matt Slotman, Transit Operations Technician tor the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
(MTS), has requested red curb "No Parking" at the eastbound bus stop located in front of 200 E.
Plaza Boulevard, just east of "B" Avenue, to enhance safety and access for passengers.
Staff performed a site evaluation. The posted speed limit is 35 mph. Currently, red curb is not
provided at the bus stop, As a result, when vehicles park at the bus stop, buses are forced to
stop in the travel lane which causes traffic congestion, safety concerns and access issues for
persons with disabilities. The length of the curb for the bus stop between "B„ Avenue and the
driveway apron of 222 E. Plaza Boulevard is approximately 72 feet. Staff recommends painting
this entire section of curb red for "No Parking" to allow buses to pull adjacent to the curb to
safely Toad/unload passengers. This would result in the loss of three parallel parking spaces.
Staff confirmed that the nearby residential and commercial properties on the south side of Plaza
Boulevard have available off-street parking.
Staff sent letters with color exhibits to area residents and businesses inviting them to attend the
Traffic Safety Committee Meeting held on June 12, 2013. Mr. Slotman was present at the
meeting and spoke on behalf of the item. Mr. Harry Ross, resident of National City and
Treasurer of the Knights of Pythias located at 200 E. Plaza Boulevard spoke in opposition of the
staff recommendation. Mr. Ross stated that he and the club members, many of which are
seniors, do not wish to lose parking in front of their building as it will create a hardship.
The Committee asked Mr. Ross how often the club is used for meetings and events. Mr. Ross
stated that members meet in the evenings approximately four times a month, and hold dinner
functions once a month. He also stated that the club is rented out periodically on the weekends.
He further stated that this bus stopis not used frequently and that there are nearby bus stops at
Plaza Boulevard & D Avenue and Plaza Boulevard & National City Boulevard. Mr. Slotman of
MTS responded that there are several bus lines that use this route and if the stop was removed,
the spacing between stops would exceed MTS design guidelines.
Committee members inquired as to whether or not the parking lot at the rear of the Knights of
Pythias building is made available for club members during events. Mr. Ross stated that the lot
is kept closed during events via a chain at the entrance. Committee members suggested to Mr.
Ross that he consider opening the lot for club member parking during events. This would more
than offset the Toss of on -street parking at the bus stop.
The Traffic Safety Committee voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to install
72 feet of red curb "No Parking" in front of 200 E. Plaza Boulevard, just east of "B" Avenue, to
enhance safety and access for passengers at the existing eastbound MTS bus stop.
If approved by City Council, all work will be performed by City Public Works.