1. Announcements and Public Comments a. Mt. Vernon Place Permit Parking Request i. Diane Stuart, a resident at 316 Mt. Vernon Pl., testified that parking has become a serious problem since construction of RMHS began. She stated that she is often blocked in her driveway, that refuse and postal delivery persons are having problems reaching her house with so many cars parked along the street, and that safety is a concern (she spoke about a student driver crashing into her house because that student was in a hurry to move her car to avoid being ticketed in a 2-hour parking area nearby). Ms. Stuart requested that the City or MCPS rent space behind Marlo, in the Montgomery County COB parking garage to allow students to park. She also requested that Fleet Street meters remain open for student use at no charge even after construction is complete. Staff noted that the school, a County agency, should take on this request.
ii. Commissioner Levine inquired about the number of students at RMHS. The Student Government Association President, Aaron Gross, stated that there are currently 1900. The new school will have capacity for 500 more students but that population is not expected for another 5-10 years.
iii. Martha, a resident of Crothers Lane, testified that she is in favor of the permit parking and noted that something needs to be done to provide parking for students or the problems will spill over to other streets.
iv. Regina Yudd, a RMHS parent and PTSA Pedestrian Safety Committee member, testified that the PTSA Ped. Safety Committee requests that permit parking be delayed to allow for more time to: a. Educate students on crossing streets safely (especially near Fleet St. meters)
b. Educate students to respect neighbors’ properties (i.e., not littering)
c. Encourage students not to drive and to promote alternative transportation
d. Speak with Police to enforce ticketing on Mt. Vernon Pl. more aggressively.
Ms. Yudd also stated that she would speak with the School’s On-Site Coordinator and provide the Commission with the number of parking spots on-site as well as details about the configuration of the site. v. Commissioner Crane inquired about parking at Elwood Smith Park. Commissioner Thomas stated that he has been there several times and that there is ample parking – he suggested that faculty be required to park there.
vi. Aaron Gross, Student Government Association President testified that he understands the residents’ concerns but noted problems that students have finding parking. He requested that permit parking be delayed until June 2007.
vii. Commissioner Rosselle inquired if there was a way to promote students carpooling. Mr. Gross said that he estimates that ½ of the students carpool. He noted that it is difficult for some students due to after school activities and different schedules.
viii. Henry, a resident at 201 Mt. Vernon Pl., testified that he wants the parking restriction signs removed because it prohibits aides and nurses from visiting his sick father. Chair Resnick clarified that the family could request visitor passes if permit parking is implemented.
ix. Chair Resnick closed the public hearing and stated that the Commission will keep the record open and postpone a decision until the next meeting.
b. Argyle Street Traffic Diversion i. Jeremy Rusnock and Brian Slavin of Waddington Park HOA stated that they were displeased with the implementation of two turn restrictions on Argyle St.
ii. Mr. Rusnock stated that the City Manager directed him to attend this meeting and request that the Commission look at other traffic diversion solutions for Argyle St.
iii. Mr. Rusnock inquired if anything could be done to reverse the situation (remove the turn restrictions), since he “can’t get out of the neighborhood to reach I-270”. Commissioner Levine inquired of Mr. Rusnock what he meant by not being able to get out, since he could use Fleet St. to reach Maryland Ave. Mr. Rusnock replied that he has to travel three additional blocks when using that route.
iv. Mr. Slavin recommended that a left turn restriction be implemented from Mt. Vernon onto Monroe.
v. Mr. Rusnock inquired about the minimum width of City streets, and noted that Argyle is 20’ (26’ is the minimum).
vi. It was agreed that the Commission would address the request from Waddington Park HOA to review different solutions and possible alternatives for Argyle Street at their next meeting.
2. Discussion Regarding Mt. Vernon Place Permit Parking Request a. There was discussion about how many cars were parking along the street and how crowded the situation has become.
b. Commissioner Klein mentioned that there are standards for how far one must park from driveway aprons. Residents stated that these standards are being violated.
c. Commissioner Thomas requested that staff speak with the City’s Rec. and Parks Dept. to allow student parking at Elwood Smith Park. Perhaps students or MCPS could pay the City $20 or so to allow for this parking.
d. There was discussion about allowing students to park at the Montgomery County COB parking garage, behind Marlo, and at Sandy Spring Bank. This is a measure that RMHS could pursue if so desired. City staff would support this option.
e. Chair Resnick requested that staff review permit parking areas, including the hours for parking restrictions, near Rockville and Wootton High Schools, and present these at the next Commission meeting.
f. Staff relayed that they support the permit parking district on Mt. Vernon St., and ask the Commission to consider implementation in June 2007.
3. Staff Report and Updates (Weekly) a. Commissioner Klein stated that there was a pedestrian accident at MD355 and Halpine Rd. He asked staff to find out if the walk signal timing had anything to do with the accident.
b. Commissioner Klein agreed to draft a memo to Mayor and Council to advocate to the County to adjust walk signals to allow for more time to cross MD355.
c. Commissioner Thomas stated that there was a pedestrian accident at the Twinbrook Shopping Center and that the pedestrian was at fault in the incident. He recommended that the Commission send a memo to Mayor and Council to allocate funding for Police Dept. to conduct a safety outreach program and/or to implement safety measures such as fencing in the median to prevent mid-block crossings. Commissioner Thomas will draft a memo for the Commission to review.
d. Commissioner Thomas advocated for a paddle on Edmonston Dr., between MD355 and Wootton Pkwy. Staff relayed that they do not support this measure, explaining that there may be more effective (and less costly) safety measures. Commissioner Klein inquired about the City and/or State’s criteria for paddle signs. Commissioners requested that staff look at other options than paddle signs.
e. Commissioner Thomas asked if the fees for parking meters on N. Stonestreet could be reduced.
f. Commissioners requested that all items on the weekly include dates (even the non-italicized items).
4. Review and Approve September 2006 Meeting Minutes a. October 2006 meeting minutes were approved with minor changes.
5. Additional Items for Discussion a. Commissioner Asebe mentioned that the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is hosting a “What-If” meeting tomorrow evening in coordination with Montgomery County. The meeting will be to review transportation-land use scenarios in the region. Ms. Kelly agreed to forward the information to Commissioners in the morning.
b. Commissioner Levine requested that discussion about bollards on Maryland Ave. in Town Square be added to a future agenda. He inquired why the bollards extend across Middle Lane, essentially preventing a grid-system street network. Note: the bollards on Middle Lane were temporary the week of Nov. 20 and will not permanently or regularly block access. The bollards will be used only during special events, when Maryland Ave. is to be closed.
c. The next Commission meeting will be held December 19th rather than December 26th.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 P.M |
