HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - TSP - 2011.02.10BURLI TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION
AGENDA
February 10, 2011
7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —January 13, 2011
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Persons in the audience may speak on any item on the agenda or any other matter within the jurisdiction of
the Commission. The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State -Local Agency Open Meeting Law) prohibits the
Commission from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda. Speakers are requested to fill out a
"Request To Speak" card located on the table by the door and hand it to staff. The Commission
Chairperson may limit speakers to three minutes each.
7. CURRENT BUSINESS
7.1 Trousdale Drive/Marco Polo Way —Discussion of possible on -street
parking modifications
7.2 Alvarado Avenue —Discussion of single red curb removal near south/west
Alvarado/Adeline corner
7.3 2011 Goal Setting for Commission —Further discussion of possible goals
8. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF
8.1 Engineer's Report -Update on various traffic items brought to Commission
at last meeting
8.2 Traffic Sergeant's Report -General/Selective Traffic Enforcement Report
8.3 Commissioners' Comments and Concerns
9. COMMUNICATIONS
Report by Staff or Commissioners of citizen concerns or complaints regarding traffic, safety and parking
issues that are within the Commission's jurisdiction.
10. COMMISSION &COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1
Burlingame Bicycle/Pedestrian
Advisory Committee
(B/PAC)
Committee meets 5:30PM in Conference
Room B before each TSPC
meeting.
10.2 Neighborhood Parking Working Group
10.3 Website/Communications Subcommittee
11.
FUTURE AGENDA
ITEMS
item on this agenda
will be made available for
Dates for discussion to be
determined
later by Staff or Commissioners.
11.1 Devereux Drivencoln School Traffic Flow (March)
11.2 Pedestrian Corridors (March)
11.3 Burlingame Avenue 2 -Hour Parking Evaluation (Pending date)
11.4 Burlingame Avenue/Downtown Parking Study (Pending date)
12. ADJOURNMENT
Any writings or documents
provided to a majority of the Traffc, Safety and Parking Commission
regarding any
item on this agenda
will be made available for
public inspection at the Engineering Counter at City Hall located at
501 Primrose
Road during normal
business hours.
-2-
MINUTES -ITEM 5
The City of Burlingame
CALIFORNIA 94010-3997
ww .budingame.org
TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes - Unapproved
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Commissioners Present: Mark Noworolski, Chair
Jeff Londer, Vice Chair
Nicklas Akers
Caroline Serrato
Laurie Simonson
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Augustine Chou, Transportation Engineer, Public Works
Sergeant Ed Nakiso, Police Department
Visitors: John Root, 728 Crossway Road
1. CALL TO ORDER. 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
3. ROLL CALL. 5 of 5 Commissioners present.
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —
Motion: To accept the minutes of October 14, 2010 with the following amendments:
Item 7.2 EI Camino Real/Floribunda Avenue Left -turn Caltrans Project
(Page 3, paragraph 15) -Commissioner Serrato stated that the minutes should reflect that
she stated she "believes" that the town of Hillsborough was also in favor of the project,
rather than she "noted" that they would be in favor.
(Page 3, paragraph 7) -Commissioner Simonson stated that her statement of support for
Design B-3 was redundant, as it was reflected in paragraph 13.
M/S/C: Londer, Akers; 5/0/0
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
John Root, 728 Crossway Road, presented a letter with three traffic related concerns for the
Commission. The concerns were 1) consideration of stop signs at Primrose/Floribunda, 2)
additional crosswalks across Oak Grove, 3) overgrown foliage at the corner of
Carmelita/Paloma.
7. CURRENT BUSINESS
7.1 2011 Goal Setting for Commission
Mr. Chou stated that City Council holds annual special meetings with all each City
Commission around this time every year. The meeting between TSPC and Council was
to be on March 7. He explained that the Commission should discuss potential topics
which they would like to present to Council at the special meeting.
Several items were identified as possible goals and topics of discussion. The
Commission agreed that additional discussions on specifics would be conducted next
month in preparation for the March 7 meeting.
8. Staff Reports
8.1 Traffic Engineer's Report
8.1.1 Adeline Drive/Cortez Avenue Ped Safety Measures
Mr. Chou reported that radar spot checks were conducted in October with results
showing that the 85th percentile speeds during morning and afternoon peaks were
at 26 mph. He stated that staff would continue with periodic spot checks at this
location and that he would report back in the future if there were significant
changes.
Mercy High School Traffic Update
Mr. Chou report
ed that based on traffic counts done in October, Mercy High
School was able to reduce the number of vehicles exiting the main gate by
approximately 50 vehicles. He stated that it seemed the additional student shuttle
buses, along with the other measures implemented, have worked to improve the
traffic situation at Alvarado/Adeline.
Traffic Signal Project Updates
Mr. Chou updated the Commission on various traffic signal projects. Specifically,
he explained that the Bayshore Signal Interconnect project would be going to
Council for acceptance within the next two months.
8.2 Traffic Sergeant's Report
8.2.1 General/Selective Traffic Enforcement Report
Sergeant Ed Nakiso was introduced as the latest staff representative from the
Police Department,
8.3 Commissioners' Comments and Concerns
8.3.1 Miscellaneous Comments and Concerns
Vice Chair Londer commented that the Red Light Camera Enforcement signs
were still up. Mr. Chou stated that City staff was coordinating to have them
removed. Vice Chair Londer also asked about a handicapped access parking
space with time -limits on Burlingame Avenue near the Recreation Center,
9. COMMUNICATIONS
None.
10.COMMISSION &COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1 Burlingame Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory committee (B/PAC)
Commissioner Simonson reported that the B/PAC met and discussed the draft San
Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Mr. Chou added that
both the Commission and the B/PAC had until January 21 to offer comments.
10.2 Website/Communications Subcommittee
Commissioner Akers reported
that the subcommittee was working
on a plan to have
a centralized email for the Commission.
He also reported that
the Commission's
mission statement was posted
on the City's
Commission website.
10.3 Neighborhood Parking Working Group
Chair Noworolski reported that minor work was done, but not
11.FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
11.1 Burlingame Avenue 2 -Hour Parking Evaluation (February)
11.2 Burlingame Avenue/Downtown Parking Study (February
)
11.3 Pedestrian Corridors (February
)
11 .4 Devereux Drive/Lincoln School Traffic NOW (March)
11.5 Trousdale Drive/Marco Polo Way Parking (February)
11.6 EI Camino Real/Adeline Drive Traffic Signal (March)
12. Elections
12.1 Nomination and vote for Chairperson
Chair Noworolski nominated Vice Chair Londer for Chair.
M/S/C: Noworolski, Simonson; 4/0/1
12.2 Nomination and vote for Vice -Chair
Commissioner Serrato nominated Commissioner Simonson for Vice Chair.
M/S/C: Serrato, Akers; 4/0/1
13.ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.
CURRENT BUSINESS -ITEM 7.1
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM 7.1
TO: Traffic Safety and Parking Commission
DATE: February 5, 2011
FROM: Augustine Chou, Transportation Engineer ._..
Meeting
Date: February 10, 2011
SUBJECT: Item 7.1 —Trousdale Drive/Marco Polo Way On -street Parking Modifications
RECOMMENDATION: For the Commission to receive public comment and input, review staff analysis
and determine if any change to the current on -street parking situation is feasible or necessary for the
curb area surrounding 1875 Trousdale Drive (Mills -Peninsula Health Services Fitness and Therapy
Center).
BACKGROUND: The City received two separate requests to evaluate the parking situation around
1875 Trousdale Drive. One request was from Bob Hortop, Vice President, Mills -Peninsula Health
Services for the City to evaluate the implementation of 2 -hour parking for the four on -street parking
spaces (two on Trousdale Drive and two on Marco Polo Way) surrounding the Mills -Peninsula Health
Services Fitness and Therapy Center at 1875 Trousdale Drive. The 2 -hour parking zone would allow
patients and clients of the Fitness and Therapy Center to better use the four on -street parking spaces
surrounding the Center.
The second request comes from Rhoda Laks for additional red zone next to the driveway of the Center
on the Trousdale side. The requested red zone is at the same location as the two on -street parking
spaces requested for 2 -hour parking along Trousdale. This request would help to improve sight -visibility
for drivers exiting onto Trousdale Drive from the Center driveway. Drivers traveling eastbound on
Trousdale Drive could also benefit from the increased sight -visibility at that location. A two-page petition
was also submitted along with the request letter.
DISCUSSION: Field investigations confirmed that 1875 Trousdale is located on the southeast corner of
Trousdale Drive and Marco Polo Way. There are no parking restrictions for any of the on -street parking
spaces surrounding the Fitness and Therapy Center. In front of the center itself, there is 40' of on -street
parking along Marco Polo and 45' of on -street parking along Trousdale. There is approximately 60' of
red zone along the corner between these spaces, and 34' of red zone east of the Center's exit driveway.
There is approximately 16' of on -street parking between this driveway and the driveway immediately to
the east, at 1825 Trousdale, the Burlingame School District office. (See attached map.)
The surrounding area is made up of high-density residential units and medical/commercial office
facilities. The field investigation also revealed that there is high demand for on -street parking by these
businesses during the day; and, high parking demand by the residents of the surrounding apartment
complexes in the evenings.
The designation of a 2 -hour parking zone for the four spaces along Trousdale and Marco Polo would
allow for more frequent parking turnover for those spaces during the day, while still allowing for on -street
parking after 6 PM. This would, however, not necessarily improve the sight -visibility situation at the
Center's exit driveway onto Trousdale. Furthermore, there could potentially be an increase in traffic
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collisions along Trousdale between the parked cars (that are exiting these spaces) and eastbound traffic
on Trousdale because of the shorter parking time limit and increased turnover rate at these spaces.
The installation of additional red zones along Trousdale, especially west of the driveway, would improve
the sight -visibility for cars exiting the driveway, as well as for eastbound traffic on Trousdale. The most
effective use of the red zones would be to eliminate both on -street parking spaces along the Trousdale
side, but doing so would mean the loss of valuable parking for the area. An alternative would be to
designate the space closest to the exit driveway as a new red zone to improve the sight -visibility
situation. This alternative, however, would still translate into loss of valued parking for the
neighborhood.
Staff believes that at this point, it would be best to receive any and all public comments on this situation
before making a determination on whether there is a preferred solution that would be acceptable to a
majority of the stakeholders involved.
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SR -7.1 Trousdale -Marco Polo Parking.doc
EXHIBIT 7.1A -CORRESPONDENCE
From: Hortop, Bob [mailto:HortopB@sutterhealth.org]
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 11:07 AM
To: MGR-Nantell, Jim
Subject: Request for Curb Parking Designation
Jim,
We have a new outpatient rehabilitation/physical therapy facility located 1875 Trousdale at the corner of
Trousdale and Marco Polo. We're requesting the City's help in improving the parking access for patients
who come to our facility. I'd appreciate your guidance and assistance to get this accomplished.
There are two spaces at the corners on each of the two streets immediately adjacent to the building, (total
of four spaces). We'd like these limited to two hour parking. This would permit patients to park
immediately next to the building and access the therapy center.
The building is owned by the Peninsula Health Care District and leased to us. The building has very
limited parking and much of that has been designated handicapped, so there are precious few spaces for
patients who are not handicapped.
Your guidance and assistance would be most appreciated
Thanks!
Bob Hortop
Vice President
Mills -Peninsula Health Services
650 696 5276
Grob-na Rhoda Laks <rhodalaks@comcast.neb
Subject: letter to Augustine Chou
D2te: January 17, 2011 10:30:52 AM PST
T Aachou@burlingame.org
This is a plea for SAFETY for those of ue who MUST exit the driveway of the MiH Peninsula Therapy and
Exercise building located on Trousdale and Marco Polo Dr, THIS EXIT IS AN "ACCIDENT WAITING TO
HAPPEN." CARS ARE PARKED ON EITHER SIDE OF THIS VERY SMALL DRIVEWAY (and sidewalk) blocking
the view of oncoming traffic going up Trousdale, down Trousdale, and exiting onto Trousdale from Marco Polo.
Cars are parked on the curb in front of the building as well as a space between this building and the District
Office, therefore blocking the view on all sides. (Pity the pedestrians on the sidewalk, cars CANNOT see them
because of the blocked view caused by the big tall bushes.)
Please, we need , at LEAST, RED curbs in front , and to the sides of the building .
The way that the hospital has configured the parking lot, this our ONLY exit, making it impossible to exit in a
very safe manner.
At the moment, this is NOT THE CASE.
Thank you
Rhoda Laks ( Resident if Burlingame since 1965 and a member of Cardiac rehab at the above building.)
P.S I will obtain more signatures from others and send it to you via snail mark,
r
Ir
V
Fraas Rhoda Laks <rhodalaks@comcast.neb
sub,Gcl letter to Augustine Chou
.pati;: January 17, 2011 10:30:52 AM PST
Aachou@burlingame.org
This is a plea for SAFETY for those of us who MUST exit the driveway of the Mill Peninsula Therapy and
Exercise building located on Trousdale and Marco Palo Dr. THIS EXIT IS AN "ACCIDENT WAITING TO
HAPPEN." CARS ARE PARKED ON EITHER SIDE OF THIS VERY SMALL DRIVEWAY (and sidewalk) blocking
the view of oncoming traffic going up Trousdale, down Trousdale, and exiting onto Trousdale from Marco Polo.
Cars are parked on the curb in front of the building as well as a space between this building and the District
Office, therefore blocking the view on all sides. (Pity the pedestrians on the sidewalk, cars CANNOT see them
because of the blocked view caused by the big tall bushes.)
Please, we need , at LEAST, RED curbs in front , and to the sides of the building .
The way that the hospital has configured the parking lot, this our ONLY exit, making it impossible to exit in a
very safe manner.
At the moment, this is NOT THE CASE.
Thank you
Rhoda Laks ( Resident if Burlingame since 1965 and a member of Cardiac rehab at the above building.)
P. will obtain signatures from others and send it to you via snail mail
LLt�
Pj
CURRENT BUSINESS -ITEM 7.2
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM 71
TO: Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission
DATE: February 1, 2011 A
FROM: Augustine Chou, Transportation Engineer
SUBJECT: Item 7.2 — Alvarado Avenue Single Red Curb Removal
Meeting
Date: February 10, 2011
RECOMMENDATION: For the Commission to take action in one of the following manner:
• Concur with the staff report, or
• Determine an alternate possible solution.
BACKGROUND: In January 2010, the Mercy High School administration came to the City with an
application to amend the school's Conditional Use Permit to allow 1) construction of a one single -story
addition to the existing physical education building; and, 2) to increase the school's maximum enrollment
from 500 to 540 students and the addition of three additional staff. This Commission held three public
meetings to address the traffic impact increased enrollment would bring. During these meetings,
neighborhood concerns over traffic volume, congestion, and speeds became apparent. As a result of
the multiple public meetings, the Planning Commission and Traffic Safety and Parking Commission
outlined certain new conditions specifically related to traffic impacts as a result of school operations.
The conditions included stipulating the maximum number of vehicle trips allowed to leave the main
campus gate during the AM peak our regardless of enrollment (no more than 180 outgoing trips),
increasing the school shuttle service, requiring approximately 20 faculty staff to use the Hoover gate for
access, and requirement that all student/faculty parking be limited to the Mercy property. In addition to
this, Mercy High School administration also adopted several actions to help the traffic situation such as
implementation of an early study center for students and expansion of the existing school carpool
incentive program.
Also as part
of the conditions for approval, the City would conduct independent traffic analyses at the
intersection twice per school year for three years to verify the effectiveness of actions outlined above.
Staff conducted the first of these six studies last October. The results showed that the traffic flow out of
the school in the AM peak has been reduced by approximately 50 vehicles. This is roughly twice the
reduction stated as a goal in the new Conditional Use Permit.
City staff also concurred with a recommendation by the traffic consultant (Fehr &Peers) hired by Mercy
High School administration that the removal of a single parking space along the Alvarado approach
would help in the traffic flow. The parking space was removed through the installation of red zone. (See
attachment map for location.)
Since
implementation of all the mitigations, which
includes the
red
zone, a request has been submitted
by the
owner of 2805 Adeline Drive to remove the
new red zone
on
Alvarado Avenue.
DISCUSSION:
Page 1 of 2
S:�A Public Works Directory\TSP Commission\Staff Reports\2011\
The red zone in question is
along the
southwest curb of Alvarado
Avenue at Adeline
Drive. Before the installation of the additional
red zone,
there existed approximately
10 feet of red zone
2-10-11 SR -7.2 Alvarado Red Curb Removal.doc
from
the
corner
to a single parking space.
Beyond the parking
space
was approximately 7 feet of red
zone
for
the fire
hydrant. Beyond this, there
is an unchanged 57
feet of
parking still available.
The decision to install the additional red zone was agreed upon by City staff and the Mercy traffic
consultant as a viable and positive solution to the traffic congestion at the intersection. Field
observations by staff during the independent traffic study confirmed that the additional red zone greatly
improved vehicle movement through the intersection. The red zone extended the "storage" capacity of
Alvarado such that exiting vehicles from the Mercy gate were able to go beyond the intersection and pull
into the curb line to allow incoming vehicles on Alvarado to proceed into Mercy.
Several options can be considered regarding this situation and the request.
1. Maintain the new red zone.
2. Remove the new red zone.
3. Implement a part-time No Parking Zone in place of the red zone.
Option 1 calls for the continuation of the current conditions. It also calls for continued use of the entire
37 feet of curb line for traffic congestion mitigation. This also means the continuation of a consistent
travel way alignment for the southbound Alvarado traffic, immediately south of the intersection. The
existing 57 feet of on -street parking remains available for public/neighborhood parking.
Option 2 would mean the removal of the new red zone. On -street parking would again be available for
four, instead of three, cars. Traffic congestion during the AM and PM school peak hours would return at
the intersection should a car be parked in that spot. Exiting vehicles from Mercy High School would
need to queue up within the intersection and wait to pass incoming vehicles on Alvarado. Staff
conducted an abbreviated field test of Option 2 earlier in the year. The results quickly showed that
allowing parking in that space returned the intersection condition back to the congested traffic situation
that existed last year.
Option 3 would also mean the removal of the new red zone, but with an added parking restriction to
prohibit parking in the single space between certain hours. Implementation would require an
amendment to the Municipal Code Section 13.36.020, specifically to include a 15 -foot to 20 -foot space
on Alvarado Avenue. Signs would also need to be posted at the space. Currently, there is no Municipal
Code restricting parking for one, single space on a street. This option was originally cited by Fehr &
Peers in a June 16, 2010 report to Laura Held, Mercy Principal, as a possible solution in a series of
possible option. After additional conversations between city staff and the consultant, it was agreed that
it would be logistically more feasible for the City to designate the single space as a red zone, rather than
a limited -time parking space.
Based on the analyses and field studies, staff believes that Option 1 is still the most feasible solution.
This option maintains the improved traffic flow conditions for incoming and outgoing traffic
Alvarado/Adeline while still maintaining the 57 -foot parking for on -street parking. Turning the single
parking space into a red zone has created a 37 -foot continuous "stacking" area for outgoing cars from
the corner down through Alvarado Avenue,
Page 2 of 2
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SR -7.2 Alvarado Red Curb Removal.doc
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EXHIBIT 7.2A -CORRESPONDENCE
Page 1 of 1
PW/ENG-Chou, Augustine
From: john_funghi@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 4:54 PM
To: PW/ENG-Chou, Augustine
Subject: Re: Return of on -street parking space in front of 2805 Adeline Drive
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Red
Augustine,
I contacted you today regarding the a -mail below and you indicated that you're currently
unable to provide me with the results of your Traffic Study as you're compiling results for
a staff briefing document to be presented to your Traffic Safety Commission on
February 10, 2011. You indicated that the staff briefing document could be e-mail'd to
me by February 7, 2011.
You did agree to provide me with an electronic copy of the original traffic study with
recommendations prepared by Traffic Consultants retained by Mercy High School .You
indicated that you had the document in a pdf format and that you would a -mail it too me
shortly.
Thanks,
John Funghi
----- Original Message -----
From: "john funghi" <john_funghi@comcast.net>
To: achou@burlingame.org
Cc: "John Funghi" <John Funghi@comcast.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 16, 2010 6:39:33 PM
Subject: Return of on -street parking space in front of 2805 Adeline Drive
Augustine,
The year is almost to a close and I haven't heard from you as to the return of the on -
street parking space in front of 2805 Adeline Drive.
I'm confident that your traffic survey results have indicated that the parking space can
be restored. I'm interested in scheduling an appointment with you at your office to
discuss this further. Please let me know your availability.
John Funghi
415.420.7295
1/31/2011
Page 1 of 1
PW/ENG-Chou, Augustine
From: Eric Womeldorff [E.Womeldorff@fehrandpeers.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 4:51 PM
To: PW/ENG-Chou, Augustine
Subject: Mercy High driveway Burlingame
Attachments: Mercy High Driveway.JPG
Augustine,
Nice speaking with you. FYI. Attached is a picture I took last week of the parking spot that gums up the
works so badly at the Mercy High Gate.
Thanks,
-Eric
Eric Womeldortf
Fehr &Peers
415.348.0300 x1517
e.womeldorffCa.feh randoeers.com
1/25/2011
EXHIBIT 7.2B -MERCY TRAFFIC STUDY
DOCUMENTS
W�LLI4M L MCCLURE
JOHN L FLEGEL
MARGARET ASL OAN
DAN K. SIEGEL
DIANE S. GREENBERG
JENNIFER H. FRIEDMAN
MINDIE 5. ROMANOWSKY
DAVID L ACH
LEIGH F. PRINCE
NICOLAS A FLEGEL
KRISTINA S. ANDERSON
JORGENSON, SIEGEL, McCLURE & FLEGEL, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
ROD ALMA STREET, SUITE 210
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 94026-3342
(650) 324-4300
FACSIMILE (630) 324-0239
www.jsmt.com
June 21, 2010
Ruben Hurin
Senior Planner
City of Burlingame
501 Primrose Road
Burlingame, CA 94010
Re: Mercy High School, 275D Adeline Drive, Burlingame
Trip Generation and Site Access Assessment
Dear Ruben:
OF COUNSEL
MARVIN S. SIEGES
RETIFIEO
JOHN O.JORGENSON
JOHN R COSGROVE
As you know in June 2009, Mercy High School ("MHS") applied to amend its
existing Conditional Use Permit ("CUP") to increase maximum student enrollment from
500 to 540 students, with a commensurate increase in faculty/staff from 80 to 83, for
which there is existing capacity on campus. Each year MHS accepts more than the
maximum number of students anticipating that many of those students will decline the
acceptance and attend another school This has generally been the case; however,
more students than anticipated accepted for the 2009-2010 academic year. As a result,
MHS realized it needed a buffer in the CUP maximum enrollment number to account for
fluctuations in attendance. Because MHS wanted to apply for an increase in enrollment
only once, it carefully considered the capacity of its existing facilities and determined
that it could accommodate 540 students and 83 faculty/staff.
The request for an increase in enrollment
went to the Planning Commission on
January 11, 2010. The Planning Commission voted to deny the request for an increase
in enrollment without prejudice. During deliberations, the Planning Commission
questioned whether the traffic situation in the neighborhood surrounding MHS had been
considered, by the Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission ("TSP Commission") and
suggested that MHS consider some type of traffic mitigation to improve neighborhood
traffic conditions. In response to the Planning Commission's suggestion, MHS took the
issue of neighborhood traffic to the TSP Commission for review.
Ruben Hurin
June 21, 2010 — Page 2
The TSP Commission held three meetings regarding the issue of traffic in the
neighborhood surrounding MHS on March 11, 2010, March 31, 2010 and April 8, 2010.
MHS provided information regarding their current operations and proposed some
measures to reduce traffic, including but not limited to, providing additional incentives
for students to carpool and participating in the Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief
Alliance's Commuter Benefit program which allows employees to use pre-tax dollars for
commute expenses. Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a copy of the existing and
proposed traffic mitigation measures that MHS presented to the TSP Commission. At
these meetings the TSP Commission also heard the concerns of neighborhood
residents. The main concern of residents was that peak morning traffic congestion
made it difficult for residents to exit their driveways. After hearing all the information,
the TSP Commission recommended that MHS achieve a ten percent (10%) reduction in
traffic', designate one or more offsite drop-off locations, have a representative directing
traffic at the Alvarado gate2, and consider possible improvements to traffic circulation on
campus.
City staff then conducted counts during the AM peak period (betvueen 7:40 a.m.
and 8:10 a.m.) and determined that to reduce traffic by ten percent (10%), at a
minimum, 20 trips would need to be reduced. City staff focused on outgoing rather than
ingoing trips to arrive at the number of trips that needed to be eliminated to achieve the
ten percent (10%) reduction because: the outgoing number most accurately counted the
round trips that were entering and exiting MHS during the peak morning period. To
confirm City counts and consider possible traffic mitigation measures, Fehr & Peers
conducted traffic counts and observed the situation in the neighborhood. The Mercy
High School Trip Generation and Site Access Assessment from Fehr & Peers is
attached hereto as Exhibit B.
Firs#, the Fehr &Peers report confirmed the accuracy of the City's counts during
the morning peak and observed that outside this half-hour window traffic dispersed to
free-flowing traffic conditions. Second, Fehr & Peers provided six ideas to reduce
vehicle trips and congestion. MHS has reviewed and considered these six options and
is agreeable to implementing the two most effective options that will reduce trips in the
coming school year: (1) expand the MHS shuttle service program and (2) relocate
faculty and staff access from the Alvarado Gate to the Hoover Gate. By implementing
these two options (along with other incentives) MHS believes it will exceed the minimum
trip reduction goal recommended by the TSP Commission.
' The TSP Commission recommended a reduction in both AM and afternoon
peak traffic; however, because the neighborhood's concerns seemed focused on the
AM peak and in the afternoon both students and faculty leave at different times due to
after school activities, MHS and City staff have discussed and agreed that focusing only
on AMpeak traffic is appropriate.
z This is a measure that MHS already implements. See Fehr & Peers report
attached hereto as Exhibit B.
N:�dATAI
Cifanls\M1Mercy High SchaoACorraslPing-sJn doc
Ruben Hurin
June 21, 2010 – Page 3
1. Expand the MHS shuttle seryice. Currently, MHS has one shuttle with a
capacity for eight students that picks up students from Caltrain/Bart and brings them to
school. That shuttle makes two trips and transports a total of 16 students.3 MHS is
proposing to add two additional shuttles. One of those shuttles will make two trips and
one will make one trip for a total of three additional shuttle trips. This will provide 24
additional students the opportunity to take the shuttle rather the drive in separate cars to
school. Because some of these students may have siblings or may have carpooled, the
worst case scenario would be that 18 to 20 trips in the morning peak would be
eliminated.
MHS Shuttle
Seatin Ca act
Num_ ber of Tris
Total Students Transported
1(existing)
8
2
16
2
8
2
16
3
8
1
8
To begin this program, MHS is proposing to identify students who live within
approximately five miles of the Millbrae Bart station and assign them to ride the MHS
shuttle. MHS believes this will be a service that students and parents will be able to
support because it may be easier for a parent to drop-off their student at the Bart
station, thereby avoiding the traffic on Alvarado themselves, and allow their student to
ride with friends to campus. As MHS will designate students to participate in this
program, it will have a list of students and can monitor if those assigned students are
getting off the shuttle at school. MHS proposes to enforce this measure and confirm the
designated students are participating at the beginning of each quarter until parents and
students have the routine down and the program is running smoothly.
The MHS Board of Directors has already met and approved funding for this
program, which does not involve the use of any City resources. MHS believes that
implementing this program alone will result in a reduction of the minimum ten percent
(10%) of the peak morning trips.
2. Require faculty and staff to enter through the Hoover Gate. $y way of
backgroundI MHS and the Sisters of Mercy are separate entities. MHS owns property
located within the Sisters of Mercy property. Although the Sisters of Mercy support the
mission of MHS to educate young women and the two entities work cooperatively, the
Sisters of Mercy and MHS do not always have identical property interests. As you may
know, the Sisters of Mercy property is a home for retired Sisters, a retreat center, and a
place for contemplation. As such, the Sisters of Mercy have been firm that the traffic
and circulation pattern cannot change and MHS cannot have a second entrance/exit—
the only entrance to MHS is the Alvarado Gate. Nevertheless, MHS has been working
' MHS also contributes Thirteen Thousand Dollars ($13,000)
annually to the
Burlingame City Shuttle, which approximately 60 MHS students ride to campus.
N.0A7A\C1ienisUAN7ercy High ScheohGorrea\Plu9
-2 Jrl.doc
Ruben Hurin
June 21, 2010 — Page 4
with the Sisters of Mercy to address the TSP Commission's recommendations. The
Sisters of Mercy have agreed to allow MHS faculty and staff (not students or parents) to
utilize the Hoover Gate to access MHS. As a result, approximately 20 faculty and staff
trips will no longer enter through the Alvarado Gate and will be diverted to the Hoover
Gate. Because not all faculty and staff arrive in the 30 minute morning peak period,
MHS estimates that this traffic mitigation measure may result in approximately 16 fewer
trips through the Alvarado Gate during the morning peak. When this number is added
to the 18 to 20 trips that will already be reduced through the implementation of the
expanded shuttle program, MHS will exceed (and almost double) the minimum ten
percent (10%) reduction recommended by the TSP Commission,
3. Revise School Schedules. MHS has looked at implementing a staggered
school schedule. However, because MHS students also take courses at other local
private schools, staggering the schedule presents a very difficult, if not impossible
challenge. If it is possible to develop a staggered schedule, it would take a year or two
to develop and implement and, thus, would not provide the neighborhood immediate
relief.
Nevertheless, MHS will be implementing a study cen#er program beginning this
fall that will provide tutoring before school from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. MHS does not know
the exact number of students that will participate in this program, but anticipates it will
be in demand (perhaps 10 to 15 students will utilize the additional help each morning).
This will bring an additional number of students to campus prior to the morning peak
period, thereby further reducing the number of trips above and beyond the TSP
Commission's recommendation.
4. Permit vehicle drop-offs on the north side of Adeline Drive. Wi#h this
option, MHS would have to pay to improve a City easement along the properly between
the Hoover Gate and the Service Road. MHS considered this option, but is concerned
that it wilt cause more problems than it solves. First, parents may begin doing u -turns in
this area once they have dropped off their student. Neighbors may find this
objectionable. Even if parents continue up the street and turn on Poppy Drive or Benito
Avenue, this may be objectionable as residents on those streets may not welcome the
additional trips. MHS does not believe this is a superior alternative to the expanded
shuttle service. This alternative involves the utilization of City resources and would take
more time to plan and implement, There would also a financial cost to MHS. As MHS
believes the expanded shuttle service is a more effective and efficient solution, it has
set aside funding in its budget for the expanded shuttle service rather than paving of this
potential drop-off area. For all of the foregoing reasons, MHS does not believe this
alternative should be implemented.
5. Restrict parking on Alvarado. Fehr &Peers observed that parking near the
Alvarado Gate resulted in .increased congestion. MHS understands that the City is
already taking steps to implement parking restrictions in this area to improve the flow of
N:10ATA\CiienlsiMlMercy High SchooaCoaes\
Ptng-2 bGtloc
Ruben Hurin
June 21, 2010 — Page 5
traffic and would like to take this opportunity to an the City far working with MHS to
address traffic concerns in the neighborhood.
6. Implement traffic calming measures. Fehr &Peers sugges#ed a speed
feedback sign in the neighborhood to reduce traffic speeds. Although some
neighborhood residents complained about the speed of traffic, this complaint does not
synch with the majority of complaints regarding congestion, which slows traffic speeds.
Nevertheless, MHS understands that the City has been working on obtaining grant
money to obtain such a sign prior to the TSP Commission's recent review of traffic in
the MHS area.
Based on implementing the expanded MHS shuttle program and rerouting the
faculty and staff through the Hoover Gate, MHS will reduce trips into the Alvarado Gate
by far more than ten percent (10%) during the morning peak period. MHS anticipates
reducing morning peak trips through the Alvarado Gate by at least 34 trips or 14 more
than the 20 trip reduction recommended by the TSP Commission. Additionally, MHS
will implement a study center program which will further reduce the number of trips
during the morning peak. Finally, MHS is committed to encouraging students to
carpool, providing incentives for faculty to carpool or take public transit, and reaching
out to the neighborhood to reduce any tensions related to traffic.
MHS is actively taking steps to be a good neighbor and reduce traffic in the area
in response to neighborhood and City comments. For all of the foregoing reasons, MHS
respectfully requests that the Planning Commission approve the modest increase in
maximum enrollment.
Enclosures
cc: William Meeker
Augustine Chou
Laura Held
Sandy Sloan, Esq.
Jean Hastie
Mark Hudak, Esq.
Sincerely,
Le gh F. Prince
rv.teA7A�Ciients�nnWiercy Ngh Senool�Corres�mg-2In Jc�c
Mercy High School Traffic and Parking
1. Actions to Reduce Traffic
• Incentives for student carpooling
Enrollment for this academic year totaled 497 students. Of those 60 students ride the
Burlingame City Shuttle, 16 ride the Mercy High School Shuttle from the train/Bart and 216
carpool. Thus, approximately 58% of students are not single drivers/trips. Mercy High
School ("MHS") encourages students' parents to coordinate carpools at the commencement
of each academic year by providing neighborhood address lists. For student drivers, it is
difficult to carpool as DMV rules prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from transporting
passengers under the age of 20 (i.e. other students).
Although MHS would be willing to assign premium parking
spaces
to students who
carpool, given the DMV rule,
it is unlikely that students drivers
can carpool with other
students. MHS has a service
program and would be willing to
assign "green points" to
students who participate in a
carpool. These points go toward
end of
year awards for
service. We anticipate these measures will result in 1 or 2% more students
carpooling.
• Incentives forfaculty/staff to use non -auto travel to/from work
At the time the Fehr& Peers study was conducted in 2008, 4 or 5 faculty/staff used
non -auto travel methods. The school schedule makes it somewhat difficult for faculty/staff
to use non -auto travel, However, to encourage its use, MHS proposes to participate in the
Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance's Commuter Benefit, which allows employees
to use pre-tax dollars for commute expenses. Flyer attached.
• Incentives for faculty/staff carpooling
It is somewhat difficult for faculty/staff to carpool due to varying schedules and home
locations. MHS is willing to assign premium parking spaces to those faculty who carpool.
MHS anticipates that this may result in one or two additional faculty/staff carpools.
11. Actions to Reduce Parking
• Decrease the amount of student driver oermits
At the time the Fehr & Peers study was conducted in 2008, 99 student parking
permits were issued. This academic year, MHS issued only 92 permits.
• Assign parking spaces
Generally, MHS believes that the flow of traffic into the parking lot is more efficient if
spaces are not specifically assigned to students. However, MHS would be willing to
consider assigning spaces to individual permit holders and/or assigning priority spaces as
discussed above. Spaces are also assigned to faculty/staff.
UL Actions to Reduce Neighborhood Tensions
Courtesy
MHS is willing to send out quarterly newsletters to the student/parent community to
remind them to drive safely and carefully and to the neighborhood to remind them that they
can and should contact Laura Held with any concerns or complaints about the traffic
situation. As now, if a neighbor is able to provide vehicle license, color, make and model
information, Laura will follow-up to determine if she can discover which student or parent
may be responsible and take appropriate action, A
f
f 11IR & PEERS
raw asavr TATrax LaasuiTaaTI
June 16, 2010
Ms. Laura Ne1d
Principai
Mercy High School
2750 Adeline Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Re: Mercy H(gh School Trtp Caenerat(on and Slte Acgess Assessment
Dear Ms. Held:
Fehr &Peers is pleased to submit our trip generation and. site access assessment of student
drop-off and pick-up activities at Mercy High School, located at 2750 Adellne Drive in Burlingame,
California. This memorandum summarizes our previous studies conducted at the school,
additional data collection efforts, recent requests from the City of Burlingame Traffic Safety and
Parking Commission (TSPC), and several recommendations to improve operations at the
Alvarado Gate.
17S�33t].Ll]a]
Marcy High School is an all -female Catholic college•preparatoryschooi. Tha school is located in a
residential neighborhood and operates under a conditional use perm t that was granted by the
City of Burlingame in 2007. In 2006, Fehr & Peers provided a memorandum that quantified
parking and vehicle trip generation characteristics of the Campus. We then prepared an
additional memorandum in 2008 to estimate the parking and trip generation associated with a
proposed Increase in student enrollment and stafflfaculty.
In 2010, as part of Mercy High School's application to increase enrollment, the City of Burlingame
TSPG requested that the school consider travel demand management measures to relieve traffic
congestion at the Alvarodo Gate entrance. The impetuses for this request were neighborhood
concerns and observations by City staff during the morning drop-off period in April 2010. Based
on those observations, the City fell congestion was due to the large number of vehicles both
entering and exiting the school during the morning drop-off period.
At this time, the City also determined that vehicle volumes entering and exiting the Alvarado Gate
were higher than estimated In the memorandum submitted by Fehr &Peers in 2008. A
subsequent review of the data by Fehr & Peers revealed that the analysis presented in the 2008
memorandum did underestimate trip generation and we apologize for this error.
DATA COLLECTION AND OBSERVATIONS
C/ty of Burlingame
Burlingame City staff observed activity at the school during the morning drop -oft period for three
days in April 2010. During
this time, they counted the number of vehicles both entering and
exlUng the Alvarado Gate during the peak 30 minutes of activity. The average of their traffic
counts are presented in Table 1.
332 Pine Sveet 4m Floor, San Francisca, CA 94104 (4fsj 34&-03s0 fax (415) 773-1790
wvm.fehrandpeers.com `
Exhibit
Ms. Laura Held
June 16, 2010
Page 2 of 5
'i
Feint & I';.t.lis
To verify the
Table 1
number of vehicles
entering and
Mercy High School — Alvarado Gate
Traffic Counts
Vehicles Observed at
Morning
Drop -Off Period'
a comparison to the
Alvarado Gate
In
City staff in April 2010.
Out
Total
Apr!
2010'
239
186
200
439
Notes:
1.
7:40-8:10AM
2.
Avsrage of April 2l°, 22nD, and 2e
Source:
City o1 eurlingame, Fehr 8 Peers, 2010
To verify the
observations made by CRy staff, Fehr &Peers counted the
number of vehicles
entering and
exiting the
Alvarado Gate during the same morning drop-off
period on May 4-6,
2010. The average of the
traffic counts are shown in Table 2, which includes
a comparison to the
traffic counts
collected by
City staff in April 2010.
200
As shown in Table 2, the traffic volumes entering and exiting the school in April and May 2010 are
approximately the same.
In addition to collecting traffic counts, Fehr & Peers observed the drop-off and pick-up periods at
the school over a two day period. Our observations included the following:
1. A staff member from the school directed traffic at the intersection of Adeline Drive and
Alvarado Avenue during morning arrival and mid-afternoon dismissal.
2. Vehicles parked on Alvarado Avenue near the intersection of Adeline Drive restrict
vehicle movements at the intersection of Adeline Drive and Alvarado Avenue during
morning arrival and mid-aitemoon dismissal.
Table 2
Mercy High School — Alvarado Gate Traffic Counts
Vehicles Observed at
Alvarado Gate
Morning Drop -Off Period'
In
Out
Total
April
2010'
239
200
439
May
2010'
246
186
432
Notes:
1.
2.
3.
Source:
7;40 — 8:10 AM
As collected by Oily of Burlingame Staff
Average of driveway counts conducted May 4 -et 2010
City of Burlingame, Fehr & Peers, 2010
As shown in Table 2, the traffic volumes entering and exiting the school in April and May 2010 are
approximately the same.
In addition to collecting traffic counts, Fehr & Peers observed the drop-off and pick-up periods at
the school over a two day period. Our observations included the following:
1. A staff member from the school directed traffic at the intersection of Adeline Drive and
Alvarado Avenue during morning arrival and mid-afternoon dismissal.
2. Vehicles parked on Alvarado Avenue near the intersection of Adeline Drive restrict
vehicle movements at the intersection of Adeline Drive and Alvarado Avenue during
morning arrival and mid-aitemoon dismissal.
Ms. Laura Held
June 16, 2010 fp
Page 3of5 FLIIIt be ITLL10
CITY OF BURLINGAME TSPC REQUEST
As noted previously, the City of Burlingame TSPC reviewed traffic conditions surrounding Mercy
High School and discussed concerns with neighborhood residents and Mercy High School during
Three meetings. The primary concerns of the residents as reported by the City Traffic Engineer
were: total number of vehicles on Alvarado Avenue, particularly during morning peak hours, since
vehicle queues temporarily blocked some residents' driveways; vehicle congestion near the
interseotion of Adeline Drive and Alvarado Drive; and vehicle speeds on Alvarado Avenue.
As a re�ull of their meetings, the TSPC recommended several measures to minimize congestion.
Their recommendations included: requiring a ten percent reduction of traffic traveling through the
Alvarado Gate during the morning (24 trips in, 20 out) and mid-afternoon peak periods,
designating an off-site area for pick-up and drop-off, and taking steps to calm traffic at the
Alvarado Gate,
OPTIONS
Responding to the TSPC's request, Fehr 8 Pears has developed the following options to improve
congestion and circulation. They are grouped in two sets; first, options that would reduce the
number of vehicle trips at the Alvarado Gate - and thus improve congestion, and second, those
that would not reduce trips, but through programmatic or design modifications, would improve
congestion and/or calm traffic on Alvarado Avenue:
Vehicle Trip and
Congestion Reduction Options
1. Require faculty and staff to enter through the Main Gate near the intersection of Hoover
Avenue and Adeline Drive. This will reduce the total number of trips through the Alvarado
Gate; however, some faculty may arrive prior to the morning peak period, thus although
moving faculty trips to the Main Gate will reduce the number of morning arrivals and
afternoon exits at the Alvarado Gate, it may reduce peak hour congestion at the Alvarado
Gate minimally. (N.B. Mercy High School indicated that the Sisters of Mercy will only allow
faculty and staff to use an alternate entrance. All student access via vehicle must remain at
the Alvarado Gate.)
Mercy High School
has Indicated that approximately twenty (acuity members would be
diverted if this option was implemented; approximately eight percent of morning arrivals to the
Alvarado Gate. It would not result In a decrease of exiting vehicles from the Alvarado Gate
during the morning period.
2. Permit vehicle drop-offs and pick-ups on the north side of Adeline Drive adjacent to
school property near the Service Road Gate. Students will be able to access the school via a
short walk from Adeline Drive. Currently during the morning period, approximately 55 vehicles
access Mercy High School by traveling westbound on Adeline Drive and turning into the
Alvarado Gate, Assuming 30-35 percent of those vehicles will park at the school or need to
access the front of the school by vehicle, the remaining 35 vehicles could drop students off at
the south side of the property and not travel through the Alvarado Gate; circulating back
through the neighborhood via Poppy Drive or Benito Avenue. Given the narrow width of the
roadway, on -street parking restrictions may be required on the east side of Adaline Drive
during school drop-off and pick-up to facilitate circulation. (N.B. This measure would require
outreach to property owners adjacent to this area. At this time it is not known whether they
would support this measure,)
During the morning period, this option would divert approximately 35 vehicles, or 15 percent
of the arriving vehicles and 18 percent of the exiting vehicles from the Alvarado Gate.
Ms. Laura Held
June 16, 2010
Page 4 of 5
f
F C t Ili Sc
3. Expand the Mercy High School Shuttle service from CaltraiNBART and encourage
students who live within approximately five miles of the Broadway or Millbrae train stations to
be dropped -.off or picked -up at the station and take the shuttle rather than arrive by private
vehicle. "Green points" for the Mercy High School service program can be assigned to
students who ride the shuttle. The passenger capacity of the shuttle currently used by Mercy
High is eight students.
An operating plan for this option is still in the initial stages of discussion. Assuming a Mercy
High shuttle made three trips in addition to the two that are currently made from designated
pick-up zones to campus, capacity would Increase by 24, to a total of 40 students. If fully
occupied, this option could translate to a reduction of approximately 18-20 vehicles, or eight
percent of the arriving vehicles and ten percent of the exiting vehicles from the Alvarado Gate
during the morning period.
Congestion Reducflon andlor Traffic Calming Options
4. Revise school schedules by grade io stagger arrival and dismissal time. Our observations
indicated that congestion occurred primarily during the peak 15 to 20 minutes and dispersed
soon after to free-flowing traffic conditions. Staggering class schedules by approximately 10-
15 minutes by grade groups would allow for better distribution of vehicle traffic during peak
periods and result in less congestion. One method that can be used to enforce vehicle
access to the school by grade Is with placards that can be placed on the vehicle dashboard
that distinguishes each class. For example, freshman and sophomore students can receive a
red placard and juniors and seniors receive a yellow placard. If a vehicle is dropping off a
freshman student scheduled to arrive at 7:40 AM, they must display the red placard in their
Windshield in order to access the Alvarado Gate. If a vehicle dropping off a junior student
With a yellow placard arrives too early for the 7:50 AM arrival, the staff member at the
intersection must direct the junior vehicle to circulate back around on Adeline Omre and
return during the correct arrival time. Although this method requires additional effort by the
staff member directing traffic and in the short term may cause additional traffic in the
neighborhood, it is expected that this will only be temporary until parents become more
familiar with new drop-off and pick-up regulations and timing.
This measure would not result in any decrease of total traffic using the Alvarado Gate, but
due to the spacing out (temporally) of arrivals and exits, it would lead to decreased levels of
congestions at the Alvarado Gate.
5. Restrict parking on Alvarado Avenue between 7:00 - 8:30 AM and 2:30
- 4:00 PM within
200 Feat of the intersection with Adeline Drive. Our observations indicated that vehicles
parked near the intersection constrained the width of the roadway, which limited vehicle
movements to one direction at a time. Alvarado Avenue is only 24-26 feet wide, which is too
narrow for two moving lanes of traffic with vehicles parked on both sides. Although restricting
parking in this area would not decrease the number of arrivals and exits from the Alvarado
Gate, it would lead to decreased levels of congestion.
6. Implement traffic calming measures on Alvarado Avenue to reduce
vehicle speeds. One effective
and relatively inexpensive {$4000-5000)
traffic calming measure for a residential neighborhood near a school is
a speed feedback sign. Radar speed limit signs prompt 35-70 percent
of all speeding drivers to slow down, Tests show they reduce average
speeds by 7-17 percent and increase speed limit compliance by 40.60
percent. (N.B. A speed study was not conducted as part of this
evaluation. However, residents expressed concern for vehicle
speeds.)
Ms. Laura Field
June 16, 2010
Page 5 of 5
CONCLUSION
'f
I IIIc& I'EI:I7.
W41:04 CDOWtOXXIS
Fehr &Peers recommends Mercy High School investigate further the feasibility of several
physical and programmatic modifications to the existing operations in order to meet requests
made by the City of Burlingame TSPC. Based on the analysis described in this letter repon, the
most effective and easy to implement measures for reducing vehicle trips to the Alvarado Gate
and reducing congestion include: relocafing faculty and staff access to the Main Gate and
expanding the Mercy High School shuttle service program. The most effective and easy to
Implement measure for reducing congestion is to time -restrict parking on Alvarado Avenue near
the gate.
Further measures were also identified to reduce vehicle trips and congestion at the Alvarado
Gate and to calm traffic on Alvarado Avenue.
We hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions or comments, please call Eric
Womeldorff at (415) 348-0300.
Sincerely,
FEHR 8 PEERS p
r
Eric Womeldor f Christine Carey, PE (NY), AICP
Senior Transportation Engineer Senior Transportation Planner/Engineer
CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION
a
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
Monday, July 26, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers - 501 Primrose Road
Burlingame, California
Commissioner Gaul indicated that he would recuse himself from participating in the discussion regarding
Agenda Item 6 (2300 and 2750 Adeline Drive), since he resides within 500 -feet of the property. He left the
Council Chambers,
6. 2300 AND 2750 ADELINE DRIVE, ZONED R-1 -APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND NUMBER OF
FACULTY/STAFF AT THE EXISTING MERCY HIGH SCHOOL (MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, APPLICANT
AND PROPERTY OWNER) PROJECT PLANNER: RUBEN HURIN
Reference staff report dated July 26, 2010, with attachments. Senior Planner Hurin presented the report,
reviewed criteria and staff comments. Thirty -Six (36) conditions were suggested for consideration.
Chair Terrones opened the public hearing.
Laura Held, Principal —Mercy High School, 2750 Adeline Drive; Eric Womeldorff, Fehr &Peers; Jean
Hastie, Campus Administrator — Sisters of Mercy, 2300 Adeline Drive; and Sandy Sloan represented the
applicant and Sisters of Mercy.
• Described purpose of request for enrollment and staffing increase.
Provided overview of current methods of reducing traffic.
• Met with Traffic, Safety and Parking (TSP) Commission; hired a traffic consultant and met with
neighbors to identify alternatives to reach a 10% traffic reduction.
• Described proposed additional measures.
• Sisters of Mercy supports application for increased enrollment; to this end, have agreed to allow
faculty and staff to use road across Sisters of Mercy campus for ingress and egress for staff and
faculty. However, must observe posted speed limits not only on campus, but also on Hoover
Avenue; this change cannot include parent and student traffic. May need to modify the agreement
periodically to ensure success, but will approach the Planning Commission if changes must be
made.
• Noted that the Sisters of Mercy pay $13,000 to the Burlingame Shuttle, just as Mercy High School
does; will step up efforts to have employees use the shuttle.
Public comments:
Valerie Smith, 1525 Los Montes Drive; Paul Denning, 1425 Alvarado Avenue; Randy Vandenbrink, 1412
Alvarado Avenue; Aileen Whelan, 3029 Rivera Drive; Peter Camaroto, 1576 Cypress Avenue; Alexandra
Kromelow, 2621 Adeline Drive; Katie O'Brien, 2204 Poppy Drive; Aria Kasuga, 1418 Alvarado Avenue; and
Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa Avenue; spoke:
Described experiences as a student at Mercy High School.
Increasing enrollment will expand opportunities for more young women to experience the benefits of
education at Mercy High School.
Primary concern is that there is no data to demonstrate that Mercy's measures will actually reduce
traffic impacts.
CITY OF / / 2010
• The increase in enrollment is actually an 89/o increase; if similar increases are requested in the
future, could result in a ncrease per year; could result in a doubling of enrollment in 20 -years.
•
Has had a number of his vehicles hit by traffic on Alvarado Avenue; about 90% of traffic is from
Mercy during the school year.
•
Wants to see an actual reduction in current traffic before an enrollment increase.
•
The TSP Commission reviewed the issue with the neighbors and directed a 10% reduction in traffic;
represented as a continual increase, even after an increase in enrollment.
•
Noted that traffic analysis was incorrect in 2008; also felt that the analysis in 2006 was also
inaccurate.
•
It was obvious that any structural changes to the student drop-off model were opposed by Mercy
High School and Sisters of Mercy.
•
The current measures are largely window dressing; two are currently happening, but they still want
credit for them.
•
Mercy has only addressed one of the multiple recommendations made by the TSP Commission.
•
Substantial monitoring needs to occur.
•
Neighbors have recommended a minimal set of conditions.
•
If Mercy wants the increase now; give them the benefit of a doubt for one year, but have the City
measure the traffic every year; if this number is maintained, then they can get a 10 student increase
each year that traffic levels are maintained.
•
Need a drop off area away from the school to reduce traffic on Alvarado Avenue.
•
Enrollment numbers need to be reported to the City.
•
Compliance with the on-line calendar requirement of the current Conditional Use Permit needs to
be attained.
•
Needs to be periodic review of the Conditional Use Permit.
•
If an enrollment increase to 540 students is approved; there should be no further requests for
increases.
•
Supports request for enrollment increase.
•
There is a finite number of students that the existing buildings can accommodate.
•
Some of the accidents on Alvarado Avenue are not attributable to Mercy students.
•
Received a post card from Mercy outlining the measures that would be taken to reduce traffic; the
programs proposed make sense and will reduce traffic by greater than ten percent.
•
If the City doesn't approve the increase in enrollment, Mercy is not bound to implement the
measures proposed.
•
People in the neighborhood knew they were buying property near a high school.
•
Would rather invest monies expended on traffic studies and lawyers on education programs at the
school.
•
Not interested in making a deal or placing blame; would rather focus on reductions in vehicle trips.
•
The flood gates aren't going to open and allow enrollment to expand to 540.
•
The Sisters of Mercy provide access to a green belt to the local community; they allow the campus
to be open for all to use.
•
Delay will not provide the opportunity for new students to be educated at Mercy.
•
Traffic has been an issue for quite some time; Mercy is a commuter school.
•
Doesn't understand how directing faculty and staff to the Hoover gate will reduce traffic.
•
Let's see how traffic measures serve to reduce traffic in the upcoming year; do not grant an
increase now.
•
The City should conduct traffic counts annually; if traffic can't be reduced then the enrollment would
need to be reduced.
•
Enrollment increase should not be done at the expense of the neighbors.
•
Is Mercy the only school in Burlingame that must go through this process? Cited enrollment figures
at other public schools in the City. The other schools haven't had to prepare traffic studies.
CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Unapproved Minutes July 26, 2010
• No other school is required to provide shuttles.
• Today, 90% of students in Burlingame are driven to school.
• Mercy has bent over backwards to please the neighbors.
• Quite possible that traffic number differences are due to the different times of year that counts are
taken.
• Most of the other schools have greater student populations.
• Have tried to please everyone.
• Noted all of the on -street parking in the neighborhood; residents are not using their driveways.
• Has lived on Alvarado Avenue for 27 years, initially Mercy had a very open feel to the community;
there was a reciprocal relationship. Overthe years, increases in enrollment have increased traffic
with people not taking responsibility for damages. Mercy has also changed its restrictions and now
prevents students from riding bicycles to the campus.
• There are 98 student parking spaces on campus; they are only for seniors. A senior is 17- or 18 -
years old; in that age bracket, there can only be one person in one car taking up the parking
spaces.
• Has become more of a commuter campus; limit student driving to only those students that live in
Burlingame.
• Out of town students should use other means of transportation to the school.
• The vacant lot at Adeline Drive and EI Camino Real could be used as a drop-off location for
students.
Additional applicant comments:
•
Mercy High School has always been allowed to have 500 students under the County regulations the
baseline conditional use permit issued by the City. There will be no compounding of students in the
future; 540 students is the maximum proposed.
•
The proposed methods to reduce traffic are measureable; shuttles will remove 24 trips per peak
hour.
•
Anticipated that the study center will reduce trips by 10 during the peak hour.
•
Drop off locations would divert traffic impacts to other areas; not supported by Mercy.
•
The issue at hand is implementing measures that provide benefits.
There
were no further comments and the public hearing was closed.
Commission comments:
•
How many people use Alvarado Avenue as access? (Womeldorff — the counts would show the
number but he doesn't know the number.)
•
How was the traffic count error made? What was the accurate count? (Womeldorff — was a
tabulating error. The current count is what was taken this year.)
•
Have the traffic reduction measures been effective? (Womeldorff— have not yet implemented the
measures.)
•
How many students walk to the school? (Held — roughly 10.)
•
Is the 10% decrease in traffic before the enrollment increase? (Held —yes.)
•
If the enrollment is increased, then there should be a greater decrease in traffic. (Held — will
implement the shuttle service regardless of outcome with respect to the request.)
•
How will Mercy ensure use of the shuttle? (Held — Mercy is one of the larger users of the City
shuttle; will implement additional shuttles in the mornings; are currently conducting sign-up for the
shuttle; students will need to make a one-year commitment to its use. The shuttle program is
popular with more people wishing to use it than space is available.)
CITY OF • • 2010
•
Is there a means of timing the approval based upon effectiveness of the measures? (Meeker—will
either need to approve or disapprove the request with the belief that the mitigation measures will be
effective.)
•
Clarified that the next enrollment period will not include the increase, but that the measures will be
implemented regardless of the increase. (Held — are moving forward with all measures, regardless
of the action by the Commission.)
•
Has any consideration been given to making Alvarado Avenue a one-way street between 7 a.m.
and 9 a.m.? (Chou — has been discussed. Was a concern for the residents, and was perceived as
being more of a restriction upon the residents. Statistically, there is more damage done to vehicles
on Alvarado Avenue than elsewhere in the City.)
•
How will the study center program work? (Held — the idea is to provide adult and peer tutoring. At
lease 12 faculty members will be present. As the program grows, there will be more adult or peer
tutors. Will be from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Will also be provided after school.)
•
Plan is to provide an additional two shuttles; how does it work now? (Held — pick-ups are made at
the Millbrae BART station. Are also looking at a Colma and/or Hillsdale mall option.)
•
What are the hours of shuttle operation? (Held — pick-ups begin at 6:40 a.m.)
•
Is it true that bicycles are not allowed? (Held — bicycles are not allowed on campus because of
insurance liability issues.)
•
When are decisions made regarding enrollment? (Held — applications are accepted until late
January, early February; decisions made by mid-March.)
•
Why the change of heart with respect to use of the Sisters of Mercy access at the Hoover gate?
(Hastie — want to make the situation work with Mercy. All faculty and staff will be allowed to use
that road where they use it to access their parking. Not opposed to students riding bicycles; the
students don't abuse it, but it is a problem for the general public from a liability standpoint.)
•
Suggested that monitoring of traffic levels occur twice per school year.
•
Maintain the reduction in traffic regardless of the enrollment number, based upon 10% reduction in
trips at a student enrollment of 500; for a maximum number of peak hour trips of 180 vehicles.
•
Further analysis of trip distribution should occur.
Commissioner Yie moved to approve the application, by resolution, with the following amended conditions:
that Mercy High School shall only be open during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, from August to mid-June, with a maximum enrollment of 540 students and 83
faculty/staff members;
2. that the maximum number of vehicle trips during the morning peak hour, leaving the main campus
gate shall not exceed 180 trips, regardless of the student enrollment. For the next three (3) school
years, twice per school year (once per semester), the City's Traffic Engineer shall conduct traffic
counts on dates unknown to Mercy High School to verify the effectiveness of traffic reduction
measures and to confirm that the maximum number of vehicle trips leaving the main campus gate
during the morning peak hour does not exceed 180 vehicles; the results of the traffic counts shall be
reported to the Planning Commission as an FYI item; based upon the results of the counts, the
Commission may at any time call the matter up for a new public hearing to consider further
measures to achieve desired traffic reductions;
3. that Mercy High School shall add two additional 8 -seat shuttles to its shuttle program for a minimum
of three new shuttle trips to and from the high school and the Millbrae Caltrain/BART Intermodal
Station; eligible students shall be clearly identified and assigned participation in the shuttle program;
that once the enrollment is set and at least 30 days prior to commencement of the school year,
Mercy High School shall submit report to be reviewed by the City's Traffic Engineerto verify that it is
CITY OF • • 2010
KOHL MANSION
13. that each contract for rental or use of Kohl Mansion shall include a copy of the noise limits and
other requirements for operation established in these conditions of approval along with the
requirement that the contractor shall comply with each of these requirements or cease its event on
the Kohl Mansion site;
14. that the base line for defining noise problems used on the Mercy High School site shall be the
established City standard which includes: any noise which is five (5) decibels over the ambient
noise level at the time of the event at property line; and the requirements of Chapter 10.40 of the
in compliance with this condition; if this condition cannot be met, this application shall be brought
forward to the Planning Commission for review;
4.
that Mercy High School shall identify and designate approximately 20 faculty and staff members to
use the Hoover Gate for vehicular access to the school property; that at least 30 days prior to
commencement of the school year, Mercy High School shall submit a report to be reviewed by the
City's Traffic Engineer to verify that it is in compliance with this condition; if this condition cannot be
met, this application shall be brought forward to the Planning Commission for review;
5.
that after school programs shall occur only during the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday;
6.
that students shall be informed that cars shall only be parked on-site in designated parking areas;
no student parking shall be allowed to occur in the surrounding residential streets; Mercy High
School staff or representatives shall supervise and monitor campus traffic and parking at the
beginning and the end of each school day during the school year;
7.
that all busses used by students or visiting teams shall be parked on site; parking directions to on-
site parking areas shall be provided to visiting teams and schools;
8.
that enrollment for summer school and sports camp programs shall be limited to a total of 275
participants; summer school and camps may occur only during the hours of 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Monday through Friday;
9.
that Montessori Preschool shall be open only during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday, with a maximum enrollment of 30 students;
10,
that all vehicles delivering students to the Mercy High School and Montessori school sites or picking
students up from the schools on the site shall enter the school campus area though the gates to the
site and drop students off or pick them up on-site at locations designated by each school;
11.
that in addition to service deliveries, any parking along the service road (shown as "EASEMENT" on
Plot Plan attached as Attachment 1 to 2-21-07 City staff report) and the service road parking area
shall be limited to parking for faculty and staff of Mercy High School and the Montessori school only;
no student parking shall be allowed along the service road or in the service road parking area;
12,
that any intensification of use including maximum number of students enrolled in the school,
number of support educators and staff or summer school and sports program enrollment number,
which exceeds the maximums stated in these conditions shall require an amendment to this use
permit;
KOHL MANSION
13. that each contract for rental or use of Kohl Mansion shall include a copy of the noise limits and
other requirements for operation established in these conditions of approval along with the
requirement that the contractor shall comply with each of these requirements or cease its event on
the Kohl Mansion site;
14. that the base line for defining noise problems used on the Mercy High School site shall be the
established City standard which includes: any noise which is five (5) decibels over the ambient
noise level at the time of the event at property line; and the requirements of Chapter 10.40 of the
CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Unapproved Minutes July 26, 2010
Burlingame Municipal Code;
15. that ino er to monitor and document noise at the Kohl Mansion:
a. Mercy High School shall purchase one or more decibel meter(s)I as appropriate, designed
for the purpose of measuring sound out-of-doors; the security and other appropriate staff
shall be trained in the proper use and maintenance of the noise meters;
b. The School shall work with a qualified noise specialist to establish a baseline ambient noise
level at various noise sensitive locations and at various times during a 24 hour period along
the property line of the Mercy High School site;
c. During each event scheduled at Kohl Mansion for the next year, the noise levels at these
established locations shall be measured and recorded in a log. The log shall document
which events used sound amplification and whether the amplification was inside or outside,
including those events with music. This data shall be tabulated monthly into a log and shall
be submitted to the City as a part of the annual review of the baseline conditions of
approval; and
d. Noise measurements shall not be required during the occasional weekday Mercy High
School student body events;
16. that Kohl Mansion events shall be limited as follows:
a. No more than 125 events shall be conducted at Kohl Mansion during any calendaryear that
are in addition to Mercy High School events and "Music at Kohl Mansion" events;
b. During any calendar year, no more than six (8) non -school events shall be
AA
the
day while school is in session, and most guests at such an event shall arrive by bus; and
c. The only sound amplification that shall occur outdoors shall be limited to the amplification of
normal speaking voices during speeches, ceremonies, services, and Mercy High School
rallies and presentations;
17. that events held at the Kohl Mansion shall end:
a. No later than 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with holidays and evenings before
holidays excepted; and
bI
No later than 11:00 p.m.
18. that between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., the "take-down" for outdoor part
on Friday,
Saturday, Sunday,
holidays and evenings before
holidays;
ies shall be
limited to activities that do not cause a noise disturbance across property lines into a property
located in a residential district, in accordance with Burlingame Municipal Code Section 10.40.039;
however, in no event shall tents be taken down between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.;
MERCY CENTER
19, that overnight programs at the Mercy Center shall be limited to a maximum of 97 guests; meetings
CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Unapproved Minutes July 26, 2010
and sessions as a part of these programs shall conclude by 9:00 p.m.; these programs may include
an internship program in July with a maximum of 60 participants, and retreats which last an average
of three (3) days and a maximum of ten (10) days with an average of 33 retreat participants;
20. that day programs and actives at the Mercy Center and Chapel shall be limited to the activities
such as a Sunday speaker series; Saturday spiritual direction programs; daily meditation, chapel
and prayer groups; evening services, including, but not limited to, the Friday evening Taize service;
Sunday mass; non-profit organizational meetings; Mercy Center bookstore. Day Program events
shall be scheduled only during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and shall be limited to no more
than 150 participants;
SISTERS OF MERCY
21.
that
the
Labyrinth Garden shall be only open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset;
22.
that
the
Motherhouse Room and Board facility for Sisters of Mercy shall be limited to a maximum of
50 residents;
23. that the Marian Care Convent and Infirmary for Sisters of Mercy shall be limited to a maximum of 40
residents;
24. that the Lodge Cottage House shall be limited to housing a maximum of 4 residents;
25. that Russell Hall may include classrooms for Mercy High School and administrative offices for the
Sisters of Mercy and Mercy High School. It shall be open for conduct of classes and business only
during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily and shall be limited to a maximum of 35 employees;
ENTIRE SITE
26. that the maximum, cumulative number of guests for all events occurring at any one time at the Kohl
Mansion, Mercy High School, Mercy Center, and the remainder of the facilities and property subject
to this conditional use permit shall be 300. The maximum, cumulative number of event support staff
for all events occurring at any one time at the Kohl Mansion, Mercy High School, Mercy Center, and
the remainder of the facilities and property subject to this conditional use permit shall be fifty (50).
Any changes in the nature of the events, maximum number of guests and support staff, or any other
provision specified in these conditions shall require an amendment to this conditional use permit;
27. that as a part
of the agreement for use of any facility on the site, information shall be provided
regarding available parking for the event; participants shall be informed that all parking shall occur
on site; there shall be no overflow parking allowed on the surrounding public streets;
28. that Sisters of Mercy and Mercy High School shall provide the neighbors and public with a 24/7
phone number for emergencies and complaints. This telephone'hot line' shall be answered by an
individual trained to respond to neighborhood complaints at the time the complaint is received, and,
in the case of after-hours events at Kohl Mansion, a process shall be instituted that would convey
information about a complaint immediately to the staff member supervising the event who has the
authority to address the issue immediately with the customers and site security;
29. that the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy High School shall be responsible for producing and providing
online to the public a comprehensive calendar of events planned for the facilities on the properties
CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Unapproved Minutes July 26, 2010
owned by the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy High School, and a copy of the calendar shall also be
provided to the Burlingame Police Department. The calendar of events shall include, at a minimum,
the nature of the event, the duration of the event, the date of the event and the contact number for
someone wishing to inquire about the calendar and events; that this calendar shall be compiled,
updated, maintained and posted regularly throughout the year;
ADDITION TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION BUILDING AND BLEACHERS
30. that the addition to the existing physical education building and replacement and addition of new
bleachers shall be built as shown on the plans submitted to the Planning Division date stamped
December 17, 2009, sheets G0.01 through G0.03, G1.01, A1.01, A2.012 A2.02 and A5.01;
31. that prior to issuance of a building permit, a covenant or deed restriction, in a form approved by
the City Attorney, shall be recorded which addresses the extension of the proposed building
addition and bleachers across property lines;
32. that prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall obtain a tree removal permit from
the Parks Division for removal of the existing 17.9/13.5 inch diameter coast live oak tree;
33. that any changes to the size or envelope of the addition or bleachers, which would include
changing or adding exterior walls or parapet walls, shall require an amendment to this permit;
34, that the conditions of the City Arborist's July 27, 2009 memo, the Chief Building Official's June
10, 2009 memo, the City Engineer's June 18, 2009 memo, the Fire Marshal's June 9, 2009
memo, and the NPDES Coordinator's June 11, 2009 memo shall be met;
35. that demolition or removal of the existing structures and any grading or earth moving on the site
shall not occur until a building permit has been issued and such site work shall be required to
comply with all the regulations of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District;
36, that the project shall comply with the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Ordinance
which requires affected demolition, new construction and alteration projects to submit a Waste
Reduction plan and meet recycling requirements; any partial or full demolition of a structure,
interior or exterior, shall require a demolition permit; and
37. that the project shall meet all the requirements of the California Building and Uniform Fire Codes,
2007 Edition, as amended by the City of Burlingame.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Auran.
Discussion of motion:
• How is the number of trips restricted, based upon a percentage of trips based on enrollment; or at a
set maximum number of trips?
Chair Terrones called for a voice vote on the motion to approve. The motion passed 4-0-2-1
(Commissioners Cauchi and Vistica absent, Commissioner Gaul recused). Appeal procedures were
advised. This item concluded at 10:05 p. m.
Commissioner Gaul returned to the dais.
The Commission recessed from 10:05 p.m. to 10:10 p.m.
CURRENT BUSINESS -ITEM 7.3
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM 7.3
TO: Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission
DATE: February 1, 2011
FROM: Augustine Chou, Transportation Engineer y
SUBJECT: Item 7.3 —Goal Setting for Commission
Meeting
Date: February 10, 2011
RECOMMENDATION: For the Commission to discuss and establish specific goals for 2011
DISCUSSION: City Council meets annually with all City Commission Chairs and staff to discuss
possible goals that each commission has for the upcoming year. The meeting is also a way for the
Council to find out what has been going on with each commission, as well as what matters the
Commissioners have been dealing with at the commission level.
This year, the Council will be
meeting with the TSPC
Chair and staff on Monday, March 7.
The objective
of the January and February
TSPC meetings should
be to discuss and establish possible
goals that this
commission would like to see
addressed for 2011.
At the January 13 meeting, the Commission established the following items as potential goals:
• Investigate feasibility of new parking technology for downtown areas; and, finds ways to adapt to
changing downtown parking needs.
• Focus on establishing additional Class II Bike Lanes in the city.
• Establish and sponsor some bike safety seminars for the public.
• Find ways to be more proactive in getting TSPC involved in city projects. (Presence at public
events and/or better web presence.)
• Work on improving various pedestrian corridors citywide.
• Involvement in public meetings/discussions regarding the future Downtown Parking Studies.
• Involvement in public meetings/discussions regarding High Speed Rail parking impacts to
Burlingame at Millbrae Intermodal Station.
At this final goal
setting
meeting, the Commission should
collectively be prepared
to define and clarify
the above topics
for the
Chair to discuss the Council at the
March 7 special meeting.
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