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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-03-07; Traffic Safety Commission; ; Request to establish a 2-HOUR parking restriction on Marjorie LaneCITY OF CARLSBAD TRAFFIC SAFffi CCIIIISSION COMMISSION REPORT OF: March 7, 1988 ITEM NO. 6B LOCATION: Marjorie Lane INITIATED BY: Concerned Citizens for Preservation of Marjorie Lane, P.O. Box 1459, Carlsbad, California 92008 BACKGROUND: DATA: The request to establish a 2-HOUR parking restriction on Marjorie Lane was discussed at the Traffic Safety Commission meeting of June 1, 1987. At that time , the residents favored the 2-HOUR time restriction and indicated such concurrence to Mayor Lewis and staff before the matter was brought before the Commission. The Traffic Safety Coordinating C01TJTiittee reconmended that no parking restrictions be established, however the TSC reconmended by a 2-1 vote to establish a 2-HOUR parking restriction on Marjorie Lane, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The 2-HOUR parking restriction on Marjorie Lane was established by Ordinance Number 3215, adopted by the City Council. Red curb, as discussed at the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, was painted at the entrance to Marjorie Lane. As evidenced by the attached letter, problems with the high school students continue to occur. A NO PARKING restriction between the hours of 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, is requested by the Concerned Citizens for Preser- vation of Marjorie Lane. This will eliminate parking and minimize problems expressed by the residents of Marjorie Lane during those hours. Before 7:00 A.M. and after 4:00 P.M., students would be able to park on Marjorie Lane with no assurance that the stated problems would not continue. Events are held at the Carlsbad High School during the evening hours and on Saturdays and Sundays. Again, no assurances could be made that some type of problem may not occur on Marjorie Lane by occupants of parked vehicles during times other than the restricted parking hours. It is unfortunate that the alleged problems continue to occur on Marjorie Lane as a result of the actions of high school students. The only effective way to eliminate potential problems as a result of parked vehicles is to establish a NO PARKING zone, 24 hours each day of the week. Police enforcement would be necessary if a vehicle violates the NO PARKING zone. TRAFFIC SAFITY CotlllSSION COMMISSION REPORT OF: March 7, 1988 (Continued) ITEM NO. 6B To not establish a NO PARKING zone invites the possibility of again discussing this matter at a future Traffic Safety Commission meeting if one or more residents of Marjorie Lane believe the 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. NO PARKING restriction is not working. RECOMMENDATION: The Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends that a NO PARKING zone be established on Marjorie Lane, 24 hours a day, seven days of the week. NECESSARY CITY COUNCIL ACTION: The City Council must amend Ordinance No. 3215 by adopting a new ordinance to designate a different time restriction as may be recommended by the Traffic Safety Commission. CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR PRESERVATION OF MARJORIE LANE POST OFFICE BOX 1459 CARLSBAD, CA. 92008 January 26, 1988 CITY OF CARLSBAD TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION 2075 LAS PALMAS CARLSBAD, CA. 92009 RE: PUBLIC SAFETY AND SANITATION MARJORIE LANE June 1, 1987; The TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION discussed the matter of MARJORIE LANE and passed a resolution. Please see item B of the minutes of that meeting. The request by the CITIZENS OF MARJORIE LANE to mark MARJORIE LANE, a NO PARKING zone was ignored by the TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION, and a resolution to post the s t reet a 2 HOUR ZONE was passed by the TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION per the minutes. The CITIZENS OF MARJORIE LANE departed the meeting thinking that a resolution of NO PARKING had been passed. Apparently, the CITIZENS OF MARJORIE LANE were not the only persons with this impression . After a period of time sufficient for the TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT to order and install signs, the street was posted NO PARKING; 7:00 A.H. TO 4:00 P.H . The signs remained in place for approximately one month . School commenced. THE NO PARKING WORKED FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER,-THE SOCIETY ON MARJ ORI E LANE, AND THE HIGH SCHOOL ACROSS CHEST~UT AVENUE EXISTED SIDE BY SI DE IN DIGNITY WITH NO REASON TO BE AT ODDS. The TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT changed the signs immedi a tely after several students received citations f or i l l egal parking. Particularly significant is one young ma n who par k ed and defiantly boasted that he could care less t ha t t he s igns sta ted NO PARKING . Carlsbad Police cited the yo ung ma n when a cit i z en t e l ephoned the police. In the discussion at the afore TRAFFIC SAFETY CO MMISS ION MEETING one person on the commission stated that he was concerned that posting NO PARKING on MARJORIE LANE would set a "precedent". This particular c oncern can be addressed forthwith . It is suggested PAGE 1 OF 3 . that since we live in a DEMOCRACY; and since we are CITIZENS; it would appear that the c i tizens of MARJORIE LANE, i n the interes t of public safety and sanitation, should be capable of selecting NO PARKING on the cul de sac . The TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION is respectfully requested to pos t MARJORIE LANE to read: NO PARKING, 7:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P .M, MON DAY THROUGH FRIDAY, for the follow i ng reasons: PUBLIC SAFETY AND SANITATION. TH E CARLSBAD TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT HAS NOT GIVEN THIS MATTER PROPER AND ADEQUATE ATTENTION. IN ADDIT ION THE CARLSBAD POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS FAILED TO ENFORCE THE LAW ON THE BELOW MATTERS: A. REPEATED TRASHING: B. 1. Repeated trashing of the street including condoms thrown on the street and adjacent property on more than one occasion. ILLEGAL PARKING: 1. Parking to far from the curb. 2. Parking diagonally to curb. 3. Several drivers double parking simultaneously. 4 . Several drivers loading or discharging passengers in the traffic lanes or double parked simultaneously. 5. Parking limitation not enforced. In the J une 1, 1987 minutes of the Traffic Commission Meeting, Sgt. Shipley stated that forces to patrol a two hour parking limit were none existent. C. NOISE CONTROL: 1. Several systems which motor vehicle to this area, vehicles having modified exhaust obviously do not comply with the code. Little attention is directed hence this problem goes unabated. D. RACING: D. 1. Speed and driv ing exhibitions including two or more cars racing. On one occasion in the past two weeks, two cars were racing, one of the vehicles in reverse. The vehicle's path described an arc the length of Marjorie Lane. LOITERING AND SMOKING: 1. The Smoking is not allowed premises but as a matter of course is transfer~ed to MARJORIE LANE. on school THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT ACTIVELY ARRIVES IF A CITIZEN TELEPHONES. MRS. MEJIA rs SINCE SHE HA S TELEPHONED COMPLAINTS, OFTEN. WORK THE AREA BUT VIRTUALLY IGNORED PAGE 2 OF 3. IN THE MORNING WHEN A CITIZEN WAITS TWO HOURS FOR A VIOLATION TO OCCUR AND TELEPHONES THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE FOUR HOUR MORNING SCHOOL PERIOD IS OVER AND THE STUDENTS DEPART FOR LUNCH BEFORE A VIOLATION CAN BE VERIFIED. THE POLICE HAVE NEVER MADE A PRACTICE OF MARKING THE VEHICLES EACH MORNING IN ORD ER TO CREATE A PRESENCE. THE TWO HOUR POSTING SPANS THE AFTERNOON SESSION PRECISELY SO THAT THE STREET IS FILLED WITH VEHICLES IN THE AFTERNOON. VEHICLES RETURNING FROM LUNCH DUMP THEIR FAST FOOD TRAYS, WRAPPERS, AND QUART SIZE DRINK CONTAINERS ALONG WITH AN OCCASIONAL CONDOM. IT rs OBVIOUS THAT THE TWO HOUR POSTING IS NOT ENFORCED AND THE CITIZENS OF MARJORIE LANE; AND THE CARLSBAD POLICE ARE PRESENTLY THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL. THIS MATTER IS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS, AND VOLATILE; AND THE ATTENTION OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND THE CITY COUNCIL IS DIRECTED TO THIS SUBJECT . THE CITIZENS OF MARJORIE LANE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT MARJORIE LANE BE POSTED "NO PARKING" 7:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. KINDLY NOTIFY THE BELOW INDIVIDUALS AS TO HEARINGS ON THIS SUBJECT. SIGNED: CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR PRESERV ~ c;:: 97-1~ . k;zf.·'JL~ 1845 tnut Aven * ~J-, ?r~~~ Mr. and Paul Pitts (Mrs.) 3624 Marjor ie Lane -~ ;B , E~ Mr . and Mrs Vern Holbrook 3614 Marjorie Lane Ms. Edoui se Starkie 3645 Marjor ie Lane 3615 Marjor i e Lane ~7Y-&'.-.e..°V~,£ ~ Mr. and Mrs William H. Poole, 188hhtnut Avenue * * Homes numbered on Chestnut Avenue . Access via Marjorie Lane. cc: Carlsbad ~ity Council PAGE 3 OF 3. MINUTES TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION June 1, 1987 Page 2 B. Marjorie Lane -Request for Two-Hour Parking Limit Monday through Friday. Bob Johnson gave the staff report on this item stating the "throat" of Marjorie Lane is the restriction. The Fire Marshal has indicated there should be parking on one side only The Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee supported the reconnne~aation to paint red curb on the west side of the entrar.cP. for 80 feet . The two-hour parking time limit would create problems in the bulb portion of the street, and is not normally done on a residential street. The two-hour limit would apply to all vehicles--not just the high school students--and would limit the residents and their guests. Also, a parking limit would require constant police enforcement. This would not address the problem of the lack of off-street parking for the high school students, but would just move that problem to another street. This might set a precedent for other residents to request the same two-hour parking limit . The Coordinating Committee did not recommend a two-hour parking limit on this street. In answer to Commissioner Erwin's comment the people would be worse off with the red curb than now, Mr. Johnson answered the street is only 32 feet wide and there should not be parkini on both sides. As the City becomes aware of streets of this width, the parking restrictions will be placed on them. William H. Poole, 1885 Chestnut, addressed the Commission, stating his address is on Chestnut, but his home fronts and the driveway accesses on to Marjorie Lane. His concern was safety. The parents and students come into Chestnut and Marjorie Lane and load and unlaod, blocki ng both streets. He recommended enforcement at the time the students are there . The police arrive after the students are gone. Mr. Poole added there is no enforcement of parking regulations. There should be no parking on the curb return. Also, people park more than 18 inches from the curb--some at a 35 degree angle . Those people parked illegally will not allow the residents to exit the street . Mr. Poole stated he resents having to pick up the trash and debris left by the students. There are soft drink cans and containers and beer bottles. At the time the school banned the smokers, they moved over to this area. The smoking and music start at 6:30 a.m., and the residents there need relief from this nuisance. Mr . Poole stated the neck of the street is narrow, and it would not hurt to paint both sides of the street red. Commissioner Erwin inquired whether Mr. Poole had talked with the school people, and Mr. Poole answered not in the last six months . The Vice-Principal used to break up the smoking, but the residents were supposed to call the school each time. The School District does not support the security people, but it would help if they came on duty at 6:30 a .m. MINUTES TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION June 1, 1987 Page 3 Vernon Holbrook, 3614 Marjorie Lane, stated he bought his home in August to be a retirement home. At this point, he is not certain about that, due to the harassment from the high school students parking on the cul-de-sac. Mr. Holbrook stated this is a very dangerous situation and he would like some help. He wrote a letter regarding this situation and took time off from work to appear here today. He said there is no enforcement by the police, and at this point he wants the students out of his yard. He has fruit trees in his yard, which they strip of f ruit, and he has to pick up litter constantly . Mr. Holbrook recommended painting the entire curb in the cul-de-sac for no parking. Ernest Mejia, 1845 Chestnut Avenue, addressed the Commission stating he has trouble with the littering and the beligerent attitude of the students. When he complained to the school, he was told to go back to Mexico by the teachers there. The security guards are civil service employees and are just putting in their time. They receive no backing from the school or parents. Mr. Mejia stated he gets up at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m., to pick up the papers out of his yard. At lunch time, the students dump the trash in his yard again. Mr. Mejia continued, stating he has lived there 36 years, and is at the point of taking matters into his own hands, unless he receives some help. There are other people parking on the street, other than students. Mr. Mejia stated these are people that sell items to the students. Mr. Mejia agreed with the suggestion to paint the entire area red and police enforcement of that restriction. He said his company is able to park in his yard, and that would not inconvenience him. At the present time, he is unable to get into onto his property due to the illegal parking. Chairman O'Day closed the public testimony portion at 3:34 p.m. Commissioner Fuller commented he had driven to Marjorie Lane this morning about 10:00 a.m. There was parking available on Chestnut Street, but obviously the students would rather park on Marjorie Lane, which is closer to the school. Commissioner Fuller stated he would be in favor of the red curb and a two-hour parking zone on this street. Commissioner Erwin agreed, but was concerned about eliminating parking for the residents by painting the curb red. Commissioner Fuller added he would like to see the two-hour parking restriction begin at 7:00 a.m. to at least 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m. Chairman O'Day commented about the number of times the Commission will hear this request on the streets around a school. Commissioner Fuller said there was parking available on Chestnut, so they were not inconveniencing the students. He felt this street was unique. MINUTES TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION June 1, 1987 Page 4 Sgt. Shipley stated there would be a problem to enforce a two-hour parking restriction. The Commissioners felt it would require some initial policing to get the idea across that violators would be ticketed. Traffic Safety Commission approved painting 8O-feet of red cur on the west side entrance to Mar jorie Lane, as contained in the staff report and recommended by the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee. The Commission also requested a two-hour parking restriction from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, on Marjorie Lane. Chairman O'Day stated he opposed this motion, as he felt this would set a precedent the Commission would regret. Commissioner Fuller added he felt this situation was unique and required a different approach. This type of restriction is common in other jurisdictions. Staff will check into the curb return situation and cars parking there. Those are not normally painted red, but if vehicles are parked there, it is a hazard as far as sight restriction. Staff chose the west side of the street for the red curb as this is the entering traffic and is faster. The Commission requested this item be returned in six months with a report on the results of the signing. C. Carlsbad Boulevard -Request for "NO PARKING" Zone on East Side from Palomar Airport Road to La Costa Av~nue. Bob Johnson gave the staff report stating vehicles parked in the bike lane obstruct the through travel of the bicyclists, and sometimes the traffic lane. The Traffic Safety Coordinatirg Committee recommended a "NO PARKING" zone be established on thi east side of Carslbad Boulevard between Palomar Airport Road and La Costa Avenue. Traffic Safety Commission approved the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee to establish a "NO PARKING" zone on the east side of Carlsbad Boulevard between Palomar Airport Road and La Costa Avenue. D. Paseo Del Norte -Request to Establish a "NO TRUCK ROUTE" from Palomar Airport Road to a Point 1,150 Feet South on Paseo Del Norte. Bob Johnson reported the Police Department had requested this portion of Paseo Del Norte be eliminated from the code as a truck routP.. This was done originally to allow parking in th~ lot in back of Denny's. Since that parking is no longer avail&uLe to trucks , there is no need for the truck route <.lreciguatiou. Traffic Safety Commission approved the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee to establish a "NO TRUCK ROUTE" designation on Paseo Del Norte for a distance of 1,150 feet southerly of Palomar Airport Road. E. La Costa Avenue -Request to Establish Hillside Street Designation for Sidewalk Purposes. Bob Johnson reported this item will be before the Planning Commission this Wednesday evening. The Development Processing Services staff has compiled a list of streets in the La Costa area for which they are requesting a Hillside Street desig- nation for sidewalk purposes. O'Day Erwin Fuller O'Day Erwin Fuller O'Day Erwin Fuller X X X X X X X X X X X X