[RP TownTalk] Traffic Concerns

Tue Feb 6 15:34:28 UTC 2007

I really like those ideas about requiring either public transportation subsidy and/or flexcar. Are we too late to negotiate something like that?

----Original Message----

From: dmglaros at gmail.com

Date: Feb 5, 2007 16:38 

To: "TownTalk"

Subj: Re: [RP TownTalk] Traffic Concerns

I concur that there are some challenges at this intersection.  I have experienced the problems both as a driver and as a pedestrian.  Our planner, Dineene O'Conner may be able to help.  Back when the master plan for area 68, which includes Riverdale Park, was drafted a proposal for this intersection was suggested.  I'd really recommend talking to her/inviting her to a traffic committee meeting.On a related note, traffic related to the Dumm's proposal could be mitigated.  I've seen communities in MD and elsewhere require developers to include a public transportation subsidy or provide a parking space for a shared car (flexcar or zipcar).  Both of these items market well to professionals and interestingly enough would likely boost MARC ridership.  Also, the key to decreasing traffic is giving people both choices in transportation (walking, metro, car, bus, bicycle) as well as having amenities nearby.  This site has excellent transportation options especially with the old trolley line trail moving forward and with the work of our economic development consultant we should soon be able to start filling those storefronts.Dannielle4800 Sheridan St
 Dannielle Glarosdmglaros at gmail.com 
On Feb 2, 2007, at 9:48 AM, Andrew Farrington wrote:Perhaps we could close East Beale just during afternoon rush-hour, if that's when the problem is manifest?
 -Andrew Farrington4605 Queensbury Road

On Thu, 1 Feb 2007, Rob Oppenheim wrote:
 W. Beale is not a sharp right turn on E-W highway (even though it looks like it on the map). E. Beale is a slightly smoother turn but not by much. Take a look at this photo to see what I mean. There is a right turn sweep for W Beale that makes the turn fairly easy. (Currently there is Jersey barrier there that blocks this turn. You can see it in the photo).      Let me emphasize, that any changes to East Beale or Lafayette are just brain storming at this time.
I do hope to open West Beale Circle as all of the businesses and residents in those blocks have wanted this for a long time. It hurts their business and angers the residents because it routes traffic pass their homes that should be taking W Beale instead.   I doubt if we will close East Beale circle. But it may be worth considering. Stand there for a few minutes in the evening rush hour and you will see a lot of cars speeding thru there.
We would do well to consider rumble strips or speed humps or other speed limiting methods for E and W Beale.
  Andy, as for no turn onto Lafayette south - you would just go another block on Queensbury and turn right on 48th. It could be an extra couple of blocks for those who live and work in that area.  
Bruce, making Lafayette one-way from Riverdale Rd to Queensbury (north bound) works quite well with the morning traffic restrictions on Queensbury.
  I agree that adding street lights over the tracks (and on Lafayette) will make it safer and reduce driver errors. (This has been part of the plan all along, and I mentioned it briefly in my email).  Lighting will not reduce the complexity of the intersection nor does it make crossing Queensbury by foot any easier. Lighting will help - and would be a good first step.   
 In all of these scenarios cars coming from Natoli could still turn in either direction onto Queensbury so they could still cross the tracks or drive pass the Fire House.   
 Rob Oppenheim _______________________________________________TownTalk mailing listTo post to the list, send mail to TownTalk at riverdale-park.orgTownTalk-request@riverdale-park.org is for automated subscription processing onlyhttp://riverdale-park.org/mailman/listinfo/towntalk
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