HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 03-038
RESOLUTION NO. 03-038
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
ACCEPTING THE REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER
ON SPECIAL FACTORS AFFECTING REASONABLE SPEEDS
ON ALLENDALE AVENUE, BEAUMONT AVENUE, AND COX AVENUE
WHEREAS, the City's goal is to maintain reasonable automobile travel speeds on
residential streets with pedestrian and bicycle activity; and
WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code section 627 allows the consideration ofresidential
density, pedestrian safety, and bicycle safety in the preparation of an engineering and
traffic survey by a local jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, this information is used to help determine the appropriate posted speed
limits for local roadways; and
WHEREAS, the Saratoga Public Safety Commission has recommended that several of
the speed limit increases proposed in the Higgins Associates Speed Zone Survey
(February 2002) not be made due to anticipated risks to pedestrian and bicycle safety; and
WHEREAS, the City's Traffic Engineer has reviewed the conditions at the segments of
concern and determined that increasing the speed limits could pose a threat to pedestrian
and bicycle safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that based on the following special
circumstances identified by the City Traffic Engineer and not reflected in the Higgins
Speed Zone Survey, the City Council determines that the speed limit on AUendale
Avenue between Chester Avenue and Quito Road should remain at 25 mph:
· No separate sidewalk or path is provided between Loquat Court and Chester
Avenue_
· No separate bicycle lanes are striped between Quito Road and Via Alto Court
(east of Chester Avenue).
· The eastbound travel lane does not provide additional width for bicyclists to share
the road comfortably with vehicles. This narrow width continues over the bridge
over Vasona Creek.
· The residential density of homes on both sides of the street (23 over 1,670 feet)
along the segment exceeds the the ratio of 16 dwelling units over 1,320 feet
specified for consideration of residential density as a constraint on traffic speeds_
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that based on the following special circumstances
identified by the City Traffic Engineer and not reflected in the Higgins Speed Zone
Survey, the City Council determines that the speed limit on the entire length of
Beaumont Avenue should remain at 25 mph:
· No continuous separate sidewalks or paths, or bicycle lanes are provided along
the entire segment Although the street is relatively wide, on-street parking is
provided on both sides of the street which forces pedestrians and bicyclists closer
to moving vehicles.
· The residential density of homes on both sides of the street (47 over 2,850 feet)
along the segment exceeds the ratio of 16 dwelling units over 1,320 feet specified
for consideration of residential density as a constraint on traffic speeds.
· Lastly, this collector street is similar in character to numerous other neighborhood
streets with front-on residential housing in Saratoga that are posted for 25 mph_
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that based on the following special circumstances
identified by the City Traffic Engineer and not reflected in the Higgins Speed Zone
Survey, the City Council determines that the speed limit on Cox Avenue between
Saratoga Avenue and Paseo Presada should remain at 25 mph:
· The recommendation acknowledged the proximity of elderly residents in nearby
developments (Saratoga Court and on Sara Park Circle), the presence of the
Challenger Preschool/Kindergarten facility, and the pedestrian and delivery
vehicle activity associated with the adjacent retail and commercial office uses.
· An uncontrolled, painted crosswalk across Cox Avenue is located near the curve
just west of Quito Center. Pedestrians using this crosswalk (i.e., older residents
and small children) often move more slowly and require more time to cross the
street The existing limit of 25 mph would provide a driver more time to react to
these individuals.
· In the eastbound direction this 1,200- foot long segment of Cox Avenue feeds into
the segment east of Pas eo Presada, which is posted for 25 mph and includes front-
on-housing_ Having a consistent speed limit beginning east of Saratoga Avenue
would reduce driver confusion.
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of June, 2003 by the following
votes_
AYES:
Councilmembers Stan Bogosian, Kathleen King,
Norman Kline, Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith,
Mayor Nick Streit
NOES
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAIN: None
Nick Streiea~
ATTEST:
Cathleen 0
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