TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES

SITE REVIEW TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 8, 2002
MUNICIPAL COMPLEX, 1 JUNKINS AVENUE
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE

AGENDA

MEMBERS PRESENT: David M. Holden, Planning Director, Chairman; David Allen, Deputy Public Works Director; David Desfosses, Engineering Technician; Charlie Jones, Fire Marshal; David Young, Police Department Representative; Tom Cravens, Engineering Technician; and, Alan Sturgis, Chairman of the Conservation Commission

ALSO PRESENT: Lucy E. Tillman, Planner 1

`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

I. PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. City Council Referral -- The purpose of this meeting is to conduct a review of the property located at 175 Parrott Avenue and known as the JFK Recreational Center for the purpose of submitting an advisory recommendation to the Planning Board and, ultimately, by the Planning Board to the City Council regarding the use of the property as a site for a new public library. Said property is shown on Assessor Plan 128 as Lot 14 and lies within a Municipal district.

SPEAKING TO THE REFERRAL:

The Chair commented that the issue of where the new library will be sited is a somewhat unusual request before the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). Presently the site of the JFK Recreational Center is being looked at. The City Council has asked that the Planning Board report back on two criteria; that being, soils and traffic. Consultants have been hired to present formal studies on those two issues. The Planning Board will consider the TAC recommendation at its January 24<sup>th</sup> meeting which, the Chair pointed out, is different from the previously advertised date of January 17<sup>th.</sup>

The Chair went on to state that it was important to note that the TAC meeting was not an actual site review meeting. The purpose of the meeting to determine whether the JFK site is suitable for re-use in some form as a library. He reiterated that soils and traffic are the two criteria being reviewed.

John Burke, the Parking and Transportation Engineer for the City, informed the Committee that Marty Kennedy, principal with Vanasse, Hangen & Brustlin, was present to discuss his findings regarding a parking survey. It had been determined that Tuesday, September 18<sup>th</sup>, 2001, represented a peak period for parking when the Middle School was in session, when the District Court was in session, when downtown employees were parking in the municipal lot and on Parrott Avenue and when the playing fields were being used at their maximum. On that date, the Leary Field was being used for children's soccer which is the largest event on the field. Soccer games are played during the months of September and October on Tuesdays and Thursdays -- some 16 days out of the year.

A handout was submitted to the Committee which represented a reduced version that would be used by Mr. Kennedy who also referred to an aerial photograph of the area in question. He informed the Committee that City staff had gone out and conducted a parking survey of the area along Parrott Avenue between Richards Avenue and Rogers Street. On and off street parking spaces totaled 247 spaces. The weekday count was taken on September 18<sup>th</sup>, 2001. The percentage of occupied spaces was calculated during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 50% to 60% of the spaces were occupied around 3:00 p.m. just after school let out. Around 5:00 p.m. occupancy picks up due to activity at the ball field. 80% to 90% of the available spaces were occupied with on street parking having the highest occupancy. Mr. Kennedy took that as a sign that people would utilize parking spaces on Parrott Avenue during ball field activity. In other words, people will park the shortest distance from the ball field.

Saturday counts were taken on October 6, 2001 during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 P.M. 50%

of the available spaces were occupied throughout the morning hours. The peak occupancy was around noontime with 55% to 60% of the available spaces occupied with occupancy falling off during the afternoon.

The conclusion derived from these counts was that the worst case scenario is at 5:00 p.m. during the Fall activity period.

Mr. Kennedy then referred to a chart regarding operations at the existing library; that is, the number of patrons going in and out of the library. Patrons were asked questions as to mode of transportation; such as, walking versus driving. It appears that the peak activity time at the library is at 3:30 p.m.

A supply and demand chart was the next chart used by Mr. Kennedy. The existing conditions demand is estimated at 203 spaces. The peak parking demand for the new library is estimated at 62 spaces for a total demand of 265 spaces. As was stated earlier, 247 parking spaces are available. The construction of the proposed library would result in the loss of some 131 off street spaces. It is anticipated that some 106 spaces could be picked up resulting in the availability of some 222 spaces leaving a deficit of some 43 spaces.

Mr. Kennedy offered some suggestions for making up the deficit. Parking along Parrott Avenue is now parallel parking. Some 30 spaces could be picked up by having angled parking. He then mentioned the South Mill Pond parking lot and felt that people using the ball field could use that lot as the shortest distance to the ball field. 91 parking spaces are available at this lot. 40% occupancy occurs during the peak period leaving some 54 spaces available. It was Mr. Kennedy’s opinion that parking could be more efficiently laid out; that with some modifications to the lot some 28 spaces could be picked up. He felt there were options available to satisfy the parking demand.

Mr. Kennedy informed the Committee that City staff had conducted traffic volume counts. It was his opinion that the additional traffic estimated to be generated by the new library would not impact adjacent intersections at Richards Avenue and Rogers Street. He felt that the intersections would operate at Levels of Service A and B.

He did comment, however, that during peak period exiting movements at the Richards Avenue/Middle Street intersection is a problem today and would be in the future. He pointed out that Richards Avenue is very narrow from the Parrott Avenue intersection to Middle Street. He stated that he was not suggesting trying to improve or add capacity at the Richards Avenue/Middle Street intersection. He felt that the intersection acted as a traffic calming measure. With traffic modifications, one would be encouraging more traffic to go that way.

Mr. Kennedy commented that the school buses are routed through to Richards Avenue; that the turn at the Richards Avenue/Parrott Avenue intersection is very, very tight – a very difficult turn. He pointed out that a school crossing guard stops traffic on Richards Avenue allowing the buses to turn extending into the other lane. It takes about five minutes to get all buses through there. He suggested that rerouting the buses would be a good thing; perhaps turning around at the new library and heading back.

Mr. Holden stated that 16 days are a critical period. He inquired as to the other 300 + days with Mr. Kennedy responding that there would be very little capacity problem. Mr. Holden provided that the scenario is akin to the day after Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas where no matter how much parking you have, it might not be enough. Mr. Holden asked if traffic related issues precluded the use of the site as a library with Mr. Kennedy responded in the negative.

Steve Parkinson, Public Works Director, addressed the Committee regarding soils pursuant to the request from the City Council. He informed the Committee that the soils had been tested by R. W. Gillespie & Associates. Seven borings were drilled down to 22’ to 34’ depending on where ledge was found. Mr. Parkinson reviewed the different soils that were discovered; such as, peat, soft silty clay, and silty sand. He commented that the area, at one time, was under water and was subsequently filled. Bedrock was discovered at 31 to 33’. The basic conclusion was that there was no problem building on this site. Mr. Parkinson highly recommended that a deep foundation be used. He went on to state that more work would be done during the design stage. He reiterated that there would be no problem (soil wise) putting a building on that particular site.

John O’Leary, Chairman of the Library Building Committee, addressed the Committee informing them that the Library Building Committee (LBC) had examined 16 different sites in the City of Portsmouth as possible sites for a new library. He stated that the LBC had voted twice that the JFK site is the best site. The building plan as presented to the LBC would fit on the site – not only the building but the parking that would be associated with the building also fits.

At this point in the proceedings, the Chair opened the hearing up to the public to speak to the traffic and soils issues.

Diane Kelly Tefft of 69 Richards Avenue addressed the Committee inquiring if perc tests had been done around the South Mill Pond and inquiring as to the considerations of the Committee about infringing on the buffer zone around the South Mill Pond. She pointed out that efforts are underway to beautify the area pointing out that open space and recreational areas are top priorities with the residents of the City.

Mr. Holden pointed out that the issue before the Committee involved the soils at the JFK site. He informed Ms. Tefft that the NH Department of Environmental Services would have to be dealt with and incorporated into the plan.

Ms. Tefft then spoke to alternative routes for school buses and Mr. Holden commended that such recommendations would be evaluated through the Site Review process which would involve public hearings before TAC and the Planning Board. Ms. Tefft also expressed concerns about the loading of school buses.

An additional concern of Ms. Tefft’s was the need for additional parking. It was her opinion that people would be parking on Richards Avenue adding that Richards Avenue is a very narrow street where people are forced to pull over and allow oncoming vehicles to pass. She felt that an impasse would be reached and expressed her concern as to how emergency vehicles would get through pointing out that emergency vehicles are time critical.

Ms. Tefft spoke to the bottlenecking situation at Richards Avenue and Middle Street. She felt that one alternative would be a traffic signal. On the other hand, she pointed out that the cost would be in the vicinity of $90,000 and wondered if that had been factored in as part of the cost of the library. She also expressed her concern as to queuing if a traffic signal was installed. Mr. Kennedy commented that a traffic signal would encourage more people to use Richards Avenue as a means to get to Middle Street.

Ms. Tefft then expressed her concern about using open space and recreational areas for parking spaces. She brought up the subject of the needs of the library to expand. It was her opinion that the library would be stifled on the JFK site. She felt that it was a major conflict of interest to use land across the street which the City owns.

Paul Messier of 97 Richards Avenue spoke to the limited number of spaces available on Saturdays when the Farmer’s Market is in session.

Ms. Tefft again addressed the Committee and spoke to the Margeson Apartment Building on Middle Street and the incredible amount of traffic serving that building from Richards Avenue.

Karen Dutcher of 83 Richards Avenue addressed the Committee and inquired as to what affect the building of the library would have on surrounding areas. Mr. Holden commented that the City would notify abutters of a series of meetings regarding the building program. Mr. Parkinson informed those present that there is no impact in driving pilings into clay as it doesn’t resound out.

The Chair stated that the Planning Board would be advised of the recommendation from TAC and the Planning Board, in turn, would make its own recommendation to the Council. He considered closing the Public Hearing; however, Ms. Tefft returned to the podium. She stated that if consideration were given to taking parking off Richards Avenue, that such would be a hardship to the residents of Richards Avenue as many driveways are single car driveways with two car families. She also spoke to the parking spaces at the JFK site that are leased out for residential use.

The Chair commented that those issues would be considered during the site review process. Ms. Tefft spoke to the review of obstacles. Mr. Holden responded that he would consider them opportunities not obstacles.

At this time, the Chair declared the Public Hearing closed.

Mr. Allen commented that when City staff conducted the counts on October 6<sup>th</sup>, the Farmer’s Market was in session. It was pointed out that a more formal traffic analysis would be provided during the site review process.

Mr. Holden commented that the site fits the building program that has been established for the library; that the soil conditions are adequate; that the re-use of the site for a library seems to be appropriate.

Mr. Allen concurred. He stated that he talked with the geotechnical engineer regarding the soils report and that he, Mr. Allen, was very comfortable with it. Some additional work will need to be done as the design for the building is finalized. He pointed out that buildings along this route have similar types of loads. On the traffic and parking issues, he commented that there are options available.

Ms. Tefft returned to the podium to point out that the soils testing was done during a drought period. The response was that such a condition was factored in.

Mr. Desfosses moved to recommend the project on the two criteria in front of the Committee; that there are adequate soils; that pilings will need to be installed. He felt that the parking calculation is reasonable. Based on that, he felt that a library would be an appropriate use of the site. Mr. Sturgis seconded the motion.

The Chair stated that he intended to support the motion as well. He felt that one of the parking issues was how supply was being allocated; that peak parking occurs during a very limited period of time. He felt that the urban location of the JFK site was one he could recommend.

The motion passed unanimously.

The Chair notified those present that the public hearing before the Planning Board would be readvertised for January 24<sup>th</sup> at 7:00 p.m. and that the item would be the first item on the Agenda.

Let the record show that Mr. Cravens left before the vote was taken.

II. ADJOURNMENT was had at approximately 3:30 p.m.

These minutes were taken and transcribed by Barbara Driscoll, Administrative Assistant in the Planning Department.