m - City of New Braunfels

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City Council Agenda Item Report
November 8, 201 0
Agenda Item No. 3F
Presenter/Contact- Jim Klein, City Engineer
(830) 221-4020 - jklein@nbtexas.org
SUBJECT:
Approval of a recommendation to deny the request by the New Braunfels Family
YMCA for a crosswalk on Landa Street.
8ACKGROUND/RA TIONALE:
Mr. David Paulos requested that the City consider installation of a crosswalk on Landa Street so
YMCA staff who park in the Herald Zeitung parking lot had a crossing.
This matter was presented to the Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board (T&T) on October 14,
2010. The City Engineer discussed the implications of a marked pedestrian crossing which
include the false sense of security provided by a marked crosswalk. Texas Law requires the
operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a
crosswalk. There is a great deal of literature which indicates this law gives a pedestrian the sense
that it is safe to cross because the crosswalk is marked. However, without a signal to interrupt
traffic, there is no real assurance that vehicles will stop. There is not significant pedestrian traffic
in this area, so a motorist would not expect to see a pedestrian. For these reasons, the City
Engineer indicated this is not a good location for a pedestrian crosswalk.
Mr. Paulos was present at that meeting and discussed the challenges he faces providing parking
for his employees and the members using the YMCA.
After discussion T&T approved a motion to take no action.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
..J
N/A
Yes
City Plan/Council
Priority:
2006 Comprehensive Plan: Transportation
Goal 21 : Provide a system of convenient and
safe transportation facilities through
comprehensive, cooperative a continuing
transportation system planning and
development.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board considered this request at their October 14, 2010
meeting and approved a motion to take no action.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION :
Staff recommends denial of the request.
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