TOWN OF AMHERST

TOWN OF AMHERST
TRAFFIC-SAFETY BOARD
MUNICIPAL BUILDING - 5583 MAIN STREET, WILLIAMSVILLE, NEW YORK 14221
TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATOR - TELEPHONE 631-7154 - FAX 631-7222
AMHERST TRAFFIC SAFETY BOARD
MARCH 2, 2011
The March meeting of the Traffic Safety Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on March 2, 2011.
Larry Hunter chaired the meeting. Present were Bud Low, Victor Viglioli, Joseph Sexton, Michael
Cecchini, Gary Palumbo, Russell Stoll, and Duncan Black from the Safety Board, Deputy Supervisor
Marlette of the Town Board, Gary Black of the Planning Department, Gary Buffamanti of the Highway
Department, Captain Patrick McKenna from the Police, Joe Frese of the Building Department, and
Christopher Schregel, Traffic Safety Coordinator/Engineering Liaison. Invited guest Judge Geoffrey
Klein was present at 8:00 p.m. (item 9). Other guests can be found on the attendance list on record in
the Engineering Department.
Larry Hunter opened the meeting with revisions to the February 2, 2011 Minutes. Under Item 1,
modify sentence to "...sign on the span wire at the intersection of Hartford Road and Millersport Hwy.".
Under item 'A', modify sentence to read "Mr. Hopkins explained that there will actually be a reduction
of retail space by approximately...." and last sentence "...that the gas station be relocated closer...".
Under Item 'C', modify to read "Scott Marshall stated that the Basil Dealership has been instructed...".
Victor Viglioli makes a motion to approve the February 2011 minutes as changed, second by Joe
Sexton, approved 7-0-1 (Low abstained).
NEW BUSINESS
1. Cheshire Lane & Foxboro Road – Request for ‘Stop’ sign. The request for additional
stop signs at the Cheshire Lane and Foxboro Road intersection was reviewed by the
Amherst Traffic Safety Board. Victor Viglioli and Joe Sexton visited the location and
investigated the clear vision around the intersection and the amount of traffic that is
passing through. The clear vision was found to be acceptable. Gary Palumbo added that
the traffic is likely to be mostly local traffic. Ultimately, the ATSB found the site
distance to be adequate and the existing signage to be consistent with the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Coordinator to send response to resident.
2. Dan Troy Drive – Request reduction in speed limit. The Traffic Safety Board reviewed the
current posting on Dan Troy Dr. and found it appropriately posted at 30 mph. The Town of
Amherst minimum regulatory speed limit for a local roadway is 30 mph. For this reason, the
request for a 15 mph zone can not be granted. Coordinator to send response to resident.

ATSB MEETING MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 2
3. Casey Road & Paradise Road – Request for speed control and additional safety measures.
Chris Schregel reports that he recently received two requests for additional traffic control
devices at this intersection. The Town does not have current traffic counts for the
intersection. Bud Low made a motion to request the Highway Department perform volume
traffic counts at all legs of the subject intersection, second by Gary Palumbo; approved 8-0.
Item Held until counts can be collected.
4. Renaissance Drive – Request for speed control and additional safety measures. Larry Hunter
reviewed the functional purpose of Renaissance Drive and explained that it was intended to
alleviate the traffic on Klein and Maple Roads. Resident Eric Wisniewski was present and
has seen utility poles knocked down, illegal passing, and excessive speeding. Amherst Police
Department reported that since 2008, the Ayer Road intersection has had eight accidents (5
Property Damage, 3 injury) and eight minor accidents along Renaissance Drive closer to the
elderly housing. Traffic Coordinator reviewed past traffic counts and it was determined that
the counts could not be relied upon as they were out of date. Traffic Coordinator also
reviewed past agenda items along this corridor. Upon review, it was determined that in April
of 2010 the Traffic and Safety Board had made previous safety enhancement
recommendations to the Highway Department for the intersection of Ayer / Renaissance. The
recommendations were not implemented. Motion made by Michael Cecchini to request the
previous April 2010 recommendations be reconsidered by Highway and to request an updated
vehicle count on all legs of the Renaissance Drive / Ayer Road intersection (volume and
speed) by the Highway Department. Motion seconded by Gary Palumbo; Approved 8-0.
5. Crossing Guard Review. Coordinator reports that the Town is gathering existing crossing
guard information. The data collected will be used to assist ATSB with future requests for
crossing guards.
6. 185 North Forest Road – Request for ‘Deer Crossing’ sign. Resident Tom Sager was present
and discussed the frequency of deer crossing N. Forest Road near his house at 185 N. Forest
Road. Traffic Safety Board reviews procedure on how these types of signs are installed. It is
determined that ATSB can make recommendations on where to place this type of signage.
Larry Hunter reviews exact crossing location from the homeowner. After much discussion,
motion by Michael Cecchini to recommend the Town's Highway Department post ‘Deer
Crossing’ signs in both directions in advance of 185 N. Forest Road, but closer to the
intersections of Main Street and N. Union Rd. / Reist St. as to include the entire stretch of
roadway; second by Joe Sexton, Approved 8-0. Traffic Safety Board discussed other sections
of roadway in the area that also have a need for deer crossing signs. North Forest at
Meadowbrook and Morningside was identified as an area where deer are regularly crossing.
As this segment of N. Forest Road is the jurisdiction of New York, any request for signing
must be directed to the State. Motion made by Joe Sexton to recommend the placement of a
deer crossing sign in advance of the Morningside Lane / N. Forest Road intersection for
northbound traffic, and a second sign in advance of the Meadowbrook Lane / N. Forest Road
intersection for southbound traffic; second by Victor Viglioli. Motion approved 8-0.

ATSB MEETING MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 3
7. Allenhurst Road & Oxford Avenue – Request an all-way ‘Stop’ sign. Resident Roxanne
Calabrese was present and said she has been living in the area since 2006. Since that time,
she has been witness to accidents and a total disregard for the stop signs as they are currently
placed on Allenhurst Road. Chairman Hunter explained that this is an enforcement issue.
Ms. Calabrese asked if an oversized stop sign could be used or the intersection be made an
all-way stop. Chairman Hunter explained that volume warrants would need to be met, and it
is unlikely they would at this intersection. Ms. Calabrese concurred that it would not meet the
minimum volume requirements. The Traffic Board questioned if the intersection is signed
appropriately to stop the minor street, while keeping the major street's traffic flowing
uninterrupted. To assist in the determination of which streets are minor and major, the Traffic
Safety Board requests the Town’s Highway Department conduct a tube vehicle count on all
legs of the Oxford Ave. and Allenhurst Road Intersection (traffic volume only). The results
of the count will be tallied and reported at a future ATSB meeting. In addition,
Councilmember Marlette suggested placing a stop bar at the stop signs. This will be
recommended after the intersection is counted and the correct signage is verified or put in
place. Item Held.
8. The Common – Request to close off roadway connection at Main Street and install an
emergency gate. Resident Beverly Peck present representing The Common. Ms. Peck
reviewed the content of her letter request and emphasized the amount of cut-through traffic
and the difficulty in exiting left at Youngs during the AM, PM, and Lunch Peak. In review of
the intersection, the ATSB thinks the intersection should be studied. As this intersection is
New York State jurisdiction, the Amherst Traffic Safety Board is requesting the NYSDOT
review the intersection and determine what physical changes could be made to help alleviate
the cut-through traffic. ATSB recognized the potential for the north leg of Youngs Road to be
widened to make room for a longer southbound (SB) left turn stacking lane and right turn
lane. The insufficient length of the SB left turn stacking is resulting in cut-through traffic.
Traffic Coordinator to send NYSDOT a request letter to study the intersection and determine
how to improve the level of service and if the southbound left and right turn lanes should be
lengthened. In addition, The Traffic Safety Board has also been asked to review the proposed
rezoning of 6126 Main Street located at the Northwest corner of Main Street and Youngs
Road. As this development may impact the subject intersection, the ATSB is requesting
NYSDOT review the subject rezoning, it’s Traffic Impact Study, and respond back to the
Town's Planning Department with any comments or if mitigation should be required.
Councilmember Guy Marlette suggests a one-way out for The Common at the Main Street
intersection. This would help alleviate a portion of the cut-through traffic. Beverly Peck to
check with area residents to determine if they would be in favor of this change. Item Held.
9. Judge Geoffrey Klein - Q & A. Chairman Hunter invited Judge Klein to speak and have a
Traffic court Q & A discussion. Judge Klein has been a judge for 12 years. The Traffic Court
processes approximately 25,000 tickets per year, credits APD enforcement. Each Judge sees
approximately 120 traffic cases per week. Amherst Court is getting involved with "25 Alive",
an option to send younger, repeat offenders to a youth-specific traffic school. Judge Klein is

ATSB MEETING MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 4
a proponent of having dedicated left turn arrows turn to red after the green cycle. He sees
many violations and accidents dealing with left turn conflicts, after protected left green
expires. Chairman Hunter asks about costs of violations. Palumbo has a follow-up question
on what is more effective, points vs. school vs. fee. Judge Klein says school with a
combination of a fee is most effective. Adolescents typically have the money available and
find the time taken away from them to go to school as more of a deterrent. Viglioli asks if the
ankle bracelet curbs DWI. Judge Klein feels that it does have an impact, because it requires
the individual to stay off alcohol for a long period of time (6 months). This changes the
individual’s habits and routines long enough to have a positive impact. Judge Klein also
discusses the breathing apparatus being installed in vehicles of those who have a BAC of 0.08
or over. Judge Klein thanks the Traffic Safety Board members who volunteer their time to
help make a difference; further stating, that any of the ATSB members are invited to observe
traffic court to see it function.
OLD BUSINESS
A) Hartford Estates – Difficulty exiting subdivision; Request to consider an Imperial Road
Extension. Captain Patrick McKenna reported that since the item came before the Traffic
Board, the Police Department heightened police presence at the Hartford / Millersport
Intersection by visiting 25 times. In those 25 times, 31 warnings and 57 tickets were issued
for a variety of infractions. Item Held pending NYSDOT and Planning Department
responses.
SITE PLANS
SUBJECT: Minor Site Plan
Proposed 3-Lot Subdivision
TOA Job #2005.072A, SP-2001-03
ADDRESS: 160 Collins Lane
PETITIONER: James L. Collins
X
X
MINOR SITE PLAN IS
APPROVED AS SUBMITTED
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ATSB MEETING MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 5
SUBJECT: Minor Site Plan
Proposed Dash’s Plaza-Parking Expansion
TOA Job #1984.101, SP-1985-10F
ADDRESS: 479-499 West Klein Road
PETITIONER: Simca Partners, LP
X
X
MINOR SITE PLAN IS
APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
1. Completely remove existing curb cut on West Klein Road that is directly
associated with the proposed parking lot expansion (in front of structure that
is to be demolished). In doing so, unnecessary conflicts could be avoided
with the curb cuts associated with the adjacent 545 W. Klein Rd. parcel that
are in close proximity. The existing curb cut that is directly across from
Cobblestone Lane should be the only point of ingress / egress from West
Klein Road.
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SUBJECT: Minor Site Plan
Proposed Building Conversion & Parking Lot Addition
TOA Job #2011.012, SP-2011-02
ADDRESS: 2354 Wehrle Drive
PETITIONER: Andruschat Real Estate Services, Inc.
X
X
MINOR SITE PLAN IS
APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
1. It was noted that there is an insufficient 'no parking' area proposed adjacent to the
Handicapped parking stall.
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ATSB MEETING MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 6
SUBJECT: Minor Site Plan
Proposed Performing Arts Center Miscellaneous Improvements
TOA Job #1980.045, SP-1983-23Q
ADDRESS: 4380 Main Street
PETITIONER: Daemen College.
X
X
MINOR SITE PLAN IS
APPROVED AS SUBMITTED
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SUBJECT: Minor Site Plan
Proposed London Towne Apartments – Above Grade Utility
TOA Job #2011.017, ED-1969-26A
ADDRESS: 4389-4469 Chestnut Ridge Road
PETITIONER: MJ Peterson
X
X
MINOR SITE PLAN IS
APPROVED AS SUBMITTED
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SUBJECT: Request to Rezone 6.44± Acres from SA to MFR-4A
ADDRESS: 10250 & 10280 Transit Road
PETITIONER: TJS Development, LLC
X
X
REZONING IS
APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
1. ATSB recognized the potential for future development on all sides of the project
site. For this reason, it is recommended that the roadway connection at Transit
Road be configured in a manner to include dedicated right and left turn lanes to
exit the subdivision. If this recommendation is not required, then at minimum the
ATSB recommends that sufficient right-of-way width be made available at this
time to possibly improve the intersection at a future time.
2. Provide turn-arounds at the stub streets that head north and south.
3. ATSB prefers concept plan 2A over 2B (Cul-de-sac).
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ATSB MEETING MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 7
SUBJECT: Request to Rezone 1.73± Acres from MS & R-3 to GB
ADDRESS: 6126 Main St. and 26 & 36 Youngs Rd.
PETITIONER: Uniland Development Co.
X
X
REZONING IS NOT APPROVED
REQUEST TO HOLD REZONING
Hold until NYS review of a recent intersection improvement request. The Common is
being impacted by cut-through traffic as a result of drivers avoiding the delay caused by
Traffic Signal insufficiencies. The Town has requested the NYSDOT review the
intersection to 1) Improve Level of Service, 2) Increase southbound left turn lane stacking
lane length, 3) Increase southbound right turn lane stacking length.
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SUBJECT: Request to Rezone 4.65± Acres from CF to OB
ADDRESS: 772 North Forest Road (Portion)
PETITIONER: Westwood Med Properties, LLC
X
X
REZONING IS
APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
1. Provide dedicated right and left turn lanes to exit the N. Forest Road curb cut.
2. Provide a pedestrian connection to the Westwood Country Club access drive. ATSB
agrees with the petitioner not to install a vehicle connection to the Country Club
driveway.
3. Provide access on Sheridan Drive. Curb cut should be placed as far east as possible
and configured to prevent left-outs. Petitioner should review the following options
with NYSDOT:
a. Right-in / right-out only
b. Right-in & Left-in / right-out only
4. Revise Table III in TIS to show a posted speed limit of 35 mph. Change Required
stopping distance accordingly.
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ATSB MEETING MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 8
SUBJECT: Request to Rezone 2.47 Acres from R-3 to MFR-5
ADDRESS: 167 & 173 Miller Road
PETITIONER: Kevin Wyse
X
X
REZONING IS
APPROVED WITH REQUEST
Request for additional information on the need for a parking lot connection with the
southern, adjacent parcel.
Motion to adjourn made by Victor Viglioli, seconded by Michael Cecchini, Approved 8 – 0. Meeting
adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Next meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Board
Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher P. Schregel
Traffic Safety Coordinator
CPS/kc