Village of Lombard Legistar System

Chairperson Tross explained to the committee that this item was referred back to

committee regarding sight distance. The Board of Trustees rejected the

recommendation of No Parking on Highland because it was too great of a distance. It

was requested that if in fact the Board was going to act, maybe we should look at all

crossings. The Board recommended it be sent back with clear parameters that 200 plus

feet on one side and close to 200 feet on the other was not acceptable. The issue was

not prohibiting parking, but clearly safety and sight distance.

Public Participation

Mr. Frerichs asked how far south of the Prairie Path it goes. Chairperson Tross

explained that the recommendation on the table is after review by staff of all crossings.

The only one they felt that needed remedy was the one at Highland. The staff

recommendation is to prohibit parking on both sides from St. Charles Road to a point

approximately at 14 S Highland on the west side and to a point almost at the end of the

Park District lot by the bicycle crossing sign on the east side. Ms. Ahrens asked for

clarification of scope. Anderson explained that if we're going by restrictive stand point

for sight distance, it would be 75'. Mr. Goldin commented that when this came to his

attention some trustees came out and the agreement at the last Board meeting was 50'

south of the Great Western Trail where the existing bicycle sign is. Another thing to take

into consideration, coming north there's a stop sign 40' after the Great Western Trail, so

people are decreasing speed coming down there. He agreed that 50' distance gave

enough sight line, more importantly the people on the trail have the visibility. He further

commented that he would appreciate staying within that 50' distance. Mr. Bartels told

the committee he is with the Ad Hoc Trail Committee and he is Director for the Illinois

Prairie Path Association, we thought this was an opportunity to make safe crossings

throughout Lombard. We feel all crossings should go by at least the minimum.

Highland is a dangerous intersection. He further commented that he has had the

pleasure of talking to Mr. Goldin and has witnessed some of the cars in the business

next door. On three different occasions, there are pictures of a car 2' off the path. That

is unacceptable for anybody using the trail. The trails throughout Lombard pose several

different unique situations. The crossing at Grace with feeder streets coming in right

there, in certain locations there are driveways 10' from path in some areas there are

two driveways 6' from the path. It [no parking] does pose some problems and there

would be some upset neighbors. He went today and looked at all of the crossings.

There are several 1-hour Parking, and several No Parking in front of peoples houses.

We need to come up with a full plan to go through all trail crossings and create a buffer.

He further commented that he doesn't believe that all the intersections listed there [on

the memo] don't need anything done to them. Mr. Bartels handed out a document with

suggestions from the Trails Committee and the Illinois Prairie Path Association. Larking

asked staff if it is appropriate to have a blanket restriction. Anderson responded that it is

not, it has to based on each particular situation. This particular location was checked for

three days, five different periods. For those periods of time, there was no problems

found accept at Highland and the Great Western Trail. Mr. Bartels commented that the

trustees purpose to kick it back was not to make an immediate decision on Highland, but

to examine the whole thing and bring it as a package to the Board. Larking responded

that the committee is not prepared to answer anything for a blanket action.

There was general discussion regarding notification to affected properties when issues

are being discussed at Transportation & Safety Committee meetings.

Ms. Ahrens stated that she is in support of no parking for 75' and is willing to give up

parking in front of her house. She further commented that although the businesses say

that they are concerned, she hasn't seen since meeting that they have made an effort to

back off of the trail. The parking lot is empty most of the time. She would also very

much like to know where the parking spaces are for the used car business. DiFino

asked if the cars from the used car lot are under repair. Ms. Ahrens explained that they

were supposed to stop that, but at least half of the cars had temporary license plates.

Chairperson Tross explained that when it was at the Board, the Board without exception

had indicated going to the full depth of their lot, why would you go beyond that? On the

east side the suggestion was between the utility pole and the current crosswalk sign to

be parallel to 10 S. Highland. Mr. Goldin reiterated that his staff have all been directed

to park beyond the sign. He further commented that he cannot control tenants that are

parking there, because there is not a No Parking sign.

DiFino commented that it's no longer considered a nuisance, it's a safety standpoint and

we have to decide if the proposal takes care of that. At 50' we would protect the trail

users. Larkin added that if we're going to err on anyside we should err on the side of

another 25'. Chairperson Tross explained that the question that Board brought up is if

it's vacant property, what is the purpose of going beyond that lot. Mr. Frerichs

commented that if it's a safety issue that's one thing, however, there are also people

parking there to go on the path. Schwarz asked what a good standard for line of sight is.

Anderson responded that it depends on the characteristics of the intersection.

Chairperson Tross asked what the State's standard is. Deputy Chief Cuny answered

that it is 20'. Schwarz summarized that because it is a marked crosswalk, according to

Illinois Vehicle Code, vehicles parked that close are against code. Chairperson Tross

(in looking at pictures provided by Ms. Ahrens) pointed out that if you're tooling down the

street you won't see a bicyclists, also, the Park District property and the trail are not

cleared 40' back. Schwarz commented that there is not a 40' clear zone along Illinois

Prairie Path either. Mr. Bartels interjected that if you go beyond 50' you're setting up a

dangerous precedent for all the other crossings in town. Schwarz commented that to

stay in keeping with the 40' it would make sense to keep the vehicles from parking within

40'. Ms. Ahrens added that you also want to consider that every crossing is different.

Highland is busy and there's quite a bit of traffic on the trail. Larkin added that you

would obviously need a longer sight distance on a four lane road. Larking stated his

preference for 75'. Chairperson Tross pointed out that you have to think of all the other

intersections. Larking responded that is not setting precedent, if they need to do a more

detailed analysis on the other crossings, then so be it. Sherretz stated her preference

for 75'. Schwarz stated that it didn't make a difference to him what the length of the no

parking is. Kuehl agreed with Schwarz, but wanted to make it clear that this does not

set a precedent for the rest of the trail crossings. Chairperson Tross requested staff put

this item on the Board agenda for separate action. Schwarz asked that staff check all

locations for the 40' clear zone. Anderson explained that staff does that once a year.

Schwarz commented that at Highland/Illinois Prairie Path there is not 40', you can't see

more than 20' down path. Chairperson Tross stated that he believes somewhere

parameters should be set, by setting it at 75' on Highland, which is clearer than most

crossings, what will happen at other crossings. He personally feels that 75' becomes

very harsh, the path is 48', that becomes 198' of no parking in either direction which is

very harsh on any residential block. Parameters need to be set so the next time a

resident comes in we have an answer.