Triangle/E. Pleasant intersection (underlined island will go away)
Green indicates proposed grassy area, maroon indicates concrete pavers and/or brick
DPW Chief Guilford Mooring brought the latest plans for the roundabout at Triangle and East Pleasant Street near the new Kendrick Place mixed use building to the Public Works Committee on Thursday night.
This would make the 9th time it has appeared on their agenda over the past two years.
Public Works Committee meeting (1/14/16)
PWC audience
Major tweaks include a new system of (5) crosswalks that avoid going through the center of the roundabout, removal of a small island over on the side closest to UMass so a "slip lane" can allow for PVTA buses and trucks to make the turn. It also allows for the sidewalk to be brought down from the current top of a steep hill to grade level.
Sidewalk on left will be brought down to street level (tree and island in center will go)
A half dozen citizens -- mostly neighbors -- showed up to voice their concerns, which seemed to center on pedestrian safety. Both Mooring and PWC Chair Christine Gray-Mullen pointed out that roundabouts are safer than signalized intersections.
Vince O'Connor was also concerned about the space provided in the roundabout for a car to stop for pedestrians and he would like it large enough to accommodate a PVTA bus. Mr. O'Connor was also concerned about dedicated bike lanes all the way through the roundabout.
Mooring pointed out that cyclists could simply act as regular vehicles in the roundabout or use "chicken lanes" i.e. the sidewalks.
The PWC recommended the crosswalk in front of Kendrick Place be moved about 20 feet into the middle of the slip lane, halfway between E. Pleasant and Triangle Street.
The PWC will vote their recommendation to the Select Board at their next meeting in February, and if all goes well construction could start in the upcoming construction season.
UMass Eastman Lane/N. Pleasant roundabout is considered a great success
