Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Garry Ford, P.E., City Engineer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4020 - gford@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of the second and final reading of an ordinance amending the existing freight loading zones on Castell Avenue.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Council District: 5
City Council unanimously approved the first reading to amend the existing freight loading zones on Castell Avenue on March 23,2020.
Staff received a request to create a freight loading zone on W. San Antonio Street near the intersection with Castell Avenue. The requested freight loading zone was requested only for the hours of 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM to allow businesses to load and unload goods. Currently, freight loading is conducted in the travel lane of N. Castell Avenue, blocking the southbound travel lane.
The existing freight loading zones in the downtown area were evaluated as a part of this request. There are two listed in the City’s Code of Ordinances for 30 foot long freight loading zones on the north side of Castell Avenue; one on each side of W. San Antonio Street. The two existing freight loading zones on Castell Avenue are too short to accommodate typical freight loading and unloading operations. Additionally, there is a marked parking space between the loading zone and the intersection with W. San Antonio Street on both sides of Castell Avenue. The existing freight loading zone on N. Castell Avenue is not currently signed.
Staff is proposing expanding both loading zones to be 55 feet long each, with a 20 foot buffer between the intersection with W. San Antonio Street to allow for adequate intersection sight distance at the crosswalk. This expansion of the loading zones will allow for more vehicles to use the loading zones, and the location near the intersection of Castell Avenue and W. San Antonio Street provides a protected pedestrian crossing for any businesses on the south side of Castell Avenue utilizing the freight loading zone.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Envision New Braunfels: Action 7.58: Develop a survey/study to evaluate the signage of the city streets, Downtown traffic circle, county roads and Interstate Highway 35, including wayfinding, street names, and regulatory signage. Within the next three years. Based on the recommendations from the study, begin implementation of approved changes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $150 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY19-20 approved streets and drainage budget.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends amending the two existing freight loading zones on Castell Avenue near the intersection with W. San Antonio Street.