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Home My WebLink About20230233 Station Lane Site Plan Updated Traffic Evaluationy� i e°►� vh b. April 7, 2023 Ref: 20406.00 Mr. Douglas E. Flynn, Jr. Lansing Engineering 2452 State Route 9 Suite 301 Malta, NY 12020 Re: Updated Traffic Evaluation for Faden-West Avenue, City of Saratoga Springs, NY Dear Mr. Flynn: VHB has completed an update to the prior traffic evaluation completed and summarized in a letter dated May 13, 2020, to assess the potential traffic impacts associated with the current proposal for a mixed -use development on Station Lane in the City of Saratoga Springs. The latest Layout and Materials Plan dated April 7, 2023, prepared by Lansing Engineering is attached to this letter and includes the development of 6,915 square foot (sf) of retail space, 2,600 sf of restaurant space, and 68 residential units in a single four story building with a single full access driveway on Station Lane. Note, the 2020 traffic evaluation was based on a development plan of 3,425 sf of retail space, a 2,000 sf restaurant, and 56 residential units in two buildings with a single access driveway on Station Lane. This letter includes an evaluation of the peak hour site trip generation and the potential increase in traffic volumes on West Avenue as a result of the proposed project. As detailed herein, the proposed project is expected to have minimal impact on local traffic operations. A Traffic Impact Study (TIS) was completed by SRF Associates in October 2017 for the proposed Station Park at Saratoga multi -use development. Along with using available traffic volume data published by NYSDOT and the VHB 2020 letter, the data and analysis contained in the SRF Associates TIS were reviewed and used for this traffic evaluation. It is noted that the subject project was included in the background growth in the Station Park at Saratoga development with a larger development plan with 71 condominium units and 6,428 SF of retail space. It is our understanding that the previously proposed Station Park at Saratoga development is not currently progressing. Site Location and Proposed Development The approximate 2-acre project site, as shown in the aerial image on the following page, is located on the north side of Station Lane in the City of Saratoga Springs. The site is currently vacant. The proposed project includes the construction of a single four story building with first floor retail/restaurant space and nine apartment units with the remaining three floors consisting of 59 apartment units for a total of 9,515 sf of commercial space and 68 residential units. Access to the site is proposed via a single access on Station Lane. On -street parking is also proposed on the north side of Station Lane, east of the site access. The project is expected to be open and occupied by 2024. Engineers I Scientists I Planners I Designers 100 Great Oaks Boulevard, Suite 118, Albany, New York 12203 P 518.389.3600 F 518.452.0324 www.vhb.com Mr. Douglas E. Flynn, Jr. Ref: 20406.00 April 7, 2023 Page 2 Existing Conditions West Avenue V11b. West Avenue is a local City Street classified as an urban minor arterial. The roadway generally provides north -south travel between NY Route 50, Ballston Avenue to the south and NY Route 9N, Church Street to the north. At the Station Lane intersection, West Avenue has one northbound travel lane, one southbound travel lane, and a center two way left turn median. There are existing sidewalks on both sides of West Avenue separated from the travel lanes by a narrow grass area. The posted speed limit is 30-miles per hour (mph). Based on traffic volume data collected by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in April 2019 the annual average daily traffic (AADT) on West Avenue is 14,510 vehicles near the Station Lane intersection. Table 1 summarizes the traffic volume trends on West Avenue. Station Lane Station Lane is a local City Street providing east -west access between West Avenue and the train station. Station Lane is a two-lane roadway with no shoulders and sidewalks along the south side of the roadway. The posted speed limit is 30-mph. Data provided in the Station Park at Saratoga TIS indicates that the daily traffic volume on Station Lane is approximately 390 vehicles. Traffic Volumes Automatic Traffic Recorder (ATR) data was collected by the NYSDOT in April 2019 which is summarized in Table 1. Table 1 Existing Traffic Volume Summary Weekday Daily Location Volume a Weekday AM Peak Hour Weekday PM Peak Hour Volume b K Factor c Dir. Dist. Volume K Factor Dir. Dist. West Avenue 14,510 906 6.2% 53% SB 1,152 7.9% 52% NB Source ATR data collected in 2019 by NYSDOT a Daily traffic expressed in vehicles per day (vpd). b Peak hour volumes expressed in vehicles per hour 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. c Percent of daily traffic which occurs during the peak hour As shown in Table 1, West Avenue carries approximately 14,510 vpd on a typical weekday, with 6.2 percent of the daily traffic volume occurring during the weekday AM peak hour and approximately 7.9 percent of the daily traffic volume occurring during the weekday PM peak hour. There is a slightly higher distribution of trips southbound during the AM peak hour and a slightly higher distribution of trips northbound during the weekday PM peak hour. Transit service in the study area is provided by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). CDTA Route 451 — Ballston Spa/West Saratoga provides primary service Monday through Saturday from about 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at approximate 2-hour headways. Service on Sundays is provided from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m at approximate 2-hour headways. There is a bus stop at the train station, just west of the project site on Station Lane. \\vhb\gbl\proj\Albany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\April 2023 Update\20406 traffic evaluation-2023 update.docx Mr. Douglas E. Flynn, Jr. Ref: 20406.00 April 7, 2023 Page 3 Future Conditions of wed e .0vfib. To estimate the site -generated traffic, the Institute of Transportation Engineers' (ITE) publication Trip Generation, 11 th Edition' was utilized. The number of vehicle trips generated by the proposed project was estimated based on ITE land use codes (LUC) 221- Multi Family Housing Mid -Rise, LUC 822 — Strip Retail Plaza (<40k), and LUC 930 — Fast Casual Restaurant. It can be expected that some of the trips for the retail and restaurant land use will originate from traffic that is already traveling on the adjacent roadway network. These trips, known as pass -by or diverted link trips, contribute to the site access volumes, but do not add traffic volumes on the adjacent roadway network or intersections. The pass -by trip percentages applied to the applicable retail and restaurant land uses are based on data published by ITE in Trip Generation. Based on ITE, pass -by credits of 30 percent and 40 percent were applied to the retail land use for the weekday AM and PM peak hours respectively, and 45 percent was applied to the restaurant land use for both peak hours. Additionally, it is anticipated that residents of the site may visit the retail and/or restaurant land use. These internal trips will further reduce trips to and from the site via the adjacent roadway network. Due to the relatively small size of the site, an internal trip credit was not quantified in the evaluation. Table 2 Trip Generation Summary Weekday Time Period Movement Residential a Retail c Restaurant d Pass-bv a New Ti AM Peak Hour Enter 4 10 2 -3 13 Exit 14 6 2 -3 19 Total 18 16 4 -6 32 PM Peak Hour Enter 16 23 18 -16 41 Exit 11 23 15 -16 33 Total 27 46 33 -32 74 Trip generation estimate based on ITE LUC 221 Multi Family Housing (Mid Rise) for 68 units Trip generation estimate based on ITE LUC 822 Strip Retail Plaza (<40k) for 6,91Ssf Trip generation estimate based on ITE LUC 930 Fast Casual Restaurant for 2,600 sf Pass -by percentage based on ITE data using 30% and 40% for the retail use during the weekday AM and PM peak hours and 45% for the restaurant use Total trips less the pass -by trips Based on the projections outlined above, the proposed project is expected to generate 32 new vehicle trips (13 entering and 19 exiting) during the AM peak hour and 74 new vehicle trips (41 entering and 33 exiting) during PM peak hour. The magnitude of site generated trips is less than the NYSDOT and ITE trip thresholds of the generation of 100 vehicle trips on a single intersection approach for determining the need for off -site intersection analysis. These agency thresholds were developed as a tool to identify locations where the magnitude of traffic generated has the potential to impact operations at off -site intersections and screen out locations that do not meet the 1 ITE Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington D.C., September 2021 \\vhb\gb1\proj\A1bany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\April 2023 Update\20406 traffic evaluation-2023 update.docx Mr. Douglas E. Flynn, Jr. Ref: 20406.00 April 7, 2023 Page 4 *'IM00,0'sf+00 Vhb threshold and are therefore unlikely to require mitigation. Based on the trip generation and review of the industry guidelines, the site will be adequately serviced by the existing surrounding roadway network. Based on a review of the traffic volume information contained in the Station Park at Saratoga TIS, it is expected that 45 percent of the site generated traffic will travel to and from the north via Church Street and 55 percent will travel to and from the south via Washington Street when traveling to and from the site. This results in the generation of 14 trips north of the site and 18 trips south of the site during the AM peak hour and 33 trips north of the site and 41 trips south of the site during the PM peak hour. This magnitude of site traffic accounts for approximately one to two percent of the peak hour traffic at the Church Street and Washington Street intersections with West Avenue. The low volume of site generated traffic at the adjacent intersections on West Avenue further illustrates the minimal impact that the site traffic will have on the surrounding roadway network. Further review of the Station Park at Saratoga TIS showed that the Station Lane approach to West Avenue will operate at acceptable levels of service (LOS D or better) during both peak hours under existing and future No -Build conditions with traffic associated with nine other site -specific projects (including development at the subject site) and the application of a 0.3 percent growth rate for five -years, representing a 2022 condition. Based on the level of development in the area and the overall reduction in traffic volumes on West Avenue between 2016 and 2019 documented by NYSDOT (15,666 in 2016 and 14,510 in 2019), the analysis presented in the Station Park TIS is a conservatively high assessment of the traffic conditions anticipated after development of the proposed site and confirms that the Station Lane approach at its intersection with West Avenue will continue to operate with acceptable levels of service after development of the proposed mixed -use project. As noted, access to the site is proposed via one full access driveway intersecting Station Lane. A review of Station Lane illustrated that this roadway is generally straight and flat allowing for good sight lines. To maximize sight lines for vehicles entering and exiting the project site, vegetation should be cleared along the project frontage a minimum of 14.5 feet back from the travel lane. Conclusions VHB has conducted an updated traffic evaluation for the proposed mixed -use development located on the northwest quadrant of the Station Lane at West Avenue intersection in the City of Saratoga Springs. The proposed project includes the construction of 6,915 sf of retail space, 2,600 sf of restaurant space, and 68 residential units in a single four story building with a single full access driveway on Station Lane. Note, the 2020 traffic evaluation was based on a development plan of 3,425 sf of retail space, a 2,000 sf restaurant, and 56 residential units in two buildings with a single access driveway on Station Lane. The following is noted regarding the traffic evaluation: The project is expected to generate 32 new vehicle trips during the AM peak hour and 74 new vehicle trips during the PM peak hour resulting in a maximum increase of 33 trips north of the site and 41 trips south of the site along West Avenue during the peak hours. The magnitude of the site generated traffic is less than the industry trip generation thresholds for requiring a detailed analysis indicating that the site traffic will be accommodated for by the existing roadway network. No off -site mitigation is recommended as a result of the project. \\vhb\gbl\prof\Albany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\April 2023 Update\20406 traffic evaluation_2023 update docx Mr. Douglas E. Flynn, Jr. Ref: 20406.00 April 7, 2023 Page 5 1� ► _�v > The project will increase traffic volumes at the Church Street and Washington Street intersections with West Avenue by one to two percent during the peak hours. This magnitude of traffic increase does not warrant further evaluation and will not impact the operations at these two intersections. A review of the detailed traffic evaluation completed for the Station Park at Saratoga project shows that the Station Lane approach to West Avenue will operate at LOS D or better during both peak hours with the inclusion of nine other specific projects, including development at the site, and the application of a 0.3 percent growth rate for five years, representing a 2022 condition. This analysis, along with a review of existing traffic volumes in the study area, confirms that the intersection will operate with acceptable levels of service with the construction of the proposed project. > Vegetation along the project frontage on Station Lane should be cleared a minimum of 14.5 feet back from the travel lane to maximize sight lines for drivers entering and exiting the site. As detailed, the proposed mixed -use development will be adequately serviced by the existing surrounding roadway network and a single access on Station Lane. Please call if you have any questions on the above evaluation. Sincerely, VHB "A 0442�� __ Wendy . Holsberger, PE, PTOE Managing Director Attachments C� zr_l� Christine J. Lil olt, PE, PTOE Project Manager \\vhb\gbl\proj\Albany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\April 2023 Update\20406 traffic evaluation_2023 update.docx N07ES: 1) 54NITAO LATERALS TO BE 5" SON RB/JB O 2.O= MINIMUM. 2) ROOF LEAbERS TO BE CONNECTED TO STORM SYSTEM AND SHALL BE 6' SOR 35 O 1.00x MINIMUM SLOPE WITH 1.0' MINIMUM COVER. LOCATION NUMBER AND CATION 70 BE COORDINATED WITH ARCHITECT AND ENGINEER. J) 01R.WNG ELEVATION TO BE IN ACCORDANCE W" THE CITY OF SAAIATOPA SPRINGS HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS AND NOT TO EXCEED 50 FEET. SUBSURFACE DETENTION 4) CONSERVATION AREA Tpp DE WAXED WITH CONSTRUCTION FENCING PRIOR TO ANY SITE DISTURBy�q`E SYSTEM Al 5) CATCH BASINS DESIGNAft WITH • M1JSF BE DEEP SUMP CATCH BASINS WITH 4'0' MINIMUM SUIP AND INCILUM ON ALL OVILET PIPES WITHIN EACH CATmm. SEE�p. SHEET UT-2 rwL 6) DEEP SUMP SIRUCNIFS SHALL BE CLEANED AND MWTAUE:D BY I ^: ' rfj-. LOffiNG BIAS OUT SUMPSAPPLIZANT �IL U SFOLL BE CLFANWAR OFO ONCE A rOf C" OF n r,�• `-'.�`� rap ---"•~ ,t .;^ - .. _ v SARATOGA SPRINGS DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS L• I. - 4 - •.l� 4'?A •� Lt�q p m Ir,b.— YiiG �OCTr I��xPl�p�. •L � . iwt4r Ee9w ;:::1. i' a, esi - I �C7D Le+Ann - IME=1 � € II • !.`' g rJN°a_. �.-':: o.r..»=wa.� �. ", ,w• a(♦`1 FFE- 234.85 it'••:'-�'(��•(;y� nm T Lm.� '• ..• .� F t� u / aN1 47 � -•,� � � 19a •.IT. Ayt'., r Tr.�.�j � Ia•ra�i.i✓>� rrm�1 _ • �� w'. �� ({� � may°}, w.r��. m�wNa� ■�: � 1 py- 4 r•rAw .� 1 I r 7 +-,ma I I PROPOSED 6' DURASLgT 4 STORY MIXED —USE BUILDING/ i % . . SUBSURFACE DETLHO02 r r.= --„` mnW BY A05 OR Az APPROVED EQUAL f3A.SE ENT -7,E' TALL IPAF I'dNO VOTFA F FLOOR 61'S'�EM � Ft.C7l� ,-1:l!ETA'aIL, RES-rfA.URANT, 8 }APARTMENTS I. I BFE - 325.35 FLOOR 2-4-S9 APARTMEiV 79 ` ... '7 • � :a1rA< 23,CEJ7i SF BLJILOING FOOTPRINT v SECTION OF 12" HOPE PIPE w I I ar FIEQLlIREO 139PACE •- 86 ` •y �tUn - , - TO BE DIRECTIONALLY DRILLED r-rr� _ P""?'t�.A!A'AO., ' PARKING HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING/RECEIVING PIT _ A - I 'q6R rr U 'Fr e.. _ wd lrAT (SIMILAR PIT NOT SHOWN AT----_ OCS2 FOR CLARITY) i , i r IIYY:•316.L1I� { • i 'Y PROPOSED SANITARY ,... r CLEAN Ur ;(TYP.)>� � .;..:v RxE,.7 ''^C3.•, "P i .... J. .��S��A++ n,. •tl f �... ti. - - RA✓A.^Mr+M4++�A• _ ,.. i i � ar wvL w 7-7 .� ;�j # I j �,} �'' m• L � � �. -. ' • � t, � L' vv "a: -_ate r!i �, Yw 4. ,� ::1r.>: mow° STATION LANE - .. " 311553 (EXISTING „1 � s"Yrx i2 Y,tir••r.,; (F:J :: Ja1 MAIN INVERT) P'glt of fliN _"-f ■ _ . .. _.. _ i:l` ...' lfi•. :'ll' J i / .. ...r�.... .. 9 P�i:,i,•pr'i l:'.� 9f ; YAI/IsN• ��. T T '�'-• , ....�" .x .y ` ... �.�._ r • - ............ ... ... ..... :::. ...x._".f-'.Af.`�•SP - :-i.:.zd'�yp�"t•�' ....PROPOSED 6" SDR 26/35 SANITARY - - _ - _ _ _ -- • • ^, A., ` . / SERVICE O 2.Ox MINIMUM SLOPE. SEE- `„ DETAIL 4 ON SHEET DT-J FOR _ �• „ - - ' SANITARY LITERAL CONSTRUCTION AND :.1 •]2G. fa, _ _ -3 CONNECTION, x - ' Low �anL CONTRACTOR TO VERIFY SIZE. TYPE SECTION LANE PPE AMN O- •♦ 'U.•.'y •ram AND LOCF EXISTING SANITARY STORAGE GALLERY SEWER MAIN PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION. [; LF 24' HOPE PAVEMENT TO BE REMOVEO/REPLMM 277 O 277 ff FOR CONNECTION OF S&WANr SEWER SERVICE. 1W11 ;_ " ■ ''I� 11 Hit moll �_`■ ■ �� 1 � '■ ■ I��I�� dll■l i ORK M1111111I mu UTILITIES & GRADING PLAN r.• r� __ cr.• g;I c�E 1 2nAI E 1 "=2n1 "=2n' LEGEND EXISTING FEATURES PROPOSED FILATURES LIGHT POLE F YARD HYDRANT q• ' FIRE HYDRANT T - WATER LINE W _..... _. SANITARY LINE — — — N CATCH%n IN LlCB O SANITARY kLQIW E MH SANITARY CLEAN -OUT "Po -� STORM WATER LINE----�--•- - - - ^- PROPERTY LINE �. w EASEMENT LINE - - ROOF LEADER ---- - RETAINING WALL WING CURB STANDARD CURB PROPOSED 6' CLA2 DIP WATER SERVICE WITH SS TAPPING SLEEVE AND VALVE TAPPING SLEEVE TO BE B'•6' SS TAPPING SLEEVE BY TPS AND AND CATE VALVE TO BE MUELLER A-2361 WITH MECHANICAL JOINT ENDS "OPEN RIGHT'. (TYP.) CONTRACTOR TO VERIFY SIZE, TYPE, AND LOCATION OF EXISTING WATERIAMN PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION. SIDEWALK TO BE REMV0EO/REPLkCED FOR CONNECTION OF WATER SEANCE ADA COMPLIANT RAMPS INSTALLED AT MID -BLOCK CROSSING SEE SHEET SC-1 FOR RAMP SPOT GRADES PLANNING BOARD # xxxxxxxxxxx Approved under authority of a resolution adopted by the Planning Board of the City of Dvte Saratoga Springs. Chairparann Gla Signed