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Home My WebLink About20230233 Station Lane Site Plan Traffic Eval \\vhb\gbl\proj\Albany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\20406 traffic evaluation_20200513.docx May 13, 2020 Ref: 20406.00 Mr. Sean Farrell Lansing Engineering 2452 State Route 9 Suite 301 Malta, NY 12020 Re: Traffic Evaluation for Faden-West Ave Special Use Permit, City of Saratoga Springs, NY Dear Mr. Farrell, VHB has conducted a traffic evaluation to assess the potential traffic impacts associated with the proposed mixed-use development on Station Lane in the City of Saratoga Springs. The Conceptual Layout Plan prepared by Lansing Engineering is attached to this letter and includes the development of 3,425 square feet (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 transportation impact study (TIS) was completed by SRF Associates in October 2017 for the proposed Station Park at Saratoga multi-use development. The data and analysis contained in the 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 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 2 four story buildings with first floor retail/restaurant space and residential units on the upper floors totaling 5,425 SF of commercial space and 56 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, west of the site access. The project is expected to be open and occupied in 2021. Mr. Sean Farrell Ref: 20406.00 May 13, 2020 Page 2 \\vhb\gbl\proj\Albany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\20406 traffic evaluation_20200513.docx Existing Conditions 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-mph. Based on traffic volume data collected by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in 2016 the average annual daily traffic (AADT) on West Avenue is 15,575 vehicles near the Station Lane intersection. Table 1 summarizes the traffic volume trends on West Avenue. 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. Mr. Sean Farrell Ref: 20406.00 May 13, 2020 Page 3 \\vhb\gbl\proj\Albany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\20406 traffic evaluation_20200513.docx Table 1 Existing Traffic Volume Summary Weekday Daily Weekday Morning Peak Hour Weekday Evening Peak Hour Location Volume a Volume b K Factor c Dir. Dist. Volume K Factor Dir. Dist. West Avenue 15,666 1,093 7.0% 51% NB 1,289 8.3% 53% NB Source ATR data collected in 2016 by NYSDOT a Daily traffic expressed in vehicles per day. b Peak hour volumes expressed in vehicles per hour 8:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 5:00 PM c Percent of daily traffic which occurs during the peak hour As shown in Table 1, the AM peak hour serves approximately 7% of the daily traffic volume on West Avenue with a slightly higher distribution of trips northbound. The PM peak hour serves approximately 8.3% of the daily traffic volumes on West Avenue with a slightly higher distribution of trips northbound. 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 Friday from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at approximate 2-hour headways. Service on Saturdays and Sundays is provided from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at approximate 2-hour headways. There is a bus stop at the train station, just west of the project site on Station Lane. Future Conditions To estimate the site-generated traffic, the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ (ITE) publication Trip Generation, 10th Edition 1 was utilized. The number of vehicle trips generated by the proposed project was estimated based the ITE land use code (LUC) 221- Multi Family Housing Mid-Rise, LUC 820 – Shopping Center, 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 the Trip Generation Handbook, 3rd Edition 2. Based on ITE, a pass-by credit of 35% was applied to the retail land use and 45% to the restaurant land use. 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. 1 Trip Generation Manual, 10th Edition, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington D.C., September 2017. 2 Trip Generation Handbook, 3rd Edition, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington D.C., September 2017. Mr. Sean Farrell Ref: 20406.00 May 13, 2020 Page 4 \\vhb\gbl\proj\Albany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\20406 traffic evaluation_20200513.docx Table 2 Trip Generation Summary Weekday Time Period Movement Residential a Retail b Restaurant c Pass-by d New Trips e Morning Peak Hour Enter 5 2 3 0 10 Exit 14 1 1 0 16 Total 19 3 4 0 26 Evening Peak Hour Enter 15 6 15 -8 28 Exit 10 7 13 -8 22 Total 25 13 28 -16 50 a Trip generation estimate based on ITE LUC 221 Multi Family Housing (Mid Rise) for 56 units b Trip generation estimate based on ITE LUC 820 Shopping Center for 3,425 SF c Trip generation estimate based on ITE LUC 930 Fast Casual Restaurant for 2,000 SF d Pass-by percentage based on ITE data using 35% for the retail use and 45% for the restaurant use e Total trips less the pass-by trips Based on the projections outlined above, the proposed project is expected to generate 26 new vehicle trips (10 entering and 16 exiting) during the AM peak hour and 50 new vehicle trips (28 entering and 22 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 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% of the site generated traffic will travel to and from the north via Church Street and 55% will travel to and from the south via Washington Street when traveling to and from the site. This results in the generation of 12 trips north of the site and 14 trips south of the site during the AM peak hour and 23 trips north of the site and 27 trips south of the site during the PM peak hour. This magnitude of site traffic account for approximately 0.75% to 1.3% 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 intersection 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 0.30% growth rate for five-years. This Mr. Sean Farrell Ref: 20406.00 May 13, 2020 Page 5 \\vhb\gbl\proj\Albany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\20406 traffic evaluation_20200513.docx information 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 a traffic evaluation for the proposed mixed-use development located on the northwest quadrant of the Station Lane/West Avenue intersection in the City of Saratoga Springs. The proposed project includes the construction of 3,425 SF of retail space, a 2,000 SF restaurant, and 56 residential units in two buildings. Access to the site is proposed via one full access driveways on the north side of Station Lane and via on-street parking along the north side of Station Lane west of the site access. The following is noted regarding the traffic evaluation: • The project is expected to generate 26 new vehicle trips during the AM peak hour and 50 new vehicle trips during the PM peak hour resulting in a maximum increase of 23 trips north of the site and 27 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. • The project will increase traffic volumes at the Church Street and Washington Street intersections with West Avenue by 0.75% to 1.3% 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 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 0.30% growth rate for five years. This analysis 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. Mr. Sean Farrell Ref: 20406.00 May 13, 2020 Page 6 \\vhb\gbl\proj\Albany\20406.00 Lansing Faden Saratoga\docs\letters\20406 traffic evaluation_20200513.docx 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 Engineering, Surveying and Landscape Architecture, P.C. Wendy C. Holsberger, PE, PTOE Alanna M. Moran Director of Transportation Project Manager wholsberger@vhb.com amoran@vhb.com Attachment Overhead Utility LinesWidth of Pavement = 24'±Curb to Curb = 39'±Electric BoxTelephone BoxUPNM 47AUPNM 47-1/2CIRFCIRFUPNM 47UPElectric BoxElectric BoxUPNM 46-2Telephone BoxGuide RailGeneratorMUPNM 46-2Guy Anchor (Typ.)335 334334334 334333333332332332332331331331330330330329329329329328328328328328327327327327327326326 326326325325325325 325325325324324 324324 324323323323323323322322322321321321 321321321320320 3203 319319319 319 319319319327328328329329329326326326325324322322324Overhead UtilityLines (Typ.)Rip RapLands N/FKimberly A. Jones1484 / 393Lands N/FWest Ave Medical Realty, Inc.1344 / 375Concrete Walk100' Adjacent AreaNYS DEC WETLANDVALIDATION FWW-S-47OCT.12 2016NYS DEC WETLAND1ST FLOOR =PARKING/4,275 RETAIL SPACE BUILDING #1PARKING REQUIRED = 75TOTAL SITE PARKING REQUIRED =1122ND-4TH FLOOR =35-1,000 SF APARTMENTS=53 SPACESTrain sign=2,000 SF RESTAURANT/40 SEATS/4 EMPLOYEE=12 SPACES =2,275 RETAIL/4EMPLOYEE=10 SPACES1ST FLOOR =PARKING / 1,150 SF RETAIL SPACEBUILDING #2PARKING REQUIRED = 37TOTAL SITE PARKING REQUIRED =1122ND-4TH FLOOR =21-998 SF APARTMENTS=32 SPACES WITH 2 EMPLOYEE=5 SPACESTOTAL SITE PARKING PROVIDE =100TOTAL SITE PARKING PROVIDE =1001ST FLOOR FOOTPRINT = 7,580 SF 2ND - 4TH FLOOR AREA PER FLOOR =8,740 SF SWMA1ST FLOOR FOOTPRINT = 12,816 SF 2ND - 4TH FLOOR AREA PER FLOOR =14,597 SF E N G I N E E R I N GWEST AVE SITE PLANWEST AVE, CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK7 HEMPHILL PLACE, SUITE 230MALTA, NY 12020(518) 899-5243CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS * S A R A T O G A C O U N T Y * N E W Y O R KFADEN - WEST AVESPECIAL USE PERMITFADEN - WEST AVESPECIAL USE PERMITPARCEL AREA1.99± ACRESTAX PARCEL I.D.165-2-76.2EXISTING ZONING TRANSECT ZONE 5 NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE (T-5)MINIMUM BUILDING SETBACKSFRONT SETBACK: 0-12FTSIDE SETBACK: 0FTREAR SETBACK: 0FTBUILDING HEIGHT: 2-STORY MIN/50 FT MAXFRONTAGE BUILD OUT: 70% MINREQUIRED PARKINGBUILDING #1RETAIL (2,275 SF)1 PER 300 SF PLUS 1 PER 2 EMPLOYEES2,275 SF / 4 EMPLOYEES=10 REQUIREDRESTAURANT (2,000 SF)1 PER 4 SEATS PLUS 1 PER 2 EMPLOYEES40 SEATS / 4 EMPLOYEES=12 REQUIREDRESIDENTIAL1.5 PER UNIT35 UNITS=53 STALLSBUILDING #2RETAIL1 PER 300 SF PLUS 1 PER 2 EMPLOYEES1,150 SF / 2 EMPLOYEES=5 REQUIREDRESIDENTIAL1.5 PER UNIT21 UNITS=32 STALLSTOTAL=112 STALLS REQUIRED=100 STALLS PROVIDED (10.7% SHARED PARKING (<30%) PER SECTION 6.2.5 CODE)SITE COVERAGE STATISTICS BUILDING COVERAGE = 20,396SF = 23.5%GREENSPACE - 38,216 SF = 43.7%PAVED/PARKING - 32,480 SF = 32.8%USES PERMITTEDALL USES PERMITTED WITH A SPECIAL USE PERMIT ANDSITE PLAN APPROVALSITE STATISTICSBUILDING 1 STATS BUILDING 2 STATS