2631 ROCKEFELLER AVE 2018-01-02 MF Import

TO Lloyd HenninA CU FROM Celia Strong DATE February 15, 1979 SUBJECT Jamie Johnson Driveway on Everett Avenue at,Rockefallerl_:i-"rTT wnsiiu.GIc In response to Memo from RMC to %EH/MCH; I would like to raise these points: First, the Code does not call for the Traffic Engineer to make the "reasonable access" determination. The specific authority is given to the City Engineer and by; ascription and delegation, that authority is clearly mine. Recognizing my limitations, there are occasions when I ask for a recommendation from the Construction Engineer to determine if "reasonable" access is physically available. To date, I have not asked for or needed a recommendation from the Traffic Engineer as to the "reasonableness" of access. On the other hand, the Traffic Engineer's expert advice is often requested on whether or not access is truly desirable from any given location. Jamie Johnson's preliminary site plan is such a case. J.J's site plan called for access to an alley and to Everett Avenue at Rockefeller. The Traffic Engineer was asked to review the plan. Specifically, his recommendation was: Access shall not be allowed on Rockefeller; is not desirable on Everett Avenue; and the preferred access point is the alley. The T.E're ommendation did not appear to be inappropriate based on the nrrn signal proro gram system, left turn pocket, the arterial nature of Everett Ave, parking problem on Rockefel_er, distance from intersection, etc. Using t' recommendation and my knowledge of City Code, the attached letter v:s sent to J.J. stating that access would be allowed from the alley only. I now am told by memo that the Traffic Engineer intends to recommend approval and it even appears that he desires to actually approve the permit for access to Everett Ave. City Code gives the authority for approving access to streets in cases like J.J's to Council. There are some good arguments to pursue an amendment to Code, and even better arguments to not pursue an amendment. Anyhow, at this time,access to Everett Ave, is Council's decision. There is absolutely no argument that alley access is not "reasonably" available to this site; in fact, the site plan calls tor aiiey auuenn a• - •• ------ The term "reasonable" is my decision to determine; with your approval, of course. If there are questions in uniform application of the Code, please see attached sheet describing the criteria that is being applied. Yesterday, I talked to J.J. and explained that a council agenda item would be prepared for the variance request after we received a formal request for access to Everett Avenue. J.J. is neither particularly surprised nor is he unhappy. The precedence of a driveway on an arterial like Everett Avenue without Council approval, in my opinion, is not desirable. If you want to issue the damn permit, go ahead! But, then please find somebody else to do this job because I don't want it.