roosevelt school sub-area traffic planning study draft

8/11/2019 Roosevelt School sub-area traffic planning study draft

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Roosevelt Middle School Sub-AreaTraffic Planning Study

Draft for Discussion

River Forest, Illinois

August 15, 2014

Bill Grieve and Amanda Larson


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GEWALTHAMILTONASSOCIATES, INC. Page 1

TRAFFICPLANNINGPROJECTBRIEFDRAFT FORDISCUSSION

Roosevelt Middle School Sub-AreaTraffic and Parking StudyRiver Forest, Illinois

Introductory Remarks

The Village of River Forests 2003 Comprehensive Plan suggested a more detailed parking study and plan beprepared for the area surrounding the library, Roosevelt School, and Centennial Park. To this end, G EWALTHAMILTONASSOCIATES, INC. (GHA) has been retained by the Village of River Forest to conduct a parking and trafficstudy for the Roosevelt School sub-area.

There has already been a wealth of traffic studies conducted and alternative site plans prepared for RooseveltSchool (School District 90) by TADI, Terra Engineering, and Engberg Anderson, Inc. Our assignment was not torecreate those efforts, but test them for pertinence and augment them with our own data, observations, analyses,and thoughts. For example, it became quite clear at a stakeholders meeting held in May 2014 that traffic,

pedestrian, and parking concerns were not just limited to Roosevelt School and their busy arrival and dismissaltimes. Rather, the entire sub-area has these same concerns evident throughout the day on both weekdays andoccasionally on weekends, including:

Roosevelt School has 625 students and about 90 faculty and staff. The first bell is at 8:20 AM, thereis additional activity midday, and the last bell after homeroom is at 3:20 PM. There are varioussporting and evening events scheduled throughout the year, such as Park District basketball games.

The library, which has 173,000 visits a year and up to 10 employees at any one time, is open from9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday, and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM onSunday. Many Roosevelt School students go to the library after dismissal to await being picked up.

The River Forest Tennis Club, which has 450 members, opens at 6:30 AM each day from May to mid-October, with league play on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Their pool is quite busy during thesummer, with swim meets some weeknights bringing additional people to the club. And there aremany special events, such as dinners and tournaments that generate considerable traffic particularlyon the weekends.

The River Forest Park District uses Centennial Park for both leagues and team practices mostmonths of the year, with their busiest times on weekends.


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Roosevelt School Sub-Area Traffic Planning StudyRiver Forest, Illinois


GHA conducted traffic and pedestrian counts on Thursday, May 1, 2014 during the weekday morning arrival

(7:00-9:00 AM), afternoon school dismissal (2:30-4:00 PM), and evening peak periods (4:00-6:00 PM). The peak

hours (seeExhibit 3) occurred:

Weekday morning 7:30 to 8:30 AM coincides with both school arrival and adjacent street peak traffic

Weekday afternoon 3:00 to 4:00 PM coincides with school dismissal traffic

Weekday evening 4:45 to 5:45 PM coincides with adjacent street peak traffic

Intersection analyses were conducted to test the existing operations, using the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM)

software. The parameters and results are summarized inExhibit 4. As can be seen, the intersection delays and

resulting Level of Service (LOS) are all within the design limits of LOS C, with one exception. Southbound

traffic on Jackson Avenue at Chicago Avenue has difficulty finding gaps in through traffic during the morning peak

hour, which is common for two-way Stop controlled intersections with a busy street. Thus, it can be concluded that

congestion in the Roosevelt School sub-area is primarily created by the concentrated peaking characteristics of

the arrival and dismissal periods, which do not last an entire hour.

Question #3: What are the current parking characteristics?

GHA conducted parking demand surveys on the block faces that primarily serve Roosevelt School and the library

on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 from 7:00-9:00 AM and from 2:30-3:45 PM. Parking usage was not surveyed on

Chicago Avenue, as Centennial Park activity is busiest on weekends during scheduled games and occasionally

on weekday evenings for team practices.Exhibit 5illustrates the parking survey locations andExhibit 6the

results. As can be seen:

The lots on Lathrop Avenue were basically full throughout the day.

Parking on the west side of Jackson Avenue was busiest during weekday afternoon school dismissal.

Parking on the south side of Oak Avenue was also busiest during weekday afternoon school dismissal.

Parking on the west side of Lathrop Avenue was also busiest during weekday afternoon school dismissal.

The overall parking demand at 2:30 PM, when 109 of the 143 (or 76%) of the off-street and on-street

parking spaces were filled. Eliminating the available parking on the east side of Jackson for primary use

by the adjacent homeowners and relocating those vehicles to the other facilities results in a peak parking

demand of 109 of 116 spaces (or 94%).

Part B. Study Area Observations and Village Survey Findings

Question #4: What information on study area operations did GHA observations yield?

GHA also observed operations throughout the study area to augment the traffic and pedestrian count data. A full

set of comments are listed inExhibit 7. Briefly summarizing:


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The most congestion occurred during the weekday school dismissal peak, as parents queued up waiting

for their student(s). The Oak Avenue / Jackson Avenue intersection was particularly busy, with cars

queued up in the student pick-up / drop-off zone on the west side of Jackson along the school, cars

parked to the south and east of the school, students crossing the intersection, and an ice cream truck

parked immediately south of Oak on Jackson.

Many parents used the north parking lot on Lathrop Avenue that serves both the library and school as

their preferred location to drop their student(s) off in the morning. And in the afternoon, some cars entered

the lot only to find it full, so they had to make additional maneuvers to exit.

The Chicago Avenue / Lathrop Avenue intersection had the highest traffic volume during all three peak

hours, but pedestrian activity was quite low, even though there are pedestrian heads provided on the

traffic signals and a crossing guard to assist in crossing the street.

The Oak Avenue / Lathrop Avenue intersection had the most pedestrian activity during the school arrival

and dismissal periods.

The posted guards did an excellent job making sure students crossed the intersections safely and even

directing traffic on occasion.

Question #5: What were the results of the Villages survey on study area traffic and parking concerns that was

available on the River Forest web-site and at Village Hall?

The Villages survey results echoed many of the GHA observations. Below summarizes many of the themes

residents offered in the surveys and the actual 200+ responses are provided for reference in Appendix B. The

Village survey results were very similar to the GHA observations (see Exhibit 7):

Most congestion occurs during school arrival and dismissal. The area is avoided by residents during this

time if they do not need to be there. It also occurs during the few night events that occur at the school

throughout the year.

Jackson Avenue is too narrow to handle cars parked on both sides and two lanes of traffic during non-

school times.

Many vehicles speed through the area or disobey signage causing a safety concern for pedestrians.

There are not enough parking spaces for use by the library, school, tennis club, and Centennial Park.

Speeds of traffic, congestion, lack of respect for signage in the surrounding area are big problems.

Parking when school is in session is challenging for the area, especially for library patrons.

This is an urban area; residents should not expect to park right in front of the door and should be willing to

walk a block or two to their destination. Off-street parking is more important than on-street parking.

Parkway areas could be made smaller to allow more parking for all uses. Especially on the south side of

Oak Street since the Ash trees are marked for removal.


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Part C. Recommendations

Question #6: What improvements would best help promote safe and efficient traffic operations and pedestrian

mobility in the study area?

Exhibit 8highlights the traffic and parking recommendations for Roosevelt Middle School and the Library. The

plan draws from previous studies conducted by TADI and Engberg Anderson, Inc. and alternates prepared by

Terra, as well as input from the Villages survey and GHAs independent data collection efforts, observations, and

analyses. The components of our recommended traffic and parking plans are summarized as follows.

Chicago Avenue from Lathrop Avenue to Jackson Avenue

Restripe parking markings on south side.

Stripe continental or zebra crosswalks on all four approaches at Jackson Avenue.

Lathrop Avenue from Chicago Avenue to Quick Avenue Convert 3 of the 2-hour spaces in east side parking cutout to 30-minutes for quick library trips.

Reconfigure southern two parking lots along east side of Lathrop to provide a one-way northbound lane

and 18 parking spaces for use by school visitors and staff during school hours, then library patrons and

staff weekday evenings and on weekends. This is an example of excellent access management strategy,

as the center on Lathrop would be eliminated, thus reducing potential vehicle / pedestrian conflicts.

Maintain a minimum of 18 spaces in the north parking lot, as well as the dimensions to assist vehicles that

have to turn around should there not be any spaces available. The north lot spaces would be used by

both school and library visitors and patrons, but staff should be encouraged to park elsewhere.

No Left Turn should be posted for vehicles exiting the north lot drive during school hours to minimizepotential congestion along Lathrop, especially during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.

Stripe zebra crosswalks on all approaches at Oak Avenue to emphasize the area where students and

other pedestrians should walk.

Stripe a continental crosswalk on the east side of Lathrop at Quick Avenue.

Quick Avenue from Lathrop Avenue to Jackson Avenue

Stripe continental crosswalks on the east sides of Jackson.

Replace temporary Do Not Enter sign facing east on Quick at Lathrop with the day(s) and hours of one-

way westbound traffic related to Church activity.

River Forest Tennis Club

Coordinate with the library and Roosevelt School to allow staff to park during non-peak tennis club

periods, perhaps the northernmost 15 spaces in their off-street parking lot.

Jackson Avenue from Quick Avenue to Oak Avenue

No changes in current operations recommended.


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Jackson Avenue @ Oak Avenue

Stripe zebra crosswalks on all approaches at Oak Avenue to emphasize the area where students and

other pedestrians should walk.

Prohibit parking for about 60 feet on both sides of Jackson Avenue south of Oak Avenue on school days

during school hours (7:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to promote better visibility and safer operations for pedestrians

and vehicles, especially during arrival and dismissal.

Oak Avenue from Lathrop Avenue to Jackson Avenue

Maintain one-way westbound traffic on Oak during school hours from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Construct 36 perpendicular parking spaces on the south side of Oak that would be reserved for Roosevelt

School staff during school hours, so as to eliminate turnover during student arrival and dismissal periods.

These spaces could then be used by library staff and visitors and tennis club staff and patrons outside

school hours on weekdays and on weekends. The perpendicular parking would not have an adverse

impact on the parkway, as two Ash trees have already been cut down and the others are expected to also

be cut down. Permanently eliminate all parallel parking spaces on both sides of Oak at all times to provide adequate

turning radii into and out of the new perpendicular spaces on the south side.

Maintain the semi-circle drive for use by special needs vehicles.

Jackson Avenue from Chicago Avenue to Oak Avenue

Maintain one-way southbound traffic flow during school hours from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Create a parking cutout on the west side of Jackson along with a wider carriage walk to assist students

getting in and out of vehicles. The cutout will also create a bypass lane for the rather narrow pavement

section on Jackson. The northern portion should be used by school and library staff during school hours.

It appears that 18 parking spaces could be provided. The south portion of the cutout, about 250 feet north

of Oak Avenue, would be identified for student drop-off and pick-up during the morning arrival (7:00-8:30

AM) and afternoon dismissal (2:30-4:00 PM) periods. The remainder of the day, the cutout area could be

used by library and school visitors, which could add 22 parking spaces.

Question #7: What would the resulting parking situation be, with all of the recommended changes in supply and

user group allocation?

Exhibit 9summarizes the existing and future parking allocation by parking zone location and the two primary user

groups, Roosevelt School and the library. If all of the recommendations are implemented, there will be 10additional spaces available during school hours for a total of 146 spaces, when the overall parking demand is

highest.

Roosevelt School would require 46 spaces (per Village calculations) and the library would require 70 spaces (per

Endberg Anderson, Inc. May 28, 2014 report) for a total of 116 parking spaces. If the available parking on the east

side of Jackson between Chicago Avenue and Oak Street are subtracted from the supply, there would still be 119

parking spaces available to meet the combined code requirement of the school and library.


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As mentioned, the other uses in the Roosevelt School sub-area, Centennial Park, the River Forest Tennis Club,

and the First Presbyterian Church tend to have their busiest times outside weekday school hours. The spaces in

the cutout on Jackson Avenue and the perpendicular spaces on the south side of Oak Avenue would be

convenient to also accommodate their parking needs.

Based on the above discussion, other than perhaps during a peak special event, such as student-teacher night, it

can be concluded that the visitor and staff needs for both the school and library could be readily met without the

need to park in front of homes along the east side of Jackson Avenue or Oak Avenue and Quick Avenue in the

secondary study area.

Question #8: What traffic and parking improvements in the study area are not feasible and/or impractical?

Various suggestions for traffic flow and parking have been offered that probably shouldnt be considered for a

variety of reasons, including:

Oak Avenue operations should not be converted permanently to one-way westbound. Oak Avenue

provides an important east-west link throughout the Village that tends to collect neighborhood traffic and

distribute it to the busier Lake Street on the south and Chicago Avenue on the north and thus, should be

maintained as two-way after school hours.

Oak Avenue should not be converted to one-way eastbound, as it would disrupt school operations during

the important arrival and dismissal periods by having the passenger side of vehicles on the wrong side of

Oak for student drop-off and pick-up.

Quick Avenue should not be made a one-way eastbound street between Jackson Avenue and Lathrop

Avenue, perhaps as a potential one-way couplet with Oak Avenue, if it were permanently converted toone-way westbound. And Quick Avenue is currently posted for one-way westbound Sunday mornings

from Jackson Avenue to Lathrop Avenue, so that cars can park on both sides of the street for First

Presbyterian Church services.

The existing play area on the east side of Roosevelt School should remain. Relocating the play area on

the west side of the school is not recommended, as it would conflict with school entrance and library

operations, as well as reduce the off-street parking supply that serves both uses.

Angled parking should not be provided in the parkway or on the school property on the north side of Oak

Avenue. The north side is important for student drop-off in the morning and pick-up in the afternoon.

Locating parking on the north side would create unnecessary congestion and decrease student visibility. Additional on-street parking cut-outs should not be considered on the east side of Lathrop Avenue.

Lathrop has busy traffic many hours of the day and parking maneuvers would create unnecessary

congestion, especially during the morning arrival and afternoon dismissal periods.

Additional on-street parking cut-outs should not be considered on the west side of Jackson Avenue south

of Oak Street. These spaces would probably not be regularly used by library or school staff, as the

walking distance could be too long, especially during inclement weather.


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Technical Addendum

The followingExhibitsandAppendiceswere previously referenced. They provide technical support for our

observations, findings, and recommendations discussed in the text.

Exhibits1. Study Area Limits2. Current Traffic Operations3. Existing Traffic4. Intersection Capacity Analyses5. Parking Count Locations6. Parking Count Data7. GHA Study Area Observations8. Traffic and Parking Recommendations9. Recommended Parking Allocation

AppendicesA. Photo InventoryB. Village Traffic and Parking Survey Results


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TECHNICALADDENDUM


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CHICAGO AVE

OAK AVE

QUICK AVE

LATHROPAVE

JACKSON

AV

E


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Exhibit 4

Intersection Capacity AnalysesRoosevelt Middle School Sub Area Study

P a r t A . P a r a m e ter s - Ty p e o f T r a ff i c C o n tr o l (Source: 2010 Highw ay Capacity Manual)

I. Traffic Signals II. Stop Sign

LOS Delay (sec / veh) Description LOS Delay (sec / veh)

All signal phases clear waiting vehicles without delay A 10

Minimal delay experienced on select signal phases B >10 and 15

Some delay experienced on several phases; often used as design criteria C >15 and

25Usually considered as the acceptable delay standard D >25 and 35

Very long delays experienced during the peak hours E >35 and 50

Unacceptable delays experienced throughout the peak hours F >50

P a r t B . R e s u l ts LOS Per Movement Group By Approach> = Shared Lane

- = Non Critical or not Allowed Movement

TRT - Shared Through/Right lane (with an additonal Through

lane)

Delay

(sec / veh) LOS

1. Chicago Ave @ Lathrop Ave Traffic Signal LT TH R T LT TH R T LT TH R T LT TH R T Intersection Delay

A. Weekday Morning Peak Hour

Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current B B < B B < C C < C C < 18.7 B

B. School Dismissal

Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current D B < B B < C C < C C < 19.3 B

C. Weekday Evening Peak Hour

Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current D B < C B < C C < C C < 20.3 C

2. Chicago Ave @ Jackson Ave TWSC - NB/SB Stops L T TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT SB Approach Delay


Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current > A < > A < - - - > E < 38.7 E

B. School Dismissal

Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current > A < > A < - - - > C < 24.5 C


Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current > A < > A < > C < > C < 24.8 C

3. Oak St @ Lathrop Ave AWSC LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT Intersection Delay


Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current > B < > C < > C < > C < 15.0 B

B. School Dismissal

Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current > B < > B < > B < > B < 12.0 B


Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current > B < > C < > B < > C < 17.0 C

4. Oak St @ Jackson Ave AWSC LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT Intersection Delay


Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current > A < > A < > A < > A < 8.6 A

B. School Dismissal




A 10

B >10 and 20

C >20 and 35D >35 and 55

E >55 and 80

F >80

Roadway

ConditionsIntersection /

Approach

Eastbound Westbound Northbound Southbound


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5. Quick St @ Jackson Ave TWSC - EB/WB Stops LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT EB Approach Delay


Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current > B < > A < > A < > A < 10.4 B

B. School Dismissal




6. Ouick St @ Lathrop Ave TWSC - EB/WB Stops LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RTWB Approach

Delay


Existing Traffic (See Exhibit 3 ) Current - - - > B < - - - > A - 14.0 B

B. School Dismissal





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Roosevelt Middle SchoolRiver Forest, Illinois

Exhibit

Parking Zones

C

A

B

G

FE

D

H

QUICK AVE

OAK AVE

LATHR

OP

AVE

JACKSON

AVE

CHICAGO AVE


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7:00AM

7:15AM

7:30AM

7:45AM

8:00AM

8:15AM

8:30AM

8:45AM

9:00AM

2:30PM

2:45PM

3:00PM

3:15PM

3:30PM

3:45PM

R egul ar 3 5 2 - 5 - 22 - 35 - 33 34 - 33 - - 15

ADA 1 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 1 - 0 - - 0

Re gu la r 8 0 - 2 - 5 - 6 - 6 7 - 7 - - 2

ADA 2 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 1 - 1 - - 1

R egul ar 1 6 0 - 6 - 11 - 1 2 - 1 5 10 - 9 - - 4

30-min

Visitor 4 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 3 1 - 1 - - 2

Re gu la r 6 0 - 2 - 3 - 5 - 5 5 - 5 - - 2

ADA 1 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 0 - 0 - - 1

E Parking on west side of

Lathrop R egul ar 1 0 0 - 3 - 5 - 7 - 9 9 - 8 - - 3

F Parking on east side of

Jackson R egul ar 2 7 - 3 - 5 12 15 15 16 16 22 20 19 16 4 -

G Parking on west side of

Jackson R egul ar 1 9 - 0 - 0 0 0 1 1 2 5 5 5 19 14 -

H Parking on south side of Oak Regular 14 - - - 1 1 9 1 0 10 - 14 12 11 10 4 -

Totals 143 2 3 18 6 59 24 92 27 89 109 37 99 45 22 30

Combined Percent Occupied 1% 2% 13% 4% 41% 17% 64% 1 9% 6 2% 76% 26% 6 9% 3 1% 1 5% 21%

Key

100%-85% Occupied

85%-60% Occupied

Below 60% Occupied

Parking Zone

See

Exhibit 5

for Map

Occupied Spaces

Exhibit 6 - Parking Counts

Roosevelt Middle School

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM

May 20, 2014

Parking Zone Description

ParkingSupply

A Lot between School and

Library

ParkingType

B S ma ll L ot o n L ath ro p ( so uth )

C Sm al l L ot o n L at hr op (n or th )

D Parking in front of Library

(2 hour limit)


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Street Time Observation

Jackson AM On the west side of Jackson cars are mainly dropping off mid block adjacent to the playground

Jackson AM Side door of the school (#13) is locked until 8:20 but teachers are let in prior to that

Jackson AM Staffing begins at 8 am keeping watch over the playground

Jackson AM Mostly middle school age kids on the playground and can get rowdy

Jackson AM

"Road Rage" observed during peak drop-off times. Parents creating a middle "through" lane between parked cars

(east) and unloaders (west)

Jackson AMOften a car will swerve around the unloader to move toward Oak Street and sometimes unloader pulls away at sametime

Jackson AM Never saw unloading except at the west curb

Jackson AM 9am: Block south of Oak on Jackson with only 3 cars parked (2-way street with parking allowed on both sides)

Lathrop Lots Midday 50% of cars from North and 50% from South

Lathrop/Oak Dismissal Buses traveling south on Lathrop (to other schools) at 2:35pm, 2:50pm

Oak AM At 7:15 3 cars parked on east side of Jackson.

Oak AM Students started gathering at Oak entrance at 7:50am. 7:58 all were allowed to enter.

Oak AM Drop off is fairly efficient but drivers need to watch for each other to avoid accidents on Oak.

Oak AM 7:58 - 6 cars in queue to drop off. 8:10 doors locked.

Oak AM 8:06 - traffic backed up from Lathrop to Jackson.

Oak AM Parents driving too fast. Everyone in a rush.

Oak AM After dropping students off many cut in front of through traffic on Oak.

Oak AM Space is extremely narrow for cars to fit through on Oak when both sides of the street are full.

Oak AM One small bus dropped a student in front of the Oak entrance at 8:20.

Oak AM 8:20 all doors opened for students to enter.

Oak AM From 8:16-8:30 it was too busy to count both the cars and the walkers.

School Grounds AM AM bell rings @ 8:22, doors lock @ 8:30-students arriving after 8:30 must go to office

School Grounds AM Teachers start to arrive @ 7 am and park in lots on Lathrop

School Grounds AM 1 teacher bikes to school, 1 teacher dropped off in lib/school lot

School Grounds AM Lathrop posted @ library/school lot) arrive@ 7:45 am leave 8:45-9:00 am, 2:45 pm leave 3:45-4 pm

School Grounds Students from 3 schools (Roosevelt, St Lukes and Lincoln) use this route

School Grounds AM 7:40 am band/orchestra students start to arrive, also kids coming for extra academic

Exhibit 7: Observation Summary

Roosevelt School Sub-Area

May 20, 2014

Drop Off Activity


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Oak/Jackson Dismissal

Crossing guard politely asked a parent to move -- she was waiting to pick up and completely blocking the crosswalk on

the south side of Oak.

Oak/Jackson Dismissal Traffic back ups were worse in the afternoon than the morning. Most activity happens between 3:20 and 3:30.


Traffic situation at corner was made more dangerous by parents driving and talking on cell phones and not paying

attention.


Witnessed bad situation between a parent and ice cream truck driver at 3:15. Truck driver asked parent to move from

corner spot and she was outraged.

Oak/Jackson Dismissal At 3:21 a small school bus double parked on Oak to pick up a student, causing a back up.

Oak/Jackson Dismissal At 3:23 - 8 cars in queue to cross Lathrop at Oak. Same number in quecue on southbound Jackson at Oak stop sign.Oak/Jackson Dismissal 3:36 was the worst queue southbound on Jackson at Oak stop sign- 13 cars.


At 4:01 one car headed northbound on Jackson (start of two-way traffic). Did not observe any cars heading eastbound

on Oak at that time.

School Grounds PM Cars backed up southbound Lathrop from library to Oak @3:23 pm, and then Chicago to Oak @ 3:26, 3:28, 3:30 pm

School Grounds AM, PM Back-up also occurs when southbound cars turn left into library/school lot in morning and afternoon

School Grounds PM Parents start to pick up and some teachers leave @ 2:30

School Grounds PM A few parents pick-up on the West side of Lathrop

School Grounds PM School is open to kids until 4 pm and some teachers are still at school after 5 pm

Pick Up Activity


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Jackson AM Parkers on the east side of Jackson is mainly by teachers using entrance #13

Jackson AM There is a sign on the west side "Student Loading Zone. No Parking During School Hours"

Jackson AM Parking is allowed on the west side north of the sign

Jackson AM No parking restrictions on the east side

Lathrop Lots Midday Jimmy Johns delivery at 11:05 to school (double parked for 2 min)

Lathrop Lots Midday 1 food delivery on bicycle

Lathrop Lots Midday 12:35 - 1 school district truck pulled in and double parked in front of entrance for 5 min

Lathrop Lots Midday Observed 4 parents parked in the south lot along Lathrop and walked to school to pick up child (11:15-12:30)

Lathrop Lots Midday Observed 1 library patron parking in south lot along Lathrop (12:10)

Lathrop Lots Midday Observed 1 red Ford wagon ZOOM into north lot, threw lunch at child waiting at door and sped away!Lathrop Lots Midday Estimate reasons for coming into lot: 20% bringing lunch, 60% picking up child, 20% other (parent volunteers?)

Lathrop/Oak Dismissal Nothing happening from 230-3:05pm, no queues at stop signs

School Grounds AM Tight turns into all lots on Lathrop, visibility poor, the crossing guard is necessary at lib/school lot drive

School Grounds Midday Lunch bell 11:21 am 12:20 pm lunch over, 11 am parents arrive to drop off

School Grounds lunches, take kids to appointments or lunch, Jimmy Johns delivers 3x on 5/20/2014

School Grounds AM Tennis players parked along Oak before 7am

School Grounds AM Some Wednesdays there are district meetings and the library/school lot fills early morning

School Grounds All

Library/School lot on Lathrop (also office entrance)-Library patrons pull in lot to drop off books before and after

school and all day parking wherever they can, special needs and kids with injuries are dropped off and picked up here

and sometimes parents park and walk the student into the building, cars end up making 3 pt turn to exit lot, the

entrance to the office is blocked by cones so that cars cant pull in there and turn around for pedestrian safety, cars

enter this lot from the north and south slightly more from the south, upperclassmen exit the office door to walk or be

picked up in lot but mostly to run across lot to the library where some kids do homework or hangout inside and

outside to be picked up later lots of kids!(some parents pull up in front of library and lay on the horn until student

comes}, except for kids running in the lot and parents and teachers trying to drive out of the library it is a wonderful

school location

School Grounds All There is activity all day in the lots on Lathrop

School Grounds AM

Library opens @ 9 am, library employees are told to park on Jackson but sometimes park in the lot, 1 student uses

bike racks in front of library, some library patrons turn around in the middle of Lathrop from spots in front of the

library

School Grounds PM Ice Cream Truck parked @ Jackson and Oak after school in warm weather

Parking Activity


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Jackson AM Crossing guard at Jackson and Oak starts at 7:40 am

Jackson AM Lots of bikers and walkers from the north to the playground

Jackson AM 9am: kids at gym class doing timed sprints on the sidewalk along Jackson

Lathrop/Oak Dismissal 3:00pm - several teachers exit door #3 on west side of building, walking south to cars parked on Lathrop south of Oak

Lathrop/Oak Dismissal 3:05pm - crossing guard

Oak AM Crossing guard at Jackson and Oak is a great help to students walking and biking.

Oak AM Walkers seemed to be coming from the east and west equally. 107 bikers.


Crossing guard worked at Oak & Jackson 2:50-3:50 pm. His services are greatly needed! After 3:20pm corner was

extremely busy and dangerous.


Ice cream truck parked at southwest corner of Oak and Jackson, causing many students to cross Oak and then cross

back to school grounds.


Half of walkers apperared to be heading east from Oak school exit and half were heading west. Too much activity to

get count of walkers.


16 bikes out of the 107 parked at 2:45 were still there at 4pm. 10 students were still hanging on school property near

the swing set at that time.

School Grounds AM 5 Crossing Guards (4 @ intersections surrounding school and 1 mid- block

School Grounds AM All crossing guards seem very invested in the safety of the students

School Grounds AM, PM

Guards @ all corners say some cars dont want to stop for kids and have a hard time with parents dropping kids @

intersections, some students on Chicago dont wait for the guard to get to them to cross them and some cars keep

going not letting students enter the intersection

School Grounds All Crosswalk signs up @ Chicago and Jackson before 7 am and still up after 5 pm

School Grounds All Gym classes are held in the field @ Chicago and Jackson weather permitting

Pedestrian Activity


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P a r t A . D u r i n g S c h o o l H o u r s

School

Libray

School

Libray

Comments

A Lot between School

and Library 36 24 12 18 7 11

Spaces on north side of building marked fo

school use only.

B & C Small Lots on

Lathrop 30 30 0 18 18 0

D Parking on east side

of Lathrop 7 0 7 7 0 7

E

Parking on west

side of Lathrop 10 2 8 10 2 8 Some school visitors park on Lathrop

F Parking on east side

of Jackson 27 27 0 27 27 0 Also used by residents.

G Parking on west

side of Jackson 12 12 0 30 21 9

South portion currently reserved during

school hours for student pick-up /drop-off

H Parking on Oak 14 14 0 36 36 0 Parking prohibitted on north side duirng

school hours

Totals = 136 109 27 146 111 35

P ar t B . A f t e r Sc h o o l H o u r s

School

Libray

School

Libray

Comments

A Lot between School

and Library 36 0 36 18 0 18

B & C Small Lots on

Lathrop 30 0 30 18 0 18

D Parking on east side

of Lathrop

7 0 7 7 0 7

E Parking on west

side of Lathrop 10 0 10 10 0 10

F Parking on east side

of Jackson 27 0 27 27 0 27 Also used by residents and Centennial Par

G Parking on west

side of Jackson 30 0 30 30 0 30

Parking allowed entire west side after scho

Also used by Centennial Park

H Parking on Oak 24 0 24 36 0 36 Parking allowed on north side after school.

Also used by Tennis Club

Totals = 164 0 164 146 0 146

Exhibit 9

Allocation Allocation

FuturePar

king

SupplyParking Zone

see Exhibit 5 for

Map)

Parking Zone

Description

ExistingPa

rking

Supply

Parking Allocation SummaryRoosevelt School Sub-Area Study; River Forest, IL.

Allocation

Parking Zone

see Exhibit 5 for

Map)

Parking Zone

DescriptionExisting

ParkingSupply Allocation

FutureParking

Supply


24/193

APPENDICES


25/193

APPENDIXA

PHOTO INVENTORY


26/193

Photo InventoryPage 1 | 7

Drop off on Oak Street Queue on south side of Oak for drop off

Drop-off Queue on Oak and Jackson Signage on Oak Street


27/193


Jackson Ave after AM drop-off Oak Street after AM drop off

107 parked bikes South parking lot on Lathrop


28/193


School Entrance on Lathrop South side of the middle parking lot on Lathrop

North side of the middle lot on Lathrop North lot on Lathrop looking towards school main entrance


29/193


North lot on Lathrop looking toward the Library Street parking on Lathrop in front of the Library

Signage on northbound Lathrop Signage on eastbound Oak St


30/193


Ice Cream truck on Jackson at Oak School Entrance (#13) on Jackson

Looking at the north side of the school and east side of the Library Looking north at Lathrop and Chicago


31/193


Looking east on Quick towards Jackson Ave Looking north on Jackson towards Chicago

Signage on Jackson Ave Looking south at Jackson and Oak


32/193


Looking north at Jackson and Oak Street Looking west on Quick at Lathrop

Looking north along Jackson Looking north on Jackson at Oak St


33/193

APPENDIX B

TRAFFIC AND PARKING SURVEY RESULTS


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Page 2, Q2. What are your concerns regarding traffic and congestion in the primary area bounded by ChicagoAvenue, Lathrop Avenue, Jackson Avenue and Quick Avenue?

Please note:

Traffic is defined the movement of vehicles within the roadway.Congestion is defined as when the roadway or intersections ...

1 Drivers on Chicago Avenue and Lathrop speed, text while driving and refuse to

stop for pedestrians in the cross walks. The public library is but a 22 minutewalk from any home River Forest. A significant number of Roosevelt studentswalk and bike to school each day, as there is no bus service. Increasedenforcement for moving violations and permanent crosswalk markings areneeded. Cyclist have a difficult time maneuvering a safe distance from theparked cars on the narrow Jackson and Oak streets when cars are parked onboth sides of the street. There is very little congestion during the school day,outside of the "rush minute" of school pick-up and drop off. After 4 pm weekdayswhen the streets go from one-way to two-way, and on weekends, both Jacksonand Oak are too narrow to accommodate two-way traffic when cars are parkedon both sides of the street. A game of "chicken" ensues when cars meet, as onecar needs to back up in order for another to pass. As Lathrop has threeparking lots that are dead-end - cars pulling in, out and backing out of those lots

creates pedestrian hazards on the sidewalk and near misses and congestion onLathrop. The pedestrian signals on Chicago and Lathrop should be automatic,and not require a pedestrian (or child cyclist) to push the button. I have noconcerns about Quick as it is not heavily used and has no parking allowedexcept on Sundays.

Jun 16, 2014 9:40 PM

2 Traffic during school arrival and departure hours are a nightmare. Mostsurrounding streets are clogged and as a resident, I try to avoid this area. Iwould also suggest this area comes further west than just Lathrop.

Jun 16, 2014 3:35 PM

3 My comments are focused on parking - see No. 7 etc. Jun 16, 2014 3:27 PM

4 Based on routes I travel, Lathrop and Oak Ave (particularly between Jacksonand Lathrop) are highly congested at school dropoff and pickup times There areno areas next to the school for easy and safe drop-off. Our workaround, whichworks reasonably well for us except in inclement weather, is to drop off andpickup on Oak Ave between Lathrop and Ashland where the child can then usethe crossing guard at Lathrop and Oak to cross safely and not have to walkoverly far.

Jun 16, 2014 2:44 PM

5 Terrible congestion on Jackson during the school day. Reportedly unsafeconditions at corners and of Jackson and Oak. Have witnessed Oak Street fullyloaded during summer months, especially tennis club events. This congestion isalready bad enough -- removing off street parking from D90 will only make itworse.

Jun 16, 2014 11:41 AM

6 Jackson Avenue (700 block) and Oak Avenue (between Jackson and Lathrop)

sometimes have cars parked on both sides of the street - depending upon thetime of day, day of the week, or the season. When this happens, it is difficult todrive down the street when traffic is two-way. The problem is alleviated duringschool hours on school days, when these 2 blocks are one-way. During thesummer (outside school hours and days), Oak Street has a problem. Sameproblem happens on Quick next to 1st Presbyterian Church on Sunday

Jun 16, 2014 11:39 AM


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mornings, at which time the block is one-way. If the Village is unwilling to

convert the 700 block of Jackson into one-way south or Oak Street to one-waywest 24/7, perhaps it could have a few No Parking yellow curbed areas wherepolite cars could pull to the side to let oncoming cars pass. There is congestionduring school drop-off and pick-up at Roosevelt, but it only lasts a few minutes. Ihave experienced the Oak Street congestion in particular and find that the trafficmoves relatively efficiently with rare exceptions. I do not favor any change instreet plans to correct the problem. People just have to be patient for about 15minutes.

7 TRAFFIC: Chicago - Very busy through thoroughfare for drivers from Westernsuburbs/city who are interested in getting through RF; in many instances, driversare unfamiliar with area/proximity to parks/school, etc. Light at Chicago/Lathropcauses unsafe acceleration in direct proximity to adjacent institutions. Jackson

- Residential street not designed (width) to bear the number of vehicles on theroad at certain periods of the day Oak - Very busy through thoroughfare for RFdrivers who are interested in getting around RF; though well publicized, schoolday access/limited access is confusing to some drivers, especially those fromoutside of RF (delivery trucks, cabs, service contractors, etc.) Lathrop - Verybusy through thoroughfare for drivers from Western suburbs/city who areinterested in getting through RF; in many instances, drivers are unfamiliar witharea/proximity to parks/school, etc. Light at Chicago/Lathrop causes unsafeacceleration in direct proximity to adjacent institutions. CONGESTION:Chicago - Major transit roadway; congested at multiple times throughout dayJackson - Non-major transit roadway being asked to serve in such capacityduring school drop off and pick-up Oak - ditto Lathrop - Major transit roadway;congested at multiple tiems throughout day

Jun 16, 2014 8:52 AM

8 Parking in the area of Chicago Avenue, Lathrop Avenue, Jackson Avenue andQuick Avenue (PRI District) is inadequate to meet the needs of the the threepublic bodies that are located in that area (District 90, Park District, and Library).And this a largely a year-round and all-day-long problem. Problem is madeworse by fact that only available off-street parking uses same ingress and egressand as configured is very difficult for cars to turn around and exit after finding thelot is full . Result is added congestion as many cars using surrounding streets forparking and as many cars struggle to turn around and exit (or worse, back intothe street) after entering a lot and finding it full.

Jun 16, 2014 6:44 AM

9 traffic is dangerously unsafe for students during the beginning and ending ofschoolschool hours

Jun 16, 2014 2:22 AM

10 Safety for all people using any of the facilities in the area being studied. Pleasedetermine how the library may have more public parking for patrons, knowmatter their age or time of day they want to go to the library.

Jun 15, 2014 11:59 PM

11 1) The traffic guard at Jackson and Oak is not a good one. He doesn't go into thestreet to help pedestrians cross the street or to direct traffic. He just stays on the

Jun 15, 2014 9:25 PM


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northwest corner of the intersection. Sometimes he talks to people while facing

away from the intersection. He is useless. 2) Some streets should either be oneway all the time or have parking on only one side of the street (examples wouldbe (a) Jackson between Chicago and Oak, (b) Oak between Monroe andJackson, (c) Oak between Lathrop and Ashland 3) When Jackson becomes 2way traffic after 4 PM on school days and when there are events going on ateither the school or the park district, the street is not wide enough toaccommodate cars parked on both sides of the street as well as 2 way traffic. Itis a game of chicken.

12 My concern is that this village survey of traffic and parking has only become a"village issue" because of the Roosevelt Exterior Project. In reality it has alwaysbeen an issue and the school isn't the only contributor to the congestion. Therehasn't and never will be enough parking to satisfy River Forest residents, we are

just plan land locked.

Jun 15, 2014 8:35 PM

13 Parking is next to impossible for the library during school hours. I now go only tothe library after school hours, on Saturday or Sunday. Please, please, don'trestrict parking in that area any more!!!

Jun 15, 2014 8:08 AM

14 Once the library parking lot has been taken there will be little to no parkingspace. Traffic will be horrible and congested.

Jun 12, 2014 5:57 PM

15 Congestion on the streets is greatest during "rush hours" which includes drop offtimes and pick up times for the children at school, after school activities andduring events. There is also more traffic in early morning and afternoon duringtypical rush hour times which drivers use Lathrop Ave. as a main thoroughfarefrom Madison to North Ave.

Jun 12, 2014 1:57 PM

16 No comment. Jun 12, 2014 10:42 AM

17 Oak St. Is impassable and very dangerous during the summer when the tennisclub us in full swing. Not only do the members park in the Roosevelt turn aroundbut they line the street on both sides rendering it virtually one way. Yet Oak isnot one way during the summer, so if you get stuck it can take a long time todrive that one block. I would rather see the street one way year round as itwould be safer. I hope the Roosevelt 'drive through' is not intended to be atennis club parking lot so it is available for school use only. In addition, theLathrop and Oak intersection is managed inefficiently when the crossing guard isworking. The entire intersection can become immobilized while one child iscrossed at a time. It would be much more efficient if the guard could cross

groups of students. Perhaps a traffic officer would help at that corner in themornings when large numbers of cars and children need to go through theintersection. Passing multiple cars opposite of the children crossing the streetmakes sense.

Jun 12, 2014 12:52 AM

18 During school year when children are arriving or leaving Roosevelt school, thereis a fair amount of traffic congestion. On voting days there is an increase in

Jun 11, 2014 5:51 PM


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traffic congestion. There is a shortage of parking spots in this vicinity, but taking

away the parking spots from the library would be detrimental to the librarypatrons. It is hard enough to get to the library and reducing the available parkingspots will only add to the congestion

19 none Jun 11, 2014 3:19 PM

20 I have no concerns Jun 11, 2014 3:01 PM

21 When school is in session, Oak Street between Jackson and Lathrop is one-waywest-bound and has parking restrictions. When school is not in session, thereare often cars parked up and down both sides of the street (probably for theTennis Club) and it is often difficult to navigate the street. Two-way traffic isoften not possible.

Jun 11, 2014 12:52 PM

22 Congestion during the hour when school begins and when it ends isconsiderable. The proposed closure of the north lot will push more traffic ontothe street, which is likely to be even less safe than the present configuration. Nostudent has ever been hurt in the north lot, but if all traffic is pushed out onto thestreet and children are running between cars to meet up with rides home, thesafety is likely to be compromised even further. Congestion will increase on allof the nearby streets.

Jun 11, 2014 12:25 PM

23 Oak Avenue is a nightmare after school. Vehicles park on both sides of thestreet which essentially creates a single lane. Visibility is reduced which causessafety concerns for pedestrians.

Jun 11, 2014 6:37 AM

24 The non-use of the Roosevelt turmaround. Turn that into social/rec/play areaand put in parking on the SE corner of the grounds where the current bike rackand play area exists. Tear out fencing and make one large complete parkingarea to the southwest corner of the school so there aren't so many exits-onemain one bby the library and cars filter south along the school...more spaces canbe added.

Jun 10, 2014 8:08 PM

25 This is often a congested area and I avoid it whenever possible. The only thingthat brings me to this area, generally, would be my use of the library.

Jun 10, 2014 4:35 PM

26 Parking and safety for the children. Jun 10, 2014 12:17 PM

27 This is a difficult area to drive in during the times when school starts and ends.Roosevelt needs a more effective way of discharging students to waiting cars.

Jun 10, 2014 11:31 AM

28 Too many parents driving children and crossing guards are not always efficientin moving traffic.,

Jun 10, 2014 10:59 AM

29 I know area will be congested when school lets out so I avoid it when I can. Jun 10, 2014 9:47 AM

30 Congestion that occurs when cars are parked on both sides of 600 and 700 Jun 10, 2014 8:46 AM


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blocks of Jackson as well as on Oak between Jackson and Lathrop - especially

when two way traffic is allowed on Oak and 700 Jackson is a problem. Theseproblems are compounded during school drop-off and pick up times and whenthere are after school events or RFTC events. If parking is allowed on bothsides of these streets, then traffic should run one-way. Getting in and out ofdriveway is an ongoing problem when cars are parked on both sides of Jacksonand is even worse with traffic running in both direction during those times.

31 Congestion on Oak and Lathrop both before and after school is overwhelming,particularly in winter months when most parents are trying to help their childrenin the cold weather.

Jun 10, 2014 8:22 AM

32 High traffic occurs in the mornings and afternoons when Roosevelt school starts/ends classes. Also in the evenings at times when there are events at the school

or tennis club during the summer. At those times I avoid driving thru Oak,Jackson or Lathrop.

Jun 9, 2014 10:13 PM

33 No concerns. Traffic and congestion only aggravated by school hoursspecifically drop-off pick and and the few special events. Busy school.......hightraffic times should be expected.

Jun 9, 2014 3:03 PM

34 Congestion during school starting and releasing times. Oak Avenue isparticularly clogged and dangerous because with the parked cars, there is onlyroom for one lane of traffic. Jackson Ave is a nightmare for cars wanting to exitout of the parking lot, cars and pedestrians.

Jun 8, 2014 5:31 PM

35 Congestion and Traffic concerns are as follows: 700 block of Jackson Ave andOak Street is the main drop off zone and flow through traffic zone for RooseveltSchool drop off and pick up. The issues are that the streets are narrower thanother streets in town to handle the amount of traffic and congestion not onlyduring the school year, but also during the summer when the Tennis Club use isin full swing, and in the spring summer and fall when the Park District fields areused. Also, during the year, the North Gym is used by the RFPD for sportsprograms. The amount of vehicular traffic in that particular area bound byJackson, Oak, Lathrop, and Chicago is particularly difficult to navigate duringthese busy times, but more so in the winter months when snow and ice make itmore difficult to use the curb to curb areas of the street. With on street parkingallowed on the east side of Jackson, on both sides after school hours when theone-way time expires, and the same for Oak street, make it virtually impossibleto navigate a through lane in the middle because of traffic flow both north andsouth at the same time. During drop off and pick up, parents and caregivers are

not very thoughtful about using the middle part of the street as a through streetand instead sometimes drop off their kids in the middle of the road instead ofpulling to the west curb. This produces back-up, sometimes to Chicago avenue.Also parents stop at the stop sign at Jackson and Oak and block traffic bydropping off kids in the middle of the street thus blocking traffic and also makingit dangerous for the kids to cross in front of other curb traffic trying to pull out. In

Jun 8, 2014 8:09 AM


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one instance this year, a parent pulled to the east curb of Jackson, their child

opened the passenger side door to exit her car right into my car, missing hittingher by a few inches. I almost took the door off of their vehicle in addition toalmost hitting the pedestrian. It was a very disturbing situation. Fortunately Iwas going slow and was able to brake quickly. There is no traffic control by thepolice or education to force parents and users of the school to be morerespectful and careful. Lathrop is a busy thoroughfare and having small parkinglots with three ingress and egress driveways makes it more dangerous fordrivers and passengers, and pedestrians navigating the sidewalks to get to theschool office or the library or the gym. The north parking lot is so functionallyobsolete that there is no room for turn-arounds, people double park becausefrom Lathrop visibility of available parking does not exists until a car pulls intothe lot. It is dangerous for children because they exit the office doors and thegym doors to go out during recess if the RFPD fields are available so they are in

constant contact with cars potentially moving in that lot. Senior are vulnerablebecause it is not only a dangerous lot during school hours but also for all otherusers.

36 Today's traffic flow is quite heavy around the the school during drop off time.When you add in the tennis club at certain points in the year it gets to be a bitmuch already. Traffic flow gets impeded, in a good way, by traffic crossingguards. That adds to the slow down and congestion in the area overall. As wemove away parking spot in the redesign of the school lots it will push more carsonto the street. This will creat more congestion. Cars that park in the lot will bepushed into the immediate area which will in turn cause more congestion. Abasic law here is that more things in a area more congestion when it comes totraffic.

Jun 8, 2014 7:52 AM

37 The intersection at Lathrop and Oak is congested and slow moving during schoolstart and end times. It has been noticeably worse the last two years. Headingnorth on Jackson and turning right onto Oak is difficult after school because ofcongestion. Parking in the area for any well-attened middle school event (openhouse, chorus concert, musical) is nearly impossible.

Jun 8, 2014 6:50 AM

38 The intersection of Jackson and Oak is crowded and dangerous at schoolopening and dismissal times.

Jun 7, 2014 6:32 PM

39 it's gotten worse over the years Jun 6, 2014 8:01 AM

40 I am in this area each weekday dropping off my children at Roosevelt MiddleSchool. Most days, I do not have any issues with drop off. If the weather is

particularly bad, there may be a longer wait to get to the drop off zone. I think theone-way on Jackson during school hours allows for a generally congestion freestreet, aside from the 30 minutes in the morning for drop off and the 30 minutesin the evening for pick up. When Jackson becomes a two way street (afterschool hours) and there are events at the school, library, softball diamond and/orsoccer field, Jackson becomes difficult to navigate.

Jun 6, 2014 7:32 AM


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41 Vehicle traffic has increased over the years Congestion at various times of day

has gotten worse over time. Cars line up on Jackson waiting to pick up schoolchildren is planned congestion

Jun 6, 2014 7:08 AM

42 Car accidents, children being hurt by cars because of cars rushing to get wherethey want to be. Inability to get to the library in early am or when school gets out.

Jun 5, 2014 11:09 PM

43 The primary concerns are as follows: Congestion occurs during the morning dropoff and afternoon pick up of children from Roosevelt School. Jackson Avenue isusually clogged with cars backing up to Chicago Avenue because there is notappropriate traffic flow movement to drop kids off at the designated drop offdoors ie Jackson doors for 7 and 8 graders, Oak Street for 5 and 6 graders.There is parking on the east side of the street, traffic flowing thru the middle ofthe street, and vehicles pulling to the curb on the west side of the street to drop

off. The corner of Oak and Jackson is considerably congested as ignorantdrivers stop their cars to let off passengers off in the middle lane, or at the stopsign thus blocking both pedestrian and vehicular traffic from flowing through.Circle drive used to be utlilized until it was dangerous for the students beingdropped off at the north curb of Oak street crossing in front of moving vehicleson circle drive. That was an accident waiting to happen and a traffic nightmarebecause there was nobody directing traffic. Buses sometimes park on the westside of Jackson to drop off or pick up kids during the morning rush and it blocksall traffic flow from the north going south on Jackson. Circle Dr. has virtuallybeen closed off to any use during the school day. Jackson and Oak street aremore narrow than other streets in town and thus when cars are parked on theeast side, cars moving through the middle and cars pulling up to the west sidecurb to drop off, it is very narrow and difficult to navigate. If someone opens a

car door into traffic, it will be torn off. One time this past fall during the morningdrop off, a young girl was dropped off on the east side of Jackson and openedher door into my car driving in the middle lane. I almost hit her car door and her.It was very frightening. The lots on Lathrop are very functionally obsolete. Thereare three lots that are very small and difficult to navigate. They fill up during theday, and if you happen to pull in to look for a spot, you have to do multiple threepoint turns to try to get back out onto Lathrop. There are three driveways thatintersect the sidewalk and open up onto Lathrop thus causing a lot of trafficproblems when cars have to either enter or exit those lots onto Lathrop. Thenorth parking lot that services the school office entrance, the north gym and thelibrary is very dangerous. It is almost impossible to pull out of the parkingspaces because visibility is so bad that it is difficult if not impossible tosometimes see other cars backing out or pedestrians walking to their carsbehind your backing up car. We use that lot very frequently during Saturday and

Sunday Park District activities in the gym and it is always crowded and you canhardly ever find an open spot there.

Jun 5, 2014 5:18 PM

44 My main concern is the safety of the students (Roosevelt and Lincoln). Way toomany cars are already in the streets. Jackson Avenue and Oak St are muchnarrower streets than the other main streets in River Forest. They cant take any

Jun 5, 2014 10:51 AM


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more cars. As students walk in between these vehicles, the increased possibility

of accidents is great. Kids get dropped off on either side of the streets. Teachersand Parents dropping off kids seem to arrive approximately at the same times.(Even though the teachers are supposed get to the school early). These trafficmatters also create issues for the neighbors. As we try to get to work, we find ourstreet packed with kids and vehicles.

45 This area is completely clogged at dismissal time. BUT, it's a school, which letsout all at one time. And we chose to live near a school, so you know to avoidthat area if possible during that time. All school areas are the same at dismissaltime. Traffic is particularly bad on Oak, which you should have listed above.

Jun 5, 2014 7:45 AM

46 This area is very busy throughout the days and evenings, but it is seriouslycongested during the drop-off and pick-up times during school days. The

number of cars on the street plus the number of pedestrians makes for adangerous area that requires great caution by drivers. Because Lake, Lathrop,and Chicago are well-travelled by non-residents there is increased concern--basic information about drop-off and pick-up are not known to the commuter justlooking for a way through the western suburbs.

Jun 5, 2014 7:11 AM

47 seems like Lathrop is usually pretty busy and there is not much parking availableto goto the library or just drop off books.

Jun 4, 2014 5:23 PM

48 Safety of my child when taking him to school at Roosevelt in the morning andpicking him up in afternoon. However I am not concerned cars parked on thestreet, rather the ones going through the intersections

Jun 4, 2014 10:02 AM

49 That area calls for heavy traffic but also traffic safety being that there is schooland the library there.

Jun 4, 2014 6:32 AM

50 I don't have any concerns regarding traffic in this area. Jun 3, 2014 8:38 PM

51 I am concerned about safety, and also the volume of cars traveling in thesenarrow streets---filled with pedestrians and bicyclists.

Jun 3, 2014 5:44 PM

52 I am concerned that the situation may worsen. It is tolerable now. Jun 3, 2014 3:42 PM

53 Ofter when I visit the library, even when school is not in session, I frequently seecars parked on Lathrop blocking driveways and pulled up too close to thecorners while someone runs into the library "for just a couple of minutes." Once,when the adjacent school lot was full, someone parked right in the middle of the

lot! I suppose he or she thought that was a slightly better alternative to leaving itin the middle of Lathrop.

Jun 3, 2014 2:57 PM

54 Poor flow of traffic, disregard of controled interesctions including parkingrestrictions or parking courtesy

Jun 3, 2014 12:28 PM

55 Traffic and congestion are unavoidable at certain times in this area. I think the Jun 3, 2014 12:01 PM


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crossing guards do help, but I would like to see them be more clear/decisive in

their directions to the drivers. But I want you to know, these crossing guards arethe nicest people just trying to do their job. I don't know where you find them,but keep them!!

56 In general, traffic and congestion are not huge problems. At certain times suchas immediately prior to the start of school at Roosevelt and at dismissal or forspecial events at the school, congestion is bad. This lasts only 15 minutes atmost- this is tolerable- if you don't need to be in the immediate area simply findalternate route

Jun 3, 2014 9:05 AM

57 Jackson and Oak Streets are extremely difficult to travel through in the eveningsand on weekends when there are cars parked on both sides of the street.During school hours when both streets are one way, the street are at least

passable and safer.

Jun 3, 2014 4:44 AM

58 Cars are the main concern, particularly when children are in the area in largenumbers. Traffic safety for children with regard to congestion is my utmostconcern.

Jun 2, 2014 7:50 PM

59 Parents careless when driving their children to Roosevelt. many on cell phoneand to busy for the easy task at had. The safety of their children

Jun 2, 2014 7:19 PM

60 Oak Street is nearly impassable with parking on both sides of the street. This isparticularly the case in warmer months when the Tennis Club is in operation.

Jun 2, 2014 7:18 PM

61 My concern is that the congestion in the area will cause an injury to a pedestrian. Jun 2, 2014 12:18 PM

62 I generally try to avoid this area doing school opening/closing hours to notcontribute to the congestion of cars and pedestrians. I understand that itsnecessary because of the school and do not find it to be an issue.

Jun 2, 2014 12:07 PM

63 Very bad congestion on Oak between Jackson and Lathrop. Street isn't wideenough for parking on both sides, two-way traffic, bicycles, and lots ofpedestrians at corners.

Jun 2, 2014 11:28 AM

64 The intersection at Jackson and Oak is horrible at drop off times for school Jun 2, 2014 11:06 AM

65 I have not had any problems with traffic/congestion in that area other thanmaybe in the morning for a very short period while school is beginning.

Jun 2, 2014 11:04 AM

66 My main concern is the safety of children entering and leaving Roosevelt School,or at any time they are on Oak Ave. When cars are parked on both sides of OakAve. for the tennis club, this is not a safe situation, either for the children or foradults, on foot or on bicycles. It is also a great nuisance for drivers.

Jun 2, 2014 10:27 AM

67 The area is generally congested with parked cars and through traffic, as Lathropand Chicago are main thoroughfares through the Village.

Jun 2, 2014 9:34 AM


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68 My concern is that parking to go to the library is difficult especially when school

is in session. I also think a turn arrow on Lathrop and Chicago would help movetraffic.

Jun 2, 2014 9:14 AM

69 It's difficult when school starts or ends because of children crossing, but OK atother times. I try to avoid school areas when the school day ends.

Jun 2, 2014 8:26 AM

70 The traffic in the area seems to be similar all these year since my childrenattended Roosevelt. I remember it being dangerous when. Are pulled into thenorth parking lot to drop of children. It seems to make mor sense to haveChernobyl be dropped off on the street near the driveway of the parking area sothat the parents can then drive up lathrop. I believe that the parking lot north ofRoosevelt should remain. It is used by many adults who use the library. Studentshave plenty of space to talk with each other at the new library entrance.

Jun 1, 2014 10:08 PM

71 Insufficient parking and serious congestion at school start and dismissal times.Inability to access the library, especially for senior citizens.

Jun 1, 2014 7:18 PM

72 Traffic on Lathrop between Chicago and Oak gets backed up during school drop-off and pickup.

Jun 1, 2014 7:08 PM

73 I don't really have any concerns about traffic. Obviously, there is going to becongestion during "peak" times such as drop off, pick up and special events.That is true anywhere. However, River Forest has enough thoroughfares to allowpeople who WANT to avoid the area the opportunity to do so.

Jun 1, 2014 7:00 PM

74 Lathrop and Quick, Jackson and Quick always congested around school timesThe intersection of Chicago and Lathrop is dangerous. Traffic speeds downChicago, turning cars don't pay attention to pedestrians or traffic. None of theareas are safe for kids riding bikes to school.

Jun 1, 2014 4:36 PM

75 Traffic on Jackson is already at a dangerous level. Because of the amount ofschool and library parking on a narrow street and the proximity to childrenplaying, it presents a situation where injury or even fatalities might occur. Thecongestion around drop-off and pick-up is beyond acceptable. The proposedRoosevelt parking lot will throw another 30 cars onto an already clogged areaand funnel most of their drivers into the intersection of Jackson and Oak. Myconcern is the increased traffic and congestion might result in harm to students.

Jun 1, 2014 3:19 PM

76 Seldom have a problem unless its school starting or let out time Jun 1, 2014 3:01 PM

77 My concern is about losing the spaces in the parking lot south of the library. Thededicated spaces on Lathrop are insufficient for library parking.

Jun 1, 2014 1:59 PM

78 My main concern is the safety of the students (Roosevelt and Lincoln). Way toomany cars are already in the streets. Jackson Avenue and Oak St are muchnarrower streets than the other main streets in River Forest. They cant take anymore cars. As students walk in between these vehicles, the increased possibility

Jun 1, 2014 1:55 PM


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of accidents is great. Kids get dropped off on either side of the streets. Teachers

and Parents dropping off kids seem to arrive approximately at the same times.(Even though the teachers are supposed get to the school early). These trafficmatters also create issues for the neighbors. As we try to get to work, we find ourstreet packed with kids and vehicles.

79 When cars are parked on both sides of Oak between the Tennis Club and theschool, it is impossible for east bound and west bound cars to navigate itconcurrently.

Jun 1, 2014 12:23 PM

80 When cars are parked on both the north and south sides of Quick, it is difficult todrive down the street and may require backing up if there is an oncoming car.

Jun 1, 2014 10:04 AM

81 Our traffic problems are all due to and around schools in the areas. And parking

on both sides of the street at the tennis club.

Jun 1, 2014 9:42 AM

82 Pedestrian safety; children walking and riding bicycles. Vehicle flow duringschool starting / stopping times.

Jun 1, 2014 9:24 AM

83 1. Congestion 2. Impeded traffic flow 3. Lack of parking spaces Jun 1, 2014 8:22 AM

84 My largest concern about traffic in this area is that Oak Ave remains two-wayoutside of school hours.

Jun 1, 2014 7:50 AM

85 Lanes of traffic on 700 Jackson are very congested especially when it is 2-wayand cars are parked along both sides (during ballgames and nightime events atthe middle school). Same 4 lanes are clogged during morning schoolday dropoff. Winter weather creates further congestion due to lack of adequatecarriage/drylanding space for students exiting vehicles.

Jun 1, 2014 7:41 AM

86 After 4 pm on school days when events are being held at Roosevelt, and allsummer long, when traffic is 2-ways on Chicago, between Jackson and Lathrop,the street can be impassable with parking on both sides of the street.Additionally, that same block can be very dangerous during the summer months,with cars parked on both sides of the street and children darting mid-bock fromthe Tennis Club across the street. Limiting parking to one side of the street at alltimes, not just on days when school is in session until 4 pm, would reducecongestion and minimize danger for children on that block. Library parking andaccess is extremely limited or nonexistent during the school year around the timeof Roosevelt's lunch periods (approximately 11:30 am-1:00 pm) and after school,due to traffic congestion and limited parking options.

Jun 1, 2014 6:48 AM

87 I am a senior who is handicapped and have difficulty walking long distances.When you rearrange the parking by the shops and library, please keep thehandicap parking spaces accessible. I know that by law you are required to dothat, but know that it is appreciated if they are not in the back of the lot in theplan.

Jun 1, 2014 6:22 AM


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88 traffic and congestion has gotten heavier Jun 1, 2014 6:08 AM

89 lathrop going north or south at school pick up time (3-3:30) is usually at astandstill. the crossing guards do not let the vehicles abide by the 4-way stop atlathrop and oak, even when no pedestrians are present. the crossing guard isnormally just waving through the oak east/west traffic, even when no pedestriansare present. the parking lot at roosevelt also creates major congestion problemsbecause cars block lathrop when they are trying to get in or out of that lot. onlyone car can come in or out of the entryway at a time, then there is no turnaroundwithin the lot, so cars get backed up in the lot and cars are waiting outside the lotfor it to clear. not to mention, the enormous pedestrian/student safety issuethere is with respect to that lot.

Jun 1, 2014 4:54 AM

90 In the winter it is hard to get down Jackson due to cars parked on both sides and

cars waiting in the only "middle" lane.

Jun 1, 2014 4:16 AM

91 I am very concerned that proposed changes to Roosevelt School will increasecongestion and on-street parking in that area. This would result in reduced safetyfor pedestrians and increased aggravation for motorists.

Jun 1, 2014 2:32 AM

92 The parking lot next to the library should be retained for users of the library.Eliminating the parking lot would cause traffic problems on Lathrop, andresidents would have no way to access the library.

May 31, 2014 10:04 PM

93 I prefer to have parking available for when the library is open. May 31, 2014 10:02 PM

94 Obviously when Roosevelt lets out, traffic in either direction on Lathrop crawls. May 31, 2014 8:04 PM

95 Being able to access the library during normal business hours. May 31, 2014 7:55 PM

96 Both Lathrop and Chicago are primary thoroughfares with heavy traffic,sometimes moving too fast. It can be difficult to cross the street on foot.

May 31, 2014 2:32 PM

97 It is very difficult to navigate either north or south on Lathrop, turn west onto OakStreet or make a turn from Oak Street either north or south unto Lathrop duringthe school year. I am speaking of the hours before and after Roosevelt is inattendance. Drivers stop in the middle of the street to let children out of the cars.The crossing guard does not allow for a group of children to form before hestops traffic or more of an irritation, has traffic stopped and waits for children whoare not near the crossing to approach and then cross. If one has thedisadvantage of having to drive by that intersection during those times of day,

they have plan for an additional 5 minutes of time.

May 31, 2014 2:07 PM

98 It is busy certain parts of the day- and I stay away from that area - otherwise Ido not think the traffic is too crazy or fast or dangerous to the children leavingRoosevelt school. (see below.)

May 31, 2014 2:06 PM

99 I don't have any concerns regarding traffic in that area. Unless I have a reason to May 31, 2014 1:49 PM


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be there, I avoid that area during the morning and afternoon hours when kids are

coming and going.

100 The safety of pedestrians. Primary Roosevelt and St Luke students. In additionto library patrons.

May 31, 2014 12:57 PM

101 I try to avoid the area during drop off or pick up times due to the number of cars.I have forgotten once or twice and get caught in the mess...and it is a mess.

May 31, 2014 12:54 PM

102 Safety of the children going to school and the library and playing in the park.Also safe access to the Library for all.

May 31, 2014 12:35 PM

103 Congestion between 3:20-3:40 during school days May 31, 2014 12:22 PM

104 Congestion .... May 31, 2014 11:06 AM

105 Busy, but not often congested, but I'm not in that area often, so my observationswould not be valid for many times of day.

May 31, 2014 10:56 AM

106 Jackson is always congested at 3:20 school pickup time. Traffic often is at astop for minutes at a time just waiting for cars to move forward and pick upstudent. Getting in/out of parking lot on Lathrop is challenging, especiallyduring school hours.

May 31, 2014 10:34 AM

107 No concerns May 31, 2014 10:23 AM

108 Usually not a problem for me May 31, 2014 10:21 AM

109 I think there is too much congestion on Jackson during sporting events atCentenial Park, specifically baseball and soccer. On days when there aregames, cars are parked on Jackson and Chicago. This limits visibility whiletrying to cross Chicago at Jackson and reduces Jackson to one lane because ofcars parked on both sides of the street, which creates congestion. It is verycommon to see people parking in front of the fire hydrant on Jackson andChicago. I used to be home more during the day, and when I was I know thattraffic on Jackson was a mess at school dismissal because everyone waspicking up their kids at Roosevelt, even on beautiful sunny days! In general, thetraffic on Chicago is heavy during the morning and afternoon rush. Our drivewayfaces Chicago and it is very difficult to get out of the garage during those times ofday. Outside of the rush period I feel that the traffic on Chicago Ave. is typicallymoving well above the posted speed limit. I see police on Chicago sitting at the

stop signs at William and Park. I have no clue what they hope to achieve bydoing that; deterrence?? They should be out of sight and catching peoplespeeding.

May 31, 2014 10:04 AM

110 Parking on both sides of Oak between Lathrop and Jackson prevents two waytraffic from moving through that block.

May 31, 2014 9:58 AM


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111 1. Unempowered crossing guards during school sessions (the crossing guards

should be able to legally control pedestrian and motor traffic). 2. Loud autoradios during warm weather periods.

May 31, 2014 9:54 AM

112 Crossing guards are critical during drop-off and pick-up hours, and do a terrificjob. I still find the parking lot north of the school highly dangerous. It should beenlarged or closed as you cannot turn around in that parking lot without muchtrouble and children in blind spots.

May 31, 2014 8:53 AM

113 Library Accessibility: Weekdays from about 8-4 there is often nowhere to park togo to the library. I take my grandchildren to storytimes so I like to park fairlyclose, and in a safe spot without having to cross busy streets.

May 31, 2014 7:34 AM

114 None May 31, 2014 6:44 AM

115 1) safety of children leaving school 2) ease of car travel down major roadway(lathrop)

May 31, 2014

roosevelt school sub-area traffic planning study draft

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