10-06-09 Item 2cTo:
Via:
From:
Date:
Subject:
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
INTER- OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Honorable Mayor Feliu, and Members of the City Commission
Ajibola Balogun, City Manager
Robert F. Richardson II, Chief of Police
September 30, 2009
South Miami
bAd�
I I®
2001
a Ce. )
Traffic Congestion/ Updated Signage outside of the Shops at Sunset Place
On Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25th & 26th, Community Patrol Officers' schedules were adjusted to
facilitate addressing the traffic congestion in front of Sunset Place on Sunset Drive.
Prior to the weekend, Public Works upgraded signage at the 57 Court entrance to prevent this area from
being used for dropoff /pickup of passengers. This area is not suitable for loading and unloading
passengers as it creates a severe traffic jam and is, in most cases, dangerous and illegal.
The Officers issued 22 citations, directed several hundred drivers to obey various traffic laws such as:
• No left turn from 57 Court
• Pedestrian jaywalking
• Obstructing Traffic
• Seat Belt & Child Restraints
This traffic detail will be continued on this upcoming Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1 St & 2
This week, we will be working Public Works on the placement of signage that will clearly direct drivers
to use the mall's valet circle area (accessed from US 1) to pick up and discharge passengers. With clear
direction from properly placed signage, we hope to alleviate the necessity to commit manpower to this
area regularly.
The area is also being monitored by patrol supervisors during other potential peak periods and we will
continue this effort after this weekend and respond accordingly.
We are also suggesting that Public Works assess the pavement striping at this intersection (72 St/ 57 Ct.)
to determine if improvements could be made to further discourage illegal left turns from 57 Court. This
vehicular action adds to congestion, increases minor traffic crashes and conflicts with pedestrians crossing
Sunset Drive.
Upon observing the activity in this area during peak times, staff has observed that part of the congestion is
simply from vehicles giving the right of way to pedestrians trying to use the crosswalks. For safety, this
is, of course, good — however we must recognize that unless the area is substantially redesigned, there will
definitely be congestion due to the pedestrians crossing issue.
END OF MEMORANDUM