COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
DATE 5/20/02 |
SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE #2002-O-102 CLOSING THE INTERSECTION AT LORING AVENUE AND ALDAMA STREET TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TRAVELING IN A NORTHERLY AND SOUTHERLY DIRECTION BY BARRICADING AT THE NORTH AND SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINES OF THE TEXAS MEXICAN RAILWAY COMPANY TRACKS, SUBJECT TO BARTLETT AVENUE BEING CONSTRUCTED AND OPENED, SAID INTERSECTION IS SITUATED IN THE EASTERN DIVISION, CITY OF LAREDO, COUNTY OF WEBB AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (AS AMENDED) |
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INITIATED BY: Cynthia Collazo Asst. City Manager |
STAFF SOURCE: Erasmo Villarreal CD Director |
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION: On May 8, 2002, this Ordinance was introduced by the City Council. |
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BACKGROUND: Staff is proposing to close the above mentioned intersection to vehicular traffic traveling in a northerly and southerly direction by barricading at the North and South right-of-way lines of the Texas Mexican Railway Company tracks. Railroad crossing safety studies have been conducted to evaluate methods to reduce rail congestion and vehicular traffic conflicts. The studies indicated that the City has excessive railroad crossings that frequently cause railroad and traffic conflicts, delays, which at times pose safety hazards to motorists, the populated neighborhoods and businesses near the railroad tracks. Due to the increase in freight shipment, the railroad trains are constantly traversing the tracks and at times blocking this intersection, therefore, creating a hazardous situation for vehicles attempting to cross this intersection. This section of Loring is not a major thoroughfare street and has minimal traffic due to its proximity to the Meadow Avenue Overpass. Seymour and Stone Avenues are also two alternative crossings available to motorists just one block away to the east and west respectively.
No major accidents have occurred at this intersection, however, the proposed closure will eliminate said possibility and will also facilitate a more efficient movement of train shipment. Properties abutting the north and south sections of the proposed closure will continue to have accessibility to their properties through their respective side on Loring Ave. On March 21, 2002, a public hearing was held before the Planning & Zoning Commission. Property owners within a 200’ radius were notified of the proposed closure. After discussing this item, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously against the proposed closure. On April 19, 2002, the Street Closing Committee was
provided with the above information through a memorandum. |
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: None |
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COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION: N/A |
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: Recommends passage of this Ordinance. |
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CLOSING THE INTERSECTION AT LORING AVENUE AND ALDAMA STREET TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TRAVELING IN A NORTHERLY AND SOUTHERLY DIRECTION BY BARRICADING AT THE NORTH AND SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINES OF THE TEXAS MEXICAN RAILWAY COMPANY TRACKS SUBJECT TO BARTLETT AVENUE BEING CONSTRUCTED AND OPENED, SAID INTERSECTION IS SITUATED IN THE EASTERN DIVISION, CITY OF LAREDO, COUNTY OF WEBB AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (AS AMENDED)
WHEREAS, the City Manager recommends that the City Council close the intersection at Loring Avenue and Aldama Street to vehicular traffic traveling in a northerly and southerly direction by barricading the North and South right-of-way lines of the Texas Mexican Railway Company tracks, said intersection is situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Laredo has conducted numerous Rail Crossing Safety studies to evaluate methods to reduce rail congestion and vehicular traffic conflicts; and,
WHEREAS the City of Laredo was found to have excessive railroad crossings which frequently cause traffic conflicts, delays and poses safety hazards to motorists and to the populated neighborhoods and downtown businesses near the railroad tracks; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed closure will eliminate railroad and vehicular traffic conflicts at this intersection; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is in the best interest of the City of Laredo to close the intersection at Loring Avenue and Aldama Street to vehicular traffic traveling in a northerly and southerly direction by barricading at the North and South right-of-way lines of the Texas Mexican Railway Company tracks, said intersection is situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAREDO:
1. That the intersection at Loring Avenue and Aldama Street situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, be and the same is hereby closed to vehicular traffic traveling in a northerly and southerly direction by barricading the North and South right-of-way lines of the Texas Mexican Railway Company tracks, subject to Bartlett Avenue being constructed and opened.
2. This Ordinance shall become effective upon passage thereof.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR ON THIS THE _________ DAY OF _____________, 2002.
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ELIZABETH G. FLORES
Mayor
ATTEST:
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GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jaime L. Flores
City Attorney
BY: __________________
ANTHONY McGETTRICK