HomeMy WebLinkAboutCustomer Drop-off / Pick-up Zone at El Paseo and Ocotillo DriveCITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: RECOMMENDATION TO ESTABLISH A CUSTOMER DROP-OFF
AND PICK-UP ZONE AT EL PASEO AND OCOTILLO DRIVE,
EXPAND THE EL PASEO VALET PARKING ZONE, AND INSTALL
NO STOPPING SIGNS IN THE EXISTING RED CURB ZONE IN
FRONT OF THE DAILY GRILL
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works
DATE: May 12, 2011
CONTENTS: Aerial View of Location
Traffic Photos
Mock -Up of Signage
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. Establish a customer drop-off and pick-up zone on Ocotillo Drive
adjacent to the Daily Grill;
2. Maintain and expand the existing valet parking on El Paseo by
eliminating two parking spaces; and
3. Install "No Stopping" signs in the existing red curb zone on El Paseo in
front of the Daily Grill.
The cost to perform this work is estimated to be $2,000. Funds are available in Account
No. 110-4250-433-2145, Traffic Safety Supplies.
Background
In February 2008 a permit was issued for the valet parking operation located on the
south side of El Paseo between Highway 74 and Ocotillo Drive. The property owner's
ability to finalize several high -end retail leases on this block was contingent on providing
valet parking in this area.
Staff Report
Traffic Congestion on El Paseo at Ocotillo Drive
May 12, 2011
Page 2of2
At Council's request, staff recently evaluated the valet parking operation to determine if
it was the cause of on -going traffic congestion along this portion of El Paseo. Staff has
determined that the traffic congestion problems pre -date the start up of the valet
parking. The attached photos (taken during the afternoons of April 29 and 30, a Friday
and Saturday respectively) demonstrate that the problem is primarily caused by cars
stopping in the red curb zone in front of the Daily Grill to drop off and pick up
passengers.
Staff's recommendation is to attempt to remedy the traffic congestion by first
implementing small measures to see how drivers will react. The elimination of the two
parking spaces between the current valet parking zone and the red curb zone would
provide a larger area for the valet service while also making the red curb zone more
visible. Installing prominent "No Stopping" signs at windshield height in the red curb
zone on El Paseo will reinforce the meaning of the red curb; and signage directing
drivers dropping off or picking up passengers will direct them to the designated zone.
The drop-off/pick-up zone will be created around the corner on Ocotillo Drive by
removing an unnecessary right turn only lane and painting the curb white.
Fiscal Analysis
The cost associated with enacting these measures is estimated to be approximately
$2,000, and represents the least expensive method to alleviate the traffic congestion in
this area.
Pre2%y:t
Mark Greenw od, P.E., Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Director of Pu lic Works
Approval: CiTYCOUNCILAS' oN
APPROVED ✓✓ DEN"
RECEIVED OTHER
n M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
MEI;TI D TIE
AYES: r
NOES:
ABSENT: J
ABSTAIN:
VERIFIED BY:
Original on File with City
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