Ross OK's Port Authority's plan to double size of park-n-ride facility

Ross commissioners have approved the Port Authority’s plan to double the number of spaces available at its park-and-ride lot in the township to relieve congestion.

But the unanimous vote on Dec. 8 to green-light the project comes with a hitch — if traffic near the lot spikes because of the expansion, the township wants the transportation agency to pick up the tab for installing a traffic signal if it is warranted.

For years, the Port Authority’s parking enforcement officers at the lot have observed unsafe conditions created by vehicles that park illegally on the grass, jam in-between other vehicles to park and taking spots designated for drivers with physical challenges, agency officials said.

The plan to expand the lot near the entrance to the Interstate 279 high occupancy vehicle lanes is an effort to address that problem, they say.

To make room for the additional parking, the authority will tear down a vacant state Department of Transportation salt storage dome that has been replaced by one built off the Perry Highway exit of I-279.

There are currently 303 marked parking spots at the lot. Port Authority wants to replace it with a two-tier garage that will add another 357 spaces, bringing the total to 660, said Greg Cerminara, who is is handling engineering for the project on behalf of the Port Authority.

A second lot with 200 spaces located near the off-ramp for the HOV will continue to be available to commuters, he said.

Commissioners Joe Laslavic raised the question of dealing with traffic woes that could be created by the expansion.

“That’s a pretty populated intersection,” he said. “If a traffic light is needed there, do we have assurances from you that Ross Township will not be on the hook to pay for it? They’re expensive. Who’s going to pay for it?”

Sandy Garfinkel, a lawyer representing Port Authority, said “should a light be needed, we’d be available to discuss that and enter into an agreement. (But) we would want to be sure that it (the light) is not needed because of another project.”

Commissioner Jack Betkowski supported adding a formal condition to ensure that the township does not have to pay for a light to be installed if traffic congestion increases near the parking facility.

He noted that a written agreement is preferable because in the past, the township has entered into so-called gentleman’s’ agreement with developers that “did not work out.”

Steve Kaladny, the project manager for the expansion, said while the agency “has to be cautious” about entering into such an agreement, “we’re not going to turn our heads and ignore it” if traffic congestion worsens.

“If a traffic light is indicated and we are presented with the evidence and agree with it, the Port Authority wouldn’t object to paying for it.”

Garfinkel said because Port Authority is a public agency, it cannot enter into the same type of agreements that the municipality typically negotiates with private developers.

But the same assurances could be achieved by negotiating a separate contract, he said.

He noted that the agency would “think twice about moving forward” if a requirement is added to the development plans obligating Port Authority to pay for the light regardless of the circumstances.

“If we can negotiate a contract where both sides feel protected, that would be more desirable,” he said.

Officials have not announced a date for when work will begin and how long it will take to complete the project.