The Internal Traffic Committee met in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room at 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts. At 10:00 the Committee called the meeting to order.
Present: Chief Richard Braga, Chief Fred Dusseault, DPW Director Tony Marques, and Building Commissioner Jeff Wood
Hillside Retirement Community
Present: Tom McCarthy, Southborough Ventures
Kevin Quinn, Quinn Engineering
Don Garcia, Chairman, Economic Development Commission
Dave Carrier, Light & Power
George Gustafson
The Committee reviewed the proposed traffic improvements for Technology Drive. Mr. Quinn explained that Mr. Mike Burke a traffic engineer from Earth Tech has determined that the sight distant is acceptable, but the intersection sight distant (ISD) is not. Chief Braga stated that it’s 100 feet short of the recommended distance. Chief Braga is concerned that the sight is blocked for traffic coming Westerly from Reed Road and Intel’s driveway. He recommended that Planning Board set conditions so that the Town has recourse back to the developer for up one year after the occupancy permit is issued for the last unit sold. This recommendation is if Town feels that the intersection is dangerous or the flow of traffic in any way becomes a problem in that area.
Mr. Wood suggested all interior roads be 30 feet wide with cape cod berms. Mr. Wood requested that all detention ponds be fenced, Mr. Quinn stated that all detention ponds will be fenced.
Mr. Wood noted that the existing plans show the slopes as 1 ½, he requested that the Planning Board regulations of 3 to 1 slopes be followed.
Mr. Marques is happy that the road width was increased to 30 feet, but stated that there are still issues to be resolved regarding water and sewer. Mr. Marques agrees with Chief Braga’s traffic concerns and would like the ability to modify the plans and or make recommendations if problems arise during the project construction.
Chief Dusseault asked if sidewalks were planned for the Technology Drive exit. Mr. McCarthy stated that they do not have plans to construct sidewalks to Technology Drive, MEPA has instead suggested a walkway be built from the project site through the conservation land and onto Forestvale cemetery and continuing to Broad Street.
Chief Dusseault noted that the emergency access has the gas and water going in at Wheeler Road. He also reiterated his earlier position that he feels the high grade would impede the emergency vehicles and not allow for a timely response for the Fire Department.
Mr. Carrier stated that Light & Power has been in contact with Mr. Quinn and will address their concerns at the Planning Board meetings.
Chief Dusseault asked if speed bumps were considered. Mr. Quinn stated that it does not see a need at this time to consider speed bumps on the straight aways. The Chief also noted a concern that any added speed limiting devices along the single entrance roadway would further delay fire department responses.
Mr. Marques stated that most issues have been resolved with the exception of The Fire Chief’s issues, also the water and sewer details need to be reviewed.
On a motion by Mr. Marques, seconded by Chief Braga the Committee voted 3-1-0 (Chief Dusseault opposed) to approve the amended plans dated 2/25/04 including the traffic study dated 2/27/04 with the following conditions:
Continue to review water and sewer with DPW.
The Committee reserves the right to review the traffic at Technology Drive and to make recommendations up to 12 months after the last occupancy permit is issued. The Committee recommends that the Planning Board set conditions giving the Town the right to review. This recommendation would place onus on the developer to remedy any problems the Town identifies.
Earth Tech recommendation of a 35mph fixed speed is not permissible. Cautionary signs are recommended.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50am.
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