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
Tripps Pond
Tony Marques, seconded by Richard Braga, moved to strike the March 26, 2004 decision relative to Tripps Pond, and to recommend to the Selectmen the designation of one van-accessible handicapped parking space at the easterly side of the handicapped accessible entrance to Tripps pond, specifically the entrance located approximately fifty (50) feet east of the westerly corner of the parking area, to be duly posted with appropriate signs, with the additional condition there is to be no parking at Tripps Pond between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Vote: 4-0-0.
Mirror on Cox Street
The Committee considered Town Counsel’s opinion, dated March 10, 2004, and decided not to recommend a mirror at this location. The Committee discussed possible signage. The most useful sign would be on the eastbound side. The DPW will install a traffic sign at this place.
Highland Commons
Chief Braga expressed concern over the lack of sufficient time to review the plans.
Randy Hart of DPH Engineering, engineer for Sullivan Hayes, gave an overview of the traffic study he had performed, and the initial proposals for modification to roadways. They recommend removal of the rotary in favor of signaling.
Chief Braga conceded that this area needs consideration, but pointed out that much time and money has been spent to make the rotary a focal point of the community. To take away from the character of that intersection would be objectionable to some citizens.
Chief Dusseault informed Mr. Hart that the Town uses the rotary for many social functions. In addition, he expects increased fire response from that station.
Mr. Woods expressed concern with a particular No Left Turn intersection. Mr. Hart stated that the proposed remedies here are an “aggressive signage program,” a median and a turnaround. Mr. Woods added that Highland Street might be subject to short-cutters if the plan were implemented as proposed.
Mr. Marques stated that the “Yield” out of the easterly drive would allow for perpetual flow from the site, which will bypass stopgaps from reaching Highland Avenue. The issue of the rotary could be addressed by many solutions. Mr. Marques is also concerned about the intersection of Lincoln Street and Route 62 in relation to the rotary. The left turn onto Lincoln from Central historically was prone to accidents, and with the location of the fire station, that area should be further investigated with regard to full signals. The Town purposely directed more traffic to the rotary because it eases the flow at other intersections, such as Lincoln/62, and South Street/62. He would like to see a study of South Street drivers who go around the rotary and head back towards McDonald’s, etc.
Mr. Marques stated that DPW’s conclusion that there will be 33,000 additional cars per day on Saturday is comparable in import to the elevated roadway in Boston built in the 1950’s, which was constructed in anticipation of an addt’l 75,000 cars per day. He added that during the permitting stage for Solomon Pond Mall, the traffic consultant claimed that Brigham Street would not be used to access that mall because people would use Route 290, and today, that is not the case.
Chief Dusseault stated that a traffic study of Routes 290 and 85, up through Brigham Street, was performed by the State. That study has some bearing on this proposal, and the Chief would like DPH to address it.
Ms. Ciccolo advised DPH to consider the planned widening of Route 85 as a planned roadway project.
Chief Dusseault asked if a Park and Ride had been considered. Chief Braga felt that many people don’t take advantage of such a service, as they run on their own schedules and don’t like to wait. Ms. Ciccolo stated that the type of stores involved would affect this.
Mr. Marques asked if there is any proposed access from Gates Pond Road. Mr. Hart responded that they had met with that road’s Berlin residents and that they do not want access from this road.
The developer hopes for 3 to 4 large box stores, perhaps ones relating to home improvement, a supermarket, etc. They are working on agreements and are unable to name names at this time.
Chief Braga remains very concerned about Main Street, Route 85, and the rotary. In addition, peak traffic in the evening is gross and this project will make said traffic go from bad to worse. DPH will need to be very creative to make this project work. The developer’s attorney stated that their purpose today is to begin discussions around how to make it feasible.
Mr. Marques has concerns over timing and the maintenance of lights at intersections in Hudson and Berlin.
Ms. Ciccolo suggested coordinating traffic lights for the project with the traffic light at the fire station before the rotary.
39-45 Main Street
Doug Story is considering buying the building. He would like to renovate and put nine residential units on top two floors, with commercial on the ground floor. He will need a special permit for mixed use. The units are proposed at approximately 900-1200 square feet each, and will have one and two bedrooms. Mr. Story plans to sprinkle the entire building and to add an elevator. He would work with the Historical Commission with regard to the façade, which needs to be washed or sandblasted. He is considering adding a deck to the rear.
The Committee discussed the need to modifying the zoning by-laws relative to the prohibition of food service businesses under residential occupants, should he decide to have a food service tenant on the first floor.
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