The Internal Traffic Committee met in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room at 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts. At 11:00 the Committee called the meeting to order.
Present: Captain David Stephens, Chief Fred Dusseault, Tony Marques, Jeff Wood, Jennifer Burke
Crosswalk/Crossing Guard at Farley School
Present: Naomi Ellis, Cottage Street, Tony Pinto Cottage Street
Ms. Ellis presented her letter to the Committee. Her concern is that there is no crossing guard/crosswalk at the main entrance to the Farley School. She also noted that the sidewalk along Cottage Street toward Packard Street is not plowed so the children have to walk in the “middle” of the street. It is a safety issue. Mr. Wood noted that children should not be walking in the middle of the street. He asked how a crossing guard or crosswalk would help if the issue is where the children walk. Ms. Ellis noted that kids are kids and they don’t always know to walk to the side of the road. She also noted that there is no signage depicting the school zone.
Captain Stephens asked when is the need greatest. Ms. Ellis indicated that between 8:00-8:30 in the morning and 2:45-3:15 in the afternoon are the crucial times. Mr. Marques said that it is physically impossible for the DPW to plow that section of sidewalk. The sidewalk is narrow and there are quite a few trees and private stone walls. The only way that sidewalk could be plowed is if it were completely rebuilt. He noted that there is no money in the current budget, as this is an unforeseen issue. Ms. Ellis agreed that reconstructing the sidewalk this year is unreasonable. Mr. Marques suggested speaking with the Selectmen about reconstruction.
Captain Stephens asked if the school took any responsibility to address the issue. He was told no. He suggested working with the school and the youth safety officer to come up with an interim solution until a crossing guard can be budgeted for the location. Mr. Pinto asked about the crosswalk. Mr. Marques said that a contracted company does all street painting and the DPW does not have the equipment to paint the road, but he will look into hand painting a crosswalk. He also said he would look into what signs can and should be added.
Captain Stephens and Mr. Marques will meet on site with the school principal to discuss the situation. Ms. Burke asked about parent volunteers to act as crossing guards. Captain Stephens thought that might be an option. He would like to speak with the Chief when he returns. Ms. Ellis indicated that she might be available for mornings if needed.
Sauta Farms
Present: John D. Sargent
Mr. Sargent presented plans incorporating comments from the previous meeting. Mr. Marques indicated that his only concern now is the Watershed Protection District and making sure that the project complies with all the provisions. Mr. Sargent said that the applicant would retain ownership of the recreation land. This will enable the project to comply. Mr. Marques recommended some delineation between the condominium project and the recreation fields. Jeff Wood noted that ZBA approval is required. No one else had any issues.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Dusseault, made a motion to approve the plans entitled “Sauta Farm Condominiums Main & Brook Streets Hudson, Massachusetts 01749 An Active Adult Community” owned by Midland Development, LLC 100 East End Road Bolton, MA as drawn by Aldrich Engineering PO Box 71 Winchendon, MA dated August 27, 2004 last revised October 15, 2004.
420 Main Street
Ms. Burke reviewed with the Committee the As-Built plan. She discussed her concern regarding the parking layout. She asked the Committee to consider moving the parking spaces against the building adjacent to the wheel stops. Mr. Wood would like the wheel stops to be moved out an additional 2 feet. The Committee agreed the revised layout would make sense.
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