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, Tony Marques, Chief Frederick Dusseault, Jeff Wood, and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Chief Braga noted his receipt of an email from a concerned resident on Cox Street. He explained that the speed limit on Cox Street is posted at three different speeds in a relatively short distance. He said that it might be beneficial to have a speed study done. It was noted that there is a possibility of the speed limit being raised.
Chief Braga, seconded by Chief Dusseault, made a motion to recommend that the Board of Selectmen ask Mass Highway to examine the posted speed limit on Cox Street in the area between 100 Cox Street and 275 Cox Street with the suggestion that the 35 mph posted zone be reduced to 30mph.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Ms. Burke reviewed with the Committee a request from the Board of Selectmen to examine the right turn ability from westbound Main Street onto Cox Street. She indicated that the intersection is not posted and there has been some confusion regarding whether or not drivers can legally and safely turn. Mr. Marques noted that the stop line is set back off the intersection and a vehicle would have to drive “through” a red light to make the turn. It could be a potentially dangerous situation.
Chief Braga, seconded by Chief Dusseault, made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that a “No Right on Red” sign be erected westbound on Main Street at the Cox Street intersection.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Ms. Burke noted for the Committee that there have been numerous complaints from downtown residents as well as the Board of Selectmen regarding the need for additional overnight parking to serve these residents. Michelle Ciccolo, Asst. Administrator/Director of Community Development, suggested that the Committee look to add more parking. She suggested that the municipal lot behind Aubuchon’s could be converted entirely to overnight parking.
Mr. Marques asked if it was known how many spaces were in that lot. He stated that it would not be prudent to move the parking unless there was a net increase in spaces. He also expressed a concern regarding the DPW’s ability to clean up after winter storms if the vehicles are not moved by 7:00 am.
D. Frizelle Mason-Jones, Main Street resident, suggested the Committee should look at expanding the overnight parking to the area adjacent to South Street Park. He noted that the business from area pubs impedes residents parking ability. He also suggested that ticketing cars not moved by 7:00 am would help with the clean up.
Chief Dusseault asked about the use of “resident parking” stickers. Chief Braga indicated that he had concerns with that idea. He noted that residents in other areas of Town sometimes need to use that parking overnight. He also noted that during snowfall it would be difficult to see stickers.
It was suggested that the Committee visit the site before making any decisions. Ms. Burke will set up a day and time.
South Street Park Upgrade and Expansion
Present was: Linda Ghiloni, Director of Recreation
Jeff Richards, Waterman Design Associates
Michelle Ciccolo, Asst. Administrator/Director of Community Development
Ms. Ciccolo presented the project to the Committee. The project is to expand South Street onto the newly acquired Larkin property on the corner of South and Houghton Streets. The idea is to create a skateboard park on a portion of the old park, some play areas including a water fountain/splash park for younger children on the new area and to add some parking along the Houghton Street side. She noted that the Town is applying for a Community Development Block Grant for this project and there is a condensed timetable.
Mr. Marques noted that the additional parking would aid the users of the Food Pantry. Chief Dusseault asked about fencing along the river. Ms. Ghiloni said that there will be fencing along Tannery Brook, but there is not a drop along the Assabet. The bank is such that you can walk along up to the edge. Mr. Wood asked about lighting. Ms. Ghiloni noted that there are lights in the existing South Street park and those would be continued into this new area.
Chief Braga asked about the enhanced entry shown on the concept plan. Ms. Ciccolo noted that that rendering is speculative and is not part of this grant application. She said that idea came from the “River Visioning” sessions the community participated in. Mr. Marques also expressed his concern regarding the enhanced entry, as he does not want to lose parking spaces.
Mr. Marques asked if the lights would be on timers. Ms. Ciccolo said they would be on photocells like the existing lights. He also asked who would be paying for the lights. Ms. Ciccolo said they would be in the Street Lights budget and that the budget could be increased if needed.
Mr. Marques asked about an irrigation system. Ms. Ghiloni stated it was not proposed but it could be investigated. Finally he reminded Mr. Richards that this was in the floodplain and to pay attention to the elevations. Mr. Richards noted that they would certify that there is no net loss for flood storage.
The Committee members indicated that they would be willing to write support letters for the grant application.
Chief Braga, seconded by Tony Marques, made a motion to approve the concept plan as presented for the South Street Park upgrade and expansion.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Minutes
Jeff Wood, seconded by Tony Marques, made a motion to approve the minutes of December 22, 2004 as written.
Vote: 3-0-1 with Chief Braga abstaining
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