The Internal Traffic Committee met in the Town Hall Auditorium 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
High Street
Ms. Burke reviewed with the Committee a request from the Board of Selectmen to examine the parking on High Street between the St. Michael’s driveways. They had issued a temporary ban from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday-Friday. Ms. Delaney, principal of St. Michael School, reviewed with the Committee the school’s concern for children safety. Currently the busses need to stop in the middle of the street when cars are parked in that location. It clogs up the street, as cars are not able to pass freely down High Street. It also requires the students to enter into High Street and cut between cars to get to the buses. She noted that there is a yellow curb there but it is not obeyed. The Committee asked what time the busses were in front of the school. Ms. Delaney
indicated from 7:30 – 8:00 am and from 2:00 – 2:30 pm. She also indicated that on half days school is released at 11:15 am. The school year runs from September to mid June.
Nelia Santos, owner of Firehouse Seafood, expressed concern for losing parking for her business. She asked why it had to be prohibited all day. Currently the construction of the Esplanade is inhibiting turnover of parking spaces. She notes that contractors will park all day in the limited duration spaces. She told the Committee that she has pictures of the children getting off the buses. She noted that they do not cross the street and she does not feel it is a problem. Chief Dusseault noted that in the past the ITC has tried to work with Firehouse and the Committee recognizes that the school needs to safely dismiss students. Ms. Santos stated that parents also use the limited duration spaces to pick and drop off. She was told that is allowed. She also expressed a need
for a loading zone.
Sonny Parente, Cedar Street, reviewed for the Committee the traffic patterns. He noted that he feels the major concern is in the afternoon. Chief Braga suggested restricting parking from 7:30-2:30 (or 3:00). He stated he would like the restriction to be for the shortest number of hours as possible and only during September – June.
Mr. Marques stated that his biggest concern is with the construction. He feels that the ITC should address these concerns with the contractor. Chief Braga indicated that he spoke with the contractors and they seemed cooperative. They have talked to employees and asked them to not park on High Street. The Contractor authorized towing but the police have no authority to legally tow as the cars are parked in legal spaces.
Mr. Marques suggested a temporary measure until school ends and then the Committee will revisit the issue to find a more permanent solution.
Tony Marques, seconded by Jeff Wood, made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that there be “No Parking” between the St. Michael School driveways Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 9:00 am and 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm until June 15, 2005.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Apsley Street
Mr. Marques noted that he had invited Mr. Blais to the meeting based on a letter issued by Michelle Ciccolo, parking clerk. He noted that the existing regulation states “No Parking” on the southerly side of Apsley Street from Cottage Street and Wilson Street. After reviewing the signage he added one sign which ends up in front of Mr. Blais’ home.
Mr. Blais noted that he feels punished by having his parking taken away. The Committee noted that the area has always been no parking and it has just never been enforced consistently. Mr. Blais presented photographs or the area and tried to convince the Committee to remove the signs. Mr. Marques stated that a better route would be to ask the Committee to address the parking needs of the area. The Committee reaffirmed the signs as consistent with the regulations, but indicated they would review the whole area and take a site visit at their convenience.
Cox Street
The Committee is in receipt of a response from MassHighway regarding the speed limits on Cox Street. The letter is clear that the existing limits seem to meet the national standards, but it offers the option to confirm that by sending in speed studies. Chief Braga said that he did not think anything should be pursued. The Committee agreed. Ms. Burke will send a letter to Mr. Herbert Busch with the response.
Mr. Marques will address the other items in the letter.
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