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: Captain David Stephens, Tony Marques, Chief Frederick Dusseault, Jeff Wood and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Loading Zone on Firehouse Seafood
The Committee noted that they visited the site on Thursday. Due to the ongoing construction issues, the Committee indicated that it would be premature to authorize a loading zone on High Street. They agreed to revisit the situation once construction ends.
Reed Road/Technology Drive/Intel Driveway
Ann Hurd and Tom Sullivan were present on behalf of Intel. They expressed concern regarding the traffic at this intersection and the safety of their employees. The presented pictures of the intersection to the Committee. They acknowledged that the speed limit signs have not been posted on Reed Road and once they go up the enforcement of those signs will help with the speeds. Mr. Sullivan sated that there had been one accident already and Intel feels that is one too many. They asked the Committee to consider a stop sign traveling Westbound on Reed Road at the Technology Drive intersection.
Captain Stephens noted his concern that adding a stop sign will affect a major artery through Town. He noted Intel’s scheduled and expressed concern regarding what would happen on the off times. He recommended that Intel install a dangerous intersection/vehicles entering & leaving sign on their property.
Mr. Marques suggested that the stop sign at Intel’s driveway could be relocated to the edge of right of way and then have the Selectmen authorize the enforcement. He noted his concern for put up a stop sign on Reed Road. He noted that the basis for the stop sign has been overlooked. There are certain criteria that have to be met to install a stop sign. He suggested that the Committee continue to look at the situation and discuss it internally.
Chief Dusseault noted a similar situation on route 20 involving Raytheon. They used a private security guard to direct traffic. Captain Stephens noted that private security can not be used in the public right of way.
Don Garcia, Chairman Economic Development Commission, spoke in favor of adding the stop sign. He argued that it would be an inexpensive fix and could be reversed easily. Ms. Burke stated that there is no clear definition of the end on Reed Road and adding a stop sign in that location does not make sense.
Mr. Marques stated that he could set up a temporary solution with barrels to test the configurations. This would be similar to Lincoln Street before the islands were built. He said he look at different options and ask the Selectmen for permission to proceed.
Intel representatives were asked to return in May.
18 Pope Street
Paul Travis was present to speak in favor of adding some limited duration parking spaces immediately in front of his business at 18 Pope Street. He also presented a letter from the Chamber of Commerce supporting his request. Captain Stephens noted that he viewed the site and would recommend extending the 2-hour parking up three spaces. Chief Dusseault expressed concern that the Town is having trouble with all day parking in the downtown and this would take more away. Mr. Travis argued that the rest of Pope Street is all day parking.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Dusseault, made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that 330 feet up Pope Street from Main Street on the westerly side be limited to 2-hour parking.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Grove Street
Carol Holmes sent a letter asking the Committee to review the issue of temporary no parking on Grove Street at the Cherry Street intersection. She noted that currently it is difficult for trucks to make the turn onto Cherry Street.
Chief Dusseault, seconded by Captain Stephens, made a motion to send a letter to MP Development asking them to explore using their own facility for construction parking.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Dusseault, made a motion to ask the Police Chief to issue a Temporary No Parking Order on Grove Street to Forest Avenue and 200 feet up Cherry Street from Grove Street. The Committee also authorized the Police Chief to go to the Board of Selectmen if necessary.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Speed Limits on Brigham Street
Captain Stephens explained that the speed limits on Brigham Street are not consistent with the 4 way stop at Chapin Road. There is no sign southbound after the four way stop.
Captain Stephens seconded by Tony Marques, made a motion to have the DPW add a speed limit sign of 30 mph southbound on Brigham Street after the Chapin Road intersection.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Main Street
Dr. Fred Banks was present to ask the Committee to consider limited duration parking on Main Street between High Street and Sawyer Lane. He noted that the spaces are existing as all day and his patients have no place to park when they come for appointments.
Tony Marques, seconded by Captain Stephens, made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the 2-hour parking on Main Street be extended to Sawyer Lane on the southerly side of Main Street.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Forest Avenue/Main Street/Wilkins Street
The Committee is in receipt of a letter from John Regan regarding the timing of the lights at this intersection. Mr. Marques noted that he had received calls from Selectmen about this intersection. He will investigate the timing of the light and report back to the Committee. He also noted that there will be some unrelated timing changes to that light next week.
Apsley Street
The Committee noted that they visited the area on Thursday. They determined that the parking would be better served on the southerly side.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Dusseault, made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that there be “No Parking” on the northerly side of Apsley Street between Howe Street and Wilson Street and that parking be allowed on the southerly side of Apsley Street between Howe Street and Wilson Street.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
454 River Road
Present was: Tom DiPersio, Thomas Land Surveyors
Mr. DiPersio presented the proposed site plan to the Committee the applicant would like to construct a 2000 sf addition for office space and warehouse. There is a leaching trench proposed to catch the roof drains. All other drainage will stay the same. There is no proposal for additional employees. There are currently 5 employees, the plant is designed for 6. Mr. Marques asked that a certificate added to the plan that the building is not in the flood plain. Chief Dusseault noted that he will require sprinkling. Captain Stephens asked that the verbiage for the handicapped sign be added to the plan.
Captain Stephens, seconded by Jeff Wood, made a motion to approve the site plan entitled “Site Plan for Proposed Addition in Hudson, MA” owned by Maritimus Realty Trust as drawn by Thomas Land Surveyors of Hudson, MA dated March 14, 2005 with the following conditions:
Certification will be added to the plan noting that the site is not in the floodplain.
Verbiage will be added to the plan for the handicapped sign.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Princeton Street
Present was: Dave Zanca, Zanca Land Surveyors
Mr. Zanca presented the plan to the Committee to construct a portion of Princeton Street. It will be a 20-foot private roadway. The home will be sprinkled and energy efficient.
Chief Dusseault noted that he is comfortable with the 20-foot road if the house is sprinkled. Mr. Wood expressed concern regarding the amount of frontage. He noted a prior legal opinion that might have some bearing on this case. Mr. Marques indicated that the frontage issue should be an issue for the Planning Board.
Mr. Marques indicated that his only concern would be the name and it would have to be changed.
Chief Dusseault, seconded by Tony Marques, made a motion to approve the construction of Princeton Street as presented in the plan entitled “Proposed Plan of Princeton Street (Private Way) in Hudson, MA owned by Doris E. Frietas as drawn by Zanca Land Surveying of Stow, MA dated March 30, 2005 with the following conditions:
The street name must be changed.
A letter will be sent from the Committee to the Planning Board identifying the frontage issue.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
49 Broad Street
Present was: Steve Poole, Consolidated Design Group
Mr. Wood and Ms. Burke noted that the plan is deficient. It does not show the entire site and should not be before the Committee until it is a complete plan.
Mr. Marques said that he would listen to a brief description but noted that no decision can be made. Mr. Poole presented the idea to the Committee for parking. It was noted that the handicapped space is in a bad spot and should be moved. The Committee also noted that the plan shows intrusion on the sidewalk. The Committee asked that that be fixed.
400 Main Street
Present was: Steve Poole, Consolidated Design Group
Mr. Poole presented the site plan to the Committee. The developer is Joe Spinelli. He is proposing 6 condo units. All the existing structures and junk are to be removed. The driveway is proposed at 30 feet.
Chief Dusseault noted that the buildings will be sprinkled. He would like a note added to the plan. Mr. Wood would like the setback from the street noted on the plan. Also he did not see any site lighting. Mr. Poole indicated that it will be building mounted only. That should be noted on the plans. Mr. Wood also asked about signage. Mr. Poole said he did not think there would be any. Mr. Marques recommended that there be a sign noted the address.
Mr. Marques asked why there was no collection system at the end of the driveway. Mr. Poole was hoping to allow that drainage in the street. Mr. Marques would like to see the developer collect as much on site as possible.
Captain Stephens asked about driveway lights. Mr. Poole indicated that there are none proposed.
Mr. Poole will amend the plan and come back to the next meeting.
| 
