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 and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Chapin Road & Brigham Street
Mary Pauplis reviewed her letter with the Board. She expressed concern for the recent fatal accident that took place in the vicinity of the intersection. She noted her proximity to the accident and asked that full signalization be looked at.
Chief Braga asked her if she provided a witness statement for the accident. She indicated no. Chief Braga stated he would have an officer call her. He noted that the accident was not caused by the intersection and in fact the accident happened about 180 feet away from the intersection. He noted that over the years full signalization had been discussed, but at the last official discussion it was concluded that certain warrants were not met.
Mr. Marques reviewed the history of the intersection. He noted that there is a specific list of criteria an intersection has to meet before a light can be install. There was a traffic study done. He stated that no warrants were met to install a full signal and that the intersection minimally met the criteria for the flashing red lights that exist now. In order to relook at the criteria a new study would need to be funded.
Ms. Pauplis asked if she could review the book with the criteria. Mr. Marques indicated that he would provide copies.
Bill Pauplis asked if the speed limit on Chapin Road could be changed. Chief Braga indicated that the speed is regulated by the state and there is no guarantee the speed would be reduced.
Reed Road/Technology Drive/Intel Driveway
Mr. Marques stated that he had been out to the intersection. He indicated that at 30 mph you have 5.5 seconds to see any activity at the Intel driveway. He noted that should be sufficient for vehicles to stop. He stated that he would recommend to the Committee that they ask the Board of Selectmen to authorize a temporary stop sign on Reed Road. Chief Braga stated that he was uncomfortable with a temporary stop in that location due to the liability issue. Chief Dusseault also expressed concern stating that this route is a new response route for the Fire Department and a temporary stop would add additional traffic controls to deal with.
Mr. Marques indicated that he would put up barrels with slow signs and the police would use the speed trailer in that location. Ms. Burke will follow up on the Reed Road speed limits with the state. The Committee will revisit this in June.
Forest Avenue/Main Street/Wilkins Street
Mr. Marques stated that the original engineers have implemented some modifications to the signal. He also noted that the Fire Station Building Committee has contracted with a third party consultant. They are coming out next week to do on the ground observations.
Hillside Retirement Community
Present was: Tom McCarthy & Lloyd Geisinger
Mr. McCarthy reviewed the original plan with the Committee. Mr. Geisinger presented the new proposed plan to the Committee. There will be a reduction in units from 196 to 151. There will be attached and detached buildings. The new proposal is pedestrian friendly and provides additional amenities to the Town including the rehab of the existing field off Technology Drive. Mr. Geisinger talked about the requested variances and explained that this meeting is strictly to ask for support of the variances. The proposed variances are as follows:
Section 5.8.1.2 (c) to permit buildings to face upon a private way with a width of twenty-six (26) feet and to permit the distance between detached buildings to be fifteen (15) feet
Section 5.8.1.2 (d) to permit a detached – unit dwelling to contain more than 2,400 square feet of living area
Section 5.8.1.2 (g) to permit principal buildings to have no setback on an exterior lot line abutting land to be made subject to a conservation restriction
Section 5.8.1.2 (i) to permit one (1) parking space inside a garage and an additional space in a location on the lot other than in front of such garage
They will come back to amend the site plan after the variances are approved.
Ms. Burke noted that the Planning Board has seen this new plan and discussed the variance requests. The Planning Board is supportive of these requests and the new proposal in general. Chief Braga also indicated his support. He did note that although he is not comfortable recommending a reduction in the road width he has no objection to a 26-foot width.
Chief Dusseault asked about the arsenic cleanup. Mr. McCarthy will provide the approved clean up plan. He asked if the detached buildings would be sprinkled. He was told no. He expressed concern regarding the reduced distance between buildings that are not sprinkled. He mentioned a third party fire protection engineer review.
Chief Braga, seconded by Tony Marques, made a motion to support the variance requests as submitted today.
Vote: 2-0-1 Chief Dusseault abstaining
400 Main Street
Present was: Steve Poole, Consolidated Design Group
Mr. Poole presented the updated site plan to the Committee. All items have been addressed.
Chief Dusseault, seconded by Chief Braga, made a motion to approve the site plan entitled “Site Plan 400 Main Street Hudson, Massachusetts” owned by John Avila as drawn by Consolidated Design Group dated April 3, 2005 last revised April 30, 2005.
Vote: 3-0-0 Unanimous
503 River Road
Present was: Joe Peznola, Hancock Associates
Mr. Peznola presented the plan to the Committee. There is a valid approval from last year. There is a new P & S and the buyer wants to build it differently. The house will remain with a temporary greenhouse attached and then the building as proposed will be attached to the greenhouse. However, instead of breaking the building into multiple office condos. The building will remain one large warehouse. The new buyer is a florist who would like to grow and store his stock at this location. The house will be used for a caretaker. Mr. Peznola noted that a ZBA permit would be required.
Chief Dusseault asked if the greenhouse would be removed during the off season. Mr. Peznola indicated that is the current practice. He also requested that the house be sprinkled. Water flow tests will have to be done to determine adequate flows.
Chief Braga stated that he is all set.
Mr. Marques stated that the existing water into the house would be problematic with 2 meters. Mr. Peznola stated that they would look at backfeeding the house through the new building.
Chief Dusseault, seconded by Chief Braga, made a motion to approve the site plan entitled “Modification to Approved Site Plan” owned by Michael & Nancy Casaceli as drawn by Hancock Associates dated May 24, 2004 with the modifications discussed herein.
Vote: 3-0-0 Unanimous
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