The Internal Traffic Committee met in the Selectman’s Hearing Room, Town Hall at 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts. At 10:00 the Committee called the meeting to order.
Present: Tony Marques, Chief Frederick Dusseault, Jeff Wood, Captain David Stephens and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
High Street
The Board discussed the temporary measure enacted in the spring. It seems to have worked. Captain Stephens suggested that the temporary regulation become permanent. Chief Dusseault noted that the contractors for the Esplanade would be leaving soon but that the Committee should notify the owners of the Esplanade of the change.
On a motion from David Stephens, seconded by Frederick Dusseault, the Committee voted unanimously to recommend No Parking between the driveways of St. Michael School from 7:00 am until 9:00 am and from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm Monday – Friday September 1st-June 15th.
The Committee also discussed the possibility of half days and determined that on half days, the Police Chief could issue a Temporary Order if requested by the school.
Marlboro Street/Intel Driveway
After the previous recommendation to the Selectmen regarding the stop sign on Loop Road at Technology Drive, the Selectmen asked the Committee to look into the stop sign on Loop Road at Marlboro Street.
Mr. Marques indicated that the stop sign is on private property and the Town would not be able to enforce it.
Rutland Drive/Everett Street
Captain Stephens noted that Chief Braga has a concern that if cars are parked on either side and there are two cars traveling in opposite directions, emergency vehicles may not be able to get through. Mr. Marques indicated that the number of cars that travel down those streets is insignificant and does necessitate any changes to the regulations.
The Committee took no action on this issue.
Lots 1 & 2 Coolidge Street
Present was: Steve Poole, Consolidated Design Group
Mr. Poole presented a plan for a retail store and associated parking. There will be parking on the lower level of the store for employees and all customer parking will be across the wetland connected by a pedestrian bridge. There will be a total of 51 spaces.
The applicant has met with the Conservation Commission and is expecting an Order of Conditions next week.
Chief Dusseault asked about signage and if it will be lighted. He was told yes. He expressed concern regarding the proximity to the Central Street intersection and suggested a traffic study to look at potential hazards. He also noted that the fire access should be paved and plowed in the winter. It needs to be a minimum of 18 feet wide. Chief Dusseault suggested a fence on top of the proposed retaining wall and had questions about the bridge design. He feels it should be covered and have ceiling lights for safety. Finally, he asked the developer to note the floor area on the plans.
Mr. Wood reviewed the necessary ZBA permits with the applicant, including variances for parking, watershed protection and encroaching in the residential portion of the lot by more than 100 feet. He stated that a loading berth and an elevator in the building would be required. He noted that all handicapped parking spaces have to on the same site as the building.
Mr. Marques stated that he would like the applicant to show the water line break off and the size of the valve on the main. He requested that the existing catch basin be changed to a drain manhole.
Captain Stephens stated that all internal drives must be 30 feet wide and that there should be ceiling light in the parking area of the building.
Ms. Burke confirmed that the lots would be combined into one. She also suggested that the applicant consider constructing a sidewalk along the front of his property easterly on Central Street to Elm Street.
The Applicant will return to the Committee on August 26, 2005.
43 Broad Street
Present was: Steve Poole
Mr. Poole presented the plan for the parking area to the Committee. The small building has been removed. There are now two 30-foot drives and parking clearly defined.
Chief Dusseault asked that the fire lanes be clearly designated. Mr. Wood stated that the handicapped spaces need to meet the slope requirements. Mr. Marques stated that both ends of the walk need to be handicapped accesible and that the one way traffic pattern should be consistent with the handicapped parking spaces. This would entail flipping the proposed direction. Captain Stephens asked about lighting. There will only be building lighting.
Tony Marques, seconded by Jeff Wood, made a motion to approve the site plan for 43 Broad Street subject to the changes identified today.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
River’s Edge Estates
Present was: William Glynn and Charles Freeman
Mr. Glynn spoke about the Planning Board position on the sidewalk along Brigham Street. He asked why it would be required. The Committee indicated that it is necessary for public safety and it has been required before.
Mr. Glynn argued that it consists of more than just a sidewalk and offered to make contribution for road repairs instead.
Mr. Marques stated that engineering needs to be done to determine feasibility. He outlined the applicant’s options if the Board issues an unfavorable decision.
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