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, Chief Richard Braga, Jeff Wood and Jennifer Burke
Highland Commons
Randy Hart, VHB, reviewed the project and the updated traffic study with the Board. The project is approximately 334,000 square feet of retail space with associated infrastructure. The traffic study projects about 1100 trips in peak pm hours and 1700 trips in peak Saturday hours. There are two access points. AT the eastern most entrance they are proposing lane widening and a traffic light. At the western most entrance they are proposing right out only and possible left in if the site distance is OK. All other mitigation remains the same as previously proposed.
Chief Dusseault stated that the traffic lights should be compatible with the emergency response. He asked about the size of the septic tanks. The civil engineer was not present to answer questions. The Chief stated that an extension of the municipal fire alarm system will be required. He recommended the applicant hire a fire protection engineer to work of the project. Finally he noted that all blasting should be coordinated with the Fire Department. Chief Dusseault asked how many people per day will visit the site. The applicant indicated there are no numbers on that.
Mr. Wood asked about future expansion into Berlin. He was told that at some point it will be developed. That is not part of the current proposal. It was noted that the traffic study includes by right uses on the site. Mr. Wood noted that fire lanes must be designated in front of all buildings and the entrances should clear 15 feet.
Mr. Marques asked about water consumption. He was told less than 27,000 gallons per day. He noted that in the request to DEP regarding disposal of solids, the applicant should be specific regarding the location of disposal. Mr. Marques asked about looping the gas line. He noted that the type, size and location of the water tank must be approved by DPW and Gustafson Environmental. He asked if the applicant was considering recycling the affluent to use for irrigation of the landscaping. He was told yes. He noted a few typos in the narrative and on the plans.
Chief Braga expressed concern regarding the left turn into the western most entrance. He asked about the intersection of Packard and Cox Streets. He was told that the changes have not been designed yet. They will be designed to 100% bid ready specs. Chief Braga stated that he would ask the developer to construct a sidewalk along Rte. 62 from Lot 1 Coolidge Street to the Berlin Town Line. There is a concern for the number of pedestrians the shopping center will attract. Finally he asked about the level of public safety mitigation that will fall under the new plan. The applicant indicated that they are in discussion with the Executive Assistant regarding this issue.
The applicant will review these concerns and return to an upcoming meeting of the Committee.
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