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, Mark Bertonassi and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Wheeler Road
Ms. Burke stated that the Board of Selectmen had requested a review of the directional traffic flow on Wheeler Road now that the Broad Street bridge is open. Members of the Committee felt the road should remain as it is due to the width. However, the Committee would like to hear if there are any resident concerns at the next meeting.
Chestnut Street/Marlboro Road (Stow)
The Committee is in receipt of a letter from Carole Makary, Stow Selectmen. The letter identifies concerns from Stow residents regarding the new improvements to the intersection. The residents would like a U-turn in place to better access their homes. Mr. Marques reviewed the history with the Committee. He indicated that the improvements were put in place based on previous complaints generated by Stow residents. He feels that the DPW had addressed the intersection as requested. The possibility of a U-turn was discussed and such a change may not be safe or even legal. The Committee indicated that if the residents wanted to design and fund any improvements they would be happy to review them.
Brigham Street
Joanne Brown, Brigham Street, was present to discuss the letter she sent to the Committee. The letter identifies concerns regarding the traffic on Brigham Street. Walter Holbert, 275 Brigham Street, also expressed concerns regarding truck traffic. He noted that there is a bus stop in the vicinity and it is a dangerous situation. He stated that the police conduct regular speed traps in the area and he requested a truck exclusion. The Committee explained that a truck exclusion was not feasible due to the absence of an alternate route within the community.
Chief Braga stated that the police would nonetheless increase their efforts on Brigham Street. Mr. Marques presented plans from 1975 showing reconstruction of Brigham Street. At the time it was not considered due to resident’s objections. He stated that the road is not on the DPW priority list and that there is no funding at this time. Mr. Holbert indicated that the residents might not want the street reconstructed as it could cause traffic to increase speed and make a more unsafe condition. He also noted that he did not want to lose any land in a taking.
Chris Yates, 49 Brigham Street, expressed concern regarding the speed on Brigham Street. He has also noticed an increase in truck traffic. From his viewpoint it is clearly a safety issue.
Chief Dusseault asked if developers on Donald Lynch Blvd. could be approached to discuss options. Mr. Marques indicated that the MEPA review resulted in about $75,000 in mitigation for Hudson. That process can not be reopened.
There was discussion about dead ending Brigham Street at the Town line. The residents spoke in favor of that action. The Committee expressed concern that traffic would be routed to other streets in Town and then those residents would have concerns.
Loading Zones
Ms. Burke stated that parking tickets were being issued to cars in loading zones that were legally loading and unloading. It has been suggested that signs be added to the area in front of the Salvation Army where tickets have been issued. The Committee will review the Traffic Regulations and make sure the signs are consistent.
24 Coolidge Street
Present was: Brandon Ducharme
Mr. Ducharme presented the plans. The Applicant is proposing to expand the parking lot for vehicle storage.
Mr. Marques asked if the Applicant had located the water easement in the field. He stated that he could not approve the plan until there is a discussion regarding the easement.
Chief Dusseault stated that he is looking to improve the flow of traffic in the rear of the building. He asked that the applicant include a parking layout for the whole site. He asked if there was going to be stacked parking. He was told yes. He noted that the fire department would require access between the vehicles for emergency purposes. He will also require designation of a fire lane. The Chief also discussed including a guardrail on the retaining wall near Highland Avenue.
Mark Bertonassi noted items missing from the plan. Chief Braga asked about any proposed lighting. He was told none was proposed. He indicated that he would recommend some lighting. He also noted that there has been a problem in the past with vehicles being parked on Town property. He reiterated that could not occur. He asked if the cars currently parked across the street would be moved over. He was told yes.
Mr. Ducharme indicated that he would address the comments for the October meeting.
186 Main Street
Present was: Jim Lyons
Mr. Lyons presented the plans to the Board. The proposal is for a parking lot with 22 spaces. There will be one entrance from the school and two off Manning Street. He noted that the existing lighting on the pole should be adequate. There are no handicapped provisions because the lot adjacent to the school provides the correct number.
Chief Dusseault asked about the size of the parking spaces and the width of the internal drives. Mr. Lyons indicated that because there is no parking requirement he felt that he did not have to meet the design criteria. Ms. Burke stated that if he is designing a parking lot whether or not it is required, he must meet the design criteria. Chief Dusseault also noted that the lot might be used by the public and local business patrons.
Mr. Bertonassi stated that the Building Department was satisfied with handicapped spaces provided at the school.
Mr. Marques recommended that he comply with the design regulations for the parking spaces. Chief Braga had no issues with the plan.
Chief Braga seconded by Tony Marques, made a motion to approve the site plan for 186 Main Street.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
51 Packard Street
Present was: Manuel Ponte
Mr. Ponte presented the plans to the Committee. The plans show 6 stacks of 2 cars each in the rear of the building. The house is a 6 family dwelling. Each stack will be designated for one unit. Currently there is no parking. This will improve the condition.
The only comment from the Committee was that the side of the house along the driveway is designated as a fire lane.
Chief Braga, seconded by Mark Bertonassi, made a motion to approve the site plan for 51 Packard Street.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
Highland Commons
Present was: Jed Hayes & Dan Bradinini, Sullivan Hayes Companies, Bill Hoffman, Deluca Hoffman, Randy Hart, VHB, Peter Tamm, Goulston & Storrs
Mr. Bradinini reviewed the comments from the previous meeting. All seems to be in order. Mr. Marques stated that his only other comment would be to require additional review of water metering.
Chief Braga again expressed concern regarding the westernmost entrance and allowing left hand turns. He requested that the Planning Board review the entrance after occupancy. Chief Braga also wanted to make a clarification regarding his comments at the previous meeting. The Applicant’s notes from the last meeting state that he requested a sidewalk that only went to the entrance of the trailer park. In fact his request was for the sidewalk to continue to Central Street.
Chief Dusseault stated that the applicant has agreed to radio signal enhancement with the department.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Dusseault, made a motion to approve the site plan for Highland Commons with the recommendation that the Planning Board revisit the traffic improvements after occupancy.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
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