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: Chief John Blood, Chief Richard Braga, Max Kamel, Jeff Wood and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Parking along Cox Street
Ms. Burke noted that the Selectmen had expressed concern regarding cars parking along Cox Street in the vicinity of the fire headquarters and the transfer station. This is noticeable when the deck hockey league is active.
The Committee tabled the item and will review the area and conditions for the next meeting.
Wheeler Road
Weedon Parris, Champlain Drive, had sent a letter to the Police Chief asking that Wheeler Road become a one way street. He stated that if it has to remain a two way street that it is posted “narrow road” and that the speed limit be changed to 15 mph.
David Robshaw had sent an email regarding the same issue. He noted very overgrown bushes that block sight distances. He suggested adding Do Not Enter signs to keep traffic out but allow residents to go both ways.
Chief Braga agreed that the road is narrow and that the brush is a problem. He noted that the residents wanted two way traffic and promises were made to return to two way after the Broad Street bridge was complete. He noted that it is a private road and is posted. He noted that it is a private road and is posted 20 mph as advisory. The state will probably not lower the limit any more.
The Committee suggested addressing the foliage and adding a narrow road sign. Mr. Kamel stated that DPW would address these items.
No Left Turn
The Committee is in receipt of an email from Richard Hartford requesting a no left turn onto Winter Street from Broad Street.
Chief Blood expressed concern that this is a major fire response route and eliminating left-hand turns will slow response times. It was also noted that eliminating the left-hand turns onto Winter Street would divert the traffic to Summer Street and have the same issue.
The Committee suggested a larger Do Not Block intersection sign and that the sign be located closer to the intersection than the existing sign. The DPW will add the new sign.
256 Washington Street
Present was: Paul Giannetti, Atty. at Law
Matt Smith , Bohler Engineering
Dan Mills, MDM
Mr. Smith presented the plan to the Committee. It is a 10-acre site primarily with wetlands. The developer would like to divide it into three lots. The only definite known use is Walgreen’s. A gas station and other retail are likely.
The plan shows a 10,000 sf Walgreen’s with 4,000 sf of mezzanine space. There will be a drive through. 71 parking spaces are required and 71 parking spaces are provided There is also a 3,000-sf convenience store/gas station with 10 fueling positions.
There are three driveway accesses proposed. One on Technology Drive that will be aligned with the shopping center across the street. Two will be off of Washington Street. One is proposed full egress and one will be right in only.
There will be individual septic systems and underground drainage. The applicant has no drainage calculations yet.
Mr. Mills discussed the traffic generation. Ms. Burke expressed concern that the third use has not been taken into account when studying the traffic.
Chief Blood expressed concern regarding the left turn in from Washington Street. He felt it was not safe crossing three lanes of traffic and possibly tying up the whole intersection. The other Committee members agreed.
Mr. Wood stated that Do Not Enter signs should be added where appropriate. He also questioned the loading docks. Mr. Smith reviewed the ability for single unit trucks to maneuver in the two loading docks. Mr. Wood would like a note on the plan indicating that the loading docks will be for single unit trucks only.
Mr. Kamel requested a sidewalk along both sides of the property.
Chief Braga emphasized the right in right out onto Washington Street. He would like the drives constructed so it is impossible to turn left. He asked about the handicapped spaces. Mr. Smith reviewed the locations. Chief Braga noted the particular handicapped language required under the by-law. He noted he would also like a sidewalk. He asked about the snow storage locations and would like then clearly defined.
Ms. Burke expressed concern that the third use has not been accounted for. She would like some general calculations used for planning purposes. She also noted that the Town is in discussions with MassHighway about the whole Rte. 85 corridor. Other developers along Rte 85 are being required to help with the widening of the road. She encouraged the developer to meet with herself and Michelle Ciccolo to discuss options.
The applicant will return at the next meeting.
Main Street
Present was: Scott Hayes, Foresite Engineering
Mr. Hayes presented a 5,500 sf industrial building. There is one drive off Main Street. Parking along the side and back. He noted the drainage. The project is in the Watershed Protection District and will require a Special Permit.
Chief Blood noted that the internal drives need to be 30 feet and they are at 24 feet.
Mr. Wood needs the total square foot of pavement shown that the snow storage calculation can be done. He asked if the dumpster can be relocated away from the property line.
Mr. Kamel asked that the water service be shown on the plan. He also asked the applicant to investigate what the water gate is. He noted the narrative was missing.
Chief Braga asked that the Sauta Farms driveway be located on the plan. Ms. Burke asked if he thought the turning movements from Main Street were safe. He felt they would be OK.
Chief Braga, seconded by Chief Blood, moved to approve the site plan for Main Street with the following conditions:
The internal drives are 30 feet wide or a variance is requested.
The square feet of pavement are shown on the plan.
The dumpster is relocated away from the property line.
The water service is shown on the plan.
The Sauta Farms driveway is located on the plan.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Highland Commons
Present was: Peter Tamm, Atty. at Law
Dan Bradanini, Sullivan Hayes Companies
Ana Fill, VHB
Atty. Tamm updated the Committee on the project. Mr. Bradanini review all the previous issues as follows:
Use: Police needs were addressed with Paul Blazar
Parking: The applicant will proceed to the ZBA for a variance with a condition to add more parking if needed.
The internal drives were widened to 30 feet.
The parking along the side of the garden center has been removed.
A fence has been shown around the water tank.
The roads have been identified for public safety purposes.
The water usage has been addressed.
The site signage has been addressed.
A summary of changes has been provided.
Ms. Fill, noted that the hotel decreases the number of vehicles but alters the distribution. More cars will be coming from 495. After reviewing the traffic improvements proposed, it has been determined that they can still accommodate the Town’s needs.
Chief Braga would like no parking on the main drives and on route 62. He agreed that it could be revisited 1 year after occupancy.
Mr. Wood noted the setback of Retail C from the lot line. Relief will be sought from the ZBA.
Chief Blood noted the lack of hydrant in front of Retail D, E, F, and G. He would like one added in front of each group (D & E, F & G). He also noted his concerns regarding the site taxing his manpower and services. Ms. Burke noted that Paul Blazar had discussed these issues with the developer. She suggested the Chief speak with him.
Chief Braga, seconded by Jeff Wood, moved to approve the site plan for Highland Commons with the following conditions:
All previous conditions remain in effect.
The internal parking arrangement is review one year after occupancy of the hotel.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
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