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: A/Chief John Blood, Chief Richard Braga, Tony Marques, Jeff Wood, Jennifer Burke and Michelle Ciccolo
Traffic Issues
Main Street Crosswalk in front of the Esplanade
Ms. Burke explained to the Committee that a gentleman came into the office and asked that additional signage be added to let motorists know there is a crosswalk. The Committee took the request under advisement.
River Street/Central Street/Washington Street
Chief Braga stated that one of his officer’s noted that drivers traveling southeast on Central Street block the intersection at River Street when the rotary traffic is stopped. He suggested a Do Not Block Intersection sign with a stop line on Central Street. Mr. Marques said he would have the sign installed and paint the line.
Rutland Street
Mr. Marques explained to the Committee that when cars park on both sides of the street it is difficult for emergency vehicles to get through. He suggested possibly limiting one side of the street. Chief Braga agreed with the problem and noted that Everret Street has the same issue. The Committee agreed to discuss the issue at its next meeting.
Tower Street Speed Limit
Mr. Marques noted that the speed limit on Tower is inconsistent and suggested a study. Chief Braga agreed to do the speed study in preparation of sending it to Mass Highway.
Site Plan Review
190 Washington Street
Present was: Scott Hayes, Foresite Engineering
Mr. Hayes presented the plan to the Committee. The y would like to convert the existing house to a retail/café use. There will be some minor additions to the building including handicapped ramps and squaring the building off. The parking area will include five more spaces than required. Mr. Hayes noted that he spoke with Michelle Ciccolo, Community Development Director and noted that his project can be pushed back to accommodate and right of way necessary for the Rte. 85 widening project.
Chief Braga noted that there are parking spaces in the front of the building that are angled against each other. He noted the potential for accidents in that location. It was suggested that one space be removed and the others turned to avoid any problems. He asked about the second bit driveway. Mr. Hayes stated that it will be used to access the garage. It was noted that Mass Highway is looking to consolidate drives along Rte. 85.
Mr. Marques recommended moving the handicapped space closer to the entrance to the building. If it can not be moved the suggestion was to add a second handicapped space. Mr. Marques noted that the narrative addressing Site Plan review items was not provided. He would like the calculations showing that the sewer flow will not increase. He noted that the two drives were of concern. He stated that a 5 foot diameter catch basin will be required instead of 4 feet.
Mr. Wood noted that the drive should be right in and right out only.
A/Chief Blood stated that he would need paved access to two sides of the building. If he doesn’t have access to two sides he will require that the building be sprinkled.
Ms. Ciccolo stated that she reviewed the plans and in conjunction with the Rte. 85 widening project she noted that the project should be pushed back to accommodate the right of way. She also reiterated that the curb cuts should be consolidated.
Ms. Burke noted that a Common Victualler license form the Board of Selectmen will be required. She also said that developers along Rte. 85 are being asked to contribute the sidewalk along their frontage and reiterated the right in right out requirement for the drive.
Mr. Hayes will return in June with an updated plan.
256 Washington Street
Present was: Paul Giannetti, Atty. at Law
John Stewart, The Richmond Company
Josh Reinke, Bohler Engineering
Dan Mills, MDM Associates
Atty. Giannetti stated that the new plan had been presented to the Planning Board informally. Mr. Reinke reviewed the changes. The site has been pushed back to accommodate the future widening project. They have also added the proposed future development and shifted the Washington Street entrance as far south as possible. Mr. Mills reviewed the new entrance location and noted that on Technology Drive a shoulder was added.
Chief Braga stated that he thought it was a reasonable compromise. He liked that the Washington Street Drive was sharper to prevent a left turn in. He would recommend to the Planning Board that the drives be reviewed one year after occupancy.
Mr. Marques stated that he thought the developer was proposing a widening of the lanes on Technology Drive in order to extend the two lanes passed the entrance. Mr. Marques indicated that he felt the left shoulder should be a full turning lane. He questioned the path of trucks turning into the gas station.
Mr. Wood asked that “Permit Drawings” be removed form the plans.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Braga, made a motion to approve the site plan for 256 Washington Street as drawn by Bohler Engineering, dated May 11, 2007 last revised May 24, 2007 and to authorize the signatures upon changes to the plans as noted above.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
2 Coolidge Street
Present was: Steve Poole, Consolidated Design Group
Todd Marsh
Mr. Poole reviewed the modification with the Committee. The plan now shows a wetland crossing for child drop off. The pedestrian bridge has been removed and an internal sidewalk has been added. Also the rear corner of the building has been cut off to comply with the zoning district boundaries.
Mr. Marques asked if the floor drains were connected to Town Sewer. He was told yes and stated that should be discussed. He also suggested moving the proposed hydrant on the applicant’s property and the entirety of the sidewalk in the right of way.
Mr. Wood noted his concern for the retaining wall in light of the previous failure.
A/Chief Blood had no issues. Mr. Poole asked if grass pavers could be used for the fire lane. A/Chief Blood did not see a problem but wanted information about the specific product.
Chief Braga suggested that the exit be reviewed after occupancy to determine if there is potential for back up. Ms. Burke suggested that It be either occupancy or the installation of the signal whichever comes later. Chief Braga also asked that additional do not enter signs be added.
Chief Braga, seconded by Tony Marques, made a motion to approve the site plan for 2 Coolidge Street as drawn by Consolidated Design Group, dated June 26, 2005 last revised May 22, 2007 and to authorize the signatures upon changes to the plans as noted above.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
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