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, Tony Marques, Jeff Wood, and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Handicapped Parking Space on Main Street
Ms. Burke explained that the Board of Selectmen had mentioned that there is a handicapped parking space on Main Street in front of the location of the former Poplin’s Furniture. It seems that this space is unnecessary at this location. The Committee discussed that relocating the space might be a good idea. The Committee will look for a new location and discuss the issue at the June meeting.
Stop Sign at Stratton Drive and Stratton Road
Chief Braga reviewed with the Committee his concerns regarding the intersection of Stratton Drive and Stratton Road. He feels that there should be stop signs on Stratton Drive before vehicles enter Stratton Road.
On a motion by Chief Braga, seconded by Tony Marques, the Committee voted unanimously to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the following language be added to the Traffic Regulations:
ARTICLE VI - OPERATION OF VEHICLES
SECTION 11: Stop Signs
Every driver of a vehicle, railway car or other conveyance, approaching an intersection of ways where there exists facing him an official sign, bearing the word “stop” and authorized by this section, said sign having apart from this regulation, the written approval of the Highway Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or as approved by the Board of Selectmen and such approval being in effect, shall, before proceeding through the intersection, bring such vehicle, railway car or other conveyance to a complete stop at such point as may be clearly marked by a sign or line, or if a point is not so marked then at a place between the said “stop” sign and the nearer line of the street intersection. This section shall not apply when the traffic is otherwise directed by an officer or by a
lawful traffic regulating sign, signal or device, except as provided in Section 15 (C) of this article. In accordance with the foregoing, the erection and maintenance of an official “stop” sign or signs are authorized so as to face:
LOCATION
STRATTON DRIVE AT STRATTON ROAD (SOUTHBOUND) AT 2 LOCATIONS
Packard/Cox/Lincoln Streets
The Committee is in receipt of an email regarding installing a 4 way stop sign at the intersection of Packard/Lincoln/Cox Streets. The Committee discussed the ongoing redesign of the intersection being done by the developers of Highland Commons. The Committee would like to know the status of this design and see any plans before making a decision about installing stop signs. Mr. Marques will contact VHB to see if a copy of the design is available for the Committee’s next meeting.
Lincoln/Central Streets
Ms. Burke explained that the Board of Selectmen requested that the intersection of Lincoln and Central Street be reviewed for full signalization. Chief Blood noted that the existing traffic light has shorted circuited on several occasions. The fire department has done repairs but now are have trouble getting parts. The department is considering disconnecting power to the lights due to safety concerns. The Committee agreed that the intersection should be studied.
On a motion by Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Braga, the Committee voted unanimously to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the intersection of Lincoln & Central Streets be studied for full signalization.
Site Plan Review
256 Washington Street
Present was: Paul Giannetti, Atty. at Law
Lisa Davis, Stop & Shop
Dan Mills, MDM
Matt Smith, Bohler Engineering
Mr. Smith reviewed the modifications to the plan based on the discussion at the last meeting. He also noted that the design now includes a restroom on site so a septic system is shown.
Mr. Marques expressed concern about adequate snow storage. He noted that no snow should be dumped in the wetland. He suggested that a plan be put in place to remove snow from the site it exceeds the storage capacity. He also asked that the developer construct a sidewalk along Technology Drive to for the length of the property.
Ms. Burke noted that the Planning Board will likely condition the sidewalk construction on any approval. She also asked that the snow storage calculations be added to the zoning table.
Chief Braga suggested adding addition snow storage area along the north side of the property.
Mr. Marques also asked about the creation of additional traffic. Mr. Mills reviewed the traffic impacts and indicated that most of the traffic will be pass by traffic and any impact will be minor in nature.
Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development asked if the developer has looked anymore at widening Technology Drive right at their new driveway where it pinches to accommodate two full lanes of traffic. There was some discussion regarding ownership and ability to widen this area. Mr. Marques indicated that there is enough right of way to accommodate Ms. Ciccolo’s request. Ms. Ciccolo also asked about crosswalks. There was a discussion about whether crosswalks were necessary. Lisa Davis indicated that Stop & Shop will institute a policy that employees will drive across the street. Ms. Burke and Ms. Ciccolo were still interested in seeing a crosswalk. Chief Braga stated that if there is a written store policy regarding the requirement of store employees who are
working or visiting the gas station to drive their vehicles across the street, then the management of Stop & Shop must ensure that the policy is strictly adhered to. The onus and potential liability would be on Stop & Shop should an employee be hit by a car that was walking from the store to the gas station (or vice-versa). The Chief felt that a crosswalk was the safest alternative and that the best place to locate it would be at the driveway closest to the Stop & Shop store which would require that the developer extend the sidewalk on the southern side of Technology Drive past the property line to the driveway near Stop & Shop. The Chief felt this location provided the best sight lines and offered the safest crossing point.
Chief Braga asked about his request for one way signs along the rear fence directing traffic out of the pumps. Mr. Smith explained that they would prefer to use exit signs instead of one way signs to avoid confusion when navigating the pumps. Chief Braga felt that would be ok. He also mentioned the entrance drive and the lanes being less that 15 feet. Mr. Smith stated that it is his opinion that the drive is really two way and therefore meets the 30 foot width.
Mr. Wood asked that the zoning table be corrected to include the parking space size. He would also like the kiosk shifted in to accommodate a 30 foot aisle in the rear.
Chief Blood asked that grooves be shown on the tank pad.
They will return on June 27, 2008.
145 Main Street
Present was: Steve Poole, Consolidate Design Group
Rich Frias
Mr. Poole presented the plan to the Committee the owner would like to construct a parking lot to the rear of his building on Main Street. They will be removing the existing shed. They will be adding a trench drain and collecting the drainage and providing infiltration. The internal drive width is only 22’ so the owner will apply for a variance from the ZBA. There will be building mounted lights.
Chief Braga asked if the location of the dumpster will be a problem. Mr. Poole indicated that the dumpster exists now and works fine. Chief Braga noted the stacked parking. Mr. Poole indicated that the stacked parking will be dedicated for specific tenants. They will be for employees only.
Mr. Wood reiterated the need for ZBA approval and asked about the parking space size.
Chief Blood asked that the area in front of building 4 be kept clear of vehicles.
Chief Braga, seconded by Jeff Wood, made a motion to approve the plan entitled “Proposed Site Plan 145 Main Street and 4 Houghton Street Hudson, Massachusetts” as drawn by Zanca Land Surveyors of Stow, MA dated May 16, 2008 with the conditions noted above.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
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