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 Richard Braga, Chief John Blood, Max Kamel, and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Main & Lewis Streets
Chief Braga reviewed with the Committee his concerns regarding the accident data for the previous year at the intersection of Main and Lewis Streets. There have been 11 accidents most of which require an ambulance and are “t-bone” type accidents. He has been told that drivers have a hard time seeing the stop signs on Lewis Street.
Chief Braga recommends that double stop signs be placed on Lewis Street at the Main Street intersection and the reflective sticks be used for the signs. He would also suggest “stop ahead” signs on Lewis Street at the intersection of Green Meadow Drive and the Ferjulian’s driveway as well as “dangerous Intersection” signs on Main Street. Mr. Kamel agreed to bring the proposal back to Mr. Marques.
Site Plan
280 Washington Street
Present: Chris Buchanan, Wal-Mart
Matt Smith, Bohler Engineering
Bob Michaud, MDM Transportation
Mr. Buchanan stated that Wal-Mart would like to expand to accommodate a grocery offering. They are looking to add 21,000 square feet to the rear of the existing building and project to create about 100 new jobs.
Mr. Smith reviewed the plans with the Committee there will be a new vestibule in front that will reduce the parking. The zoning requirement for parking is still being met. The total new square footage will be about 23, 000 sf. He noted that the utility connections will be modified only on site. There will be no wetland impacts, therefore, no Conservation Commission filing.
Mr. Michaud reviewed the site traffic with the Committee. The estimated traffic falls below the estimates from the original permitted site. He noted that the site drive signal will operate at a level C. He stated that there is not a material increase to the impact on the intersections.
Mr. Michaud also noted that he has looked at the 25% design for Rte. 85. The design does not call for additional lanes only wider shoulders and new striping. He discussed the mitigation proposed when the Rte 85 project is done including reworking the signal and adding crosswalks.
Chief Blood stated that the warehouse area is too small for the stock currently held by Wal Mart. There are significant life safety issues in the egress aisles. He would ask that the size of the warehouse be increased with the expansion. He also noted that there are communications issues within the building due to the building type. He would like this updated for fire and police.
Mr. Kamel stated that the timing of the traffic signal is off. He asked that the timing be provided to DPW. He also reminded the developer that there have been several failures of the sewer pump station. He would to see a plan on how that will be improved with the expansion project.
Chief Braga asked about the gravel drive to the rear of the building and if it will be open to the public. He was told no that it is considered a fire lane. Ms. Burke suggested that it be marked as such to avoid confusion. He also reiterated the concerns regarding communications.
Ms. Burke suggested that Wal Mart may want to consider continuing the sidewalk along their Washington Street frontage. She also noted that many businesses are being asked to donate the right of way to the road project.
Kerin Shea, Community Development Assistant, asked some clarifying questions regarding the presentation.
43 Broad Street
Present: Tom DiPersio, Sr., Thomas Land Surveyors & Engineering Consultants
Bob Flynn, Calare Properties
Mr. DiPersio presented the plan to the Committee. The site is 1.3 acres. The applicant is proposing to build a parking lot for the adjacent building at 43 Broad Street. He has a tentative tenant with approximately 75 employees.
The lot will have a circular traffic pattern with 88 spaces. They will create the handicap spaces in the lot in the front of the building next to the door. They are proposing to use LID drainage measures. There will be stairs connecting to the ARRT and a bridge into the back of the building.
Chief Blood stated his concerns regarding the traffic flow on Houghton Court. He noted that it was not designed to handle much traffic. It is very narrow and two way traffic may be difficult. He would like to see what the developer might propose to address the problem. He also expressed concern for the safety of the employees in the winter months as they cross the ARRT. Mr. Flynn noted that they would maintain the stairs and the portion of the ARRT needed to access the building.
Mr. Kamel asked if the developer feels the project is approvable under the 1996 River’s Protection Act. He was told yes. He noted concern regarding the safety on the ARRT in the winter. He asked about permission to build the stairs. He was told that Michelle Ciccolo is meeting with the MBTA next week to help aid that process. He also had concerns about Houghton Court and the potential capacity.
Chief Braga stated that the parking lot will be one way traffic. He talked about his concerns for the capacity of Houghton Court. He also discussed night safety in the parking lot and continuous lighting or cameras to help prevent undesirable activity.
Ms. Burke reminded the developer to include the zoning chart on his site plan. She also suggested that some vegetative screening be planted behind the homes on Houghton Street.
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