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 Richard Braga, Chief John Blood, Jeff Wood, and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Rice Street
Present was: Beth Owen
Beth explained to the Committee her concern regarding trucks traveling down Rice Street. In either direction they have difficulty making the turn at the corner of Rice and Lincoln Streets. Recently one truck took out her stone wall. Before it gets replace she would like to see if anything can be done.
Mr. Marques explained that in order for the Town to issue a truck exclusion, we would need to do traffic counts and determine how many trucks are actually going down the street. The Town would also need to provide alternate routes.
DPW will proceed with the traffic counts.
Houghton Court
Chief Braga was approached by a merchant with concerns regarding the number of vehicles using Houghton Court as a way to get to Broad Street because they cannot take a left turn at the lights. There are several businesses very close to the travel lane and it is becoming a dangerous situation. The Chief is proposing a no left hand turn at the end of Houghton Court which would force driver’s down to Houghton Street which can handle the traffic better.
There was some discussion regarding the traffic flow on Houghton Court. Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development reminded everyone that Houghton Court does not meet the standards for two travel lanes and parking as it stands currently.
The Committee will invite property owners to the next meeting to discuss the issue.
Site Plan
Lot 13 Kane Industrial Drive
Present: Christopher Yates, Atty. at Law
Steve Poole, Zanca Land Surveyors
Atty. Yates presented the plan to the Committee. This plan had previously been approved 4 years ago, but no work has been done so the permits have lapsed. The proposal is for exactly the same as the previously approved plan. It is an 8,000 square foot building. Mr. Poole reviewed the drainage with the Committee. There have been no changes to the drainage.
Mr. Marques asked if we have the existing plan as approved. Ms. Burke indicated that we do. Mr. Marques asked about the septic system. Atty. Yates indicated that it was already designed and approved. Ms. Burke suggested that he confirm the approval is still valid. Mr. Marques would also like to see roof drains added.
Chief Blood would like the total square footage added to the plan.
Chief Braga, seconded by Tony Marques, made a motion to approve the site plan for Lot 13 Kane Industrial Drive noting that the building should be as previously approved and the total square footage of the building and roof drains should be added to the plan.
Vote: 3-0-1 with Jeff Wood abstaining
280 Washington Street
Present: Matt Smith, Bohler Engineering
Bob Michaud, MDM Transportation
Mr. Smith stated that the plans had been developed further and they have now made formal filings on behalf of Wal-Mart. He reviewed the plans again. Noting the proposed detention/infiltration system underground in the rear of the building. He stated that the utilities will remain as is. He said that they are redoing all the parking lot lighting to be uniform.
Mr. Smith addressed several issues from the previous meeting. He said that the storage layout and communication issues are being addressed by the architect and they will continue to work on them with Chief Blood.
The pump station issues are maintenance issues that appear to be derived from KFC. Wal-Mart is working with KFC to solve those issues as well. Mr. Marques expressed concern with regard to the sewer capacity. He noted that depending on where this expansion puts the sewer level, the project may need to do some I & I or make a contribution. He will need actual figures to make that determination.
Mr. Smith noted that Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development, had sent a letter regarding sidewalks on route 85 and the right of way donation. Wal-Mart would prefer not to build the sidewalks because they could be torn up later but will commit to a contribution towards future sidewalk implementation. He also noted that Wal-Mart will commit to donate the right of way.
Mr. Marques noted that the water line around the building will need to be relocated.
Mr. Michaud reviewed the progress made at the existing driveway signal. They have worked with DPW to address the concerns relative to timing. There was some equipment that was not functioning. That has been replaced. Now they will tweak the signal to get the timing as optimal as possible. Mr. Marques would like a certified letter regarding the signal timing.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Braga, made a motion to approve the site plan for Wal-Mart recommending that the necessary right of way for the Rte. 85 widening project be donated free of charge and that the developer be required to either construct sidewalks along the Washington Street frontage or place a sum in escrow for future sidewalk development.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
43 Broad Street
Present: Tom DiPersio, Sr., Thomas Land Surveyors & Engineering Consultants
Bob Flynn, Calare Properties
Mr. DiPersio reviewed the plan with the Committee. He noted the LID Drainage that has been proposed including mitigation planting.
Mr. DiPersio noted that the previous concerns included access from Houghton Court. He would like to have a discussion with the Committee regarding the possibility of making Houghton Court a one way street.
Chief Braga stated that he had visited the site. He thinks it looked better than he expected. He would not be opposed to one way traffic on Houghton Court. He also asked about the snow storage. Mr. DiPersio noted that the lot will be plowed and removed. He also asked about lighting. He was told that it will be low impact lighting directed on the site. The Committee feels that the lighting should be shown on the plan.
Mr. Marques noted that he feels the interior lane width of 22feet is tight to back out and maneuver. He would like to see 24 feet, but would leave the decision up to the Planning Board. He would like the directional flow of the lot reversed especially if Houghton Court becomes one way. He would be Ok with one way traffic. Finally he would like to see a chart showing all the parking at both locations: Houghton Street & 43 Broad Street.
Mr. Wood also commented on lighting. He noted that the required handicapped spaces will need to be shown in the lot at 43 Broad Street. He has no issue with the one way.
Chief Blood was also comfortable with a possible one way on Houghton Court.
Chief Braga, seconded by Chief Blood, made a motion to approve the site plan for 43 Broad Street with a suggestion by Mr. Marques that the internal travel lane be changed to 24 feet.
Vote: 4-0-0 Unanimous
The Committee will meet with Houghton Court property owners in April to discuss the possibility of a one-way street.
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