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, Captain David Stephens, Chief John Blood, Jeff Wood, and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Portion of Houghton Court One Way
Mr. Marques explained the reason for the proposal is due to the previously approved site plan for a parking lot on Houghton Court.
Arthur Redding, 3 Redco Road and owner of 167 Main Street, asked if Knight Fuel had any issues with the proposal. It was indicated that they did not because the location of the one way would not affect their operation.
There was no additional input from the public.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Blood, made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that a portion of Houghton Court be one way in the southerly direction from the South Street extension towards Houghton Street.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
No Left Turn Main Street & Houghton Court
Captain Stephens reviewed the proposal with the group. The Police Department is suggesting adding no left turn signs at the corner of Main Street and Houghton Court. It appears that many vehicles will drive through the Main/Manning/Broad intersection and turn down Houghton Court to get back to Broad Street He estimated 35-40 cars per hour make that turning movement.
Arthur Redding, 3Redco Road and owner of 167 Main Street noted that he likes the idea. He does notice significant traffic using Houghton Court as a cut through. He would also like to see signage erected at the Tower Street intersection to direct the traffic to turn down Vila do Porto in order to access Broad Street.
Mr. Marques stated that additional signs at that intersection may be too much for drivers to look at. He will look at the area to see if there is a good location.
Scott Webster of Knight Fuel is concerned that his fuel trucks will not be able to navigate the turn off of South Street extension to his fuel tanks. However he did agree that there is significant traffic on Houghton Court.
Captain Stephens, seconded by Tony Marques, made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that there be a no left turn going westerly on Main Street turning onto Houghton Court.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Site Plan
Amended Site Plan Review – Highland Commons
Present were: Peter Tamm, Goultson & Storrs P.C.
Jed Hayes, Sullivan Hayes, Co.
Jack Thorton, Sullivan Hayes, Co.
Bill Hoffman, DeLuca-Hoffman Associates, Inc.
Randy Hart, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
Atty. Tamm reviewed the modifications for Highland Commons on the Hudson side of the site. He noted that the changes were significant improvements to the prior approved site plan.
Mr. Hart stated that there are now three intersections internal to the site. The applicant is proposing the installation of roundabouts instead of traffic lights, citing that this would accommodate a larger volume of traffic. He also stated that they are more attractive and they help to slow down the speed of the vehicles traveling within them.
The off site improvements include a new full access signalized drive at the westerly most entrance to the site. There will be a 4 lane cross section westerly on Rte 62 at the northbound ramps. There will also be vehicle access from the office park to the retail site.
Chief Blood made several comments regarding the site plan. First, he noted that the internal road width is too tight in several locations around the retail buildings. He marked up plan with his notes and will provide the locations to the developer. He noted that hydrant locations need to be 300 feet apart. He also stated that now that there are several main roads and the roads should be named for public safety purposes.
The bank canopy height clearance needs to be a minimum height of 15 feet. The traffic around the back of the BJ’s building needs to be one way.
Chief Blood requested that the hydrant locations be shown on the plan and that each community have access to their own knox boxes on each building regardless of location. He then asked if every building will be sprinkled. Atty. Tamm said that yes they would.
Mr. Wood explained that variances will need to be sought for the width of the drive aisles, number of parking spaces and the number of loading docks. He asked about the construction schedule. He was told that Lowe’s should be ready to open by February 2010; BJ’s should be ready by the Fall of 2010 as well as the rest of the site work.
Mr. Marques said that he would like the utility easements finalized as well as easements on the traffic signal loops. He then asked if the signaling would be coordinated. Mr. Hart stated that the highway ramps and Gates Pond Road will be coordinated but not the entrances because they are likely too far way to work successfully.
Mr. Marques stated that a sidewalk should be constructed between the entrances. He also asked what the difference is between the original square footage and the new square footage. Mr. Hart said that the overall square footage has been reduced.
Mr. Marques requested a report regarding the amount of water consumption for the site. Atty Tamm stated that they would provide that information. Mr. Marques would also like to have the site contact information available to respond to breaks, leaks, repairs, etc. This information should be updated annually or at change of service.
Captain Stephens requested signage denoting the town lines between Berlin and Hudson. He also requested that right turn signs be erected in the bank parking lot to easy the flow of traffic. He also noted that snow storage could potentially affect the number of parking spaces on the site.
Jeff Wood, seconded by Captain Stephens, made a motion to approval the amended site plan for Highland Commons.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
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