The Internal Traffic Committee met in the Great Room, 1st floor Senior Center at 29 Church Street, Hudson, Massachusetts. At 10:00 AM the Committee called the meeting to order.
Present: Chief John Blood, Tony Marques, Chief Richard Braga, Jeff Wood and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
School Street
Present was: Manny Santos, Lucy Bairos
Mr. Marques indicated that the reconstruction of School Street is complete. All the signs have been installed correctly. It’s a matter of what we want moving forward. Ms. Bairos stated that they would like the No Parking sign located in front of their property moved easterly toward the entrance to the Washington Square Condos. This will allow for a couple of additional parking spaces in front of the Old School House.
The Committee had no issues with that.
Tony Marques, seconded by Richard Braga, made a motion to recommend that the allowed parking be extended to the property line of the Old School House.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
High/Main Streets
Ms. Burke explained that Jose Tavares came into the office to express concerns regarding the intersection of Main & High Streets. He said that taking a left onto Main Street from High Street can be difficult when a car is parked in that first space in front of Ariba Coffee. He feels there is a compromised sight distance.
Chief Braga stated that he understood the concern, but noted other intersections in Town with the same situations. He would like to look at accident data to see if there is anything out of the ordinary.
The Committee will discuss this next month.
Railroad Avenue
Present was: Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development
Kerin Shea, Community & Economic Development Assistant
Janice Long, Senior Center Director
Frank Noyes, Hudson ADA Committee
Ms. Burke explained that the Board of Selectmen expressed concern about several items. First they would like bollards installed at the opening of the walkway to prevent vehicles from driving down it. Mr. Marques stated that if bollards are added the sidewalk will not get plowed. Ms. Ciccolo suggested putting two instead of three if that would accommodate the sidewalk plow. Mr. Marques agreed to add two bollards in the spring if the sidewalk plow will still fit through.
Second, the Board expressed concern that vehicles are parking along Railroad Ave all day. They would like the Committee to consider limited duration. It has been brought to the Board’s attention that seniors going to the Senior Center use this parking and spend more than 2 hours in the Center. The Board suggested 4-6 hours limited duration. The Committee thought that limited duration in this section was not ideal. There are no businesses to accommodate by moving vehicles quickly. In fact allowing all day parking will open up more limited duration closer to Main Street.
Finally, an issue came up regarding handicap parking along Railroad Ave. Mr. Noyes indicated that he feels there should be a space added. He was told that this was considered on street parking and no additional spaces were required. There was discussion about the existing space and signage. Mr. Marques agreed to look at the sign and added what was missing to make it a legal space. Ms. Long did state that adding another space in her lot might be beneficial. She agreed to track the usage of the spaces and we will discuss at a later date.
Site Plan Discussions
JFK
Present was: Leigh Sherwood, OMR Architects
David Harris, OMR Architects
Chris Simler, PMA
Jeff Wetton, PMA
Bill Brown, Brown-Sardina
Jared Gentillucci, Nitsch Engineering
Chris Kruger, RDK Engineers
Frank Noyes, JFK Building Committee
Linda Ghiloni, Director of Recreation
Debbie Craig, Conservation Administrator
Mr. Sherwood reviewed the project with the Committee and updated everyone on the progress made since the last meeting. He indicated on the new plans where changes had been made incorporating previous comments.
Mr. Sherwood discussed the traffic circulation in the site as well as traffic queuing for drop off & pick up. He reviewed the gated drive along the side of the building with public safety access. He discussed parking. They meet the required number. There was brief discussion regarding the use of an easement off Manning Street for a construction entrance.
Mr. Wood expressed concern regarding pedestrians and bikes crossing bus traffic in the front of the school. He also expressed concern that busses will have to crosses other traffic to exit the bus lane. It was stated that faculty will be assigned to facilitate the traffic flow. Chief Blood suggested this be a condition of approval.
Ms. Craig expressed concern regarding the steepness of the exit drive. She was told that the grade would be 5% and not as steep as the existing.
Chief Braga asked about security cameras. Mr. Sherwood explained where the cameras will be located.
Ms. Burke asked about notification of days when extra queue is required and direction. Mr. Sherwood explained that again faculty will be responsible for directing traffic. This is a concern. The Committee doesn’t feel it can be sustained in the long term. Chief Blood asked why one queue plan can not be used all the time.
Mr. Marques asked about reviewing the site plan again. He was told yes. Ms. Burke also expressed that concern. She has been asking several people about the timing regarding “official submittal” and has not received a response. She has provided meeting deadlines and submittal requirements to several people. At some point a final site plan needs to be submitted for approval.
Mr. Marques stated that internal two way drives should be 30 feet, He pointed out several locations that did not meet that requirement. He asked about access around the whole building. He was told unlikely due to cost. Mr. Marques again noted widths of internal drives and stated that the one ways should be signed accordingly. He also noted that if the Stratton Drive exit is one way out the Fire Department can not use it as access in. It was noted that adding pavement requires more drainage.
Chief Braga asked about teacher’s cars leaving and conflict with existing traffic. Again he was told cooperation with faculty would be required.
Chief Blood stated his concern that the building committee was not better represented. Ms. Burke stated that even if they were in attendance individual members can not make decisions without the entire vote of the Committee.
Mr. Marques asked about the water service. He was told that it will be looped and domestic service and fire suppression will be split. He asked about access to athletic fields and whether he would be able to use the Manning Street easement. He also wanted to discuss construction vi\vehicle parking. David Harris reviewed the temporary plan for construction period. He also noted that all requirements will be provide to the contractor before project status. Mr. Marques wants the requirements written in the bid specs. Chief Blood asked that during construction a temporary turn around for fuel delivery be provided.
Mr. Harris asked about formal review process for temporary site plan. Ms. Burke indicated one would not be necessary but the ITC should be able to provide comment and she would check on any variances necessary.
Members of OMR & PMA will discuss timeline and prepare documents for formal filing.
258 Washington Street, Hogan Tire
Present was: Paul Giannetti, Atty. at Law
Matt Smith, Bohler Engineering
Ed Hogan
Atty. Giannetti gave the Committee an overview of the project. Hogan Tire is a family company with 6 locations. The sell and install tires as well as some minor auto repair including oil changes, brakes and batteries. After obtaining site plan review approval they will be asking for a special permit from the ZBA.
Mr. Smith reviewed the plans with the Committee. They will minimize earthwork and use the same development field. The building is 4500 square feet. There are 6 bay doors and a retail sales area. No engine or body work will be done. Tire will be in the rear of the building outside. All repairs will be inside. Any vehicles left overnight will be in the building.
Hours of operation 7:30-6 Monday-Friday and 7:30-4 Saturday.
Mr. Wood reviewed several issues with the plan. Mr. Smith will correct those items.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Braga, made a motion to approve the site plan for 258 Washington Street, Hogan Tire with the corrections as noted by Mr. Wood.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
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