The Internal Traffic Committee met in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room, 2nd floor Town Hall at 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts. At 10:00 AM the Committee called the meeting to order.
Present: Chief John Blood, Tony Marques, Jeff Wood, Captain David Stephens and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Handicapped Parking on Cross Street
Present was: Richard Burke, 21 Michigan Drive
The Committee is in receipt of an email from Mr. Burke requesting additional handicapped parking on Cross Street. With the combining of parishes and closing of several churches in the area, St. Michael’s has grown and the number of handicapped spaces is not adequate.
Capt, Stephens asked how many existed. He was told 2.
Mr. Marques asked how many spots were available in the church drive. He also noted that with the addition of three lots on Manning Street the church has ample parking and should have the ability to provide sufficient parking for its parishioners. He noted that each handicapped space would be 12 feet wide so in essence we would take 6 spaces to provide 4. He suggested that we look at the bigger picture.
Mr. Burke stated that the spaces behind the church are designated Staff and handicapped and are usually taken by staff members before Mass. He noted that there are at least 15 spaces on Cross Street. Again Mr. Marques disagreed with adding 4 handicapped spaces.
Mr. Wood asked if anyone spoke with the Pastor. He was told not recently. He will send a letter stating that the handicapped spaces behind the church need to clearly and legally be identified.
Capt. Stephens asked about the walk from the spaces in the rear to the ramp entrance. It’s a hilly walk.
Chief Blood suggested that this matter be tabled until the next meeting and Mr. Wood can send his letter and the Committee can have time to review the area. Ms. Burke noted the next meeting is June 24, 2011.
Truck Exclusion Grove Street
Present was: Laura & Thomas Elsheimer, 9 West Ave
Mrs. Elsheimer presented the Committee with pictures showing trucks making turns from Summer Street onto Grove Street and from Grove Street onto Forest Ave. She expressed concerns with the damage being done by the trucks to her yard and fence.
Captain Stephens noted that the Police Department has received a damage complaint from this location. Mr. Marques noted that his office ahs also received complaints from residents on the corner of Grove and Cherry Streets. He stated that the turning movement onto Forest Ave and Cherry Street will still be a problem.
There was some discussion regarding alternative routes if the Town were to suggest a truck exclusion on Summer, Winter, Water and Loring Streets. Mr. Marques suggested they table this item until the Committee has an opportunity to view the area and look into the possibility of an exclusion further.
The Committee will meet on Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 11:00am to continue discussion.
Parking on Elm Drive
Chief Blood expressed concern regarding the parking situation on Elm Drive. The employees of Dex by Terra park on the street and impede the ability of emergency vehicles to pass. He would like to consider extending the no parking from the corner southerly. He will review the area and bring a proposed distance to the Committee at the next meeting.
Manning Street
Mr. Marques expressed concern regarding the area by the old railroad tracks on Manning Street. Residents are again using this as parking. Captain Stephens, Chief Braga and Mr. Marques viewed the area and suggest that a 6 inch berm wrapping around the area be constructed. They also suggest that the area be filled in to eliminate the parking spaces.
Mr. Marques feels this should not be a big deal to construct and it will not encroach on the crosswalk.
John Blood, seconded by Jeff Wood, made a motion to have DPW install the berm as described above.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Site Plan
JFK Middle School – Early Phase Site Work
Present was: David Harris, OMR Architects
Jared Gentillucci, Nitsch Engineering
Chris Simler, PMA
Lee Sherwood, OMR Architects
Bill Brown
John Parent, JFK Building Committee
Mr. Harris reviewed the plan with the Committee. He noted the significant changes to the plan since that last meeting.
Mr. Marques asked about the irrigation system. What size is the pipe? He was told 2 inch. The water main is 8 inch. He noted that backflows must be approved prior to installation.
Chief Blood stated that although this is a Town job all permits are required.
Captain Stephens asked for clarification on the entrances and exits. He was told that Manning Street would be enter and exit and Stratton Drive would be exit only.
John Blood, seconded by Jeff Wood, made a motion to approve the site plan for John F. Kennedy Middle School.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
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