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 & Joanne Burke, 21 Michigan Drive
Penny Barry, 2 Elizabeth Drive
Mr. Wood indicated that he had called the parish several times and received no return calls. He has left a message asking that the staff signs be removed. They are required to have 4 spaces with 1 van accessible space. Captain Stephens noted that the police will start citing those parked illegally.
Mr. Marques stated that there are 18 spaces on Cross Street. 2 of which are handicapped. If this were a parking lot that number would be adequate for handicapped parking.
Captain Stephens stated that he spoke with Chief Braga and he is in favor of adding more handicapped spaces on Cross Street. Captain Stephens suggested 2-3 spaces. There was a discussion about how many spaces that would use due to the accessible areas.
Captain Stephens, seconded by Jeff Wood, made a motion to recommend the addition of 3 handicapped parking spaces adjacent to the existing handicapped spaces on Cross Street.
Vote: 3-0-1, with Tony Marques abstaining
Truck Exclusion Grove Street
The Police Department did a traffic study as required by MassDot. Only Loring Street meets the guidelines for truck exclusion. Captain Stephens suggested educating the companies on Bonazzoli Ave about the concerns and the alternate route. Chief Blood asked about truck route signs.
Captain Stephens, seconded by John Blood, made a motion to educate the businesses on Bonazzoli Avenue about the Town’s concerns and an alternate truck route off of 290/495.
Vote: 4-0-0, unanimous
Parking on Elm Drive
Chief Blood indicated that he was not able to get a hold of the resident at the corner of Central Street and Elm Drive. He would propose the no parking be extended 120ft southerly down Elm Drive.
Doris Monteiro, 60 Florence Street, expressed concern regarding the employees at Dex by Terra. They park along Florence and Elm all day long.
Mr. Wood met with the manager and told him they are required to provide a minimum of 10 spaces on site. They are working on an agreement with a company up the street to store material which will free the back of the building for parking as well as allow for overflow parking. This is expected to be completed by September.
Jane Beairsto, 58 Florence Street, asked if that would really happen or if they are just saying it. Mr. Wood said they have to provide the 10 spaces. But he did remind the audience that those parked on the street are legally parked.
Tony Monteiro, 60 Florence Street, said that there is a problem with safety at the curve and cars end up driving on lawns.
John Blood, seconded by Captain Stephens, made a motion to recommend that there be no parking on the easterly side of Elm Street 120 feet southerly from the intersection of Central Street and on the northerly side of Florence Street 60 feet easterly from the intersection of Elm Drive.
Vote: 4-0-0, unanimous
Don Todd, 53 Florence Street, asked about cars parking in front of his driveway. Captain Stephens indicated that cars can park up to the edge but not into the driveway.
Washington Street Bridge
Present was: Michelle Ciccolo
Ms. Ciccolo reviewed the Accelerated Bridge Program with the Committee. The state is trying out this new program and the Washington Street Bridge is a candidate. There will be partial lane closures and then a complete shut down for only 2-4 weeks when the deck goes in. The work is 24 hours. The Town has asked that the closure be during the summer when school is out. The work on this bridge is contingent upon Houghton Street Bridge being complete and reopened. There would be a civic engagement team to reach out to the community.
The Committee liked the concept and stated that the potential benefits would outweigh and problems or inconvenience. The Committee would recommend proceeding under this program.
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