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, Chief Richard Braga, Jeff Wood and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Elm Drive
Present was: Maureen Cervi, 90 Central Street
Ms. Cervi sent a letter expressing concern that since the no parking regulation was established in July 2011 it is difficult for residents. It is not convenient for moving, carrying heavy packages, etc. She would like to suggest 2 hour parking in that location.
Chief Blood stated that the reason the regulation was put in place was that his apparatus could not make the corner. The duration would not matter. He noted that the Committee had a meeting with residents and it went well.
Mr. Wood asked if parking was allowed on Central Street. It is allowed on Central Street.
Chief Braga understands the concerns but he can not vote against the Fire Chief on matters of public safety. Chief Blood noted that his vehicles are larger now than they were.
Mr. Wood indicated that the landlord has some responsibility.
Mr. Marques asked if loading and unloading were allowed in No Parking zones. He was told no. He indicated it may be possible to add some spaces back to one side. He suggested that the Committee do a site visit to relook at the issue.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Braga, made a motion to relook at the No Parking regulations on Elm Drive with a site visit.
Vote: 4-0-0, unanimous
Avidia Bank
Present was: Thomas Doane
Mr. Doane wrote a letter on behalf of Avidia bank requesting a crosswalk from Market Street to the Town Hall driveway. He noted that his employees walk from the bank’s parking lot on South Street up Market Street across Main Street to the Town Hall driveway. They feel it would be safer if they had a crosswalk in that location.
Chief Braga asked if there was room to install a crosswalk without taking any parking spaces. Mr. Marques stated that you can not make a crosswalk end at a driveway opening. A space would have to be removed in front of Village Real Estate or Yates law Office. In his opinion people tend to cross wherever anyway. He would not recommend a crosswalk at this time.
Chief Braga stated he did not feel it was in the best interests of the entire downtown community. Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development noted that a Downtown traffic and parking study has been funded. Crosswalk locations will be looked at as part of the study.
Burger King/Rte 85 Design
Present was: Gary Ford, Burger King
Mark LaConte, Atty. at Law
Jeffery Dirk, Vanasse Associates
Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development
Mr. Ford stated that Burger King has been through some changes and the design of Rte 85 has recently been part of discussions. A left turn restriction will cost the revenue of pass by business. They suggest changing the left turning restriction to the southern curb cut instead of the northern curb cut.
The Committee explained the reason for the decision to restrict turning movements. They noted who the representatives from Burger King were that attended previous meetings. The Committee felt that allowing two full turning intersections off center from each other was not good for public safety. When the Applebee’s entrance become’s full service, there will be conflicts. The Burger King representatives indicated they did not understand that was the design.
Ms. Ciccolo noted that the design is 100% and the bids are out. It is likely too late to make changes at this point. She did suggest that it could be discussed with GPI.
Lincoln/Packard/Cox
Present was: Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development
CTPS finished their review of the intersection and provided a report. It recommends full signalization. District 3 does not want signalization.
The Committee discussed whether or not to recommend a 4 way stop. Ms. Ciccolo stated that she would submit the signal project to the TIP for funding.
Chief Braga, seconded by Chief Blood made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that a 4 way stop be installed at the intersection of Lincoln/Packard/Cox Streets.
Vote: 4-0-0, unanimous
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