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
The Committee visited the site. Chief Blood brought his truck. The sign is at 75ft from Central Street so if we amend the regulations to meet the sign the residents will gain 1-2 more spaces.
Chief Braga, seconded by Jeff Wood made a motion to recommend that there be No Parking on Elm Drive 75 feet easterly from Central Street.
Vote: 4-0-0, unanimous
Tower Street
The Committee looked at the area of concern in front of Still Life Home Consignments. They did not feel the parking in front of the business impeded traffic. No changes were proposed.
Ms. Burke asked about speed enforcement as that was a concern as well. Chief Braga said that should not be a problem.
Site Plans
Broad Street
Present: Scott Hayes, Foresite Engineering
The proposal is for Northridge Apartments. 34 apartments are proposed on 6 acres. The project is in the C-6 zoning district and is an allowable use. They are proposing 24 foot wide paved drives. There is one garage space and one in front of the garage for each unit as well as two over flow lots. They are proposing to loop an 8” water main to Overland Street.
Chief Braga stated that the requirement is 30 foot internal drives. He feels there is not enough overflow parking. Sidewalks should be added. He noted that the front area appears too tight and there is little room for snow storage.
Mr. Marques asked about the water service. Mr. Hayes indicated that there will be 2 lines into each building one for fire and one for domestic. Mr. Marques wants a diagram of the water connection shown. He noted that one of the details does not match the requirement and should be removed. Again he stated the 30 ft minimum driveway requirement. He asked about the relocation of the existing drain. It should remain as concrete and the boundaries of the easement need to be defined. A note should be added to the plan that the maintenance of everything is the responsibility of the unit owners.
Chief Blood stated that for him the site is too tight. He will only sign the plan if there are one way drives. A hydrant will need to be added near the first building. He is very concerned with the narrowness in front of the back building. Everything would need to be marked fire lane. Dimensions of the buildings need to be added to the plans. He asked who will maintain and secure the “emergency” access. Mr. Hayes indicated that there would likely be a swing gate at the end of Overland Street. Chief Blood noted that if it is not going to be plowed “emergency” should be removed from the plan.
Mr. Hayes indicated that he was presenting the plan to the Conservation Commission on march 1, 2012. It was suggested that alternatives be discussed to add widths to the roadways.
The applicant will return to the March 30, 2012 meeting.
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