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, Mark Bertonassi and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Main Street/Sauta Farm Way
Present was: Len Wollings, 40 Hummock Way
Mr. Wollings stated that the HOA was concerned regarding safety at the main entrance of the condominium development. There is no lighting at the entrance and the speed limit is 40 mph in that part of Main Street. He provided a list of other condo developments with lighting at the entrances for comparison. He stated that for safety it would be helpful to enhance the lighting at the entrance.
Chief Braga stated that he looked at the site about 1 month ago. He said the usual concern regarding adding street lights is the cost associated. Mr. Wollings noted that there is a lamp pole between the fire station and the entrance on which the light could easily be attached. Chief Braga also noted he had pulled accident data. In the past 5 years accidents are miniscule and there were none directly attributed to the intersection.
Mr. Marques stated that the process is that Hudson Light and Power would install the light at DPW’s request and the DPW would pay costs associated. Reviewing the list provided, Mr. Marques noted that several of the existing lights are privately owned and paid for by the HOA. Others are much older. He reviewed that historically a significant number of lights have been removed from the system due to budgetary constraints. It might be difficult to add a new light with those lights still off line.
Mr. Marques noted that there is a lamp at the end of the drive. He does not feel the accident data does not support an additional street light at this time. He noted that the HOA can install their own flood light in accordance with Hudson Light & Power’s policies and paid for by the Association.
The Committee agreed.
School Zone South Street
Present was: Mark Lange, The Darnell School
Mr. Lange introduced Paul, one of the students of the Darnell School. The school serves students on all levels of the Autism Spectrum. Currently the bus drop off and pick up is in the Horseshoe Pub parking lot. The students cross South Street to get to school. Cars do not stop at the crosswalk. He asked if they met the qualifications of a school zone. Also he said a sign or paint would be helpful in slowing cars down.
Chief Braga stated that he can add police enforcement to the area. He is not sure if the flashing school zone sign is applicable.
Mr. Marques said that he can find out the requirements to have a school zone. He did note that the other flashing signs are purchased and maintained by the school itself. He suggested maybe moving the bus pickup in front of the building on South Street. He will work with the school to get a cone for the crosswalk that they will be responsible to bring in and out.
Mr. Bertonassi stated that the building is listed as business occupancy not education and may not trigger school zone.
Chief Blood said he thought relocating the bus location is a good idea.
The Committee will view the site and discuss this again in April.
Stop Signs on Walnut & Mason Streets
Present was: Mary McCarthy, Hubert Kindergarten Principal
Ms. McCarthy explained that she has a concern for students’ safety. Cars do not come to a stop when entering Giasson Street from Walnut & Mason Streets. The playground abuts the end of these streets and there is gate access that children can open. She noted that the evacuation route for the school is down Giasson Street to First Steps. This walking route is not safe.
Chief Braga explained that historically streets internal to neighborhoods do not have stop signs installed. He does see how this may be a different situation.
Dorothy Doyle, 135 Broad Street, stated that traffic goes very fast and there should be a sign.
Mr. Marques stated that over the years traffic has changed and now it may be appropriate to install signs at this location.
Mr. Bertonassi stated that with the Washington Street construction beginning now is a good time to recommend this.
Chief Blood, seconded by Chief Braga made a motion to recommend that stop signs be installed on Walnut Street and Mason Street at Giasson Street.
Vote: 4-0-0, unanimous
Washington Street Bridge
Present was: Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development
Ms. Ciccolo stated that the Town needs to express opinions to MADOT before the 25% design hearing. The options are to put key points into a letter or note send anything. MADOT will hold a 25% Design public hearing here in Town.
This bridge is part of the accelerated bridge program. MADOT knows that Saturday work is not ideal for the Town based on the business activity in proximity to the bridge. It has been made very clear that the Houghton Street Bridge has to be back in service to vehicles before any lane closures.
Chief Blood said that he thinks the lane widths are Ok and it is good the utilities are underground.
Mr. Marques asked about easement responsibility. Ms. Ciccolo said that MADOT is handling all easements even if outside their footprint. He noted that according to this design about 6-7 parking spaces are eliminated at the rotary. This needs to be addressed as soon as possible. He said that traffic wise this is the best plan. He suggested that there be more constant contact with Verizon and Hudson Light & Power.
Ms. Ciccolo stated that they will work with the Department Heads when scheduling the public hearing.
Site Plans
Broad Street
Present: Scott Hayes, Foresite Engineering
Mr. Hayes presented the amended plans to the Committee. 6 units in the back building changed to 2 bedrooms. He was able to increase the parking by 12 spaces over the minimum. He stated that the lease agreement will restrict cars to 2 per unit.
A sidewalk was added from Broad Street to the rear building. He was able to increase the access drives to 30 feet by spanning the vernal pool. This is still under review with the Conservation Commission. Details were added for the hydrant, sprinkler room and the requested changes were made to the water main.
Chief Blood asked if there was only one dumpster for all the units. He was told yes.
Mr. Marques asked that the water detail that does not apply to the project be removed. He asked that a note be added to the plan stating that all utility connections shall conform to the requirements of the DPW.
Chief Braga also had concerns regarding the dumpster. He would like another considered. He also noted that there is no pedestrian connection to Broad Street from the Main Building.
Sandy Bouchard, 18 Overland Street, asked a traffic study had been completed. She was told no.
Dorothy Doyle, 135 Broad Street, asked about the vernal pool and wetlands proximity. She was told that those issues would be addressed by other Boards.
Ms. Bouchard asked why there is a gated gravel access to Overland Street and why is the sewer being connected on Overland Street. Mr. Marques said that the size in Overland Street is sufficient for connection. Mr. Hayes noted that the gravel access is there to help with pedestrian access but can be removed.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Blood made a motion to approve the site plan for 135-141 Broad Street with the condition that a second dumpster be added closer to the front building.
Vote: 4-0-0, unanimous
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