2008-11-05-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes for the Meeting of November 5, 2008 Page 3 specific project to address its impacts on the immediate area, but that does not mean additional funds would not be needed from the Town as well. Turning to traffic calming practices rather then making changes to the infrastructure may discourage pass through traffic. Mr. Hornig asked whether or not an improved LOS was the right measure to evaluate additional cut through traffic. The Board should regulate what it cared about such as safety improvements and traffic calming. Parking space fees of $2,000 per space should start at the first space; the funds should be used to address traffic calming, safety and capacity improvements. Performance based TDM with the end effect of how many people no longer use single occupancy vehicles should be considered. Mr. Galaitsis said that the LOS was one of several factors requiring consideration and that the effect of traffic should be measured by a weighted sum of several factors, including LOS, traffic calming and others. He said that the Town need for an increased commercial tax base initiated consideration of an increased commercial FAR; however, the final choice must account for additional factors along with the projections of increased tax revenue. Ms. Manz said that Hartwell Avenue does not have much retail and so it would be all day parking, which would be difficult to use as a standard. The ITE figures are based on full occupancy so it might be better to look at the occupancy of Ledgemont for the past five years to get an average. It was questionable whether $2,500 per parking space would get done what would be needed. At least part of the funds collected should be committed to the addressing the impacts from the specific project to respond to the abutters’ concerns. She would not want to see all mitigation money diverted from the area. Mr. Zurlo asked what would be needed to bring intersections to a specific LOS. Was there a better way to measure traffic and pedestrian safety? It was uncertain if funds from parking spaces would do it. Instead ask developers to give a prorated share of funds for improvements. Mr. Canale said to consider issues of sustainability. Traffic generation was not just from commercial development. If people felt safer walking and riding bikes they might not drive everywhere - how many trips could be reduced? That would reduce green house gases from stopped traffic and there could be health benefits. Mr. Galaitsis said that he would not like to see the first developer at Hartwell Avenue be held responsible for all infrastructure improvements, as has been the practice so far. In that respect, it would be necessary