2014-01-06-WALKS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Lexington Sidewalk Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, January 6, 2013, 9 AM Estabrook Room, Cary Memorial Hall Present: Jeanne Canale , Judy Crocker, Mary Hosmer Fanucci, Bettina McGimsey, Sean Osborne, Francine Stieglitz; Liaisons present: Elaine Celi,Hank Manz; Guest: Robert Stone Judy Crocker called the meeting of the Sidewalk Committee (SWC) to order at 9:13 AM. 1. Request for a new sidewalk on Prospect Hill Road: Robert Stone of 25 Prospect Hill Road noted he had come to listen to the SWC to understand the process of sidewalk deliberation better. He asked about the process in terms of what happens after the recommendation goes to the Board of Selectmen (BOS)—does the general population get notified of that meeting? Ms. Crocker noted that the public meeting is advertised but not the meeting of the BOS (beyond what is normally done). She further noted that the Prospect Hill petitioners understand that the process of potential approval is a long process—they have missed this year's Town Meeting so it will move forward to next year. Francine Stieglitz asked whether those opposed to this sidewalk should get together. Mr. Stone noted that while he is favor of a walkable, safe Lexington and he acknowledges that Prospect Hill is a scary road,he is concerned about the impact of a sidewalk on the adjoining lots. The street is a"natural wonder,"with many large trees,narrow lots, and retaining walls. Installing a sidewalk would mean that trees would have to come down and driveways would need to be shortened. Prospect Hill is not the only street that leads to Bridge school; there may be other less steep routes for folks to walk, such as Downing Street. He further noted that in 1987 when this project came before Town Meeting,it was noted that it would be a difficult design with a need for retaining walls. He wonders if buses could routed in such a way that they did not use Prospect Hill. He also noted that a sidewalk does not mean that children are necessarily safe—a child was killed on Middleby Street where there was a sidewalk. He is concerned that this project would pit neighborhood families against each other. Sean Osborne asked about whether residents would be willing to have an easement for the sidewalk that would also it to go around the trees. Mr. Stone noted that a major concern is that his driveway is set at a steep angle—he is concerned that it will be even more dangerous for him to use should a sidewalk be installed. Ms. Stieglitz noted that the Town has an active Tree Committee. The Town Engineer would go out to talk to owners to make sure their concerns are addressed. On Winthrop Road they were able to reconfigure the sidewalk to address an owner's concerns, changing him from an opponent to proponent of the sidewalk. Ms. Crocker noted that geographically every sidewalk has its own footprint, and Prospect Hills is a challenging street for a sidewalk. Engineering would address the issues of trees, fire hydrants, and geographic issues. Mr. Stone said that he had already spoken with Engineering to see whether they had copies of the studies that had been done in 1987. He noted that at that time the BOS had asked for traffic studies in terms of usage. He is hoping these studies can be resurrected to save the expense of redoing the studies. Ms. Crocker noted that the child who was killed on Middleby was a Bridge student but that the accident occurred outside of school hours. The location of the accident is where the speed bump is near Bridge. The child was let out of the car and was hit while crossing the street. She is not sure whether the crosswalk there meets code in terms of sightlines. Hank Manz said that he had asked the Police Department to do some research as to when this accident occurred. He also noted that Prospect Hill would be on the agenda of the BOS soon. 2. Minutes from November and December meetings: Both sets of minutes were approved as amended. 3. DPW Update: Marc Valenti was unable to attend the meeting, so there was no report from DPW. Ms. Crocker noted that the sidewalks around town have been cleared well thanks to new,wider plows and the efforts of DPW. 4. Safe Routes to School(SRTS) and Ad hoc School Transportation and Safety Study Committee (STS): Ms.