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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-05-06-Depot Square Study Group-rpt.pdf EMERY PARK AND DEPOT SQUARE 2:),S 6.7 -2, STUDY GROUP Progress Report- May 6, 1992 The following is a status report on the "Priorities for Action" contained in the study group's "Findings" dated December 3 1991. (The numbers correspond to the priorities) 1.) Report at DAC meeting on December 10, 1991: a.) Discussion at this meeting is contained in the DAC minutes of this meeting b.) In addition to the study group's report, Don Olson prepared a series of alternative organizational concepts for Depot Square to promote discussion. (Attached) c.) Bob Ossman's studies of the parking lots on both sides of the bikeway were also discussed and are relevant to the longterm goals for Depot Square. . ' `) � d.) It was reported that a{`survey of Depot Square is underway. This relates to Priority number 5. The need for an accurate survey of the parking lots was also discussed. 2) Work session with Lance Neumann, Traffic and Transportation Engineer, was held February 6. 1992. In preparation for the meeting, Lance Neumann was provided various base information, including a set of the organizational concepts and parking lot studies. These helped to focus discussion as noted below. a.) Alternatives E. and F. which maximize the relationship of Emery Park to the retail stores on either side by closing streets, place too much dependency on the internal parking lot service road and were judged not workable. b.) Alternative D. which reverses the flow of traffic around Emery Park in order to permit Lexpress to discharge directly to the park was also judged unworkable. The proposed exit position to Mass. Ave. is too close to Waltham Street with existing traffic backup. c.) Alternatives A., B. and C. were all judged workable. All are variations on the existing traffic pattern but with different positions for Lexpress, curb changes to reduce the surplus paving and to improve pedestrian circulation. d.) There are three practical options for the location of the Lexpress stop that can provide safe boarding: • using the sidewalks on either side of the square. • using Depositor's Trust edge. • create an island in Emery Park. Since the longterm viability of Lexpress is unpredictable, the third option is the least flexible. Option Two is the most desirable in that the existing arcade provides a natural bus shelter. All of these options will retain the same number of parking spaces in Depot Square. e.) An important element of all these studies is the way in which the Meriam Street parking area is accessed. It was pointed out that all the parking lot traffic on the south side of the bikeway exits through Depot Square, and all the parking traffic generated by the Meriam lot both enters and exits through Depot Square. In addition it is understood that the Meriam Street Neighborhood finds it extremely awkward to be forced to cross Mass. Ave. traffic twice in order to enter the lot otherwise directly accessible from Meriam Street. f) Unnecessary traffic is generated and concentrated in Depot Square by the present parking lot operation. It is understood that the closing of the Meriam Street access and exit was a convenience decision by the operator of the parking lot. Lance Neumann pointed out that there are numerous management systems for parking lots that would permit more efficient access and exit to the parking lots and reduce traffic in Depot Square. It is an issue of priorities. The present system has an operator which makes it possible for double parking. g.) Another key element in both Depot Square and the parking lot operation is the land owned by Depositors' Trust Bank. Some of this land is used for private parking and some is used for town parking. Any effort to reorganize circulation, relocate Lexpress and reduce unecessary asphalt will affect Depositors' Trust land. It was recommended that contact should be made with the bank. 3.) The above discussion with Lance Neumann was reported at the February 11, 1992 meeting of the DAC as recorded in the minutes of that meeting. In particular Steve Hurley volunteered to organize a meeting with Depositors' Trust Bank to introduce them to the issues under discussion. a.) Steve Hurley and John Frey met with Steve Crowe of the Depositors' Trust. The meeting is summarized in the minutes of the March 10th meeting of the DAC. b.) Further discussion took place at the DAC meeting of Apri114,1992. Preparation of the progress report recomended. (this document) c.) No direct contact has been made with the LCC except by overlapping participants in both the DAC and LCC meetings. 4.) Further Developments: a.) Kerry Brandin and Steve Hurley met with Rick White to present the program. Rick responded favorably. b.) Steve Hurley has recently met with Rick to inquire about the survey of the parking areas beyond the limits of Depot Square. c.) At the Selectmens' meeting on May 5, 1992, it was voted to have Frank Fields of Engineering meet with the State D.P.W. to somewhat reallign the bikeway as it passes through the Meriam Street lot. This occurred without the knowledge of this study group.