HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-06-BOS-min z. n SELECTMEN'S MEETING
pool C June 3, 1985
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A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, June 3,
1985, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Marshall, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Eddison; Mr. Hutchinson, Town Manager;
Mrs . Snow, Executive Clerk, were present.
George Burnell, Chairman, and members Edmund Grant, Sally Castleman and N. Lex.
Bill Scouler of the North Lexington Traffic Improvements Study Committee were Road
present for submission of the Committee's interim recommendations and con- Impr.S turfy
clusions on the Bedford Street Improvement Plans. Mr. Burnell reported on Committee
meetings with BSC Engineering, State Officials and a representative of the
FHWA. The report presented represented the views of 8 of the 9 members.
Larry Smith will file a minority report in the future. *
Mr. Burnell said the majority of the Committee felt the proposed plans
were excessive in design and not in scale with the area as a doorway to
Lexington and the community beyond. It was proposed that the project be
scaled down to a level more appropriate to the town of Lexington, in a
manner which would still increase traffic flow and be consistent with safety
considerations.
The Committee also had concerns about the additional traffic and develop-
ment that such a road would attract in Bedford ~and Hanscom Field, as well as
in Lexington, as was feared when the Hartwell Avenue Connector was proposed.
pr""" The Committee supported the resolution made at the 1984 Town Meeting
in opposition to any plan which does not provide more direct access between
Eldred and Bedford Street.
Mr. Burnell recommended that the proposed plan be temporarily set aside
and that the initial phase of an alternate design concept be pursued that
would be a roadway in scale with the existing residential neighborhood, inter-
faced with the commercial interests . The Committee suggested two , rather than
three, travel lanes in each direction; a shoulder/breakdown lane instead of
a frontage road; an intersection at Eldred Street; and retention of a grade
separation at Hartwell Avenue.
Mr. Burnell listed the major concerns of the Committee as follows:
• access to Eldred Street from Bedford Street
▪ excessive pavement width
• safe pedestrian crossing of Bedford Street
• appropriate screening on median strip
. environment impacts: water table, noise, air pollution
. increased commercialization of the area
M±. Burnell noted strong local opposition to the plan, as well as in
other areas, and in three other towns .
He felt that jug handle underpass and a way for Bedford Street residents
to safely :enter and exit Bedford Street from their driveways were laudable
features of the current plan.
Other issues, such as a direct Hartwell Avenue Connector and the concern
that the current plan would encourage development were addressed.
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Further recommendations of the Committee centered on Town control of the
traffic signs in the project area to facilitate the process of changing
phasing timings if necessary and continued Committee involvement which, be-
cause of its experience, would be of benefit to the Town.
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In conclusion, Mr. Brurmell expressed the Committee's belief, based on
conversation with officials, that it-would be possible to get State and mi..
Federal cooperation for the ..design of the kind of road it considers prefer-
able.
refer--
able. He requested that a meet'zg of the Selectmen and Town Engineers, BSC
Engineering, State Dept. of Tra po r to tion, the Federal Highway Administra-
tion
dministra-
tion Officials be scheduled to t a consensus at the start, even without a
firm design on the table.
In response to questions f m the Board, Mr. Burnell stated that 8 of the
9 members felt their first priorities to be the width of the road and access
to Eldred Street, noting that the report presented was not final and did not
include all concerns. ,.
Mr. Marshall questioned whether the belief of residents that traffic
would divert to Grove Street to gain access to Eldred S t. was realistic,
and asked if it was founded on o:.her than local opinion. He felt that despite
the extra distance involved, the use of Bedford Street as access might prove to
be faster.
In response to request for in Engineering report on the Commit tee's findings ,
Mr. Hutchinson recommended that ;he staff be given opportunity for in-depth review
of the interim report, which hal just been given to them. He suggested that
the legislators be invited to me t with the Board on the matter. He added that
although he was not questioning o ints raised by the Committee, they were not
consis tent with determinations e_pr ess ed at meetings with State and Federal
Officials and public hearings he_d so far. -
Mr. Eddison complimented th Committee under the leadership of Mr. Burnell
for having reached consensus of f of the 9 members and summarized three options
which exist: do nothing and acc p t the existing plan; alter the current plan maio
regarding turns into Eldred and _he pedestrian crossing; proceed with devel-
opment of an alternate design. Le said it appears that North Lexington residents
will continue to be opposed to t e existing plan and urged that the Engineers
be requested to explore an alter ate plan with the features desired. He asked
that the Board be supportive of unding of Engineering studies on the feasibility
of such a plan.
Mr. McLaughlin said he felt the funding of a study would not be the problem
but the delay caused, which coulc be 5 to 7 years, was of concern to him. He re-
quested the Committee's response to that aspect.
Mr. Burnell responded that le had been assured by the FHWA that delay might
amount to 90 days and would not le in terms of years. He added that he had been
told that no promises had been g ven on provision of project funding, even if full
approval is given.
Mr. Hutchinson stated that n his meeting with Mr. Salvucci, Secretary of the
Dept. of Transportation and Cons ruction, has been assured of a commitment to
funding for the project and that. it would be given priority.
Mr. Marshall said he was wi ling to go through another effort, putting the
current plans on hold, to look a options. If problems are apparent with
implementation of an alternative design to be proposed, however, he would push
for the necessary action to prow de relief from the severe existing and future
traffic problems on Bedford Stre t.
Following review and recomm ndations by the Engineering Dept., a subsequent
meeting will be scheduled for further discussion of the Committee's report.
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Selectmen's Meeting June 3, 1985
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Minutes of the Selectmen's meeting on April 29, 1985, were approved as Minutes
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presented. Minutes of the April 22nd meeting were reviewed and action tabled 4/22 & 4/29
pending clarification.
Mr. Tonaszuck briefly reviewed with the Board modifications to the Han- Hancock St.
cock Street improvement plans made in response to concerns of residents rela- plans
tive to road width and retention of the configuration of the road and exist-
ing trees. A plan showing a road width of 24 ft. , with capacity for reduction
to 22 ft. by shifting the road within the layout, was displayed and described.
Mr. Tonaszuck explained design for improved sight distance by shifting of the
road at Coolidge Avenue, a slightly smaller island and removal of some trees,
not opposed by neighbors.
The entrance to the Diamond Jr. High School and the design of the rotary
at that location will remain as it is. Additional stop signs are to be in-
stalled at the intersections of North Hancock Street and Hamilton Road with
Hancock Street.
Mr. Tonaszuck felt that all questions raised had been addressed adequately
and recommended that an additional information session for the neighbors be
scheduled prior to vote on the road width and other design features.
Board members complimented Mr. Tonaszuck on the progress made and his res-
ponsiveness to the concerns of the public.
In answer to Mr. Marshall's questions on the construction schedule of MDC sewer
the MDC sewer project through Lexington Center, Mr. Tonaszuck reported that Lex.Center
discovery of ledge, which necessitated tunneling, had slowed the procedures,
and that activity will continue at that location for approximately another
month.
The Transportation Advisory Committee's recommendations on LEXPRESS pass LEXPRESS
and ticket price increases were reviewed. Regarding increases for passes, pass &
it was suggested by Mr. Eddison that the proposed costs for the three and ticket
six month passes for senior citizens seemed higher than necessary and might increases
impose a hardship. A cost of $18 for six months rather than the $20 proposed
and $12 rather than $15 for three months was agreed upon.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve LEXPRESS
pass and ticket prices as follows:
Pass Prices
Contract year $60,00 ($35.00 for senior citizens)
Six months $40.00 ($18.00 for senior citizens)
Three months $25.00 ($12.00 for senior citizens)
Book of 14 Tickets
$6.00/book (43Q per ride)
In response to concerns raised relative to level of usage by Seniors of
the 3-, 6-, and 12-month passes and resultant cost per ride, Mrs. Arnold,
Transportation Coordinator, reported that the new, more comprehensive Pass
Applications will provide a source of data in that area.
The recommendation of the Human Services Committee for appointment of Human Svs.
pmft Janet W. Eustis, Asst. Commissioner of Social Services, was reviewed and Comm.Appt.
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Ms. Eustis' resume noted. Mr. McLaughlin pointed out the Board's position
in the past that this Committee not be captive to human services profes-
sionals and providers and expressed concern that it may become another advo-
cacy group.
Mr. Marshall reported that he had been informed by Mrs. Phear that the
Committee's recommendations on two upcoming new appointments will be made
with thought given to keeping a balance and seeking candidates with a general
background.
Mr. Marshall also noted the Committee's request for July appointments,
effective on September 30, of the two new members.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Janet W.
Eustis, 15 Potter Pond, to the Human Services Committee for a term of three
years to expire on September 30, 1988.
Rte.128 Mr. Eddison rep` ted reported on his attendance on May 15 at the Rte 128
Traffic Traffic Study Conference and highlighted points made by speakers.
Study It had been stated that since its opening in 1951 with use at that time
Conf. by 20,000 vehicles a day, 106,000/day cars in Burlington and 120,000/day cars
in Woburn now travel on 128. This increase in use is due to 74,000 new jobs
between Rtes. 9 and 93, which had been created in the '70's.
Most new growth is expected to take place in the northeasterly and south-
ern portions and along the Mass. Turnpike, as reflected in regional/sector
discussions.
Features of a 5-year 128 construction program and a 2-year study and pro-
jection proposed by the State were described.
Regarding methods for alleviation of 128's problems, flexible hours; pro-
,
motion of public transport; vanpools were suggested. ...w
Growth management,with reference to regional review of developments with
more than local impact, development fees, development phasing, local and
regional site planning, regulation of curb cuts, and increased cooperation
between towns had been discussed, but Mr. Eddison noted that there seemed to
be no revolutionary ways presented to completely alleviate the 128 traffic
problems.
Mr. Eddison added that Alex Zaleski, MAPC Executive Director, had observed
that communites with a higher percentage of industrial/commercial land use tend
in many cases to have higher tax rates.
Pine The May 24th draft Purchase & Sale Agreement for Pine Meadows Golf Course,
Meadows which had been reviewed by Town Counsel, was reviewed with respect to one change
P & S in the text (requested by the sellers) which was read by the Chairman.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman
to sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Town of Lexington and the
owners of the Pine Meadows Golf Course, in the amount of $2,825,000.00.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation
of James M. McLaughlin as a member of the Congregate Housing Study Committee,
representing the Lexington Housing Authority.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint William T. Spencer,
32 Hancock Street, to member ship on the Congregate Housing Study Committee,
representing the Lexington Housing Authority.
Selectmen's Meeting June 3, 1985
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Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Amend. to
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Chairman to sign an "Amendment to Annual Contributions Contract" (relative Section 8
to Section 8 subsidies) as requested by the Lexington Housing Authority. Lex. Housing
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the appli-
HermanHurwit;
cation of Herman W. Hurwitz, for One Day Auctioneer License on June 17, 1985,
for an auction to be held at the Sheraton/Lexington Motor Inn. 1-Day Auct.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of Rec.Comm
the Recreation Complittee to serve wine in the foyer of Cary Hall on June 19 , 1985:'kick-off
at a "kick-off" event for the Committee's Gift Book" .
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the bid by Bnk.Boston
Bank of Boston, Middlesex, at 3.95%, for a Chapter 90 Resurfacing Note in bid Rsrfcng
anticipation of highway reimbursement, in the amount of $34 ,274.61. Chpt. 90
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a sewer Sewer Abate.
charge in lieu of betterment in the amount of $7,079 .45, for property at Dr. E.Bird
23 Pelham Road , owned by Dr. Edward Bird, and to abate the charge, as
recommended by thelDirector of Public Works and Engineering.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the schedules Club
for the Lexington Lions Club Annual Carnival on July 2, (6 p.m. to 11 p.m.) ,
Carnival
July 3, (6 p.m. to 11 p .m.) , July 4 , (12:00 Noon to 11 p.m.) , July 5, (6 p.m.
to 11 p.m.) and July 6, 1985 ( 12 Noon to 11 p.m.) , to be held at the Center
omft Playground.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve transfer from Res. Fund
the Reserve Fund in the amount of $350.00 to Account #1065, Town Manager Expenses . Trans.
Mr. Hutchinsain reported that Peter F. DiNatteo, building Commissioner, has
submitted his resi4nation. Mr. Marshall will attend the June 7th "Coffee" to be
held for Mr. DiMatteo.
Mr. Marshall noted receipt of application for a Common Victualler All
Alcoholic Beverages License by Laurence Tropeano for The Hartwell House, now
being constructed on Hartwell Avenue. The Public Hearing on the application
is scheduled for June 17 .
Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to adjourn at 9:35 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
"Thm,ury(14. AA44-4-0-- (a-e--00
Marion H. Snow
Executive Clerk
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\ \t '91\ ' 1,2
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
pow J 'June 17, 1985
A regular meting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, June 17
1985, in the Set ctmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Marshall,
Mrs. Battin, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Dailey; Mr. Hutchinson, Town Manager;
Ms. Adler, Assistant to the Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were
present.
Police ChieE Furdon introduced Officers-Kevin Dooley, Paul Jenkins and Police
George Snell, who have completed training at the Somerville Police Academy Officers
and were present to be sworn in by the Town Clerk. The Chief informed the Jenkins,
Board of honors received by the three officers for physical fitness, best Dooley,
shooting and high academic achievements and expressed his confidence that Snell
they will contribute excellent police service to the Town of Lexington.
Mary McDono gh, Town Clerk, swore the three officers in, who were con-
gratulated by BoFrd members and the Town Manager.
Mr. and Mrs. Bentley, 45 Reed Street, were present to express opposition Sunny
to the plans for construction of Sunny Knoll Avenue, FY86 construction street. Knoll Ave
The Bentley's had submitted a petition which stated opposition to the proposed
width of the stret; installation of sidewalk and removal of trees, lawns and
sections of driveways. The petition further stated that the current plan would
increase trafficiwithout regard to neighborhood safety; alter the character of
Sunny Knoll Avenie; and with reference to the Bentley property, jeopardize the
future safety of the Bentley children by placing the road 10 feet away from the
house. A request was made that Sunny Knoll be made a one-way street. The
petition was sigied by 14 residents of Reed Street and Sunny Knoll Avenue who
asked that the construction plans be revised to reflect their concerns.
Mr. Hutchinson observed that there had been opportunities at two public
meetingsfor such: expressions of opposition, when the plans had been displayed
and fully explained. The street has been approved for acceptance by Town Meeting
in accordance with the current plan, construction bids will be accepted in July
of this year and the Manager recommended going forward with procedures unless
the Board chose to reverse previous decisions made.
Mrs. Bentley agreed that most Reed Street/Sunny Knoll residents had been
present at the pixblic meetings referenced by the Manager, but felt the scope of
the project appears to be more than realized at that time. She asked for reloca-
tion of the road layout within the 40 f t. right-of-way.
Discussion continued on the possibility of deleting sidewalk as noted in the
petition, which has been done in the past at the request of residents. It was
pointed out that such decisions had been made, but at a much earlier point in
the process and that 5 of the 6 residents had indicated their acceptance of the
project design. j
Mr. Hutchinson felt that the 18' width requested was unacceptable with res-
pect to safety and snow plowing. He would request the recommendations of the
DPW regarding om Ession of sidewalk. In answer to question raised on the possi-
bility of delaying sidewalk installation for year or so in order to aaess the
need, the Manages said that it would not be practical to do so.
Mr. Cooper, 43 Reed Street, said that at the time of the original petition,
pm= he felt that it was the belief of the residents that construction and acceptance
was for the convenience of the neighbors, which appears to have boomeranged.
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Mr. Bentley again referred to the one-way street concept, saying that the
approved plans presuppose a two-way street. Mr. Hutchinson said that one-way
could be considered and explored.
Mr. Marshall said he was not prepared to change the plans at this point mist
to narrow the street for one-way.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3 - 1 to proceed with
the existing construction plans for Sunny Knoll Avenue. Mrs. Battin voted in
the negative, based on her view that deletion of the sidewalk should be given
consideration.
Mr. Hutchinson said the Engineers will work with residents in the field
in an effort to address their concerns as far as is possible within the
approved plan.
Transfers, Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve transfers
Res.Fund & from the Reserve Fund to the following accounts:
Art. 27 #1650 Planning Board Expenses $ 150.00
#1700 Group Insurance $21,000.00
#1775 Legal Fees $44,000.00
#1800 Legal Expenses $ 2,000.00
#5250 Town Office Buildings $ 8,000.00
It was also voted to approve transfers from Article 27, Salary Settlements,
to:
#2470 Recreation Personal Services $4,200.00
#1070 Temporary Help and Overtime $1,500.00
#1075 Clerical Pool $ 325.00
POW-MIA Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of
Flag Relay the POW-MIA Awareness Committee of Massachusetts for permission to begin a Flag
Relay at the Battle Green on Sunday, July 14, 1985 at 12:00 Noon.
1-day Liq. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of
Lic.Museum the Museum of Fine Arts Ladies Committee for permission to serve wine and cheese
of Fine Arts in Estabrook Hall, Cary Memorial Building, on September 26, 1985.
Ch.90 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve and execute the
Resurf. following Chapter 90 Forms:
Initial Advisory Report
Project Request
Environmental Punch List
Extra Work
Ord.#285-2 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Extra Work Order
#2, 85-2, in the amount of $4,033.97, for additional work at Westview Cemetery.
Boston Mr. Marshall opened the Public Hearing on the petition of Boston Edison
Edison Company to obtain a grant of location for approximately 28 feet of conduit to
Walnut St. be installed in Walnut Street.
Mr. Edmund Kelley, representing Boston Edison, was present to explain the
need for the installation to provide electric service to the Metropolitan State
Hospital.
A memorandum from the Director of Public Works and Engineering had recom-
mended approval of the petition. g.■r
Selectmen's Meeting June 17, 1985
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No one speaking in opposition or in favor, the hearing was declared closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was vo ted to grant to the petitioner,
Bos ton Edison Co ., permission to install, and a location for, approximately 28
feet of conduit to be installed in Walnut Street, easterly approximately 38 feet
north of the Waltham/Lexington town line.
The Town Manager referred to a letter from Mr. and Mrs . Dennis A. Brown, Brown
18 Fair Oaks Drive, expressing concerns for the safety of school children when Prospect
walking on Prospect Hill Road to the Bridge School and requesting installation Hill Rd.
of sidewalk on Prospect Hill Road. sidewalk
Mr. Hutchinson noted that there is no funding earmarked for this project
in FY86, but f el t the request to be valid, as did Police Chief Furdon. He
recommended that it be listed as a priority in the sidewalk program and
identified as an FY87 item. He asked the Board's authority to inform the
Browns of these procedures and was so instructed.
Alexander Zaleski, Executive Director of MAPC, and Angela Frick, Zaleski
Lexington's MAPC representative, were present for review of the newly developed MAPC
Land Use Maps, prepared for each of the MAPC communities . Mr. Zaleski pre- Land Use
sented a land use information package consisting o f: Maps.
A mylar topographic base map used for geographic reference
A. mylar 1980 land use overlay showing 20 types of land use
A mylar 19 71-1980 land use change overlay showing changes in that 9 yr. period
on An acreage tabulation chart, quantifying and comparing land uses for 1951,
1971, and 1980.
Mrs . Frick recalled Mr. Zaleski's service to the Town as Planning Director
in the sixties and early seventies, pointing out that his ongoing interest in
Lexington is of great benefit to Lexington.
Mr. Zaleski displayed the maps based on 1980 aerial photos, and described
their physical uses as overlays to gain overviews of land use trends within the
Town. He noted that comparisons may also be made between Lexington, the
surrounding communities, and the region as a whole based on the data gathered.
The information may be used to study the effectiveness of previous land use
goals including preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, and growth and
development. New goals and objectiveness can be charted, including future zoning
changes and master planning.
The maps will be stored in the Planning Office and Mr. Zaleski expressed
hope that frequent reference to them will be made by all departments .
M±. Marshall expressed the appreciation of the Board to Mr. Zaleski and
Mrs . Frick for their attendance, and to MAPC for provision of this helpful and
valuable information.
Minutes of Selectmen's Meetings on April 22, May 1, May 6, May 8, 1985 were Minutes
approved as presented.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve abatement of Abatement
sewer user charges as follows: Cycle 2 sewer revenue in the amount of $10.75; Sewer Use
Cycle 3 sewer revenue in the amount of $62.78; FY86 sewer liens in the amount Charges
of $32.68, for properties not connected to Town sewer and therefore exempt from
sewer user charges .
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Nadelman Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the petition
Maple St. of Ruth Nadelman Lynn and 82 residents of the Maple Street area to lower the
T.S.A.C. speed limit on Maple Street to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for its
mow
review and recommendations.
Hancock The Board also voted to refer the request of the Hancock United Church
Ch.parking of Christ for restriction of parking on Mass. Ave. near the Church driveway
T.S.A.C. to the Traffic Safety Committee. That request will be referred to the Center
revitalization Committee as well.
Lieu of Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve sewer charges
Betterm. in lieu of betterment in the amount of $1 ,530.20, for property owned by
Welch Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Welch at 10 Norton Road.
Bids,Sewer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve acceptance of
& Water bids on notes for sewer and water projects as follows :
projects
Water project Mass. Avenue in the amount of $54 ,967 .77 (renewal) Baybank
Harvard at 4.48%
Water project Mass. Avenue in the amount of $16 ,000.00 (new money) Shawmut
County at 4.25%
Sewer project Marrett Road in the amount of $22,177.54 (renewal) Baybank
Harvard at 4.48%
I-day Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application
Liq.Lic. for One Day Liquor License on June 20, 1985, of W. R. Grace Recreation
W.R.Grac e Association, for an employee party to be held at 55 Hayden Avenue.
mrimm
The Chairman called a recess of 14 minutes, prior to the Board's next
appointment at 8:30 p.m.
Hancock St. A public information session was held for the purpose of review of modified
Impr.Plans plans for Hancock Street Improvements , revised to address concerns expressed by
residents at two previous hearings on the matter on Feb'xuaryi 20 and March 18.
The basis for opposition to the original plan had been loss of trees ,
the basic layout and road width. In the alternative plan developed, these issues
had been addressed to reflect as much as possible, the neighbors' wishes . The
Manager noted that one major issue remained unresolved: the plans for installa-
tion
nstallation of vertical granite curbing on the sidewalk side of the street and slope
granite curbing on the other side.
The new plan was shown and details described by Mr. Tonaszuck who pointed
out the changes made which included a road width of 24 f t. (capable of reduction
to 22 ft.) rather than 26 ft. as originally planned; retention of large trees
and grassy areas and improvements to the Coolidge Avenue intersection for
improved sight distance.
Mr. Cavaretta, 38 Revere Street, was in favor of the changes presented ex-
cept for opposition to the degree of rounding of the entrance to Revere from
Hancock Street. He felt a more squared-off turn would force cars to slow down
sufficiently to make the turn and would result in less speed at that location.
Mr. Tonaszuck said the rounding was done in the interest of traffic flow, but
added that field work can be done to attempt to resolve the question.
Mrs. Shunney, 24 Revere Street, said she also was pleased with what had _"
been done but, noting high speeds she observed on her street , questioned how
speeding cars would be able to come to a stop at the intersections where Stop
signs are to be installed.
Selectmen's Meeting June 17,1985
17)1\ --5-
wow The Manager promised a strict enforcement program in that area, especially
during the period when the signs are new to motorists.
Mr. Hammer, 69 Hancock Street, said he believed that traffic control and
enforcement of regulations was the answer for the problems of the entire street.
He thanked the Board for its response to residents' feelings but was opposed to
the expenditure of $460,000 to implement the improvement plan, when the cost
could be $60,000 t o $100,000 less without the curbing.
Regarding strict traffic enforcement, Mr. McLaughlin felt that the program
should be implemented naw, not waiting for the start of construction.
11±. Sullivan, 60 Burlington Street, questioned the need for widening of the
road at such a high cost to the Town, which he felt would cause more speeding
than now. He saw no problem with the traffic flow now.
Mrs. Wachman, 10 Diamond Road, felt that out-of-tawners, not residents,
would be the major beneficiaries of the improvements, as they use Hancock Street
to reach the Center and the Burlington Mal l.
Mr. Tonaszuck said that he felt the new plan addresses major concerns stated,
leaving most wanted trees and grassy areas intact. He added that the road must
be wide enough to accommodate traffic and bicyclists safely and that a 22 f t.
width would be too narrow to do so safely.
Sara Schoman, 11 Hancock Avenue, asked for information on construction
standards for residential streets . Mr. Tonaszuck responded that Hancock Street
is termed an arterial street, not a residential , because of its higher use.
Minimum standards for town streets is 24 ' wide. Arterial streets have a standard
width of 26' , which are waived in this case because of the construction impact
and neighborhood input.
osoft Mr. Sampson, 47 Burlington Street , asked if the standards for Hancock Street
would apply beyond Lexington Gardens on Burlington Street, and if there are plans
for beyond that point. The response was that there are no plans for extending
corridor beyond project limit.
More suggestions were made on strict traffic law enforcement regarding speed
and installation of stop signs. Mr. Ferman asked that the speed limit be lowered
from 30 to 25 miles per hour.
Mrs. Miller, 17 Oakland Street, questioned why deteriorating conditions. c ould
not be simply corrected, leaving the road as it is regarding design. Mr. Tonaszuck
explained the procedures for street reconstruction and resultant standards for
street width, curbing and 'sidewalk.
Mrs . Hammer, 69 Hancock Street, questioned why, rather than taking six feet
from her property for the road, the design couldn' t be changed so that the land
could be taken from the Conservation parcel across the street from her home,
leaving her front lawn intact.
Mr. Hutchinson stated his recommendation that the plan currently before the
Board be implemented, adding that the Engineers will work with residents in the
field to accommodate their wishes when possible.
Mr. white, 73 Hancock Street, favored slope curbing on both sides of the
street rather than vertical on , one side as proposed. He felt it would be safer
for bicyclists who could ride over the slope and onto the sidewalk if necessary.
Mr. Tonaszuck said the vertical curbs on the sidewalk side would be safer
for pedestrians and that as far as bikes are concerned, they can get onto side-
walks at road cuts for driveways .
Mr. Hamill, 66 Hancock Street, was willing to accept the vertical curb , but
plim"` asked that it be 4 or 5 inches high rather than 6". Mr. Tonaszuck answered that
the usual standard is 7" and explained that some margin must be left for road re-
surfacing years from now when the road would be built up another inch, leaving a
5" curb.
In answer to Mrs . Schoman's request for assurance that speed laws will be
enforced, Mr. Marshall said he will advocate installation of radar equipment.
Ms . Johnston, 58 Hancock Street, requested installation of a sign warning
of the curve on Hancock Street, just before Adams Street, proceeding toward the ,.r
Center. She felt that coming unexpectedly upon such a severe curve posed a
danger to motorists. The matter will be referred to the Traffic Safety Advisory
Committee for review and recommendations .
The Manager again recommended going forward with the plan as proposed,
seeking recommendations for the Traffic Safety Committee on signing and confer-
ring
onfer-
ring with Police Chief Furdon on traffic law enforcement.
Motion was made and seconded to approve the plans for improvement of
Hancock Street as presented, showing 24 f t. width roadway, 5 f t. sidewalk on the
westerly side with vertical 6" granite curbing, slope granite curbing on the
easterly side and with retention of trees as shown.
Mrs. Morey noted that Blake Road, and its potential as a contributor to
traffic had not been mentioned and asked that its impact be considered.
Mr. McLaughlin said he was very impressed with the fact that workable plans
had been produced as a result of participation and cooperation of both the
Engineering Dept. and the neighbors . He felt the plan was as close to being generally
satisfactory as possible. He repeated that he would like to see the enforcement
program for traffic begin at this time, not waiting for construction.
Mr. Dailey asked if it would be possible for the roadway to remain at its
current width at locations where it is now narrow. Mr. Tonaszuck responded that
he was opposed, based on hazards to motorists .
Mrs . Bat ti n expressed agreement with Mr. Tonaszuck that the 24 f t. width
should be consistent, but asked if the road design could be eased in some way at .�
the Hammer property , with reference to the conservation land across the street.
Mr. Tonaszuck said he was unsure of the impact of shifting the road at that point.
Mr. Marshall said he felt the problem of speeders should be agressively mow
handled. He favored the 24 ft. layout and vertical curb at the sidewalk and
liked the improvements at Revere and Coolidge. He expressed support of the plan
and recommended moving ahead with it.
Motion having been made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Hancock
Street Improvement Plans , as presented.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9 :32 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
/t //,
anion .� S o
Executive Clerk