HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-14-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee Minutes
January 14, 2009
Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Jeanne Krieger, Francine Stieglitz
Staff: Gail Wagner
Liaisons: Richard Canale
Draft Traffic Mitigation Overlay (TMO District
➢ Aaron Henry of the Planning Dept developed a traffic mitigation draft for
Hartwell Avenue. It creates an overlay district pertinent to Harwell Avenue
(TMO -HA). It is an attempt to exercise control of traffic.
➢ It would apply to Commercial and Manufacturing (CM) that includes Research
and Development (RD) zoned structures when building changes are made with a
defined parameter of floor area ratio (FAR). An increased FAR would trigger a
"site plan review."
➢ The developer would have the option to follow the existing town TDM policy
(bring any impacted intersection to acceptable service level) or the new TMO. A
choice is offered since the State prohibits direct impact fees.
➢ TMO would include contribution to a town mitigation fund for infrastructure that
may address sidewalk and bus shelter construction. And, a tailored plan
developed to reduce single occupancy vehicles (SOV) driven onto the property.
An annual report would be required with financial penalties for non - attainment of
targeted SOV reductions.
➢ Draft does not address TMO specifics such as a funding formula for contributions
to infrastructure fund, town staffing, and creation of Hartwell Transportation
Management Association (TMA).
➢ Town Meeting acceptance of the TMO document without specifics was
questioned.
➢ Commercial Zoning (CD) development requires special zoning sanctions and
goes to vote at Town Meeting. CD mitigation agreements can cover anything the
Town sees fit, such as annual payments to Lexpress. Ex: Patriot Partners, Beal.
➢ TAC will voice to the Planning Board that it supports the concept of a TMO, but
given few details fails to understand how a TMO will achieve its stated objective
to control traffic.
TDM Citizen's Article
➢ Dawn McKenna has proposed a TDM article for spring Town Meeting that
specifies mandatory Lexpress contributions.
➢ TAC will discuss this Article at the next meeting.
➢ Ms. McKenna will be invited to attend.
TDM Terms /Consistency
➢ TAC developed a list of consistent terms and language that they recommend for
future TDM agreements, as it pertains to Lexpress contributions and
transportation alternatives.
➢ The Beal Company's proposal was the catalyst for developing these
recommendations since it deviated form recent TDM agreements in language and
longevity of terms.
Prepared by Gail Wagner, Transportation Services Office, January 20, 2009.Next
meeting, date to be announced for the last week in January.