HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-18-TMG-minMinutes for Traffic Mitimation Group Meeting
December 18, 2007
Present: Richard Canale, Elaine Dratch, Jeanne Krieger, Christine McVay, Gail Wagner.
Guests: Captain Charles Sargent and Terry Gleason
Hartwell Avenue
➢ Town electronic mailbox has been set up for public comments. The address is
hartwelltraffic gci . lexington. ma. us
➢ Feedback from commuters is overwhelmingly negative due to longer commute times.
➢ Traffic counts indicate 53% of traffic entering Wood Street from Hartwell Avenue is cut
through traffic.
➢ Meeting with Hanscom officials was held. Evening commute has been extended on an
average of 20- minute just to leave the base. National Parks concerns were noted as the
reason for not operating the 4 th gate located on Route 2A.
➢ Conservation staff and Susan Yanofsky conducted an exploratory walk along the rail
spur as a potential alternate bike /pedestrian way.
➢ MIT /LL is posting the town mailbox address. Derek Jones of the Security Dept has
collected emails to date and is the designated MIT /LL contact.
➢ The Town has not released a public statement regarding Hartwell Avenue traffic.
➢ Morning deliveries at Route 2A gate have periodically delayed employees' entrance.
➢ Bedford and Lexington Police reported that the back up at Maguire Road has dissipated.
Lexington traffic enforcement officers on Hartwell continue to report improved safety.
➢ Jeanne suggested exploring with the National Park Service opening the 4 th gate located
on Route 2A for the evening commute only.
Shire /Spring and Hayden Sidewalks
➢ Sidewalks are proposed for Spring Street (west side) extending into the Patriot Partners
property. The tree committee has given approval for the removal of a 36" tree located in
the right of way.
➢ Hayden Street sidewalks (north side) are also proposed.
➢ Public hearing is scheduled for January 10.
➢ Funding is dependent of the state legislatures Life Science Bill. Intersection
improvements at Marrett/ Spring and Marrett /Waltham (also on TIP list at 20% design
stage) are dependent on this funding.
Updates
➢ List of Lexington Center improvements submitted by the Sidewalk Committee to the
Traffic Safety Committee were shared. Center redesign process is required to address
these issues that require long -range planning and financing.
➢ Elaine will submit the Town's Traffic Mitigation policy to Transportation Secretary
Cohen's staff.
➢ Congressman Markey met in Watertown to review federal transportation funds.
Richard suggested that Lexington consider writing Congressman Markey as to Hartwell
Avenue improvements and extension of the Minuteman Bikeway to the Minuteman
National Park. TIP hearings are scheduled for April 17.
➢ Annual South Lexington Transportation meeting was held. Larry Smith presented his
Warrant Article for Town Meeting to eliminate all traffic mitigation requirements as
conditions for new development: supported by the Lexington Chamber of Commerce.
➢ MAPC will conduct a regional meeting (Belmont, Lexington, Lincoln, Waltham) to
review proposed commercial development along Route 128 from Route 3 to Mass Pike.
Next Meeting: Jan 22, Room 111. Agenda: Eng Traffic Mitigation Plans and Eng TIP report
Minutes submitted by Gail Wagner, Transportation Services, December 21, 2007