HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-24-TMG-minTraffic Mitistation Group Meeting
June 24, 2008
Present: Richard Canale, David Cannon, Elaine Dratch, Jeanne Krieger, Arthur Smith, Jerry
Van Hook, Gail Wagner, Susan Yanofsky. Guests: Steve Heinrich and Loren Woods of South
Lexington Civic Association
Waltham Street (k Concord Ave Intersection Improvements
➢ TDM special zoning condition for Met State /Avalon Redevelopment established a fund
of $200,000 for traffic improvements. South Lexington Civic Association asked that
these funds address the Concord /Waltham intersection.
➢ Striping and designated left turn lanes have been added. Traffic analysis by a consultant
is needed for intersection redesign.
➢ Dave is developing a RFP to include traffic analysis of both the Concord Ave at Waltham
intersection and previously identified Mass Ave corridor from Maple Rd to Pleasant St.
➢ $20000 TDM fund will not cover full cost of extensive intersection improvements.
Concord Ave Sidewalks
➢ Sidewalk construction on Concord Avenue was also included as a special zoning permit
condition for Met State, but challenged by Avalon over wording of the document.
➢ Sidewalk design work is needed as a first step. Rizzo Associates is in place for this task,
which will include data needed for a Conservation Committee review.
➢ It was strongly felt that sidewalk construction is Avalon's responsibility.
➢ South Lexington Civic Association will write letters to the Town's Building
Commissioner and Selectmen advocating sidewalks as Avalon's responsibility.
2009 Unified Plan for Work Programming Funds/ Most Congested Corridors
➢ Route 4/225 corridor study is under consideration. Hanscom Air Base differentiates the
region and should be emphasized.
➢ Route 128 inner - suburban study of MBTA communities along the beltway is also under
funding consideration.
➢ July comment period is critical.
➢ TMG unanimously supports funding of both the 4/225 and 128 corridor studies.
➢ Selectmen will be asked to register Lexington's support of both issues in a letter to Mary
Sullivan, UPWP Manager CTPS
➢ Susan and Richard will work on letters of support. Hanscom will be approached.
MBTA Bus Route Requests
➢ Executive Council of MBTA reviews route requests. A non - profit vendor present at the
Hartwell Ave business meeting is on this Board. She suggested the MBTA be
encouraged to expand service on Hartwell Ave, as well as to regional transportation hubs.
➢ TMG supports requests for added service on Hartwell Avenue and asked Susan to
proceed with letters of support including from the Selectmen.
➢ Lack of sidewalks and bus shelters were noted as deterrents to Hartwell Ave bus service.
➢ It was suggested that the Transportation Advisory Committee be involved.
Road Striping Policy
➢ Lexington follows MA Highway Striping Policy of 5 categories.
➢ Example: Wood Street is 24 feet wide and comes under Category 3 (Shared Road when
road is too narrow to widen). Wood St will be 11' lanes divided by double yellow lines
with one foot white edges.
➢ Wood St truck exclusion infeasible due to lack of alternative roads and State process.
Marrett Rd /Waltham St intersection on 2011 TIP for $1.1 Million
➢ State Economic Development money resulting from Shire development in Lexington
128 Center Coalition (Weston, Lincoln, Lexington, Mayor of Waltham
➢ Push for limited study to impede Waltham's City Commission eagerness to accept 5 or 6
new major developments along Route 128 corridor, adding 100,000 trips per day.
➢ Letters to be sent to MA Office of Business Development, Greater Boston Chamber of
Commerce, and private groups.
➢ Lexington Board of Selectmen agrees in concept with this effort. It joins 4 of 11 effected
communities. Limiting growth will collectively impact state taxes.
➢ MAPC to identify 5 key points of standard traffic mitigation from review of zoning
bylaws.
MAPC Parking Presentation
➢ MAPC staff member will make a presentation at the July 9 Planning Board pertinent to
Center parking and commercial areas.
➢ TMG is invited to attend.
Next TMG meeting, July 22, Town Offices - Room 111, 9 : 3 Dam.
Minutes submitted by Gail Wagner, Transportation Services, July 9, 2008