HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-26-TMG-minTraffic Mitistation Group Meeting
August 26, 2008
Present: Richard Canale, David Cannon, Elaine Dratch, Jeanne Krieger, Arthur Smith, Jerry
Van Hook, Gail Wagner Guests: Ed Grant, Charles Kalauskas, Peter Nichols
Beal Traffic Demand Management (TDM)
➢ Beal representatives wished to clarify Town's TDM priorities in light of existing TDM
agreements with Patriot Partners and Shire.
➢ Existing agreements address intersections at Spring at Marrett and Waltham at Marrett, as
well as sidewalks on Spring.
➢ Hayden Corridor improvements would be Town priority for Beal (Hayden at Spring
traffic light, Hayden sidewalks, Hayden at Waltham traffic light). TDM funds maybe
earmarked for a combined South Lexington mitigation fund. Beal would like to ensure
their TDM contributions are for the Hayden Ave area.
➢ The Town is reviewing commercial zone study, Cecil Group Report, to determine if
density bonuses create infrastructure needs. Relevant sections will be shared with Beal.
➢ Planning Board is reviewing parking formulas. Beal's parking survey would be useful
information. Internet survey to be sent to Beal tenants first week in September.
➢ TDM components of interest: South Lexington TMA to operate commuter shuttles,
vanpools, ride sharing; Lexpress contribution; trucks directed to Hayden Ave; delineation
between management and tenants responsibilities; performance based reporting.
➢ Beal expressed its hope that any TDM obligations are substantive and ensures
commercial sites remain competitive in local market.
TDM Bylaw
w
➢ Planning Board to have new policy within 6 to 8 weeks. Goal to have more predictable
CD zoning.
➢ Basing TDM obligation on parking spaces or combination with square footage to provide
an objective measure.
➢ Recent presentation by real estate development expert, Buzz Constable, emphasized:
recapturing value, applying traffic mitigation, and end product that is both defensible and
transparent.
➢ Regional TDM is a town priority. Lexington is hosting an informational meeting on
September 19. It will include: Burlington, Lexington, Lincoln, Waltham and Weston.
➢ Town objectives to provide travel options for commuters to mitigate impact of traffic on
community.
Waltham Street Crosswalk
➢ Brookhaven is again requesting a crosswalk on Waltham Street. Police and Engineering
feel a crosswalk with signage would be an improvement.
➢ It is a dangerous crossing. A flashing light or signal may be a safer option.
➢ TDM funds from Watertown Savings Bank are available. Brookhaven could be asked for
a donation as the prime proponent and Avalon Apartments as an abutter.
➢ TMG motion passed for Dave Cannon to research crossing options: unsignalized
($10,000 range), flashing light ($50,000 range), signalization ($100,000 range). Design
may include road narrowing or raised crosswalk
Citizen Petition for Left Turn from Route 2 Exit 56
➢ Based on community input, ramps from Route 2 were designed to limit cut through
traffic in Lexington.
➢ State Highway will accept a redesign of Exit 56 incorporating a left turn to exit into
Lexington. However, Lexington would be responsible for all design and building costs.
➢ Lexington residents are able to use Exit 55 to access Watertown St. TMG does not view
this as a town traffic priority. Dave Cannon will notify the petitioners.
Starwood TDM Pedestrian/Bicyclist Improvements
➢ Dave will speak to Garry Rhodes, Town Building Director, as to Starwood's legal
requirements regarding striping a bike lane on Mass Ave leading into Marrett Road and
pedestrian crossing cycles on all Marrett Road signals. Jerry noted only Forbes Rd
crossing cycle is operative.
Hartwell Avenue Striping
➢ Striping of Hartwell Avenue is near completion of a one -year trial period. TMG will
formulate an evaluation statement at the September meeting.
Traffic Calming Policy
➢ Tree Committee wants to include tree provisions.
➢ Traffic calming seen as a subset of TDM.
➢ Chris requested TMG to review newest draft for comments.
TMMA Lexpress Comments
➢ TMMA has recently posted critical Lexpress comments. Transportation Advisory
Committee (TAC) is evaluating current level of service and possible schedule
adjustments.
New School Bus Coordinator
As of September, Elaine Celi is the new school bus coordinator. She will be attending Sidewalk
Committee meetings.
Next TMG meeting, September 23, Town Offices, Room 111, 9:30am.
Minutes submitted by Gail Wagner, Transportation Services, September 18, 2008