HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-24-TMG-minTraffic Mitistation Group Meeting
February 24, 2009
Present: Richard Canale, David Cannon, Jeanne Krieger, Christine McVay, Carl Oldenburg,
Jerry VanHook, Gail Wagner, Susan Yanofsky
Traffic Study - Hancock St Roundabout
➢ Residential development is planned for the former site of Lexington Gardens on Hancock
St adjacent to the Diamond Middle School and near the roundabout.
➢ Jerry expressed concerns of the Sidewalk Committee that existing pedestrian safety
issues will be exacerbated by the development.
➢ Carl Oldenburg, a resident near the development and architect, also voiced safety
concerns. Carl presented 3 sets of plans. Two sets from the developer with varying
density both with a double outlet onto Hancock St. And, a set drawn by Carl with a
single outlet that incorporates open space bordering Hancock St and walking paths to
Diamond Middle School.
➢ Jerry's efforts, as the Sidewalk Committee chair, to engage the developer in safety
discussions have been rebuffed. Jerry asked if TMG or other citizen committees might
intervene.
➢ Susan said TMG is not the committee since the development does not require a
mitigation agreement. The Planning Board is in the leadership role as to requesting a
traffic study addressing pedestrian safety.
➢ Citizen committees, as advisors to the Selectmen, may consider informing the Selectmen
of traffic concerns and interest in a "multimodal study" as part of the planning process.
➢ Fire, Police and Engineering Departments routinely review development plans.
Beal Corporation Mitigation Agreement
➢ The Planning Board has received a mitigation agreement negotiated with the Town.
➢ It is a total payment of $800,000. $500,000 paid when permits are pulled and $300,000
when certificates of occupancy are granted. The later amount designates $20,000 for
creation of a conservation trail and $200,000 for Lexpress.
➢ Elaine Dratch was not present, but sent an email to TMG members that was distributed.
She raised the issue that neither TMG nor TAC was consulted. Regarding Lexpress
terms, stronger wording was encouraged to specify funds for public transit. Beal's 2008
terms ($10,000 annually adjusted for CPI for 50 years) compared to 2009 terms
($200,000 lump sum accruing interest with annual draws to support Lexpress budget)
was questioned as to comparability of total payment.
Spring St Sidewalks
➢ Sidewalks are proposed for the length of Spring St on the West side, Marrett Rd to Route
2, and on East side, Marrett Rd to Hudson Rd. A pedestrian signal will facilitate crossing
between the East and West sidewalks at Hudson Rd.
➢ Road narrows North of Hudson Rd and in one area can only accommodate 11 feet per
vehicle lane. "Road Narrows" signage is proposed.
➢ Bike Safety Committee is lobbying for 10 feet per vehicle lane with striped bike lane.
➢ Granite curbs are proposed. Bike advocates want asphalt berms.
➢ Jeanne commended Engineering Dept for bringing this project along.
➢ Community meeting to review plans scheduled for March 10 will include signalization.
Signalization Spring St at Marrett Rd
➢ Left turn lane at Marrett Rd onto Spring St has been shortened.
➢ Right turn lane East at Spring St onto Marrett Rd is eliminated.
➢ Sidewalk Committee has questioned maximum length of pedestrian cycle as exceeding
state guidelines.
East Lexington Corridor Study —Mass Ave between Pleasant and Marrett Rd
➢ Consultant hired for $9,000 to conduct traffic counts and conceptual analysis.
➢ Design funds next step (approximately $150,000) requiring Town Meeting vote in 2010.
Waltham Street Activated Crosswalk near Waltham Line
➢ Dave Cannon will research cost of flashing pedestrian beacon for crosswalk installation
on Waltham Street by Brookhaven.
➢ Watertown Savings Bank's TDM payment of $25,000 is available for this project.
➢ Brookhaven is the primary crosswalk advocate and has indicated they would contribute.
Minutes submitted by Gail Wagner, Transportation Services, March 6, 2009.
Next Meeting, March 24, 9:30 am, Room 111