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2024-02-06 Parking and Traffic Commission minutes CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: Parking and Traffic Commission LOCATION: City Hall, 3rd floor Council Chambers DATE: February 6, 2024 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Richard Benevento, Vice Chair Darlene Wynne, Jonathan Salt, Dayna Morton, Sergeant Dana Nicholson, Captain Jake Kreyling, City Commissioner Michael Collins BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: City Engineer Lisa Chandler, Ward 4 City Councilor Scott Houseman, Ward 2 City Councilor Danielle Spang, Hugh Howard of 26 Sherman Street RECORDER: Naomi Moca Welcome and Call to Order Benevento chairs and opens the meeting at 8:30 a.m. Discussion items at the request of Ward 4 Councilor Scott Houseman 1. Complete Streets standards and designs applied to future infrastructure projects for road, sidewalk, and bike lane improvements in Wards 4 and 6, including Cross Lane, Boyles Street, and Lakeshore Avenue City Engineer Lisa Chandler is present and states that there are 10 to 15 locations across the City that have no sidewalks or only partial sidewalks, such as Lakeshore Avenue which has a partial sidewalk. Benevento asks if there is a desire within the neighborhoods for these changes, and if so, whether residents are willing to create easements where needed. Houseman states that a group of residents started the petition for these improvements in cooperation with Ward 6 City Councilor Matthew S. Hilaire. Houseman issued a letter requesting: 1) sidewalks along Boyles Street and Cross Lane and 2) a separate line item in the budget to set aside funds for sidewalk- only improvements for streets that are not due for roadwork, since sidewalk work occurs during roadwork only. The Commission discusses that there are minority opinions that think sidewalk improvements create hazards for pedestrians. Houseman expresses his interest in the opinion of the Board regarding the sidewalks introducing more hazards. Benevento states that while sidewalks may increase pedestrian traffic that is exposed to vehicle speeding, a six-inch barrier curb that is not mountable provides some safety. Morton agrees that part of Beverly's appeal is that it is a somewhat walkable City, and with the input of engineers and other professionals, more sidewalks would be helpful to encourage enjoyment of the area. Benevento observes that it has been proven that speed limit signs do not necessarily change driver behavior while changing the characteristics of the road does. Collins reminds the Commission that the City has worked to implement Complete Streets principles since before it was officially adopted and gives the example of the pedestrian route from Centerville to City of Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission February 6,2024 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 5 Downtown now being fully connected, among other sidewalk completion projects. Collins states that the sidewalk is the most expensive part of Complete Streets. Houseman asks how mature trees impact curbing decisions when building sidewalks. Benevento asks if sidewalks were to be installed on Boyles Street and Lothrop Street, whether granite curbing or Cape Cod berm would be advisable. Collins states that using granite curbing is unlikely in those neighborhoods as it would change the character of the neighborhood and at times the cost can be prohibitive. The Commission discusses the possibility of building a path that runs parallel to the roadway, while not being a proper sidewalk so that it can meander around trees instead of removing the trees. Salt asks for clarification on the definition of a Cape Cod berm, and Benevento and Collins states that it is a low asphalt berm with a sloped face,instead of a granite curb, adjacent to bituminous sidewalk surface. Salt expresses gratitude for Houseman bringing this issue before the Commission as it impacts his work on the Bike Committee and expresses dismay that the speed limit on Lakeshore Avenue, which is a residential street with no sidewalk, is 35 miles per hour. Salt states that City-wide speed limits are 25 miles per hour where there is no posted speed limit Stanley Street, Foster Street, Cross Lane, Common Lane, Boyles Street, partially posted 20 miles per hour in parts. Salt expresses concern about the dwindling country lane aspect of the City and proposes traffic calming measures such as 20 miles per hour signs. Salt cites the vulnerable road user law that mandates a four-foot allowance around cyclists and asks what tools, such as signs, are available to the City to make the road safer for all users. The newly- formed Beverly Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee would be interested in discussing this issue, once the group is fully formed. Houseman comments that he is originally from Michigan and gives the example that there is a continuous bike lane from the bottom to the top of the state while preserving the aesthetic. Houseman observes that Cross Lane and Boyles Street are so narrow that it would be challenging to build sidewalks. Salt and Benevento discuss that the vulnerable four-foot allowance may force a vehicle to cross a solid yellow or double solid yellow center line into the oncoming lane. Salt observes that Endicott College is a very car-centric campus and a conversation with Endicott's safety officer may be beneficial. Kreyling states that he agrees with Salt's synopsis and that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will be helpful. Houseman states that residents' concern for children's safety is one of the main reasons this issue is before the Commission today. Kreyling states that while he agrees with many of these points, data is needed to determine if there is a measurable problem before dedicating City time and resources. Nicholson states that these roads have been the subject of many concerns from citizens, and the streets previously mentioned are well-traveled by Endicott College students. The Police Department has cited students and staff members, including the president of the college, and sent email blasts to students. Nicholson states Common Lane is very problematic with foot traffic. City of Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission February 6,2024 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 The Commission discusses that 80% of Grover Street has sidewalks on the Beverly portion. Salt recalls the many changes over the years to Grover Street and observes that they have not necessarily made it safer, in his opinion. Salt states that he has friends who are seasoned cyclists who nonetheless refuse to bike on Grover Street due to their safety concerns. Benevento gives the example of a traffic calming measure that addressed a nonexistent problem: speed humps on Lothrop Street, which have since been replaced with bump-outs. Collins states that traffic data proved there was not a speeding problem on Lothrop, and that on Boyles Street and Grover Street there is no way to speed due to the configuration of those roads. Nicholson confirms that there are zero accidents, so safety and speed are not defined problems. Collins agrees that access for pedestrians is a measurable problem that the City can start to address. Wynne states that Boyles Street was discussed in 2020 by the Commission since speed data was collected in 2020 and there was a question of who was doing the speeding as residents have been known to do both the speeding and the complaining. Wynne observes that traffic calming includes behavioral issues that can be challenging to change, and agrees that data is needed to identify and quantify the problem. Change is a good thing and decisions about projects should be made based on data and on prioritizing within the limits of City funds. Hugh Howard of 26 Sherman Street is present and states that due to his street being near Essex Street he can attest that speeding is a real concern. Howard gives the example of a house on Essex Street that was hit by a car a month ago. The Commission discusses potentially building sidewalks in areas that are challenging such as Paradise Crossing or Chapman's Corner and Hale Street,the driving tendencies of Endicott College students and staff, the cost of building sidewalks, and that Cape Cod berm style curbing is safer for bicycles than granite. Houseman asks what the Commission recommends for the next steps. Chandler states that the discussion has made the Engineering Department aware there is an issue and now they will research how to best solve it. Today's discussion will be on file. 2. Blindspot remediation at the two intersections of(a) East Lothrop and East Streets, and (b) Brookhead Avenue and Boyles Street Houseman states that residents expressed concern about the sightline when turning left from East Street onto East Lothrop Street due to the slope and curvature of the road. The Commission discusses options for remedying it and Collins states that the City does not install mirrors. Houseman asks if there are any plans to remove some ledge at Brookhead Avenue and Boyles Street to improve visibility. Collins states that the abutters should keep their vegetation trimmed and actively maintain vegetation. Houseman encourages DPS or Engineering to take a look at the area and see what they can do. There is an intersection ahead sign to alert drivers. Houseman City of Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission February 6,2024 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 5 states that some residents roll down their windows to hear if there is oncoming traffic even in the winter. The Commission discusses that a gas line is currently being installed along East Lothrop Street. Houseman asks what can be done to preempt this sightline issue when resurfacing East Lothrop after the gas line installation. Collins states removal of the tree and tidying of the vegetation along the fence will be beneficial whereas regrading at the crest of the hill or shifting the utility pole would be difficult. Morton points out that the owner of the property on the corner could be elderly or not have the means to keep up with vegetation. 3. Updating heavy commercial vehicle exclusion study on Boyles Street The Commission discusses if it is appropriate to do another traffic study to see if the area meets the criteria for a heavy commercial vehicle exclusion, noting that with an exclusion, it is necessary to include an alternative route, and that to qualify, five to eight percent of all traffic must be comprised of heavy commercial vehicles. Benevento clarifies that if it is an intermittent issue,it will not meet the criteria. Nicholson states that Endicott College has worked closely with the City and the Police Department on traffic issues. Houseman brings up the issue of competing athletic teams' buses using Boyles Street to enter and exit the Endicott campus. The Commission discusses that its role is to review matters and give recommendations while having no means to enforce them. 4. Speeding issues and crash data for Essex Street between Dane Street and Corning Street 10:20 a.m.: Salt departs. Nicholson cites Police Department data that the average vehicle speed between Dane Street and Corning Street is around 32 miles per hour. Of the 98 car crashes in the report,which included hit-and-run accidents where a side mirror is broken off, many crashes involved alcohol, drugs, and hit-and-runs,but not speeding. Nicholson states that the reasons drivers responsible for accidents do not stay on the scene can be outstanding warrants, drugs, alcohol, and lack of insurance. Nicholson clarifies that while vehicles do speed in this stretch of street,they are being targeted and tagged. Howard states that the house at 139 Essex Street was recently struck by a car and Nicholson states that the operator was under the influence of methadone. Houseman expresses gratitude for the Commission's time and insights. Approval of Minutes: a. December 5,2023 The members review the December 5, 2023 draft meeting minutes. Nicholson: Motion to accept the December 5, 2023 meeting minutes as written. Collins seconds. Motion carries (7-0). City of Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission February 6,2024 Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5 General or new business Nicholson states that the North Shore Education Consortium at 112 Sohier Road inquired about how to be designated a School Zone. Collins states that there realistically is no likelihood that vehicles will drive 20 miles per hour on Sohier Road. Nicholson states that the enforcement can be complex because there is no good place to stage a cruiser. Collins and Kreyling observe that the students who attend that school are not from Beverly and thus do not walk to school. Nicholson states that the Police Department has fielded many concerns about pedestrians nearly getting hit by vehicles while crossing on the crosswalk and Collins states that the City will be installing a flashing crosswalk sign. The Commission discusses that the North Shore Recovery School is comprised of high school grades,the alternative school is grades K-12, and all students are bused. Adjournment Collins: Motion to adjourn. Nicholson seconds. Motion carries unopposed. Meeting adjourns at 10:23 a.m. The next regular meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.