BPB 11-19-24 City of Beverly Planning Board
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R E C E P,Meeting Minutes
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2 PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
3
4 BOARD OR COMMISSION: City of Beverly Planning Board
5 DATE: November 19, 2024
6 LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street, 3`d Floor Council
7 Chambers
8 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Ellen Hutchinson;Vice-Chair Derek Beckwith; Ellen
9 Flannery; George Gomes; Wayne Miller;Nathaniel Lewis,
10 Marcus Glynn, Sarah Bartley
11 STAFF PRESENT. Assistant Planning Director Kenneth Clawson
12 RECORDER: Kristan Patenaude
13
14 Call to Order
15 Chair Hutchinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
16
17 1. Subdivision Approval Not Required Plans
18
19 None at this time.
20
21 2.Approval of 2025 Regular Planning Board Meeting Schedule
22
23 Beckwith: Motion to approve the 2025 regular Planning Board meeting schedule, with the
24 Wednesday meeting option in January-May. Flannery seconds. Motion carries
25 unanimously (8-0).
26
27 • Recess for Public Hearings
28
29 Flannery. Motion to recess for public hearings. Beckwith seconds. Motion carries
30 unanimously (8-0).
31
32 3. Public Hearing: Special Permit##201-24—119 Rantoul Street--Barnat Development, 110
33 Rantoul Street,Beverly,MA 01915
34 a. Petitioner seeks a Special Permit to allow greater than 25% of the off-street
35 residential parking spaces (17 in total) in a public parking facility within 500 feet of
36 the property use.
37
38 Tom Alexander,Alexander&Femino, stated that this project has been before the Planning
39 Board for several months. This hearing is for an additional Special Permit to allow for 17
40 additional parking spaces in the public parking facility. The applicant is amenable to the
41 conditions suggested, including the conditions from the Parking&Traffic Commission to
42 encourage residents to use the crosswalks on Rantoul Street to access the MBTA garage, that
43 there be no piggyback parking unless the two spaces are assigned to a single unit, and that the
44 parking be subject to a lease with the MBTA that will run coterminous with the existing one in
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Meeting Minutes
45 effect for the project across the street. The intention is to include extra spaces in the public
46 parking garage so that every unit will have its own specific space.
47
48 Alexander reviewed the requirements for the proposed Special Permit. This is an appropriate
49 location for the proposed use, as it has been priority of the City of Beverly to provide housing in
50 this area. When the garage was built, it was discussed as an area to provide commuter parking
51 and to accommodate more housing along Rantoul Street. The character of adjoining uses will not
52 be adversely affected as the proposal does not include any building. There is existing excess
53 capacity in the garage that can easily accommodate these units.No undue traffic nuisance will
54 result from this proposal, as it is only to accommodate a small number of vehicles. The
55 appropriate facilities are provided for the proper operation and maintenance of the use, as this is
56 an existing modern parking garage. There are no valid objections from abutting property owners
57 based on demonstrable fact. The applicant has had no opposition to this proposal, but instead a
58 number that have spoken in favor. The appropriate City services will be available for the
59 proposed use, as it is an existing parking garage.
60
61 Gomes asked about the total number of proposed parking spaces. Alexander corrected what he
62 previously had stated, in that this is a request for four additional spaces, totaling 17 in the garage
63 for the project.
64
65 Hutchinson asked about each of the Special Permits for this project. Alexander explained that
66 Beverly has a provision which allows for up to 25%of the parking to be in a public parking
67 facility within 500' of the project. This MBTA garage is approximately 200' from the project.
68 The first Special Permit was to allow for 13 of the 52 proposed spaces across the street in the
69 garage. This had originally accounted for piggyback spaces, however the City Solicitor and the
70 Building Inspector ruled that those four piggyback spaces should not be counted, but that the
71 applicant could instead seek an additional Special Permit for those extra four spaces. This second
72 Special Permit is seeking the extra four spaces above the 25%. Hutchinson asked if this Special
73 Permit is for the extra four spaces or to go beyond the 25%. Alexander stated that it is for both.
74 The applicant wants to go over the 25%but is limiting it to four spaces.
75
76 Bartley asked how often the garage has excess parking and how much excess there typically is.
77 Alexander stated that the MBTA 2024 data shows significant excess capacity, over 50%, every
78 day of the week.
79
80 Beckwith asked if these will be assigned spots for the units. Alexander stated that this will be the
81 case.
82
83 Hutchinson asked for public comment at this time.
84
85 Eric Chiang, 116 Rantoul Street, stated that the MBTA can report capacity at less than 50%but it
86 is unclear how accurate this data is. Residents have given feedback that the garage is often full,
87 other than the fourth floor. He asked how residents currently using the garage could be displaced
88 in favor of a new project that may be profitable for a company and potentially the City.
89
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90 Hutchinson stated that this is an existing public parking garage. This is typically first come-first
91 serve, other than reserved spots. The Board has no reason to believe that the MBTA data is false.
92 Alexander stated that the highest capacity seen on the MBTA data for the year was 88%.
93
94 Chiang asked why 100% of parking capacity at the project location itself is not planned for
95 during the planning process. Hutchinson stated that at some point it became allowable for a
96 developer to seek a Special Permit for 25%of parking within 500'. It was determined that the
97 need for housing was great enough that shifting this parking was appropriate. Alexander noted
98 that the garage was designed in part to be supportive of local housing.
99
100 Beckwith stated that the Board received a letter from the MBTA regarding the proposal and
101 existing occupancy of the garage. The letter reviewed the year's current ridership and parking
102 activity trends. It noted that future forecasts remain far short of peak demand.The MBTA
103 routinely agrees to licensed parking use and occupancy agreements with developers, large
104 employers, and similar private entities to raise revenues and reduce road congestion. The MBTA
105 also indicated their interest to sign a contract with the applicant for the spaces.
106
107 Miller stated that transit-oriented development, as proposed, is certainly part of the City's Master
108 Plan and Climate Action Plan goals.
109
110 Beckwith: Motion to close the public hearing. Flannery seconds. Motion carries(7-0-1,with
111 Glynn abstaining).
112
113 Gomes: Motion that the Planning Board in regard to Special Permit#201-24 for 119 and
114 119R Rantoul Street, developer Barnat Development LLC, make the following
115 findings:
116 1. The specific site is an appropriate location for the proposed use and that the
117 character of adjoining uses will not be adversely affected.
118 2. No factual evidence is found that property values in the District will be
119 adversely affected by such use.
120 3. That no undue traffic and no nuisance or unreasonable hazard will result.
121 4. That adequate and appropriate facilities will be provided for the proper
122 operation and maintenance of the proposed use.
123 5. That there are no valid objections from the abutting property owners based on
124 demonstrable fact.
125 6. That adequate and appropriate City services are or will be available for the
126 proposed use.
127 Flannery seconds. Motion carries (7-0-1, with Glynn abstaining).
128
129 Gomes: Motion to approve Special Permit#201-24 for 119 and 119R Rantoul Street,
130 developer Barnat Development LLC,with no specific conditions as the Staff
131 Report recommends attaching these to the subsequent Special Permit.
132 Beckwith seconds. Motion carries (7-0-1, with Glynn abstaining).
133
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134 Gomes: Motion that the Planning Board in regard to Special Permit##197-2 for 119 and
135 119R Rantoul Street, developer Barnat Development LLC, make the following
136 findings:
137 1. The specific site is an appropriate location for the proposed use and that the
138 character of adjoining uses will not be adversely affected.
139 2. No factual evidence is found that property values in the District will be
140 adversely affected by such use.
141 3. That no undue traffic and no nuisance or unreasonable hazard will result.
142 4. That adequate and appropriate facilities will be provided for the proper
143 operation and maintenance of the proposed use.
144 5. That there are no valid objections from the abutting property owners based on
145 demonstrable fact.
146 6. That adequate and appropriate City services are or will be available for the
147 proposed use.
148 Flannery seconds. Motion carries (7-0-1, with Glynn abstaining).
149
150 Gomes: Motion to approve Special Permit#197-24 for 119 and 119R Rantoul Street,
151 developer Barnat Development LLC,with the following conditions:
152 1. Prior to the issuance of the building permit, a legal agreement with the MBTA
153 be put in place approving that the requested 17 parking spaces be designated,
154 leased, and assigned pursuant to a lease agreement with the MBTA
155 coterminous to the applicant's existing lease with the MBTA for 70 spaces.
156 This agreement shall be shared with the Planning Board and the Parking&
157 Traffic Commission.
158 2. That all conditions of the letter dated November 10,2022, from Richard
159 Benevento, Chair of the Parking &Traffic Commission still apply.
160 3. The applicant is encouraged to advise residents to use the crosswalks on
161 Rantoul Street to access the MBTA garage.
162 4. That there will be no piggyback parking unless the spaces are designated for
163 residents of the same unit and that the second space of the piggyback places
164 cannot count towards the parking requirement.
165 Beckwith seconds. Motion carries (7-0-1, with Glynn abstaining).
166
167 Gomes: Motion to approve the modification to Site Plan Review#158-22 for 119 and
168 119R Rantoul Street, applicant Thomas J Alexander, attorney for Barnat
169 Development LLC,with the following conditions:
170 1, A revised site plan will be submitted to the Planning and Engineering
171 Departments a minimum of two weeks prior to the application for a building
172 permit to finalize any details and questions regarding the site layout.
173 2. That the project shall be constructed in accordance with the site plan that will
174 be submitted to Planning and Engineering Departments at a minimum of two
175 weeks prior to the application for a building permit. The building permit can
176 only be applied for once the Planning and Engineering Department signs off
177 on the plan and any future modification requests of the site plan review will be
178 made to this plan.
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179 3. The site plan that is to be submitted to the Planning and Engineering
180 Departments a minimum of two weeks prior to the application for a building
181 permit shall incorporate recommendations in the letter from Jared Contrada,
182 Associate Planner on behalf of the Design Review Board dated September 16,
183 2024,which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
184 a. Simplify the fourth floor windows on the side and rear of the building
185 b. Change the wood banding on the fagade to casting and wood stone,
186 while leaving wood on the decks
187 c. Remove all awnings
188 d. Attempt to hold mechanical equipment to the center of the roof to limit
189 view from the street
190 e. New landscape plan to show new landscape areas
191 £ Review of potential egress for residents to access neighboring park
192 g. Addition of masonry column on the front fagade
193 4. Subject to compliance with the conditions in the letter from Captain Jacob
194 Kreyling of the City of Beverly Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention to
195 the City of Beverly Planning Board dated September 11,2024, which is
196 attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference
197 a. The building design and construction follow the Beverly Fire
198 Department"EV CHARGING AND PARKING GARAGE DESIGN
199 REQUIREMENTS"policy. The sprinkler design for the parking
200 garage area is to be designed and built to Extra Hazard 11 level,
201 recognizing the heightened hazard level that vehicles (especially EV's)
202 being parked under the residential multi-story structure poses.
203 b. Construction of the structure inclusive of excavation logistics, crane
204 placement, and material delivery, shall not obstruct or hinder traffic on
205 Rantoul Street, a main thoroughfare for emergency vehicles. Similar
206 projects along Rantoul Street, including those with police details, have
207 caused delays to emergency response. An enforceable construction
208 management plan that complies with this requirement is thus requested
209 from the applicant and approved by the Parking& Traffic Commission
210 5. All previous conditions of approval from the Planning Board are still
211 applicable including conditions contained in the comment letters submitted by
212 the various Department Heads, Boards, and Commissions, which are attached
213 to the previous condition of approval and incorporated herein by reference:
214 a. Letter dated October 6, 2022, from Bill Burke,Health Department.
215 b. Letter dated November 7, 2022, from Dylan Lukitsch on behalf of the
216 Design Review Board.
217 c. Letter dated November 10, 2022,from Richard Benevento, Chair of
218 Parking and Traffic Commission.
219 d. Letter dated October 5, 2022, from Captain Jake Kreyling, on behalf of
220 the Fire Prevention Office.
221 e. Comments in Central Square permitting system from Assistant City
222 Engineer Lisa Chandler, dated October 6, 2022.
223 Beckwith seconds. Motion carries (7-0-1, with Glynn abstaining).
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224
225 Gomes: Motion to approve the 1NCLUSIONARY HOUSING APPLICATION#31-24—
226 119 and 119R Rantoul Street—Thomas J. Alexander, Attorney for Barnat
227 Development LLC,with the following Conditions of Approval:
228 i. To the extent permissible and approved under Fair Housing and
229 the Department of Executive of Housing and Livable Communities
230 (EOHLC),the Applicant will honor any local preference requested
231 by the City for Beverly residents up to the EOHLC maximum of
232 70%. EOHLC will require that this request be made in
233 collaboration between the Applicant and the City.
234 Beckwith seconds. Motion carries (7-0-1,with Glynn abstaining).
235
236 4.Public Hearing: Waiver of Frontage and Definitive Subdivision Plan-676R Hale
237 Street—Stephen M. Galante and William S. Pluckhahn
238 a.Reconfiguration of the lot line division between the Property and the neighboring
239 property at 31 Haskell Street
240
241 Conor Walsh, Glovsky & Glovsky, explained that the proposal is for a Waiver of Frontage and
242 Definitive Subdivision Plan as to allow for a reconfiguration of the existing lot division line
243 between 676R Hale Street and 31 Haskell Street,with the plan being the eventual conveyance of
244 approximately 4,000 s.f. of the current Hale Street property to the owner of 31 Haskell Street.
245 The existing Hale Street property is approximately 1 3/4 acres, improved with a single family
246 structure,with roughly 44' of frontage along Haskell Street. There is a proposed 9,000 s.f. strip
247 which is proposed to be carved off and access will be provided from Hale Street via a perpetual
248 shared driveway. The sole purpose of the strip is to provide frontage for the parcel. The applicant
249 proposes to reduce the existing frontage along Haskell Street to roughly 21' and to convey the
250 strip to the owner of 31 Haskell Streety. This will leave the 31 Haskell Street property closer to
251 conformity in the R-15 Zoning District as it relates to frontage. The property has roughly 22' of
252 the frontage on Haskell Street. The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance at its September
253 meeting, approving this proposed reduction in frontage for the 676R Hale Street property. Given
254 the fact that this requires a frontage waiver, a full subdivision plan was required to be approved
255 by the Planning Board. The application materials have been presented to and discussed with any
256 number of the neighbors, many of whom signed a petition signaling their support for the project.
257 To date there have been no objections from any of the surrounding property owners submitted.
258
259 Gomes asked about the existing frontage for 31 Haskell Street. Clawson stated that this is 85.7'
260 currently and the required minimum is 125 . Both of the properties in question are existing non-
261 conforming parcels. The proposal will bring the frontage for 31 Haskell Street to 108', making it
262 closer to conforming.
263
264 Hutchinson asked for public comment at this time. There was none.
265
266 Beckwith: Motion to close the public hearing. Flannery seconds. Motion carries unanimously
267
268
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269 Gomes: Motion to grant the Waiver of Frontage for Lot#1 at 676R Hale Street and Lot#2
270 at 31 Haskell Street, applicants Stephen M. Galante and William S. Pluckhahn.
271 Beckwith seconds. Motion carries unanimously (8-0).
272
273 Gomes: Motion to approve the Definitive Subdivision Plan for 676R Hale Street,
274 applicants Stephen M. Galante and William S. Pluckhahn,without a covenant.
275 Flannery seconds. Motion carries unanimously (8-0).
276
277 S. Public Hearing: Site Plan Review#168-24—0 Trask Lane—Corcoran Trask Lane, LLC,
278 Attn: Peter Mahoney,EVP
279 a. Development consisting of 6 multifamily buildings containing 440 units in the
280 aggregate; associated amenity and recreational areas; 882 surface and garage
281 parking spaces; an extension of Trask Lane; and various site improvements
282 including landscaping elements,common walkways, 4 monument signs,utilities,
283 drainage infrastructure,and stormwater management facilities.
284
285 Miranda Siemasko, Glovsky& Glovsky, explained that this project has not yet received peer
286 review comments. The site is approximately 77 acres of land located off Trask Lane and zoned
287 RSD, which is special high density residential zoning area. It is located in an established
288 neighborhood of other residential complexes, many developed under the same RSD zoning. The
289 proposal includes six multifamily buildings proposed in two clusters. This will total 440 units
290 with residential amenities and 882 parking spaces, per the two spaces per unit requirement,
291 though a much lower demand is anticipated. The project includes 53 affordable units, or 12%,
292 which will be preserved at 80%AMI, and approximately 65 acres, or 84%, of the site to be left
293 undisturbed. The applicant would like to work with the City to open some of the existing trails
294 on the property to the public. The site is proposed to be accessed via Trask Lane and the Board
295 approved a subdivision plan for that earlier this year.No new access is otherwise proposed.
296 There are two emergency access roads on the site which will remain. The project plans denote
297 three separate access points for Site A from Trask Lane. One of those access points, the preferred
298 access point, is still being negotiated with the adjoining owner at Apple Village to acquire
299 easement rights. There is a huge perimeter buffer proposed around the site as is required by
300 zoning, providing a significant 200'+offset from adjoining single family neighborhoods. The
301 project will comply with all dimensional requirements under the frozen zoning, and no special
302 permit will be required. The applicant believes it is important to have a high degree of
303 sustainability on the site and has elected to design to passive house standards.
304
305 Tim Corcoran, Corcoran Trask Lane, LLC, explained that Corcoran Trask Lane,LLC, is part of
306 a larger Braintree-based commercial real estate company, John M. Corcoran& Company, which
307 is focused primarily on developing, acquiring, and managing multifamily housing in
308 Massachusetts. The group is one of the largest privately held multifamily companies in the
309 region and currently manages approximately 12,000 units. Beverly Commons was developed by
310 the company in the late 1960s. The applicant has held numerous meetings with various
311 stakeholders leading up to this filing. The project will have a number of positives including new
312 moderate income housing,new net revenue generation of construction, and permanent jobs.
313
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314 Matthew Hayes, Utile, explained that there are two clusters proposed, Site A and Site B. The
315 intention of clustering the development and footprint is to keep the sites relatively small and
316 compact. The units will be a mixture of styles. The plan is to locate the parking in an area with
317 the least impact on the site. There is one satellite garage proposed,with as much parking
318 underneath the buildings as possible. Entering the site brings one to a major intersection between
319 the four buildings. All four of the buildings have subsurface parking proposed. The buildings are
320 separated by streets as opposed to large parking lots, allowing residents to feel comfortable
321 walking from building to building and to the various shared amenities. Many of the interior
322 amenities occur on amenity decks, with smaller local amenity spaces for each building.
323
324 Joe Peznola,Hancock Associates, explained that the main entrance to the site is proposed
325 through Apple Village into a boulevard style main entrance with a landscaped median strip.
326 There will be some parking in the roadways in-between buildings 1, 2, 3 and 4. The site will be
327 very pedestrian friendly with material changes and crosswalks. In building 1, there are 42
328 parking spaces proposed. In building 2, there are 108, in building 3 there are 111, and in building
329 4 there are 52 parking spaces proposed. The site will have handicapped parking spaces near a
330 ramping system to access the buildings. There is an existing extensive trail network on the 77
331 acres, and this will connect into the sidewalk system. The applicant is exploring the possibility of
332 opening the open space up to the public. The satellite parking structure is proposed on the west
333 side of Trask Lane. The parking deck will have 79 parking spaces in it. There is another 47 space
334 satellite surface parking lot proposed in order to meet the two spaces per unit requirement.The
335 Board previously approved the proposal to expand Trask Lane. With regard to zoning,the plan is
336 fully compliant with the lot area per dwelling unit requirements,with over 5,000 s.f. The plan is
337 also fully compliant with setbacks. Regarding fire access, the plan looks to maneuver fire
338 vehicles around the buildings and the proposal will meet all fire access regulations. There are
339 currently two points of emergency access for the site. A full stormwater and sewer water supply
340 design has been completed. There were some concerns with regards to the localized piping and a
341 preliminary study regarding the investigation of manholes and the flow in that area has been
342 provided. The applicant plans to study this further. The main approach to stormwater is to put the
343 water back in the ground. There are nine infiltration systems proposed, scattered throughout the
344 site. Extensive soil testing has been completed on site and there is ledge that will be worked
345 around. A full stormwater management report has been submitted, and the applicant will work
346 with the City Engineering Department and their peer reviewer, as well as the Conservation
347 Commission. There are some constraints with regards to grading on the site. This will necessitate
348 the installation of retaining walls to build up portions of the site that help manage stormwater.
349 No grading is proposed within the buffer zones.
350
351 It was stated that the applicant has selected a sort of varied color palette, warm in tone, for the
352 site,while working with three primary materials: fiber cement, clapboard and metal panel, and
353 masonry. There is an interest in breaking the buildings down into smaller vertical elements, more
354 evocative of the rhythm of a village. Each building features either cut outs or bay window
355 elements. The intention with the lighting plan is to make the space welcoming at night and for it
356 to feel safe for people when they arrive.
357
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358 Rebecca Brown, Greenman-Pederson, Inc., explained that her group submitted a traffic study to
359 the City and presented it to the Parking& Traffic Commission earlier today. This is still in the
360 preliminary stages. Her group studied the intersection of Route 128/Wayside Drive/Trask Lane.
361 Coming northbound on Route 128 is the only way to access the site. Traffic impacts along the
362 Elliott Street corridor were also examined, down to the intersection with Cabot Street. A handful
363 of intersections along Conant Street were also considered based on feedback from the Parking&
364 Traffic Commission and by the town of Danvers. All of these intersections were studied during
365 the weekday morning and weekday evening commuter periods,as well as during Saturday
366 midday time periods. Traffic volumes were collected in June, September, and October and then
367 projected out to a seven year design horizon consistent with Mass DOT guidelines for traffic
368 analysis. A safety review of all of the study area intersections was conducted. There were three
369 locations where there was a crash rate higher than the statewide average, including at the Conant
370 Street/Burley Street intersection, at the Cabot Street/Dodge Street/County Way intersection, and
371 at the Elliot Street onramp. Mass DOT asked for updated crash data based on more recent data to
372 see if recent improvements to the Elliot Street onramp made a reduction in the crash occurrences.
373 This is in the process of being examined as part of the draft Environmental Impact Report that
374 will be submitted to MEPA mid-December. The Cabot Street/Dodge Street/County Way
375 intersection was also recently reconstructed with substantial improvements which should help to
376 reduce crashes at that location. The data currently being presented to the Board is based on 2017-
377 2019, or the most recent three years that were available. The crash rates that Mass DOT produces
378 are based on 2019-2021 data. Mass DOT asked the group to pull the data from 2019-2021 so
379 that it will be comparable to what they used for the average crash rates. The applicant will pull
380 the available crash data, but Mass DOT has not yet closed out the data for 2024.
381
382 Brown stated that, in addition to the collision history review, her company also projected traffic
383 volumes that would be generated by the proposed development. On a daily basis,just over 2,000
384 trips are proposed to be generated by the proposed units, representing approximately 1,000
385 vehicles coming in and going out throughout the day. During the peak hours, roughly 200 trips
386 are anticipated, with the majority of those being exiting in the morning as people travel to work
387 and entering in the evening as people are coming home. The study anticipated that roughly 35%
388 of traffic would be coming from Route 128 South, roughly 10%coming to and from Route 128
389 to the north, and roughly 5%-15%from the local roadways. Based on that, an increase of
390 approximately ten vehicle trips is anticipated during the peak hours along Liberty Street,Dodge
391 Street, and County Way, and about 30 vehicle trips during the peak hours along Cabot Street and
392 Elliott Street. A queuing analysis found the greatest impacts to be at the Elliott Street
393 interchange. There will also be a high impact traveling on Route 128 northbound getting onto
394 Dodge Street. Finally, a large impact may be seen at the Cabot Street/County Way intersection.
395 To alleviate those traffic impacts, the proposal is for signal timing optimization along the Elliot
396 Street corridor from State Road to Liberty Street. These signal timing adjustments should
397 increase the green times on those movements that are most heavily impacted by the additional
398 traffic at the Dodge Street/Cabot Street intersection. Signal timing is also proposed at that
399 location and her company is evaluating potentially restricting left turns from Dodge Street onto
400 Longmeadow Road.
401
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402 Hutchinson asked what the change in the signal timing is based on the proposed mitigation
403 efforts. Brown explained that this would reallocate the green time at that intersection to
404 movements that need more green time to be able to process the traffic, particularly coming down
405 Dodge Street in the morning. This will allow people to get to the highway more efficiently and
406 rebalance the intersection. Under existing conditions,the Dodge Street intersection has a level of
407 service F, partly due to hard left turns occurring into the Longmeadow Road intersection
408
409 Hutchinson asked if the analysis considered the closing of the bridge and, if not,what the impact
410 of that would be yes. Brown stated that the bridge was closed at the time when all the traffic
411 counts were collected.
412
413 Brown explained that other improvements, such as safety enhancements, are being considered at
414 Elliott Street. This area also currently has a service level F rating. Mass DOT noted some
415 existing deficiencies with the ramps in this area and asked for consideration in cleaning them up
416 a bit. Better signage and striping can be used to improve this area. The area may also be widened
417 to improve the turning radius to accommodate larger vehicles.
418
419 Gomes stated that this report proposes traffic improvements in Danvers,but this is not the
420 Danvers Planning Board. He asked how the Beverly Planning Board will have any assurances
421 that any of this will take place. Brown stated that all the intersections mentioned so far,with the
422 exception of one, are Mass DOT's jurisdiction. The applicant will be working through Mass
423 DOT to have all of the mitigation measures vetted during the MEPA review process. All of the
424 documents will be submitted to the towns and both Danvers and Beverly will have the
425 opportunity to comment.
426
427 Brown stated that improvements are also proposed at the Dodge Street ramp. Currently, vehicles
428 coming off the ramp have to yield to traffic on Dodge Street at the ramp itself. This can be
429 confusing for drivers coming off the ramp and causes additional wait time. The proposal is to
430 change that from a yield condition to a weaving condition. Dodge Street would remain a single
431 lane as it passes underneath the bridge traveling northbound up the ramps and then a second lane
432 would be dedicated to traffic coming off the ramp. Side-by-side vehicles would be able to drive
433 between the two ramps and change lanes as needed. The proposed weaving condition
434 significantly improves the level of service condition, but the company is also examining how this
435 would impact queuing. This will be part of the analysis submitted to the Parking &Traffic
436 Commission. Hutchinson asked that information on the weaving proposal be submitted for the
437 Board's review.
438
439 Brown stated that they are also proposing several transportation demand management measures
440 that would reduce the number of trips generated by the facility. There are connections proposed
441 to the existing walking and biking trails for recreation, reducing residents' need to travel off site.
442 These connections could continue off the site to allow for people to walk or bike to nearby
443 neighborhoods. The Parking& Traffic Commission asked for these proposed upgrades to be
444 formalized. A transportation authority bus already comes into the neighborhood at Apple Village
445 and Folly Hill, and the intention would be to extend that in front of this site. These additional
446 changes are anticipated to decrease traffic volumes by roughly 7%over what was projected.
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447 Additional measures, including shuttle service to key locations are also being explored which
448 could decrease volumes by approximately 15% from the site. Other options for transportation
449 demand management measures are being explored along with potential additional amenities such
450 as retail or convenience uses that could be added to the site.
451
452 Brown stated that, in conclusion,the proposed development anticipates just under 200 vehicle
453 trips generated onto local roads, equating to about 10-30 vehicle trips on the local roadways with
454 about 30-75 trips on either end of Route 128. The greatest impacts are seen at the Route 128
455 intersections. Mitigation measures are proposed such as signal timing optimization, as well as
456 safety improvements at all three of the interchanges. A transportation demand management
457 program will help to reduce the number of trips that are being generated. These mitigation
458 measures will lead to some substantial improvements to traffic operations at several of the study
459 area intersections. This study is currently being reviewed by the Parking& Traffic Commission,
460 which has hired a peer review consultant. A peer reviewer for the town of Danvers is also
461 reviewing the study. The study will be vetted through MEPA and Mass DOT.
462
463 Miller asked about the demographics for the proposed development. This relates to the parking
464 study, as there was no information presented regarding how many children there may be and how
465 they will be getting to school. Peter Mahoney, John M. Corcoran& Company, stated that the
466 applicant is working on projections for demographics at this time.
467
468 Gomes stated that the study mentioned that the City of Beverly shuttle is estimated to reduce the
469 amount of traffic by 7%. If there are 2,200 trips per day from the site,this would equate to
470 approximately 154 of those trips. He asked how many people ride the shuttle each day. This is a
471 valuable service and goes all over the City. People do not ride the bus unless there are no other
472 options, and he questions if people will truly choose the bus over driving. Brown stated that the
473 average ridership for the shuttle is approximately 70 people per route. Clawson stated that he
474 would examine additional data for the shuttle.
475
476 Flannery: Motion to take a recess at 9:05pm. Beckwith seconds. Motion carries
477 unanimously (8--0).
478
479 Flannery: Motion to reconvene the meeting at 9:13pm. Beckwith seconds. Motion carries
480 unanimously(8-0).
481
482 Hutchinson asked for public comment at this time.
483
484 Councilor Ward 1 Todd Rotondo stated that currently the City of Beverly shuttle only has
485 approximately 1-3 passengers from the Apple Village area. The bus ride from that area is
486 approximately 1.5 hours roundtrip. There is consideration of suspending the system in this area
487 and making it on-demand. He asked suggested a small convenience store on the site which would
488 help to cut down on traffic and add a benefit to those residents.
489
490 Patrick Knight, Cherry Hill condominiums, stated that the proposed project will tower over the
491 nearby condominiums he lives in and will share the driveway. The applicant team has worked to
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492 resolve some of the issues, but the proposed scope is too large for this area. There is not enough
493 access proposed during an emergency. The nearby highways are heavily used, and the scope of
494 this work will add to the traffic in this area. If there are 65 undeveloped acres proposed as part of
495 this project, he asked why the development is proposed directly on top of the existing
496 condominiums.
497
498 Torn McDonald, Radcliff Road, stated that there was a meeting at Colgate Park over the summer
499 and approximately 100 people met to express concern with the proposed project. He attended the
500 Danvers Planning Board meeting where concern was also expressed as this project only looks to
501 give them traffic without any benefits. Trask Lane is landlocked and there is an entire
502 neighborhood that already exists. He is not in favor of the project based on safety and traffic
503 concerns. He is also concerned regarding the number of trees that may be cut down leading to the
504 pond and light pollution from the proposed parking areas. He asked if the latter issue could be
505 mitigated using downward projecting lights. He expressed concern that the proposed layout of
506 the site could speak to additional development in the future. Due to the cost of rentals, there will
507 likely be multiple people in each unit, leading to additional traffic.
508
509 Bruce Sperr, 11 Oberlin Road, stated that he lives close to the fire gates and has a number of
510 concerns regarding safety. 90%+of all emergency requests in this area go up his road. An
511 enormous increase in traffic from the emergency vehicles is already being seen. Adding 440
512 units will add to this traffic. Certain parts of this area will see enormous impacts. Colgate Park
513 has a pumping station directly in front of it. This is likely the first place that the sewer accesses
514 from this area and could be where overflow occurs. There is a problem with GPS mapping in this
515 area.
516
517 Bill Squibb, 509 Cabot Street, suggested that the Board obtain an exact traffic count at Elliott
518 Street and the IA interchange. 400 units will lead to 400-600 cars. At 3pm, traffic is stopped in
519 this area already.
520
521 Brown explained that physical counts were completed at the 20 intersections shown on the study
522 map, from 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm on weekdays, and 1 Oam-2pm on the weekends. Some 72
523 hour counts were also completed at certain locations.
524
525 Beth Anne Sperr, i 1 Oberlin Road, stated that there has been so much built up in this area that
526 she wonders when this will stop. Vehicles in the nearby intersections do not know which way to
527 travel, leading to more traffic. The area is not currently plowed properly. She asked how the area
528 can sustain the additional proposed people from this development.
529
530 Ivonne Ehrlich, 16 Bass River Road, stated that she lives in a house that backs up to Route 128.
531 Traffic in this area is stopped every day and she does not understand how a minimum of 2,000
532 more vehicles will be able to be supported. The proposed volume from this development is not
533 fair to those who already live in this area. An improved traffic signal will not mitigate the real
534 issue, and people will likely not use public transportation.
535
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536 Siemasko stated that the traffic study will be peer reviewed via the Planning Board,the
537 Conservation Commission has requested a separate peer review, and the Engineering Department
538 will likely also have a peer review. The applicant is before the Danvers Planning Board to clear
539 up a matter of title and covenant.
540
541 Beckwith: Motion to continue this hearing to December 17, 2024. Flannery seconds. Motion
542 carries unanimously (8-0).
543
544 6. Reconvene meeting
545
546 Flannery: Motion to reconvene the meeting. Beckwith seconds. Motion carries unanimously
547 (8-0).
548
549 7. Discussion on closed Public Hearings, if not already decided:
550 a. Continued: Modification to Site Plan Review#158-22 and Special Permit#197-24
551 — 119 Rantoul Street—Wilso Ventures &Tiny Ventures LLC c/o Alexander&
552 Femino,One School Street,Beverly, MA 01915 and Barnat Development, 110
553 Rantoul Street,Beverly,MA 10915
554 i. Modified Site Plan Review consists of 52 Residential units, 11 of which are
555 studio apartments,20 of which are one bedroom apartments,and 21 of which
556 are two bedroom apartments, 1,625 square feet of retail space on the first
557 floor,and garage parking underneath for 39 vehicles. Special Permit is to
558 allow 25% of the off-street residential parking spaces (13 in total) in a public
559 parking facility within 500 feet of the property use.
560
561 This item was previously addressed.
562
563 8. Set Public Hearings
564 a. Special Permit#200-24—18 Leather Lane—Paul B. Doetsch &Anne Marie
565 Doetsch
566 i. Create a pork-shop shaped lot and establish a new buildable lot on the
567 premises for a single-family use.
568
569 Flannery: Motion to set a public hearing for Special Permit#200-24 on January 15,2025,
570 Beckwith seconds. Motion carries unanimously (8-0).
571
572 9. Approval of Minutes (as available):
573 a.June 18,2024
574
575 None at this time.
576
577 b. July 16,2024
578
579 None at this time.
580
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581 c.August 20,2024
582
583 None at this time.
584
585 d. October 29, 2024
586
587 None at this time.
588
589 10. New or Other Business
590
591 None at this this time.
592
593 11.Adjourn
594
595 Beckwith: Motion to adjourn. Glynn seconds. Motion carries unanimously (8-0).
596
597 Meeting adjourns at 10:04 p.m.
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