PTC Minutes 11.05.19_FinalParking and Traffic Commission
November 5, 2019 Meeting Minutes
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: Nov. 5, 2019
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Benevento (Chairman), Aaron Clausen (Vice Chair),
Sgt. Mike Henebury, Capt. Chris Halloran, George Binns,
John Lozada, Michael Collins, Capt. Ryan Laracy
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Leslie Gould, Jonathan Salt
OTHERS PRESENT: Atty. Miranda Gooding, Ben Carlson, Bob Griffin,
Scott Hausman, Kristin Carlson, Andrew DeFranza,
Peter Lutz, Thadeus Siemasko, Resident Joseph Malek,
Jesse Dole (Assistant City Solicitor), Thomas Alexander,
Scott Cameron
RECORDER: Jodi Byrne
Welcome and Call to Order
Richard Benevento chairs and opens the meeting at 8:30 am.
Approval of Minutes
Aaron Clausen moves to delay October minutes review due to long agenda.
Principal Items of Business
1. Recommendation to The Planning Board: 5 West Dane Street - Site Plan Review #145 -19
and Inclusionary Housing Application #18 -19 - redevelopment of an existing industrial site
with a new 3 story building containing one (1) ground floor commercial unit with
approximately 500 sq. ft. area and ten (10) one - bedroom residential units and associated
parking - West Dane LLC.
Atty. Miranda Gooding, Ben Carlson (Developer), and Bob Griffin (Project Engineer) make
recommendation of this mixed -use building with purpose of site plan review. It is acknowledged that all
residential parking is on -site with parking requirements satisfied. It is described as a three -story structure
with ground floor parking, second story small retail/office space, and a third floor with five small one -
bedroom units intended for lower price point.
Griffin details the parking plan as ground level, with a single garage door that has a 24 ft. aisle for
parking. A carport will cover parking spaces #1 and #2 in order to accommodate snow removal
equipment. A proposed diagram shows the 10 spaces for the 10 units, with builder planning to have spots
assigned to residents. Griffin provides specific measurements indicating that city requirements for
opening is met. He adds that there will be a concrete sidewalk, with a driveway constructed from concrete
pavers.
Parking and Traffic Commission
November 5, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Benevento asks Committee for questions, and the following items are discussed: Clausen asks if it is
possible to remove columns that limit access to parking spaces and /or stairway access. John Lozada raises
concerns for accessible parking for handicapped. Thadeus Siemasko states that the unit will provide a
closed garage with no elevator, but does meet rule. Cpt. Chris Halloran states fire department will commit
a run- though to test for adequate access width, and it is noted that all units will have a sprinkler system.
Michael Collins suggests notifying local school that they will need to change their parking plan as they
have been parking at this curb location, and Clausen asks if the curb (north toward Cabot) could come
down to meet sidewalk (with the sidewalk rebuilt if necessary). Griffin agrees that the additional curbing
should not be a problem, and Clausen requests that plans be updated to show exact parking dimensions.
Clausen makes motion for approval with the conditions that the parking plan be revised to show exact
parking dimensions, including the change to curb and sidewalk. Binns seconds. The motion passes (8 -0).
2. Recommendation to The Planning Board: 0 Everett Street - Site Plan Review #146 -19 -
Construct a mixed -use building containing 825 sq.ft. of retail space on the first floor and 3
residential units on the second and third floors, together with 9 onsite parking spaces - 0
Everett Street LLC.
Thomas Alexander requests site plan approval for converting a used car parking lot space into a new
mixed -use building (with plans to keep the design in line with the "small village feel" of Beverly Farms)
The building will have a sprinkler system by code, and he notes that the parking requirement is met.
The presenting engineer from Bobrek Construction details the plan for retail space and six residential
units. There will be three parking spots for retail area and six for residences (nine spots total, including
one handicapped and two for compact spaces). Alexander notes that the local neighborhood's input has
shaped the project plan. Sight lines from Everett Street are discussed with a diagram showing that the
property line accommodates for proper sight line.
Benevento recommends that Alexander contact MassDOT to get their approval for an access permit as
this indicates a "change of use." In addition, it is recommended that Alexander contact District 4 to notify
of this change of use. Clausen requests a review of the parking plan adjusting width of curb cut to allow
for handicap van access.
Benevento requests that firm completes a trip generation, to indicate how businesses will affect traffic. In
addition, it is noted that there is no parking on state highways. Street parking in Beverly Farms is
discussed, with the recommendation that signage for "no parking on state highway" be posted. While it is
noted that project is designed as if parking is not on the street, Benevento recommends that Alexander
contact MassDOT to receive access permit.
Lozada recommends that project has two -sided signage to announce accessible parking. Sgt. Henebury
requests a review of the front area where it is confirmed that the landscaping will not cause any sight
obstructions.
Collins asks if the new curb cut is shown and if sidewalks will need to be redone. It is confirmed that all
new requirements will be shown on the next drawing, including where curb will be replaced and sidewalk
repaired. It is confirmed that the construction will be stick built, and Benevento requests that indication of
what building equipment will be used and how it will affect traffic is added to next plan review.
Local resident Joe Malek asks about line of sight (at corner) and traffic impacts from new building.
Engineer states that based on MassDOT posted speed of 20 mph, the sight triangle is improved, with the
only obstruction from an existing tree. Engineer will also detail impact of traffic at next meeting review.
Parking and Traffic Commission
November 5, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Collins states that the building will be responsible for snow and ice removal. The Bobrek Engineer
confirms that delivery trucks would park inside of premises.
Benevento asks for a motion to table discussion until December 3 when new drawings will be reviewed.
Clausen motions, Lozada seconds. The motion passes (8 -0).
3. Recommendation to The Planning Board: 107 Dodge Street - Special Permit #174 -19 -
redevelopment of an existing commercial property to a 5 -unit residential condominium
project as allowed by Zoning Board of Appeals Variance granted on August 5th 2019 -
Harts Hill LLC.
Atty. Gooding introduces Peter Lutz as applicant and Scott Cameron as Project Engineer for this five -unit
residential condominium project in North Beverly. The site is registered as historic property and has been
used since 1967 zoning for commercial use. New residential approval allows for redevelopment of a 5-
unit, multi - family residential property while keeping historical structure. The site will be preserved with
two duplexes in addition to this unit, and property will be cleaned, keeping all historical structure (which
will be moved to the front).
Gooding notes that this building has been moved before (44 Dodge) during the route 128 road build. This
new location offers a good price point to MBTA walking.
Gooding acknowledges working with Clausen in order to secure a special permit to narrow the drive from
24 feet to 20 feet in order to allow for a more residential feel from Dodge Street. Siemasko shows slide
images of space from different angles revealing a flat site with ample pavement. Images show that each
unit has a garage with assigned parking. Additional parking is available for visitors.
Cameron explains that there will be two curb cuts, one to loop around and exit. Construction plan is to
first move building, during which time the curb cut on right will be shut down, with construction fence
for remainder of project. Following this, the curb cut will be in the middle, a sidewalk will be constructed,
and there will be a 20 ft. curb cut to promote neighborhood design. This plan meets requirements and
keeps residential look. There is a 24 foot space for reverse driving, and sufficient width to back out of
spaces.The storm water system is designed with overflow to drain back to offset wetlands (eliminating
ponding and puddling), and there is a recharged system underground in front of the detached garage.
Benevento notes that project is on state highway, and Scott states that permit is requested as the use is
changing. It is also noted that a road opening permit is needed from MassDOT due to new utilities.
Benevento recommends a trip generator study because of the signal at Tozer Road, as it is an opportunity
to optimize signal if needed. Sight lines are deemed adequate, parking can accommodate fourteen, and
group is complimented on meeting the interests of neighbors.
Lozada asks about handicap accessibility and Siemasko notes that common space could be widened
instead of planned landscaping. Collins suggests using other areas, and it is decided to flip the common
space with the #1 space to keep landscaping. Collins suggests rebuilding the sidewalk with possible taper
on ends. It is decided that there will be no signage to keep with neighborhood feel. Sgt. Henebury notes
backup issues for motorists traveling south, making a left turn onto Dodge. Benevento suggests a signal
adjustment could be checked through MassDOT.
Gooding asks for clarification on securing a Mass highway permit. Benevento says that the Committee
would like to see review and recommendation to MassDOT to improve signal time. Lutz notes that the
new use of property will result in significantly less traffic than previous commercial use. Gooding states
that study was reviewed when plans were constructed and that they have the necessary data. She requests
Parking and Traffic Commission
November 5, 2019 Meeting Minutes
that an agreement be fashioned with conditions, as construction is slated to begin this winter. It is agreed
that this data can be added in for next meeting as a condition so they can move forward before a reply
from MassDOT. Benevento asks that once MassDOT permits or information is received, that it be sent to
both Parking and Traffic Committee and the Planning Committee.
The issues to be addressed are:
1. Northbound traffic across the drive, with left turn causing delay southbound - intensity of
use study to determine if this warrants a sign or plan.
2. Sight distance planning.
3. Walkway widen to 6 feet, rebuild, replace, repair.
4. Signal timing.
5. Shift parking to be accessible.
Benevento asks for motion for acceptance to continue. The motion to close is made by Clausen. Binns
seconds. The motion passes (8 -0).
4. Recommendation to The Planning Board: Modification to Smart Growth Overlay District
Application #01 -18- 108 Sohier Road - Anchor Point, LLC and Harborlight Community
Partners Inc.
Andrew DeFranza from Harborlight Planning provides some background to Anchor Point project and
indicates that because the state requested changes, the project is in review for second round of funding.
Harborlight is to meet with the Planning Board next week to present the requested changes to project
interior, with none of these changes affecting traffic patterns. The biggest change is an increase from 75
to 77 units, in addition to interior changes to the community center, daycare space, and common area on
elbows. Four parking spaces were added on -site to accommodate the two new units. There is also a
covered bus stop area. The project is designed to be community rich and to provide affordable housing.
DeFranza requests recommendation from the Parking and Traffic Committee to the state regarding
permits in readiness levels of the Tozer and Sohier Road intersection. Second admission to state has to
precede Massworks approval. Kristin Carlson from Harborlight indicates optimal timing for tax and
funding applications.
Clausen recommends making the Tozer / Sohier intersection safer by widening and adding island with
connecting sidewalk to Tozer Road. Captain Halloran recommends having emergency access to front of
building. Carlson will have a civil engineer review recommendations.
Lozada asks about snow removal plan and Carlson indicates snow storage will be on -site. With no other
questions, Clausen motions to close with the following amendments:
1. Site plan zoning district altering intersection improvements.
2. Onsite sidewalks and bus shelter.
Binns seconds. The motion passes (8 -0). It is suggested that these amendments be copied to the Planning
Board.
New /Other Business
1. Phillips Street: Review a request to consider changing 2 -way traffic on Phillips Street to
One -Way Traffic
Clausen shows image for Committee to see the area. Benevento notes that if one way, it would need to
accommodate a turn- around loop. Benevento feels that the Committee should not make any decisions
4
Parking and Traffic Commission
November 5, 2019 Meeting Minutes
without input from the Board Counselor and the public. Clausen agrees to contact the Board Counselor
and to ask her to contact residents.
Collins recommends no change be made to Phillips Street as the road is narrow. Lt. Laracy notes that the
second entrance is a hard turn. Sgt. Henebury affirms that the change would make emergency calls
difficult. Collins acknowledges that the request is from one resident.
A discussion follows regarding parking on Pleasant Street and whether parking should be on both sides of
this residential street or on just one side. Lt. Laracy notes the difficulty of fire engine maneuvering, and
Capt. Halloran adds that there have been three fires on this street.
The Committee decides to place this item on its next agenda after the Board Counselor speaks with local
residents.
2. 2019 -438A - Amended ordinance, Ch 270, Art. VI, Sec. 270 -63- Violations and Penalties
Benevento reports on a received correspondence to review parking violations and penalties, and asks for
recommendations from the Committee. Jesse Dole (Assistant City Solicitor) is present to assist with
questions. After a brief discussion, it is recommended that no item be eliminated, but that all fines be
reviewed. Clausen requests an analysis to indicate more frequent offenses as a review for public safety.
Benevento suggests that fines from neighboring cities be reviewed to study similarities and have them
emailed to Committee members to aid in larger discussion at the next meeting. Clausen will send a letter
to the board indicating that the Committee is in the process of review.
Parking and Traffic Commission
November 5, 2019 Meeting Minutes
3. New Committee Member
Benevento welcomes new Committee member Lt. Ryan Laracy who will be replacing Capt. Halloran.
The Committee thanks Capt. Halloran for his service.
4. Stop Sign Request Wirling and Nelson
Sgt. Henebury reports resident concerns with regard to intersection on Wirling and Nelson. Benevento
viewed site and notes that there are only two houses with good sight and little traffic, and that there is no
history of accidents. It is decided to table this discussion until the next meeting.
Other Items for review
a. Intersection at McKay and Balch on agenda for next calendar year.
b. Tozer Road by train station in North Beverly, with concern of people in the crosswalk.
Binns asks if there should not be a right turn on red. Collins indicates that sight distance
is adequate.
Adjournment
Benevento moves to adjourn meeting at 11:00 a.m. Clausen motions and Binns seconds. Motion carries 8-
0.
Next meeting December 3, 2019.