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2000-12-12BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission SUBCOMMTTTEE: DATE: December 12, 2000 LOCATION: Beverly City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT: Dennis Tarsook, Bruce Palmer, Robert Mead, Tina Cassidy MEMBERS ABSENT: Para Mc&rath RECORDER: Tino Cessidy Cassidy calls the meeting to order and explains to the commission that the first order of business is discussion of a proposal received from Meridian Engineering and the Cecil Group relative to the downtown parking lot improvement study. Rick Waitt from Meridian and David O'Connor of the Cecil Group are present to discuss their proposal. They outline the qualifications of their respective firms, noting a number of similar projects they have worked on elsewhere. O'Connor notes that his firm generally looks for opportunities to create spaces in projects like Beverly's. They provide an overview of their proposal (see file). Waitt states that he has reviewed the sites in question and in terms of topography, he doesn't foresee any major changes in that regard. He asks if the commission would be willing to allow narrower aisle widths if necessary to minimize the number of spaces lost. Cassidy states that while the commission obviously wants to keep the number of parking spaces lost to a minimum, the commission would generally be open to the suggestion if it made sense from a design or aesthetic perspective. The commission agrees it would review each case individually, should the issue of lost spaces arise during design. Preston asks O'Connor for information on lighting designs for the lots. O'Connor states that at the moment there is no personnel on staff at either firm to provide this information, but they would be willing to subcontract for that service. It is agreed that Cecil and Meridian will obtain an estimate of Parking and Traffic Commission minutes December 12, 2000 meeting Page two the cost of contracting for that service, and will submit the information to Cessidy. The commission generally discusses whether the parking lots can or should be reconstructed all at once, or whether the project will have to be done in stages as funds permit. Cassidy agrees to speak with the City's Finance Director to find out if there is an ability to bond for the entire project up front. Once Meridian responds with a revised cost estimate, Cassidy will send the information to members of the committee. Next on the agenda is a review of a site plan that has been submitted to the Planning Board by Datum, Inc. for property on Sohier Road. Mr. Chuck Samiotes, project engineer, addresses the Board and states that the company wants to construct a two story, 19,700 sq. ft. addition to its existing building. The addition will be used primarily for office space. A loading dock will be placed between the two structures and the office trailers that are currently on the site will be removed. Cassidy asks how many parking spaces will be created on site. Samiotes states that there are presently 114-115 spaces, and that number will be increased to 166 to meet the requirements of zoning. Six of the spaces will be handicapped spaces. Cassidy notes that all driveways on the site must be a minimum of 24' in width, and states that one driveway does not meet that minimum dimension. 5amiates answers that they considered the access lane into the parking lot to be different than a 'driveway", and so did not.design it to meet the requirements of a driveway. Cassidy states that if the applicant wants to pursue the matter, it will need to request a determination from the Building Znspector that their interpretation is the correct one. Following a brief discussion, Samiates says that the plan will be revised to create 24' wide aisles for all driveways. Parking and Traffic Commission minutes December 12, 2000 meeting Page three Palmer asks if there are any hydrants on the property. Samiotes answers yes, there is a hydrant at the rear of the property that will remain. Cassidy asks if there will be any dumsters on site. Samiotes answers that there will be a dumpster, to be located on the platform between the existing building and the new addition. Cassidy states that the location of all refuse disposal facilities must be shown on the plan, and asks that the location of the dumpster be added to the revised plan. Cassidy asks if members of the commission have any other questions. There are none. Cassidy asks members if it is in fact the recommendation of the commission that a) the site plan be revised to create driveways of 24' width and to show the location of the dumpster and b) that the site plan as revised be approved by the Planning Board. Members confirm that this is the commission's recommendation. There being no other business, the meeting is adjourned at 11:20 a.m.