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.