PTC minutes_11.10.20 CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: November 10, 2020
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Benevento (Chair), Darlene Wynne (Vice Chair), George
Binns, Michael Collins, Sgt Mike Henebury, Capt. Ryan Laracy,
John Lozada,Jonathan Salt
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Leslie Gould
OTHERS PRESENT: Emily Hutchings, Staff, Assistant Planning Director
RECORDER: Sharlyne Woodbury
Benevento chairs and opens the meeting at 8:30 am.
This is a virtual meeting with special meeting format as required to honor Governor Baker's State of
Emergency declared due to the national crisis of COVID-19.
1. Discussion: New Beverly Police Station 0 175 Elliott Street—Modification to Site Access for
Planning Board recommendation
No one present to represent the applicant. Wynne speaks to the modifications.The entry and exit points
of traffic redirection are reviewed in detail. Sgt. Henebury questions the new location of the side gate
with Wynne taking note and circling back once she reviews the plan details. Capt. Laracy maintains
concern for fire access to hydrant and turning radius for truck. Commissioners discuss the public parking
for access to the new station. Benevento inquires if the public parking will accommodate visitors plus
those conducting business in the new station.The new station has meeting rooms for business. Wynne
confirms the parking lot carve out intent is for public access as well as access to the atm.
There being no further comments.
Salt moves to accept the modifications as presented. Binns seconds, Henebury abstains.The motion
carries 7-1-0.
2. Discussion: Request through Ward I Councilor Todd Rotondo to install a stop sign at the
intersection of Beverly Hills Avenue and Sunset Drive
Councilor Rotondo is present and discusses the ongoing issue with the commission.The commission
previously discussed the issue with the members agreeing stop signs are not, and should not, be used an
effective measure for controlling speed. Councilor Rotondo points out a constituent remembers a stop
sign in the area inadvertently taken down long ago during snow removal. Councilor Rotondo
understands the research provided by Sgt Henebury with no history of stop signs. Residents continue to
express safety concerns for the increased number of children and young families moving to the area, as
well as more at home activity due to the pandemic.
Commissioners review the rules and regulations with Councilor Rotondo offering up comments in
regards to traffic studies and best practices for controlling speed or calming traffic in a neighborhood.
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November 10,2020,2020 Meeting Minutes
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Commissioners also briefly discuss repaving the street to make it narrow with the addition of curb bump
outs. Benevento explains the criteria reiterating stop signs are not used to control speed. Collins offers
additional comments about sign installation explaining the science and regulation regarding the traffic
studies for determining factors as well as the broad overapplication of traffic control and signage. Broad
overapplication of control and signage tends to breed disrespect for all traffic control. Collins
acknowledges the resident's traffic and speed concerns. Benevento responds to Lozada's inquiry about
increased awareness and information for the motoring public to the neighborhood. Benevento further
details the issue of sign clutter providing a brief history. Former studies found that those signs with
wording such as "children at play" induced the sentiment that it's ok to play in the street.
Commissioners conclude their thoughts on the matter with next steps proposed by Councilor Rotondo.
There being no further comments. No additional actions at this time.
3. Discussion: 1 Water Street Demolition and Construction Update
Rebecca Brown, Marty Bloom, and Matt Kilty return to the commission with updates to the construction
phasing plan. Brown reminds the commission they were instructed to return and looks for guidance on
traffic control measures and plan updates. MA DOT engineers confirmed they completed the drainage
and conduit work pre-construction.They will move onto additional sites as part of their project plan
returning back to the area upon completion.Tentative deadline to return to the area is end of winter to
early spring. Kilty reviews the construction schedule and anticipates does not any issues. Kilty provides
the preliminary schedule of construction activities including the grading and foundation support.There
will be a secure fence and erosion control around the site. Once the building is razed the asphalt
removal and silt testing commences. Kilty provides a list of construction vehicle types for the project
which are also on a schedule. Subcontractors will be required to park at the public parking lot.The first
construction phase will have no more than 10 workers on site. Materials are detailed for use.
Commissioners inquire about public access to the water front. Brown outlines the public access and
pedestrian walkways. Capt. Laracy emphasizes the importance for access to the boat ramp. Lozada
inquires if the local residents are aware of the imminent construction.The project team confirms they
have not reached out to residents with comments from other commissioners implying public awareness
due to project press coverage. Commissioners and Kilty review the erosion control and requirements for
keeping the site clean and demolition time frame. Lozada raises questions about handicap accessibility
for the public areas adjacent to the site. Salt brings attention the stairs and footbridge access. He also
brings to the commission's attention a public access gate that remains locked.The commission will look
further into it. Benevento will have the solicitor's office review the Ch 91 stipulations. Salt inquires about
the traffic flow and direction during construction onto Water Street. Per Kilty traffic will not be going
north or east on Water Street. Benevento also reminds the project team the importance of wide load
escorted delivery trucks, not to be done during peak travel hours. Sgt Henebury suggests signs informing
the public the lots are closed.
There being no further comments. No additional actions at this time.
4. Approval of Minutes:
Binns moves to approve September 1, 2020 minutes as presented. Lozada seconds.The motion
carries 8-0.
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November 10,2020,2020 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Binns moves to approve October 6, 2020 minutes as presented. Lozada seconds.The motion
carries 8-0.
5. New/Other Business:
a. Beverly Bike Committee Requests for information
Salt presents an email from Mike Coughlin requesting clarity on a variety of issues the Cabot Street
construction sites, Brimbal Ave roundabouts, and accident spots throughout the city. Benevento
suggests inviting a few representatives from the BBC to discuss the issues at hand. Wynne will ensure
Mike Coughlin is invited to the December meeting.
b. Maya Miatkowski regarding following upon Cox Court
Maya Miatkowski returns to the commission reporting the same traffic issues for the area. She
appreciates the commission's time and consideration for the issues at hand. She is willing to work with
the commission to resolve or come to a suitable compromise for the Cox Court residents. Binns suggests
more residents should be involved in the discussion. Benevento cautions once speed regulations are
implemented they are difficult to undo. Salt recommends involving Councilor Rand to explore other civic
alternatives. Collins also reiterates the data compilation involved with traffic studies.
There being no further comments. No action needed at this time.
6. Adjournment
Lozada moves to adjourn. Salt seconds.The motion carries 8-0.
Meeting adjourned 10:22 am.
Next meeting scheduled for 12.1.20.