PTC Minutes_11.15.22 CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE: None
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall Council Chambers
DATE: November 15, 2022
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Richard Benevento (Chair), Darlene
Wynne (Vice Chair), George Binns, John
Lozada, Captain Michael Collins, Jonathan
Salt
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Sergeant Michael Henebury, Captain Jake
Kreyling
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER: Naomi Moca
Benevento opens the meeting at 8:36 a.m.
Pursuant to Chapter 107 of the Acts of 2022, Section 3, this meeting of the Beverly Parking&
Traffic Commission was conducted in person but with remote participation through the Google
Meet platform.
1. Continued Discussion on Recommendation to Planning board: Site Plan Review
#154-22 —218-224 Cabot Street and 18 Federal Street—Le2att McCall Properties
LLC
Bill Gauze (applicant) and Sam Cole of Leggett-McCall Properties, LLC are present. Miranda
Siemasko of Glovsky and Glovsky is present on behalf of the applicant to discuss the
November 4 peer review. Rebecca Brown of Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. walks through the
responses provided to the Commission. First, for item T-1, there is a high crash location in
and around the study area of Federal Street, essentially in the middle of the graphic. Cabot
Street and West Dane Street intersection, Cabot Street and Knowlton Street intersection,
Dane Street and Knowlton Street locations were also studies. Brown gives potential
measures to improve level of service F: improvement to Dane Street, including re-striping
Dane Street to make two lanes, and re-striping Cabot Street are suggestions. But before that,
Brown recommends conducting a road safety audit for that triangulated area. Brown
proposes implementing low-cost, short-term measures from the safety audit, with a cap of
$15,000, to cover signage and striping enhancements.
Benevento asks if the suggestions are based on the review by Jeffrey Dirk of Vanasse and
Associates. Brown says yes, it is. Benevento refutes VAI comments recommending that this be a
condition, and will defer to peer review comments on that. Benevento asks following that, what
are the improvements and long-term solutions to address those comments. Brown explains that
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the RSA allows the City to apply for HCIP grant funding to implement recommendations.
Benevento points out that the grant is not guaranteed and Brown concedes that that is true.
Brown summarizes an additional intersection outside of the study area, the Federal Street and
Park Street intersection. Of the crash patterns observed, the majority were angle-type crashes
between vehicles southbound on Park Street and eastbound on Federal Street, or in the opposite
direction, Federal Street westbound and Park Street northbound. Brown observes that there are
buildings very close to the roadway, affecting sightlines approaching the intersection. Also, the
wide curb radius causes the stoop line to be set far back from the intersection on Park Street
southbound, resulting in a two-stage stop. There were two pedestrian crashes with vehicles on
Park Street in the southerly approach. Another concern is vehicles blocking visibility of
pedestrians crossing the road. Brown summarizes the suggestions, such as modifying the curb
radius on the southwest approach, and moving crosswalks and stop bars inward to eliminate sight
line restrictions. Brown recommends changing the style of crosswalk to a style such as ladder-
style or stamp brick to lower driver confusion. Brown observes that to a driver, the pedestrian
crosswalk appears like a stop bar, so re-striping would be helpful.
Benevento asks if the recommendation is for the north and southwest corners to be tightened up,
and Brown clarifies that the suggestion is for the southwest corner radius to be tightened up.
Benevento ask how this change will affect the access of driveway of the property, and Brown
points out that there is curbing along driveway and then room for crosswalks. Benevento asks
whether the crosswalk across Park Street is skewed, and not perpendicular. Collins comments
that there is a lot of truck traffic through that area.
Benevento asks if these recommendations should be a condition to approval and Brown
answered that the recommended changes at this location should not be a condition of approval,
because the area is outside the study area, and no increase in traffic is anticipated. The report was
reviewed and signed off by VAL Salt comments there should be a lot of accommodations for
pedestrians, and asks if changes to the stop lines will be needed. Benevento says 4-way stops are
not recommended in this area as an interim measure until more permanent changes are
implemented, such as a traffic light. Salt comments that the Railroad Street bridge is an obstacle.
Benevento adds that the hidden Joe's On A Roll restaurant driveway adds to the complexity.
Benevento asks if there are any recommendations relative to that area, and Brown says one
suggestion is to add signs to Park Street southbound. Collins comments that it is a wonky
intersection with the building being so close to the street. Binns observes that it would help to
create larger intersection at Federal Street and larger area, plus straighten out the edge of the
intersection to straighten out crosswalks, which he concedes is a bigger project than anticipated.
Benevento agrees and reminds the Commission that the purpose of the meeting is to review the
location, not improve it.
For item T-2, Brown presents the sightline triangle reviewed by VAI, which shows that as
vehicles are exiting the two garage approaches, 14 1/2 feet back, drivers will see pedestrians that
are approaching the crossing of the driveway. Once drivers check for pedestrians, then the
vehicles will move up so the front of the vehicles are flush with the sidewalk,then drivers will
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look in both directions. Then drivers will be able to see south and north Bow Street and through
Federal Street along Chapman Street. VAI asked what impact on-street parking will have to sight
lines, and analysis shows that parking along Chapman Street, coming out of the southerly
driveway, to southbound Bow Street, 10 feet back from the curb, drivers may look behind the
cars parked to look down the street, but potentially the drivers' sight line will be blocked by
parked cars. Then drivers will bring their cars up to the curb and then see the rest of the way past
the building wall all the way down to the Bow Street intersection for oncoming traffic. In the
northerly direction, no on-street parking is proposed between the site driveway and the Federal
Street intersection, so no obstructions are anticipated in that direction.
Benevento summarizes that the VAI comment discusses illuminated signs and passive sounds
and requests that the applicant identify them on the site plan. Brown states that they proposed
those changes in the last response. There will be a black box mounted on the side of the building,
or on a pole within the sidewalk, that will activate once a car is coming out of the garage with
garage door opening. It will have horizontal three bands that flash, and state"car coming."
Brown points out that there are also optional customizable audio controls.
Lozada comments that the applicant should work with community input and gives the example
of residents with disabilities, such as a baby with seizure disorder triggered by flashing lights,
who may be impacted by the project. Benevento agrees that a condition that the applicant's team
work with the community should be added. Wynne states that with regard to clear sight lines,
parking is prohibited within 10 feet of driveways, which should be noted on the site plans.
Wynne also requests that there be language on the site plan that the plantings should not exceed
2.5 feet in height. Brown states that the note about landscaping has already been added to the site
plan by Dirk and that the vegetation proposed is low-growing so it will not block sight lines.
Brown will make sure the parking prohibition note gets added to the plan. Wynne comments that
the landscaping conditions is important to have on the plan, in writing, in case the property gets
sold.
Benevento ask if the parking restrictions in the area will be changing and Wynne answers yes.
Brown says that there will be no change to the number of spaces. Benevento adds that because
parking is very specific, any substantive change will be recommended by the Planning Board.
Wynne commits to checking before Planning Board meeting tonight. Siemasko states she
understands. Salt comments that there are a lot of moving parts to the project and in asking that
drivers will inch their way out. Salt asks what the maintenance plan is to make sure this stays as
configured in the plan, and make sure plan is working. Siemasko answers that a condition of the
plan is that it be maintained and she confirms she will add a note to the landscaping plan that the
plantings have to be maintained. Salt asks what the plan is for communicating to residents as
they leave the garage. Wynne answers that the design of the garage is relying on observed
behavior since the driving behaviors cannot be required of people. Benevento observes that even
the best design cannot apply to all people all the time, but the City will have some teeth if it is
not being maintained. Wynne states that it being a condition makes it enforceable. Salt observes
that as a resident of a condo himself, the residents at his building receive regular
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communications. Benevento asks if there will be any signage within the garage for drivers as
they approach the garage exit.
Brown states that T-3 was related to pedestrian improvements as a result of the traffic study and
responses. It concentrates on the Bow Street and Abbott Street area where recent Cabot Street
improvements stopped at the Bow Street intersection, where the bus stop and City Hall are
located. The City currently has a project to reconstruct the sidewalks along the southerly end of
Cabot Street, and it has been fully designed and is due to begin construction in spring of 2023.
Brown state that the applicant is therefore proposing to allow the City to continue the already
designed and funded project, and instead focus on the Cabot-Knowlton-Dane triangle. In
addition, the applicant is committed to reconstructing the sidewalk on the north side of Bow
Street from Cabot Street to Chapman Street, along Federal Street ending at the crossing of the
project's driveway. The reconstruction of the curb ramps will comply with ADA guidelines and
will include restriping crosswalks and increasing the curb radius from Bow Street to Chapman
Street to accommodate fire trucks.
Benevento ask if everything that has been identified, essentially conditions 1-7 in the VAI report,
has been covered, and Brown and Siemasko answer yes. Benevento emphasizes the importance
of a handicap ramp on one side of street always having a receiving ramp on other issue of street,
called a reciprocal ramp. Brown states that the applicants have already identified ramps that need
to be reconstructed or added. Benevento asks about the intersection of Chapman Street and
Federal Street and Brown says that a total of 4 ramps need to be reconstructed. Benevento asks if
there will be new ramps at the crossing from Federal Street to Chapman Street and Brown says
new ramps will be constructed on southerly side of street,but not on north side. Siemasko asks if
new ramps were recently constructed on the north side of Federal Street and Brown says the
northeast and northwest curb ramps corners were recently reconstructed, and are ADA
compliant. Benevento suggests that the applicant agree to implement the conditions as outline in
the VAI report, and adds that if other ramps are not compliant,they will be also upgraded.
Siemasko asks to clarify if that condition applies to just Federal Street. Brown agrees that
Federal Street and Chapman Street are reasonable.
Salt asks if the City have a standard crosswalk style, such as parallel line, ladder, or brick.
Collins states that most crosswalks are standard parallel lines, while some roadways are a more
continental style with two-foot white spacing, and imprint style sidewalks are very selective
locations because they very expensive and do not enhance safety. Salt asks if two white lines
would be appropriate for a crosswalk in this location, and Collins says they are fine there.
Benevento states that the rest of the report's comments are relative to updating sight lines, so
there is need to go through each one, and Brown agrees. Brown summarizes that the comments
are mostly related to vehicle turning figures. Brown states that a couple end parking spaces in the
garage will be changed to full size car spaces, since the updated vehicle turning input shows that
a full-size sedan would be able to turn in and out of those spaces without any issues. All spaces
will be assigned. Benevento says the applicant should incorporate the peer review comments
from VAI dated November 3, 2022 as part of the conditions. Binns asks if large vehicles, such as
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an F-150, will fit in charging station spots and Brown answers yes. Binns ask if the spots are
assigned according to whether the driver owns an electric vehicle, and whether the spots are re-
assigned if a driver acquires a new electric vehicle, and Brown and Siemasko say yes. Salt and
Benevento ask whether EV spaces are assigned or open to any use, and if someone does not have
EV, whether the EV space remains empty. Siemasko says that the goal is to have them occupied.
Benevento clarifies that if no one has an EV, then the space would be occupied by non-EV, and
Siemasko says yes, and there is infrastructure in place to add more EVs if needed. Tenants will
not be eligible to participate in the residential parking program, and that will be stated in the
leasing documents. Gauze adds that tenants will have card access to the garage. Wynne adds that
employees of the non-residential commercial units on the ground floor may be not park on Cabot
Street as part of the construction management plan.
Benevento cautions that in the past, projects in Beverly have been proposed and management
plans approved, yet what happens is contrary to what was approved. Benevento states he is not a
fan of the roads being shut down, so while he remains mindful making the project successful and
expeditious, it must not interfere with "John Q Public's"commute to work. Benevento gives the
example of the Broadway closure he encountered on the way to the meeting this morning, with
no assigned police traffic detail. Wynne asks if the condition that the management association
becomes a member of the TDM program would be beneficial. Siemasko says it has been
discussed, but she has reservations because TDM has $3,000/year membership dues without a lot
of recognizable impact"on the ground." Siemasko gives the example of Beverly Crossing folks
feeling it is a wasteful contribution since they are not seeing anything for it, and they would
rather do something more meaningful. Siemasko suggests a pilot program such as a shuttle that
the applicant could contribute to, and she plans to discuss it with the applicant. Gauze states that
there will be a total of 112 units.
Benevento suggests supplementing T passes for commuting tenants as an alternative use for the
$3,000, and he agrees that conditions need to have a recognizable impact. Benevento ask the
applicant if he has other properties, and if so, how he handles issues at the other properties.
Gauze explains the other properties are in more urban locations, so it is less of an issue. Gauze
says his expectation for demand for property will be lower than what it is providing. Benevento
suspects that with people moving on to Rantoul Street, the property will appeal to those who
need to walk to the train. Binns asks if it is possible to deliver 40V to other locations in the
garage and Benevento explains they will have conduit runs so if there is a need to increase the
number of charging stations, they have the infrastructure to do it. Lozada observes that bridges,
MBTA, and transit rely on these properties being near the T. Lozada wonders if the TMA is not a
functional resource,what other coordination might there be. Benevento states that maybe at
some point, property owners such as Windover [sic] will get together because of an outcry from
residents, and gives the example of the success in Somerville.
Wynne moves that the Parking and Traffic Commission recommend that the Planning Board
approve the proposal of 218-224 Cabot Street and 18 Federal Street, and incorporate the
conditions as recommended by the November 4, 2022 peer review letter, adding to response T-2
that the applicant will work with the community on timing and audio volume of pedestrian
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warning devices and add internal signage, to response T-3 an additional condition 98 that the
property must upgrade or construct compliant handicap ramps. In addition, the following
conditions: that the 32 tandem parking spaces will be assigned to the 16 two-bedroom units, that
the residential parking spots within the building will be assigned to the units, that the surface
parking will be monitored by property management staff, non-residents found to be using the
parking will be towed,tenants in the building are not eligible for the residential parking permit
program, and this shall be communicated in the marketing documents and leasing documents,
and as part of any transportation demand management program, that employees of the non-
residential space on the ground level are not permitted to park on Cabot Street, including in
front of the building, that a construction management plan shall be required and shall be
submitted to the Parking and Traffic Commission as early as possible, that the plan may include
no lane closures on Cabot Street at any time, and that the building permit will not be issued until
it is approved. Seconded by Lozada. Motion passes 6-0.
2. Continued Discussion on Recommendation to Planning Board: Site Plan Review
#156-22 —26, 28, 28R Cabot Street: 4-6, 8 Rantoul Street and portion of 10
Rantoul Street—Southwest Rantoul Gateway, LLC.
Chris Koeplin of Gateway Beverly Crossing and Scott Cameron of the Morin Cameron Group
are present. Wynne states that the November 14, 2022 letter from Brown commenting on the
traffic study will be provided to all Commission members not present. Benevento clarifies that
Brown's letter is in response to the comment letter from VAI dated November 2, 2022.
Siemasko asks Brown to summarize the VAI discussion and the open issues. Brown addresses
the first comment from the VAI, from the Parking and Traffic Commission, and from the
Planning Board relating to access control at the driveway on Rantoul Street. Originally, the
driveway entrance was the only way in, and there was an egress-only driveway on Goat Hill
Lane. Instead, striping and a"do not block the box" sign will be placed in front of the
driveway. The issue with that is with traffic movement northbound and southbound on
Rantoul Street, the left turn into the driveway is difficult when traffic is not at a stop. Brown
proposes the Rantoul Street driveway be designed as a right-turn-in-only driveway. Brown
also proposes making the Goat Hill Lane driveway two-way so that residents returning home
from the south can take a left turn in. They can also loop around Cabot Street to School Street
to circle in. There will be parking spaces in the surface lot. Benevento ask about the egress,
and Brown explains that the Rantoul Street driveway right-turn-in-only entrance, and one way.
On the Goat Hill Lane driveway,there will be two-way traffic flow, and the driveway will
have full access and egress. Koeplin points out the garage entrance on the site plan.
Benevento asks if the exiting driveway is one way currently and Koeplin says yes. Salt
clarifies people will have the option to use either Rantoul Street or Goat Hill Lane to enter the
site. Cameron states that the turning radius for fire trucks has been calculated.
Benevento asks how different traffic types such as deliveries, trash, etc. will work on the
property. Brown explains that trash and deliveries will park in the loading area where there is
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immediate access to and through the elevator to get to any of the floors for tenant movement
and deliveries. Trash collectors will come in from the same location, down to Goat Hill Lane
intersection, and the trash will be rolled out from storage in the building to be picked up by the
trash truck. Collection will be scheduled to avoid morning and evening peak traffic times.
Benevento asks if trucks of all descriptions must have access from Rantoul Street southbound
and Brown confirms that, and suggests placing signage to guide trucks.
Wynne points out that currently the closest the Beverly shuttle comes to this property is
Edwards Street. Brown states there are plans to move bus stop and Wynne adds that there are
plans to add the Salem Depot stop back to the route. Salt observes that there are bicycles in the
slide image. Brown states that based on a comment that a bicycle rack may impede parking,
the project included a graphic to show that a bike rack high on the garage wall will not impede
car parking. In addition to wall-mounted racks, on each floor of the building, there will be a
storage room on each floor adjacent to the elevator for bikes and strollers. Salt asks if storage
spaces are assigned and Brown says there is one storage space per unit. Salt asks how it is
possible to get a bike off the wall without moving a car. Brown says the user can lift the bike
up and off. Salt disagrees. Koeplin elaborates that the plan is to stagger bike racks so they are
opposite of cars. Koeplin clarifies that the depth of the sidewalk is bigger than in the graphic.
Salt comments on how he personally stores his bike at his condo and that there are other
options for staggering bikes and cars, or storing bikes vertically. Salt suggests the applicant
consider where the bikes can go.
Wynne says she is looking at vehicle turning figures to access all parking spaces on the site. In
particular, the handicapped space width of 24 feet is required by zoning,but since these spaces
are adjacent to a loading area, the vehicles are able to turn in to the spaces. Another concern
was spaces adjacent to loading area; however, spaces will be assigned, and cars may pull
beyond the loading area, then back into the space. Another alternative is to make a multi-point
turn. Benevento assumes that residents will make phone call to the applicant if they are unable
to use a space. Koeplin states that most people get used to their individual spaces with
practice. Changing the angles of the spaces was considered,but it was found that option made
parking worse. Salt asks if the entrance is one-way from Rantoul and Koeplin says that is
correct. Salt asks if drivers need to pull past the space, then back in, and Koeplin says yes.
Benevento requests that in the plan for construction management, there will be no closures on
Rantoul Street. The applicant should consider how the project can be built on site because
there is no room nor capacity to close the streets. Koeplin counters that there is no way to
avoid cutting into the street for the placement of utilities. Benevento requests that the work be
done during off-peak times, such as at night, and that the applicant coordinate with Public
Services and Police Department. Benevento cautions not to ask the police for something after
the fact that is contrary to what was approved. Benevento also requests no long-term lane
closures. Koeplin agrees, and states the projects are quick. Koeplin will come back to the
Commission once these steps are planned, and at that time the construction management plan
will need approval. Lozada asks if community is well-versed in what is going to happen as
part of the construction planning.
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Benevento suggests that Beverly property owners and developers get together and discuss
their projects. Salt observes that with some projects, there is an assumption that people will
take the train in to Boston. Koeplin states that 18% of the population now commutes by train,
which is up from 12%, and that 2/3 of residents commute locally to the North Shore to work.
Salt asks by what means. Koeplin explains that the residents work locally.
Member of the public Charles Grimes comments that the problem with the Rantoul Street left
turn is solved and suggests a sign on Rantoul Street specifically prohibiting that turn, stating
no left turn permitted. Grimes also suggests that at the Goat Hill Lane driveway, a sign be
placed at the point of transition, stating partial 2-way and partial 1-way, and at the Goat Hill
Lane entry, a sign stating 2-way traffic.
Benevento comments that the left turn sign is enforceable, and suggests it be restricted in some
manner with curbing or the direction it is oriented to make it difficult to make a left turn in.
Koeplin agrees.
3. Recommendation to Planning Board: Site Plan Review Site Plan Review#158-22 -
119 Rantoul Street-Wilso Ventures LLC & Tiny Ventures LLC
Wynne moves to continue to December 12, 2022 meeting. Seconded by Salt. Motion
passes 6-0.
Lozada moves to adjourn. Wynne seconds. Motion passes 6-0.
Adiournment
Meeting ends at 10:25 a.m.
The next regular meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission is scheduled for Monday,
December 12, 2022.