PTC Minutes_12.12.22 CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE: None
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall Council Chambers
DATE: December 12, 2022
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Richard Benevento (Chair), Darlene
Wynne (Vice Chair), Captain Jake Kreyling,
Captain Michael Collins, George Binns,
Jonathan Salt
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Sergeant Michael Henebury
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER: Naomi Moca
Benevento chairs and opens the meeting at 8:30 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
#156-22 -2628, 8R Cabot Street:4-6, 8 Rantoul Street and portion of 10 Rantoul Street
—Southwest Rantoul Gateway,LLC
Chris Koeplin of Beverly Crossing (Applicant) and the project proponent, Miranda Siemasko of
Glovsky and Glovsky, Scott Cameron of the Morin Cameron Group, Rebecca Brown of
Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., are present. Jeffrey Dirk of Vanasse and Associates, participating
remotely to discuss his peer review response letter from December 7, 2022. Benevento clarifies
the intent is to discuss open comments. Dirk states he prepared a second round of peer review
comments that that he received responses to at the end of last week. The remaining comments
that Dirk was discussing with both GPI and the applicant's site engineer are primarily focused on
two areas. The first was the access into the site from Rantoul St, which had been the subject of
discussion with the Planning Board as well. The applicant has come back and revised that access
which is a one-way entrance. There was concern about left turn movements from Rantoul Street
entering the driveway and how those left turns might impact the operation of the intersection.
The applicant redesigned that access so it will be right turn enter only and provided the
appropriate signage there to indicate the functionality of the driveway. Based on analyses,it
affected about 3 vehicles accessing the driveway. It will redirect vehicles to come around and use
the Goat Hill Lane entrance. It does not have a significant impact in terms of traffic operations,
but will benefit the flow of traffic on Rantoul Street.
Second, Dirk states that in response to concern about circulation on the site itself as well as
parking, specifically spaces that are located at the end of the drive aisles, the applicant submitted
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turning analyses. The applicant has committed to make sure those spaces are only assigned to
compact vehicles as part of the management plan. Dirk points out that as a residential project, the
users of those spaces will be parking their personal non-commercial vehicles, and that in an
urbanized area this type of parking management as part of resident conditions is common. Dirk
states that overall, he is satisfied with how the applicant has addressed the peer review
comments.
Salt asks which items in the comments Dirk is referring to,comment T-3 or T-2. Brown answers
S-9. Salt requests that speakers state the item before presenting to avoid future confusion. Dirk
states that the applicant is committed to the project's property manager serving the role of
transportation coordinator on site. This role will be in contact with the City and the North Shore
Transportation Management Authority (TMA), and will assure those spaces are managed as
directed. Benevento points out that a traffic management problem will typically be addressed
quickly, since residents will vocalize if there is a problem.
Benevento expresses frustration over continuing issues with existing nonrelated construction
management in the City, and requests a construction traffic management plan from the applicant.
He gives the example of traveling to the Commission meeting this morning, half of Park Street
was closed, in addition to a Dumpster blocking the street. Furthermore, every parking space that
is reserved for commuters and the public on Railroad Avenue was occupied by contractor
vehicles, construction vehicles, and equipment. He observes that the fence enclosing the
construction on Railroad Avenue continues to move farther out into the street. In this case, the
project being adjacent to the commuter rail is causing traffic problems and blocking access for
commuters on their way to work. For this reason, he requests a construction traffic management
plan with conditions that it be adhered to. By Benevento's observation, ongoing projects around
the City are demonstrating declining compliance with construction traffic management plans, so
the applicant has zero credibility with him that the public is not going to be impacted by this
project. He states that the Commission and the applicant share the goal of the project being
successful, but that residents trying to go to work and to their daily activities do not necessarily
share that goal.
Benevento states that he is aggravated with approving a construction traffic management plan
only for it to not be complied with,road closures being the most problematic. He cites the
discussion with the applicant at the last Commission meeting that any closure to connect utilities
to the project will happen at night, off peak traffic hours, and he concedes that step is necessary.
Another condition he requests in the construction traffic management plan is the phasing and
implementation of the steps.
Koeplin states that he not sure if the dumpster on Railroad Avenue was being removed or
emptied. Benevento counters that Koeplin should know this information and take responsibility.
Koeplin states that his company does not decide to close road. Wynne clarifies that police make
that decision in the moment based on various factors, safety being of foremost importance.
Benevento counters that there was no traffic detail this morning on Park Street. Siemasko
suggests that a meeting between police, the applicant, Wynne, and the Commission might be
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beneficial. Benevento gives the example of when the Commission saw the original traffic
management plan for the Railroad Avenue project, they were aware that certain aspects of the
work would affect traffic flow on Park Street, such as the installation of the steel, but that the
scope of the project has encroached much further than planned on Railroad Avenue and on Park
Street, and for a duration of a year and a half thus far.
Wynne asks what the latest site plan date is. Siemasko states December 7, 2022. Salt asks which
document is being referred to. Wynne answers it is the comment on the peer review. Salt
comments that it seems impractical to ask residents to place bikes on the wall above cars on
parking garage wall. Benevento states that was discussed. Brown clarifies that the bike parking
will be staggered with the parking spaces, so bikes will be mounted on the wall in between
vehicles. Brown elaborates that there is a three-foot striped buffer between the wall space and
each parking spot, and a bump out. Brown reminds the Commission that residents will also have
access to storage on each floor, adjacent to the elevator, as an option for parking bikes. Salt asks
where this information is written. Brown states it is in last response before previous Commission
meeting and that visually,the site plans reflect the described designs. Salt comments that lack of
convenient accessible places to park a bike will lead to bikes being placed in random places
throughout the building. Brown agrees. Salt clarifies that it is not written anywhere in the
documentation. Koeplin states there is a three-foot buffer wall and bumper. Siemasko clarifies
that there is a curb stop three feet between the wall and the car,plus the mounting apparatus is
off set between cars. Salt asks how many bikes will the apparatus accommodate. Koeplin
answers that it can accommodate two bikes. Benevento clarifies that essentially bike storage is
adjacent to the line separating parking spaces.
Siemasko asks about the payment to TMA, $15,000, and states that the applicant is open to
suggestions, that if there is a pilot program for a shuttle that is approved in the future, the
applicant will donate up to $15,000 to that. Wynne states that if the City were to initiate a shuttle
program, the TMA would likely not be involved. Siemasko asks for clarification on the wording,
similar to the 40 Dunham Road project.
Kreyling comments in support of Benevento's earlier statements about roadway obstructions.
The Fire Department has been noticing that there have been some emergency responses affected
by road closures. Kreyling points out that the site of the project is a crucial area for
maneuverability. He suggests that based on the new intersection layouts and the access to Goat
Hill Lane, some language in the conditions addressing that would benefit emergency responses.
For example, that the roadway itself not be obstructed, and that if any encroachment in the
roadway is permitted, it be just the sidewalk or the parking areas up front. Wynne agrees and
states that this could be a condition for the Commission.
Siemasko clarifies that the applicant's donation of up to $15,000 is for a shuttle pilot program to
the City. Benevento asks if there is such a pilot program. Wynne states no, and that this language
is too specific. Siemasko agrees and suggests removing"pilot" and stating that the donation is
for a shuttle program, and placing a time frame on the donation. Benevento expresses concern
that the donation may be used in other areas,if the language is too general. Wynne suggests
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wording that states that if the donation is not spent on said purpose within a certain amount of
time, for example if no shuttle program is established in that amount of time, it will be used for
transportation or commuter benefit. Salt states that the language should be defined and clarified.
David Dines of 5 Pilgrim Heights suggests that whenever the donation is utilized in the future,
the Commission must approve it. Benevento agrees. Koeplin suggests the issuance of the
certificate of occupancy as an inflection point where the condition expires, or the donation gets
made, or the disbursement of funds is voted on by the Commission.
Benevento asks when the Commission can expect construction management plan. Koeplin states
March or April. Benevento clarifies that it would be required before the applicant receives the
building permit. Koeplin agrees.
Nancy Marino of 9 Wellman Street asks if a traffic study has a count of the number of cars using
Goat Hill Lane, and how many are anticipated to start using Goat Hill Lane as a result of this
project. Marino states the area is already expecting to be impacted by the construction of a
restaurant. Benevento states that this data was in traffic study and covered in a previous meeting.
Brown elaborates that the study conducted several counts on Goat Hill Lane at different times
such as weekdays,weekends, and peak periods. There were roughly about 40 cars in each
direction in the morning. In the Saturday-midday time period, there were about 70 cars
westbound with about 40 cars eastbound. She states the traffic was a little bit heavier in the
evening peak hour with people traveling home and cutting through that neighborhood.
Marino asks how many more cars will be added to Goat Hill Lane as a result of this project,
considering that it may be used now for both access and egress from the new project. Brown
answers that the study projected that about 6 new vehicles will be using Goat Hill Lane during
any of the peak periods on weekday mornings, afternoons, and Saturday during peak periods,
based on the number of units and occupants from the project. In both directions, the total will
come to 13 additional vehicles.
Benevento asks whether new sidewalks will be constructed in the area outside the reconstructed
intersection, around the perimeter of the property. Koeplin answers that new sidewalks and
updates to comply with accessibility will be constructed along Cabot Street, but not curbs.
Benevento asks if it is advisable to add outstanding tasks for Public Services to the conditions
that fall outside the scope of the applicant's responsibility, but need completion. Collins states
that sidewalk snow removal per City ordinance is the responsibility of the property owner.
Wynne summarizes the proposed conditions that the bike parking areas will be staggered
between cars and, additionally, storage units that can accommodate bikes are available on each
floor. In lieu of the $15,000 donation to the TMA as referenced in the peer review letter, the
applicant will make a donation to the city for a shuttle program that the city establishes. If the
money is not spent on the shuttle by time of payment,we can discuss how those funds can be
spent on another commuter-related benefit that the City has established subject to the allocation
of funds, being reviewed by the Parking and Traffic Commission prior to expenditure. These
funds will be contributed prior to the certificate of occupancy. Residential parking spaces shall
be assigned to the units and monitored by property management staff.Non-resident vehicles
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found using the parking will be towed. Tenants in the building are not eligible to participate in
the City of Beverly residential permit parking program, and this shall be communicated to the
residents at the time of marketing, and included in the tenant lease documents. Benevento adds
that a construction management plan shall be required and submitted to the Parking and Traffic
Commission for review and approval as early as possible before requesting a building permit.
The curb area should not be impeded without a plan and appropriate signage sidewalk closures
must be included, and that the applicant will not obstruct road in a way that causes the Police
Department to close the road.
Wynne moves to make a recommendation that the Planning Board approve the plan review for
Southwest Regional Gateway, subject to those conditions summarized above. Seconded by
Binns. Motion passes 6-0.
Benevento discusses construction management and road closures,particularly that it is not
appropriate for the project to put the decision to close the roads in the hands of the police and
thereby pass the responsibility or blame.
2. Request for discussion from Ward 5 City Councilor related to the following:
a. Corner of Nelson &Wirling Drive turn/sight line and right of way
b. Pedestrian crossing no right on red at corner of Dodge/Enon across from
MBTA
c. Embossed crosswalk on Brimbal at Walden/Oakmont
d. Too fast red/green switch at Conant/Cabot
Benevento comments that these concerns may be better addressed by the Public Services and
Engineering Departments.
Item D - Collins explains that the traffic light has a short delay before it turns green in the
opposite direction. Collins believes the Ward 5 Councilor had a discussion with Sergeant
Henebury resulting in the above list.
Item A—Collins states that there has been discussion about the Nelson Avenue and Wirling
Drive intersection,which is very wide open.
Item B—Collins states that the State has agreed to put a no turn on red blank out sign at the
Dodge Street and Enon Street intersection. The shipment has been delayed due to supply chain
issues,but is currently en route.
Item C —Benevento asks what an embossed crosswalk signifies, and Collins explains that it is an
expensive decorative style of crosswalk, but does not serve to communicate any traffic message
to drivers.
Kreyling states that since he lives in the area, he has observed that from the MBTA station to
Laurel Street there is an embossed handicapped ramp with no corresponding crosswalk, and he
has observed a lot of people from North Beverly cross Dodge Street in that location. Collins
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confirms that there is a crosswalk at Laurel Street but no crosswalk across Dodge Street.
Benevento asks if it is an apex handicapped ramp and Collins answers yes.
Benevento states that items on the list from the Councilor are important matters, but that with the
exception of supporting anything that improves safety in operations, the Commission cannot
effect these changes within the scope of its role. For this reason, Benevento proposes preparing a
response stating that the Commission supports any improvements to safety and traffic operations,
and that these items should be referred to Public Services and the Engineering Department.
Item C - Salt observes that from an aerial perspective, in the image onscreen, there is a crosswalk
on Walden Street, and that it is on the approach to the North Beverly Elementary School. There
is a projection walkway at the end of Walden Street leading to Tozer Road so there is a certain
amount of traffic that goes in that direction. Wynne replies that while there is a crosswalk in
place, the request from the Councilor is that it be enhanced. Benevento comments that the
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)is specific about what it will permit
between the white lines of crosswalks. Benevento asks if there are signs in advance of the
crosswalk and Collins answers yes. Salt asks if there is a crossing guard. Collins answers no.
Collins has observed good vehicle compliance with the crosswalk due to the good line of sight.
Kreyling states that as a frequent user of these intersections, his greater concern is crossing from
Walden Street to Tozer Road, which pedestrians may use to walk to the shopping plaza. Collins
states that the City would like the MBTA to construct a crosswalk there, but the State throws it
back to the City to install a pedestrian crosswalk at the railroad, which is expensive and probably
would take many years to accomplish. Salt observes that from a Complete Streets perspective,
Walden Street is a powerful street because it takes pedestrians to the plaza. Collins states that in
2008 the City formalized the footpath by having it paved. Collins spoke to the Superintendent
and learned that the City is busing students from the Beverly Commons Apartments to the North
Beverly Elementary,which is a short distance, because there are no sidewalks on Tozer Road.
Collins states that a no turn on red blank out sign has been ordered to place at the right turn onto
Enon Street from Dodge Street to prevent vehicles from turning on red while there is a pedestrian
in the crosswalk. The State approved the change, but sign is stuck in transport with supply chain
issues.
3. Approval of Minutes: July 19,2022,August 2,2022, September 13,2022, October 4,
2022,November 15,2022
Kreyling moves to accept all the minutes as written. Seconded by Salt. Motion passes 6-0.
4. General or New Business
a. Discussion at the request of Beverly Bike Committee on traffic calming on
"Country Roads"including Standley Street, Foster Street,Boyles Street, Cross
Lane, and Common Lane.Advisory discussion only.
Salt summarizes that in his role on the Beverly Bike Committee, he has spoken with
Mayor Michael Cahill, Sean Ciancarelli from Engineering, Erina Keefe from
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Sustainability, and Darlene Wynne from Planning and Development to collaborate on a
map with bike infrastructure based on Complete Streets and on bikers' experiences riding
these roads. Salt states that 10 miles of the plan has already been incorporated. The BBC
also met with Cahill to discuss the plan. Cahill shared the map with Ciancarelli, Keefe,
and Wynne to discuss the plan from a City point of view, as the map is designed from the
BBC's point of view.
Salt comments that what used to be "country roads"have become busier, and gives an
example of his own unsettling experience biking on a Saturday morning along Standley
Street where a vehicle behind his biking group honked and yelled at them, then turned
into the City compost site. He gives the example of Boyles Street being frequently used
as a cut through to Route 127, and cites that the speed limit is posted 20mph in one
direction, but not in the other direction. Collins expresses his frustration that in the traffic
world, data is based on decades of research and study, but that in the biking world, there
is unfortunately a lack of research in this realm, and as yet there are no proven research
techniques. Collins gives the example that sharrows are proving to be dangerous, and he
further predicts that bike committees in general will agree with that conclusion soon.
Benevento comments that there is limited right of way, and that he would like the
perspective of bikers on what is the most effective means to make people, pedestrians,
bicyclists, etc., feel safe, including drivers of cars who are mindful/nervous while
passing/negotiating with a bicyclist. Benevento agrees that it is a challenge on a country
road with limited right of way. Benevento asks Collins what signs or measures have
proven effective, such as "share the road" signs. Collins states his opinion that the only
truly safe bicycle facilities are separate facilities, which are very hard to implement.
Collins credits the massive improvements on Standley Street to the water main project
and widening the road, although closing the road for construction was not popular with
drivers.
Benevento asks what type of measures might be effective. Salt states that the Beverly
Bike Committee is not keen on sharrows, and notes that paint on the road will eventually
wear away. Salt suggests more permanent signage that sends a message such as a 25mph
sign, giving the example of Hart Street where he lives. Benevento asks if those are
special or city-wide speed limits and Collins answers special. Salt observes that on some
streets, the speed limit is 25mph one-way, but not in the opposite direction. Collins states
that the different speed limits are based on research and Benevento clarifies that the state
has conducted research on curves and other dynamics of roads to reach those speed
limits. Wynne agrees that it is very common for one street to have different speed limits
in opposite directions.
Collins states that at every entrance to Beverly there is sign stating that the city-wide
speed limit is 25mph, unless otherwise specified. Wynne asks how Manchester-by-the-
Sea has a 20mph speed limit on School Street. Salt state that the speed limit does not
exist anymore, and that it improved quality of life in Manchester, especially with kids
riding bikes to school. Collins states that another example of research is the discussion of
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"children" signs in the roadway. He states that as a parent,that sign seems helpful, but it
does not necessarily increase safety. Benevento elaborates that research into that sign
found what while it made parents and political leaders feel better, the end result was
encouraging children to play in the street.
Salt asks if he should ask the Beverly Bike Committee what they want, and all
Commissioners say yes. Collins states that he would love to learn from the BBC what
research has proven is effective in other communities. Salt agrees to do so, and states that
he will also talk to MassBike to find out what other cities do. Salt gives the example that
the infrastructure like Boston would not be appropriate for Beverly, and that connections
and other measures make biking safer. Collins points out the success of the construction
of the shared path on Sohier Road nearing completion, and Salt states that he observed an
electric wheelchair user making use of it the other day. Collins points out that while
driving, multiple signs can create visual noise,whereas a single sign is going to really get
the attention of drivers.
b. Member of the public comments
Dave Dines of 5 Pilgrim Heights states that one day, when he was coming home from
downtown via Greene Street to Woodland Avenue, the streets were closed due to a multi-
vehicle accident. He also states that he has observed lots of salting on major roads and
asks if it is worthwhile to re-evaluate different streets' priority. Collins answers that hills
and main roads are prioritized, and observes that there is always a finite moment in every
storm where things are going to be slippery, no matter what measures are taken.
Dines states that he goes around 4-6 p.m. every day to a day care in the Cummings
Center to pick up his granddaughter. He observes that there are road closures at 8:15a.m.
due to road construction, and he asks if construction starting at 9 a.m. would be
appropriate. Collins answers that in this climate,there is a shortened construction season.
Collins observes that Colon Street goes from "insanely busy"to "ghost town" at certain
times of the day.
Dines states his concern about a crosswalk on Bridge Street that operates with a push
button crossing signal. Dines says the situation is similar on Ryal Side at the Kernwood
Bridge, and that a push button crossing signal may be appropriate at Crescent Avenue
and Kernwood Avenue, right before the Kernwood Bridge. Collins states that there are
already plans to move the location of that sidewalk with a better line of sight. Dave states
that he feels unsafe with his"heart in his mouth" as cars drive 45mph while he is
attempting to cross with his granddaughter.
c. Discussion of 2023 Commission schedule.
Benevento states that he recently attended the City Council meeting to explain what the
Parking and Traffic Commission does. Benevento wonders if holding some evening
meetings would be appropriate to allow more members of the public to participate.
Wynne states that the schedule can be flexible as the year goes on and she will send an
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email to all Commissioners floating the idea. Wynne points out that an evening meeting
is best for a timely topic, which is it is hard to know in advance. Wynne states that she
has not printed a final 2023 schedule yet because she has a question about November.
She states that Cahill prefers that commissions not hold meetings on holiday weeks like
the Fourth of July and Labor Day. November 7, 2023 is Election Day, so Wynne asks the
Commissioners if they would rather have that meeting on a Wednesday or push it to the
following week. Wynne states that she tries to plan Commission meetings so they do not
fall on the same day as the Planning Board meetings, since it is awkward to push through
decisions.
Binns Moves to adjourn. Kreyling seconds. Motion passes 6-0.
Adiournment
Meeting ends at 10:00 a.m.
The next regular meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission is scheduled for Tuesday,
January 10, 2023.