PTC minutes_04.05.22 CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE: None
LOCATION: Virtual meeting
DATE: April 5, 2022
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Benevento (Chair), Darlene Wynne (Vice Chair), Michael
Collins, Jonathan Salt, Capt Ryan Laracy, George Binns,John
Lozada, Richard Vincent
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Sgt Michael Henebury
OTHERS PRESENT:
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:Anchor Point 1 progress: 108 Sohier Road—Kristin Carlson, Harborlight
Community Partners
Andrew Leonard presents to the commission and provides the updates. Kristin Carlson is not present.
Leonard returns to discuss the conditions put on the special permit.The first condition was on the
improvement for Sohier Road intersection by the high-school.The other two conditions center on the
Sohier/Tozer Roads safety& pedestrian infrastructure plans. At the time of project approval,the
applicants were waiting for the city to be awarded funding from a MassWorks grant to improve the
sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure. The grant was awarded but the work not started. The
work was supposed to start fall 2021,the new project start date is summer 2022.There will be no
connections to the side walk until the city begins work from the grant project. Leonard informs the
commission they plan to ask for a certificate of occupancy in June and have residents move in July. They
ask this process not be held up due to unforeseen timing issues beyond their control.
Members discuss. The main concern is whether to hold the application until the city MassWorks grant
project is complete. Upon completion the applicant is obligated to ensure safe sidewalk connections for
renovated pedestrian infrastructure. Members also express concern with additional signage rerouting
pedestrians and residents during the construction phase.
Benevento defers to Collins for any temporary work arounds for the reconfiguration of the intersection;
maintenance of sidewalks for pedestrians; and related signage directing pedestrians for construction
safety. Collins confirms this is more an issue for the building inspector since he has to enforce the ADA
requirements. Binns would like to have notification for pedestrians not to go down the unfinished paths.
Once construction begins are there alternative paths available. Salt notes this is a project under
construction. The commission takes a lot of care to ensure pedestrian safety during construction
projects. Why would they not encourage signage for residents on a temporary basis. Collins explains to
the members other possible areas mentioned are not ideal to due sight lines and safe crossing
conditions.The area is not designed well to begin with. At this junction there are no optimal work
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April 5,2022 Meeting Minutes
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arounds. Lozada weighs in, explains there are no ADA violations at present. The slope on the other side
of the road is part of a natural grade which is not ideal for fixing to make accessible to the public. There
is no discrimination since everyone is at a disadvantage.
Members continue discussion points referencing cars and EMS vehicle site access while under
construction. Leonard informs the commission about 30-40%of residents will have cars. The
commission feels it is not unreasonable to inform residents cars may be the main mode of
transportation until construction is complete. Wynne suggests signage for a shuttle to assist those
without a vehicle. Leonard confirms to the commission the will actively communicate during the
construction providing routine updates to their residents.
Wynne notes there is no obligation on the applicant for intersection safety since the city has not started
work on the other project. Wynne informs the commissioners they can send a support letter to the
Planning Board outlining the applicant's position. Benevento would like the letter in detail specifying
why the condition is unable to be met without penalty. The letter will stipulate due to unforeseen timing
issues and project delay by the city, the applicant fulfilled their obligation up to where the city
completes the MassWorks grant project. The letter will also acknowledge the work to be completed in
the future due to the above circumstances. Wynne will draft the letter to the Planning Board and copy
the Building Department.
Motion: Wynne moves to acknowledge the condition cannot be met due to timing issues, the
issue will be resolved once the city completes construction; the commission agrees to
allow the certificate of occupancy to be issued. Vincent seconds. Amendment to the
motion. Lozada requires a supplemental condition stipulating the applicant will maintain
communication with residents for construction safety and the city will provide notice
upon project completion. Laracy seconds amendment to the motion.The motion carries
8-0.
2. Recommendation to Planning Board: Site Plan Review#153-22/PLB-00003—Construction of a
95,800-sf manufacturing facility and associated parking—105 Sam Fonzo Drive& 10 LP
Henderson Road, Beverly. MA—Thomas Ford (cont.)
Rick Salvo and Tom Ford return to the commission. This is a continuation from the March 2022 meeting
to discuss the side walk and grading modifications. They performed a traffic study, included a turning
radius model, confirmed revised signage for the area, and added bike racks. Salvo refers members to the
site plan packet provided for further review. Members acknowledge the applicant met the outstanding
questions presented at the prior meeting.
Benevento confirms with Ford the sidewalk and grading are resolved. The sidewalk design schemes are
modified to match what is currently on Sam Fonzo Drive. This includes granite edging, a 5-foot sidewalk,
and grass strips. Collins confirms vertical granite edging preferred over sloped granite for the sidewalk.
Benevento discusses the additional traffic impact on the area since both roads turn onto major arteries;
were any measures reviewed for tractor trailer turning radius. Ford briefly discusses noting this is a
relocation of an existing function on the grounds, and this particular area was not given a lot of
attention. Ford does not anticipate traffic from the facility impacting the area. Binns remains concerned
about the turning radius coming out of the property. Salt confirms the BBC is satisfied by what the
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applicants proposed. Laracy confirms there are no EMS access issues from the north bound side facing
Cabot Street. Vincent inquires if they will be storing boxed trailers on site, Ford responds no. Benevento
emphasizes expectations and the safety concerns during construction. Instructs the applicant to have
appropriate signage; be mindful of the construction debris in the area and cleaning up after.
Wynne inquires if this is 24-hour facility and were any restrictions put on the loading service to keep
additional noise from the neighborhood. Ford replies the facility is not 24 hours.There will not be any
residential noise violations for after hours. Members return to the driveway. Benevento asks if there is
anything to be done for making them wider. Salvo replied not at this time. Benevento understands the
templates are conservative.
Motion: Recommendation to the planning board for approval of the site plan review, with the
conditions: 1) road sweeping for construction; 2) appropriate signage for construction;
and 3)will install vertical granite curbs. Vincent seconds.The motion carries 8-0.
3. Approval of Minutes: March 1,2022
Minutes will be approved at the next meeting.
4. Adiournment
Motion: Binns moves to adjourn. Salt seconds. The motion carries 8-0.
Meeting adjourned 9:12 a.m.
Next meeting scheduled for 5.03.22.