2004-07-14
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: July 14, 2004
LOCATION: Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dennis Tarsook, Clark Mitchell, Bob Mead, Tina
Cassidy
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sue Mueller
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER: Tina Cassidy
Cassidy calls the meeting to order and explains that the purpose of today’s meeting is to
review two site plan review applications that have been submitted to the Planning Board.
The first application is for a modification to a previously approved site plan for the
Commodore Plaza. Michael Lawlor and Atty. Tom Alexander are present representing the
bank. Alexander explains that the modification seeks permission to site a drive-through
ATM machine on one of the islands in the parking lot of the plaza. Alexander explains the
existing and future traffic flow and details of the site plan. The ATM will be located
approximately 250’ from the Enon Street entrance to the parking lot, and should not
interfere with traffic flows or safety.
Tarsook states that he has no questions on the petition, and likes the orientation of the ATM
which discourages motorists entering the site from the east from using the machine, and
instead encourages vehicular approach to the ATM from the west. There are no other issues
or questions from the Commission members, so the Committee elects to recommend to the
Planning Board that the site plan be approved.
Next on the agenda is a site plan for construction at Beverly Hospital. The project includes:
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Construction of a new four level, 120,000 sq. ft. parking garage containing
approximately 400 parking spaces
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Several additions to the existing hospital to enlarge the emergency room facilities,
radiology and operating room departments
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Vertical addition to the Women’s Health Center.
Other improvements will also be done to the site including revised access drives, new
landscaping and drop-off areas, and the construction of a covered pedestrian walkway
between the entrance to the hospital and the new parking garage.
Dick Doherty from Hancock Associates explains that the net increase in the number of
parking spaces is actually about 219 spaces. Mead asks how many handicapped parking
spaces will be provided on site; the exact number is not readily available, so Doherty
promises to forward that information to the Planning Department before the Planning
Board meeting next week.
The applicants note that the project is expected to add 50-60 vehicles to the site after
construction of the improvements shown on the site plan.
Tarsook notes that the intersection of Herrick and Sohier Roads needs to be upgraded. The
lights need to be replaced, and the intersection could easily be reconfigured to add turn lanes
to ease certain traffic movements. Since the hospital is one of the main contributors to
traffic in the intersection, they should consider participating in improving the intersection.
Tarsook asks about the size of parking spaces in the proposed garage. Doherty states that
the spaces are designed to be 8 ½’ wide by 18’ long. Cassidy explains that the minimum
dimensions allowed by zoning is 9’ wide by 18’ long. Either the spaces will have to be
redesigned, or a variance obtained from the Zoning Board of Appeals to permit the smaller
dimensions. Tarsook asks how wide the travel aisles are in the garage; Doherty answers they
are 24’ wide and designed to accommodate two-way traffic.
Doherty explains that the garage will be equipped with a fire suppression system. Mitchell
states that the Fire Department will want to ensure that they can gain access to all sides of
the new garage, and to do so must be able to maneuver a fire truck under the canopy of the
proposed walkway between the garage and the hospital. He asks what the clearance under
the canopy will be; the applicants respond that they have left that detail undetermined, and
will set the clearance at whatever minimum height Mitchell requests. Mitchell promises to
check the minimum height needed, and convey the information to the applicant shortly.
Cassidy asks if there are any other questions from members of the Commission. There are
none. Following a brief discussion, the Commission elects to recommend to the Planning
Board that the proposed site plan be approved, subject to the following conditions:
1. That the minimum clearance between the sidewalk and the bottom of the roof
structure sheltering the pedestrian walkway be at least thirteen feet (13’) to enable
fire apparatus to travel beneath it to access all sides of the proposed garage (see
note below);
2. That the supports for the pedestrian walkway structure be spaced a minimum of
eighteen feet (18’) apart to provide enough room for fire apparatus to travel
between them to access all sides of the proposed garage (see note below); and
3. That the applicant work with the City to investigate potential improvements to
the turning lane configuration and traffic lights at the intersection of Herrick and
Sohier Roads to better accommodate traffic to and from the hospital.
NOTE: The specific figures of 13’ and 18’ referenced in conditions #1 and #2 above
were determined by Clark Mitchell after the meeting was adjourned.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.