2012-09-13 (2)CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: September 13, 2012
LOCATION: Intersection of Essex and Brimbal Avenue
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rich Benevento, Russ Rollins, Bill Fiore,
Richard Hutchinson, Tina Cassidy
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Bent, John Somes
RECORDER: Tina Cassidy
Benevento calls the site visit to order at 7:30 a.m.
Members begin the site visit at Wardell Park and observe traffic conditions and
operations in the vicinity of the Brimbal Avenue /Essex Street intersection.
Members walk the length of Essex Street from just south of the YMCA to the
intersection of Spring Street as well as Spring Street itself.
Members make the following observations:
• The intersection of Colon and Brimbal Avenue needs signalization and the
current 4 way stop sign configuration is viewed by the State as a temporary
measure (temporary pending the installation of signals);
• The cost of improvements needed to address existing conditions would
easily reach $2 -$3 million, and may cost more;
• Not all sidewalks and associated ramps in the area meet ADA requirements;
• Creating a left turn lane on Essex Street to accommodate vehicles turning
onto Brimbal Avenue would help alleviate some of the northbound traffic
issue. However, it may not be possible to accomplish given existing
conditions;
• Railroad operations (trains blocking Essex Street while at the station) impact
traffic flows;
• The intersection of Essex Street and Lakeshore Avenue should be
reconfigured to address potential safety issues arising from cross - traffic; and
• Improvements appear to be needed along Spring Street along the frontage to
the MBTA lot to address what appears to be non - compliance with the
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Members observe an arriving train and calculate that there was a full 50- second
delay between the time the railroad gates came down and the time the train actually
came to a stop at the station. In total, the gates closed the road to traffic for two
minutes and ten seconds.
Final Parking and Traffic Commission site visit minutes September 13, 2012
Page I of 2
Benevento suggests that the City consider contacting the MBTA regarding the
commuter parking lot access issue(s).
Members end the site visit at 8:15 a.m.
Final Parking and Traffic Commission site visit minutes September 13, 2012
Page 2 of 2