2015-05-05CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
1.
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: May 5, 2015
LOCATION: City Council Chambers, Third Floor City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: City Planner Aaron Clausen, Vice Chair, Richard
Hutchinson, Fire Inspector Steve Tanzella, Sgt.
Antonio DiRuzza, George Binns, John Somes
MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Benevento, Chair
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER: Eileen Sacco
Clausen calls the meeting to order at 8: 30 a.m.
Clausen reports that Chairman Benevento is unable to be here this morning.
2. Complete Streets Proiect Review — 2015 Beverly Street Paving Work
Clausen explains that the 2015 Beverly Street Paving Work Plan has been drafted and in
accordance with the recently adopted Complete Streets policy the Parking and Traffic
Commission needs to review the list of street paving and reconstruction work items for
the summer of 2015.
Clausen explains that the plan was put together by the Engineering Department. He
reported that the department has identified street to be repaved this summer. He notes
that none of the streets proposed to be repaved involve any widening of the streets. He
also reports that handicapped ramps will be provided or reconstructed to comply with
ADA requirements where needed.
Clausen explains that the City has been working with the Metropolitan Area Planning
Council (MAPQ on improving the bike paths in the city and there is a plan or a vision to
provide enhancements for biking throughout the city. He states that there will be lane
markings along the shoulder of the roads.
Clausen reviews the Complete Streets policy and notes that it supports all modes of
transportation and it is the charge of the PTC to review plans for private and public
developments.
The Commission reviewed the Street Paving Work Plan. Clausen notes that Cole Street
will have sidewalks on one side of the street. He also notes that the Essex Street corridor
from Corning to the Beverly Housing Authority property will have a bike path lane. He
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notes that MAPC did some measurements during their process and made
recommendations.
Rosemary Maglio addressed the PTC and asks when the paving will be done. Clausen
states that the paving projects will begin in June.
Johnathan Salt of the Beverly Bike Committee addressed the PTC and stated that he is
excited about the bike plan and the MAPC proposal to make getting around Beverly more
convenient whether it is by walking, cycling or driving. He states that the Bike
Committee is willing to support the City in any way they can.
Clausen reported that "sharrows" will be painted on the roadways to remind drivers and
bikers that they are sharing the road. He notes that the rules of the road need to be
followed by all and the sharrows are an important tool to use as a reminder to share the
road.
Clausen notes that the areas marked in pink on the plan are areas where there are no
markings and sharrows will be painted as well as lane striping.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter, Clausen moved on
with the agenda.
3. Continued Review/Discussion: 12 Month Traffic Review for Traffic
Operations Associated with the Construction of Walgreens — 48 Dodge Street
— Westwood Apple Orchards LP
Clausen reports that the Mass DOT has reviewed the request for a right turn only sign at
the off ramp from 128 and they will not accept the sign at the base of the intersection and
explains that it has been recommended that it be installed across the street. Clausen states
that he does not agree with that recommendation noting crash data for that area.
Hutchinson states that there is a high risk of head on collisions in that area if people try to
cross over.
Binns suggests that if there is significant accident data for the area that may give the state
cause to reconsider.
Clausen suggests that the matter be tabled for further review of crash data for the area.
Binns: motion to continue the matter to the June meeting of the Parking and Traffic
Commission Hutchinson seconds the motion. The motion carries (6 -0).
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4. Recommendation to Planning Board: Special Permit Application #143 -15
and Site Plan Review Application #116 -15 — Construct five -story multi use
building with 72 residential units and 72 parking spaces with
retail /commercial space on the ground floor —131 Rantoul Street — Depot
Square Phase III, LLC
Clausen reports that the applicant submitted the traffic report requested by the
Commission late and it will not be reviewed today. He states that the applicant has
agreed to continue the matter to the next meeting on June 2, 2015.
Hutchinson: motion to continue the matter to June 2, 2015. Binns seconds the
motion. The motion carries (6 -0).
5. Approval of minutes
The minutes of the Parking and Traffic Commission meeting held on February 3,
2015, and March 3, 2015 and April 7, 2015 were presented for approval.
Hutchinson: motion to table the approval of the minutes to the June meeting.
Binns seconds the motion. The motion carries (6 -0).
6. Other Business
DiRuzza states that the Police Department is watching the light at Starbucks on Elliott
Street and would recommend that it be a pedestrian light only.
Clausen notes that the Cummings traffic study indicated that the signal is not necessary.
He suggests that a conversation needs to be held with the owner of the Starbucks plaza.
Rosemary Maglio addresses the PTC and states that the Commission should consult with
former City Councilor Maureen Troubetaris regarding the history of that light.
Clausen also reports that Cummings is putting together a series of timing adjustments to
the lights along Elliott Street that could help to move traffic along.
7. Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission will be held on Tuesday,
June 2, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.
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8. Adjournment
Clausen asks if there is any additional business for the Commission to conduct. There is
none.
Hutchinson: motion to adjourn, seconded by Binns. All members in favor, motion
carries 6 -0.
The meeting is adjourned at 9:30 a.m.
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