2015-06-02CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION:
Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
June 2, 2015
LOCATION:
City Council Chambers, Third Floor City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Richard Benevento, Chair, City Planner Aaron
Clausen, Vice Chair, Richard Hutchinson, Fire
Inspector Steve Tanzella, Sgt. Antonio DiRuzza,
George Binns, John Somes
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Eileen Sacco
1. Benevento calls the meeting to order at 8: 30 a.m.
2. 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 and May 5, 2015 were presented for
approval.
Binns: motion to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2015 Parking
and Traffic Commission meeting as presented. Clausen seconds
the motion. The motion carries (7 -0)
Binns: motion to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2015 Parking and
Traffic Commission meeting as amended. Clausen seconds the
motion. The motion carries (7 -0)
Binns: motion to approve the minutes of the April 7, 2015 Parking and
Traffic Commission meeting as amended. Clausen seconds the
motion. The motion carries (7 -0)
Binns: motion to approve the minutes of the May 3, 2015 Parking and
Traffic Commission meeting as presented. Clausen seconds the
motion. The motion carries (7 -0)
Parking & Traffic Commission minutes
Page 1 of 9
June 2, 2015 Meeting
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 Benevento had requested to review the email from MA DOT.
Benevento states that he has reviewed the email and Clausen has explored what could be
done. Benevento states that the mitigation package that the Commission requested has
been completed by the applicant and if the state will not accept the sign he feels that the
applicant has done what was asked and the Commission could sign off and close out the
mitigation review.
Clausen: motion to accept the review provided by Symes and close out the
mitigation review submitted. Binns seconds the motion. The motion
carries (7 -0).
4. Continued: 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
Atty. Miranda Gooding of Glovsky and Glovsky addresses the Commission and explains
that they were before the Commission at the April meeting and the Commission
requested a more detailed traffic analysis. She states that they have completed that and
have submitted it. She also notes that they have been to the Planning Board and they
opened the public hearing and they are scheduled to go before them again later this
month.
Charlie Weir addresses the Commission and explains the proposed mitigation for the
project.
Benevento recalled that during construction of the Windover Enterprise project they took
a lane of Rantoul Street and put up Jersey barriers and used it as a staging area. He stated
that he wants to hear about their construction phasing plan and where they plan to put the
staging area for this project. He also asks if the Rantoul Reconstruction project has been
put out to bid yet. Clausen states that it has gone out to bid.
Benevento stated that he assumes that at some point these projects will be going on at the
same time and questions if they have thought about how to phase the project as it relates
to the Rantoul Street project.
Parking & Traffic Commission minutes June 2, 2015 Meeting
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Chris Koeplin of Windover addresses the Commission and explains that they do not
know the construction schedule at this time. He states that this building is pulled away
from the street and there is a little more room than there was for the Enterprise project.
Benevento states that he would like to see a construction and phasing plan prior to the
start of the project. He notes that the staging at the Enterprise site was dangerous and it
backed up traffic on Rantoul Street in both directions.
Tanzella agrees noting that the Fire Department has concerns about that as well.
Benevento notes that there will be a lot going on down there with both projects and he
would like to see a plan that has minimal disruption to traffic and access for the residents
needs to be mapped out as well.
Gooding introduced Rebecca Brown to make a presentation on the traffic analysis that
they have provided.
Brown explains that the process she used for the traffic analysis. She explains that minor
modifications to the traffic timing at intersections would provide an acceptable level of
service.
Benevento states that a traffic control agreement would have to be done by the City.
Brown reviews the summary and recommendations as follows:
TEC has examined the potential traffic impacts associated with the proposed 131
Rantoul Street Redevelopment on the study area roadways. The following is a
summary of the results and conclusions of this effort.
The project consists of razing the existing buildings on site and constructing
a transit - oriented, mixed -use development with 72 residential apartment units, a
4,732 SF restaurant, and 2,306 SF of specialty retail.
Public transportation is provided in the vicinity of the site, including MBTA
Commuter Rail Service, MBTA bus service, and Cape Ann Transportation
Operating Center bus service. Access to public transportation services are within
500 feet of the site.
The proposed 131 Rantoul Street Redevelopment is anticipated to result in a
reduction in vehicles trips during the weekday morning peak hour as compared
to the existing land uses. The project is expected to generate an increase of
approximately 15 new vehicle trips during the weekday evening peak hour, and
36 new vehicle trips during the Saturday midday peak hour as compared to the
existing land uses.
Parking & Traffic Commission minutes June 2, 2015 Meeting
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All intersections within the study area experienced fewer than three (3) crashes
per year over the three -year study period and crash rates less than the statewide
and district -wide averages.
MassDOT is currently in the final design stages of the Route I (Rantoul Street
and Cabot Street) Reconstruction Project (MassDOT Project #600220). Within
the development study area, travel lanes along Rantoul Street (Route IA) will
be restriped with 11 -foot travel lanes and 5 -foot bicycle lanes in both the
northbound and southbound directions. Additional improvements include
reconstructed sidewalks with curb bump -outs to define on- street parking limits,
new granite curbing, and reconstructed accessible wheelchair ramps. The
project proposes to construct a new fully- actuated traffic signal at the
intersection of Rantoul Street (Route IA) / Railroad Avenue.
To improve access to the proposed parking structure, the Proponent proposes to
convert Pleasant Street from one -way westbound flow to two -way flow between
Rantoul Street (Route IA) and Hardy Street. To allow adequate egress for
Pleasant Street eastbound trips, Hardy Street will be converted from one -way
southbound to one -way northbound flow. The Proponent will install appropriate
"DO NOT ENTER" signs, "ONE WAY" signs, "STOP" signs, and pavement
markings on these roadways to accommodate the changes in traffic flow.
In addition to physical improvements, the Proponent is committed to
implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures to reduce
vehicle trips to /from the site, including providing transit schedules and maps to
residents, and providing bicycle racks on site.
With minor signal timing adjustments, all approaches at the intersection of
Rantoul Street (Route IA) / Railroad Avenue are anticipated to operate at
acceptable levels of service (LOS D or better) during 2022 Build with
Mitigation
Conditions. Under 2022 Build and 2022 Build with Mitigation Conditions,
the intersection of Rantoul Street (Route IA) / Railroad Avenue is
anticipated to operate at overall LOS B or better during all analysis periods.
In addition, the volume -to- capacity (v /c) ratios on each movement are expected
to be well below 1.00, indicating there will be adequate capacity to
accommodate the anticipated traffic. Queues on each intersection approach are
not expected to increase by more than one (1) vehicle as a result of the project.
All movements at the Rantoul Street (Route IA) / Pleasant Street intersection are
anticipated to operate at acceptable levels of service (LOS D or better) under all
analysis conditions. In addition, the volume -to- capacity (v /c) ratio will be well
Parking & Traffic Commission minutes June 2, 2015 Meeting
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below 1.00, indicating there will be adequate capacity to accommodate the
anticipated traffic volumes, and queues are not expected to exceed two vehicles.
All movements at all other study intersections are expected to operate at
acceptable levels of service (LOS B or better) and queues not exceeding
two vehicles under all analysis scenarios.
A parking structure with 72 parking spaces will be constructed on site to
accommodate one parking space per residential unit in accordance with City of
Beverly zoning regulations.
Restaurant and retail parking will be accommodated within nearby on- street
parking spaces and within the nearby MBTA parking garage. The existing
on- street parking spaces within one block of the site are approximately 67%
occupied during the weekday peak hour. Therefore, ample parking exists on-
street within close proximity of the site to accommodate restaurant and retail
parking.
In conclusion, the traffic generated by the proposed 131 Rantoul Street Redevelopment
can be safely and efficiently accommodated along the existing street system with
implementation of the recommended improvements. The minor increases in delay at
the study area intersections resulting from the development do not warrant any
additional project - specific mitigation.
Benevento asks if they considered the reuse of the former Casa de Luca restaurant and
the Press Box properties taking into consideration the potential for the site and what
could be there. Brown states that they considered the square footage in the calculations
if they were reactivated for a restaurant or a group home. Atty. Gooding notes that
Windover owns those properties and notes that plans for the site are anything but clear
at this time.
City Engineer Greg St. Louis stated that he has reviewed the traffic study and has no
concerns at this time. He states that the Notice to Proceed on the Rantoul Street
reconstruction project will be going out at the end of the week.
Benevento opens the meeting up for public comment at this time.
Dana Staples of 36 Pleasant Street addresses the Commission and states that he is
concerned about the location of a proposed stop sign and suggests that it be placed at
Pleasant and Rantoul Street. Brown explains the proposed changes to the traffic now
on Pleasant Street and Hardy Streets.
Parking & Traffic Commission minutes June 2, 2015 Meeting
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Staples states that the area is heavily travelled and he would prefer it if the stop sign
was the other way. Brown explains that the change in the traffic on Hardy Street is so
the traffic exiting the site can go around the block and make use of the traffic light. She
explains the number of trips on Pleasant Street to Route I they would have to make to
take a left turn.
Benevento states that he is trying to weigh the benefits of changing the direction of the
traffic on Pleasant and Hardy Streets.
Gooding states that they are proposing the changes to the traffic patterns as a possible
benefit for the neighborhood.
Benevento states that he initially felt OK about the plan but states that he is now seeing
some geometry and conflict points in the plan.
Gooding explains that they are trying to avoid having traffic from Cabot Street coming
down Pleasant Street because they did not want to add to it.
Clausen states that personally he likes the proposed circulation plan options but notes
that the bump out at Pleasant Street and I could be an issue. He notes that with the
right geometry it would be a traffic calming measure. Brown states that they could take
a look at that.
Benevento states that if they are going to maintain proper circulation they need to
provide some mitigation.
Benevento asks if there is any proposed live parking spaces or a drop off area. Brown
explains that there are five spaces proposed for the front of the building and one of
them could be designated for drop off etc.
Binns states that fire trucks need to be considered in the traffic circulation plan.
Andre Dickson of 20 Highland Avenue addresses the Commission and states that he is
concerned about parking in the neighborhood noting that it is tight as it is. Brown
states that they looked at parking and counted 102 parking spaces. She also notes that
they are providing parking for 72 cars on the site.
Gooding states that this is a transit oriented development and it will be marketed as
that.
Parking & Traffic Commission minutes June 2, 2015 Meeting
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Benevento asks if they have thought about providing valet parking to the MBTA garage
noting that parking is tight in the neighborhood. He notes that there has been a lot of
discussion about commuter parking in that area and how to prevent that and valet
parking could alleviate that.
Gooding explains that they are assuming a restaurant use to project the highest use and
notes that the MBTA garage is across the street. She further explains that the space
may not end up being a restaurant noting that there is no restaurant planned at this time.
Tanzella asks how many spaces will be lost on Pleasant Street with parking on one side
of the street. Brown states that there would be a net loss of 3 -5 spaces on the street.
Rose Maglio of 30 Pleasant Street addresses the Commission and states that she does
not consider the proposed changes to be improvements and states that she thinks that
they are dangerous. She stated that there are no improvements to the neighborhood and
states that it is a dense area. She notes that there are three curb cuts on Pleasant Street
and the entrance to the parking garage should be on Rantoul Street.
Maglio asks if a public hearing will be held on the proposed one way street proposals.
Clausen explains that the change would have to be approved by the City Council.
Benevento states that the change would have to be presented to MA DOT and that
would have to be take care of as a condition in the recommendation to the Planning
Board.
Benevento reviews the requests that have been discussed at this meeting. He recaps
that they have requested noting the timing of the traffic signal suggestions, and the
construction phasing and staging area plans.
Jonathan Salt of the Beverly Bike Path Committee addresses the Commission and asks
if they will be providing bike racks on the site. Siemasko states that there will be bike
racks in the garage.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter, Benevento states
that he would entertain a motion at this time.
Clausen: Motion to recommend approval of the traffic mitigation plan as
proposed by the applicant with conditions that the applicant provide a construction
Parking & Traffic Commission minutes June 2, 2015 Meeting
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phasing and staging area plan prior to the start of construction, that recommendations
for the timing changes to traffic signals be approved by the City. Binns seconds the
motion. The motion carries (7 -0).
S. Discussion re Hurd Stadium intersection issue — Newbury St. /Liberty St.
— in response to citizen's letter
Clausen reports that he received a letter from resident Mandy Miller expressing her
concern about the safety of the children that ride their bikes and walk near the back side
of Hurd Stadium. He explains that she notes that currently there is no stop sign at the
intersection of Liberty and Newbury Streets which is also a right turn into Warren Street.
She also notes that the sidewalk ends where the cars are to turn right and this is where the
kids cross the street to get to Hurd Stadium and Cooney Field. Clausen explains that
there is also a tall privacy fence at the turn making it impossible for drivers to see if
pedestrians are present. Clausen notes that Ms. Miller has requested a stop sign to make
the area safer for the neighborhood.
DiRuzza states that he went to the neighborhood and he feels that a stop sign is needed.
Benevento states that he would like to look at the area and suggests that the Commission
do a site visit. The Commission will visit the area next Monday, June 8, 2015 at 5:00
p. M.
Old/New Business
DiRuzza explains that he received a request from Councilor Martin requesting a cross
walk on Dodge Street at Wirling Drive.
Benevento suggests that the Commission take a look at this request as well and suggests
that they go there after the Hurd Stadium site visit on June 8, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
Benevento requests the City Engineer St. Louis or his designee attend the Parking and
Traffic Commission site visits.
DiRuzza states that he received a petition from the residents of Brimbal Avenue asking
that a speed radar sign be put on Brimbal Avenue. Benevento asks St. Louis to look at
that area.
It was noted that a pedestrian activated flashing beacon is being installed at Essex Street
and Corning Street and it did not come to the Parking and Traffic Commission for review.
7. Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission will be held on Tuesday,
July 7, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.
Parking & Traffic Commission minutes June 2, 2015 Meeting
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8. Adjournment
Benevento asks if there is any additional business for the Commission to conduct. There
is none.
Clausen: motion to adjourn, seconded by Hutchinson. All members in favor,
motion carries 7 -0.
The meeting is adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
Parking & Traffic Commission minutes June 2, 2015 Meeting
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