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2015-11-03CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD OR COMMISSION SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: LOCATION: MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Parking and Traffic Commission November 3, 2015 Conference Room B, Third Floor City Hall Chair, Richard Benevento, City Planner Aaron Clausen, Vice Chair, Richard Hutchinson, Sgt. Antonio DiRuzza, George Binns, John Somes, Captain Chris Halloran Greg St. Louis, City Engineer Eileen Sacco 1. Benevento calls the meeting to order at 8: 30 a.m. 2. Recommendation to Planning Board: Site Plan Application #117 -15 —181 Elliott Street (33 Balch) — Construct Four Story_ Subsidized Elderly_ Housing Building — Beverly Commerce Park LLC Steve Drohosky, General Manager of Cummings Properties, Dennis Clarke, CEO of Cummings Properties, Mike Aveni, Senior Project Manager, were present for the applicant. Benevento states that he has reviewed the traffic counts that were submitted by Cummings for McKay and Balch Streets. He stated that he does not agree with the figures submitted and raised concerns about the numbers. He estimated that there would be approximately 372 trips at McKay and Balch Street and notes that the level of service for the intersection is level F. He further notes that with 213 less trips the LOS would be a B. Drohosky states that from their prospective it is unfair to look at this project as a continuation of what else is going on over there noting there are other projects going on and it is not fair to hold this over Cummings. Drohosky also states that the City should be working on fixing up the infrastructure in that area and it is unfair and surprising that no traffic study or mitigation was imposed on other developers in that area. He states that they are being asked to fix a problem that has been years in the making, that is a combination of all commerce in Beverly. Benevento stated that if the Cummings project were to be done today they would be subject to much stricter and a wider review that it went through 20 years ago. He notes that they have tweaked the site over the years adding the new garage and Parking & Traffic Commission Minutes November 3, 2015 Meeting Page 1 of 7 the hotel and a proposed housing development. He notes that they cannot keep adding little things and not address the additional traffic to the neighborhood. He also states that they would be doing the neighbors a dis- service by not looking at this noting that the majority of the traffic is to and from the Cummings Center and the Commission needs to consider the neighborhood. Clausen states that he tends to agree with Benevento noting that the proposed project is part of a larger commercial project. He notes that 40 units of housing in addition to two million square feet of commercial space needs to be considered. He also notes that it is most telling if you look at the p.m. impact on McKay and Balch Streets, noting that if what is presented is current there is a significant impact at that intersections. Dennis Clarke, CEO of Cummings Properties, addresses the Commission and notes that Cummings is a huge economic center for the City of Beverly and they took a lot of risk when they bought the blighted site. He states that there is a desire for more affordable housing for seniors and they are willing and able to do it. He stated that if offsite improvements are required, the project will not be financially attractive to them and they will not do the project. He also states that the traffic issues in that area are everybody's problem who uses that intersection. Clarke also states that the Cummings Center has made significant contributions to the City of Beverly, noting that they have donated land for a Public Safety Building. Hutchinson states that he feels the discussion about the intersection is appropriate and notes that he would think that Cummings would be more interested in helping the city to fix the problem. Clarke states that the Cummings Center pays $2.8 million dollars to the City of Beverly annually in taxes. He also notes that he drives to Beverly from Woburn and notes that Elliott Street is backed up from Danvers to Starbucks. Benevento states that the residents of Balch Street also pay taxes to the City. Clarke notes that the new project will generate more taxes for the City of Beverly. He notes that this project is a stand -alone project that does not warrant offsite improvements. Clarke also reported that during the approval of their last project they spent $30,000 to study the cost of traffic improvements and implementation of mitigation suggestions for Elliott Street. Binns stated that the proposed project will have significant value to Cummings Properties and the traffic is getting worse in the area. He states that he would like to hear someone say what can be done to fix this. Parking & Traffic Commission Minutes November 3, 2015 Meeting Page 2of7 Drohosky asks what the perfect solution would be. Benevento suggests that round abouts, a traffic signal, geometry and signage improvements all should be considered and suggests that an analysis needs to be done. Clausen states that a roundabout would work well in that area and notes one in Newburyport that is working well up there. He also notes that land from the Beverly Golf and Tennis Club would be needed and that may not be the best solution. Binns states that the new middle school will be around the corner and open in 2017 and that traffic should be taken into consideration as well. He states that he would like to look at something that would include that additional traffic as well. City Engineer Greg St. Louis addresses the Commission and asks what the affordable housing figures are and if there is an age restriction proposed for the project. Drohosky explains that there will be 15 affordable units and 10 handicapped units and the project will be age restricted to people over 50. Sgt. DiRuzza states that he would like to see some options. He also notes that Cabot and Balch will be getting some geometry changes and new traffic signals in the Route 1 A project. Somes states that he agrees that the new middle school needs to be taken into consideration in the long term. Clausen states that Cummings Properties has had a positive relationship with the City of Beverly, noting many donations to nonprofits and the City. He states that requiring mitigation for this project is not a referendum on Cummings, noting that there needs to be some mitigation for the neighbors. Benevento opens the meeting up for public comment at this time. Rosemary Maglio addresses the Commission and states that the City has been favorable to Cumming Center and reviews the history of the development of the site. Benevento states that he prefers not to close the matter at this time. Clausen agrees and suggests that it be left open so that the Commission can craft a decision. Binns states that he would like to see some options put together that is not a band aid for the problem. Benevento states that his he has some ideas about what would be appropriate for McKay and Balch Streets. He notes that Mr. Clarke has indicated that it is all or Parking & Traffic Commission Minutes November 3, 2015 Meeting Page 3of7 nothing for Cummings. Benevento states that he would like to review the numbers further. There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter: Binns: Motion to continue the matter to the December 1, 2015 PTC meeting. Clausen seconds the motion. The motion carries (6 -0). 3. Proposed Minor Modification to Special Permit Application #145 -15 and Site Plan Review Application #116 -15 — 131 Rantoul Street — Depot Square Phase III LLC Atty. Miranda Gooding of Glovsky and Glovsky addresses the Commission and explains that they are present this morning to review certain site plan modifications proposed for Windover's 131 Rantoul Street project. She introduces Chris Coakley, Kristin Poulin, and Sam Gregorio, a new Associate at Glovsky and Glovsky. Atty. Gooding explains that the request is being made in contemplation of a request to the Planning Board for approval of a minor modification to the project plans. Atty. Gooding explains that following the issuance of the Special Permit and Site Plan approval for the project, the permits were appealed by two abutters. As part of the settlement of the appeal, Windover agreed to purchase the adjacent two - family property located at 8 Hardy Street. She explains that the additional land area in Parcel A provides an opportunity to modify the building to improve efficiency and appearance, as well as the siting of the parking facilities. She notes that the new design squares off the building footprint and reduces the building area from 97,350 s.f or approximately 12 %. She also notes that overall the proposed project remains the same, including the number of residences (72) units and 72 onsite parking spaces. Atty. Gooding states that the most significant change to the project is that 26 parking spaces formerly contained in the parking garage will now be moved to the surface parking area behind the building. She notes that with this change, 36 spaces will be located in the garage accessible from Railroad Avenue and this will result in an even distribution of vehicles to and from the site, with more traffic directed to Railroad Avenue and the signaled intersection at Rantoul Street, while reducing the number of vehicles using Pleasant Street. Atty. Gooding reports that they have submitted a Supplemental Traffic Impact Study prepared by The Engineering Corporation (TEC) addressing the anticipated impact of the proposed site plan modification on the study area intersections as well as revised development plans dated October 23, 2015 and revised plans entitled Windover prepared by Siemasko + Verbridge dated October 23, 2015. Parking & Traffic Commission Minutes November 3, 2015 Meeting Page 4of7 Gooding concludes her remarks noting that the proposed modifications will produce operations at all study area intersections similar to those outlined in the original Traffic Impact Study and can be accommodated with the implementation of the off -site mitigation measures previously approved and recommended by the Commission. Benevento notes that the project has a traffic control agreement and any timing change will have to be approved in advance. He notes that balanced volume is a good thing. Clausen notes that there are no changes in the number of units proposed for the project and the result of the proposed modifications is a smaller building and he agrees that the balancing of the trips is a good thing. He also notes that the increase is negligible noting it is 6 or less in the a.m., 2 in the p.m. and 3 on Saturday. He further notes that cueing on Pleasant Street to Rantoul will also be reduced. Hutchinson asks if the appeal on the decision has been dropped. Atty. Gooding explains that the appeal has been dismissed and they have a scheduled closing in December and they hope to start the project as soon as they can. Benevento states that he wants to see the plan for the staging area for the project prior to the start of construction. Benevento opens the meeting up for public comment at this time. Rosemary Maglio of Pleasant Street addresses the Commission and states that she is concerned about the grading. She stated that this is a residential neighborhood and she is concerned about the traffic and the driveway location on the plan. She also notes that safety is a concern coming down Pleasant Street noting concern about head on collisions. There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter: Binns: Motion to approve the minor modification for 131 Rantoul Street. Somes seconds the motion. The motion carries (6 -0). 4. Old/New Business Request to Install "No Parking Sign" — Intersection of Ober and Hale Street Going North — Request of Councilor Houseman Benevento reports that he talked with Councilor Houseman and recommended that he talk with the residents of the neighborhood. He explains that Councilor Houseman has not reached out to the neighbors on this matter yet and has agreed to do so. He notes that Houseman explained that the matter is a sight distance Parking & Traffic Commission Minutes November 3, 2015 Meeting Page 5of7 problem. He also explains that there is a neighborhood issue with parking for Rice's Beach and the neighbors have concerns about people dropping off for the beach and they would like that restricted. Benevento states that it is a public way and they cannot restirct drop off. He suggests that the Commission visit the site and take a look at the area. He also notes that Councilor Houseman has not submitted this matter to the City Council. Sgt. DiRuzza stated that Ober is a dead end and the signs may be faded. Benevento states that providing signage could help. The Commission will visit the site on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. 5. Approval of minutes: September 18, 2015 and October 6, 2015 The minutes of the Parking and Traffic Commission meeting held on Tuesday, September 18, 2015 and Tuesday, October 8, 2015 were presented for approval. Benevento suggested that the minutes be tabled to the next meeting. Clausen: Motion to table the approval of the minutes to the December 1, 2015 meeting. Binns seconds the motion. The motion carried (6- 0). Request for a Crosswalk at the corner of Dodge Street Benevento explains that he received a message from Councilor Martin requesting that the Commission consider a recommendation for a crosswalk at the corner of Dodge Street. Wirling Drive Benevento suggested that a letter be sent to Director of Public Services Mike Collins notifying him of the PTC recommendation to re -paint the lines and install ADA compliant ramps on Wirling Drive at the existing crosswalks. (lhPr CtrPPt Sgt. DiRuzza requested that the "No Parking Signs" on Ober Street be changed from seasonal signs to year round signs. Benevento suggests that the PTC look at that when they visit the site. Stop Sign at Overlook and Echo Avenue St. Louis will look into the status of this request. Parking & Traffic Commission Minutes November 3, 2015 Meeting Page 6 of 7 Binns expressed concern about a curb cut at the CVS on Elliott and Rantoul Street. He also noted that the intersection at Henry's Market at County Way should be a left turn only. Meeting Materials Clausen reports that the Planning Department has been doing more emailing of materials to City Boards and Commissions and asked how members feel about that practice. Benevento states that he has no problem with it as long as hard copies of the materials are available at the meetings. 6. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. 7. Adjournment Benevento asks if there is any additional business for the Commission to conduct. There is none. Binns: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Clausen. All members in favor, motion carries 7 -0. The meeting is adjourned at 10:00 a.m. Parking & Traffic Commission Minutes November 3, 2015 Meeting Page 7 of 7