PTC Minutes 11 8 16Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission
Minutes
November 8, 2016
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
1
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: November 8, 2016
LOCATION: Conference Room B Third Floor City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Richard Benevento, City Planner Aaron Clausen,
Vice Chair, George Binns, John Somes, Richard
Hutchinson, Sgt. Antonio DiRuzza
MEMBERS ABSENT
Captain Chris Halloran, Fire Department
OTHERS PRESENT: Greg St. Louis, City Engineer
RECORDER: Eileen Sacco
Benevento calls the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
2. Continued: Recommendation to Planning Board: Special Permit Application #151 -16
and Site Plan Review Application #125 -16 — Construct 6- Story, Mixed Use Building
with 67 Apartment Units with Commercial/Retail Use on the First Floor —112 Rantoul
Street — Barnat Beverly LLC
Barnat addresses the Commission and reports that the MBTA has reviewed the signage for
the site regarding the MBTA garage. She also reported that the Planning Board has
requested that the retail portion of the project be expanded to include 500 s.f more retail
space on the first floor which would be an increase to 5,000 s.f with the hopes of including
additional seating and a walkway.
Barnat explains that the use of the seven (7) outside parking spaces in the front of the
building is coming to fruition. She also notes that it was suggested to drop the drive aisle to
provide a pedestrian area and loading area. She explains that the MBTA is happy with the
setup now noting that it provides for internal and external queuing lanes.
Barnat explains that the rear portion of the garage is a precast concrete panel and they
would cut into that to provide access. She notes that they will lose one (1) parking space to
the pedestrian access and allow a clear path to the buildings. She notes the location of the
pedestrian access and the crosswalks on the plan.
Benevento asks for clarification of the drop off area in the back of the building noting that
there would be no access to the retail and the street in front of the building.
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City Engineer Greg St. Louis suggests that they should provide signage and lights on the
face of the building. Barnat states that they will work that out with the MBTA.
Benevento states that he is concerned about the maneuvering of the trash truck explaining
that assuming the truck is coming from the north it will cross the double yellow lines.
Barnat states that they are meeting with the trash consultant service to discuss the
management of the trash pickup and access.
Benevento questions how often the trash pickup will be. Barnat states that they will be 2 or
3 times per week. Benevento stressed that trash collection cannot take place during peak
hours on the site.
Barnat reported that they will be making a big push with residents on alternative
transportation options noting the location of the MBTA station and the advantages of using
public transportation. She also notes that they are looking at providing incentives such as
free T passes for the first month and providing pedestrian amenities such as bike racks and
bike storage.
Sam Gregorio addresses the Commission and reports that they looked at the Railroad
Avenue and Rantoul Street level of service and reported that it is a LOS B. He notes that
Rantoul Street going East is a LOS D. He also notes that River Street and Pleasant Street is
a LOS A or B noting that the challenges are safety related.
Gregorio reported that there is no under decking lighting at Railroad and Bridge Street and
the sidewalk is not ADA compliant. He explains that there are things that can be done and
notes that reconstructing the sidewalk between Court Street and River Street would cost an
estimated $38,000. He also notes that he has submitted a memo outlining other safety
options for the city to consider.
Gregorio suggests that they would be willing to make a financial contribution for the city to
fund planning of the improvements as part of a larger project. Benevento states that with all
due respect to his colleagues, he does not have much confidence that the city would do that
and notes that it would take a lot of contributions to fund such a project. He notes that this
is about project development and seeing improvements in the city as a part of that.
Benevento opens the meeting up to questions and comments from the Parking and Traffic
Commission members.
Clausen questions if the trash pickup would take place during early morning hours (6 -8:30
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a.m.). Barnat states that they would schedule the trash pickup during the off peak hours at
mid -day. Clausen states that he feels that mid -day would be challenging as well and states
he would prefer an alternative.
Clausen states that the parking ordinance governing the proposed 7 spaces in the front of
the building intended for those spaces to be time restricted parking. He stated that he would
prefer to see the space metered or time restricted at the very least.
St. Louis explains that meters are an antiquated method of collecting parking fees and notes
that ideally he would like to move to a kiosk system of payment.
Clausen suggests that the Commission condition the on- street parking to be consistent with
the City of Beverly Parking Plan.
Attorney Alexander states that the suggestion of parking kiosks could be a suggestion to the
city but the request is outside of what the applicant can do.
Clausen referred to the proposed bicycle parking on the site and questions what they are
proposing. Barnat states that there is a huge cage in the garage that is not being utilized
very much and she has had some discussion with the MBTA regarding the use of it. She
states that she would like to find some space on the ground floor internal to the site and
notes the bike access on the plan.
Clausen states that he thinks that it would make sense for the residents and employees to
have access to the cage in the garage as a supplement to what the project is providing. He
questions how many bike spaces are in the garage. Barnat states that it looks like there are
about 50 spaces in the garage and they could probably design for 12 -14 spaces inside the
building. She notes that 10 of them would have to be designated for the MBTA.
Clausen states that the Transportation Demand Management Plan has valuable tools that can
be used and notes that some people will move to the location because of the location of the
train station. He also notes that the idea of offering a one -month free pass to the MBTA is a
really good idea. He suggested that they should join the TMA noting that they have some
good suggestions.
Sgt. DiRuzza stated that he agrees that the trash collection should occur during off -peak
hours. Somes states that he agrees with that as well.
Binns suggests using smaller dump trucks for trash collection during off -peak hours and
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have more frequent pickups.
St. Louis suggests that they include a barrier down the column line or a raised center line
and a barrier. Benevento suggests that they install a planter. He also states that he would
like to see a canopy connecting the building to the garage.
St. Louis notes the inclusion of a dog run and suggests that they inform the residents that
the dogs need to be licensed with the city.
Barnat states that the interior build out of the site will be done in accordance with the needs
of the retail space.
Benevento asks where the retail deliveries will be located. Barnat explains that one or two
spaces on street will be designated as a delivery area for 1 -2 hours per day and businesses
will have to coordinate their deliveries as much as possible.
Benevento states that there are a lot of things still up in the air regarding this plan that are
not resolved. He notes that he is still concerned about River Street and Pleasant Street
noting that the applicant has proposed a contribution of $38,000. He questions how they
arrived at that figure and if the Planning and Engineering Department are in agreement with
that.
Atty. Alexander states that he thinks that they could come up with a suggested contribution.
He reviews the suggested conditions discussed this morning and notes that they can agree to
a condition regarding no trash collections between the hours of 7 -9 a.m. or 4 -6 p.m. and
agree to the recommendation to the city that they identify 2 spaces in the front of the
building for loading zones from 7 -9 a.m.
Benevento states that he can agree to that loading time noting that he is interested in
keeping Rantoul Street working properly.
Barnat states that with regards to the suggested planter island they also have a ramp in that
area as well.
St. Louis notes that the 15 foot area outdoors will have to be ADA accessible. He also
states that he would not put a ramp in the driveway and suggests that it could be designed as
a sidewalk through the driveway. He also suggests that they could have a stop bar and a
crosswalk. He questions if there is space for a crosswalk.
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Gregorio states that they could reconsider both ramps at the corners but would need to talk
to the owners at Auto Parts International about employee parking.
Atty. Alexander cautioned the Commission to keep in mind that they are making a monetary
contribution to the city to do improvements.
St. Louis states that his comments were intended for solutions should the city not accept the
money and the applicant needs to make improvements.
Clausen states that the proposed contribution would be valuable to the city to allow them to
look at the intersections.
Clausen states that he would suggest a condition that a traffic control plan dealing with the
construction phase of the project should be submitted to the Parking and Traffic
Commission prior to the start of construction. Barnat states that they have to submit a plan
to the MBTA as well.
Clausen: Motion to recommend approval of the Site Plan Review and Special Permit
for 112 Rantoul Street with following suggested conditions:
1. That a minimum of 12 bicycle parking spaces be provided inside the building.
2. Solid waste removal shall not take place between the hours of 7 -9 a.m. and 4 -6 p.m.
3. A waste management plan shall be submitted to the Parking and Traffic Commission
4. A Transportation Demand Management Plan shall be instituted informing residents of
transportation alternatives and the possibility of offering incentives
5. Identify the loading and restricted parking spaces in the front of the building for two
hours from 7 -9 a.m.
6. Develop and submit a Construction Management Plan to the Parking and Traffic
Commission prior to the start of construction.
7. A contribution of $38,000 for improvements to Pleasant Street/River Street intersection
shall be submitted at the time the building permit is approved.
Binns suggested an amendment to include a minimum number of trips for solid waste
collection be included in the condition. Clausen agreed.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter, Benevento called for a
vote on the motion made by Clausen and seconded by Binns. A vote was taken and the
motion carried (5 -1) with Benevento opposed.
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3. Recommendation to Planning Board: Special Permit Application #152 -16 and Site
Atty. Miranda Gooding addresses the Commission and explains that she is joined this
morning by Steve Drohosky, General Manager of Cummings Properties, Jerry Petrillo, Rod
Emery of Jacobs Engineering, and Jonathan ?.
Atty. Gooding explains that the five acre parcel is owned by Cummings Properties and the
proposed project will be purchased as a condominium. She states that the proposed project
is for an Assisted Living Facility with 118 units for 90 seniors and 28 units for a special
memory care unit. She further explains that they are proposing a four -story building with
associated common space and office space for the administration. She also reported that
there will be 6,000 s.f of commercial space and they envision perhaps a day care facility
and a cafe to service the building.
Atty. Gooding explains that the access to the site is off Dunham Road on an existing
driveway and a parking garage. She notes that they are seeking a special permit to allow
the proposed parking ratio.
Atty. Gooding states that Beverly zoning does not have a parking requirement for assisted
living facilities and states that they are using .46% in keeping with other common uses. She
reviews the site plan for the site. She explains that they are proposing three (3) buildings on
the site and explains that they are proposing a five -story parking garage, and the proposed
building for the assisted living facility and (at ?) 55 Dunham Road which is presently under
construction.
Atty. Gooding explains the proposed parking and notes that there will be parking on the
ground floor with 54 spaces and 2 handicapped parking spaces. She notes that additional
surface parking for the commercial use could be available depending on the use of the space
noting that once they know what that is they will be better able to determine that.
Atty. Gooding reports that Rod Emery of Jacobs Engineering has done an analysis of the
traffic impact on Dunham Road. She reports that they found that there will be significantly
less traffic because of the assisted living use and it provides a beneficial mix up for 50
Dunham Road noting that the use is allowed by right.
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Rod Emery addresses the Commission and states that the proposal for this project reflects
the already permitted projects in the area. He reviews the traffic counts that he did and
estimated the trip generations for this site to be 500 trips, noting 18 during peak hours and
30 trips in the afternoon. He notes that a signal is not needed and just widening the road
will help.
Benevento states that improvements need to be done in that area and notes that once the
buildings are up and occupied we will have problems if the improvements are not done.
Clausen notes that there were conditions regarding improvements imposed on the last
project for the widening of Brimbal Avenue and Dunham Road as well as an additional
contribution to help with signalization of the intersection in the future. He also noted that
they did not wish to pursue the widening of Brimbal Avenue and Dunham Road in
conjunction with the Brimbal Avenue project and were looking to do it in the spring.
St. Louis reports that the city is working on this with the state contract because a state
highway permit is needed.
Clausen states that his thought process on this would be to analyze this once the building is
complete. He notes that the widening of Dunham Road will take place in the spring.
St. Louis suggests that they could install the conduit of full depth to tie the state highway to
Dunham Road. He notes that signalization will be part of the analysis.
Drohosky states that they contributed $300,000 for the widening of the road and the
signalization and they would like to see the signal installed.
Clausen reviews conditions of approval.
Benevento states that it is unlikely that MA DOT will review the plans unless we are ready
to build something and notes that it will need a round of comments and changes etc. from
DOT. He notes that a functional design report and full warrant analysis will have to be
done for the signal and suggests that it should be done in the beginning. He notes that at
the very least we should have a functional design report and plans sufficient to submit.
Emery states that the plans submitted to the Commission are sufficient to submit to DOT.
Clausen states that the functional design report should be done before any more work is
done at this point.
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Drohosky states that he disagrees noting that they have had several meetings crafting this
plan. He also notes that they submitted their payment and have advocated for the
improvements. He states that he feels that they have done what has been asked to do and
the city needs to find a way to execute the project.
Clausen questions if the additional 6,000 s.f of commercial space is included in the traffic
analysis. Emery states that the commercial space is included as well as the office space.
Drohosky states that this is a terrific project for the site and the city. He further notes that
the city wants housing for seniors and this is an out of state company that is proposing to
do a first class project.
Discussion was held regarding the possibility of an overpass. Clausen states that there does
not appear to be a funding source for the overpass. It was noted that it would be needed for
full build out of the site.
Benevento states that $328,000 was contributed and questions if that is enough to permit
and build the improvements needed and if so he is fine with that. Drohosky agreed and
states that he would like to see the widening of Dunham Road and the signalization
installed. He states that if additional funds are needed it was his understanding that the city
would pay for it.
Clausen states that there was a contribution from CEA Group which will most likely be
used for Budleigh and Dodge Street.
Clausen asks if the traffic analysis looked at the impact of the roundabouts on Brimbal
Avenue. Emery states that they did not look at that.
Benevento states that the project as proposed will have less of an impact than what could
go there. He notes that he always looks at a composite of how all this stuff works and the
proposed improvements will benefit the public. He states that we need to get to a point
where we are comfortable and widening and installing the signalization is a start. He states
that we need to go through the MA DOT vetting process and the next step is a functional
design report. He notes that it appears that the burden at this point is on the city.
Atty. Gooding states that the discussion is all around the prior conditions of approval for
the property and notes that this proposal is for a minimal use in terms of impact.
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Benevento agreed but states that in the composite there is a lot of stuff happening in the
area.
Drohosky states that at the time of the donation it looked like it was going to be enough and
he feels that it is unfair to consider this issue with this application.
Clausen notes that the additional analysis of the intersection needs to be done for MA DOT.
Drohosky states that he would like to see that process happen without impacting this
application.
Clausen suggests that the warrant analysis should be done 6 months after completion of this
project. Emery agreed noting that it does not make sense to do it now and explains that
they are usually intended for post construction.
Atty. Gooding states that the applicant wants to make Beverly their first assisted living
facility and she understands the city's predicament and limited resources but urged the
Commission to consider the application before them. She also notes that they are under a
tight time frame to get the approvals for the project.
Binns suggests that the Commission approve the project presented.
Clausen notes that they are proposing 54 parking spaces on the ground floor and notes that
it includes parking for 6,000 s.f of an unknown use for the commercial space.
Atty. Gooding noted that the maximum number of employees for the assisted living facility
will be 26 per shift.
Benevento questions the location of the delivery area, trash compactor etc. Atty. Gooding
explains the location of the loading dock and the enclosed dumpster.
Benevento asks if there are any further questions from members of the Commission.
Somes states that he thinks that this is a great project for the community. He also states that
he agrees that the improvements need to be done in the area, but he does not see this project
generating much traffic.
Clausen states that the Fire Department has reviewed the project and has no concerns.
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Clausen suggests that they include indoor bicycle parking and storage for employees and a
TDM plan should be provided for employees. He also notes that the North Shore Music
Theater should be part of that as well.
Clausen: Motion to recommend approval of the Site Plan Review and the Special
Permit application for 50 Dunham Road. Binns seconds the motion with the
following conditions for recommendation to the Planning Board:
1. Five bicycle parking spaces shall be provided within the building for employees.
2. Transportation Demand Management Plan shall be submitted prior to Certificate of
Occupancy is issued.
The motion carries (6 -0).
Clausen left the meeting at this time.
4. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Planning Board meetings held on August 9, 2016 and September 6,
2016 , and October 4, 2016 were presented for approval.
Binns: Motion to approve the minutes of the August 9, 2016 meeting as amended.
Hutchinson seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0).
Binns: Motion to approve the minutes of the September 6, 2016 meeting as
amended. Somes seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0).
Binns: Motion to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2016 meeting as amended.
Hutchinson seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0).
5 Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission will be held on December 6,
2016 at 8 30 a.m.
6. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Parking and Traffic Commission this
morning, Binns moves to adjourn the meeting. Somes seconds the motion. The motion
carries (6 -0).
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
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