PTC August MinutesBeverly Parking and Traffic Commission
Minutes
August 8, 2017
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: August 8, 2017
LOCATION: Conference Room B Third Floor City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Richard Benevento, City Planner Aaron Clausen,
Vice Chair, George Binns, Captain Chris Holleran, Fire
Department, John Lozada
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sgt. Antonio DiRuzza, Police Department, John Somes,
Mike Collins
OTHERS PRESENT: Greg St. Louis, City Engineer, Lisa Chandler, Engineering
Department, Robin Foster, Chamber of Commerce
RECORDER: Eileen Sacco
1. Benevento calls the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
2. 60 River Street — Parkine Issues
Benevento explains that the Commission received correspondence from Jeffery Stanett a
resident of 11 Colgate Road Street, regarding the concerns about parking on River Street.
He explains that Mr. Stanett and his neighbor Richard Desmond are concerned about
dangerous traffic and visibility in front of 60 River Street, specifically the lack of
oncoming traffic visibility when exiting the driveway of 60 River Street.
Mr. Stanett noted in his letter that Moynihan Lumber and National Grid are able to
provide vehicles exiting their driveways,with a clear view of the road and of approaching
vehicles. He noted that there are three parking spaces to the left of the driveway that
obstruct the view of oncoming vehicles and make merging onto River Street dangerous,
further noting that when exiting very carefully, one has to be well into the street before
they can attempt to make a left turn.
Mr. Stanett detailed incidents in the area and traffic accidents in his letter as well as the
difficulty of the situation for himself and Mr. Desmond and requested that the three
parking spaces to the left of the driveway be eliminated.
Benevento explains that the conditions described exist all over the city and if the City is
proposes to eliminate parking there needs to be a buy in from the neighbors.
Clausen states that he visited the site and did not see any problems. Holleran agreed
noting that he also visited the site and didn't see any problems.
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Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission
Minutes
August 8, 2017
Benevento questions if there is anything that can be done to slow down the traffic in the
area of River House.
Clausen notes that River Street is often used as a cut through and the proposed Bridge
Street 1 River Street traffic signal should help the situation a lot.
St. Louis notes that there has been a temporary increase in traffic volume with the Rantoul
Street reconstruction and when that wraps up in November we should see a difference.
He recommended waiting until that project is complete and see how it is before making
any changes.
Benevento agreed and suggested that the Commission recommend no action at this time.
Lozada states that he also received correspondence from a resident regarding the lack of
parking. Benevento noted that during the construction of the parking garage there were
discussions about parking in the area and the turn over of the parking in the surface lots.
Clausen reported that the City will be doing a parking survey.
4. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Parking and Traffic Commission meeting held on April 4, 2017 and
May 2, 2017, and June 13, 2017 were presented for approval.
Binns Motion to approve the minutes of the April 4, 2017 and June 13, 2017
minutes as amended. Lozada seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0).
5. Old/New Business
Benevento explains that there was a parking plan done in 2012 for downtown parking and
noted that changes proposed for a one way street by Windover and other changes will result
in some amendments to the plan.
Clausen also reported that the MBTA garage had some no parking striping in front of the
garage that they felt were needed for access to the garage, however they have found that no
parking in that area is not necessary and the City would like to reclaim those spaces.
Benevento asked why there are so many handicapped parking spaces on Rantoul Street. St.
Louis agreed that there are too many handicapped spaces and explains he suspects that
there was a typo in the plans that resulted in the large number of spaces and they will be
addressing that. He notes that there are presently 10 spaces in 1,000 feet.
Clausen explains that the parking plan recommends zones and various fees for parking and
residential zones with time limits. He also notes that it does not designate locations of
handicapped spaces.
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Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission
Minutes
August 8, 2017
Benevento noted that there should be a certain number of handicapped parking spaces
along the corridor.
Lozada stated that there are guidelines from MA DOT and Federal regulations as well.
Benevento stated that the City Council needs to approve traffic rules and ordinances and if
there is a change to reflect these handicapped spaces the Council would need to approve
that.
Clausen notes that Flourish Bake Shop at 95 Rantoul Street is concerned about parking and
Benevento suggests that Clausen respond to them and advise them that the City will be
reviewing the parking in the area.
Clausen reviewed projects that will be coming to the Parking and Traffic Commission at
upcoming meetings. He also explained that there is a proposed OSRD Site Plan for
Webster Avenue for a 9 lot subdivision.
Lozada reported that the shutdown of the MBTA train service has gone well and there have
been very few complaints.
6. Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission will be held on Tuesday,
September 5, 2017 at 8:30 a.m.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Parking and Traffic Commission this
morning, Binns moves to adjourn the meeting. Hollaran seconds the motion. The motion
carries (5 -0).
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.
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