PTC 2 6 2018 MinutesBeverly Parking and Traffic Commission
Minutes
February 6, 2 018
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: February b, 2018
LOCATION: Conference Room B Third Floor City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Richard Benevento, City Planner Aaron Clausen,
George Binns, Sgt. Antonio DiRuzza, Police Department,
Captain Chris Halloran, Fire Department, John Somes,
John Lozada and DPS Director Mike Collins
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Lisa Chandler, Staff Engineer, Councilor David Lang
RECORDER: Eileen Sacco
1. Benevento calls the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
2. Recommendation to Planning Board: Open Space & Residential Design (OSRD), Site
Plan #10 -17 and Definitive Plan Application — 20,30 & 40 Webster Avenue — Benco,
LLC
Jesse Blanchette of Griffin Engineering was present at the meeting on behalf of the
applicant, Benco LLC. He explains that they conducted a field analysis on Webster Avenue
which provides access to the proposed residential subdivision at 20, 30, and 40 Webster
Avenue (Hickory Hill Lane).
Blanchette explains that the proposed project consists of constructing an approximately 750
— foot long dead -end private roadway that will intersect with Webster Avenue at a three -
way intersection. He notes that the proposed roadway will be constructed in conformance
with OSRD regulations and will be 24 feet wide. He also notes that waivers have been
requested from certain design specifications. The proposed roadway will serve the existing
multi - family dwelling, (5 units) at 20 Webster Ave., and three new two - family residences
and three new single - family residences.
Blanchette explains the existing conditions of the site and notes that Webster Avenue is a
1,350 feet long, two -Iane local road that generally runs in north -south direction. He notes
that it connects with Greenwood Avenue to the north and Haskell Street to the south. He
reports that there are stop signs at both ends of Webster Avenue and notes that photos of the
existing conditions of the area are included in the packet that was submitted.
Blanchette explains that in addition to the subject properties at 20, 30, and 40 Webster
Avenue, the road provides access to 15 single family homes on Webster Avenue and one
multi family residence at the corner of Webster and Haskell Street. He reports that
observed traffic volumes are generally very low and notes that there is no posted speed
limit. He also notes that the Glen Urquhart School and the North Shore Nursery School are
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located on Greenwood Avenue and a portion of the school traffic uses Webster Avenue. He
explains that the proposed project is small and will have no impact on the overall traffic
operation in the area, noting that the project is estimated to generate S additional vehicle
trips in the morning and 6 additional trips in the evening commuter peak hour.
Blanchette reviewed the conditions of the road and explained that bituminous curbing and a
sidewalk exists along the cast side of the roadway length and catch basins and drainage
structures exist at the low points. He also explained that site distances and the impacts that
the proposed project would have on the existing traffic.
Blanchette reviews their proposed traffic mitigation measures and notes that the existing
conditions on Webster Avenue do not fully conform to the current City of Beverly design
standards for local roads but are consistent with similar roadways in the City and the road
appears to functioning adequately.
Blanchette explains that they are proposing a stop sign for the new road and notes that
adequate sight lines exist, but they are proposing to improve visibility at the proposed
intersection by removing the existing hedge row of hemlock trees along Webster Avenue.
Benevento asked if sidewalks will be installed for people to access to the end of the road.
Blanchette states that they did not think it was necessary noting that there is a generous
roadway.
Lozada states that there will be more movement in the area than what is currently
happening going in and out:
Benevento asks if there will be granite curbing on one side of the street. Blanchette
reported that they are proposing granite curbing on both sides of the street.
Binns questions if there is any pedestrian egress. Blanchette explains that there is a cart
path that will be maintained to provide pedestrian access.
Clausen notes that this will be a nice connection to the Greenbelt property.
Lozada notes that there is a steep grade and he would be concerned about people using
wheelchairs if they need to.
Halloran stated that the Fire Department has met with them and have requested that they
install two hydrants and that the buildings have sprinklers.
Clausen requested that they extend the sidewalks for the three single family houses.
Benevento agreed noting that there is no lighting and he is concerned about safety.
Blanchette explains that there is a narrow common driveway and they could include a
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sidewalk.
Halloran notes that there is 18 feet with the gravel and he would like to see it kept at 20 feet
for the fire truck access.
Benevento asks if there is anyone present at the meeting who would like to speak on this
matter. There was no response.
There being no further questions or comments from the Parking and Traffic Commission
Benevento asked for a motion.
Binns: Motion to recommend approval of the application to the Planning Board and
that the applicant provide access for a common driveway to the east side of
Webster with a connection to provide continuity of the sidewalk, and the
sidewalk will be extended to the new single family homes. Clausen seconds
the motion. The motion carries (7 -0).
3, Recommendation to Planning Board: Site Plan Review Application #133 -17 -
40 and 100 Sam Fonzo Drive - Construction of Commercial Office and
Warehouse on Existing Vacant Lot - Fonzo Realty LLC
Vaclav Talacko of Hancock Associates addresses the Commission on behalf of Fonzo
Realty LLC. He explains that they are proposing to construct a commercial office and
warehouse on an existing vacant lot with parking and utility services.
He explains that the property is owned by Fonzo Realty LLC and they have a
manufacturing business next door to the site. He explains that they are proposing a
46,000 s.f. building. He notes that they had an approval of an addition to their
building that was never pursued and they are now proposing a separate building.
Talacko explains that the access to the site will be a 24 foot driveway and notes that
the entrance elevation is 80 feet, noting that the previous elevation was 67. He
states that the sight distance is good and explains the circulation for trucks on the
site.
Talacko explains that they met with representatives of the Planning Department and
they requested that the island be extended. He also notes that the Fire Department
requested a fire hydrant.
Talacko explains that they expect the traffic in the area to increase by 45 -60 trips per
day. He also explains that they are proposing 125 parking spaces with handicapped
parking.
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Benevento asks if there are sidewalks on both sides of Sam Fonzo Drive. Talacko
explains that there is a sidewalk on one side of the street and notes that they have
not seen many people walking up there.
Collins states that when the weather is nice there are a lot of people walking during
lunch, etc.
Halloran states that the Fire Department has requested a hydrant on the property.
Collins states that they can work on that and it should not be a problem.
Lozada notes that there is a lot of parking proposed and asks how many employees
they expect. Talacko states that they do not have a numher at this time. He
estimated that it could be 75 including the office staff.
Benevento asks if they are proposing any accommodations for bike storage on the
property noting that the City has adopted a Complete Streets Policy. Talacko stated
that they could include bike storage in the plans.
Clausen notes that this is a spec building and questions if they are planning to sell
the building to Aero Manufacturing or are they going to lease it. Talacko states that
he does not know what they are going to do but notes that it is going to be half
warehouse space and half office space and there will be no manufacturing on this
site.
Clausen also notes that the existing building has too much parking and suggests that
it might be worth it to look into shared parking with both buildings. Talacko
explains that he would rather not get into easements and shared parking noting that
he has reservations about it.
Benevento asks if there is anyone present who wishes to comment on this matter.
There was no response. There being no further questions or comments from the
members of the Commission, Benevento called for a motion.
Clausen: Motion to recommend approval to the Planning Board with the
condition that the applicant include bicycle parking and storage area
to accommodate bikes. Binns seconds the motion. The motion carries
(7 -0).
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4. Recommendation to Planning Board- Site Plan Review Application #134 -18 — 268B
Cabot Street — Construct Five Story, Mixed Use Addition to Rear and Above
Existing Commercial Building — Overlook Cabot, LLC
Atton Miranda Gooding of Glovsky Counselors at Law is present for the applicant,
Overlook Cabot, LLC. Gooding explains that she is joined this morning by Scott
Cameron, the Engineer for the project. She further notes that the owner, Peter Lutts is
unable to be here this morning.
Gooding explains that they are proposing to construct a five story, mixed use addition to
the rear and above the existing commercial building located at 268B Cabot Street,
currently occupied by Atomic Cafe. She explains that the addition will be for 9 units of
housing consisting of 7 — 2 bedroom units and 2 — 1 bedroom units. She reviews the
location of the addition on the plans for the Commission.
Gooding notes that the team is working with the Design Review Board to coordinate the
fagade of the new building in relation to the existing building.
Gooding explains that the proposed parking for the site will include 16 parking spaces and
will be provided by a permanent easement at a private off - street parking area located at 5
Knowlton Street which is currently owned by the applicant and is located within 500 feet
of the project, in accordance with zoning off-street parking regulations. She also explains
that the parking requirements for the commercial space are satisfied by the proximity to
the municipal parking lot and parking within the frontage.
Benevento asks if the parking area at 5 Knowlton is currently servicing any business.
Gooding states that the property is no longer a funeral home and there are currently 6
units of housing there. She explains that an easement will be granted to the residents of
the new building on Cabot Street.
Gooding introduces Scott Cameron to review the plan.
Cameron reviews the plans with the Commission and notes the entrance on the ground
floor to service both the residents and the commercial space. He notes that they are
planning for outdoor seating for the Atomic Cafe. He also reviews the elevations of the
building.
Cameron reported that there would be no change to the parking in the back of the
building, noting that there are currently five spaces and they will be restriping thefn in the
project. He also notes the location of the trash room and the building egress.
Cameron also notes that a fire protection gas main will be installed on Cabot Street. He
also explains that the water is on the opposite side of Cabot Street and notes that they
have been advised to coordinate with the City on the installation of the utilities due to
pending work on Cabot Street.
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Benevento asks if there is the potential for any lost parking spaces in the municipal
parking lot. Cameron states that there will be no spaces lost, however there is the
potential to lose one space far the relocation of a transformer by National Grid.
Cameron explains that there will be 24 striped parking spaces at 5 Knowlton Street and
notes that there will be 26 parking spaces in total.
Cameron reports that they are proposing the temporary closure of the public lot for site
prep and a staging area. He explains that they expect construction to take 12 months but
they are hoping for it to be slightly shorter. He also states that there will be some
temporary closures on Cabot Street for the installation of the utilities.
Cameron explains that they will be offering parking at 5 Knowlton Street during the
utility installation and appropriate signage will be visible.
Gooding explains that it is intended for employees to use the parking at 5 Knowlton to
accommodate the loss of municipal parking.
Lisa Chandler, Staff Engineer, states that they need to fully repave and restore Cabot
Street at the completion of the utility installation.
Clausen states that he would like to see them stagger the timing on the parking closures
and questions if the parking in the back will be for 12 months. Cameron states that they
will need the space for all of the contractors.
Benevento states that contractor parking needs to be designated for the duration of the
project. Cameron states that Artisan of Middleton is the general contractor and they will
coordinate that. He suggests that they would need 5 spaces in the municipal lot and 5
spaces behind Bogie's.
Clausen states that he could support that contingent on the parking at 5 Knowlton for the
employees and potentially additional parking for others as well. He also notes that the
City hopes to start the Cabot project this summer noting that they are waiting to hear
about a grant and they will need to coordinate on that for the utilities installation.
Clausen asks if they are providing storage space within the building for bicycles.
Gooding states that she will follow up on that noting that they should be able to
accommodate that.
Sgt DiRuzza asks if the entrance to the building will be on Cabot Street. Cameron states
there will be an entrance on Cabot Street.
Holloran confirms that fire access is in the back of the building.
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Benevento suggests a condition that the pedestrian access and egress needs to be approved
by the Fire Department.
Lozado questions if there are handicapped parking spaces at 5 Knowlton Street. Gooding
states that she will look into it. She notes that there is parking for a van behind the
building that needs to be restriped.
Binns questions if there will be private parking in the public lot. Gooding explains that
there is currently assigned parking for 270 Cabot Street and she does not anticipate that
changing.
Benevento asks if they anticipate closing the sidewalk during the utilities installation.
Cameron states that they will and they will have to have a plan for a pedestrian access
route during the closure.
Benevento also notes that there is a lot of pedestrian activity in the area at night and on
weekends and states that they need to have proper signage and it will need to be reviewed
by the Parking and Traffic Commission.
Collins notes that the City has a process for the closure of sidewalks and the loss of
parking during construction that they will have to comply with; and prior to construction,
they will have to get the necessary permits.
Benevento asks if there is anyone present who wishes to comment on this matter.
There was no response. There being no further questions or comments from the
members of the Commission, Benevento called for a motion.
Binns: Motion to recommend approval to the Planning Board. Clausen
seconds the motion. The motion carries (7 -0).
5. Signal Warrants- Elliot Street at Echo Avenue
Benevento reviews the traffic counts and the warrant study that was done for Elliott
Street and Echo Avenue. He reported that the data shows that the warrant criteria was
met once for one hour and that does not suggest that there is a need for a traffic signal at
Echo Avenue.
He also notes that the current signal at the Starbucks does not meet the criteria as well as
determined by the Cummings' study done.
He notes that we need a solution and states that the Federal Highway Department has
banned the use of rapid flashing beacons and MA DOT is currently preparing a guide on
that and further notes that we can keep what we have but we cannot install any others at
this time.
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Collins states that this is a hard challenge to meet noting that if we remove the traffic
signal at Starbucks it will impact the residents of Fairweather that use the light to cross to
get to the convenience store.
Benevento reports that there was a council order submitted last night for funding for the
light. He suggests that approriate signage be installed at Echo Ave.
Collins notes that Echo Avenue is an already established school zone.
Clausen states that he would like to see a plan to review. Benevento agrees that
documentation is needed.
Collins states that the roadway has to be repaved and they will be able to restripe the area.
Lang states that he feels that it is critical to solve this issue noting that the City is
encouraaging more kids to walk to school.
6. Parking on County Way — Sgt. DiRuzza
Sgt. DiRuzza reports that there has been an increase in legally parked cars on the street
since the hair salon opened. He notes that the owners are telling people not to block
driveways, etc., but he is getting calls.
Councilor Lang notes that in the last three or four weeks it has gotten better but he thinks
that stricter enforcement would help.
It was noted that years ago there was one chair in the shop and now there are six.
Benevento states that unless people are parking illegally it is difficult to restrict parking
on a public street.
Collins questions if the City should restrict parking to one side of the street.
Benevento notes that the neighbors have to be consulted on the suggestion to limit
parking to one side of the street.
Jessica Palm reported that the majority of the clients are parking in front of her house and
she is having trouble getting in and out of the driveway at times.
Benevento suggests that parking could be restricted during business hours.
Collins asks how many residents park on the street. Palm reported that a lot of people
have two cars and some park on the street.
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Clausen pointed out that the Building Commissior will review zoning compliance at the
time of building permit application. He states that he will look confirm what the
determination was when the building permit was issued relative to parking.
Benevento states that there needs to be additional conversations with the neighbors. He
suggested that Councilor Lang may want to communicate with other property owners on
County Way as a restriction would could have an impact on others further up the street if
a restriction were to be put into place.
7. Butman Street Intersection and Parking Issues — Councilor Houseman
The Commission tabled this matter to the next meeting.
Halloran left the meeting at this time.
8. Election of Chair and Vice Chair of the Parking and Traffic Comm_ ission for the
Year 2018
Binns nominated Richard Benevento to serve as Chair of the Parking and Traffic
Commission for the year 2018. Sgt. DiRuzza seconded the motion. The motion carried
(5 -0 -1) with Benevento abstaining.
Binns nominated Aaron Clausen to serve as Vice Chair of the Parking and Traffic
Commission for the year 2018. Lozado seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0 -1)
with Clausen abstaining.
9. Approval of Minutes
The Commission tabled the approval of the minutes to the next meeting.
10. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Parking and Traffic Commission this
morning, Binns moves to adjourn the meeting. DiRuzza seconds the motion. The motion
carries (5 -0).
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
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