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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 Page 1 of 9 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes February 6, 2018 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 Page 2 of 9 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes February 6, 2018 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. Page 3 of 9 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes February 6, 2018 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). Page 4 of 9 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes February 6, 2018 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. Page 5 of 9 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes February 6, 2018 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. Page 6 of 9 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes February 6, 2018 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. Page 7 of 9 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes February 6, 2018 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. Page 8 of 9 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes February 6, 2018 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. Page 9 of 9