Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts

WELLESLEY PLANNING BOARD

REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS

MONDAY, MAY 5, 2008, 7:30 p.m.

PLANNING BOARD OFFICE AND GREAT HALL - TOWN HALL

Present: Mr. Frisardi, Ms. Donahue, Mr. Chan, Mr. McCauley, Ms. Lehmann, ……… …. ……………………………………………………………………………Mrs. Jop, Mr. Brown.

IN THE PLANNING BOARD OFFICE

1. Interview of candidate for Planning Board Associate Member position

The Board met with Jeanne Conroy to discuss her interest in the vacant Associate Member position. Board members were offered the opportunity to ask questions about her background and interests. Ms. Conroy was offered the opportunity to ask questions of the Board members concerning the nature of the position.

As Ms. Conroy left the room the Board expressed thanks for her interest in serving with the Planning Board.

The Board discussed the three candidates for the Associate Member position. The Board expressed its appreciation for the excellent background and knowledge of the candidates and strengths each would bring to the position. Acknowledging that a recommendation of one individual over the others must be made the Board moved, seconded and voted unanimously to recommend Stephanie Wasser for the position. This will be communicated to the Board of Selectmen in advance of the joint meeting.

Board members felt that Ms. Conroy would be a natural fit for the Board of Assessors with her experience in tax law. It was suggested that in informing the two other candidates of the Board decision appreciation be expressed for the candidates interest in serving the Town and suggest that they also consider another board or committee because the Town is continually seeking very qualified people like themselves.

2. Unaccepted Street Project #28 Twitchell Street

The Board received a request from the builder, Ben Chirco, requesting release of the bond being held believing that all required street work has been completed. The Board reviewed a report from the Engineering Division stating that all work has been satisfactorily completed and recommending release of the bond.

The Board moved, seconded and voted unanimously to release the bond in full.

Brian Beisel, Jennifer Conley, Bob Davis, Jack O'Neil, Mark Paris, Dario Fauza, Peggy Griffin, Sophie Jones, Marty Kane, Raymond Capobianco, Ellen M. Davis, Dianne Sullivan, Eileen Fagan, Joachim Seemann, Mary Bowers, Steve Sykes, Katy Gibson, Bob Sechrest, Elgar Pichler, Michael Connolly, Sandra Jordan, Padg Etta Jordan, Herb Glick, Althea Glick, Dick Denning, John Buckley, Sheila Tucker, Kien Ho, Jaklyn Dextraduer, Frank DeMasi.

3. Continuation of Public Hearings - 27 Washington Street - National Development

Residential Incentive Overlay (RIO) and Project of Significant Impact (PSI)

Chairman Frisardi opened the hearing. He explained that typically the Board asks the staff to prepare an outline of a decision. He noted that likely neither the RIO or the PSI matters would be closed out tonight. He said the focus of the evening would be on the traffic mitigation program adding that it is typical in the PSI process for traffic to be the most complex element consuming the most time. He explained the role of each of the traffic consultants involved, BETA Group acting on behalf of the Town in reviewing the traffic program of the applicant, Conley Associates acting on behalf of the applicant. He said the Board of Selectmen have authority over the traffic component based on their role as highway commissioners. He said that tonight the applicant's traffic engineer and the Town's traffic engineer will both be asked to present.

Chairman Frisardi said that the Board has received emails concerning zoning issues. He said that he attempted to contact Ms. Jones and Mr. Kane today and was only able to leave messages. He offered a brief time to discuss the zoning issues. He said that he would like to limit speakers to five minutes each. The Board members will be free to ask the speakers questions if they choose.

Mr. Fauza raised a point of order. He said that the hearing was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and it is not starting until 8:00 p.m. The Board apologized.

Ms. Griffin asked if Mr. Kane could read her letter to the Board. (This letter had previously been provided to the Board and is a part of the record of the case) Mr. Kane read the letter which, among other things, questioned the Board's interpretation of allowed project density. She displayed a plan of the site showing the several districts which comprise the site. Chairman Frisardi asked Ms. Griffin what she is suggesting the Board do. Ms. Griffin responded that she is simply trying to understand the Board's zoning analysis.

Mr. Kane said that he believes that the Planning Board should address the zoning issue. He said that when he brought the zoning issue before the Board of Selectmen he was told by that Board that it is a matter for the Planning Board.

Chairman Frisardi thanked the speakers for their thoughtful comments.

Chairman Frisardi asked for any other comments about the zoning. There were none. He turned to the applicant for presentation of the traffic program.

Ms. Conley presented the traffic mitigation program on behalf of the applicant. She gave a background of their study and explained the role of the two consultants, BETA Group and her firm Conley Associates. Using slides the mitigation program was explained in detail beginning in the east with the Concord Street/Washington Street intersection and moving west. In summary the proposed mitigation program includes:

· Upgrade of the Concord Street signal with proposed east bound lane modifications;

· Elimination of parking on the Bridge (eastbound);

· River Street left turn restriction (prohibition) during a.m. and p.m. peaks;

· Improved merge taper westbound beyond the bridge;

· Various pedestrian safety improvements including curb extensions, "bump outs";

· Pedestrian actuated flashing signal at crosswalk;

· Sight line improvement at Mica Lane via curb extensions;

· Four new on-street spaces at site;

· Eastbound left turn bay at site;

· Space elimination near site drive;

· New signal at Glen Road

· "Don't Block Intersection" signs and pavement striping at Ledyard & Columbia;

· On-street space elimination at Columbia;

· Extend all red time at new signal to facilitate side street exiting;

Ms. Conley said there would be follow-up monitoring reports (6 months and 12 months after full occupancy). She mentioned that the applicant is prepared to offer a series of TDM measures but these were not discussed.

Mr. Ho provided additional details concerning the improvements at the Concord Street intersection. He discussed the River Street intersection, its crash rate and the rationale for the left turn restriction. He said the initial suggestion of a signal at River Street was rejected.

Ms. Donahue asked about the origin of the northbound River Street traffic. Mr. Ho indicated a substantial portion continues to the Mass Turnpike.

There was discussion of the left turn restriction. Chairman Frisardi suggested that drivers may not observe the restriction. Mr. Ho said that would be an enforcement matter but felt after an adjustment period drivers will obey the rule. Ms. Conley said the follow-up study will report on the success of it.

Mr. Ho described the pedestrian safety consideration in the "Central Section" of the study area. There was discussion of the "linking" or coordination of the signals. The traffic engineers agreed that the distance between the signals and number of access points eliminates any benefit of coordinating Concord Street with the new Glen Road signal.

Ms. Donahue suggested that there be discussion separately of each section (easterly - Concord Street to #1 Washington Street driveway; central - #1 Washington Street driveway to site driveway; westerly - site driveway to Glen Road).

Ms. Lehmann asked about the westbound merge feeling that it should occur further east. Mr. Ho explained the 180 foot standard and rationale for the proposed design.

Mr. Beisel added that the proposed design doubles the taper length. Ms. Donahue felt the merge

sign should be moved further east.

Mr. Chan said the proposed mitigation does not increase the capacity of the street, Level of Service is not improved.

Ms. Donahue asked whether Newton would approve the changes to the Concord Street intersection. Mr. Beisel said that he has spoken to Newton officials and he believes they would. The "loops" in the approaches to the intersection are not working. He said that the improvement can be approved by the Public Works Commissioner. She suggested getting something in writing. She questioned whether the curb extensions at #1 Washington Street and Mica Lane would hinder truck turning movements. Mr. Ho felt they would not.

Mr. McCauley suggested that consideration be given to making River Street one-way. Ms. Conley said the proposed mitigation plan maintains the current traffic patterns.

Mr. Ho felt the one-way arrangement would not be practical in part because of the traffic to the office buildings on River Street. He felt that Mass Highway may intervene to block such a proposal.

Chairman Frisardi suggested that some sense of scale should be given to the impact of the traffic mitigation plan on Level of Service. He felt that there should be a visual presentation. He asked about the specific improvements at Concord Street.

Mr. Beisel said that in addition to the lane designations the sensors in the road need to be fixed. He said these may be cameras, infrared or microwave (depending on what the City of Newton wants) and possibly new signal heads.

Chairman Frisardi expressed concern about signage and enforcement. He asked who is going to pay for the enforcement? Mr. Ho said the Wellesley Police Chief has seen the plans and expressed no concerns in that regard.

Ms. Jones objected to the trip generation data for Stop and Shop being used in the analysis. She said Stop and Shop is not in the picture. Mr. Davis said Stop and Shop is not yet out of the picture. Board members said that it is helpful to them to have the Stop and Shop comparisons. She felt that the left turn restriction at River Street will encourage trips through Prospect, Crescent and Bow Streets where children walk to school.

Chairman Frisardi asked about the accidents at River Street. Mr. Beisel said that the bulk were angle accidents which is consistent with accidents occurring during turning movements.

Mr. Kane felt that the northerly westbound lane at River Street makes no sense and will cause problems. He added that with the Wellesley Housing Authority units on River Street a one-way arrangement would not be workable. He felt that trucks will have difficulty entering the #1 Washington Street driveway with the curb extensions. He objected to reduction in parking in front of the convenience store. He said the he counted 1100 parking spaces in Lower Falls. He said that he objects to the "permit-seeker" creating the baseline and feels the mitigation plan with have a negative impact on pedestrian safety.

Ms. Griffin mentioned that the pedestrian safety considerations are particularly important at the Concord Street intersection because of the dense housing in the area. She questioned the reasoning that the two signals should not be linked. There was discussion of the advantages from a traffic flow standpoint of having the signals operate independently of one another.

Considering the Center Section Mr. McCauley asked the distance between Columbia Street and the site drive. The response was about 100 feet. It was noted that the site has two driveways now and one is to be closed. Ms. Conley said reduction of the number of driveways is beneficial. She noted that the Town Right of Way is not an access for her client who is satisfied with the one driveway.

Mr. O'Neil said the Town Right of Way is currently a two-way driveway. The plan for this strip of land was developed by the Town and agreed to by National Development. It would provide one-way traffic that would exit through the site. He mentioned that the overall traffic plan also calls for closing one of the two Taylor Rental driveways.

Concerning the Town Right of Way Ms. Donahue questioned whether exiting the first two spaces would involve vehicles backing out onto the street. Mr. Paris said "no" the first few spaces, that were shown on an earlier plan, were eliminated and there will be no need for people to back out onto the street or across the sidewalk area.

There was a brief discussion handicap parking spaces. Mr. Ho said that authorized drivers can park at metered spaces without paying. Ms. Griffin said the handicap spaces are required by law nevertheless.

There was discussion of the amount of parking needed for proposed retail uses. Ms. Donahue said there is an assumption that there is general office space and specialty retail. Mr. O'Neil noted that the ratios come from standards of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). There was discussion of restaurant parking. Mr. Beisel said that ratio may be higher. Mr. Ho felt the parking proposed to be provided is sufficient. Mr. O'Neil noted that the residential component has been downsized and that the traffic and parking figures have not been adjusted.

Ms. Donahue questioned the peak hours of parking demand. Ms. Conley said the analysis recognizes the differing peaks. Ms. Donahue said we do not want to be caught short.

Mr. Chan asked if the 19 spaces on the Right of Way would be metered. The response was that the would be. He asked the number of spaces in the Town Lot and whether it is fully utilized. The response was 63 and it is fully utilized from about 11:30 to 1:30.

Ms. Lehmann asked if pedestrian counts were taken. The response was that pedestrian counts were taken and are in the report. She asked if consideration was given to eliminating on-street parking 7-9 a.m. Mr. Ho noted that it has been considered. He said the overriding consideration is pedestrian safety and having multiple lanes in a single direction negatively affects pedestrian safety. He said the Police Chief opposes the multiple lanes for this reason

Ms. Donahue asked if oversized on-street spaces, such as were used on Linden Street, were considered. Mr. Ho they were but not adopted based on the resulting loss of spaces.

Chairman Frisardi asked about the location of the crosswalk. Mr. Beisel said that is has been discussed at length and noted it is close to the present location. Chairman Frisardi feared drivers would double park in the morning to buy coffee. He felt that the extended curb area may be dangerous because drivers would be crossing this area quickly entering Washington Street from business driveways. There was discussion of whether a speed table might be desirable at these locations. Mr. Ho felt that Fire Department and DPW might not want this. Chairman Frisardi asked about a place for Mike's Wienie Wagon. It was noted that Mike now parks on-street at metered spaces.

Chairman Frisardi noted the hour. Ms. Donahue said that she has a lot of questions remaining particularly concerning the westerly section.

Ms. Jones asked about turning movements from the sites and felt that more drivers will want to turn left out of the site than has been represented. Mr. Beisel felt comfortable with the numbers.

Mr. Kane felt the site drive should be moved to the east and said the current drive will not accommodate fire trucks. Mr. Paris said the Fire Department has reviewed and approved the plan.

The Board moved, seconded and voted to continue the Public Hearings until Monday, May 12, 2008, at 8:30 p.m. in the same room.

4. Zoning Board of Appeals Petitions

The Planning Board reviewed the following case coming before the May 8, 2008 Public Hearing and offered the following comments:

Special Permit Renewals

The Planning Board had no objection to the renewal of this request on the same terms and conditions as are currently in effect assuming there has been no change in circumstances since the time of the last review.

Kenichi & Hiroko Moriguchi

Special Permit/Findings

The Planning Board had no objection to the granting of this request. The proposal reduces existing non-conformity (existing garage to be removed). Side setbacks are maintained, rear setback is brought into conformity. Mass and bulk do not appear to be and issue and the lot coverage is within the 25% allowed.

599 Washington Street

Special Permit Renewals

Kyle & Bridget Bettigole

Special Permit/Findings

The Planning Board opposed the granting of this request. The Board believes the proposed house is too large for the neighborhood and that it will be substantially more detrimental based on its excessive bulk.

Special Permit/Findings

The Planning Board had no objection to the granting of this request. The Total Living Area is approximately 3,400 square feet without the basement or attic. The front setback is maintained. The coverage is within the 20% allowed.

828 Washington Street

Special Permit Renewal

629 Washington Street

Special Permit Renewals

Wheeler Lane Realty LLC

JT Haffey Builders, Inc.

The Planning Board had no objection to the granting of this request. The addition does not further decrease the side setback, mass and bulk do not appear to be an issue. Lot coverage is within the 20% /2,500 square foot allowance.

The Minutes of April 10, 2008 were approved.

Next Meeting: Monday, May 12, 2008

Meeting Adjourned: 10:55 p.m.