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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT: Arthur Wood; Paul Scott; John Murphy; Dorothy Cook. ALSO PRESENT: Members of Second Cliff Neighborhood Association – Mark Fenton, spokesman.

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. In the absence of Chairman Linda Barich, Arthur Wood called the meeting to order at 7:10 P.M. in the copy/coffee room of the Town Hall.

Mr. Wood suggested that the agenda be taken out of order to accommodate the Second Cliff Neighborhood Association representatives in attendance at the meeting. As there were no objections, the meeting proceeded with agenda item 5A, Second Cliff Neighborhood Association.

Mr. Fenton said that he was aware that a traffic survey was conducted last summer in the area, and that the subject of roadway improvements has been brought up by the Second Cliff Neighborhood Association in the past year. He circulated a memo regarding the roadway improvements suggested by the Second Cliff Neighborhood Association (a copy of this memo is attached to the Minutes of this Meeting). He presented a hand drawn map illustrating the traffic problem areas in the Second Cliff area, and went over the major points. He said that because sewer installation is scheduled to begin in the neighborhood shortly, it would be expedient to plan roadway improvements at this time. He suggested a reduction in curve radius in several places, and noted that this would be relatively easy to accomplish following sewer installation. He also made a case for a roundabout at the intersection of Front Street/First Parish Road/Kent Street/Edward Foster Road. There was a discussion about rollthroughs at the stop signs on Peggotty Beach Road at Bridge Street, and on Edward Foster Road at the traffic island at the intersection of Peggotty Beach Road and Bridge Street. Mr. Scott said that First Cliff residents may not like to see a four-way intersection created at the intersection of Edward Foster Road, Bridge Street, and Peggotty Beach Road, and he suggested that a presentation be made to residents of the First Cliff area. He also said that the Special Olympics traffic island there would have to be relocated or reconfigured in order to make the suggested change to the roadway there. Mr. Wood said that he would like to see the curve radius reduced at Crescent Avenue, and that a stop sign also be installed at the intersection of Peggotty Beach Road. Mr. Scott pointed out that as a result of the proposed roadway improvements, traffic continuing down Edward Foster Road will be considerably slowed down, and residents said that this is what they would like to see; people often increase speed there. There was also a discussion about wrong way traffic on Crescent Avenue and whether the One Way sign could be relocated. Mr. Fenton asked if the TRRC could give their recommendation to the Board of Selectmen in support of the suggestions presented, and TRRC members agreed, although the TRRC felt that regarding item (2) on the memo, stop sign placement should be on Crescent Avenue rather than on Peggotty Beach Road. TRRC members commented that First Cliff residents should be advised about the proposed changes. Mr. Scott also suggested that the Neighborhood Association find out who is responsible for the Special Olympics traffic island and check with them regarding proposed changes. Mr. Fenton said that they will also voice their strong request for a roundabout at the St. Mary’s intersection. There was a discussion about the merits of small roundabouts in neighborhood settings.

Mr. Wood suggested sending a memo to the Board of Selectmen as follows: At the May Traffic Rules and Regulations Committee meeting, a presentation was made by representatives of the Second Cliff Neighborhood Association regarding roadway improvements to provide for increased safety in the area. We concur with the suggestions put forth by the group, and agree that the best time to do this would be after the sewer installation and when the roads are being reconstructed. We suggested the group make a presentation to First Cliff residents, as they would be impacted by proposed changes to Peggotty Beach Road, Edward Foster Road, and Bridge Street; that they look into some relocation of the “Special Olympics” traffic island at the same intersection; that they speak to the operators of the boatyard on Edward Foster Road with regard to the impact of the changes being suggested at the previously mentioned intersection; and that they make a presentation to the Board of Selectmen for their consideration. All were in agreement to send the memo.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES. On a MOTION by Mr. Scott, SECONDED by Ms. Cook, the Minutes of the Meeting of April 5, 2005 were unanimously approved with two amendments as noted.

3. REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE. There was no new correspondence to review at this time.

4. NEW PLANS SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW. A) 24 FAY ROAD/Accessory Dwelling Special Permit. TRRC members reviewed the plans for a one bedroom addition and noted that four parking spaces appear to be available. It was agreed to send a memo to the Planning Board as follows: The TRRC has reviewed the plans submitted for 24 Fay Road/Accessory Dwelling Special Permit, and the committee finds no problems with the plans as submitted as adequate proposed offstreet parking appears to be indicated on the plans.

5. B) Traffic Issues/N. Scituate and Greenbush Rail Stations. Mr. Wood said that he and Mr. Scott met with Ms. Phippen and Police Chief Stewart regarding numbers of No Parking signs that will be needed, and that they figured that nearly 200 signs will be needed. They also looked at maps and looked at sign placement. Regarding D) TRRC Schedules/Municipal Lots and Ways, and E), Humarock/Travelways for Inclusion in Waterfront Zone, Mr. Wood said that he will make another effort to meet with the Police Chief to work on these lists. Regarding C), MBTA Roundabout/Greenbush, Mr. Scott said that the State is looking at this issue again. He mentioned that he had been to a Roundabout Design Workshop in Cambridge in April, and he offered the notes from the workshop for review by other TRRC members if desired. He said that one way to make the roundabout work is to relocate the Old Oaken Bucket Road entrance onto Route 3A. He said the program used by the subcontractor for the MBTA to create the roundabout design is not a good one and that other programs available are state of the art. He also said that Ms. Phippen is trying to get a traffic consultant to make a presentation. He said the ADA is currently concerned with crosswalk configuration within roundabouts.

6. NEW BUSINESS. Mr. Wood brought up a citizen request that Slow Children signs be placed at 244-246 Central Avenue. Mr. Wood said he has requested traffic enforcement to look at the area. It was agreed that a memo be sent to the Town Administrator saying that we have received a citizen request for Slow Children sign, we feel it appropriate if the budget will allow it. Mr. Wood also suggested on behalf of the Police Chief that there be no parking after 9:00 P.M. in the square in Humarock. Mr. Scott said that this change has been proposed for the TRRC Schedules although they have not yet been approved. Mr. Wood also said that some behavior in the Cedar Point parking lot is becoming an issue and that the lot should be made no parking after 9:00 P.M. Mr. Scott said that this would be in the municipal lots section that is to be added to the Traffic Schedules. Ms. Martin was asked to contact Ms. Donovan regarding if the Cedar Point parking lot is included in the restrictions imposed on beach parking lots. Mr. Scott asked that Cedar Point parking lot be put on the agenda for June. There was a discussion about uses of the parking lot in the summer, many people just go there to sit by the water and some fish there all night; and that these people shouldn’t be disturbed.

7. ADJOURNMENT. The next TRRC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, 2005. On a MOTION by Ms. Cook, SECONDED by Mr. Scott, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Martin