HomeMy Public PortalAboutFebruary 2013 Minutes Dwight MBTA Presentation_201304091220040209TOWN OF WATERTOWN
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
Edward P. Deveau
Chief of Police
Edward P. Deveau, Chair
Mario Orangio, Fire Chief
Gerald Mee, Supt. Of Public Works
Steven Magoon, Community Development and Planning
Mr. John Airasian
Ms. Kelly Gallagher
David Sampson
Sergeant
Tel: 617-972-6547
February 28, 2013
February 2013 Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes
In attendance: Edward Deveau, Mario Orangio, Steven Magoon, Kelly Gallagher
At the February 27, 2013 Traffic Commission meeting the following items were discussed and voted on:
Chief Deveau welcomed Ms. Kelly Gallagher to the Traffic Commission board.
Item 1— A vote to approve the minutes of the December, 2012 meeting was postponed until the March,
2013 meeting.
Item 2 — Dwight Street resident Mr. Peter Coleman addressed the Commission to request the posting of a
"Children at Play" sign on the Watertown end of Dwight Street. Mr. Coleman reported that 13 children
live on the street (11 of these children are 9 years old or younger). Mr. Coleman explained that there are
several small businesses located on the Waltham end of Dwight Street. Although the business owner and
employees of the Little Car Garage drive slowly and carefully, the problem appears to be the customers of
this business. Mr. Coleman reports that the owner has tried to speak to his customers in the past about
driving slowly on Dwight Street.
Sgt. Sampson provided a summary of a traffic survey conducted from January 15-18 2013. During those
days a total of 462 vehicles traveled on Dwight Street. The maximum recorded speed was 23 miles per
hour and the average speed was 13.78 miles per hour.
Mr. Magoon reported that although the speeds are not extraordinarily high and the Town has a problem
with too much signage Mr. Magoon supports the measure in an effort to ensure the safety of the children.
Mr. Magoon spoke to Gerald Mee, Superintendent of Public Works who also supported the signage.
Mr. Magoon made a motion to install a "Children at Play" sign on the Watertown end of Dwight Street;
motion seconded by Chief Orangio. The motion passed unanimously.
Chief Deveau explained to Mr. Coleman that due to the time of year, it may be some time before Public
Works has the opportunity and ability to erect the sign.
Item 3 — A PowerPoint presentation by Erik Scheier (MBTA Project Manager), Kurt Steiner (Senior
Planner, McMahon Associates) and Sandra Clarey (Project Manager, McMahon Associates) was provided
to the Commission. The purpose of this presentation was to explain the MBTA's Key Bus Route
Improvement Program and to request approval for bus stop and parking changes along Mt. Auburn Street
(Bus Route 71) and Galen Street (Bus Route 57), in Watertown.
Mr. Scheier explained the background, needs, and goals of the program. Mr. Scheier also explained that
the 30% drawings were submitted to the Town in the fall of 2012 and that approximately 3 community
meetings were held in an effort to receive community input. The comments from the community
meetings have been incorporated into the plans.
Mr. Kurt Steiner then provided information on the 10 stops in Watertown that involved a bus stop location
change or a change in parking near the stops.
After the presentation, Marshall Street resident Mr. Harvey Steiner addressed the Commission due to his
concern about some of the bus stops that may be removed. He asked the Commission to consider the
proposed length between stops based on the MBTA's guidelines. He also inquired as to whether there
would be more public meetings on this issue.
St. James Church Parish Council member Ms. Sharon Bazarian addressed the Commission and provided a
letter from the Council opposing the placement of an MBTA shelter in front of the St. James Hall. Ms.
Bazarian explained that this is a very busy and congested area. A shelter may cause further congestion,
trash, and graffiti. Mr. Scheier explained the benefits of a shelter but stated that if the Town does not
want the shelter, it could be removed from the plans.
District C Councilor Vincent Piccirilli addressed the Commission and explained that the Town Council
has been closely monitoring the progress of the plans. He suggested that perhaps this presentation should
be given to the entire Council and Town Manager at a future Town Council meeting. He further asked
Mr. Magoon to place a copy of the MBTA's presentation on the Watertown website.
Mr. Magoon reported that he appreciated the MBTA's efforts to increase their service and amenities as
well as their efforts to become more efficient and to reduce spending. He asked Mr. Scheier if the shelters
would allow enough room for snow clearing. Mr. Scheier reported that the MBTA will maintain four -feet
of space.
The Commission decided that an informational presentation shall be made to the Town Council at a
March meeting. The Traffic Commission will revisit and take a formal vote on the MBTA plans at the
March 27, 2013 meeting.
Item 4 — New Business
No new business was presented to the Commission.
Mr. Magoon made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Chief Orangio. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sgt. David Sampson
Assistant to the Traffic Commission