HomeMy Public PortalAboutTraffic Commission Meeting Minutes January 2018TOWN OF WATERTOWN
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
Michael P. Lawn
Chief of Police
Michael P. Lawn, Chair
Robert Quinn, Fire Chief
Gerald Mee, Supt. of Public Works
Steven Magoon, Community Development and Planning
Mr. John S. Airasian
Ms. Kelly Gallagher
David Sampson
Sergeant
Tel: 617-972-6547
February 6, 2018
January, 2018 Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes
In attendance: Michael Lawn, Robert Quinn, Gerald Mee, Steven Magoon, John S. Airasian, Kelly
Gallagher
At the January 31, 2018 Traffic Commission meeting, members discussed following items:
Item 1— Mr. Magoon made a motion to approve the minutes of the December, 2017 Traffic Commission
meeting; Mr. Airasian seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 2 — The Commission reviewed a request by the Watertown Commission on Disability to restrict one
parking space to Handicap Only on the east side of Bacon Street opposite 65 Bacon Street. Mr. Airasian
assessed the area and was in favor of the request. He recalled that when the dog park was created, there
were complaints from residents who were unable to exit their driveways due to motorists parking on
Bacon Street. Mr. Airasian suggested that, if approved, the space be installed away from driveways if
possible.
Chief Lawn reported that he was also in favor of the request. He observed many cars parked on Bacon
Street and believed that they may be parking there for the majority of the day. Chief Lawn asked about
the actual location of the space and what would be most beneficial; the only HP sidewalk ramp is located
at the top of the park.
Mr. Mee reported that the Public Works Subcommittee discussed the new improvements at Howe Park.
The new entrance was located at the point where a path can lead to the dog park and possess the proper
grade to be ADA compliant. Bacon Street was also widened to better accommodate parking in this area.
Mr. Magoon made a motion to restrict one parking space to Handicap Only on the east side of Bacon
Street opposite 65 Bacon Street; Ms. Gallagher seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 3 — The Commission heard a presentation by Athena Health Construction Projects Senior Manager
Phil Memmott regarding intersection improvements being installed on Arsenal Street, at the entrance to
the newly constructed West Garage, formally the campus entrance known as Wooley Avenue.
Mr. Memmott introduced Mark Blatt of Athena Health, and Stephen Boudreau and Jake Carmody of
Vanasse & Associates, Inc. The team reviewed the project and traffic control upgrades at the intersection
of Arsenal Street and Wooley Avenue. The project extends westerly to Louise Street and easterly to a
point approximately 300' east of Wooley Avenue. The main improvements included:
• A new traffic signal equipped with an Opticom Emergency Vehicle Preemption system at the
intersection of Arsenal Street at Wooley Avenue
• Enhancement of bike and pedestrian facilities (lighting and street crossing aids)
• Maintaining 1 travel lane in each direction
• Exclusive Left Only lane westbound to enter Athena garage
• Curb bump -outs in the area of the traffic signal
• Regulatory Stop and No Left Turn signs removed from Wooley Avenue and replaced with a traffic
signal and lane designation sign.
• Lane designation signs on Arsenal Street for the left only turn westbound into the garage
• Lane designation signs on Arsenal Street for the left only turn eastbound into Lexus Driveway, 330
Arsenal Street
• Replacement of bus stop signage at two locations
• Addition of cycle track warning signs
• Replacement of No Parking signs
The traffic signal will be time based and GPS coordinated with six other signals to the west; the signal
timing and operation will be optimized over the next 30-40 days. Vanasse & Associates, Inc has been
working with the Department of Public Works and the Town's traffic engineering consultants World Tech
Engineering; suggestions and observations are currently being coordinated.
Chief Lawn was concerned about the possible impacts of vehicles taking a left turn Arsenal Street
westbound onto Louise Street. He also asked whether Athena thought about staggering employee
dismissal times. Mr. Boudreau explained that Arsenal Street is wider in this location (16 feet), and
motorists may be able to bypass another vehicle (unless the first vehicle stops in the middle of the lane).
Mr. Magoon asked about the predicted traffic volume in the mornings and how much space was allocated
for queueing vehicles on Arsenal Street. It was reported that there was approximately 120 feet for
vehicles waiting to turn left into the garage from Arsenal Street. The group noted that the westbound Left
Only lane has a constant flashing yellow left arrow, which will reduce the need to wait under a stop
control.
New Business —
1. Sgt. Sampson reported that he received a request by the residents of 763-765 Mt. Auburn Street for
the installation of a Handicap Only parking space in front of that residence. Sgt. Sampson will add
this matter to the February, 2018 agenda.
Chief Quinn made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Magoon seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Sgt. David Sampson
Assistant to the Traffic Commission