HomeMy Public PortalAboutTraffic Commission Meeting Minutes March 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
March 30, 2018
March, 2018 Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes
In attendance: Robert Quinn, Steven Magoon, John S. Airasian, Kelly Gallagher
In Chief Lawn's absence, Mr. Airasian chaired the meeting.
At the March 28, 2018 Traffic Commission meeting, members discussed following items:
David Sampson
Sergeant
Tel: 617-972-6547
Item 1— Mr. Magoon made a motion to approve the minutes of the January, 2018 Traffic Commission
meeting; Ms. Gallagher seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 2 — In order to give Mr. Joe Renaud of Markforged, Inc. 85 School Street an opportunity to be in
attendance, his request to install a crosswalk spanning School Street at the intersection of Cypress Street
Commission was continued to the April, 2018 meeting.
Item 3 — The Commission reviewed a request by Ms. Ann -Marie Pettiglio of Martocchia & Company Inc.
Realtors to restrict parking on the west side of Rifle Court from a point at the rear of 40 Cottage Street to
the dead end. Mr. Mel Martocchia (property manager), Ms. Ann -Marie Pettiglio (property manager) and
Ms. Patricia Martocchia (property owner) were attended the meeting. Mr. Martocchia explained that the
property at 23-25 Sawin Street consists of a 2 -bedroom apartment on the first floor and a 3 -bedroom
apartment on the second floor. Parking was created in the back of the home (on Rifle Court), and five
vehicles currently park at the property. The tenants are having trouble exiting the parking area due to a
vehicle that parks parallel to a wall across the street from the property. At times a second car also parks in
the area and blocks a fire hydrant. Mr. Martocchia requested a No Parking/Tow Zone restriction along the
wall. Mr. Martocchia felt that the restriction would avoid conflicts between neighbors and conflicts for the
tenants who need to get in and out of the property.
Sgt. Sampson explained that the Traffic Commission receives many requests to restrict parking across the
street from a private driveway. It has been the Commission's longstanding position to deny these requests
merely for the convenience of a particular resident. A request was recently approved but it was an
exception in order to make an ADA accommodation. It is common for residents to shuffle vehicles in and
out of a driveway, and it seemed this may be the solution in the case of Rifle Court as well.
Mr. Airasian asked about the particular neighbor who parks in this area and whether the Martocchia's
have tried to speak to the neighbor. Mr. Martocchia reported that the neighbor is difficult and he has not
responded to requests to park elsewhere. Mr. Martocchia was concerned that the issue may escalate.
Mr. Magoon noted that the street is difficult, but removing parking may not be the best solution to the
issue.
The Martocchia's also reported that at times, the neighbor parks near his home but parks in a manner that
obstructs the travel lane. Sgt. Sampson reported that this in an enforcement issue and that the Town's
parking enforcement officers can begin checking the street for roadway obstructions and fire hydrant
violations at the end of the street.
Mr. Airasian felt that there may be other parking options available for area residents. Mr. Airasian also
felt that regular enforcement for vehicles blocking the travel lane or blocking the fire hydrant may be the
best solution.
Ms. Gallagher made a motion to deny the request for a parking restriction; Chief Quinn seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business —
1. Mr. Magoon introduced Ms. Laura Wiener to the Traffic Commission; Ms. Wiener is the Town's
new Transportation Planner. She has worked for the Town of Watertown, and also has 17 years of
experience with the Town of Arlington's Transportation Advisory Committee.
Mr. Magoon made a motion to adjourn; Ms. Gallagher seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Sgt. David Sampson
Assistant to the Traffic Commission