HomeMy Public PortalAbout2017-06-12 Final PS PW mins Arsernal CorridorJoint Meeting of the Committees on Public Safety and on Public Works
Monday, June 12, 2017, 7:15 PM
Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber
Town Hall, 149 Main Street, Watertown, MA
Report Date: July 11
Present: Councilor Lisa Feltner, Chair of Public Safety, Councilor Aaron Dushku, Chair of
Public Works, Councilors Vincent Piccirilli, Susan Falkoff, and Tony Palomba.
Also present: Superintendent Gerald Mee, Town Engineer Matt Shuman, Town Planner
Gideon Schreiber, Council President Mark Sideris, State Representative Jonathan Hecht,
Commission on Disabilities member Mohammad Sayed, Bicycle and Pedestrian
Committee member Jesse Hammond, and resident Michelle Cokonougher.
The Committees met to continue the discussion of the Arsenal Street public way
improvements and their impact on public safety, particularly between School and Irving
Streets, with staff and the public.
Councilor Feltner started the meeting at 7:25 PM with recognition that this has been a
long process and that there have been efforts to address various public safety concerns
on Arsenal Street, while unanticipated issues had to be addressed by staff. The goal is to
focus on any improvements that can still be realized and learn from this effort to inform
future improvements. In an effort to understand how the road improvements (new
sidewalks, parking, loading, signal equipment, and bicycle and pedestrian access) on
Arsenal Street between Irving and School streets were conceived, Lisa asked for a very
brief overview of the planning process and the role of developers, Town Council, Town
Departments, and Commissions such the Traffic Commission and the Commission on
Disabilities.
Mr. Mee stated that improvements to Arsenal Street, from Louise to Irving Streets, were
triggered by the mitigation for the Hanover/Gables development project and included
new intersections and road improvements. This project began over a year before
Elan/Greystar, so they were not able to coordinate the projects. All reviews were done
before construction; the Traffic Commission received documents for informational
purposes. Mr. Schreiber mentioned the approved Special Permit documents and desired
connections to the Community Path, starting from School Street in front of Lexus, were
the framework for designs; some changes to approved plans, such as for green islands
or meridians, were made to address safety concerns.
A discussion continued with question one, about whether we are able to reduce the
width of the "bump out," which starts east of Louise Street, to address certain concerns
including the transition for bikes on the road, truck volume on the road, handicapped
access to MBTA stops, parking and loading needs, and snow management. Mr.Mee
explained that they will be plowing to the curb and snow operations will be part of the
Department's future discussions with the small businesses and possibly Beacon Park
residents. Councilor Falkoff stated that she was not in support of removing any grass
strips.
Councilor Palomba noted that the Committee on Public Safety met on March 22 to
discuss the improvements and impact on public safety and identified 18 concerns. The
Committee met again on April 10 at which time the Committee consolidated and
prioritized the concerns resulting in 6 main questions. A summary of these two
meetings was reported to the Town Council at its May 9 meeting. The minutes of the
two meetings and the summary are attached. It was noted that responses to the 6
major concerns was prepared by Town Engineer Matt Shuman and submitted to Town
Manager Michael Driscoll. The memo appeared in the June 8 Miscellaneous Items email
from the Town Manager and is attached. Councilor Falkoff left the meeting at approx.
7:55PM because she did not feel the meeting was productive.
The discussion continued on the six main questions and the recent responses from DPW
to those concerns. Moh Sayed shared some of his observations as a wheelchair user,
based on his visit this morning to both sides of Arsenal Street.
The Commission on Disabilities coordinated a site visit on June 7 with members of the
Perkins School for the Blind community, Matt Shuman, Gideon Schreiber and Councilor
Feltner. An additional site visit took place on the morning of June 12 with Councilor
Feltner, State Representative Hecht, Eric Jerman from Perkins, and CoD member Moh
Sayed. Some of Mr. Jerman's comments were distributed and are attached. (Written
comments from the site visits were not completed in time for this meeting. They will be
shared after the June 21 Commission on Disabilities meeting.)
After reviewing the six major concerns, DPW and Planning responses, and some
feedback from the recent site visits, the Committees and Town staff identified the
following potential improvements:
1) Update/change painted "bikes only" in front of Lexus, given pedestrians needs
and snow management issues;
2) Add painting at driveways near VHB, similar to Lexus section that uses 2 -colors,
for vision -impaired users;
3) Work with VHB to improve vehicular stop at their exit, near the Chinese food
truck lot/karate studio;
4) Paving of part of the grass strip at key MBTA Bus stops improved waiting areas;
5) Adding a railing to Gables retail area along current handicapped ramp;
6) A No Right on Red sign may be added to the Gables driveway exit;
7) It is anticipated that the "extra" former utility pole at Gables exit will be removed;
8) Signage may be moved overhead or on street lamps in order to free up sidewalk
space, such as for Irving -Arsenal street, at Super 8 motel;
9) Investigate removal of trees obstructing sidewalk on the south side of Arsenal,
particularly to allow wheelchair access;
10) Staff expects an opportunity to work with athenahealth in making improvements
for the transition of the bump-out/community path near Louise Street;
11) Adjustments to the signal timing and sensors is ongoing;
12) It is to be determined whether the Louise Street crossing can be highlighted. It
was noted that the MBTA Arsenal St Corridor study recommendations are not yet
finalized.
13) Snow management operations will be reviewed in the future.
Arsenal Street will receive ongoing review, given evolving conditions with Greystar/Elan
under constructions and future changes with athenahealth and other projects.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50PM.
Respectfully submitted, Councilor Palomba, Committee on Public Safety Secretary
ATTACHMENT A: Detailed Minutes of Committee Meeting on March 22, 2017
Committee on Public Safety Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 6:30 PM
Louis P. Andrews Conference Room, 3rd Floor
The Committee on Public Safety met on Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 PM to discuss Arsenal Street Public
Way Improvements and Impacts on Public Safety.
Attending: Councilor Lisa Feltner, Chair, Councilor Vincent Piccirilli, Vice -Chair, Councilor Tony
Palomba, Secretary, and Steve Magoon, Assistant Town Manager and Director of the Department of
Community Development and Planning.
Councilor Feltner opened the meeting by requesting a moment of silence for Firefighter Toscano and for
the resident of Merrifield Street who is in critical condition at Mt. Auburn Hospital.
Councilor Feltner explained that in preparing for this discussion she had a series of meetings with
residents, local business owners, Police, Fire, DPW, DCDP, and Commission on Disability and Bicycle
and Pedestrian Committee members. She stated the purpose of this meeting is to share these findings with
the committee and summarize the top concerns to share with appropriate Town officials in the near future.
She recognized that recommendations would be forthcoming from the MassDOT Arsenal Street Corridor
Study; her discussions focused on School to Irving Streets. While potential solutions to specific problems
may arise from the Committee's discussion that is not the primary intent of the meeting.
The following concerns were identified:
1) We need to make a site visit to recognize and review the safety impacts of changes to date.
2) We need a schematic of the Corridor and how this section connects with the whole Corridor.
3) Review is needed to address inconsistent use of sidewalk and bicycle access. For example, conditions
vary as to whether pedestrians walk along the building edge or out near toward the curb and around tree
pits, posts and signs; this especially doesn't seem safe for the visually impaired.
4) There is visual clutter with many signs and poles in the sidewalk, and it is unclear how all users,
including bicyclists, will easily understand road markings and signs.
5) There are not enough safe pedestrian crossings to encourage cross connectivity and activation with local
businesses; there are complaints about long pedestrian waits to cross at Louise St.
6) There has been concern about street trees with residents feeling too many trees have been lost or
damaged. Additionally, there is concern about the placement of trees blocking signals and signs.
7) Residents on the south side of the Arsenal Street have raised concerns about accessing their driveways
and their ability to safely park within the 7' width parking lane given high traffic volumes and snow
management. They feel they are often thrust into oncoming traffic because of the narrowed road,
driveway apron limits, MBTA buses, retail trucks on truck route (for example Target) and overall
increased traffic (there are handicapped residents who live in this area; they have also lost previously
available off-street winter parking at VHB). The food trucks are also using the side streets to park.
8) The installation of the "large bump out" has caused congestion problems at VIP -O'Reilly auto business
and Louise Street; the visual change also feels too sudden to drivers, as demonstrated by car accident
with driver suffering injuries.
9) We have created a "box" between Gables/Hanover entrance and Beechwood where the road has been
narrowed, and it creates a blockage, particularly if emergency vehicles need to come through. Do we
need to paint the box to call attention to potential gridlock, as well as ensuring the timing of the lights
prevents stopping in the box?
10) The temporary sidewalk, especially near Irving St, is full of signs blocking pedestrians and is not fully
accessible (less than 3' width clearance). Sidewalk constraints are also notable at Gables, near new
signal equipment on both sides of Arsenal St.
11) The parking lane on the north side of Arsenal St feels too narrow (7'). Our policy understanding is that
in commercial areas, the width of the parking lane should be 8' and we no longer provide for grass
planting strips adjacent to on -street parking; customers to dry cleaners and other businesses complain
about a lack of door and snow buffer.
12) Residents increasingly compete for parking, particularly with Toyota, now that parking spaces have
been eliminated, and frequent Toyota ins/outs feel hazardous.
13) There is only one handicapped accessible parking space on the residential side and it is now 7' wide
(ADA width is 8'). Should there be more accessibility to local businesses?
14) The 7' wide — and the length of - parking lane seems inadequate as a loading zone, and doesn't serve
the needs of the existing United Tile store —their deliveries use an 18 wheeler truck several times/week;
UPS and other trucks stick out even without snow; passing vehicles ends up frequently crossing center
of road.
15) Would it be visually helpful to indicate or paint the on -street parking spaces; given the various
changes in road use, cars have been known to wait behind parked cars, particularly as you approach
Greystar/Elan, before Irving St, from Hanover/Gables; do we envision any parking meters in the
future?
16) Does the demand for the community path mandate a particular width? Are there opportunities for
flexibility given the varying conditions along the corridor, including connections E and W?
17) Snow management is more difficult now that Arsenal St and parking lanes are narrowed. On both
sides the snow must be cleared up to the curb, which results in the sidewalks being covered with snow.
We need to clarify the responsibility for snow removal in this area particularly on the South side near
Toyota, where residential homes face Beacon Park and not Arsenal St. Businesses also want
clarification about snow removal on the new Community path.
18) The new traffic light at the entrance to Gables is blocked by a tree. NOTE: The tree has been trimmed
so that the traffic light can be clearly seen, but there is still a problem with the video detection. Due to
extensive trimming, there is concern about the overall health of the tree.
Mr. Magoon responded to some of the concerns noting that:
1) The Commission on Disabilities has reviewed the number of handicapped accessible parking spaces
in Town and has not asked for additional spaces on Arsenal Street. Also the Traffic Commission is
the body that determines where there are handicapped accessible parking spaces.
2) There are sections of the Community Path, which is a multi -modal path, where there are no
obstructions.
3) The narrowing of the street to two eleven' lanes was a traffic calming measure. Widening the
pedestrian sidewalks and community path were done to prioritize walking and bicycling over
automobiles.
4) Once the major projects are completed, this section of Arsenal Street will be more pedestrian -friendly
and have a more defined streetscape.
Councilor Piccirilli said it is hard to determine how to address some of the concerns raised until we have a
better idea what the recommendations will be from the Arsenal St Corridor Study. Councilor Feltner noted
that the study may help provide the foundation for a master plan for future improvements along Arsenal St,
but we are already building in this area. Councilor Piccirilli mentioned we should be aware of the potential
impacts on Arsenal St from the proposed new substation to upgrade utilities; this will also impact Louise St
and North Beacon Streets. In addition, he noted that the idea of burying the utilities on Arsenal St is still
under consideration, though Councilor Feltner said this is unlikely due to the location of the Cambridge
water conduit, where it now seems doubtful that utilities could be buried from School St due west to
Watertown Square. Mr. Magoon confirmed he is doubtful that utilities will be able to be buried in this
section of Arsenal Street.
Councilor Palomba suggested that the Committee prioritize some of the issues that residents and business
owners are most concerned about on Arsenal St, from Irving to School Streets.
6) Are there places we can reduce the "bump out" or community path width?
7) Given the high traffic volume on Arsenal St, can we increase parking lane widths on one or both
sides, for business and residents, to allow some buffer for doors and snow, safely accommodate
handicapped users, provide space for UPS and other delivery vehicles, and adequately handle
commercial loading zone needs?
8) Can planting strips be eliminated and free up approximately 18" of space for safety needs?
9) Can additional safe pedestrian crossing opportunities be found and highlighted? Visually impaired
users want to be able to know where to expect signal activation equipment.
10) Can signal timing and vehicle sensors at Gables/Hanover be improved to avoid gridlock in the "box"
between there and Beechwood Ave? Should the box be painted?
On the understanding that conditions will continue to evolve, the committee plans to walk Arsenal St to
note any new or ongoing safety concerns to be shared with Town officials.
Councilor Feltner suggested that the minutes of this meeting with other related materials, be reviewed and
finalized at the next committee meeting. Materials will be compiled and then forwarded to the appropriate
officials and departments, including the TC Public Works Committee, in advance of a follow-up meeting
with staff. This will give people time to review the findings before a Public Safety Committee meeting
(perhaps joint with Public Works) with staff to hear recommendations. Representatives from DCDP, DPW,
8) The installation of the "large bump out" has caused congestion problems at VIP -O'Reilly auto
business and Louise Street; the visual change also feels too sudden to drivers, as demonstrated by
car accident with driver suffering injuries.
9) We have created a "box" between Gables/Hanover entrance and Beechwood where the road has
been narrowed, and it creates a blockage, particularly if emergency vehicles need to come
through. Do we need to paint the box to call attention to potential gridlock, as well as ensuring the
timing of the lights prevents stopping in the box?
10) The temporary sidewalk, especially near Irving St, is full of signs blocking pedestrians and is not
fully accessible (less than 3' width clearance). Sidewalk constraints are also notable at Gables,
near new signal equipment on both sides of Arsenal St.
11) The parking lane on the north side of Arsenal St feels too narrow (7'). Our policy understanding
is that in commercial areas, the width of the parking lane should be 8' and we no longer provide
for grass planting strips adjacent to on -street parking; customers to dry cleaners and other
businesses complain about a lack of door and snow buffer.
12) Residents increasingly compete for parking, particularly with Toyota, now that parking spaces
have been eliminated, and frequent Toyota ins/outs feel hazardous.
13) There is only one handicapped accessible parking space on the residential side and it is now 7'
wide (ADA width is 8'). Should there be more accessibility to local businesses?
14) The 7' wide — and the length of - parking lane seems inadequate as a loading zone, and doesn't
serve the needs of the existing United Tile store —their deliveries use an 18 wheeler truck several
times/week; UPS and other trucks stick out even without snow; passing vehicles ends up
frequently crossing center of road.
15) Would it be visually helpful to indicate or paint the on -street parking spaces; given the various
changes in road use, cars have been known to wait behind parked cars, particularly as you
approach Greystar/Elan, before Irving St, from Hanover/Gables; do we envision any parking
meters in the future?
16) Does the demand for the community path mandate a particular width? Are there opportunities for
flexibility given the varying conditions along the corridor, including connections E and W?
17) Snow management is more difficult now that Arsenal St and parking lanes are narrowed. On
both sides the snow must be cleared up to the curb, which results in the sidewalks being covered
with snow. We need to clarify the responsibility for snow removal in this area particularly on the
South side near Toyota, where residential homes face Beacon Park and not Arsenal St.
Businesses also want clarification about snow removal on the new Community path.
18) The new traffic light at the entrance to Gables is blocked by a tree. NOTE: The tree has been
trimmed so that the traffic light can be clearly seen, but there is still a problem with the video
detection. Due to extensive trimming, there is concern about the overall health of the tree.
2
Mr. Magoon responded to some of the concerns noting that:
1) The Commission on Disabilities has reviewed the number of handicapped accessible parking
spaces in Town and has not asked for additional spaces on Arsenal Street. Also the Traffic
Commission is the body that determines where there are handicapped accessible parking spaces.
2) There are sections of the Community Path, which is a multi -modal path, where there are no
obstructions.
3) The narrowing of the street to two eleven' lanes was a traffic calming measure. Widening the
pedestrian sidewalks and community path were done to prioritize walking and bicycling over
automobiles.
4) Once the major projects are completed, this section of Arsenal Street will be more pedestrian -
friendly and have a more defined streetscape.
Councilor Piccirilli said it is hard to determine how to address some of the concerns raised until we
have a better idea what the recommendations will be from the Arsenal St Corridor Study. Councilor
Feltner noted that the study may help provide the foundation for a master plan for future
improvements along Arsenal St, but we are already building in this area. Councilor Piccirilli
mentioned we should be aware of the potential impacts on Arsenal St from the proposed new
substation to upgrade utilities; this will also impact Louise St and North Beacon Streets. In addition,
he noted that the idea of burying the utilities on Arsenal St is still under consideration, though
Councilor Feltner said this is unlikely due to the location of the Cambridge water conduit, where it
now seems doubtful that utilities could be buried from School St due west to Watertown Square. Mr.
Magoon confirmed he is doubtful that utilities will be able to be buried in this section of Arsenal
Street.
Councilor Palomba suggested that the Committee prioritize some of the issues that residents and
business owners are most concerned about on Arsenal St, from Irving to School Streets.
1) Are there places we can reduce the "bump out" or community path width?
2) Given the high traffic volume on Arsenal St, can we increase parking lane widths on one or
both sides, for business and residents, to allow some buffer for doors and snow, safely
accommodate handicapped users, provide space for UPS and other delivery vehicles, and
adequately handle commercial loading zone needs?
3) Can planting strips be eliminated and free up approximately 18" of space for safety needs?
4) Can additional safe pedestrian crossing opportunities be found and highlighted? Visually
impaired users want to be able to know where to expect signal activation equipment.
5) Can signal timing and vehicle sensors at Gables/Hanover be improved to avoid gridlock in the
"box" between there and Beechwood Ave? Should the box be painted?
On the understanding that conditions will continue to evolve, the committee plans to walk Arsenal St
to note any new or ongoing safety concerns to be shared with Town officials.
3
Councilor Feltner suggested that the minutes of this meeting with other related materials, be reviewed
and finalized at the next committee meeting. Materials will be compiled and then forwarded to the
appropriate officials and departments, including the TC Public Works Committee, in advance of a
follow-up meeting with staff. This will give people time to review the findings before a Public Safety
Committee meeting (perhaps joint with Public Works) with staff to hear recommendations.
Representatives from DCDP, DPW, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Bicycle -
Pedestrian Committee and others should be invited to attend the meeting.
Committee voted 3-0 to continue the discussion. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 PM.
Minutes prepared by Councilors Palomba and Feltner.
4
ATTACHMENT B - DETAILED MINUTES OF APRIL 10, 2017
Meeting Minutes
Town Council Committee on Public Safety
Monday, April 10, 2017 at 7:30 PM
Louis P. Andrews Conference Room, 3rd Floor
The Committee met to continue the discussion of the public safety issues on Arsenal Street.
Attending: Councilor Feltner, Chair, Councilor Piccirilli, Vice -Chair, Councilor Palomba,
Secretary, Michelle Cokonougher and David Stokes.
Councilor Feltner stated the purpose of the meeting is to review and finalize the results of the
last meeting with supporting materials and, if necessary, expand the five concerns that the
Committee prioritized on March 22nd.
Resident Michelle Cokonougher presented a concern about confusion, since the Louise Street
and VHB bus stops have been combined on the north side (in front of the Lexus dealership) and
bus drivers are not informed or aware of the changes.
Councillor Feltner shared a summary of her recent conversation with small business owners in
this area, who remained frustrated and concerned: Loading zone: United Tile has deliveries
almost every day because materials come from different places, and mostly on 18 -wheelers.
They can't take deliveries from where the new loading zone signage is because their forklift
would have to go out onto Arsenal St (facing East, the wrong direction + U-turn) and this also
conflicts with pedestrian passage. The on -street parking is too narrow for box trucks (UPS) and
not long enough —need to allow room for pulling up doors, and other loading issues. A pickup
truck barely fits without the snow. Other 18 -wheelers use Arsenal (Target) and construction
trucks for athenahealth, etc.
The line of vision for signs, especially for bikes, seems too high —we notice that bikers don't stop
at the Hanover -Gables entrance, so we worry about conflicts with vehicles and pedestrians.
The planting strip is problematic when exiting cars, and it's like "quicksand" for the blind. There
are "barrels" (former electrical equipment?) and things sticking out of sidewalks, which are still
bolted in. We have seen several sight -impaired walkers run into objects and other hazards left on
sidewalks; people have been told "the Town can't remove them until April 15."
Dry cleaners: parking not good either; drivers avoid the 7' parking lane because there is no door
buffer and it feels too scary given traffic volumes and trucks, especially for senior and handicap
customer. Even a DPW truck customer is too wide to fit within the white parking lane lines; so
drivers often use the "cut-out" at the curb to park and make u -turns in the community path
driveways near the Chinese food truck lot.
Councilor Feltner then shared photos and a video to help illustrate concerns and raise questions
(photo set and video are available for viewing online at http://www.lisafeltner.com/public-
safety/; video only is also online at https://vimeo.com/215813639).
Materials show examples of the confusing signage and road markings for different conditions
(bike use), multiple signs in the same area, problems with snow management, narrow loading
zone, lighting that is not very pedestrian -friendly, the inappropriate use of the community path
and the bike lanes (noting that the Town should have an education plan around these changes),
such cars and trucks on the bike path, pedestrians using the bike path because the sidewalk has
tree pits and poles, limited parking and driveway aprons, and difficulties experienced by
individuals with disabilities. Walk light signals are not working on both sides of Arsenal Street,
at Gables entrance (W of Beechwood). She also recently witnessed a small group of vision -
impaired pedestrians experience confusion on the north side of Arsenal St, between
Beechwood and Louise: one of the walkers stepped out into Arsenal Street traffic and had to be
pulled back by his companions.
Councilor Feltner made the following motion:
Add a sixth item for discussion that reads, Attention is needed to address signs and road
markings, conflicts and confusion for all users, including the MBTA bus stops at Louise Street -
VFW.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Piccirilli and it carried 3 — 0.
The Committee agreed that the six points for discussion with the accompanying photos and
video would be shared in preparation for a ten. June meeting with the Department of
Community Development and Planning, the Department of Public Works, the Bicycle -
Pedestrian Committee, the Traffic Commission, Commission on Disabilities, and the Town
Council Committee on Public Works, and will report out to the full Town Council.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM.
Minutes prepared by Councilors Palomba and Feltner.
ATTCHMENT C - SUMMARY MINUTES
Watertown Town Council
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6470
Public Safety Committee
Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 PM and Monday April 10 at 7:30
PM Louis P. Andrews Conference Room, 3rd Floor
Report Date: May 9, 2017
The Committee on Public Safety met on Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 PM to discuss Arsenal Street
Public Way Improvements and Impacts on Public Safety.
Present: Councilor Lisa Feltner, Chair, Councilor Vincent Piccirilli, Vice -Chair, Councilor Tony
Palomba, Secretary, and Steve Magoon, Assistant Town Manager and Director of the Department of
Community Development and Planning.
Councilor Feltner explained that in preparing for this discussion she had a series of meetings with
residents, local business owners, Police, Fire, DPW, DCDP, and Commission on Disability and Bicycle
and Pedestrian Committee members. She stated the purpose of this meeting is to share these findings with
the committee and summarize the top concerns to share with appropriate Town officials in the near future.
She recognized that recommendations would be forthcoming from the MassDOT Arsenal Street Corridor
Study; her discussions focused on School to Irving Streets. While potential solutions to specific problems
may arise from the Committee's discussion that is not the primary intent of the meeting.
Eighteen specific concerns were discussed, including but not limited to: Residents on the south side of the
Arsenal Street have raised concerns about accessing their driveways and their ability to safely park within
the 7' width parking lane given high traffic volumes and snow management. They feel they are often thrust
into oncoming traffic because of the narrowed road, driveway apron limits, MBTA buses, truck route (e.g.
Target) and increased traffic (there are handicapped residents who live in this area; they have also lost
previously available off-street winter parking at VHB). There are not enough safe pedestrian crossings to
encourage cross connectivity and activation with local businesses; there are complaints about long
pedestrian waits to cross at Louise St. Conditions vary for pedestrian use and bicycle access. The
installation of the "large bump out" has caused congestion problems (see minutes of 3/21 for more details).
Mr. Magoon responded to some of the concerns noting that once the major projects are completed, this
section of Arsenal Street will be more pedestrian -friendly and have a more defined streetscape.
Councilor Palomba suggested that the Committee prioritize some of the issues that residents and business
owners are most concerned about on Arsenal St, from Irving to School Streets; a schematic of the Corridor
is needed:
1) Are there places we can reduce the "bump out" or community path width?
2) Given the high traffic volume on Arsenal St, can we increase parking lane widths on one or
both sides, for business and residents, to allow some buffer for doors and snow, safely
accommodate handicapped users, provide space for UPS and other delivery vehicles, and
adequately handle commercial loading zone needs?
3) Can planting strips be eliminated and free up approximately 18" of space for safety needs?
4) Can additional safe pedestrian crossing opportunities be found and highlighted? Visually
impaired users want to be able to know where to expect signal activation equipment.
5) Can signal timing and vehicle sensors at Gables/Hanover be improved to avoid gridlock in the
"box" between there and Beechwood Ave? Should the box be painted?
On the understanding that conditions will continue to evolve, the committee plans to walk Arsenal St to
note any new or ongoing safety concerns to be shared with Town officials.
Councilor Feltner suggested that the minutes of this meeting with other related materials, be reviewed and
finalized at the next committee meeting. Materials will be compiled and then forwarded to the appropriate
officials and departments, including the TC Public Works Committee, in advance of a follow-up meeting
with staff. This will give people time to review the findings before a Public Safety Committee meeting
(perhaps joint with Public Works Committee) with staff to hear recommendations. Representatives from
DCDP, DPW, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Bicycle -Pedestrian Committee and others
should be invited to attend the meeting.
Committee voted 3-0 to continue the discussion. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 PM.
The Committee on Public Safety next met on Monday, April 10 at 7:30 PM to continue discussing
public safety issues on Arsenal Street.
Present: Councilor Lisa Feltner, Chair, Councilor Vincent Piccirilli, Vice -Chair, Councilor Tony
Palomba, Secretary; residents Michelle Cokonougher and David Stokes.
Councilor Feltner stated the purpose of the meeting is to review and finalize the results of the last
meeting with supporting materials and, if necessary, expand the five concerns that the Committee
prioritized on March 22nd.
Councillor Feltner shared a summary of her recent conversation with small business owners in
this area, who remained frustrated and concerned. She also shared photos and a video (available
for viewing online at http://www.lisafeltner.com/public-safety/; video only is also online at
https://vimeo.com/215813639) to help stimulate dialog and illustrate issues, such as varying
bike -pedestrian conditions, signage and snow management (see minutes of 4/10 for more details).
Councilor Feltner made the following motion:
Add a sixth item for discussion that reads
6) Attention is needed to address signs and road markings, conflicts and confusion for all
users, including the MBTA bus stops at Louise Street -VFW.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Piccirilli and it carried 3 - 0.
The Committee agreed that the six points for discussion with the accompanying photos and video
would be shared in preparation for an anticipated June meeting with the Department of
Community Development and Planning, the Department of Public Works, the Bicycle -Pedestrian
Committee, the Traffic Commission, Commission on Disabilities, and the Town Council Committee
on Public Works, and will report out to the full Town Council.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM. Report prepared by Councilor Lisa Feltner.
Gerald S. Mee Jr.
Superintendent
ATTACHMENT D - PUBLIC SAFETY MEMO TO TOWN MANAGER
TOWN OF WATERTOWN
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
124 ORCHARD STREET
WATERTOWN MA 02472
TO: Michael Driscoll, Town Manager
FROM: Gerald S. Mee, Jr., Superintendent of Public Works
Steve Magoon, Assistant Town Manager
DATE: June 6, 2017
(P) 617-972-6420
(F) 617-972-6402
RE: March 22 and April 10, 2017 Public Safety Sub -committee Meeting Minutes
Sir, please see attached correspondence provided by Mr. Shuman regarding the previous Public Safety
Sub -committee meeting minutes. Mr. Magoon and I have reviewed the memorandum and are in
agreement with the facts and opinions presented therein.
I:IPIan ReviewslHanoverlArsenal StreetlPublic Safety Committee MeetinglMemo to Town Manager.doc
Gerald S. Mee Jr.
Superintendent
TOWN OF WATERTOWN
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
124 ORCHARD STREET
WATERTOWN MA 02472
(P) 617-972-6420
(F) 617-972-6402
TO: Michael Driscoll, Town Manager
FROM: Matthew Shuman, P.E., Town Engineer
DATE: June 6, 2017
RE: March 22 and April 10, 2017 Public Safety Sub -committee Meeting Minutes
In response to the "six points" noted in the Public Safety Sub -committee meeting minutes on the above -
referenced dates, and in anticipation of the June 12, 2017 joint Public Works/Public Safety Sub -committee
meeting, we offer the following information:
1) Are there places we can reduce the "bump out" or community path width?
The width of the community path is 10 -feet, with minor areas under 10 -feet due to conflicts. The
recommended minimum width for a two-way cycle track is 10 -feet, using the MassDOT Separated Bike Lane
Manual 12 -feet, using the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NATCO) Design Guidance.
In selecting the width of the cycle track, special consideration was given to its intended use. Although the
adjacent sidewalks along the project length meet ADA standards, they provide a sub -standard pedestrian
experience due to the number of obstructions (utility poles, street trees, traffic boxes, proximity to buildings).
Many pedestrians have been observed using the previously completed sections of the path, such that the cycle
track acts more like a shared use (bicycle/pedestrian path). The recommended minimum width for a shared
use path is 10 -feet.
Based on the information provided above, we do not recommend reducing the "bump out" or community path
width.
2) Given the high traffic volume on Arsenal St, can we increase parking lane widths on one or both
sides, for business and residents, to allow some buffer for doors and snow, safely accommodate
handicapped users, provide space for UPS and other delivery vehicles, and adequately handle
commercial loading zone needs?
The original design for Arsenal Street called for 11 -foot travel lanes and 8 -foot parking stall widths throughout
the project area. During construction, a number of obstacles (buried conduit and manholes) were discovered
requiring reductions of the parking stall width to between 7 and 7.5 -width in some areas. These widths are
I:IPIan ReviewslHanoverlArsenal StreetlPublic Safety Committee MeetinglPublic Safety Comments.doc
still within acceptable ranges for parking stall width (7 to 8 -feet). Local businesses have requested removal of
the loading zone in front of 222 Arsenal Street, which was not present prior to construction.
Note that one of the objectives of the project was to calm traffic. The reduced lane widths have not increased
congestion along the corridor, but have succeeded in calming traffic in the area. We do understand that the
new configuration represents a significant change from previous conditions.
Given the constraints of the corridor and bicycle/pedestrian needs discussed in other sections of this memo, if
additional parking stall width is desired, we recommend restricting parking to one side of the street. This
would permit a wider stall width and wider lanes, but at the expense of reduced parking and increased
vehicular speeds. Business owners have noted the importance of providing adequate parking, even if the stall
width is less than desired.
3) Can planting strips be eliminated and free up approximately 18" of space for safety needs?
The planting strips (and curb line) do address safety needs —the safety needs of bicyclists and passenger
loading. NACTO recommends a 3 -foot buffer to allow for passenger loading and to prevent bicyclist dooring
where a cycle track is separated from traffic by a parking lane. This was also specifically requested by MAPC
during their review of the project. Any curb relocation work would be very disruptive and business owners
have indicated they do not support additional construction. Therefore, we do not recommend elimination of
the planting strip.
4) Can additional safe pedestrian crossing opportunities be found and highlighted? Visually impaired
users want to be able to know where to expect signal activation equipment.
There are four pedestrian crossings of Arsenal Street in the 2,000 -foot span of the project limits. Three
crossings are located at signalized intersections (Irving Street, West site driveway, Beechwood Ave.), and one
is at an unsignalized intersection (Louise Street). All intersection equipment, including push button locations
and audible signal equipment, as well as access ramps are installed in accordance with ADA requirements. At
Irving Street, the recommendations of the 2015 Walk Assessment were considered during design.
If desired, additional crosswalks would have to be placed "mid -block." Mid -block crosswalks present a
variety of challenges including reduced pedestrian visibility, difficulty meeting ADA requirements, and loss of
parking. In additional, there is often poor compliance at mid -block crosswalks due to the fact that they are
placed in locations where they are not expected by drivers. We believe that the pedestrian crossings have been
provided at the safest locations and with appropriate spacing along the corridor and do not recommend
additional pedestrian crossings.
5) Can signal timing and vehicle sensors at Gables/Hanover be improved to avoid gridlock in the "box"
between there and Beechwood Ave? Should the box be painted?
We are aware that the intersection of Arsenal Street and Beechwood Ave. is not functioning optimally and
continue to work with the Developer to address operational issues, particularly related to signal timing and
vehicular sensors, prior to the Town's acceptance of the work. Keep in mind, that the adjustment period for
new signal equipment can take several months. Nevertheless, we have not observed gridlock in this area and
have also consulted the Police Department Traffic Division and they have not observed this issue either.
I:IPIan ReviewslHanoverlArsenal StreetlPublic Safety Committee MeetinglPublic Safety Comments.doc
6) Attention is needed to address signs and road markings, conflicts and confusion for all users,
including the MBTA bus stops at Louise Street -VFW.
It should be noted that the Public Safety Sub -committee meeting was held prior to completion of the project.
Many, if not all, of the signage and marking issues were not completed during the fall and were delayed until
the spring. At this time, these issues have been resolved.
With regards to MBTA bus stops at Louise Street and the VFW, these locations were reviewed with MBTA
representatives in early March. MBTA has bus stops at both Louise Street and the VFW. They have since
reviewed and updated signage in this area.
I:IPlan ReviewslHanoverlArsenal StreetlPublic Safety Committee MeetinglPublic Safety Comments.doc
ATTACHMENT E - ARSENAL ST. OBSERVATIONS - PERKINS SCHOOL
Forwarded message
From: Eric.Jerman@Perkins.org <Eric.Jerman@Perkins.org>
Date: Mon, Jun 12, 2017 at 1:57 PM
Subject: Arsenal Street improvements
To: Lisa Feltner <lfeltner@watertown-ma.gov>
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to comment on the Arsenal Street
improvements that are underway between Irving and Beechwood Avenue. Here are a few
thoughts that I wish to put forward.
* Street signs, such as those stating "No Parking," and signs naming streets ("Arsenal Street" and
"Irving Street") could be doubled up with poles for street lamps, telephone poles to reduce the
vertical clutter of posts dotting the sidewalk and bike path.
* One sign, in particular, needs moving or pairing up with existing traffic signal pole: Street sign
for Arsenal Street/ Irving Street, located on the corner with the Super 8 Motel. (Southeast corner
of intersection)
* Use of DWS (Detectable Warning Strips) panels made of iron, instead of plastic. Iron DWS
panels are much more likely to survive snow plowing.
* Speaking of snow, where is the snow storage area for the sidewalk/ bike path?
* Brick imprint stamping (colored red) the separates the bike path from the pedestrian sidewalk
is a minor benefit to cane travelers for now but snow and ice and sand and mud will clog up the
shallow depressions and make these strips challenging for cane users to locate.
* Augment the brick imprint area with narrow DWS panels, custom cut to 6-9 inches wide to
increase detectability by cane users
* The new locator sign shows some of the site features but it does not have all the walkways
labeled or even delineated. This sign should be completed to make it useful for pedestrians. Also,
can the sign be augmented with braille labels? Also, a sign that is in 3-D would make it much
easier for blind/ low vision travelers to figure out how the bike path/ pedestrian sidewalks are
configured.
Thank you,
Eric Jerman
Eric Jerman, M.Ed., COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Perkins School for the Blind
175 North Beacon Street
Watertown, MA 02172
eric.jerman@perkins.org
(617) 972-7782