HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-06-22 FY20 Connector Roads - Longer Streets Improvements TOWN OF
1630 WATERTOWN
` Office of the Town Manager
�Y r4 Administration Building
-#.- -_ 149 Main Street
Watertown,MA 02472
Phone.617-972-6465
Michael J. Driscoll www.watertown-ini.gov
Town Manager townmgr@wRterrown-ma.gov
To: Honorable Town Council
From: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager
Date: June 16, 2021
RE: ,Agenda Item - Proposed Loan Order
On March 23, 2021, the Honorable Town Council adopted thirty-three (33) conceptual
recommendations on the Fiscal Year 2022-2026 CIF.
Conceptual recommendation#11 reads as follows:
• Confirm the prior recommendation to proceed with the FY20 proposed loan order for
$1,500,000 for the Connector Roads/Longer Streets Improvements in accordance
with the Public Works Committee report approved by the Town Council on
September 10, 2019,
As a follow-up to that conceptual recommendation, attached please find correspondence
from Thomas P. Watkins, Director of Administration and Finance, Department of Public
Works regarding Fiscal Year 2020 Connector Roads/Longer Streets Improvements.
For additional background purposes I have attached the following:
• Excerpt from the September 10, 2019 Town Council Minutes and Report of the
Committee on Public Works
• Excerpt from the March 9,2021 Town Council Minutes and Report of the
Committee on Public Works
Therefore, given all of the above, I respectfully request the attached Proposed Loan Order
of$1,500,000 be placed on the June 22, 2021 Town Council Agenda as a First Reading.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
cc: Gregory M. St.Louis,Superintendent of Public Works
Thomas P. Watkins,Director of Administration and Finance, Department of Public Works
Matthew Shuman,Town Engineer
Steven Magoon,Director of Community Development and Planning/Assistant Town Manager
Thomas J.Tracy,'Town Auditor/Assistant Town Manager for Finance
Katherine Morrison,Assistant Treasurer/Collector
ii H I N C K L E Y 28 state Street
Boston,MA D2109-1775
ALLEN p:617-345-9000 f:617-345-9420
hinckleyallen.com
Jay Gonzalez
(617)378-4256
jgonzalez@hinckleyallen.com
June 16,2021
Michael Driscoll
Town Manager
Administration.Building
149 Main Street
Watertown,Massachusetts 02472
RE: Draft Loan Order—Waverley Avenue Road Reconstruction Bonds
Dear Michael:
As requested,I suggest the following forth of loan order to approve the borrowing of funds to pay costs
of reconstructing a portion of Waverley Avenue:
ORDERED: That the sum of$1,500,000 is appropriated to pay costs of reconstructing
Waverley Avenue(between Orchard and Belmont Streets),including the related costs of
reconstructing, improving and/or installing sidewalks,curbing,uphill bicycle lanes,tree plantings
and all other costs incidental and related thereto;that to meet this appropriation,the Treasurer,
with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to barrow said amount under and pursuant
to M.G.L.c.44, §7(1),or pursuant to any other enabling authority,and to issue bonds or notes of
the'Town therefor;and that any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved
by this order, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such
bonds or notes,may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this order in accordance with
M.G.L.c.44, §20,thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a
like amount.
The order must be published at least five days prior to the holding of a public hearing with respect to the
order and its final passage and requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all members of the
Town Council,as in the case of any other loan order for bonds.
Please call me if there are any questions about the suggested proceedings.
cerely,
Jay Gonzalez
►ALBANY ■ 1305TON ► CHICAGG ► HARTFORD ► MANCHESTER IF NEW YORK ► PROVIDENCE
61087575 v1
630
TOWN OF WATERTOWN
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
' 124 ORCHARD STREET
Gregory M. St. Loris, PE (P) 617-972-6420
Superintendent (F) 617-972-6402
TO: Mr. Michael Driscoll, Town Manager
FROM: Mr. Thomas Watkins, Dir. Administration & Finance - DPW
DATE: June 15, 2021
RE: FY 2020 Connector Roads/Longer Streets Improvements Borrowing Request
The Department of Public Works respectfully requests that the necessary actions be taken to authorize the
Treasurer to borrow the $1,500,000.00 as outlined and approved in the Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Improvement
Program budget for the Connector Roads/Longer Streets Improvements and associated Connector
Roads/Longer Streets engineering related services. This recommendation is in accordance with the Town
Council Committee on Public Works report approved by the Town Council on September 10, 2019.
The work will consist of the reconstruction of Waverly Avenue (between Orchard and Belmont Streets). Such
work shall consist of full reconstruction of the roadway and sidewalks, installation of curbing, uphill bicycle
lanes, tree plantings and other appurtenant work, in accordance with the recommendations of the February 25,
2021 Town Council Committee on Public Works. The project is also consistent with the Town of Watertown
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and Complete Streets policies.
Project background and concept plans are available on our website at:
httos://m ww.watertowndpw.ora/209/Unger-Waveriev-Ave
If borrowing is approved as outlined in the FY2020 Capital Improvement plan, construction is anticipated to
begin later this season, with project completion in the Spring of 2022.
We thank you in advance for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas P. Watkins— Director of Administration & Finance - DPW
CC: S. Magoon
T. Tracy
J. Gonzalez
M. Shuman
K. Duffy
E. Baptista
EXCERPT .OM SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 TOWN COUNCIL
Committee on Public Works Report Regarding Recommendations for the 2020 Roads Program—
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Chair
AGENDA ITEM:
That the Town Council Approve proceeding with the 2020 Road Program as Presented
Councilor Piccirilli read the Committee Report. Councilor Woodland moved to accept the
repoil; Councilor Falkoff seconded the motion. The motion was adapted unanimously on a
voice vote.
Councilor Piccirilli made a motion for the Town Council to approve proceeding with the 2020
Road Program as presented; Councilor Woodland seconded the motion. The motion was
adopted unanimously on a voice vote.
Watertown Town Council
Administration Building
1.49 Main Street
Watertown,MA,02472
410 Phone: 617.972.6470
ELECTED
OFFICIAL& Report of the Committee on Public Works
Meeting Date: August 22, 2019
Mark S.Sideris,
Council President The Committee convened at 7:10 pm on Thursday August 22, 2019 in the Richard E.
1Vlastrangelo Council Chambers. present were Vincent Piccirilli,chair; Anthony
Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr.,Vice President& Palombas vice chair; and Kenneth Woodland, secretary(arrived at 7,27). Staff present
District C Councilor were Town Auditor/Assistant Town Manager Thomas Tracy, DPW Superintendent
Gerald Mee, Town Engineer Matthew Shuman,DPW Director of Administration and
Caroline says Councilor At Large Finance Jesse Myott, Project Engineer Kevin Duffy and Laura Wiener, Senior
Transportation Planner. Also present were Councilors Caroline Days, Anthony Donato,
Anthony J.Donato, and Lisa Feltner; Stormwater Advisory Committee Chair David Stokes; and Frank St.
Councilor At Large resident Max Sederer.
Susan G.Fatkoff,
Councilor At Large The purpose was to review and make recommendations for the 2020 road program.
Anthony Palomba,
Councilor At Large Mr. Mee began by reiterating his commitment to reconstruct Frank St when gas
Angeline H,Kounelis, company work was complete, as he stated in the grant of location hearing in April 2017.
District A Councilor
Mr. Shuman gave a presentation on the 2020 Road Program(Attachment A), and
Lisa J.Feltner, answered questions from the Committee and the Councilors present. The seven local
District B Councilor roads are Kimball Road, Rowney Street, Wheeler Lane,Louise Street,Frank Street,
Kenneth M.Woodland, Tappan Avenue, and Piermont Street. The"longer/collector toad" is Waverley Avenue
District D Councilor between Delmont Street and Orchard Street,
4 Action Item: Councilor Woodland made a motion,seconded by Councilor Palornba, that the Cull Town
Council approves proceeding with the 2020 Road Program as presented. Voted unanimously 3-0,
Councilor Feltner asked about ambiguity in the classification of Jackson Road and Fifth Avenue as
private ways, preventing them from getting repaired. Councilor Piccirilli stated this would require
investigation.
Councilor Palomba asked about how streets are selected for the sidewalk repair contract. Mr. Mee
stated that the highway supervisor has a running list of the worst areas to repair, but this is subject to
change based orr actual conditions and the available funds, so it is not possible to identify therm ahead
of time,however the DPW can identify which streets were done in the previous year.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
Report prepared by Vincent Piceirilli
Attachment A: 2020 Road Program Presentation
Page i of 1
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EXCERPT FROM
MARCH •
, 2021 TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES
Committee on Public Works Report Regarding the Discussion of the Upper Waverley Design Options—
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Chair
ACTION ITEM:
That the Town Council Recommend Proceeding with the Upper Waverley Avenue Conceptual Design
Option 2, Subject to the Conditions that the Administration Work with the Owner of the Business at 235
Waverley Avenue to Address Concerns with the Proposed Driveway Curb Cut, and to Also Explore
Options to Make the Transition from the Dedicated Uphill Bicycle Lanes to the Share-the-Road Lanes
Less Jarring for Bicyclists
Councilor Piccirilli read the Public Works Committee Report. Councilor Woodland moved to accept the
report;Councilor Palomba seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously on,a roll call vote.
Councilor Piccirilli moved that the Town Council recommend proceeding with the Upper Waverley
Avenue Conceptual Design Option 2,subject to the conditions that the administration work with the owner
of the business at 2.35 Waverley Avenue to address concerns with the proposed driveway curb cut, and to
also explore options to make the transition from the dedicated uphill bicycle lanes to the share-the-road
lanes less jarring for bicyclists; Councilor Woodland seconded the motion.
The discussion addressed the following matters:
— The motion makes clear that the Town would like to support its local small businesses and is asking
Zoning to consider that
— The crosswalks are shorter in Option 2 than Optionl
There will be a loss of 22 parking spaces
Neighbors did discuss this matter and the major concern was at Dr. Caruso's property; otherwise,
there did not seem to be an issue with parking
— The parking study was completed in March during the parking ban with the possibility that the
numbers would be different in the spring or fall
The ban is an overnight bats, and the study was completed from the hours of 8 a.m. — S p.m. on
Tuesday and Friday to allow for traffic variations.
The motion was adopted unanimously on a roll call vote.
Watertown Town Council
Committee on Public Works
Councilor Piccirilli, Chair, Councilor Donato, Vice Chair, Councilor Palornba, Secretary
Committee Report
February 25, 2021, 7:00 PM
The Town Council's Committee on Public Works met on Thursday, February 25 at 7:00 PM on Zoom in
accordance with the Governor's Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L.c.
30A, 20, relating to the 2020 COVID-19 emergency and to avoid group congregation. The meeting was
televised live by Watertown Community Access Television (WCATV). In addition,the agenda provided
the public with notice of how to access the meeting online and by telephone,and that comments were
invited via email.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Upper Waverley Avenue design options. Present were
the members of the Committee,Gregory St. Louis, Superintendent and Matt Shuman,Town Engineer
from the Department of Public Works(DPW), Laura Wiener,Transportation Planner from the
Department of Community Development and Planning, Kristopher Surette and Bill Mertz from
WorldTech Engineering, Andy Compagna and Maria Saiz from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee,
and members of the public including Dr.Joanna Caruso,John Luther, Ramona and Nile Borthwick, Paul
Antonio,Ayk Oganweyan, Lena Caruso-Bryan, Hanna Rakoff,and others. It should be noted that all the
residents who attended live on upper Waverley Avenue, live on a nearby street, or bicycle on the
Avenue. An email from fir.Caruso and a letter from Mr. Luther are attached.
It was announced that all documents related to the reconstruction of upper Waverley Avenue, including
the power point presented at the meeting, are available on the Department of Public Works' website
here.
The meeting began with a power point presentation by Kristopher Surette from WorldTech Engineering
which is the engineering company on retainer with DPW. The presentation covered a number of topics
including:
the coordination effort between WorldTech, DPW,the Fire and Police Departments, and the Complete
Streets Working Group,
-the street parking inventory,consideration of the Complete Street Policy and Bicycle Pedestrian Plan,
and ultimately the project goals and objectives,and
- proposed improvements, two design options, schedule,which would span two construction seasons,
and most importantly the final recommendation.
Considerable time was spent reviewing the two options, particularly the strengths and weakness of each
option.
OPTION 1—Shared Lanes---No Bicycle Accommodations
Strengths
-Creates a consistent cross section with southern portion of Waverley Avenue (Main Street to Orchard
Street).
- Installation of curb extensions on each side of the street.
- Maximizes the number of legal parking spaces (34).
-2-
Weaknesses
-Slow moving bicyclists would share the travel lane, increasing conflicts with vehicles
- Not enough space for planting strips on the west side of the street
Does not allow for new street tree plantings on west side of the street between Harnden Avenue and
Belmont Street.
OPTION 2--Uphill Bicycle Lanes,Typical Roadway Cross Section A-A
Strengths
Improved safety for users as it provides a dedicated space for bicycle travel in the uphill direction,
removing conflict between slow moving bicycles and faster moving vehicles.
-Critical first step toward a dedicated north-south bicycle connection within Watertown.
-Consistent with the Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
-Allows for a planting strip along a majority of the west side,
-Reduces impervious area and provides opportunities for street tree plantings.
Weaknesses
-Inconsistent cross section with remainder of Waverley Avenue.
Provides longer pedestrian crossings,as curio extensions are not provided adjacent to bicycle lanes.
-There is a loss of 22 parking spaces compared to existing conditions.
It was noted that both options are feasible and there is nothing from an engineering stand point that
would eliminate either option. Also, both options include two travel lanes that are 11 feet wide and
new sidewalks on both sides of the street. The presentation ended with the recommendation that the
Town implement Option 2.,
There was a lengthy discussion among the residents, consultants,Town staff and councilors about the
two options. Below are some of the key points. Please visit WCA-TV to view the complete discussion
here.
1)There was general agreement among long-term residents that the traffic on upper Waverley Avenue
has significantly increased including an increase of large trucks traveling on the avenue.
2) Residents noted that the parking data collected by the WorldTech was done in March, while the
winter parking ban was still in effect and that there would be different results if the data was collected
in the fall or spring.
3) Some residents felt the street was too busy and dangerous for bicyclists given the traffic and the
possibility that those parking on the street could hit a cyclist when►they open their car door. They
suggested that cyclist use nearby streets to avoid the avenue.
4)There should be a continuous bike lane from Orchard Street to Belmont Street. Having bicycle lanes
appear and then disappear, that is moving from a bike lane to a shared travel lane, is both dangerous
and confusing. Also,sharrows are not effect. Option 2 does not abide by the intent of the new Bicycle
and Pedestrian Plan.
5) Officials took particular care in following the Complete Streets plans by designing Option 2 to serve
drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,and by balancing safety and convenience for all users of the street.
-3-
6) Concerned voiced about the elimination of the parking spaces in Option 2 that could farce visitors to
park on the side streets.
7)There was particular concern raised about the effect of Option 2 on Dr.Caruso's business and
property near the corner of Orchard Street and Waverley Avenue. Dr.Caruso was worried that the
placement of a bicycle lane near her office would negatively impact her patient's access to her parking
fat,
8) A number of issued related to the construction were raised including the need for regular
communication with residents, protection of existing trees,and the possibility of moving existing utility
poles.
9)Some residents appreciated the effort of the consultants and the Town officials to offer two options
and felt that Option 2 was a goad compromise addressing the needs of cyclists and motorists, and the
desire of those living on Waverley Avenue for a new paved road, new sidewalks, and planting strips.
The members of the Committee then discussed two issues. What could be done to address Dr. Caruso's
concern and what can be done to address the danger that cyclist would encounter with the sudden
switch from traveling in a bike lane to traveling in a traffic lane.
The Committee agreed that the Town's Code Enforcement Office, Mike Mena,should meet with Dr.
Caruso to design a plan that would allow for opening to her driveway in line with Town codes*. The
Committee also asked that the bicycle lane ending at the crest of the hill been extended to allow a
smoother transition for cyclists from a bike lane to a shared travel lane.
Following this discussion, Councilor Piccirilli made the following motion:
The Committee recommends that the Town Council recommend proceeding with the Upper Waverley
Avenue conceptual design option 2, subject to the conditions that the Administration work with the
owner of the business at 235 Waverley Ave to address concerns with the proposed driveway curb cut,
and to also explore options to make the transition from the dedicated uphill bicycle lanes to the share-
the-road lanes less jarring for bicyclists.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Donator and was passed 3-0. Councilor Palomba made a motion
to adjourn. It was seconded by Councilor Donato and passed 3-0.
The minutes were prepared by Councilor Palomba
*Update: since the Committee meeting, Mr. Mena and Dr.Caruso have continued to discuss the issue.
Mr, Mena has proposed an 11-foot wide opening at the residential building and a 24-foot opening in
front of the commercial building.
235 Waverley Avenue Watertown
TOWN COUNCIL/Public Works Committee - 2016 - 2022
Joanne Caruso <carusoj a@neco.edu> Fri, Feb 19, 2:53 PM (10
days ago)
to vpiccirilli, apalomba, adonato
bear Councilor Piccirilli,
My name is br, Joanne Caruso and I am the property owner of 235/241 Waverly
Avenue, Watertown , MA . My optometry office is located at 235 Waverly Ave and
the property also includes a 2 family house ( 241 Waverly Avenue) . I have
maintained my private optometry practice at this location since 1985,
Today, I received a Notification letter from the Town of Watertown regarding a
Meeting next week to discuss changes to Waverly Avenue from Orchard St to
Belmont Street, I looked at the plans That were included in this letter and based
on how I am understanding/interpreting the changes that are proposed my
business will be greatly affected by these changes. From what I am reviewing the
proposed changes will include creating NO Parking on the street directly adjacent
to my office, limiting the opening from the street for my patients to park as they
have for 35 years in front of my building and removing one parking .space in front
of 241 Waverly Avenue. All of these changes will create dif f iculty for my
many elderly and handicapped patients to continue to get to my office.
These proposed changes deeply concern me in that I am not sure if I will be able to
continue to operate my business if my patients cannot park in my parking lot in
front of my office. And the restrictions with street parking and restrictions and
narrowing of my parking lot opening. My father built this building in the 60'5 and
since it was built the 235 Waverly Avenue parking loft has been unchanged in terms
of the entry opening size etc, I don't understand why these changes are occurring
if this parking lot entrance has been there unchanged for over 50 years.
It has been dif f icult enough for me to maintain my business due to the COVIb
pandemic in that I had to shut down for over 3 months due to State COVIb
regulations and currently can only see 4-5 patients per day due to COVIb
restrictions and cleaning and Safety protocols. I am extremely concerned if the
changes the Town is proposing are approved that I will be not able to continue my
optometry practice due to the parking restrictions that will occur and the ability
of my patients to get to my office.
I would appreciate your clarification if I have correctly understood whoa the Town
is planning to do in front of my building. And if I am correct in my
understanding how I can appeal these changes that are being proposed as they will
greatly affect my optometry business and my ability to continue to see my patients
many of which are elderly and handicapped.
I appreciate your time and clarification.
Kind Regards,
Joanne Caruso, 0.D.
Upper - Ave.
WATERTOWN,
CONCEPTUAL RENCERING:WAVERLEY AVENUE
OPTION
FEBRUARY 2021
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The Town Council authorized DPW to proceed with design of Ontion 2--Uphill Bicycle Lanes. Design is
proceeding and construction is anticipated to start in the fall of 2021.
Waverley Ave. Neiahborhood Letter
February 2021 :
The Town Council Committee on Public Works, will host a Public Works Sub-committee
meeting to discuss design options for the reconstruction of Upper Waverley Avenue,
between Orchard Street and Belmont Street. The work is part of the Town's Complete
Streets Policy to include all road users (vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians) in road
design.
Two concept plans will be presented:
• one which preserves all on-street parking but provides no bicycle facilities (bikes
share the travel lane); and
• a second which removes some parking to provide separate bicycle lanes at some
locations.
The purpose of the meeting is to review each concept plan and obtain endorsement of
one concept for further development of construction plans to be bid later this year.
Meeting Materials
February 25. 2021 Public Works Sub-committee Presentation
Concept Plan Memorandum
March 202G (,Pre-COVID) Parking Counts and Utilization
Option I Shared Use Lames--No Bicycle Accommodations
Option I Shared Use Lanes Concept Plan
Option 1 Shared Use Lanes Cross-Sections
►� Enable Google Translate
Option 1 Shared Use Lames Parking Count
Option 2 Uphill Bicycle Lanes
Option 2 Uphill Bim/cle Lanes Concept Plan
Option 2 Uphill Bicvcle Lanes Cr_o_sssedtions.
Option 2 Uphill Bicvcfle Lanes Parking Count
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