Link back to Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Chief Taylor Mills
RE: Minutes of July 28, 2010 – Traffic Committee Meeting
DATE: July 30, 2010
PRESENT: John Haley, Lieutenant, Hingham Fire Department
David Horte, Sergeant, Hingham Police Department
Harry Sylvester, Hingham DPW
Paul K. Healey, Hingham Planning Board
Leslie Kehoe
Phil Resca
Harold Goldstein
Sgt. Horte called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
A motion was made by Paul Healey, seconded by Phillip Resca, to accept the minutes of the previous meeting. Unanimous vote in favor.
I Partridge Drive
Thomas Kelleher of Partridge Drive requested signage of either "Slow, Children" or "Thickly Settled", citing a large number of children on his street and the increased traffic speed in recent years. Discussion ensued with Sergeant Horte stating that the Police Department enforces the speed limit. It was observed that this street is typically used only by residents and is not utilized as a cut-through. Phil Resca commented that this street is similar to his neighborhood and that drivers need to exercise reasonable caution on side streets that are heavily populated with children. Harry Sylvester stated that this street does not meet the criteria to be designated as thickly settled. He also noted that Slow, Children signs are 99% ineffective and that they are not noticed. Mr. Sylvester also said that DPW is not inclined to put up Caution signs due to budget constraints and that in most cases signs don't work. The main cause of the problem is that drivers simply go too fast. John Haley suggested that neighbors get together to help solve the problem. Sgt. Horte suggested that they contact Sgt. Steven Dearth regarding joining the HPD's Neighborhood Watch Program. Sgt. Horte also stated that he would add Partridge Drive to the Traffic Hotsheet which results in extra patrols in that neighborhood. The street will also be added to the waiting list for the Radar Traffic Trailer as well.
II. Tower Brook Road
In a letter signed by 14 Tower Brook Road residents, a request was made to install a "Slow, Children" sign due to speeding as well as the fact that the street is often used as a cut-through. It was observed that the traffic using the street as a cut-through has lessened considerably since the completion of the Rte. 228 construction. The possible solution of speed bumps was mentioned to which Harry Sylvester responded that they are problematic and difficult to maintain. Phil Resca suggested adding this street to the Traffic Hotsheet for enforcement to target the problem to which Sgt. Horte responded that this would be done.
III Main Street/Cushing Street/South Pleasant Street Intersection
Harry Sylvester announced that a contract was signed today between the Town and engineering firm of Coler and Colantonio who has been hired to assist the committee relative to the issue of Main/Cushing/South Pleasant Street intersection. They will formulate and process all pertinent information in order to assist the Committee in their analysis and recommendations for improvements to this intersection. Harry suggested waiting until this report had been completed before commencing with further discussion.
Paul Healey stated that the engineering data from the Ward Street Field Study conducted by Tetra Tech Rizzo should be also provided to Coler and Colantonio.
Paul Healey informed the Committee that the hiring of Coler & Colantonio was the result of monies from the engineering budgets of the Planning Board & Board of Selectmen. Cushing Street resident Elizabeth Kilham stated that it is extremely difficult making a left turn from Main Street onto Cushing Street as well as making a left turn from Cushing to Main Street. The latter is due to traffic speed along with visibility issues such as the telephone poles obstructing the view at the stop line. Also cited was the fact that drivers pass illegally on the right which creates problems
Sgt Horte presented traffic counts which he conducted at the intersection. It was suggested that the same study be conducted in the fall since traffic volume is different than it is in summer with many people on vacation. Sgt. Horte agreed to conduct another
study in fall and will present the results to the Committee. He will also conduct a count
for a period of one week (which would include the weekend) in order to obtain accurate data. This information will be gathered by December. Paul Healey made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Leslie Kehoe with all in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jan Jacobson-Administrative Assistant
Hingham Police Department