October 4, 2005
Regular Session 7:40 PM
Mr. MacIver, Ms. Tully
Public Hearing - Cancellation of Common Victualler All Alcoholic Beverages License of Aloha Restaurant
Mr. MacIver reviewed the series of extensions that have been granted Mr. Chan since the restaurant closed in June 2004 and then asked if there were any extenuating circumstances that would warrant yet another extension of time for license. Mr. Chan indicated that he had not been able to find anyone interested in purchasing the business but thought it possible that someone might be found in the next few months. Ms. Tully explained that it is incumbent on the Board to make the license available to others if it is not been used in a reasonable length of time. She noted that the Board has given three extensions in order to permit Mr. Chan an opportunity to sell his business. Mr. MacIver concurred that sufficient opportunity had been given Mr. Chan and that he would be welcome to make a proposal for the license if he found another location and wished to operate his business again.
Voted - to cancel the Restaurant Common Victualler All Alcoholic Beverages License of Aloha Inc, d/b/a Aloha, Stephen K.W. Chan, Manager, 198 Whiting Street, for having ceased to conduct the licensed business, in accordance with Chapter 138, section 77. The restaurant closed in June, 2004 and the premises have been sold and demolished.
Greenbush Update
Ms. Tully explained that pedestrian access has been difficult in the downtown area. Mr. Carroll said that because of the amount of equipment moving around pedestrian access has been closed on that section of Main Street from South Street to North Street. For the past month and a half the contractor has been removing the material that needs to come out of the tunnel. To date, 50% of the material has been removed and one invert has been poured. CBB hopes to display pictures of the progress of the project in store windows. On Main Street, it is necessary to dig down just far enough to put on the decking. The utilities will be relocated. It is CBB's intention to have everything dug and to be out of there as quickly as possible. There is rock from South Street to Fanueil Kitchens but the blasting will have nothing to do with getting South Street open. Mr. Carroll said that they are trying not to be overly optimistic but things are going well and CBB should be able to keep to the schedule. The extended shifts are allowing the work to progress more quickly.
South Shore Country Club Facilities Study
Mr. Walsh advised the Board that the Country Club Management Committee put out an RFP for a facilities study report because it was felt there was a need to study and evaluate the buildings, HVAC etc. at the facility. The Committee reviewed the five proposals received and ranked them. The firm whose proposal was ranked as most advantageous was Cubellis.
Voted - to award the contract for a facilities study of the South Shore Country Club buildings and infrastructure to Cubellis Associates.
High, Free & Main Street Traffic Light
Representatives of Coler and Colantonio explained that they had put together a conceptual design the intersection. In 2003 traffic studies indicated 1900 vehicles in the peak hours between 8 and 9 am and 4:45-5:45 in the afternoon. The existing level of service at the intersection is A in both directions on Main Street and Level F from the side streets. The wait time from Free and High Streets at times can extend up to 10 minutes to clear the intersection. There may be some sight distance issues at the intersection. The redesigned intersection would include a fully actuated right turn lane in southbound side on Main Street. There would be some sidewalk improvements
necessary on Main Street as well as the re-striping and resigning of Main Street. The level of service at the intersection would operate at a Level of Service B. The delay on the side streets would change to 25 seconds of delay from the 600+ seconds of delay presently there. The queuing on Main Street would be minimized by the addition of a right turn lane. There are many things that can be done on the signal timing to mitigate queues. The vehicle detection (wire loops in the pavement) will optimize the traffic flow. The cost of this design would be approximately $20,000; the signal work $100,000; site work $40,000 with a contingency $7,500; plus another contingency of $7,500 for a total $175,000.
A resident raised the question of a rotary or roundabout. Ms. Tully noted that rotaries were judged to be unsuitable for the High, Free and Main intersection because the traffic is not equal from all roads. Additionally, it would require considerable land taking. The whole traffic signal project would take 6 to 7 months. Ms. Tully said she would like to look very hard at finding some money somewhere to get going on this now. Hope to have some idea of how to get money by the next meeting.
Voted - to that the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Town of Hingham, adopted by the Board of Selectmen on May 31, 1939, and subsequent amendments thereto, are hereby amended as follows:
TEMPORARY AMENDMENT
STOP SIGNS
Street Stopped At Intersection Of In Direction of
Main Street South Street Northerly
Central Street North Street Northerly
This amendment will remain effective until the completion of Greenbush construction in the downtown area.
Mr. Cristello advised the Board that the removal of the foundation and asbestos found in the course of Mr. Hastings investigation of the Bare Cove Park property is estimated to cost $100,000 to $200,000. The Board agreed to an extension of the response deadline in order to continue to work on a solution that is acceptable to everyone.
Voted - to extend the deadline through October 19, 2005 for Thomas Hastings Co., LLC to respond to the Board of Selectmen's decision not to undertake remediation of the Park parcel.
Voted - to authorize the transfer of $25,000 from the Conservation Commission Wetlands Filing Fees Account to the Architectural and Engineering Services Account.
Voted - to advise the Department of Housing and Community Development of the Town of Hingham's interest in extending participation in the Soft Second Loan Program.
Voted - to grant a temporary liquor license to Resurrection Church for "Showtime 1057" on November 4 and 5, 2005.
Voted - to appoint Susan Sommer to the Commission on Disability Issues for a three-year term expiring in 2008.
Voted - to appoint Doug Harvey to Conservation Commission for a three year term.
Selectmen/Town Administrator's Reports
Ms. Tully advised that the regular downtown merchants meetings have been resumed. The four-quad gate design for Heresy, South and Thaxter Streets has been received. Mr. MacIver said he had attended a meeting of the Board of Directors for Vision 20/20. This has received lukewarm support from state. They are looking for ways that incorporate reports from MAPC and OCP. The Overlay District regulations may need to be tweaked in order to have the wanted effect. Parking restrictions may have an undesirable effect on the Overlay District. Mr. Cristello reported he had attended the International City and County Management Conference.
Meeting adjourned 9:15 p.m.
Betty Foley, Clerk