HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 12-7-1994W'I
BOARD OF SELECTMEN ( I
MINUTES 9' �?EC 19 P 112: 29
DECEMBER 7, 1994 ,
Present: Chairman Robinson, Clerk Ronald, Selectmen Pasquale and Penney
William Williams, Town Manager
Representative Barbara Hyland
Senator William Keating
William Madan, Chairman, Train Station Advisory Committee
Jolm Pobst, SRPEDD
Bonnie Polin, Bruce Campbell and Associates
Craig Miller, STV Group
Ron Morgan, MBTA
1. The Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.
2. 7:30 PM Train Station Improvements Public Hearing
Chairman Robinson introduced the Selectmen, Town Manager, Selectmen's Secretary, and
Selectmen's guests to the public. William Madan, Chairman, Train Station Advisory
Comnttee, addressed the public stating that the purpose of the public hearing is for the Board
of Selectmen to receive input from the public so that they may make a decision of whether or
not to expand Mansfield's train station.
Next, John Pobst of SRPEDD addressed the public concerning the traffic situation in the
vicinity of the train station.
Bonnie Polin of Bruce Campbell and Associates reviewed a traffic study conducted by Bruce
Campbell and Associates in the train station area with the public.
Craig Miller of STV Group addressed the public stating that lie has been working with the
MBTA concerning installation of a drainage system in the train station lots and construction of
an additional access road to the parking area if parking is increased.
Ron Morgan, MBTA Representative, stated that the initial intent of the MBTA was to improve
the existing lots, striping etc., which led to an increase in parking spots by one thousand
spaces. Mr. Morgan also stated that should the MBTA receive a negative response from the
Board of Selectmen, they will not do anything in Mansfield.
Lastly, Representative Barbara Hyland addressed the public stating that she has been
working with the Train Station Advisory Committee and the MBTA for approximately two
years concerning improvements to the station.
Public Continent:
The following people in attendance at the public hearing spoke at this time:
Manual Faria, 551 Maple Street, expressed concern that the traffic study was conducted in the
summer time, which he feels is the lowest peak time.
Tricia Kinihan- Smith, Monohan Lane, expressed concern regarding lack of parking at the train
station and asked where she can park on Friday because the Tire Man, where she had been
parking, was issued a cease and deists order for parking.
Jim Casazza, 26 Draper Avenue, expressed concern about the safety of the neighborhood in
the vicinity of the train station, referencing Diagram No. 18 in the traffic study. Mr. Casazza
also stated that he would be in favor of an additional access way being constructed.
Dan Thurber, 66 Brook Street, asked if parking expansion would guarantee Mansfield
residents parking spaces, and if land takings will be required if Route 106 is widened from
Route 140 to Winthrop Street.
Beverly Amicone, Riverside Drive, asked if any additional sites have been reviewed to create
additional commuter parking.
At this time, the Tong Manager, William Williams, responded to some of the residents
concerns referencing staff comments acrd parking alternatives that cn•e being explored
Richard Cole, No. Main Street, questioned why parking at the Tire Man was closed down,
why there are signs prohibiting parking between 6AM and 9AM in the Municipal Parking Lot
downtown, and expressed concern regarding tractor trailer trucks turning onto Crocker Street.
Maria Wheeler, Bay Street, Taunton, requested a police detail be placed on Highland Avenue
so that the traffic will slow down.
Dana Whitney, Foxboro, stated if parking is increased in the commuter lots a second access
from Route 106 is needed, otherwise it doesn't make sense.
Grace Watson, 148 Chauncy Street, expressed concern regarding Route 106 traffic and stated
that if the parking lots are expanded the traffic situation will get worse. Ms. Watson also
stated that she feels Mansfield residents should be accommodated but out -of- towners should
not be let in.
George Nelson, 542 Maple Street, stated that lie is in favor of leasing the nine lots to
accommodate an increase in Mansfield's parking facilities.
Pete Farol, Morrow Street, stated that he feels out of towners should look for another train
station.
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Karl Clemmey, 390 West Street, stated that lie would be willing to allow the Town to use one
of his lots for commuter parking for one year free of charge if he in return is not required to
pay taxes on the lot and is not required to make any improvements to the lot for parking.
William Williams, Town Manager, responded to Mr. Clennney's statement referencing the
licettsittg procedttre for parking facilities, liability, etc..
8:55 PM Selectman Penney left the meeting at this time.
A resident of Morrow Street expressed opposition to the creation of one thousand additional
parking spaces at the commuter parking lots and expressed concern about traffic.
Mrs. Fiore, 136 East Street, requested additional information pertaining to short -term parking
solutions.
Brian McCafferty, President of the Tri -Town Chamber of Commerce, stated that if additional
parking spaces are added he would like to have an access road exiting near Foxfield Plaza
explored.
Sandra May, Wayside Drive, asked if the MBTA could limit the number of tickets they sell and
if security could be added to the lots.
Doug Verbic, 112 highland Avenue, stated that his children cannot ride their bikes in their
neighborhood because of the traffic, and that if the parking lot is expanded another entrance
and exit should be added other than Highland Avenue. Mr. Verbic also stated that he does not
feel another T stop in Mansfield will alleviate the problem.
Rick Mahoney, Beaumont Pond Drive, questioned the number of spaces that will be added to
commuter lots in neighboring cities and towns.
Dave Polutchko, Monohan Lane, stated that he feels Mansfield residents should pay a parking
fee of $.50 and out of town residents should pay $5.00.
A male Mansfield resident questioned utilization of microwaves for surveillance cameras at the
commuter lots.
Lisa Casazza, 26 Draper Avenue, expressed opposition to traffic being routed down Draper
Avenue from the coimnuter lots and stated that she is in favor of rerouting traffic through
Foxborough via an additional access road.
Ed Tartufo, 9 Brookside Drive, expressed concern regarding increased traffic on Route 106 in
the Highland Avenue/Perkins Avenue area, referenced protecting downtown lots for
downtown merchants and customers, and increasing parking for commuters.
Jim Masison, 37 Draper Avenue, stated that he does not feel tripling the size of the commuter
lot snakes sense.
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Paul Connor, Mansfield Jeep Eagle, spoke about increasing the width of Route 106, stated that
he would like a short -term solution explored for the traffic problem in the area, and suggested
a police detail be added at Highland Avenue and Route 106 for two hours in the morning and
two hours in the afternoon to address the traffic problem. Police Chief Arthta• O Neill
responded to Mr. Connors suggestion stating that the MBTA should station an officer at the
intersection or pay the Town to do so. Selectman Pasquale stated that the idea was explored
a couple of years ago and was denied. Next, Mr. Connors requested that the MBTA install
sidewalks over the bridge on Route 106 and asked if there is a possibility for GATRA or the
MBTA to pay for a shuttle bus to transport commuters from a satellite parking area to the train
station.
Nancy Smith, 94 Mill Street, stated that she feels the Town should look into establishment of
"Mansfield Resident Only" lots but should also work with the MBTA to come up with a
solution for the regional issue.
Ann Marie Masison, 37 Draper Avenue, expressed concern of traffic as it relates to the
neighborhood children and encroachment of the vandalism in the lots on her property if
parking be expanded.
Bill Piotti, Highland Avenue, stated that he does not feel that the traffic study was conducted
at a good time and also stated that the traffic is very dangerous.
Dan Thurber, 66 Brook Street, questioned reimbursement by the MBTA to Route 106
residents if Route 106 is widened.
Paul Sadowski, 125 So. Main Street, stated that he feels the train station is in a bad location.
Debby Rioux, 51 Highland Avenue, stated that the commuter traffic is very dangerous and if
parking is expanded, Highland Avenue should not be considered as a through way.
Roger Tullberg, 22 Oakleaf Drive, expressed concern regarding the lack of parking in the
commuter lots.
Robert Brennan, 1525 West Street, stated that he feels the long term solution is to move the
train station out of town and the short -term solution is to increase parking. Mr. Brennan also
stated that it should be made more expensive for out -of- towners to take the train from
Mansfield.
George Nelson, 542 Maple Street, began a discussion of Figure No. 18 in the traffic study.
Dan Joyce, Tremont Street, requested that an occasional Police Officer be provided in the train
station vicinity to slow down speeders.
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Arthur O'Neill, Ware Street, stated that if additional parking is created at the train station
(' more people will use it and stated he feels the MBTA has a public duty to work with the Town
of Mansfield.
Tom Prestwhich, Mansfield resident, stated that lie is against the traffic study and expansion of
the parking facilities and that he feels additional studies should be conducted concerning the
effect an increase in parking will effect the main streets in town.
Lee Smith, Tremont Street, stated that the traffic problem is town -wide, she does not want to
see Route 106 widened, questioned the reasoning behind some of the illegal parking spots in
the commuter lots, inquired about the portion of revenue the Town receives for parking tickets
that is used for the commuter lots, and requested that the lots be plowed sooner this year than
last year because they were not plowed until 7:30 AM last year.
Chairman Robinson closed the public hearing at this time.
Comments of the Board of Selectmen and its Guests
Selectman Pasquale stated that commuter parking is both a short and long term problem, he
does not believe that expanding the current station by one thousand spaces is the answer, and
that he would like the lease options looked into. Selectman Pasquale also spoke to the
following issues: in -town and out -of -town parking fee structures, an additional access road
through the northwest corridor, Route 106 traffic /widening, leasing vs. buying property to be
used for commuter parking, MBTA police speed enforcement, parking ticket revenue, reasons
for parking tickets, and Representative Hyland's and Senator Keating's efforts to obtain
additional finding for the Town.
Representative Hyland stated that she and Senator Keating will continue to work together on
putting pressure on the state relative to this problem.
Senator Keating stated that the public must remember that they are a part of the process.
William Madan, Train Station Advisory Committee Chairman, thanked the Board of Selectmen
for holding this public hearing and thanked Senator Keating and Representative Hyland for
their involvement. Lastly, Mr. Madan suggested that the public encourage those who were
unable to attend the public hearing to write in to the Selectmen stating their ideas and /or
concerns within the next ten days.
3. 10:40 PM - Adjournment
61er1,'s Signcitw-e
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Dale of Approval
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