Hi Ted and Linda,

 

On the advice of Jay and Lenny, I've been asked to forward comments to you
that I provided to them earlier today. My comments are primarily based on
the March 1st Planning memo.

 

If you have any questions, please contact me. If you want to talk, it's
617-332-4426.

 

Thank you...Bill Renke 

 

 

From: Bill Renke [mailto:BillRenke@comcast.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2013 12:11 PM
To: Amy Sangiolo; Jay Harney; Lenny Gentile
Cc: Lynne Sweet
Subject: Riverside LU working session tonight 

 

I agree with most of the statements and recommendations in the March 1st
Planning memo.  However, I do have a few comments, questions and requests
for additional clarifications. Some of these items may be scheduled for
other working sessions, but since Ted has not made the full schedule public
yet, I will only briefly mention them here.  Page numbers refer to the
Planning memo.  

 

[page 3, 2nd paragraph - roadway connection between Indigo and Riverside]

This should be a 2-way connection. It would improve traffic operations at
the front of the hotel (fewer vehicles, fewer left-turn conflicts, better
access for condo).

 

[page 3, last paragraph - Recreation Road]

More details are needed about the design of Recreation Road north of
roundabout. The Newton community would like a sidewalk leading from project
to Riverside Park (Weston) and the two pedestrian bridges over the river. We
would also like a two-way protected cycle track along the east side of the
roadway, so that cyclists can ride between Auburndale and Riverside.
Approval is probably under DOT control. 

 

[page 4, Riverside Center bypass road]

I disagree with some of the comments, but I accept the conclusion.

 

[page 5, 1st paragraph - pedestrian crossing between condo and hotel]

I like crosswalk elements detailed in memo, but VHB also suggested RRFB
(Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons) at this location as described on page
11 of the 10/15/2012 VHB memo. RRFB will alert drivers that pedestrians are
attempting to use the crosswalk. Approval may be under DOT control. 

 

[page 5, 2nd paragraph - Asheville roundabout]

Northbound slip-ramp at roundabout is dangerous. Vehicle speeds merging onto
Grove will be too high. Deflection angle should be strengthened to reduce
speeds. Approval is probably under DOT control. 

 

[page 6, Pedestrian access sidewalks]

Design of sidewalk on the north side of Grove crossing the bridge and
highway ramp may be under DOT control. This should be a wide multi-purpose
path for pedestrians, wheelchairs, and cyclists.

 

[page 8, 1st paragraph - short term parking spaces in ICF]

How will a system of designated short term parking spaces be implemented?

 

[page 8, 2nd paragraph - Status of ICF Parking Structure Design]

When will the MBTA honor their November commitment to hold a public meeting
regarding the design of the MBTA garage?

 

Transportation and parking issues omitted from memo.

1) Construction Impacts: I assume traffic and parking issues related to
construction will be covered at another working session.

 

2) Traffic impacts to intersections away from project site in Lower Falls
and Auburndale: When will mitigation for these intersections be discussed?
Key examples include Washington/Concord, Concord/Hagar, and
Washington/Quinobequin in Lower Falls. In Auburndale it's Williams School,
Grove/Woodland, Grove/Auburn, Auburn/Commonwealth (near Lasell), and
Auburndale Square. 

 

3) Traffic impacts along I-95 C-D road between new roundabout and Route 30.
How will DOT address congestion issues along this stretch of roadway?    

 

That's it for today. Sorry I'm so late. I'm home this afternoon if you have
questions. If you want to talk it's 617-332-4426.

 

Thanks.Bill