Central to the meeting was an in-depth analysis of traffic flow and potential congestion caused by the proposed McDonald’s drive-thru. Traffic volumes on Speedwell Avenue were reported to range from 1,300 to 1,400 vehicles per hour during peak times. The board examined a comprehensive traffic study that projected increases in local vehicle trips, emphasizing the potential for congestion during morning and evening peak hours. The traffic engineer highlighted conservative growth assumptions and provided estimates for vehicle entry and exit during peak hours based on national data from the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of these projections, particularly given local traffic dynamics, such as school dismissals and existing congestion.

The discussion also delved into the design and safety of pedestrian crosswalks near the McDonald’s site. The board considered relocating the crosswalk to enhance visibility and introduced plans for rapid flashing beacons to improve pedestrian safety. However, some participants questioned whether these measures would adequately address the risks posed by increased traffic and the proximity of the drive-thru lane to pedestrian pathways. The board acknowledged the importance of ensuring pedestrian safety and committed to further evaluating these concerns.

Parking capacity and management were also topics. The proposed site includes 30 parking spaces, with a credit for two electric vehicle charging spots. The board discussed empirical data from other McDonald’s locations to determine whether this parking provision would meet demand. It was noted that the maximum parking observed at similar sites was 30 vehicles, aligning with the proposed capacity. However, questions remained about the maneuverability of delivery trucks within the site and the potential for parking conflicts during peak hours.

The meeting addressed concerns about delivery schedules, emphasizing the need to avoid conflicts with school end times to prevent congestion and enhance safety. Discussions covered the potential impact of delivery trucks on local roads, with assurances that existing regulations would permit deliveries while minimizing disruption. The board considered the possibility of limiting left turns from the McDonald’s lot to alleviate congestion, although a consensus leaned toward maintaining flexible traffic flow.

Community members voiced concerns about the timing of the traffic study, which was conducted in September when local sports events were not in session. This prompted calls for a revised study to capture peak traffic associated with these events. The board acknowledged the importance of accurate data and committed to reviewing the study’s findings in light of community feedback.