22:54The meeting delved into the traffic implications of a proposed development on Chestnut Street. This project involves subdividing the existing lot into four, with plans for three two-family homes and an access road. Traffic engineer Craig Paraguli assured the board that modifications, including a new left turn lane, would not reduce existing traffic lanes. However, the addition of a fourth leg to the intersection raised concerns about increased conflict points and the overall safety for the community. Paraguli emphasized that the design aligns with state goals to consolidate access points, reducing potential driveways to a single entrance.

Questions arose about the classification of Chestnut Street as a minor arterial road and the need to minimize access points to maintain traffic flow and safety. Paraguli addressed these concerns by explaining that the consolidation of access points would ultimately improve traffic management. The traffic signal plan was revised to support the change, allowing for smoother traffic flow without altering the current lane structure.

30:53A significant portion of the meeting focused on the intersection complexity at Chestnut and Fairway. Discussions revealed that this intersection serves as a major artery for local traffic, connecting residential areas to major roadways such as Parkway South and Route 22. The anticipated increase in traffic from the development prompted questions about the adequacy of current traffic management measures.

01:16:30Concerns were further exacerbated by a lack of pedestrian crosswalks on Chestnut Street, posing safety risks for families and children attending the nearby school. This deficiency was highlighted by residents worried about the implications for pedestrian safety, particularly in light of the proposed removal of existing traffic islands and the introduction of a left-turn lane. The board scrutinized the necessity of traffic lights for the development, questioning whether the project justified the proposed changes.

01:13:26A resident from Fairway Drive, David Weiss, expressed deep concerns over the current traffic conditions and the project’s impact on the community. He described frequent backups and congestion, particularly during school dismissal times. Weiss emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough traffic study to assess the capacity and safety implications of the development. He argued that without such assessments, moving forward with the project would be unreasonable.

01:36:30The board also discussed the architectural design and compliance aspects of the proposed residential units. Concerns were raised about the inclusion of a third floor in the design, which deviated from local zoning codes typically allowing only two stories. The architect defended the design, stating it adhered to energy conservation mandates and modern construction techniques, although board members questioned the necessity of the third level and the potential need for a zoning variance.

Fire safety considerations were also discussed, with the project requiring a height variance. While the fire department reviewed and approved the design, apprehensions about the absence of a fire sprinkler system persisted. The design featured compartmentalized fire escape staircases as an alternative safety measure, but questions about the adequacy of these provisions remained.

21:15In addition to the Chestnut Street project, the board reviewed other applications, including a site plan waiver related to Department of Transportation actions. This involved addressing variances for signage and parking setbacks due to DOT’s prior interventions. While stormwater management was deemed unnecessary due to existing drainage patterns, the impact of reduced aisle widths and parking spaces on traffic flow was debated.