HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-07 MA Highway Permit SPR } p
f;/C_Cv S
ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI January 29, 2001
GOVERNOR y 1 (�L f (�} ��1�
JANE SWIFT ~ `
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR re1� 6 10
BOB DURAND Fax(617)626-1181
SECRETARY //www.magnet.S1ate.ma,uS/env1r
CERTIFICATE OF THE SECRETARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
ON THE
SINGLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
PROJECT NAME : Endicott Plaza
PROJECT MUNICIPALITY : Osgood Street - North Reading
PROJECT WATERSHED : Merrimack River
EOEA NUMBER : 12300
PROJECT PROPONENT : Forgetta Development, LLC
DATE NOTICED IN MONITOR : December 23, 2000
The Secretary of Environmental Affairs determines that the
Single Environmental Impact Report (EIR) submitted on this
project adequately and properly complies with the Massachusetts
Environmental Policy Act (G. L. , c. 30, ss . 61-62H) and with its
implementing regulations (301 CMR 11 : 00) .
According to the Single EIR, the proposed project consists
of the construction of a mixed-use development with 120, 000
square feet (sf) of general office space, 40, 500 sf of combined
commercial/retail space (12, 500-sf pharmacy) , and- a 102-room
hotel . The proposed project will have about 650 surface parking
spaces . Site access will be provided by a .full-access driveway
across from Barker Street. This driveway would be signalized. A
second driveway would also be located on Osgood Street near the
northern property line . This secondary driveway would allow for
right turns in and out only. The project site contains
approximately 14 . 2 acres .
The Single EIR adequately addresses the issues identified in
the Certificate issued on September 30, 2000 . MEPA subject matter
jurisdiction exists over traffic, air quality, wastewater,
wetlands, and stormwater issues . ' The Single EIR meets the
requirements for outline and content described in Section
11 . 07 (5) of the MEPA regulations . However, the Single EIR does
not adequately respond to the comment Letter from the
Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture (MDFA) dated
January 22, 2001, regarding impacts to prime agricultural farm
_H Ponied on nwx!ed Stock 20%Post Consumer III
EOEA- - 12300 -- Single EIR Certificate January 29, 2001
soils . I ask the .proporient to consider additional mitigation for
impacts to prime agricultural farm soils . .. '
The proponent should provide electronic copies of the Proposed
Section 61 Findings to MHD and DEP for their respective
permitting areas.
Mitigation:
In the Single -EIR and in its comment letters dated January
18, 2001 and January 20', 2001, the proponent committed to the
following mitigation measures :
o Reconstruct .the intersection of the Osgood Street (Route
125) /Barker Street and includ'e_. the main driveway at this
intersection. The project includes a fully actuated traffic
control signal with an exclusive pedestrian phase provided upon
demand and pedestrian crosswalks across Route 125. It would
provide exclusive, left turn lanes on Barker Street and Route 1.25
northbound and s'outhbound.
o 'Adjust' the traffic signal timing. at the intersection of
Route 125/Grea.t.' pond Road. ' Conduct an analysis of traffic
operations within .one .year cf occupancy. ' The proponent would thon,,
upgrade the 6xisti:ng .traffic signal equipment as directed by MHD.
o .Conduct an 'inventory of the existing traffic signal
equipment and pedestrian .facilities at the intersection of Route -
125/Sutton Street. The proponent would upgrade the existing
traffic signal, equipment ,as directed by MHD.
o Construct a .'sidewalk from the proposed. southern site
driveway--:along,,-,thee-west side of Route 125 -to -the existing • Butcher
Boy Plaza entrance drive. Provide sidewalks from the north side
of Barker Street approaching' Route 125.'
o Implement the following Transportation Demand Management ..
(.TDM) measures : join a Transportation Management Association
(TMA) or start one if. a TMA doesn' t exist; provide a rideshare
-matching program; implement a flextime policy; provide transit
subsidies; encourage telecommuting; and install bicycle racks
and/or bicycle storage lockers at the project site.
o Construct a 0:. 61 mile sewer force main, which would extend
_. from an on-site pump station to North Andover' s central: drainage
2
, r
EOEA #12300 Single E1R Certificate January 29, 2001
system eventually discharging .into the Greater Lawrence Sanitary
District (estimated at $90, 000) .
0 Donate ten percent of the existing agricultural top soil
to Smolak Farm (about $17, 000) if logistics can be worked out, or
donate ten percent of the proceeds generated from the sale of
stripped top soil (between approximately $10, 000 to $13, 000) .
The Proposed Section 61 Finding for MHD estimated design and
construction costs for it traffic mitigation measures at
approximately $959, 733 , The proponent should provide electronic
copies of the Proposed Section 61 Findings to MHD and DEP for
their respective permitting areas .
r
January 29, 2001
DATE Bob Durand
Comments received:
Epsilon Assoc. , 1/9/01
North Andover Board of Selectmen, 1/1.8/01
MDFA, 1/19/01
Epsilon. Assoc. , 1/18/01
Epsilon Assoc . , . 1/20/01
MDFA, 1/22/01
512300
BD/WTG/wtg
F
r
s
3
I
i
i
MASS
RRA Argeo Paul Cellucci Jane Swift Kevin J. Sullivan MatthewJ.Amorello
Governor lieutenant Governor Secretary Commissloner
August 29, 2000
William J. Scott, Director
Office of Community Development and Services
Town of North Andover
27 Charles Street
North Andover, MA 01845
North Andover - Sidewalks on Route 125
Dear Mr, Scott;
This is in response to your letter concerning the need for pedestrian improvements
along Route 125 in North Andover.
Accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians are an important part of all reconstruction
projects built by this department. In addition MassHighway considers the installation of
sidewalks and bicycle accommodations on all mitigation proposed by developers. In either
case it is imperative that the town agree to maintain and plow the sidewalks when complete.
We are aware of the development planned for the Forgetta Farm property (a.k.a.
Endicott Plaza) and will gladly work with the town to include the installation of sidewalks in
the developer's mitigation as appropriate,
If you have any questions or require additional information please do not hesitate to
contact Mr. G. Robert MacDonald, District Project Development Engineer, at (781) 641-8474.
Sincerely,
d,CJ"it A kF�
Stephen T. O'Donnell
District Highway Director
cc: Stephen A. Sakakeeny
Heidi Griffin, North Andover Town Planner
Anthony Komornick, MVPC
Thomas F. Broderick, Chief Engineer
G, Robert MacDonald. DPDE
Richard Bourre, PPDU
M. O. File (08-2000-158)
Massachusetts Highway Department• District 4 .519 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA 02476 • (781) 641-8300
k
"" "�� Argeo Paul Celluccl Jane Swift Kevin J. Suffivan Matthew J.Amorello
H1G1�'�if/wY Governor Vaulenant Governor Secretary Commissloner
September 26, 2000
Robert Durand, Secretary
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, 9th floor
Boston, MA 02114
RE: North Andover - Endicott Plaza - Expanded ENF
(EOEA #12300)
ATTN: MEPA Unit
Doug Vigneau
Dear Secretary Durand:
The Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway) has reviewed the
Expanded Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for the Endicott Plaza project
in North Andover. The project entails the construction of ±120,000 square feet
of office space, 40,500 square feet of commercial/retail space and a 102-room
hotel. The project is located on a ±14-acre site on the west side of Route 125
between Holt Road and Sutton Street. Based on ITE Land Use Codes 820
(Shopping Center), 881 (Pharmacy with Drive-Through Window), 710 (General
Office Space), and 310 (Hotel), the project is expected to generate approximately
4,166 vehicle trips on an average weekday. The project categorically requires the
preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). A MassHighway permit is
required for access to Route 125.
The proponent has requested a Single EIR for this project. The Expanded
ENF included a traffic study prepared in conformance with the EOEA/EOTC
Guidelines for EIR/EIS Traffic Impact Assessments and identified appropriate
mitigation measures for areas where the project will have an impact on traffic
operations. We believe that this request has merit, and we do not object to the
preparation of a Single EIR for this project,
Massachusetts Highway Department• Ten Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3973•(617) 973-7800
Secretary Durand 2 9/26/00
The Single EIR should include a traffic study prepared in conformance
with EOEA/EOTC Guidelines for EIR/EIS Traffic Impact Assessments and
should identify appropriate mitigation measures for areas where the project will
have an impact on traffic operations. The proponent should provide a clear
commitment to implement these mitigation measures and should describe the
timing of their implementation based on phases of the project, if any. At a
minimum, the traffic study should analyze the following state highway locations:
• the Route 125 (Osgood Street)/Halt Road intersection;
• the Route 125 (Osgood Street)/Route 133 (Great Pond Road) intersection;
• the Route 125/133/Sutton Street intersection;
• the Route 125/Barker Street/primary site drive intersection, and
• the Route 125/secondary site drive intersection.
The Single EIR should present capacity analyses and a summary of average and
95th percentile vehicle queues for each intersection within the stud area.
p q Y
Any conceptual plans for roadway improvements included in the Single
EIR should be of sufficient detail to verify the feasibility of constructing such
improvements. The drawings should clearly show the proposed lane widths and
offsets, layout lines and jurisdictions, and the land uses (including access drives)
adjacent to areas where improvements are proposed. In particular, the Single
EIR should include which land acquisitions are required to implement the
proposed improvements and should identify the party responsible for such
takings.
MassHighway has met with the proponent to discuss the traffic mitigation for
this project. In addition to providing a traffic signal at the Route 125/Barker
Street/site drive intersection, the proponent should also commit to upgrade the
existing signals at the Route 125/Great Pond Road and Route 125/Sutton Street
intersections, and interconnect these signals with the proposed site drive traffic
signal. The SEIR should also propose pedestrian improvements at these signalized
locations. The Town of North Andover has requested the proponent to construct a
sidewalk along the entire frontage of the site and to provide pedestrian crossings at
the primary site drive intersection. The Town has also requested that the
proponent explore the feasibility of constructing sidewalks on the east side of
Route 125 from the Hickory Hill area to the Butcher Block Plaza. The secondary
site drive is proposed to facilitate right-in and right-out turning movements only.
However, the exclusive right turn lane into this site drive must be either redesigned
or eliminated.
The SEIR should provide an update of the local permitting processes for
the proposed project, particularly with respect to any state highway issues being
discussed. We strongly encourage proponents to consult with MassHighway
before state highway issues are discussed in local meetings or hearings.
i
Secretary Durand 3 9/26/00
We encourage the proponent to meet jointly with the District 4 Office and the
Public/Private Development Unit prior to the preparation of the SEIR. If you have
any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at (617) 973-8238 or
Tom Burns of the Public/Private Development Unit at (617) 973-7342.
Sincerely,
Richard Bourre
Manager, Public/Private Development Unit
Bureau of Transportation
Planning and Development.
cc: Matthew J. Amorello, Commissioner
Luisa Paiewonsky, Director of Planning
Kenneth S. Miller, P.E., Deputy Director of Planning
Thomas Broderick, P.E., Chief Engineer
Charles Sterling, P.E., State Traffic Engineer
Stephen T. O'Donnell, District 4 Director
PPDU files
MPO Activities files
Planning Board, Town of North Andover
Merrimac Valley Planning Commission
�" "'" j Argeo Pau!Cellucci Jane Swift Kevin J. Sullivan Matthew J.Amorella
aI BE Governor Lieutenant Governor Secretary Commissloner
January 23, 2001
Robert Durand, Secretary
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, 9ch floor
Boston, MA 02114
RECEIVED
RE: North Andover - Endicott Plaza - SEIR
(EOEA #12300) JAN 2 5 2001
ATTN: MEPA Unit NORTH ANDOW A
William Gage PLANNING DEPa,MtdENT
Dear Secretary Durand:
The Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway) has reviewed the
Single Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the Endicott Plaza project in North
Andover. The project entails the construction of±120,000 square feet of office
space, 40,500 square 'feet of commercial/retail space and a 102-room hotel. The
project is Located on a ±14-acre site on the west side of Route 125 between Holt
Road and Sutton Street. Based on ITE Land Use Codes 820 (Shopping Center),
881 (Pharmacy with Drive-Through Window), 710 (General Office Space), and 310
(Hotel), the project is expected to generate approximately 4,166 vehicle trips on
an average weekday. A MassHighway permit is required for access to Route 125.
The proponent has committed to a mitigation program comprised of geometric
improvements at the Route 125/Barker Street/primary site drive intersection,
including a traffic signal and a pedestrian crosswalk at this location. As approved
by MassHighway, the proponent will provide signal upgrading at the Route
125/Great Pond Road and Route 125/Sutton Street intersections. The proponent
has also agreed to construct a sidewalk along the west side of Route 125, from
Barker Street to the Butcher Boy Plaza. MassHighway will not require the
proponent to build a sidewalk along the project frontage, contingent upon receipt of
letter from the Board of Selectmen stating that the Town does not require a
sidewalk at this location.
The Single EIR conforms generally to the EOEA/EOTC Guidelines for
EIR/EIS Traffic Impact Assessments. We believe that the Single EIR has
adequately addressed all state highway traffic issues related to the Endicott
Massachusetts Highway Department• Ten Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3973 • (617) 973-7800
Secretary Durand 2 1/23/01
Plaza project. We recommend that no further environmental review be required
based on traffic issues.
MassHighway will issue a Section 61 Finding based on the commitments
made by the proponent in the Single EIR. If you have any questions regarding
these comments, please contact me at (617) 973--8238, or Tom Burns of the
Public/Private Development Unit at (617) 973-7342.
Sincerely,
Richard ourre
Manager, Public/Private Development Unit
Bureau of Transportation
Planning and Development
cc: Matthew J. Amorello, Commissioner
Luisa Paiewonsky, Director of Planning
Kenneth S. Miller, P.E., Deputy Director of Planning
Thomas Broderick, P.E,, Chief Engineer
Charles Sterling, P.E., State Traffic Engineer
Stephen T. O'Donnell, District 4 Director
PPDU files
MPO Activities files
Planning Board, Town of North Andover
Merrimac Valley Planning Commission
MASSAr eo Paul Cellucci Jane Swift Kevin J. Sullivan Matthew J.Amorello
15fIGH�1 AY � Governor Lieutenant Governor Secretary Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
March 8 2001
William Barrett
Forgetta Development, LLC.
1049 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01845
Dear Mr, Barrett:
Please find attached the Massachusetts Highway Department's M.G.L. Chapter 30, Section 61
Finding for the Endicott Plaza project (EOEA #12300) in North Andover. The finding will be
incorporated into a Massachusetts Highway Department permit issued for this project. If you
have any questions regarding this finding, please call Luisa Paiewonsky, Director, Bureau of
Transportation Planning and Development, at (617) 973-7858.
Sincerely,
Matthew J. Amorello
Commissioner
MJA/lp
Massachusetts Highway Department• Ten Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02 1 1 6-3973 • (617) 973-7800
0
v j
cc: Matthew J. Amorello, Commissioner
Thomas Broderick, P.E., Chief Engineer
Luisa Paiewonsky, Director, Bureau of Transportation Planning and
Development
James Wickersham, Assistant Secretary, EOEA
Charles Sterling,P,E., State Traffic Engineer
John Blundo, P.E., Deputy Chief Engineer, Highway Engineering
Gregory Prendergast,Deputy Chief Engineer, Environmental
Stephen O'Donnell, District 4 Director
Gerald Solomon, Director, Right of Way Bureau
Paul Patneaude, Manager, Engineering Expediting
Public/Private Development Unit files (2 COPIES)
Planning Board, Town of North Andover
Merrimack Valley Planning Commission
Carolyn DiMambro, Caravan for Commuters, Inc.
i
MASSACHUSETTS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
FINDING PURSUANT TO
M.G.L. CHAPTER 30, SECTION 61
PROJECT NAME: Endicott Plaza
i
PROJECT LOCATION: Route 125 —North Andover
PROJECT PROPONENT: Forgetta Development, LLC,
EOEA NUMBER: 12300
1. Project Description
Full-build development of the proposed project involves the construction and occupancy
of 120,000 square feet of mixed-use development consisting of 40,500 square feet of commercial
/retail use and a 102-room hotel in the Town of North Andover, Massachusetts. The mixed-use
project will be located on the west side of Route 125, on a 14-acre parcel. The mixed-use project
will provide 650 parking spaces and is estimated to have a cost of approximately 16 million
dollars.
The project proponent will apply to the Massachusetts Highway Department
(MassHighway) for a permit under M.G.L. c. 81, § 21 for access to Route 125 and will apply for
a traffic signal permit to be issued to the Town of North Andover under M.G.L. C. 85, § 2.
11. MEPA History
The proponent prepared and submitted, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30, § 61 and 62A-H of the
Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and its implementing regulations (301 CMR
11.00), a Single Environmental Impact Report (December 23, 2000)t, which analyzed the
environmental impacts of the development of 120,000 square feet of commercial/retail use space
and a 102-room hotel. On September 30, 2000, the Secretary of Environmental Affairs issued a
certificate stating that the SFE1R adequately and properly complied with MEPA and its
implementing regulations.
MassHighway has reviewed and commented on the above MEPA submissions and has
considered the comments of various parties on the EIR, in connection with the permit
Dates in parentheses refer to when notice of availability for public review was published in The
Environmental Monitor for the respective environmental disclosure document.
applications to be submitted by the proponent. This Section 61 Finding is based upon
information disclosed and discussed in the MEPA review process.
i
III. Overall Project Traffic Impacts
Full-build occupancy of the retail and hotel project is expected to generate 4,166 vehicle-
trips2 to and from the site during an average weekday, including 330 vehicle-trips during the
weekday AM peak hour and 461 vehicle-trips during the weekday PM peak hour. Full-build
occupancy of the mixed-use project is expected to generate 373 vehicle-trips to and from the site
during the average Saturday peak hour. MassHighway has assessed the impacts of this
anticipated traffic load on the surrounding regional roadway network based upon information set
forth in the SDEIR.
In the absence of mitigating highway improvements, Endicott Plaza-related traffic would
be expected to have generally detrimental operational and safety impacts in a number of primary
areas. These include; the Route 125Barker Street/site drive intersection; the Route 125/Route
133/Sutton Street intersection; the Route 125/Route 133 intersection; the Route 125/north site
drive intersection; the Route 125Barker Street intersection; and the Route 125/Holt Road
intersection, The specific traffic impacts at each of these locations and the mitigation measures
required to address them are detailed in Part IV and Part V of this Section 61 Finding,
IV. Specific Project Im acts and Mitigation Measures
MassHighway has analyzed the operational and safety impacts in the affected state
highway area due to the proposed retail and hotel project and has determined that the mitigation
measures outlined below are required to minimize the traffic impacts of this project. Based on
discussions with MassHighway, the project proponent has committed to undertake the following
mitigation measures in cooperation with the identified parties.
Route 125Barker Street/site drive intersection
The 2005 Build with traffic mitigation scenario indicates that Levels of Service (LOS) for
this new signalized intersection will be at Levels CICIC (Average Delay= 26/28.1/20.8 seconds)
during the weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hours.
Prior to any site occupancy, the proponent will reconstruct the geometry of this
intersection in accordance with conceptual and 100 percent plans to be submitted to and
z Technical terms used in this Finding are as defined in the Transportation Research Board Highway Capacity
Manual (1997).
2
I
E
approved by MassHighway, These plans will be refined as the design progresses to the 100
percent level. Any work that would require breaking the pavement surface, such as installing
conduit, must be completed during the reconstruction of this intersection. When signalization
becomes warranted and approved by MassHighway, the proponent will signalize this
intersection. If not warranted and approved, we may require alternative mitigation.
See the section below entitled Route 125 Traffic Signal Interconnect/Coordination
System for a description of additional mitigation at this location. There are no additional feasible
means to avoid or minimize the project's traffic impacts at this location that the proponent could
be required to implement.
Route 125/Route 133/Sutton Street intersection
For the 2005 No-Build scenario, weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hour LOS for this
signalized intersection will be at Levels BBB (Average Delay = 16.1/18.9/14.8 seconds). The
2005 Build without traffic mitigation scenario indicates that LOS for this intersection will be at
Levels B/CB (Average Delay= 16.5/20.6/15.4 seconds) during the weekday AM/PM/Saturday
peak hours.
Prior to site occupancy, the proponent will upgrade the existing traffic signal equipment
at this intersection as directed by MassHighway. The proponent should also conduct a traffic
analysis to assess the need to replace or upgrade signal equipment at this intersection.
See the section below entitled Route 125 Traffic Signal Interconnect/Coordination
System for a description of additional mitigation at this location. There are no additional feasible
means to avoid or minimize the project's traffic impacts at this location that the proponent could
be required to implement.
Route 125/Route 133 intersection
For the 2005 No-Build scenario, weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hour LOS for this
signalized intersection will be at Levels C/CB (Average Delay = 25.6/21.1/18.1 seconds). The
2005 Build without traffic mitigation scenario indicates that LOS for this intersection will be at
Levels C/F/C (Average Delay = 31.9/>80.0/25.3 seconds) during the weekday AM/PM/Saturday
peak hours. With mitigation in place, the 2005 Build scenario indicates that LOS for this
intersection will be at Levels CB/B. (Average Delay =26.1/16.5/15.8 seconds) during the
weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hours.
Prior to site occupancy, the proponent will upgrade the existing traffic signal equipment
at this intersection as directed by MassHighway. In addition, the proponent will conduct a traffic
a According to the MMM11 on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,US DOT,FHWA.
3
analysis to determine if the signal equipment at this intersection will require a need of
replacement and/or upgrading.
See the section below entitled Route 125 Traffic Signal Interconnect/Coordination
System for a description of additional mitigation at this location. There are no additional feasible
means to avoid or minimize the project's traffic impacts at this location that the proponent could
be required to implement.
Route 125/northerly site drive intersection
The 2005 Build without traffic mitigation scenario indicates that LOS for right-turn
movements at this intersection will be at Levels CBB (Average Delay = 17.5/13.7/12.5 seconds)
during the weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hours.
Prior to site occupancy, the proponent will modify the geometry of this intersection in
accordance with conceptual and 100 percent plans to be submitted and approved by
MassHighway. In order to maintain safe traffic operations in this location, the proponent has
agreed to design this driveway to function as a right-in/right-out only operation to and from the
site. This driveway will be designed according to MassHighway standards and will incorporate
acceleration/deceleration lanes to/from Route 125.
There are no additional feasible means to avoid or minimize the project's traffic impacts
at this location that the proponent could be required to implement.
Route 125/Barker Street intersection
For the 2005 No-Build scenario, weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hour LOS for all
movements at this unsignalized intersection will be at Levels FIE/C (Average Delay=
50/49.7/21/7 seconds). The 2005 Build without traffic mitigation scenario indicates that LOS for
this new signalized intersection will be at Levels C/C/C (Average Delay= 26/28.1/20.8 seconds)
during the weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hours.
Prior to any site occupancy, the proponent will reconstruct the geometry of this
intersection in accordance with conceptual and 100 percent plans to be submitted to and
approved by MassHighway. These plans will be refined as the design progresses to the 100
percent level, Any work that would require breaking the pavement surface, such as installing
conduit, must be completed during the reconstruction of this intersection. When signalization
becomes warranted` and approved by MassHighway, the proponent will signalize this
intersection. If not warranted and approved, we may require alternative mitigation.
a According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,US DOT,FHWA.
4
See the section below entitled Route 125 Traffic Signal Interconnect/Coordination
S sy teen for a description of additional mitigation at this location, There are no additional feasible
means to avoid or minimize the project's traffic impacts at this location that the proponent could
be required to implement, j
Route 125/Holt Road intersection
For the 2005 No-Build scenario, weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hour LOS for the
northbound Route 125 left-turn movement at this unsignalized intersection will be at Levels
F/E/C (Average Delay = >50/45.4/21.1 seconds). The 2005 Build without traffic mitigation
scenario indicates that LOS for this movement will be at Levels F/F/C (Average Delay =
>50.0/>50/24.9 seconds) during the weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hours.
The proponent will conduct an analysis of traffic operations at this intersection, including
a twelve-hour manual turning movement count and traffic signal warrants analysis, within one
year of a Certificate of Occupancy for the project site, or as directed by MassHighway and the
Town of North Andover. There are no additional feasible means to avoid or minimize the
project's traffic impacts at this location that the proponent could be required to implement.
V. Other Mitigation Measures
Route 125 Traffic Signal Interconnection/Coordination System
If warranted 5 and approved and as directed by MassHighway, the proponent will install
all necessary equipment in order to operate certain traffic signals in the vicinity of the project as a
"closed loop" interconnection/coordination system prior to any site occupancy. This traffic
signal system will be implemented in accordance with conceptual and 100 percent plans
specifications and estimates to be submitted to and approved by MassHighway. This plan will be
refined as the design progresses to the 100 percent level. The traffic signals to be operated in this
system include those located in the following locations.
• The Route 125/Barker Street/site drive intersection;
• The Route 125/133/Sutton Street intersection; and
• The Route 125/Route 133 (Great Pond Road) intersection.
• The proponent has agreed to construct a sidewalk from the project's main site drive along the
west side (project side) of Route 125 (Osgood Street) southerly to the existing Butcher Boy
plaza entrance drive. Consequently, MassHighway does not feel that the installation of a
sidewalk along the frontage of the proposed site is a necessary requirement at this time.
5 According to[lie ManL1,11 on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,US DOT,FHWA
5
y I
3
Trip Generation Reduction Measures
The proponent will conduct Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures
aimed at reducing site trip generation. These TDM measures shall include, but are not limited to;
the designation of an on-site transportation coordinator, promoting the use of flex-time work
scheduling by employees at the site, and the provision of at feast five percent of the project
parking supply as preferred parking spaces for employees participating in carpools and vanpools.
The proponent should also work with the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority
(MVRTA) to begin the sale of transit passes at the site in order to encourage the use of transit as
an alternative means of travel.
The proponent should work with Caravan for Commuters, Inc., in order to develop and
market the TDM program. Effective marketing by the proponent should include regular
dissemination of appropriate commuter information and other techniques such as running yearly
events to promote transit and shared ride-commuting modes. The proponent has agreed to
participate in (lie TMA in order to further the aims of the required TDM program.
Traffic .Monitoring Program
The proponent will monitor the traffic entering and exiting all of the site drives once per
year following initial occupancy of the site. Monitoring of traffic entering and exiting the site
will continue for five years following full occupancy of the site. The monitoring program will
include 24-hour Automatic Traffic Recorder(ATR) counts over a seven-day, week-long period,
and weekday AM/PM/Saturday peak hour turning movement counts. The proponent will submit
the results of these monitoring studies to the MassHighway District 4 Office.
6
5
i
FINDINGS
For the reasons stated above, MassHighway hereby finds that, with implementation of the
mitigation measures described above, all practicable means and measures will be taken to avoid
or minimize adverse traffic and related impacts to the environment resulting from the Endicott
Plaza project. Appropriate conditions consistent with this Section 61 Finding will be included in
the access and traffic signal permits to be issued by MassHighway in order to describe more fully
and ensure implementation of these measures.
March 6, 2001
�A
DATE *-atthewf. rel o
Commissioner
7