HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comments - Hin Holland - Comments and Traffic Impact Study Request - Correspondence - 0 Prescott Street 4/29/2026 4/29/2026
Comments and Traffic Impact Study Requests for Zoning Board of Appeals
Dear Zoning Board of Appeals members:
I am very concerned about the size of the proposed project, the proximity to abutters, and the
neighborhood's ability to handle the large volume of traffic from the proposed development.
Residents have proposed a size proportionate to the neighborhood and the town's current
infrastructure.These proposals should be taken seriously. I believe it reflects good faith efforts
of residents trying to resolve this issue.
The proposed location could be a part of a multi-year plan to address the town's housing
shortage, but should not be looked to for a single quick fix. If this project is approved as
currently envisioned, it could make it more difficult for the town to get resident support for
future projects.
I am very grateful that the board has started to discuss the need to upgrade the pedestrian and
street infrastructure, but I remain concerned about the commitments for these changes. I am
also generally concerned about the details of commitments that have been made, and would
like to know how they will be monitored and enforced.
I want to request more clarification be added in the description of Prescott Street in the Traffic
Impact Study, as outlined in 1-3 below. I also recently realized that the Traffic Impact Study did
not include a speed and volume study of Prescott Street. I want to request an independent
speed and volume study be added for Prescott Street as the project is planned for location on
Prescott Street itself.
Corrections to Prescott Street pedestrian access information:
1. Study understates the problem of the "sidewalk to nowhere" on Prescott St.
a. Advertises walking accommodation to the High School fields: "The Project site is
also located within walking distance of four public park/recreation areas,
including: Aplin Park and Playground (0.3 mi) (18 Clarendon Street); the playing
fields at North Andover High School (0.5)..."
b. Study notes "As detailed on Figure 2, sidewalks are generally provided along one
or both sides of the study area roadways, with the exception of the section of
Prescott Street between Chickering Road and the driveway to 111 Prescott
Street! Figure 2 does not accurately show fully 1/3 portion of the missing
sidewalk or discuss any hazards or issues that this large missing area presents.
2. Study Table 1 "Pedestrian Accommodation" column does not note that 1/3 of Prescott
Street sidewalk is missing.
3. Study Table 1, "Bicycle Accommodation" should say "no" for Prescott Street. It currently
states, "however, sections of High Street, Prescott Street and Chickering Road generally
provide sufficient width (combined travel lane and shoulder) to support bicycle travel
in a shared traveled-way configuration."This is not correct. Bicycle accommodation is
generally indicated with a bicycle symbol painted on the street and street sign about
passing width for cars approaching bicycles. This does not exist on Prescott St. and
passing space is not available when traffic is driving in both directions.
Bold emphasis was added to the copied quotes above. Thank you for considering my comments
and requests.
Sincerely,
Jim Holland