The Planning Board is correct in that a detailed traffic study is not possible 
without a known quantity for use as a model - i.e., a development proposal.  
But, we don’t need a detailed study.  Many of these challenges have troubled us 
for years and are already well known (and/or easy to foresee).

Ruth Ann Hendrickson is correct enumerating what the potential issues are (and 
developing possible solutions) is a worthwhile endeavor.  A well-structured and 
wholistic study will provide a clearer understanding of the challenges we’re 
likely to face, and the costs and benefits of addressing them (and how best to 
do so).  As Ruth Ann said, this will allow us to have plans already in place 
when that first developer knocks on the door, which will be a huge advantage.

In closing, I have closely followed the town’s response to the Housing Choice 
Act since it was signed into law in January, 2021.  Developing and vetting the 
zoning-change proposals, and gaining the approvals needed to comply with the 
HCA, is a very complex and daunting task.  The HCAWG, Planning and Select 
Boards, Town Administration, and many other contributors, have done a superb 
and thorough job. If approved at Town Meeting next year, their recommendations 
will be of immense benefit to all of us in the years to come.

- Allen Vander Meulen

> On Oct 11, 2023, at 20:56, RAandBOB <[email protected]> wrote:
> 
> I am largely in favor of the recommendations from the HCA study committee. 
> But I did not like Planning Board‘s response to traffic issues. Usually, she 
> said, they deal with traffic issues case by case basis, as the developments 
> before the planning board. In this case, however, the Town is opening up the 
> possibility for a large of development in a small area. 
> 
> I think the Planning Board should look at the overall picture and develop 
> mitigation plans. For example, perhaps Lewis Street should be closed in the 
> middle so that developments in the rear have to exit onto Rte 117. Can we 
> negotiate with the State to improve the rail station and to ensure that the 
> gates are not down when the train is in the station? Long-term planning such 
> as this needs to be thought through before the first developer knocks on the 
> door.
> 
> Ruth Ann Hendrickson
> (She, her, hers)
> 2253 Concord Rd.
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