Town of Turner, Maine

Planning Board Minutes

January 13, 2010

 

1             CALL TO ORDER

 

Called to order at 7:02pm by Chairman Mr. Gregg Varney.   Those Members present were Mr. Varney, Mark Morris, Roy Nickerson, Raymond Lavoie, Shirley Twitchell and Margaret Imber.  R. Edward Morris arrived at 7:06pm   Planner, John Maloney was present this evening.  CEO, Roger Williams was also present this evening.

 

2                 OLD BUSINESS

A                HANNAFORD-SITE REVIEW OF STANDARDS

Mr. Doug Boyce of Hannaford Bros. Co. addressed the Planning Board.  Mr. Boyce began by explaining the changes to the plan, beginning with the landscape buffer.  Mr. Boyce outlined these changes by referring to a drawing submitted by Hannaford.  Mr. Boyce stated a 10 foot wooden fence would run along Jordan Lane and there would also be a 2 foot berm.  An 8 foot wooden fence would be installed along the westerly boundary of the property.  A 10 foot landscape strip will be planted, which will include evergreens.  Mr. Joseph Laverriere of DeLuca-Hoffman Associates, Inc.  then addressed the Planning Board.  Mr. Laverriere explained the geometry of the access drive which included the medium exits and entrances.  Mr. Boyce then explained that the architecture of the building had been modified.  Mr. Boyce referred to a drawing submitted by Hannaford Bros. Co.  Mr. Boyce stated that the drive thru pharmacy would now be canopy covered and only pharmacy patrons would use the drive thru.  There would be a free standing screen wall covering the area where small truck deliveries would be made.  A 6 foot fence with a 2 foot concrete base will be installed for screening of view.  There will be a landscape buffer.  The building will now be sloped with a brick base and clapboard and metal siding.  The building will now feature gables and columns.  Mr. Boyce then again explained the landscaping plan

 

Mr. John Adams of Sebago Technics then addressed the Planning Board.  Mr. Adams stated that he has performed a traffic study review of this project.  Mr. Adams stated that this study was conducted in accordance with traffic movement analyses typical to standards in the State of Maine.  Mr. Adams stated that he agreed with MDOT’s findings regarding traffic movement on Main Street, Route 117, Route 4 and Snell Hill Road.  Mr. Adams also stated that he agreed with MDOT’s findings regarding the queuing from B & A Variety.  For the record find attached the Traffic Peer Review Memo prepared by Mr. Adams.  There was then discussion regarding cars entering and exiting from B & A Variety from Route 4 along with large delivery trucks entering and exiting B & A Variety.  There was then some discussion regarding how the vehicle count was taken with regards to entering B & A Variety.  A discussion then ensued regarding whether a right turn lane would be warranted.  It was stated that the signal should make this intersection safer and slow vehicles down.

 

Mr. Maloney continued with a review of the General Review Standards.

 

3. Vehicular Access: The proposed development shall provide safe vehicular access to and from public and private streets.  When conflicts exist between this section and a Driveway Permit or Entrance Permit onto Route 4 issued by the Maine Department of Transportation, the most stringent or restrictive shall apply. 

 

Overview

 

The applicant proposes to construct a 36,000 square foot building to house a supermarket and pharmacy drive-through on a site located at the corner of Route 4 and the Snell Hill Road. The project is forecast to generate 107 trip ends in the AM peak hour, 416 trip ends in the peak PM hour and 456 trip ends during the Saturday peak hour. The applicant first proposed three points of access to the site. These were a right-in and a right-out from Route 4 approximately 260' north of the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection, 27' wide entrance and exit approximately 210' west of the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection and a 50' wide entrance and exit approximately 420' west of the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection. As the result of action by the Maine Department of Transportation associated with the issuance of the Traffic Movement Permit and the Turner Planning Board not granting a waiver to Section 5.E.3.g of the Town of Turner Zoning Ordinance the right-in and right-out access from Route 4 was eliminated from the proposal. The other two access points remain the same.

 

The applicant retained Gorrill-Palmer Consulting Engineers, Inc to prepare a Traffic Impact Study. That analysis considered among others trip generation, trip distribution, trip composition, trip assignment, study area (Route 4 at Snell Hill Road, Route 4 at Route 117 and Main Street at Route 117), capacity analysis, queuing analysis, traffic signal warrant analysis, crash data, sight line analysis.

 

Based on the results of the Traffic Impact Study that applicant proposed to install a fully actuated traffic signal at the Route4/Snell Hill Road intersection, construct a separate right-turn lane for south bound traffic on Route 4 at the intersection with Snell Hill Road, construct a dedicated left turn lane at the Snell Hill Road and Route 4 intersection, improvement to the Snell Hill Road for access to the project site and signage. 

 

Due to the traffic volumes associated with the project a Traffic Movement Permit issued by the MaineDOT is required. On August 11, 2009 the MaineDOT issued that Permit and on August 25, 2009 a revised Permit was issued that eliminated Route 4 access. The MaineDOT permit required off-site mitigation measures including fully actuated traffic signal at the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection, the construction a 170' southbound right turn lane on Route 4, provide a dedicated right turn lane on the eastbound approach of the intersection, provide a through/left turn lane for the eastbound approach of the intersection and pay an impact fee of $35,000 toward a future improvement of the Route 4 and 117 intersection.

 

The Turner Village Preservation Committee provided for the record a report prepared by William Bray, P.E. that addressed traffic issues related to the project.

 

In supplemental information dated September 23, 2009 the applicant provided further information on the reasons for the design of the westerly entrance to the project site as well as the easterly entrance. The applicant also provided information concerning the impact of the project on the movement into and out of the B&A Convenience Store. It was the opinion of the applicant that the benefits of the traffic signal to B&A customers far outweigh any perceived inconvenience to B&A customers that currently use the Route 4 curb cut to enter and/or exit the store.

 

In supplemental information dated October 2, 2009 the Turner Village Preservation Committee provided information on traffic movement and entrance design.

 

The Planning Board retained the services of Sebago Technics to conduct a peer review of the applicant's Traffic Impact Study. In a letter dated November 23, 2009 Sebago Technics reported that the level of service standards will be met for post development for all intersections studied, that the queue analysis provided by the applicant is correct, that expected queues on the Route 4 north bound approach to Snell Hill Road intersection will block the B&A Convenience Store access to Route 4 at times, that the Route 4/117 intersection does not warrant a traffic signal at this time and would not likely be warranted in the future, and that increase traffic on Main Street as the result of the project would not likely be significant.

 

In supplemental information dated December 8, 2009 the applicant provided additional information on the traffic impact of the project on the B&A Convenience Store's driveways. Based on a SimTraffic analyses the level of service for both B&A driveways would be A for post development. The average queue for the peak PM north bound traffic would reach the   B&A Route 4 driveway. The 95th percentile queue would extend the Route 4 B & A driveway. The applicant reported blockage at the Route 4 B&A driveway would about 15% of the time during the PM peak hour and 8% during the Saturday peak hour and that it is anticipated to operate acceptable without any reassignment. 

 

Standard

 

The applicant for a development to be located on a parcel of land of ten (10) acres or greater or five hundred (500) feet or more of frontage on a public street shall file a conceptual Access Master Plan with the Planning Board.  The conceptual Access Master Plan shall address the overall use of the parcel, the overall vehicular circulation system within the parcel, and the coordination of access into and out of the site.  The conceptual Access Master Plan shall demonstrate how the requirements for access as contained in this section will be met.

 

Findings

 

The project site is less than 10 acres but does have approximately 560' of frontage on the Snell Hill Road. Sheet C-2.0 of the application indicates the overall use of the parcel, vehicular circulation system within the parcel and the coordination into and out of the site.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted 5 in favor and 1 opposed that this standard has been met.  Mr. Nickerson made the opposing vote.

 

For the record Mr. Varney will not vote unless there is a tie.

 

Mr. Maloney then continued with a review of the Standards.

 

 

        Standard

                          

                           Vehicular access to the site shall be on roads which have adequate capacity to accommodate the additional traffic generated by the development.  Intersections on major access routes to the site within one half (1/2) mile of any entrance road which are functioning at a Level of Service of C or better prior to the development must function at a minimum at Level of Service C after development.  If any intersection is functioning at a Level of Service D or lower prior to the development, the project must not reduce the current level of service.

 

                           Findings

 

                           All access to the project site will be via the Snell Hill Road a town maintained paved road with a travel width of approximately 24'. Snell Hill Road intersects with Route 4, a State highway, with a pavement width of approximately 45'. Direct access to the site will be from a 27' wide entrance and exit approximately 210' west of the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection and a 50' wide entrance and exit approximately 420' west of the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection. Intersections on major access routes within ½ mile of the entrance road include Snell Hill Road/Route 4, Route 4/117 and Route 4/Main Street south. The applicant provided Level of Service Analysis for three intersections, Route 4/Snell Hill Road, Route 4/117 and Main Street/Route 117. The Route 4/Main Street south intersection was not analyzed as the result of discussion at the MaineDOT Traffic Movement Permit Scoping meeting at which participants agreed that the proposed project would not significantly impact that intersection.

 

                           The analysis conducted by the applicant indicates that all the intersections studied, with the installation of a traffic signal at the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection, will function overall at a Level of Service of C or better under post development conditions.

 

                           The Route 4/Route 117 intersection is considered as a High Crash Location by MaineDOT based on the most recent reporting period (2006-2008). The Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection had six crashes in the 2006-2008 period, but is not considered a high cash location because the threshold of eight cashes was not reached. Verbal communications with MaineDOT found that the Route 4/Route 117 intersection is approaching warranting the placement of a traffic signal. If placed it would result in two traffic signals within 2,000' along Route 4. Additional verbal communications with MaineDOT found that it would allow for the placement of a second signal at this intersection.

 

                           A 95th Percentile Queues Analysis submitted by the applicant indicates that with the signalization of the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection that left in and left out traffic movement to the B & A Varity Store will be impacted.

 

In supplemental information dated December 8, 2009 the applicant provided additional information on the traffic impact of the project on the B & A Convenience Store's driveways. Based on a SimTraffic analyses the level of service for both B & A driveways would be A for post development. The average queue for the peak PM north bound traffic would reach the B & A Route 4 driveway. The 95th percentile queue would extend the Route 4 B & A driveway. The applicant reported blockage at the Route 4 B & A driveway would about 15% of the time during the PM peak hour and 8% during the Saturday peak hour and that it is anticipated to operate acceptable without any reassignment. 

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

         Require the developers of new or redeveloped projects which will exceed existing public roadway and intersection capacity to make improvements necessary for anticipated traffic volumes.

 

         That new development or redevelopment does not create or aggravate high crash

         locations.

 

         That new developments or redevelopments along Routes 4, 117 and 219 and other important travel corridors will maintain traffic carrying functions and minimize congestion and crash potential.

 

Condition(s) as follows:

 

The applicant shall conduct traffic counts on Main Street south before and after the proposed store opens. The timing of these counts shall take into the consideration the reconstruction of Route 117. Based on the results of traffic counts the Planning Board reserves the right to reopen the application for the reconsideration of this standard.

 

The applicant shall prepare with the owners of B & A Convenience Store a circulation plan that addresses traffic movement into, out of and through that property. 

 

There was then a lengthy discussion regarding the above Conditions. 

 

This discussion included level of service being met as well as the effects of traffic entering and exiting B & A Variety.  It was stated that the variety store will generate more traffic.  Mr. Maloney stated that a Traffic Movement Permit is required.  There was then a discussion regarding the model that was used in the traffic study.  Accidents were the next issue discussed.  There was some discussion regarding the left turn out of B & A Variety.  It was suggested that the possibility of moving the entrance further south on Route 4 might be a solution to alleviate possible problems.  Mr. Tyler Sterling of Hannaford Bros. Co. stated that he had concerns with the way the above Conditions were written.  He felt that the wording was too general and that the impact of the signal will have benefits.  Ms. Joan Bryant Deschenes stated that she cooperated with MDOT when they took away one of her entrances.  Ms. Bryant Deschenes believes that the queuing of vehicles will cut off entrance to her business.  She also stated that moving the entrance further south on Route 4 is not the solution and that she would like to see any future problems addressed now rather than later.  There was continued discussion regarding the wording of Condition 1.  Ms. Helen Edmonds of Pierce Atwood suggested changing the wording of Condition 1 to read as follows:

Within a time period no sooner than six months and no later than 12 months from the date of store opening the applicant shall conduct traffic counts on Main Street south. Should such traffic counts indicate that any street intersection functions at a Level of Service of less than C the Planning Board reserves the right to reopen the application for the reconsideration of this standard.

There was then discussion regarding Condition 2.  Ms. Imber felt that there is a significant safety issue regarding the entering and exiting at the B & A Variety.  This discussion included whether a right and left turn analysis was warranted, plus a volume count and turning analysis.

 

Recess was taken from 8:57pm until 9:09pm.

 

 

Mr. Varney stated that Traffic Peer Review Study found the MDOT Study to be accurate.  Mr. Varney stated that he is not sure if Condition 2 is warranted.  There was continued discussion regarding whether a right turn lane was warranted and if Condition 2 should be approved.  Mr. Varney asked the Board Members to vote as to whether to include Condition 2 or not.  By a show of hands 3 Board Members agreed to include Condition 2 and 3 Board Members did not want to include Condition 2.  Mr. Varney was forced to vote and he was in agreement not to include Condition 2.  Mr. Nickerson asked if the Town of Turner’s Attorney should review the draft of the findings.  Mr. Maloney stated, yes this can be done.  

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record with Condition 1 that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted 5 in favor and 1 opposed.  Ms Imber made the opposing vote.

 

Mr. Maloney continued to review the Standards.

 

Standard

 

                            The geometrics of intersections that will serve the proposed development shall be of such

                            design to provide for safe turning movements.                       

 

                           Any exit driveway or driveway lane shall be so designed in profile and grading and so located as to provide the following minimum sight distance measured in each direction. 

 

Posted Speed Limit              Sight Distance               Sight Distance

 (Standard Vehicle)       (Larger Vehicle)

 

35 mph                               305'                              455'

Findings

                                

                                 All exits from the project site will be onto the Snell Hill Road that has a posted speed limit of 35 MPH. The project site will provide for two exits. The primary exit will be approximately 220' west of the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection and secondary exit will be approximately 420' west of the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection. The sight distance to the west exceeds the required distances. The sight distance to the east from the secondary exit exceed the required distances. The speed of vehicles at the primary exit will be less than 35 MPH.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

         That new development or redevelopment does not create or aggravate high crash locations.

 

         That new developments or redevelopments along Routes 4, 117 and 219 and other important travel corridors will maintain traffic carrying functions and minimize congestion and crash potential.

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

 

 

 

Standard

 

                  The grade of any exit driveway or proposed street for a distance of fifty (50) feet from its intersection with any existing street shall be a maximum of three (3) percent.

 

                  Findings

 

                  The grades of all exit drives for 50' from their intersection with the Snell Hill Road are less than 3%.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

         That new development or redevelopment does not create or aggravate high crash locations.

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

 

         Standard

 

                           The intersection of any access drive or proposed street must function at a Level of Service of C following development if the project will generate 400 or more vehicle trips per 24-hour period or a level which will allow safe access into and out of the project if less than 400 trips are generated.

 

                           Findings

 

                           The analysis conducted by the applicant indicates that all the intersections studied, with the installation of a traffic signal at the Route 4/Snell Hill Road intersection, will function at an overall  Level of Service of C or better under post development conditions.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

         Require the developers of new or redeveloped projects which will exceed existing public roadway and intersection capacity to make improvements necessary for anticipated traffic volumes.

 

         That new development or redevelopment does not create or or aggravate high crash

         locations.

 

         That new developments or redevelopments along Routes 4, 117 and 219 and other important travel corridors will maintain traffic carrying functions and minimize congestion and crash potential.

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

 

Standard

 

Projects generating 400 or more vehicle trips per 24-hour period must provide two or more separate points of vehicular access into and out of the site.

 

Findings

 

The proposed project will generate more than 400 vehicle trips per 24-hour period. Two separate points of vehicular access into the site have been provided.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

  

Standard

 

Where a proposed development is to be located at the intersection of Route 4, and a minor or collector road, entrance(s) to and exit(s) from the site shall be located only on the minor or collector road provided that this requirement maybe waived where the applicant demonstrates that existing site conditions preclude the location of a driveway on the minor or collector road, or that the location of the driveway on the minor or collector road would interfere with a predominately residential neighborhood.

 

Findings

 

The project site has frontage on both Route 4 and the Snell Hill Road. Snell Hill Road is considered a minor or collector road. All entrance and exits from the project site will be from the Snell Hill Road.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

         That new developments or redevelopments along Routes 4, 117 and 219 and other important travel corridors will maintain traffic carrying functions and minimize congestion and crash potential.

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

 

                           Curb cuts or access points shall be limited to one per lot for all lots with less than 200 linear feet or less of road frontage.  For lots with greater than 200 feet of frontage, a maximum of one curb cut per 200 feet of frontage shall be permitted to a maximum of three, provided the Planning Board makes a finding that (a) the driveway design relative to the site characteristics and site design provides safe entrance and exit to the site and (b) no other practical alternative exists.

 

                           Findings

 

                           The project site has approximately 580' of frontage on the Snell Hill Road. The applicant has proposed two curb cuts.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

 

        Standard

       

        No medium or high volume traffic generator shall have more than two two-way accesses or three accesses in total onto a single roadway.

 

        Findings

 

        The proposed project is a high volume traffic generator. The project does not have more than two two-way accesses or three accesses in total onto a single roadway.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

         That new developments or redevelopments along Routes 4, 117 and 219 and other important travel corridors will maintain traffic carrying functions and minimize congestion and crash potential.

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

 

Standard

 

Curb cut widths and design shall conform to the following standards:

 

Median volume driveways with more than 50 vehicle trips/day but fewer than 200 peak hour vehicle trips, based on the latest edition of the Institute of Traffic Engineers' Trip Generation Report, as the same may be amended from time to time, and generally including all land uses not in the low or high volume groups, shall:

 

have either two-way or one-way operation;

intersect the road at an angle as close to 90 degrees as site conditions permit, but at no less than 60 degrees;

not require a median;

slope upward from the gutter line on a straight slope of 3 percent or less for at least 50 feet and a slope of no more than 6 percent thereafter, with the preferred grade being a 4 1/2 percent, depending on the site; and

comply with the following geometric standards:

 

NOTE:       The Planning Board may vary these standards due to unique factors such as a significant level of truck traffic.

 

 

 

 

                    Item

 

                 Desired

               Value (ft.)

 

        Minimum

        Value (ft.)

 

               Maximum

               Value (ft.)

 

ONE WAY

  R1 (radius)

  R2 (radius)

  W (drive width)

 

 

                     30

                      5

                     20

 

 

                    25

                      5

                    20

 

 

                     40

                     10

                     24

 

TWO WAY

 R

 WD

 

 

                     30

                  26-36*

 

 

                    25

                    24

 

 

                     40

                  30-40*

                        *Where separate left and right exit lanes are desirable.

 

         Findings

 

The pharmacy drive through and delivery/service entrance is considered a median volume driveway. The proposed driveway will provide two-way operation in that it is expected the most delivery/service vehicles will exit from it.  Based on Sheet C-2.0 of the application it appears that the driveway has an angle of less than 60 degrees. The grade of the driveway for 50' from their intersection with the Snell Hill Road is less than 3%. The width of the driveway is approximately 45'. Because of the truck traffic that will use this driveway the 45' width is acceptable. Because of the truck traffic that will use this driveway the radii are acceptable which   is allowed by the note above [NOTE:        Section 5.E.3.j.2 of the Town of Turner Zoning Ordinance states: The Planning Board may vary these standards due to unique factors such as a significant level of truck traffic.]

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan).

 

         That new development or redevelopment does not create or aggravate high crash locations.

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

   Mr. Mike Gotto of Stoneybrook Consultants Inc. stated that he had concerns regarding

   turning movements and site distance.  Mr. Gotto showed graphics depicting 34

   degrees exiting the driveway of the store with a turning movement on an angle.  Mr.

         Gotto stated that Hannaford might want to look at this issue.  Mr. Laverriere stated

         that when a truck reaches the intersection it will square up to the intersection to see

         to the right.  Mr. Boyce stated that the larger trucks are driven by Hannaford drivers

         and that they are safe drivers.  Mr. Boyce also stated that all other delivery trucks

         are smaller than the Hannaford trucks. 

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

 

Mr. Maloney continued to review the Standards.

 

   Standard

 

High volume driveways defined as driveways with more than 200 peak hour vehicle trips shall:

 

have two-way operations separated by a raised median of 6 to 10 feet in width and a 50 to 100 feet length depending upon necessary storage length for queued vehicles;

 

         intersect with the road at an angle as close to 90 degrees as possible, but at no less than 60 degrees;

 

be striped for 2 to 4 lanes with each lane 12 feet wide;

 

         slope upward from the gutter line on a straight slope of 3 percent or less for at least 75 feet and a slope of no more than 5 percent thereafter;

 

have a "STOP" sign control and appropriate "Keep Right" and "Yield" sign controls for channelization; signalization may be required.  Level of service and traffic signal warrants should be conducted for all high volume driveways; and comply with the following geometric standards:

 

NOTE:       The Planning Board may vary these standards due to unique factors such as a significant level of truck traffic.

 

 

                        Item

 

              Desired

          Value (ft.)

 

          Minimum

         Value (ft.)

 

               Maximum

               Value (ft.)

      

 

W/O

CHANNELIZATION

 R (Radii)

 W (Width of Access lanes)

 M (Median width)

 

 

 

                  50

                  24

                   6

 

 

 

                     30

                     20

                      6

 

 

 

                     50

                     26

                     10

 

W/CHANNELIZATION

 R

 WD

 M

 WR

 

 

                 100

                  24

                   6

                  20

 

 

                     75

                     20

                      6

                     16

 

 

                    100

                     26

                     10

                     20

*          For industrial developments with a high percentage of truck traffic maximum values are required.

 

 

 

 

Findings

           

The primary driveway is considered to be a high volume driveway. The proposed primary driveway will be of two-way operation with a total width of 27' with two 13.5' travel Lane. A 4" solid yellow line would separate the entrance and exit lanes. This design does not comply with Section 5.E.3.j.3) of the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed design does not have two-way operations separated by a raised median of 6' to 10' in width.

 

In supplemental information dated December 21, 2009 the applicant revised the design of the primary driveway. The driveway width is 40' with a 17.5' wide entrance lane, a 6' wide raised median island and a 15' wide exit lane. The primary driveway has a throat length of 65'. In supplemental information dated January 8, 2010 provided additional information concerning the primary driveway design. The applicant indicated that the primary driveway will be all design criteria except for the driveway width standard which is 20' minimum and 26' maximum.  The applicant proposes a 17.5' wide entrance lane, and a 15' wide exit lane.

 

Ms. Imber read Section 5.6 as follows:

 

Section 5.G of the Town of Turner Zoning Ordinance allows the Planning Board to waive certain standards based on the following.  Where the Board makes written findings of fact that due to special circumstances of a particular application, certain required improvements or standards of this section are not necessary to provide for the public health, safety or welfare, or are inappropriate because of inadequate or lacking connecting facilities adjacent to or in proximity of the proposed development, it may waive the requirement for such improvements, subject to appropriate conditions, provided the waivers do not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of the comprehensive plan or this ordinance and further provided the performance standards of this ordinance have been or will be met.  In granting waivers, the Planning Board shall require such conditions as will assure the purpose of these regulations are met. The Planning Board finds that most vehicles will enter and exit the project site from single directions and separate right and left turning lanes in the entrance and exit lanes are not required. The applicant has provided diagrams of Autoturn Vehicle Path Simulation that indicate acceptable vehicle movement into and out of the project site utilizing the 17.5' entrance and 15' wide exit.

 

In voting to waive the 20' minimum lane requirement that the Planning Board found that the standards of the Ordinance would be met, the public, health, safety and welfare would be protected, and the intent of the Comprehensive Plan would be met and the performance standards of the ordinance have been or will be met.  

 

A waiver can be requested for this section.  After some discussion it was determined by all that this section should be waived.  Ms. Twitchell made a motion to accept the above stated waiver.  Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to accept the above stated waiver.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in                 the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met with the waiver.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met with the waiver.

 

   Standard

 

                  Driveway Spacing: Distance from edge of driveway comer (point of tangency) to edge of intersection comer (point of tangency) by type of driveway should be as follows:

 

 

 

 

                               Driveway

 

Minimum Corner Clearance (feet)

 

       Intersection

      Signalization

 

           Intersection

        Unsignalization

 

Medium Volume >50-100 trips/day

                           <200 trips/hour

 

             150

 

                  50

 

High Volume >200 trips/hour

 

             500

 

                 250

 

Findings

 

The applicant proposed to locate a high volume primary driveway on the Snell Hill Road 130' as measured from the edge of that driveway corner (point of tangency) to edge of  the Route 4 intersection corner (point of tangency). The standard is 500'. Hannaford requested, in a letter dated July 7, 2009 to John Maloney, that Section 5.E.3.k of the zoning ordinance be waived to reduce for a minimum corner clearance from 500' to 130' from the primary driveway on the Snell Hill Road as measured from the edge of the driveway corner (point of tangency) to edge of intersection corner (point of tangency). In considering the request of waiver the Planning Board considered the following. The MaineDOT Highway and Entrance Rules define corner clearance as the minimum distance, measured parallel to a highway, between the nearest curb, pavement or shoulder line of an intersecting public way and the nearest edge of a driveway excluding its radii. The MaineDOT Highway and Entrance Rules requires a minimum of 125 feet of corner clearance. Hedrich in a letter dated July 6, 2009 to DeLUCA HOFFMAN stated that the edge to edge of  driveway functional separation is approximately 220 feet based on the angle of the intersection at Route 4. Hedrich in a letter dated July 24, 2009 stated that queues from the primary driveway onto Snell Hill Road to the Route 4 intersection are to remain in their storage area. The Planning Board considered the results of the MaineDOT Traffic Movement Permit that allowed the proposed corner clearance and that the Androscoggin Transportation Resource Center reviewed the proposed corner clearance. On August 12, 2009 the Planning Board voted to grant the waiver request. 

 

         The minimum corner clearance for the pharmacy drive through and delivery/service entrance will comply with standards.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

         That new developments or redevelopments along Routes 4, 117 and 219 and other important travel corridors will maintain traffic carrying functions and minimize congestion and crash potential.

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

It was stated that on August 12, 2009 a waiver requirement regarding this standard was

granted.

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in                 the record  that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted 5 in favor and 1 opposed.  Mr. R. Edward made the opposing vote.

 

Standard

 

         Minimum distances between driveways serving the same parcel, measured from point of tangency to point of tangency by type of driveway, should be as follows:

 


 

 

 

Driveway Type

 

Minimum Spacing to Adjacent

Driveway by Driveway Type

 

           Medium

             (feet)

 

      High w/o RT

                (feet)

 

  High w/RT

           (feet)

 

Medium Volume

 

                75

 

 

 

 

 

High Volume W/O RT (without right-turn channelization)

 

                75

 

                 150

 

 

 

High Volume W/RT (with right-turn channelization)

 

                75

 

                 250

 

              500

 

          Findings

 

Minimum distances between driveways serving the parcel, measured from point of tangency to point of tangency will be met.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in                 the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met with the waiver.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

 

                  The minimum distance between driveway to property line, as measured from point of tangency, should be:

 

 

                   Driveway Type

 

               Minimum Spacing to

                Property Line (ft.)

 

Medium Volume

High Volume (without right-turn

channelization)

High Volume (with right-turn channelization)

 

                             20

                             75

 

                             75

        

         Findings

 

         The minimum distance between driveway to property line, as measured from point of tangency, will be met.

 

Relevant comprehensive plan statement(s) related to Review Standard 24 (The proposed activity is in conformance with the comprehensive plan)

 

Condition(s) NONE

 

Ms. Twitchell made a motion that based on the above information and information in                 the record that the Planning Board finds that this standard will be met with the waiver.   Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to find this standard has been met.

 

Mr. Maloney then stated that the following Standards still need to be reviewed:

 

Relation of Proposed Buildings to Environment

Buffer Areas

Financial and Technical Capacity

Comprehensive Plan

State and Federal Permits

Specific Standards/Sand and Gravel Pits

Specific Standard/Ground Water Protection

 

Recess taken from 10:03pm until 10:05pm.

 

      3                  OTHER BUSINESS-SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING-

                          PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS

      After some discussion the Planning Board agreed to hold the Public Hearing on  

      February 3, 2010 at 7:00pm.  The Public Hearing will be held before the scheduled

      Planning Board workshop.

 

4                   CEO REPORT

No action required.

 

5                    REVIEW OF THE MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 14, 2009 AND

                      NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Ms. Twitchell made a motion to accept the October 14, 2009 Minutes.  Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to accept the October 14, 2009 Minutes.  Ms. Twitchell made a motion to accept the November 11, 2009 Minutes.  Mr. Lavoie seconded the motion.  The Board Members voted unanimously to accept the November 11, 2009 Minutes.

 

6                    REVIEW OF PLANNER ESCROW

No action required.

 

7                    OTHER ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

None.

 

8                     ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Ms. Twitchell for adjournment, unanimously accepted.  The meeting adjourned at 10:14pm.

           

 

      Respectfully submitted by

 

 

 

 

      Karen Wilcox

      Recording Secretary