Planning board debates traffic alternatives and rezoning questions for 22 Low Street; seeks more engineering detail

Following the Country Club Estates item, the Planning Board took up a separate agenda item concerning 22 Low Street and related rezoning and traffic improvements. Board members and staff discussed outstanding requests to the conservation commission and fire department and examined two alternative traffic treatments: adding a left‑turn lane or creating a refuge island with a hawk signal.

Members raised concerns that a refuge island would require taking land from the north side (potentially reducing shoulder or sidewalk widths) and that reallocating shoulder widths to create a left‑turn lane could affect adjacent property or sidewalk continuity. One board member said engineers and the Zoning Board of Appeals had shown different plan options and asked for clearer engineered drawings to resolve tradeoffs. The board and staff agreed clearer plan sets and coordination with traffic engineers were necessary before final decisions.

Board members discussed arranging a site visit to observe roadway geometry in person, noting notice requirements and that a posted site visit is a public meeting; members suggested 48‑hour notice. The board asked the applicant to send revised, engineered plans before any site visit where possible and agreed staff should coordinate availability.

What’s next: The board will request detailed engineering plans that show the left‑turn lane and refuge‑island alternatives, confirm conservation and fire department comments, and consider a noticed site visit if updated plans are available.