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Working group weighs DPW role, police-controlled exit and wetlands review for Hemlock roundabout and Parking Lot H
Summary
Members debated whether the PBC should make final design decisions for a roundabout on Hemlock Road or defer to the town DPW, discussed an extra exit for Parking Lot H to be used only with police control, and flagged drainage and wetlands review with ConCom and other regulators.
The Wakefield PBC working group discussed the Hemlock Road roundabout, coordination with the Department of Public Works, and plans for Parking Lot H including an extra exit reserved for public-safety use.
Committee members asked whether design authority for the roundabout rests with the project team or with the town, noting that while the project may pay for construction, DPW has ultimate control of the public road. The group agreed to ask Joe (DPW) to attend a forthcoming meeting to clarify approvals, sequencing and community notifications.
The meeting recorded that Wakefield Gas and Light (via a representative named Vinnie) and the traffic advisory process had been involved in lighting and pole relocation discussions; project staff said the utility had indicated willingness to provide lights for Lot H. Members emphasized that any closures or traffic messaging should be coordinated with the town rather than relying on the school website for public notice.
On Parking Lot H, presenters summarized a meeting with Bill Renault and Mr. McGrael who advised that an extra exit would be useful for public-safety needs but that the exit should remain closed to routine use and would be opened only when a police officer controlled access. The committee discussed striping the exit to preserve parking but coning it off for rare use and agreed the exit and drainage details would need ConCom (Conservation Commission) review and a stormwater management submission.
The working group did not take a final vote on design or drainage approvals. Staff said design submissions will be completed so the lot meets parking and landscaping standards and will be shared with Bill and the town for formal processing; at some point the PBC anticipates formalizing site changes and may present them to the ZBA or ConCom for informational review rather than for a contested approval.
Next steps: invite DPW (Joe) to the next meeting for final approval discussions, confirm stormwater and ConCom submission requirements, and continue design coordination with utility and traffic-advisory stakeholders.
