Keystone Parking Lot Project Approved, Washington St. Left Turns could be Eliminated

The Planning Board unanimously approved the Keystone parking lot project on Thursday night, which is part of the Dedham Square Improvement Project.

A presentation was given regarding traffic flow, as well. However, Planning Board member John Bethoney made clear that the Planning Board is not considering any roadway or signalization changes and that this is a unique situation.

This has been a growing plan, according to landscape architect Randall Collins. Changes were made to the traffic circulation and turns out of the parking lot. The amount of lighting was doubled, with a stamped approval from a lighting engineer. Also, safety concerns by the board were addressed and Collins said that they had approval from the police and fire departments.

The plan was approved by the Planning Board with five waivers that Collins explained. He said that a waiver was being asked for snow storage and that he had a letter from the Department of Public Works stating that they would take care of the removal and storage.

Other waivers pertained to trees. One allows trees to be within 5 feet of paved areas and the other pertains to the minimum requirement of having trees with a 3-inch diameter. Collins said that he believes they will be within the requirement, but to play it safe they asked for a waiver.

The other is in regards to the parking lot’s curve radius, which plans call for it be less than the required 12 feet. The last waiver is for the minimum of 15 percent of landscape area. Currently they have 5.5 percent, but this rose from the 2.5 percent in the initial proposed plan.

The proposed plan allows for 138 parking spaces, while the current lot has 121 spaces.

Jason DeGray and Collins gave a traffic flow summary to the board, as well. DeGray explained that improvements will be made at the intersection of High Street and Washington Street. He said that the single light in the middle of the intersection, which he called the dummy post, is outdated.

He said that the pedestrian walking phase of 10 seconds is far under standards, and that the improved plan will be 25 seconds. He also noted that traffic control is inadequate at the intersection of High Street and Eastern Street.

DeGray told the board that there are various key elements in the new plan. They will include upgrading the signal at High Street, replacing the signal at Eastern Avenue and providing an exclusive pedestrian phase.

A major component will be the elimination of left-hand turns on Washington Street. DeGray explained that this is because the pedestrian cycles will be running much more frequently and could cause a disturbance in traffic. While the board had mixed feelings about losing two turns and possibly making people go out of their way driving, the traffic simulation showed how it was feasible and the board agreed with some hesitation.

Bethoney, in particular, questioned what people will do that usually turn left. DeGray explained that many people just drive through Dedham in that particular area and that traffic will flow elsewhere.

“It is our belief that these lefts will distribute down to Harris Street,” said DeGray.

The Board of Selectmen recently heard the same presentation and has recommended the plan. Selectmen James MacDonald and Mike Butler spoke on behalf of the board. Butler said that over the years he has learned to trust the traffic simulations, but he also noted that if they find problems, then adjustments can be made.

MacDonald said that losing the left-hand turns will be difficult at first, but alternate routes can and will be used. He felt that the project is bettering the Dedham downtown area all together.

“In the end I think this is going to be a project that is the benefit of the entire town,” said MacDonald.

Bethoney felt that the plan has progressed well since its inception, and congratulated everyone who has been involved. He admitted that Dedham does not have an ideal situation when it comes to parking and traffic flow, and that the goal is simply to make things better.

“We are dealing with a rough situation all around,” Bethoney explained. “We are trying to make a bad situation better."

He later added, “This has been a tough job and done to the best of its ability.”