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Planning & Zoning Board November 13, 2013 Page 4 development. He was concerned about potential increased damage to Old Birch Street, the difficulty to get onto Birch Street, and a decrease in property values. Mr. Foster stated that improvements are needed to reduce accidents on Birch Street, such as turn lanes. He expressed concern that the residents will be charged to fix a road that may be damaged by development. Mr. Foster asked the board to consider the needs of the residents. Joe Fehn, 878 Fox Road, commented that development to this area was denied in the past due to traffic, and now more houses are being proposed. He wondered what is being done to improve the traffic situation. He was concerned with safety and traffic in a condensed area and access to Birch Street. Randall Graczyk, 886 Fox Road, wondered why the neighborhoods have to be connected. He commented that it would be safer to have individual developments with less traffic. He does not see the need for the road extension to Fox Road. He agrees that improvements need to be made to Birch Street. Rick Capocasa, 886 Old Birch St, stated concern for traffic. He stated that the intersection at the north end of Old Birch Street is dangerous due to traffic and speed of cars. He pointed out that a light was installed at Birch /Ware to reduce accidents. He added that improvements will need to be made to reduce accidents at the s- curve. Char Foster, 882 Old Birch Street, stated that it would be useful for residents to see the list of engineering concerns. Ms. Foster stated her concerns with traffic, adding that traffic needs to be analyzed and addressed. She would have preferred the opportunity for neighboring residents to discuss the potential development with the developer. Bob Mueller, 882 Fox Road, agreed with traffic concerns on Birch Street, adding that turn lanes are well needed. Mr. Mueller stated concerns with connecting Fox Road to the proposed development. He does not consider the connection to be a benefit to most property owners and would prefer keeping the existing cul -de -sac in Foxoborough, unless the connection is for emergency vehicle purposes. He noted that the property owners in the proposed development may prefer a cul -de -sac as well. Mr. Fehn added that development is increasing in Centerville and the traffic will get worse. Marilyn Anderson, 884 Old Birch St, stated that this property used to be her family farm and she had no objections to the plat. She stated concern that the north -south section of Old Birch Street is decaying. She noted that it is city policy to not spend a lot of money to improve streets. She pointed out that there is going to be an increase in traffic and the street will further decay. She is concerned that the few residents that live on Old Birch Street are going to have to pay for its reconstruction. Ms. Anderson added that she does not foresee the charter being amended. She is concerned with residents paying for improvements to Old Birch Street. DRAFT MINUTES • • •