By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – Three trees were removed to increase visibility at the Hudson downtown rotary in January, soon after discussions at an Internal Traffic Committee meeting. The tree cuttings prompted public outcry on social media and at a selectmen’s meeting. Now, the Hudson Planning Department is inviting community input on a rotary redesign. The next public forum is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Hudson Senior Center.
At the time of the tree cuttings, Kristina Johnson was on the job as the town’s assistant planning director for only a few weeks.
“The community really spoke to us when this happened about how attached they are to the rotary,” she said. “I remember when I drove into town to interview for this job, I thought how amazing it would be to be a planner here with the classic New England downtown already in place. The rotary is an identifying symbol that knits everything together.”
The planning department began reaching out to the public for rotary redesign ideas in June at the Hudson Community Fest. More residents and downtown workers shared opinions in August during an ice cream social at New City Microcreamery and an early-morning networking session at the Rail Trail Flatbread Company training space.
Over 40 people attended the first public forum Sept. 7 at the Hudson Senior Center. They were welcomed by Planning Director Jack Hunter. He explained plans to avoid using taxpayers’ dollars because of mitigation funds from Benderson Development, owner of the Highland Commons open-air shopping center.
“There were some issues with rotary tree cutting and there was an opportunity to do something about it,” he said. “Coincidentally, when Highland Commons was built, there was mitigation money given to the town – $500,000 that had to be expressly used on the rotary. … We have $387,000 left for construction. … We want to be in construction next spring.”
Hunter also noted $500,000 in an economic development bill passed by the state Senate. It includes an amendment sponsored by state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, specifying funds will go toward the Hudson downtown rotary.
“So we have in theory $887,000, plus there may be some other resources,” Hunter added.
After getting proposals from six consulting firms, three were interviewed. Chosen to consult on the rotary redesign project was the BSC Group. A steering committee was also formed consisting of community leaders with connections to downtown.
At the September public forum, attendees formed three discussion groups. Topics included their likes and dislikes about the rotary, and they prioritized improvements.
Top priority for one group was parking. It was noted that parking spaces are located too close to crosswalks, so pedestrians aren’t visible until after they’ve passed the parked cars. There were also mentions that removing any parking spaces shouldn’t be considered. Some recommended marking traffic lanes so that drivers will better understand rotary usage. A resident suggested a “Welcome to Hudson” sign near the rotary.
Another group focused on driver and pedestrian safety. Some felt traffic flow improved when Jersey barriers were temporarily placed around the rotary; others disagreed. Ideas were offered for pedestrians’ and bicyclists’ amenities, such as benches and bike racks. Consideration was given to lighted crosswalks or painting them a brighter color.
The third group spoke about adding rumble strips, and more signs and lighting. Some expressed interest in public art such a permanent mural painted on a building. Several discussed different pavement treatments.
“BSC is putting their collective engineering and planning brains together, and coming up with design alternatives based on these priorities,” explained Johnson, a steering committee member. “The steering committee will get a preview. We’ll meet and narrow down the alternative designs as best we can.”
The alternative designs will be presented and discussed at the public forum Oct, 26. Another public forum will be scheduled in November.
“Hopefully, there will be some consensus on how to move forward,” Johnson said.
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