Hall's Corner Redesign Proposal Faces Parking Concerns at Duxbury Selectboard Meeting
Working group presents pedestrian safety plan that would eliminate several on-street spaces while adding crosswalks and sidewalks to busy intersection.
DUXBURY - June 23 - The Duxbury Selectboard reviewed conceptual plans Monday night for redesigning Hall's Corner to improve pedestrian safety, but the proposal faces significant concerns over the loss of premium parking spaces in the town's commercial center.
The Hall's Corner Working Group, assisted by Fisher Associates consultants, presented plans that would add crosswalks and sidewalks to the busy five-way intersection. However, the improvements would eliminate approximately six on-street parking spaces due to requirements that prohibit parking within 30 feet of crosswalks.
The affected parking spaces include one in front of Dunkin' Donuts, one at Hall's Corner Store, two in front of the Insurance and Mortgage Building, and two in front of Duxbury Wine and Spirits.
Selectboard member Amy MacNab expressed skepticism about key elements of the plan, particularly a proposed crosswalk on Chestnut Street and the suggestion that visitors use the Girl Scout House parking lot as an alternative.
"I'm not sure people are going to walk down Chestnut Street to cross the street. I just don't think they're going to do that," MacNab said.
The Girl Scout House, located about 300 feet up Washington Street, offers approximately 14 parking spaces that could help offset the lost on-street parking, according to the consultants.
Board member Michael McGee questioned whether the plan addresses the most dangerous pedestrian crossing area between the convenience store and Dunkin' Donuts, where no formal crosswalk is proposed.
"That is probably one of the hairiest kind of where you see kids running across right from the convenience store to Dunkin's or vice versa," McGee said.
The working group's approach represents a shift from previous studies of the intersection, which typically focused on major traffic reconfiguration such as formal roundabouts. Chris Kuschel of Fisher Associates, who worked on earlier Hall's Corner studies while at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, said those options were rejected due to parking impacts.
"All of these had very strong impacts on the on-street parking and the working group, especially having business owners as part of the committee, were very concerned about any loss of the on-street parking," Kuschel said.
Working group member Kathy Cross emphasized that the proposal remains preliminary and requires extensive additional vetting with business owners, the sidewalk committee, and other stakeholders.
"We haven't talked to the sidewalk committee or any of the business owners," Cross said. "I mean, we did have some business owners attend our meeting this afternoon. And, you know, they have great ideas too."
Board Chair Brian Glennon suggested implementing changes incrementally to test their effectiveness, particularly focusing on crosswalks with minimal parking impact.
"I would like to get started with something just to see if it improves safety," Glennon said. "A lot of people have studied this. A lot of people are concerned with pedestrian safety."
The consultants noted that their work is funded by a grant that expires at the end of June, meaning Fisher Associates' involvement concludes this month. The working group plans to continue its efforts and potentially return to the Selectboard in the fall with refined proposals.
Board members requested traffic safety data from the police department to help prioritize which areas need the most attention. Cross acknowledged that the police department had not provided immediate feedback on accident patterns at the intersection.
The proposal also includes making the area behind Chestnut Street Grill one-way for incoming traffic to accommodate pedestrian improvements while maintaining two-way access further back from the intersection.
MacNab suggested alternative approaches such as significantly reducing speed limits throughout Hall's Corner and installing stop signs at every entrance to the intersection, combined with enhanced pedestrian right-of-way markings.
"Is there any way to significantly reduce the speed limit going in there? Like first putting a stop sign at every entrance into the corner," MacNab said. "And then once you've even stopped traffic, then have a significantly reduced speed limit as you navigate Hall's Corner."
The consultants indicated that speed limits could be reduced to 15 mph for the intersection, similar to roundabout standards, but noted challenges with making the entire area pedestrian-dominated without formal crosswalk designations.
The working group will provide a complete report to the town by early next week, including alternative designs that were considered but rejected.
Other Selectboard Business:
• Water and sewer commissioners approved $80,561 in billing abatements for 13 customers due to meter reading errors dating back several years, plus $325 in late fees.
• The board extended the moratorium on new earth removal permits until Sept. 1 to allow time for adoption of new, more restrictive regulations.
• Duxbury Beach Reservation received approval for a movie night event July 18 at Duxbury Beach Park, featuring the film "Finding Nemo."
• The board appointed Michael McGee as delegate and Brian Glennon as alternate to the Plymouth County Advisory Board.