Hamilton Planning Board Unanimously Approves Gardner Street Driveway Safety Permit

HAMILTON — July 2, 2024 — Hamilton Planning Board approves scenic road permit to fix dangerous Gardner Street driveway. The board voted 8-0 at its July 2 meeting to grant applicant Jeff Ala a scenic road special permit under MGL Chapter 40, Section 15C, allowing him to relocate the driveway at 21 Gardner Street approximately 20 feet north along Route 1A — a curve board members called "Dead Man's Curve" — and to temporarily breach the historic fieldstone wall for underground utility installation. Ala said neighbors "pretty much universally" agreed the existing access is dangerous, with traffic regularly accelerating through the blind curve. Board member Jonathan Poor urged removal of corner shrubs and adjustment of a stockade fence to improve sight lines for exiting drivers. David Rimer of Essex County Greenbelt attended as a member of the public; no one spoke in opposition. The formal written decision is set for signatures at the July 16 meeting, after which a 20-day appeal window opens.