Bill—

As request, I have provided some initial traffic/parking comments for the above project.  Formal comments will be provided upon receipt of the traffic impact study.

1. An evaluation of the parking garage entrance/exit location should be performed to ensure it will operate safely with current and future conditions on Middle Street.  Additionally, a review of Middle Street as it relates to on-street parking impacts and its proposed conditions should be provided.

2. A review of Fore Street in the vicinity of the project should be performed relative to on-street parking and travel lane alignment.

3. The applicant should provide justification for the curb cuts on Commercial Street.  The project should minimize the number of driveways into and out of the site.

4. As you know, a project traffic scoping meeting was held on January 19, 2006.  The key conclusions of that study include:

a. Traffic conditions should be assessed assuming full-occupancy of the garage.

b. The study will assess conditions at the India/Fore, India/Middle, and Franklin/Middle intersections and at their site driveways.  In addition the study will need to address impacts to Mountfort Street.

c. The study will include an assessment of pedestrian facility conditions.

Please call me if you have any questions.

Thomas A. Errico, P.E.

Senior Transportation Engineer

Wilbur Smith Associates

59 Middle Street

Portland, Maine 04101

(207) 871-1785 Phone

(207) 871-5825 Fax