LAKEVILLE — The developer of a proposed 200-unit housing development on Freetown Street has been asked to re-do a study to determine the impact the traffic from the project would have during peak school hours.

The request was made during a public hearing of the Zoning Board of Appeals, held Aug. 12, which focused on results of the developer’s traffic study and responses from Jeffrey Dirk, a traffic engineer with Vanasse & Associates, who reviewed the study on behalf of the town.

The initial traffic study determined that the development would add about 1,600 vehicle trips onto Freetown Street, with 110 in the morning peak hours of 7 to 9 a.m. and 136 in the afternoon peak time of 4 to 6 p.m.

But with the project’s close proximity to Apponequet Regional High School, Austin Intermediate and Freetown-Lakeville Middle schools, all located on nearby Howland Road, Dirk asked the developers to study the amount of traffic generated from 3 to 4:30 p.m., when school traffic is highest.

The developers were also asked to find out the school district’s plans for transporting students who may move into the new housing. Determining whether buses would drive into the development or pick up students at a point on Freetown Street would better help the town make recommendations on traffic flow.

Another request involved the developer’s plan to widen both sides of Freetown Street to create right-hand turn lanes for those turning onto County Street. The developer has also suggested creating a three-way stop at the intersection.

Dirk requested a flashing beacon or other more visible sign at the site to make the stop more noticeable to drivers. He also asked for more detailed information about the number of crashes that have occurred in the area and more specific data on lines of sight for drivers and whether that would be impacted by trees or other vegetation.

The possibility of sidewalks on the street for safer walking conditions was also discussed.

Because at least 50 units in the development will be restricted to those with low to moderate incomes, the project falls under the state regulations of Chapter 40B. This limits the type of changes the board can make to the project.

For example, officials have said, additional wait times at intersections would not be enough to stop the project.

But if safety concerns could be shown, the town would have more leeway to request changes, Dirk said.

Developer Muhammad Itani said he would be willing to make the changes that Dirk requested. The additional traffic information will be reviewed at a future meeting.