2023-05-16-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Hasting School sidewalk Issue Janet Perry, Jim Kelly and Victoria Buckley visited the site and made the following recommendations. To ensure that people are not surprised by the dip in the pavement in front of the school’s main entrance, we are recommending an additional set of yellow stripes to be placed at the bottom of the changing grade, similar to the stripes currently found at the top of this section of sidewalk. Minutes The minutes for April 2023 were unanimously approved with minor edits. Brief update on bus stop issue in front of Conte’s Pam Lyons reported that the Engineering Department is looking at both potential bus stops to address the MBTA Guidelines which require completely clear area for any new bus stop. These two locations include 1666 Mass Ave and in front of Conte’s Bike Shop. Engineering will present options to the Center Committee next month (June), and then at the Select Board. Currently, the Conte’s location has three obstructions - two new trees and a bench. The location at 1666 is clearer, with no obstacles other than the removal of 3 parking spaces. These three spaces could be recovered at the current location of the bus stop in front of Conte’s Bike. Motion: The Commission supports the placement of the new bus stop at the setback in front of 1666 Massachusetts Avenue and not in front of Conte’s Bike Shop. Motion unanimously approved. Intersection of concerns of pedestrians (with and without disabilities) and the concerns of bicyclists Betty Gau asked Victoria to frame the conversation; the following questions were suggested: How difficult is it to walk on the Bike Path? What do we do for increased accessibility on the universal trails to make it work for all groups? Betty shared that their committee is focusing on initiatives for general safety on the Bike Path. This educational focus is on courtesy and teaching good cycling behavior (signals, coming up behind people) . This education is happening in the schools. Another big effort relates to the launch of signage focused on elevating courtesy and safety awareness. 18 different caution signs have been approved by the Select Board and will be seen along the Bike Path starting this summer. These signs are 18 x 18 and will be posted in the trouble spots on the bike path where there have been the most reported problems related to speed and other concerns. The focus is to build awareness that “Your user behavior needs to regard others.” This awareness includes the behaviors of bikers, walkers, small children, and pets. They also acknowledged the new challenges related to e-bikes, one wheeled bikes and scooters.