1999-03-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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61-334 Selectmen's Meeting - March 15, 1999 Harrington Road/Battle Green Issues Design Advisory Committee Chair Steve Hurley presented Committee recommendations to open Harrington Road, traffic and other safety measures that should be taken on Bedford Street, Hancock Street and Mass. Avenue, location of tour bus parking, installation of an apron around Captain Parker statue, signage and crosswalk locations, other granite and curbing installations and proposed new "T" bus locations. There was much discussion both pro and con to the proposal to reopen Harrington Road. Flintlock Road resident Bob Sawyer, former Selectman Dan Fenn, DAC member John Frey and Harrington Road residents Tom Fortman and Al Gschwendtner spoke in favor of keeping the road closed. Speaking in favor of opening the road up with the safety measures in place were residents from the Meriam Hill Association, Forest Street residents Julian Bussgang and Beverly Kelley. Mrs. McKenna and Gardner Hayward spoke in favor of the alternate location on Mass. Avenue for the tour buses thus avoiding parking in front of any of the monuments. Director of Guides Larry Whipple indicated the tour buses usually originate from Route 128. Police Chief Chris Casey said that while the signage was in place the Police Department over an 18 month period issued 156 citations. Since 1995 there have been no accidents with injuries and the gate has effectively reduced accidents and injuries at the intersection. Chief Casey has reviewed the plans with Mr. Hurley and feels Mr. Hurley has done a very conscientious job and that the proposed plan should calm the traffic somewhat. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that Harrington Road be reopened preceded by traffic calming measures and line of site adjustments. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to locate the tour bus parking spaces along the Mass. Avenue side of the Battle Green with the understanding of addressing design features around the statue at an early future date and that the bus parking location will be temporary this year after Patriot's Day through November 1 for hours to be specified. Mr. White and Mr. Hurley will come back to the Board with an implementation schedule. FY2000 Budget Mr. White reviewed adjustments that have been made to the FY2000 budget since the Town Manager's By-Law budget submittal on January 15. The Board should decide on some final adjustments and then it should go to the finance committees for their review. Mr. Enrich indicated that after a review of the School Department's cuts, there were many that felt the school department's cuts were problematic. It may be appropriate to see if we can make some small amount of additional funds available to the school budget.