1999-06-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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61-366 Selectmen's Meeting - June 14, 1999 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee to reduce the speed limit to 20 mph on Bartlett Avenue and to send a letter to the Board of Appeals expressing the Selectmen's concerns about the traffic problems in the neighborhood and the need for mitigating measures. Shade Street The TSAC met with Ms. Mindi Whitney and about 15 other residents regarding their concern over the high speed and dangerous driving of traffic on Shade Street. The residents proposed several measures to address these concerns including increased signage, reduced speed limits, increased traffic enforcement, speed bumps, construction of a sidewalk and the trimming of vegetation to improve sight lines. Speed bumps were rejected due to liability concerns. Sidewalk construction was judged impractical at this time due to the lack of available funds but the group was encouraged to approach Raytheon, whose employees use the street for lunchtime walks, for potential funding. A speed zone study was conducted on Shade Street in 1997 that resulted in a reduced speed limit. It is unlikely that an additional study will result in a further reduction. The TSAC recommends that additional speed limit signs be posted to increase awareness of the existing speed limit and also recommends a curve sign be posted in front of #101 and a caution children sign be posted in front of #39. The committee also recommends that the DPW Park & Tree Division trim any vegetation within the Town right-of-way that is causing a hazard. The cost for these recommendations is approximately $600. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. East Lexington Traffic Conditions The TSAC met with John Frey and other members of the East Lexington Community Association regarding traffic safety in East Lexington. Specific issues raised were gridlock at the Maple Street and Pleasant Street intersections, inadequate sidewalks, the need for a pedestrian signal at Mass. Ave. and Locust Street and the need for cones at crosswalks. The TSAC explained that the Maple Street and Pleasant Street intersections have been studied numerous times and it is not clear that adding signals would improve the situation and it would certainly be costly. The TSAC reiterated the budget constraints with respect to sidewalk construction. The requested pedestrian signal did not meet warrants. The TSAC believes that the Town has taken all reasonable steps to address these problems at this time and recommends no additional action.