1999-06-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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61-367 Selectmen's Meeting - June 14, 1999 Pelham Road @ Mass. Ave. The TSAC met with Joanne Scianna and about 15 residents of Youville Place regarding their request to install a traffic light at Mass. Ave. Their request was accompanied by a petition signed by 80 residents, 28 staff members and 10 visitors. The residents explained that the speed of traffic and short sight distance prevented their safe crossing of Mass. Ave. at Pelham Road. The TSAC acknowledged traffic limitations at this location, but explained that the pedestrian volume did not meet warrants for a pedestrian signal. Relocation of the Pelham Road entrance along Mass. Ave. toward Arlington to improve sight distance has been studied in the past, but was rejected due to the loss of property value to Youville Place. We discussed other means of increasing the safety of the crossing such as adding a crosswalk or signage. The TSAC determined that these measures would do little to improve the actual safety of the crossing and may make the situation worse by making pedestrians believe it was safe. As a result, the TSAC recommends no action on this request at this time. Winchester Drive Speeding The TSAC met with James Fraser and several other residents of Winchester Drive regarding traffic speeding. A petition was presented signed by 25 Winchester Drive residents requesting a lower speed limit and increased signage. The TSAC explained that it is very unlikely that a speed zone study would result in a lower speed limit on Winchester Drive. The TSAC recommends two additional speed limit signs be posted to make motorists more aware of the existing speed limit. The cost of these signs is approximately $300. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Hill Street Traffic Conditions The TSAC met with Ms. Lisa Plosker and about 15 other residents regarding their concern over the high speed and dangerous driving of traffic on Hill Street. Several measures to improve the situation were proposed by the residents including increased signage, increased traffic enforcement, speed bumps, and construction of a sidewalk. Speed bumps were rejected due to liability concerns. The cost to construct a sidewalk on Hill Street has been estimated at $300,000 and was therefore judged not to warrant further consideration under current budgetary conditions. The TSAC recommends that a speed zone study be conducted on Hill Street by the Engineering Division to determine if a reduction below the presumptive speed limit of 30 mph is permitted. We further recommend that an additional caution children sign be added between #5 Dianna Lane and #70 Hill Street and a curve sign be added across the street from #36 Hill Street. The cost of these signs is approximately $300. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.