Selectmen approve Pleasant St. rotary redesign

By Mike Berger

Canton selectmen voted 5-0 Tuesday night to spend an estimated $250,000 to $300,000 to rebuild the Pleasant Street-Devoll Field intersection and form a roundabout design.

Selectmen agreed with DPW Superintendent Mike Trotta that the roundabout (rotary) will significantly slow traffic from an estimated 40 miles per hour to 20-25 miles per hour and make it safer for pedestrians. Crosswalks will be redesigned at each of the roads leading up to the roundabout. There will be no stop signs and motorists will be asked to obey the yield signs. There are no easements or land takings required to complete the project.

Trotta, after conferring with Norfolk County engineers, said he is confident that the roundabout is the right course of action and will make the intersection safer for motorists and pedestrians.

Selectman Bob Burr, who was unsure of the plan two weeks ago, offered his full support Tuesday night. Burr said he spoke with Trotta, fellow selectmen, and other town officials and concluded that the roundabout would improve the traffic situation and is a good use of available town funds. Selectmen will use a combination of Chapter 90 roadway money and mitigation funds to pay for the project.

Selectmen said they will next focus on a plan to improve the intersection of Randolph and Washington streets.

Earlier in Tuesday’s meeting, selectmen reviewed three applications for a new all-alcohol license, which became available with the closing of the former Centerfield’s restaurant. Selectmen heard from two existing restaurants, Bertucci’s and Mai Place, who were both seeking permission to upgrade a wine and malt license, and a new applicant, the Meehan family of Canton, who would like to open the Water Fall Bar & Grille at 2 Forge Pond, where Centerfield’s was located.

Selectmen Chairman Victor Del Vecchio said all three applicants were solid and it would be a difficult decision for the board. He said they will consider several factors, including the nature of the establishment, the experience of the applicant, and the location of the restaurant. Selectmen hope to make a decision in the next two weeks.

Also on Tuesday, selectmen heard from six residents who asked that the board reinstate a daily rate for parking on Greenlodge Street. A new monthly rate system is set to take effect July 1. Selectmen said they would consider a daily rate as well as a 30-day sticker. However, selectmen said the new system was devised to save the town on administrative costs and aid in police monitoring of the area.

During the discussion, several selectmen noted that the town will likely have the Greenlodge Street parking area only for another three or four years because the state will likely take the land for a flyover ramp linking Route 95 with Route 128 and eliminating “Deadman’s Curve,” the dangerous curve where both highways meet. Town Administrator Bill Friel said business has been brisk for residents buying the discounted monthly passes, which cost an average of $1.66 daily. Board members, especially Selectman Avril Elkort, agreed that they should try to find a way to accommodate residents who only need to park once a week. Selectmen did commit more funds for lighting and resurfacing of the road; however, bridge work is limited because the state owns the structure.

Share This Post

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=25871