Town proposes traffic fix for residential trouble spot
By Mike BergerSelectmen and neighbors from the Lexington and Paul Street area appear to be headed toward a compromise solution following an extensive review of speeding at the intersection of both streets. The intersection is located in a major residential area off Norfolk Street with many children living in the vicinity.
The proposed solution calls for the installation of a new traffic island with granite curbing and a public light and it appeared to have majority support from the dozen or so neighbors who attended Tuesday night’s selectmen’s meeting.
Selectmen sent the proposal back to the DPW and its consultant and will also seek input from the Fire and School departments as the intersection is the site of a school bus stop.
Selectmen Chairman Mark Porter, who also heads the Traffic Study Committee, said this neighborhood issue has been studied for nearly two years and he is pleased that a solution is now in sight and is one that can be addressed by the DPW with town funds.
Town Administrator Charlie Aspinwall reported that the DPW and its consultant had recommended a 50-foot island, but some residents felt that that would be too long and could potentially cut into a resident’s driveway. Resident Lisa Berton suggested eliminating the island and going with a stop sign, a yellow line, and a streetlight.
Aspinwall countered that the goal is to make motorists slow down through use of a structure.
In other news from Tuesday night’s meeting, selectmen heard budget presentations from the remaining municipal department heads. Among the notable requests was a proposal by new Library Director Andrea Capone to open the library on Saturdays for 10 weeks during the summer at a cost of $10,000. Selectman John Connolly suggested opening for five weeks on a trial basis or requesting additional funds from the Friends of the Library to fund the full 10 weeks. Capone also proposed spending $7,000 for the eBooks program.
Police Chief Ken Berkowitz made a request for an additional school resource officer for the elementary schools at a cost of $53,000, and Recreation Director Liz Francis requested $17,400 to cover additional costs to operate the town-owned park at the Paul Revere Heritage Site. She also requested $13,250 in operating funds for the Metropolis Skating Rink, which is expected to reopen in the spring of 2020 …
See this week’s Canton Citizen to read the full version of this story, featuring additional news and notes from the February 26 selectmen’s meeting. Not a subscriber? Click here to order your subscription today (also available in digital form).
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Posted by Mike Berger
on Mar 1 2019. Filed under News, Town Government.
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