Committee Report - T&P - 12-1-10 — File 190542

December 1, 2010 Traffic and Parking Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 12/7/2010 REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived William M. Roche Chair Present Robert C. Trane Vice Chair Present Walter F. Pero Ward Four Alderman Present Maryann M. Heuston Ward Two Alderman Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Matthew Dias Director, Traffic and Parking Present Terry Smith Traffic Engineer Present Leo Martini Police Present 188941 - That the Executive Director of OSPCD prepare to discuss #188633 in or around June, 2010.: Mr. Boukili spoke about the lot in Ball Square and stated that the owner of the property has been warned by OSPCD that it is a violation of the city's zoning ordinance to park cars in the lot and that further violations will result in the issuance of fines. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190195 - Sixteen residents requesting that this Board conduct a public hearing to discuss concerns about the Somerville Avenue reconstruction project.: The petition was reviewed and placed on file. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 190398 - That the Director of Traffic and Parking appear before this Board’s Committee on Traffic and Parking to discuss pedestrian safety and traffic issues on Concord and Newton Streets and remedies to eliminate speeding traffic and unsafe situations for pedestrians and children who attend the Argenziano School.: The committee, along with Mr. Dias, heard form residents on this matter who complained about large trucks traveling through the neighborhood, the amount of vehicles using the streets as a

Committee Meeting December 1, 2010 Traffic and Parking Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 12/7/2010 shortcut to the Mass Pike and the inadequate number of crosswalks on Concord Avenue. Alderman Heuston stated that this has been a long standing problem in Ward 2 and that she has put in several orders to restrict traffic in certain areas to alleviate the problems. Alderman Heuston requested that Mr. Dias and the Traffic Commission notify the Traffic and Parking Committee when the requests for signage are effectuated and inform the committee when the signs will be installed. Mr. Smith spoke about the use of bump outs as a means of slowing traffic and referenced a list of 20 locations where traffic calming tables are needed. He also spoke about the need to involve the state in the planning of truck routes. Alderman Heuston stated that she has received a commitment from the mayor for a traffic calming measure on Springfield Street. Mr. Dias spoke about the measures taken regarding Concord and Newton Streets and told the members that he has requested that the Police Department conduct speed enforcement in the area. With regard to the crosswalks, Mr. Dias has no objection to relocating them to alleviate neighborhood concerns. After reviewing a host of past improvements undertaken in this area (one-ways, signage, median extensions, repainting crosswalk every 2 years instead of 4, etc.) Mr. Dias agreed to the following: • to immediately contact the Police Department for enhanced speed enforcement, • to install yellow reflective tape and glow sticks on area signs, • to continually petition Mass DOT to reduce the city-wide speed limit from 30 MPH to 25 MPH, • to make a recommendation to the Traffic Commission to prohibit parking on either side of the crosswalk opposite Springfield Street, eliminating two parking spaces and • to make a recommendation to the Traffic Commission for turn prohibitions on Prospect Street and Webster Avenue to Newton Street and Concord Street from 7:00 - 9:00 AM and 4:00 - 7:00 PM. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190403 - That the Director of Traffic and Parking meet with the Ward 2 Alderman to determine locations for limitations on truck traffic on small residential streets in various sections of Ward 2.: See discussion of Item 190398, above. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED