Ward Three residents learned about a “Safe Routes To School...” project that will close Elm Street from Highland Avenue to Pleasant Street. The project is designed to make walking to school safer. The effect will be that the wide expanse of a crossing at Elm Street and Pleasant will be narrowed and the “slip” off of Highland Avenue will be closed, foot traffic will be guided to cross at Highland and Pleasant and the crosswalk at Elm Street and Highland Avenue will be eliminated.
The city council had planned to meet Tuesday night, July 14th to discuss and presumably approve the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposal. Several residents joined me at the meeting and listened as the DOT traffic consultants presented the project. From a safety standpoint it would be hard to argue against this; after all, who could find fault in ensuring children have safe passage to school.
So, why then did we the neighbors show up to protest the projects approval? For many in the neighborhood, this was our first we heard of this project and absent a call from Councillor Spadafora we would have missed our opportunity. An earlier public hearing (Dec. 2013) notified only six abutters.
Find out what's happening in Maldenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
This project will make it safer for those crossing at the delta, but it will also make it a more dangerous and impair traffic flow for the families that live on Prospect, Maple, Savin. I’m sure the safety concern could be alleviated with better signage and minor modifications to the delta’s layout. However, these recommendations where never considered. Why? These recommendations come from the neighbors that were never heard from before the 11th hour deadline.
Just before the meeting I had the opportunity to meet with the traffic engineers at the behest of Council President Neal Anderson. I was very impressed with his candor with the consultants regarding the need for more community involvement. So for that concern and leadership I thank him. I also have to commend the Mayor for ensuring the DOT representatives were on hand Tuesday night and available to meet after. He also ensured that they will be at a public meeting which the Mayor advocated for next Monday, July 21st at 6:00 pm at the Beebe School.
Find out what's happening in Maldenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
This project will have far greater impact on the surrounding neighborhoods as traffic backs up Highland Avenue and the commuters seek their shortcuts. This project will affect Maple Street, Prospect Street, Savin Street, the Fellsway intersection at all the above and Rt. 60 (Pleasant Street).
The future of this project is in question and DOT timelines are in place and in jeopardy. All of this could have been avoided if public hearings and notice were sufficient and inclusionary.
A public hearing will be held on Monday, July 21st at 6:oo pm at the Beebe School.
More info can be found at http://www.cityofmalden.org/content/notice-meeting-improvements-intersection-highland-avenue-elm-street-and-pleasant-street