The safety of students at Durfee High School emerged as a paramount concern, with residents and the Traffic Unit Commander discussing strategies to mitigate risks associated with speeding traffic and students crossing the street. The dialogue focused on the potential for speed tables and the installation of visible signage to enhance safety measures. The resident who brought up the issue stressed the importance of protecting students from the dangers posed by speeding vehicles, particularly during busy school hours. The Traffic Unit Commander acknowledged the validity of these concerns while also outlining the difficulties in achieving consistent speed limit compliance, even with additional signage. Despite the discussion of possible solutions, the outcome of any motion proposed during this segment of the meeting remains unspecified in the provided transcript.

On the topic of parking, the conversation at the meeting took several turns as different individuals presented their requests. A business owner petitioned for additional parking spaces along South Main Street to accommodate customers during peak hours. The board, considering the broader impact on public parking availability, resolved to deny this request. In contrast, a motion to install no parking signs on Grenell Street to prevent obstruction of loading zones was met with approval.

The board’s deliberations on parking extended to the approval of a handicap parking space on Broadway and another near a resident’s driveway. Further discussions on the provision of handicap parking spaces revealed the board’s process in evaluating such requests, which involved consideration of existing off-street parking availability and the public nature of the space in front of a resident’s property. A request for a handicap space in front of a property was denied based on the principle that the space is not owned by the individual and must remain available to any holder of a handicap placard. Another resident’s plea for a handicap space was initially met with resistance due to their access to off-street parking; however, upon further examination of what constitutes a driveway, the board consented to the establishment of a handicap space along Pine Street. Additional approvals for handicap spots included locations on Prospect Street, Cory Street, Birch Holden, and Lebanon.

The meeting concluded with an adjournment, but not before addressing these concerns of the Fall River community. The Traffic Board’s actions reflect their ongoing efforts to balance the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and individuals with disabilities, while prioritizing public safety and fair access to city infrastructure.