One of the most notable discussions revolved around the intersection of High Street and Lincoln Avenue, where residents expressed concerns about speeding vehicles and the safety of pedestrians, particularly children. Residents had initially requested a stop sign for northbound traffic to mitigate these issues. However, the board deliberated on the effectiveness of stop signs versus caution signs. A resident highlighted reckless driving behavior in the area, noting that some drivers, including motorcyclists and skateboarders, often ignored existing traffic signs. To address these concerns, the board decided to install a solar flashing caution sign that would read “Slow, Dangerous Intersection” to alert drivers of the potential hazards. An immediate regular caution sign is set to be installed within a week, while the solar sign is expected to take about two weeks to acquire.

In addition, the board considered a request to amend parking regulations on Dwelli Street, particularly concerning a school area where current restrictions prohibited parking at all times. Residents argued that the prohibition was too severe, especially on weekends when school buses were not present, leading to unnecessary tickets. After considering the impact on residents, the board approved a motion to limit the parking restrictions to specific hours that align with school arrival and dismissal times. This decision aimed to balance the needs of the school with those of the local residents.

Parking issues also took center stage as residents voiced the need for handicap parking spaces due to limited street parking and personal mobility challenges. One resident, anticipating knee surgery, requested a handicap spot near 140 Stafford Road. The board approved the request, although it noted that the installation would take approximately 12 weeks. Another resident, who required multiple surgeries, also sought a handicap space. The board confirmed his paperwork was in order and agreed to allocate a spot nearest to his residence, acknowledging his willingness to adapt if the location proved unsuitable.

The board also dealt with requests to rescind several handicap parking spaces that were no longer in use, either because the residents had moved or could no longer drive. This motion was approved.

Meanwhile, a request for a loading zone on Lindsay Street was approved after discussions regarding existing handicap parking spots. The board agreed to designate a 60-foot loading area, necessitating the removal of a current handicap spot to accommodate the change. The loading zone will operate from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.

The meeting also included a proposal from the Little League Learning Center requesting two 15-minute parking signs outside their facility on North Main Street. After considering the potential loss of metered parking in a busy downtown area, the board suggested relocating the signs to Bank Street. This proposal was approved, balancing the need for convenient drop-off and pick-up zones with the preservation of metered parking spaces.