The board’s decision to approve the scenic road application for a property on Burgess Road followed a thorough public hearing. Stephen and Karen Marshall sought permission to remove a 25-foot section of a stone wall to create a second driveway entrance, facilitating better access to their property. During the hearing, Stephen Marshall explained the necessity of this modification to accommodate vehicles and equipment, which was currently hindered by a hill and retaining wall. The board was mindful of the historical significance of such structures and included a condition requiring the Marshalls to document the wall with pre- and post-disturbance photographs. The motion to approve the application passed without opposition.

Following this, the board’s attention turned to a comprehensive corridor analysis of Route 119, presented by George Snow from MRPC. The study highlighted significant safety concerns, including the prevalence of speeding near schools. Data showed that during school start and end times, nearly all vehicles exceeded the speed limits of 20 and 25 miles per hour, respectively. The analysis emphasized the urgency for intervention, as the lack of adherence to speed limits poses a risk to the high volume of pedestrian traffic, particularly students.

Detailed traffic counts revealed that at several locations along the corridor, a majority of vehicles were speeding, with some reaching over 45 miles per hour. Furthermore, the corridor experiences substantial truck traffic, comprising nearly 12% of daily volume, adding to the congestion and safety concerns.

The traffic analysis also examined intersections, revealing severe delays and congestion, particularly at school exits and entrances. Recommendations to alleviate these issues included implementing roundabouts, which have shown success in reducing crash rates at other locations.

The MRPC presentation also addressed the impact of a forthcoming Starbucks, expected to exacerbate congestion by introducing approximately 120 additional vehicles to an already overwhelmed intersection. This development underscores the need for immediate and effective traffic management solutions.

Safety concerns were further amplified by crash data from the corridor, which recorded 93 incidents over five years, with a noticeable spike in 2020-2021. High-crash locations were identified near school access points, necessitating robust countermeasures. Suggested improvements included complete street concepts, major intersection upgrades, and potential roundabout installations.

In addition to addressing vehicular traffic, the meeting touched on pedestrian safety improvements. Proposals included enhancing visibility at crosswalks with rapid flashing beacons and narrowing roads with curb extensions to reduce crossing distances.

The board also discussed potential funding avenues, such as the LEAP grant program, to support these infrastructure improvements. Engaging the community and regional stakeholders in the planning process was deemed vital, with suggestions to involve high school students and local businesses in developing pedestrian-friendly designs.

Concluding the meeting, the board reviewed updates on zoning amendments and compliance, along with discussions on extending a stormwater management permit. The significance of regional collaboration was underscored, reflecting on the challenges of funding and executing large-scale traffic projects, especially in the context of regional schools and shared infrastructure.