Traffic safety around the new elementary school emerged as the primary concern, driven by public comments emphasizing the need for enhanced measures at critical intersections. A resident from High Point Drive underscored the necessity of ADA-compliant sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and reduced speed limits near schools. He advocated for leveraging state and federal funds through the Safe Routes to School program, which Amherst is currently ineligible for due to not having a complete streets level two priority plan with MassDOT.

The committee grappled with various traffic management proposals, including the use of roundabouts and temporary traffic lights to manage congestion at the school’s main exits. The potential increase in traffic volume, with the new school accommodating approximately 575 students, was a concern, particularly regarding the safety of left turns out of the school parking lot given the proximity to the nearest traffic light. The absence of key public works personnel limited the discussion, but there was a consensus that short-term solutions needed immediate attention to address the influx of school buses and student vehicles.

Concerns were also raised about roundabouts, with some members questioning their effectiveness for pedestrian safety, particularly for students. The idea of restricting school exits to right turns only was debated, with the need for a roundabout at Main Street to facilitate this change. The possibility of installing a traffic light controlled by bus drivers was proposed, although its feasibility remained uncertain.

The meeting also delved into the potential financial implications of various solutions, noting that installing a new traffic signal could cost between $250,000 to $300,000. While some members suggested technological fixes or deploying police officers for traffic management, the financial and staffing constraints made these options less viable.

Parking, another significant issue, was addressed with suggestions for temporary solutions such as using alternate parking locations like the inspection station’s lot. Concerns about the lack of communication and planning for parking were highlighted, with a call for the town manager and superintendent to form a working group to prioritize these challenges before the school opening. The committee stressed the urgency of establishing a temporary parking solution, emphasizing the interconnectedness of traffic management and parking needs.

In terms of long-term planning, the committee discussed the creation of a proposed Transportation and Parking Commission (TPC) to address traffic and parking issues systematically. This led to a conversation about the rules of procedure and potential amendments to streamline recommendations from the TPC directly to the town council.