Residents from Clifton Road, including Amy Morrison and Travis Gregory, conveyed their frustrations over a significant rise in traffic since the road diet’s implementation. Morrison detailed how Clifton Road, once a quiet street, now sees 500 to 700 cars during peak hours, compared to an average of 175 cars daily before the changes. This influx has made navigating the street perilous for residents, with incidents of drivers resorting to aggressive behaviors such as driving on sidewalks. Morrison shared a distressful encounter with a driver while she was with her daughter, highlighting the escalating tension in the neighborhood.

Gregory further emphasized the dangerous conditions, describing the narrowness of the street and the challenges faced by residents during busy hours. Both residents requested the Select Board’s intervention, proposing measures like “do not enter” signs during peak hours and changes to GPS routing. They cited a 2018 traffic study that failed to consider the impact on side streets, stressing the need for both short-term relief and a long-term strategy, especially with upcoming developments likely to increase traffic further.

The Hillside neighborhood echoed similar concerns, with Mary Beckman and Robert Muzzy presenting survey findings that showed a 30% rise in traffic on Hillside Street. Muzzy shared his personal observations, noting that on a single day, 1,500 vehicles passed through, with many exceeding speed limits. They advocated for continuous monitoring and additional traffic signage to curb dangerous driving behaviors.

Bart Hyresi from Spafford Road supported the road diet’s safety goals but urged the board to revisit unimplemented suggestions from a 2021 Route 28 study that recommended time-specific traffic restrictions. The Select Board’s discussion revealed complexities in implementing such measures, particularly concerning emergency vehicle access. Suggestions for increased police presence and collaboration with MassDOT to influence navigation apps were also put forward.

As traffic dominated the meeting, the board also approved a fiscal year 2026 stormwater fee, set at $2.84 per 100 square feet of impervious surface. This fee aims to cover expenses related to drainage work and maintenance. The board unanimously approved the proposed fee, acknowledging the necessity of maintaining infrastructure despite a 10% increase in budget requirements due to temporary factors.

Additionally, the board deliberated on property tax classification for the upcoming fiscal year. With residential property values rising by 5% and commercial properties by nearly 4%, the board proposed a split tax rate to balance the levy across property classes. The average single-family tax bill is projected to increase by 11.9%, largely due to an override and revaluation, while commercial taxes are expected to rise by 10.6%. Discussions included the impact of exemptions for seniors, low-income individuals, and veterans, with the board noting the importance of ensuring eligible residents are informed and can apply for exemptions.

The meeting also touched upon a follow-up with the MBTA regarding the Mattapan line transformation project. The board expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of substantive updates and planned to involve legislative representatives to press for more information. The board recognized the broader implications of transportation quality on the community and emphasized the necessity of infrastructure improvements.