The installation of EV charging stations emerged as the focal point of the meeting. Commonwealth Electric Technologies presented plans to install three on-street charging stations at Makoba Street, Hutchinson Street, and Proctor Avenue. The project is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s on-street charging solutions program. A representative from Commonwealth Electric Technologies explained the project’s progress, emphasizing community engagement and design efforts over the past year.

Safety concerns were a primary focus during the discussion. Questions centered on the protection of the charging stations against potential vehicle collisions. Commonwealth Electric Technologies assured the commission that safety measures, including a disconnect switch and circuit breakers, would be in place to safeguard first responders in the event of an accident. The topic of overhead charging stations was also broached, with the representative noting the challenges posed by utility company permits, making such installations less common.

The commission also deliberated on the enforcement of parking restrictions at the charging stations. It was proposed that these spots be designated for electric vehicles only between 7 PM and 7 AM, with enforcement details to be managed by the parking authority. After considering these factors, the commission agreed to move the proposal to a public hearing.

In parallel, the commission addressed enhancements related to the Safe Routes to School program, a state-funded initiative aimed at improving safety around educational institutions. The discussed proposal involved amending parking regulations on Everard Avenue to facilitate a sidewalk expansion from four feet to ten feet, thereby improving pedestrian safety around Beachmont School, Cottage Street, and Cummings Park. The proposal would eliminate parking on the easterly direction of Everard Avenue, from the school’s second driveway to Bell Isle Avenue, to accommodate the expanded sidewalk. The commission unanimously agreed to send this proposal to a public hearing.

The meeting also covered a variety of other topics, including parking amendments designed to improve snow removal efficiency and the introduction of a pilot program for temporary speed bumps. City Councilor James Mccuria, drawing on his extensive experience in snow removal, supported amendments to parking restrictions on Brad Street Avenue and Winter Avenue, which were swiftly approved by the commission. These changes aim to facilitate more effective snow removal by restricting parking on one side of the street.

Additionally, the commission approved the installation of temporary speed bumps on Rice Avenue and near Lantern Road as a pilot project to evaluate their effectiveness in curbing speeding. Julie DeMar from the Department of Planning and Community Development explained that the pilot program would run for approximately three months, during which the impact of the speed bumps on traffic speed would be assessed.

Finally, the commission discussed a series of proposals related to handicap parking amendments. While some applications, such as those for a property on Avon Street and Wave Avenue, were moved forward to public hearings, others were tabled or denied due to incomplete documentation or lack of need. For instance, the application for a property on Bay Road was tabled pending additional medical documentation, and the request for a property on Packard Street was denied due to available driveway space at the property.