Fall River Traffic Board Approves New Parking Spaces Downtown
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Meeting Type:
Transportation Board
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Meeting Date:
07/17/2024
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Recording Published:
07/18/2024
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Duration:
43 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Fall River
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the Fall River Traffic Board approved a proposal for additional parking spaces to accommodate the increasing business and residential activities in the downtown area. This decision highlights the board’s efforts to enhance safety and manage traffic flow, despite some board members’ reservations about the potential impact on Fourth Street’s traffic.
The proposal, presented by the city’s director of engineering and planning, included adding parking on Sullivan Drive and Fourth Street. The plan aimed to address the need for more parking due to the downtown area’s growth. Board members engaged in a thorough discussion, focusing on the safety and traffic implications of the new parking spaces. Concerns were primarily directed towards Fourth Street, where the placement of parking spaces brought forth differing viewpoints regarding traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
A point of contention was the relocation of a mailbox from Sullivan Drive to Fourth Street, intended to free up additional parking space. While some supported the idea, others expressed reservations, questioning the potential hazards this move might create. Despite these concerns, the board voted in favor of the proposal.
Safety was a recurring theme throughout the meeting, extending beyond parking issues. The discussion about potential changes to traffic flow near the post office underscored members’ concerns about the visibility of stop signs and overall pedestrian well-being. The board decided to postpone the decision on this matter, opting to consult further with the post office representatives.
Also on the agenda were proposed modifications to the intersection of Bradford and South Main. The suggestions included new pavement markings and the addition of stop signs to improve the flow of traffic. The potential use of pavement art as a traffic calming measure sparked debate among the board members. While some were intrigued by the idea of painting murals on the streets, others questioned the practicality and long-term maintenance of such artworks. In the end, the decision was made to involve a consultant for further review of any street painting related to traffic control.
Residents’ concerns also played a role in the meeting’s proceedings. One resident’s request for the installation of a stop sign on Atlantic Boulevard was approved after highlighting the risks posed by non-stopping cars and the presence of children in the area. Similarly, the board approved the installation of a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Omaha Street and Detroit Street, in response to another resident’s concerns about poor visibility and high traffic volumes.
The meeting concluded with the board addressing various other issues, such as driveway concerns and handicap parking requests. Decisions on these matters were made based on established criteria and regulations.
Paul Coogan
Transportation Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Transportation Board
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Meeting Date:
07/17/2024
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Recording Published:
07/18/2024
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Duration:
43 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Fall River
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