Travis Gregory, a resident of Clifton Road, detailed the troubling increase in traffic on his street since the implementation of the road diet on Randolph Avenue. He noted that vehicles were diverting to Clifton Road to avoid congestion, creating hazardous conditions, particularly during peak hours. Gregory emphasized the safety risks posed to children in the area, stating, “People are on the street up and down playing in their driveways, walking their dogs… especially in the afternoon when kids come home from school.” He called for traffic mitigation measures, such as restrictions on entering Clifton Road during peak hours, to protect neighborhood safety.

Amy Morrison, another Clifton Road resident, echoed Gregory’s concerns, describing the street as a cut-through that had become increasingly unsafe. She noted a troubling incident where a driver shouted at her while her children were present, highlighting the heightened sense of danger. Morrison mentioned that GPS systems were routing delivery trucks and other vehicles to Clifton Road, exacerbating the situation. She expressed gratitude for the police’s attention to the issue but urged for continued dialogue between residents and town officials as the pilot program progresses.

The board acknowledged the residents’ concerns, confirming that the project is a MassDOT initiative. They assured residents that community feedback is being collected and relayed to MassDOT for ongoing assessment. The board emphasized that this is a pilot program and that safety and traffic patterns will be continually evaluated.

The discussion then shifted to the impact of traffic changes on Plymouth Avenue and Grafton Avenue. Residents raised concerns about speeding and increased traffic volumes, particularly during morning and afternoon hours when children are heading to school. Suggestions were made for installing stop signs as a quick measure to slow traffic, although the board noted that such measures must meet specific warrants.

Katie Mian, a resident advocating for a stop sign, described the challenges posed by the “blind curve” and high speeds of vehicles on Plymouth Avenue. She stressed that the stop sign would be a necessary safety feature to prevent accidents. Similarly, Heidi Lai shared her experiences with increased traffic and speed on Plymouth Avenue, noting the dangers for pedestrians and children waiting at the bus stop.

The board discussed the need for further data collection to better understand traffic patterns and inform decision-making. A previous study from 2024 was referenced, but it was deemed outdated given recent changes in road conditions. The board proposed conducting new traffic counts in the area, with several members supporting this initiative.

In addition to the concerns about traffic safety, the meeting addressed a proposal for valet parking at the intersection of Franklin and Adam Streets. This proposal aimed to accommodate patrons of local restaurants during dinner hours, as construction had reduced available parking. The board discussed potential logistical challenges, such as avoiding double parking and coordinating with existing delivery schedules. They agreed to seek additional information and invite local business representatives to the next meeting to discuss their support for the proposal.

The board also revisited a request for a truck exclusion on Canton Avenue, with concerns raised about trucks still using the road despite the restriction. The absence of proper signage was noted, and the board acknowledged the need for updated signage and enforcement measures. They discussed the importance of communicating with navigation apps to ensure accurate information is provided to truck drivers.