The meeting served as a design public hearing for the Safe Routes to School project, which has been in development since a grant application was submitted in 2018. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the design consultant team from Tyenbond presented the project details, emphasizing its goals to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety around the school. The area of focus includes Everard Street, Bell Isle Avenue, and Crescent Avenue. The project aims to address existing issues such as improper markings and inconsistent curbing, with plans to reconstruct sidewalks, install ADA-compliant curb ramps, and enhance crosswalks.

Greg Lucas from Tyenbond provided a detailed presentation, illustrating the project’s background, objectives, and proposed improvements. The design includes a shared-use path in front of the school to accommodate higher pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and a new crosswalk across Everard Street at Bell Isle Avenue. Visual aids highlighted planned changes, such as light gray cement sidewalks and green buffers. The design intends to shorten pedestrian crossing distances and improve visibility by introducing curb extensions and restricting parking near crosswalks to eliminate utility conflicts.

The project also includes improvements to Crescent Avenue, with redesigned pedestrian crossings and an expanded median island to serve as a pedestrian refuge. This design allows pedestrians to cross in stages, supported by reconstructed curb ramps. The city is tasked with acquiring the necessary rights of way, with ten permanent and twelve temporary easements planned. Affected property owners will be informed about potential impacts.

During the meeting, a local official raised questions regarding the design’s impact on property lines and driveway encroachments. It was confirmed that any damage to driveways or walkways would be repaired, and property conditions would be documented before and after construction to assure owners of the minimal impact. The city plans to engage with property owners once the design reaches a more advanced stage to avoid misinformation.

A state representative addressed concerns about the communication process with property owners, emphasizing the need for clear explanations of terms such as “fee interest” and “easements.” The representative cited a similar situation in Winthrop where misunderstandings about easements caused public concern. The pedestrian refuge island on Crescent Avenue was discussed, with a focus on its design to enhance pedestrian safety without impeding vehicle movement.

In response to concerns, the city highlighted its efforts to work with external solicitors to complete right-of-way registry and title searches. The project team intends to send out multilingual letters to inform affected property owners and gather their input on preserving personal property features during construction.

A resident expressed support for the project, noting the positive impact on the neighborhood and the importance of improved pedestrian access, particularly near Donnie Square and Beachmont Station. The resident’s comments echoed a broader community sentiment favoring enhanced safety and accessibility.