05:20The proposal to reduce the speed limit on Campbell Avenue emerged as a point of discussion. Residents have expressed concerns about excessive speeding on the avenue, which serves as a bypass for drivers avoiding traffic on Northshore Road. A council member highlighted the severity of the issue by referencing an incident where a vehicle was clocked at 50 miles per hour. Residents specifically requested a speed limit reduction to 20 miles per hour. The council deliberated on the effectiveness of speed limits in controlling driver behavior, emphasizing that the change requires MassDOT’s approval before implementation. A motion was made and unanimously passed to submit this request.

01:19In addition to the speed limit discussions, the council held a public hearing regarding the metering of 17 public parking spaces at the Gibson Apartments. Zachary Babo, the director of parking, outlined that the metering initiative is part of the Gibson Point development, which required additional conservation land for its parking lot. The metering is expected to benefit both the city and the development, with costs covered by the developer. The council unanimously recommended the motion to approve the metering.

18:17Parking challenges were a recurring theme throughout the meeting. A request for a public hearing was made concerning parking adjustments for certain residential properties. The council discussed the addition of six units to a construction project at 51-53 Centennial Avenue, clarifying that the new units would not qualify for on-street parking due to available on-site parking. Additionally, a proposed project on Green Street is set to be renumbered as 349 Lee Burbank Highway, while a project on Shirley Avenue has been shelved, leaving it as a retail space without current construction plans. The council debated whether to incorporate this project into their records, given its potential for future development.

21:57The council addressed a request to place “Do Not Enter” and resident-only parking signs on Rosetti Street, following an influx of vehicles attributed to nearby construction. Some members expressed skepticism about enforcing a “Do Not Enter” sign. A motion to amend the request was supported and moved to a public hearing, highlighting the council’s responsiveness to neighborhood parking concerns.

25:24Moreover, amendments to the schedule for handicap parking on Fernwood Avenue and Wave Avenue were reviewed. The absence of required handicap applications led to a motion to table the discussion until the necessary documents were submitted.

26:19Traffic calming measures were also a focal point in the meeting. The Department of Planning and Community Development presented findings from a traffic working group that assessed various streets for potential calming measures. On Mill Street, it was determined that the 85th percentile speed did not exceed the speed limit, thus negating the need for traffic calming measures. Recommendations for driver education and police enforcement were made instead. The council acknowledged resident support and discussed the necessity of sidewalk reconstruction to further mitigate speeding. A motion was made to hold a public hearing concerning a proposed stop sign.

35:38Proctor Avenue was another area considered for speed relief, with a resident petition prompting council agreement on the need for measures. Plans to conduct a public hearing were set in motion. Additionally, a new petition from a resident in the Campbell Avenue area, supported by ten household signatures, requested a traffic calming study. The council committed to placing speed monitoring devices in the area for further analysis.