During the meeting, the town planner, Kathy Williams, and a representative from VHB, Steve RH, outlined the project’s goals and proposed changes. The improvements are designed to address pedestrian safety concerns, manage vehicle speeds, and maintain the historic essence of the area. The proposed design elements include antique granite curbing, grass pavers, parking bump outs, crosswalk options, and pedestrian-scale lighting.

Public input was a significant component of the discussion, with community members raising concerns about the impact of the improvements on traffic, property boundaries, and the village’s aesthetics. Questions about the placement and safety of crosswalks, the potential for bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and the interference of parking spaces with traffic flow were debated. Additionally, there were suggestions for alternative crosswalk locations and concerns over the effect of parking bump outs on parked cars.

Another topic was the issue of road elevation and drainage. The increased road elevation over the years has raised concerns about potential drainage problems, with the Public Works director acknowledging the need for assessment and possible grinding down of the road. A local business owner highlighted the challenge of water sheeting off the road into parking lots, underlining the need for a plan that considers the impact on trees, aesthetics, and individual properties.

Speed limits and the involvement of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in the decision-making process were also topics of interest. While some residents called for adjustments to the speed limit to improve safety, others highlighted the need for MassDOT’s cooperation and funding to implement safety measures effectively.

The impending construction of new bridges and its anticipated impact on local traffic was discussed, bringing to light concerns about the village’s appearance, the effect on local businesses, and the need for better enforcement of parking and speeding regulations. The discussion extended to police staffing shortages and the necessity for more resources for effective enforcement.

The meeting also featured a conversation about off-street parking funding, with skepticism expressed about its effectiveness in addressing traffic issues. Residents discussed the impact of traffic on residential neighborhoods and the need for safety measures to accommodate larger vehicles and ensure the wellbeing of both residents and visitors.

Finally, the board discussed traffic safety enhancements, including signage improvements and strategic parking initiatives. A dangerous intersection at Willow and 6A was pinpointed, with suggestions for installing blinking lights to mitigate the hazard. The potential use of flashing beacons at crosswalks and colored pavement for bike lanes and pedestrian crossings was debated, as well as the material choices for sidewalks and their compatibility with tree roots. Maintenance concerns for grass strips and the effects of north side parking on delivery trucks and resident safety were also topics of consideration.