The Traffic Council approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- Accessible Parking Space at 552 Commonwealth Avenue (5-0) Approved the creation of an accessible parking space out front of Paggi Physical Therapy to aid client accessibility.
- Update to Traffic and Parking Regulations at Newton Corner (5-0) Approved changes to reflect modifications by MassDOT around the Exit 127 Eastbound Offramp, enhancing traffic flow and safety.
The committee voted no action necessary for the following:
- Accessible Parking Space at 147 Arnold Road (5-0) After additional site analysis confirmed the presence of a curb cut, making parking adjustments impractical, the petitioner rescinded her request.
The committee voted to hold the following:
- Long-term Traffic and Parking Trial near Franklin Elementary School (5-0) Held for a trial to adjust parking and traffic regulations temporarily during the school’s reconstruction.
- Temporary Public Plaza Trial in Newton Centre (5-0) Held for a trial to transform part of the Langley Road Municipal Parking Lot into a public plaza, reducing parking spaces while assessing additional nearby parking solutions. The proposal was significantly reduced in response to public comments. The trial length was shortened to five months (June to October), and the plaza size was reduced from 16,000 square feet to 7,000. Parking changes will be made to bring consistency to the streets adjacent to Newton Centre. Many public comments, “People do not like to walk even short distances. Some people are excluded because they can’t use apps. Sidewalks do not connect. Stop illegal food delivery and trash pick-up at all hours of the night. Business parking should not be in residential neighborhoods. Signage and enforcement are necessary. A subterranean parking garage would be great. Parking causes pollutants. Build vehicle parking structure behind Walgreens. Add adaptive pricing. The City stressed that this is only a pilot and that on-street parking slows traffic speeds.
Voting Members Present: Captain Devine, (Police), Councilor Downs, David Koses (DPW)
Adrian Ayala (DPW), Margot Spiller, Alternate Resident Traffic Council Member
Also Present: Councilors Danberg, Malakie, Bixby, Wright, Lucas, Farrell and Greenberg
City Staff: Jini Fairley, ADA Coordinator; Ned Codd, Director of Transportation DPW;
Barney Heath, Director of Planning and Development; Zachery LeMel, Long Range Planner;
Hannah Sternburg, Outreach Coordinator; Nora Masler, Planning Associate; Archana Menon,
Associate Director of Cultural Development; Evan Sooper, Parking Manager and Katie Holden,
Clerk
