The Public Safety & Transportation Committee voted No Action Necessary on the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Requesting discussion regarding Dudley Road safety: No Action Necessary (5-1-1, Councilor Lucas opposed, Councilor Block abstaining) after discussing various traffic calming measures for this curvy scenic road used as a cut-through. Enforcement strategies, and community concerns regarding safety, speeding, and the road’s physical constraints were discussed. The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a mitigation plan for a Dudley Road development that includes speed feedback signs and $500,000 for offsite improvements to transportation, pedestrian, bicycling, safety, open space, or recreational improvements in the area, assuming the development moves forward. The Police have issued more than 200 speeding tickets for vehicles coming off Route 9. Ticketed speeds have reduced from mid-40 mph to mid-30 mph with enforcement. There have been 11 crashes since 2022.
The Committee voted to hold the following:
- Requesting a policy discussion, review, and possible action related to parking on-street and in municipal lots: Held (6-0, Councilor Lipof not voting) as discussions continue on the impacts of parking policies, permit programs, and potential adjustments to fines to align with surrounding communities. With lower fine rates than other communities, Newton was described as a bargain for parking scofflaws. Councilors had questions about the parking policy goals.