Traffic Council Report – April 10, 2025
The Traffic Council voted to approve the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Designation of Linwood Avenue as a school zone for Horace Mann School (5–0). The request met all state criteria for school zone designation and will reduce the speed limit to 20 mph. The area includes crosswalks used by students and a driveway from the school onto Linwood Avenue. Residents supported the measure for increased safety (Traffic and Parking Regulations (TPR) 979).
- Installation of all-way stop signs at River Street and Auburndale Avenue (5–0). Prompted by recent crashes and poor visibility due to trees and parked cars. An engineering study concluded the intersection met multiple warrants for all-way stop control. Public comments strongly supported the change, especially for the safety of children walking to school. The measure included plans for enhanced signage and pavement markings (TPR 980).
- Extension of the parking zone on the north side of Beacon Street near 1915 Beacon Street (5–0). The ‘No Parking’ sign will be relocated 5 feet east of the property’s driveway. The resident had requested the extension, and the Traffic Engineer confirmed the road can safely accommodate it (TPR 981).
- Update the Traffic and Parking Regulations to reflect all of the changes associated with the reconstruction of Needham Street (5–0). This marked the conclusion of a long-term trial period (TPR 982).
- “No turn on red” restriction on Walnut Street northbound at Commonwealth Avenue (5–0). The change is intended to enhance safety and clarity for drivers (TPR 983).
- “Right lane must turn right” restriction on Commonwealth Avenue eastbound at Day Street and Fuller Street (5–0). This formalizes lane usage to improve traffic flow (TPR 984).
All items may be appealed by the close of business on April 30, 2025.
The Traffic Council voted to hold the following:
- Request to change parking regulations on the first block of Norwood Avenue between Parkview and Bridges Avenue (5–0). Although limited to one block, the committee decided to consider a broader review of all of Norwood Avenue’s parking policies. Public comments raised concerns about street width, emergency vehicle access, and school traffic patterns. Some residents favored restrictions across the entire street; others supported more flexibility. The item may be redocketed to enable citywide review.
Voting Members Present: Adrian Ayala (DPW), Captain Devine (Police), Councilor Downs, Mitchell Fischman (Resident Member) and David Koses (DPW).
Also Present: Councilors Malakie and Wright, Margot Spiller (Alternate Resident Member).
City Staff: Ned Codd (Director of Transportation DPW).