Selectmen Address Comprehensive Agenda at September 23 Meeting

September 27, 2019

At their September 23 meeting, the Selectmen reviewed appointments to the 300th Anniversary Committee, Traffic Regulations on the Hartford and Loomis Streets, intersection improvements on Old Billerica Road, changes to the Town of Bedford’s charter, and reviewed the warrant for the upcoming Special Town Meeting.

Committee Appointments

In preparation for the Town of Bedford’s 300th anniversary, the Selectmen heard the confirmation hearings for two nominees. Christine Anderson, one nominee for the at-large position, was supported by Selectman Emily Mitchell. The second at-large nominee, Roberta Ennis, was unable to attend but requested her candidacy still be considered. Both Ennis and Anderson were confirmed unanimously to serve as members on the 300th Anniversary Committee.

Selectman Mike Rosenberg also expressed interest in expanding the number of at-large members for the committee. A motion to expand the committee from three to five members passed unanimously.

Revised Traffic Rules and Regulations Update

DPW Engineer Adrienne St. John addressed the Selectmen about the proposed prohibition of left-hand turns onto Hartford Street from Loomis Street from 3 to 7 pm on weekdays.

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The proposal would start as a 60-day-trial to track the regulation’s effect. Selectman Margot Fleischman noted that a resident reminded her you still would be able to take a right-hand turn.

St. John mentioned that the ramifications of the proposal are currently unknown, but the trial period would help solve any discrepancies. The measure passed 4-0-1; Selectman Bill Moonan abstained as he lives in the affected region.

Old Billerica Road Intersection Improvements
 
The planned improvements to the intersection of Old Billerica Road and Burlington Road (Route 62) were met with disapproval from members of the audience. The goal of the project was to help improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as reduce traffic.

Compared to the plan presented in May, the shoulder of the road will now be able to accommodate a bicycle lane. The planned project is part of Bedford’s Complete Streets application for the Mass DOT grant. However, the town plans to move forward with the project even without the state grants. Town Manager Sarah Stanton voiced her support for the project due to the traffic impacts that will be apparent because of the changes. Selectman Ed Pierce voiced his concerns over pedestrian safety due to the “slip lanes,” which was echoed by those in opposition to the project.

At the end of the lengthy discussion, Ralph Hammond said he was impressed with the interaction with the contractor and the job he has done so far. Hammond’s comment effectively ended the discussion, and Chairman Rosenberg called for a motion.

In the end, Selectman Bill Moonan moved to delay the project and ask the town to go back to Tighe Bond and ask them to look at a raised table intersection. “I don’t see a need to rush to a solution if we haven’t explored all the traffic-calming options,” he said. The motion passed 4:1:0, with Emily Mitchell opposed.

The Citizen is supplementing Monday’s Selectmen’s meeting report with the following articles

Final Proposed Charter Changes – Joan Bowen has observed the Charter Commission for several months. Click this link to read Joan Bowen’s report on their report to the Selectmen’s meeting.

Department of Health and Human Services – Town Manager Sarah Stanton has affiliated several departments under one office to provide more effective service to the Town. Click this link to read Dot Bergin’s coverage of the new department.

Changes in the Town Manager’s office – There will also new responsibilities and new personnel. Click this link to read about them in a report by Meredith McCulloch.

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