Traffic Comm addresses HP spaces, temporary speed bump, and EV charging placement

By Barbara Taormina

The Traffic Commission made several changes to parking regulations throughout the city at their meeting this month. A handicap parking space on Dedham Street was removed because the resident who needed it had moved. A handicap space added at 37 Tapley Avenue was approved.

The commission tabled a motion to make Pearl Avenue, Cresent Avenue and Summer Street 24/7 resident parking. Commissioners agreed that before voting on the motion they wanted some community feedback on the proposal.

The Traffic Working Group presented speed data and proposed traffic calming measures for Rice Avenue and Lantern Road. The Traffic Working Group is recommending placing temporary speed humps between Lancaster Street and Rice Avenue. Lantern Road also was recommended as a site with a speeding issue. A temporary speed hump is planned for 136 Lantern Avenue, which will be installed in the spring. Speeding was found not to be a factor on East Mountain Avenue. The commission voted to move the proposal for temporary speed humps to a public hearing.

Worcester-based Commonwealth Electrical Technologies are proposing on-street electric vehicle charging stations. There are three sites being considered: Proctor Street, McCoba Street and Hutchinson Street. A representative from Commonwealth said there was community outreach before choosing the sites for the charging stations. The stations will require a 20-foot space, and parking will be specifically for charging vehicles for 12 hours each day. The commission tabled the proposal in order to get more information on how the charging stations would work in the neighborhoods.

Several people at the meeting noted that it was the final meeting for City Planner Frank Stringi, who has served on the Traffic Commission for 41 years. Stringi is just stepping down from the Traffic Commission and will continue to work as city planner.