By Nate Leskovic
Times Staff
6/26/08

(previous)
The change—which is opposed by some neighbors—was implemented to slow traffic and improve safety for pedestrians because vehicles there struck two people in recent years. There are currently new lane markings and barrels to mark where a raised median would be built if the change is made permanent.
DPW Director Walter Heller says automated traffic counters and live observations will be used to determine the impact of the lane shift—both positive and negative.
Some neighbors are concerned the change could result in a traffic bottleneck that would push traffic further back into East Milton Square or encourage drivers to use side streets to avoid the road. Heller says he so far unaware that the fears have materialized.
“Morning traffic is always backed up there,” he says.
When asked, neighbors contacted by the Times said there have yet to be problems. However, some contend the study should be done in the fall when traffic is heaviest.
Heller says he initiated the plan when Granite Avenue was scheduled for repaving and proceeded after the Traffic Commission reviewed it.
“Whenever we pave a road, I look for opportunities to better pedestrian safety and add traffic-calming measures,” he says, adding that he has received feedback equally between those who like the change and those who don’t.
Some neighbors say there was not enough public notification about the change. They are upset that non-Granite Avenue homes were not notified. Only two neighbors attended the public meeting in March.
“There could have been more information out ahead of the time,” admits Selectmen Chair Kathy Fagan.
A letter sent to 14 Granite Avenue homes by the DPW received 10 responses in favor of the change.
Fagan says she welcomes input on the changes.
“We want people to recognize that it’s just a study at this time,” she says. “We want to hear their feedback.”
Fagan says when the study is done in a month or two, the Traffic Commission will review the plan at a public meeting. The commission is an advisory board and will make a recommendation to Selectmen, who will make the final decision.
Heller says the entire renovation of Granite Avenue will cost about $150,000—including sidewalk, curb and tree lawn work. If the traffic change is approved, he says, it will add no more than $10,000 to the cost.