HomeMy Public PortalAboutTaffic Commission June 2013 Minutes Edgecliff Edenfield Grove Barnard_201310091338398525TOWN OF WATERTOWN
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
Edward P. Deveau
Chief of Police
Edward P. Deveau, Chair
Mario Orangio, Fire Chief
Gerald Mee, Supt. Of Public Works
Steven Magoon, Community Development and Planning
Mr. John S. Airasian
Ms. Kelly Gallagher
David Sampson
Sergeant
Tel: 617-972-6547
July 2, 2013
June 2013 Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes
In attendance: Edward Deveau, Gerald Mee, Steven Magoon, Kelly Gallagher, John Airasian
At the June 26, 2013 Traffic Commission meeting the following items were discussed and voted on:
Item 1— Mr. Airasian made a motion to approve the May, 2013 Traffic Commission meeting minutes; the
motion was seconded by Mr. Magoon. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 2 — The Commission addressed a written request by Mr. Chris Fadden of Hillside Road for a "Stop"
sign on Edgecliff Road at Hillside Road. Mr. Fadden could not attend the meeting; Sgt. Sampson
addressed the Commission. Sgt. Sampson provided photos of the area and explained that this intersection
does not appear in the Traffic Rules and Orders as an intersection controlled by a "Stop" sign but safety
would be increased with the installation of a "Stop" sign. Mr. Airasian made a motion to install a "Stop"
sign on Edgecliff Road at the intersection of Hillside Road; seconded by Ms. Gallagher. The motion
passed unanimously.
Item 3 — The Commission addressed a written request by Ms. Jacqueline Delgado and Jehovagni Santana
for a handicap parking space in front of their condominium at 74 Edenfield Avenue. Ms. Delgado could
not attend the meeting; Sgt. Sampson addressed the Commission. Sgt. Sampson provided photos of the
area and reported that Ms. Delgado is currently a holder of an RMV handicap placard. Ms. Delgado's
brother in-law Mr. Jehovagni Santana lives at the residence as well and also possesses a handicap placard.
Due to Mr. Santana's condition, it is quite difficult for him to walk long distances to his car in extreme
cold or hot temperatures. Although there is a driveway and parking area for this multi -family home, the
driveway is quite narrow and parking in the private driveway causes a considerable amount of vehicle
shuffling; this is difficult for Mr. Santana.
Mr. Magoon made a motion to install a handicap only parking sign in front of 74 Edenfield Ave; seconded
by Mr. Airasian. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 4 —Mr. Richard Salvato of Barnard Ave addressed the Commission regarding traffic related safety
concerns on Barnard Avenue. Mr. Salvato reported that recently his neighborhood has seen a dramatic
increase in parking problems. Mr. Salvato believes that the increase in event rentals at the high school is
causing the problems. When large events are scheduled, people park on both sides of the neighborhood
streets making the travel lanes too narrow for emergency vehicles. Although he supports the school, he
does not believe that these rentals should come at the expense of safety in the area. Mr. Salvato suggested
that during large events at the school, parking in the neighborhoods should be restricted on one -side only.
Ms. Diane Krikorian of Barnard Ave also addressed the Commission. Ms. Krikorian saw this problem on
Orchard Street (from Barnard Ave. to Common St.) as well. Ms. Krikorian said that the issue seems
seasonal and attributes the problem to the large dance recitals in the springtime.
Although there is no easy solution to this problem, Mr. Airasian suggested that perhaps the responsibility
to alleviate parking problems during large school events should be placed on the Schools. This may
require the school system to perhaps hire a DPW employee as a Detail to post temporary parking
restriction signs.
Chief Deveau stated that this issue should be addressed in coordination with the School Department;
perhaps any rental of the high school expecting to draw a certain number of people would require hiring a
representative of the DPW or police department.
Item 5 — Mr. Joseph Chillemi of 143 Grove Street address the Commission to request the installation of
cautionary signage warning motorists of a deaf/blind child in the area. Mr. Chillemi reported that he is the
father of a ten year old deaf, blind child. Although Mr. Chillemi has off street parking, due to his child's
issues and energy level, he can sometimes get ahead of Mr. Chillemi and his wife. Mr. Chillemi is
concerned about the speed of the traffic on his street and would like signs to warn motorists of a
deaf/blind child in the area. Mr. Mee reported that he supports signage in this area and made a motion to
install appropriate signage in the area to warn motorists of a deaf child; motion seconded by Mr. Airasian.
The motion passed unanimously.
Item 5 — No new business was brought forward to the Commission.
Mr. Airasian made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Magoon. The motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sgt. David Sampson
Assistant to the Traffic Commission