HomeMy Public PortalAboutIntersection of Bigelow and Nichols StreetsSubject
From
Fw: Nichols and Bigelow intersection
Kounelis, Angeline
Pronovost, Marilyn
Driscoll, Michael; Magoon, Steven; Mee, Gerald; DPW1; Town Councilors; Steven Casella
Hello Marilyn
The following communication is confirmation of my Request for Information at the 02/25/2020 Town
Council Meeting. On 02/11/2020, a local resident contacted me to express concerns regarding safety at
the intersection of Nichols Ave. and Bigelow Ave. Thank you.
Best,
Angie
Angeline B. Kounelis
District A, East End, Town Councilor
The City Known as the Town of Watertown
617-926-2352
All electronic mail to and from this City address should be considered subject to Massachusetts Public
Records Laws. Thank you
From: Kounelis, Angeline
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2020 1:02 PM
To: Steven Casella
Cc: Driscoll, Michael; Magoon, Steven; Mee, Gerald; DPW1; Kounelis, Angeline
Subject: Re: Nichols and Bigelow intersection
Hi Steve,
Your concerns, are also my concerns. For decades, the East Watertown Betterment Assoc. successfully
lobbied to keep the north access point to the former Verizon property, 480 Arsenal St./490 Arsenal Way,
closed to vehicular traffic. When Boylston Properties purchased the parcel, which is now the LINX
complex, the permitting process allowed for ingress/egress to the site from Nichols Ave.
On 05/25/2016, Agenda Item #8, the Watertown Traffic Commission heard the presentation specific to
off -site traffic related improvements in the area of the Nicholas Ave. entrance as follows:
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23651/Traffic-Commission-Meeting-
Minutes-May-2016?bidld=
The 07/15/2015 Planning Report is as follows:
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17303/Planning-Board-Report 480-
Arsenal?bidld=
The pedestrian activated signals and blinking lights at the intersection of Bigelow Ave. and Nichols Ave.,
that you suggest, are certainly worthy of consideration for the safety of all who traverse the area.
According to permitting requirements; specific intersections, including the aforesaid, were to have been
evaluated for impacts from the project, six and twelve months after "substantial occupancy (90%)" of the
site. The findings were to have been sent to the Department of Community Development and Planning
(DCDP) and Dept. of Public Works (DPW).
Herein, I am copying Steve Magoon, Director of DCDP & Assistant Town Manager, and Gerald Mee,
Superintendent DPW for their review and recommendations for signalizing the intersection. When more
information is made available, I will advise. Thank you.
Best,
Angie
Angeline B. Kounelis
District A, East End, Town Councilor
The City Known as the Town of Watertown
617-926-2352
All electronic mail to and from this City address should be considered subject to Massachusetts Public
Records Laws. Thank you
From: stevencasella@hotmail.com <stevencasella@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2020 11:16 PM
To: Kounelis, Angeline
Subject: Nichols and Bigelow intersection
Hi Angie,
Every time I go through the intersection Nichols and Bigelow, and the new 490 Arsenal Way driveway. I am
concerned for vehicles and pedestrians, esp. elderly church goers and the late night Donahue crowd. I would like
to see a blinking light at intersection. Blinking yellow to Nichols and blinking red for Bigelow and 490 Arsenal Way.
A pedestrian crossing with 'the button' to press for red light and countdown. It's all about safety and I fear
something bad will happen there.
Sincerely,
Steve Casella
Sent from my iPhone