Town of Natick
Safety Committee Minutes
September 27, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Chief Mannix, Chairman, at 10:05 a.m.
Members in attendance: Robert Ward, Sr. John Slamin Charlie Sisitsky
Joan Craig Joan Craig Ron Ordway
Mike Melchiorri Sgt. Lauzon Chief Mannix
Also in attendance: Selectman Jay Ball Barbara Martino
Mr. & Mrs. Goldrick Anthony Centola
Mr. Centola’s Real Estate Agent A. Richard Miller
Approval of the June 28, 2005 Safety Committee Minutes: The committee VOTED to approve the minutes of the June 28, 2005 meeting.
Abandoned/Burned Property on Hartford Street: Mr. Melchiorri is working with the Natick Police Department to identify the property owner. No action was taken on this issue.
Oak Street, south of Rathbun Road – Request for caution blind driveway sign: In the area of Oak Street, just south of Rathbun Road, the road rises steeply and at the same time, curves sharply to the right. There is a driveway at this portion of Oak Street that is dangerous for anyone exiting this driveway, or cars passing by while a motor vehicle is exiting the driveway, as it is totally invisible to oncoming motorists. VOTED: The committee voted to recommend to the Board of Selectmen installation of a “caution - blind driveway” sign at this location.
Request for sidewalk on Rte. 30 from Saddle Brook to Mainstone Road: It was determined that the placement of a sidewalk would fall under the responsibility of a betterment and Mr. Sisitsky agreed to explain to the petitioner how a betterment works. No action needs to be taken.
Snow removal this winter for school and MBTA crosswalk areas: The petitioner wished to express his deep appreciation to the members of the Safety Committee for the installation of the enhanced pedestrian crossing on West Central Street at the end of the West Natick MBTA Station. No action needs to be taken on this issue.
Request for sign near 144 Cottage Street (southbound) to mark the turn where a fatal crash occurred: The committee considered the issue that there is no sign in the southbound direction of this area, marking the turn. The committee VOTED to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the requested sign be installed, indicating the curve in the road.
Change of address request for 49A Winter Street to 1 Jennison Circle: The committee agreed to discuss the matter with the Community Development Director to determine the best course of action to be taken. The committee VOTED to table this issue until we receive this recommendation.
Pedestrian Safety at several intersections in town: The committee discussed pedestrian safety within crosswalks throughout the town. The police department will address this problem by developing a programmed enforcement/education effort.
Request for crosswalks and pedestrian warning signs: The committee reviewed an earlier list of crosswalks needing painting as well as a list of pedestrian warning sign locations that need to be addressed throughout the town. The DPW Director indicated that that all crosswalk painting issues have been addressed at this time and we will revisit sign locations for the next meeting.
Natick Mall Expansion Update: The traffic safety officer, Sergeant Lauzon, is scheduled to attend a mitigation meeting today which will address several issues including pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, curbing, road resurfacing, etc. on Speen Street and Hartford Street. The police department will continue to work with the planning board.
Request to name a driveway off of Speen Street: The committee heard a request from Mr. Centola and his real estate agent requesting permission to name his driveway, explaining that his reason for wanting to name the driveway as a private way was to enhance his property value by not having a Speen Street address. The committee VOTED to deny this request.
Request for deer crossing signs at Rathbun Road: The safety committee reviewed a request from a resident on Rathbun Road requesting “deer crossing” signs. Whereas the speed limit is relatively low (30-35 mph), such signage would be unnecessary. The committee VOTED to decline this request.
Request for deer crossing sign at town forest near Bacon Street: A request was made by a resident who lives on Bacon Street requesting the safety committee consider posting “deer crossing signs” on Bacon Street. As a result of the location being as close to the town forest as it is, with a significant volume of deer crossing coupled with recorded deer/vehicle collision(s), the committee VOTED to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that two signs be posted in this area.
Change of Address request for Eliot Hill Road: Residents requested a change of address be made for this particular location after having an emergency that resulted in the resident calling 911 and finding out later that the fire department was delayed as a result of the address. The Building Inspector will take a closer look at this and make a recommendation to the committee. The committee VOTED to table the issue and await the Building Inspector’s recommendation.
Request for permission to install signs at Temple Israel: The safety committee was asked to consider allowing Temple Israel to install signs similar to the blue ones that Chabad Center and the Presbyterian Church are using. The committee asked the DPW to review this request and report back at the next meeting.
Concerns about where to place a “child crossing” sign to avoid blocking a resident’s window: A resident was concerned about blocking her window or access to her driveway when she heard that the town was going to install a child crossing sign in front of her home. A discussion ensued regarding the location of the crossing guard post. The committee VOTED to table this issue until the Safety Officer speaks with the crossing guard, the school department’s safety committee representative, and the police department’s Operations Commander to determine the best course of action. A preliminary recommendation from the school department would place one traffic supervisor at the intersection of Bacon Street and Oak Street to accommodate crossing of all children, and the elimination of both currently
used crossing locations. This recommendation will be taken to the Principal of the Lilja School.
Walnut/Bacon Street stop signs: The committee VOTED to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen that a five way stop be installed at this intersection.
Parking on Middlesex Avenue: The committee considered the parking issue on Middlesex Avenue to determine if “no parking” signs should replace the “two-hour parking” signs now in place, specifically on the southerly side of Middlesex Avenue from house #68 westerly to Washington Avenue. The committee VOTED to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that no parking signs be installed in this area, replacing the two-hour parking signs posted in this area.
Indian Rock and Country Club Lane overgrown brush hazards: The overgrown brush issue was referred to the DPW for appropriate action.
Natick Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Announcement: A. Richard Miller commended Chief Mannix and members of the Safety Committee for their assistance in making a bicycle safety class available to Natick residents.
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