In attendance: 22 members including the co-chairs, Jennifer Deabler and Dianne Lescinskas Doreen Miller (minutes)
BTD guests: Stephanie Seskin, Active Transportation Director; John Monacelli, Senior Engineer Boston representation: Patrick Fandel
Overview of Vision Zero
Stephanie Seskin presented a slideshow highlighting the Vision Zero program.
Focus: Traffic calming, Bike networking, and Pedestrian safety
Goal: To eliminate serious injuries and fatalities that result from traffic crashes on city streets.
The difference between the traditional approach vs the Vision Zero approach boils down to accidents are inevitable vs. zero tolerance for accidents. Speed is the biggest factor. The higher the speed, the higher the fatality rate.
Data that is analyzed in decision-making
- EMS data from their website identifying crash sites.
- A map showing high-crash network of streets whereby the top 7% are shown in 1/10 mile segments.
How data is used/problems addressed to improve safety
- Redesigning intersections and streetscapes
- Sidewalk repair and demographics prioritized
- A zone-based approach for slowing traffic especially on smaller streets
- The use of quick implementation tools like painting and flex posts.
Vision Zero’s approach to design
- Use research-based design tools that improve safety.
- Prioritize youth, elders, and people with disabilities who are walking or biking.
- Engage with residents to identify and prioritize problematic areas.
Current Focus
Pleasant Street – the stretch between Stoughton and East Cottage Streets needs a redesign to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety at crosswalks.
- Issues
- Speeding
- Too few crosswalks
Visibility issues - Large and unpredictable intersection at East Cottage street
Steps being taken
- Now
- Proposals are being requested from design consultants.
- Neighborhood outreach is to be started via direct mailing, flyering, website postings, and emails.
- Next
- Collect traffic data and pedestrian counts
- Survey the corridor to understand drainage, utilities and other potential obstacles.
- Develop concepts based on engineering reviews.
Possible tools being considered for Pleasant street
- Curb extensions
- Crossing islands in the middle
- Raised crosswalks to increase visibility
- Expected timeline
- Receipt of contracts proposals by late summer-early fall 2021
- Contract decision finalized by late fall 2021.
- Shovels in the ground by Fall 2022.
Identifying potential zones for redesign
- Simple nomination form
o Identify a primary contact.
o Include a map of our neighborhood
o Submit a show of support among neighbors on a short petition (24 signatures) - Accepting new nominations for Fall 2021
Discussion of ways to slow traffic in Savin Hill
- Speed bumps and humps are used only in the Slow Streets program. They are generally placed in pairs at a specific distance to slow traffic.
- Raised crosswalks require a reconstruction of the streets through the vision zero program. They are generally used near parks and schools and have been successful in JP.
- Concerns of the above measure are connected with fire department, MTA buses and heavy trucks that can deteriorate the structures rapidly leading to unsafe conditions.
- Neighborhood Slow Streets program – we are already in the system and need to submit a basic yearly renewal form.
o How are streets prioritized for this program?
- Up to 60 points: elderly + youth + disability + community places (parks, schools..)
- Up to 35 points: Crashes on minor streets + crashes on major streets (EMS data)
- Up to 15 points: Connections (T stops, walking and biking networks)
Contact Information
- boston.gov/transportation
- boston.gov/slow-streets
- visionzero@boston.gov
- 617-635-4680
Requests for quick fixes to pedestrian safety in Savin Hill and around the park.
John Monacelli fielded questions and suggestions for improving pedestrian safety.
- Add striped crosswalks across Grampian Way into the Park
- at the 5-corner intersection where Savin Hill Ave, Grampian Way and Evandale Terrace meet.
- At the Tennis courts entrance
- He suggested we report problematic areas and requests to the 311 system so it gets logged in to be looked at.
- Add more neon yellow pedestrian crossing signs where appropriate to alert drivers – request signage via 311.
- 4-way stop signs are needed at the intersection of Savin Hill Ave and Sydney Street.
Patrick Fandel suggested that the Slow Streets program is the best program to address traffic safety issues in Savin Hill. We are encouraged to work through Patrick Fandel (Patrick.fandel@boston.gov), who can redirect and make connections with BTD and appropriate departments.
The Issues at Buttonwood Street
- Speeding
- Poor Visibility of the stop sign
- The removal of parking spaces would address this.
- Involve Des Rohan on this.
- Further discussion is needed.
- The cut-off from Columbia road involves Mass Dot and DCR – decisions must involve both city and state stakeholders.
For the next meeting on 5/18, Rep. Dan Hunt can address concerns regarding the Columbia Road-Buttonwood intersection. Send questions and concerns to Jennifer or Dianne to compile a list for Dan to answer.
Issues at Denny Street and Playstead Road and Summer issues
- Speed
- Number of cars
- Both of these issues may be mitigated with the redesign of McConnell park, which includes redesigning the parking lot and redirecting traffic flow.
- Illegal fireworks
- Promises from Trooper Richardson have been made for the State troopers to work together with Boston Police to patrol the beach more often in the summer.
- Form a phone tree to have multiple residents calling into 911 for complaints.
- Reach out to Tim Golden and Trooper Richardson for plans to be proactive on possible disruptions and problems this summer.
- Illegal grilling
- At McConnell Park – call the Boston Fire Department.
- Would it be possible to have a few designated grilling stations installed along Morrissey Blvd/Malibu Beach side? What are the DCR rules?
Actions
- Patrick Fandel will follow-up with the team and bring Patrick Hoey, BTD planner, back in on the conversation. E-mail any concerns and questions to Patrick.fandel@boston.gov
- Members should email Jennifer Deabler or Dianne Lescinskas their concerns and questions to compile and forward to the BTD.
- Members should send questions and concerns about summer issues (i.e. fireworks) to Jennifer or Dianne to compile and forward to the Dan Hunt before the next meeting on May 18.
- The chairs will complete the yearly renewal application for Slow Streets (due in the fall).
- The chairs will work with Patrick Fandel to invite Patrick Hoey to a future meeting.
- Re: For questions that were submitted but not addressed, depending on the nature of the question, the chairs will either get back to people directly or bring the questions up for further discussion at a future meeting.