Vote Medford 2005

Q7: Street Safety

How would you rate the city's response to fixing dangerous roads and installing and maintaining directional signals and signs?

Also, has the city adequately addressed the safety needs of pedestrians and cyclists?

Can improvements be made in either of these areas and, if so, what would you do?

Burke: Q7 - Street Safety

In many cases, it is frustrating to see how much time it takes to correct dangerous situations that seem so straightforward. It appears bureaucracy and red tape take the place of common sense. Every Tuesday evening, the council offers many resolves, some of which directly at the request of citizens of Medford, affecting the public safety of our community. We forward these on to the administration/department heads for review. The dialog must be strengthened from that point forward so all parties are aware of the status of these requests. A Capital Budget Plan would go a long way in improving this dialog so that all the citizens know where their tax dollars will be spent and what items are a priority to city government. We understand that there has to be a systematic approach to repairs of sidewalks and streets. That is why the council has approved appropriations and bonding for this purpose.

Camuso: Q7 - Street Safety

We can always do more. We have spent considerably on our streets each year. I supported a bond to improve our sidewalks and streets, although more needs to be done. It will take revenue and grants. We should assess our most challenging intersections and roadways and prioritize our next wave of improvements.

Carr: Q7 - Street Safety

The Traffic Commission meets once a month to review all applications that have been brought to their attention. It is a slow but thorough process. They have to go out to look at the situation, come together and review the findings, and then address the safety issues. So the process takes several months to bring about any changes. In a dangerous, life-threatening situation, citizens can appeal to the mayor and the traffic commission to act more quickly. Whether it is traffic, road conditions or safety, Medford relies heavily on its citizens to be its "eyes and ears" and bring problems to the city's attention when they arise.

Dello Russo: Q7 - Street Safety

The city responds very well to matters of public safety. We are fortunate to have dedicated people working in our police and fire departments as well as in public works. When dangerous traffic patterns or road conditions are identified, the problem is resolved. Pedestrian crossings are clearly marked in School zones, areas with many seniors and recreation areas. Regular police presence in some busy areas would help the flow of motor, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. As a city councilor I would support and work towards sufficient staffing for public safety and public works departments.

Doherty: Q7 - Street Safety

A partnership needs to be forged between the Police Department, the neighborhoods and the DPW to deal with the chronic speeding, parking violations and the upkeep of signals and signs. The process tends to fail when one or two citizens are left to address a chronic speeding problem all alone.

Full enforcement of all traffic laws and regulations should be enforced. Prior to strict enforcement, however, a public relations campaign is necessary to inform citizens that this is about to take place. This would eliminate the complaints at city hall that "all of a sudden" one is being ticketed.

Lungo: Q7 - Street Safety

I will start with the maintenance of directional signals, which is taken care of by Brenden Reagan, head of the electrical Department. He does a great job and responds to all of the city councils concerns promptly and does what is in his power to fix them. When it comes to the installation of new traffic signals, I feel the city is slow to respond. I feel that certain areas are dangerous and need more attention than they are currently given. A few months ago I brought up the need for installation of traffic lights at the exit of the new schools onto riverside Ave. I discussed it on the council floor and stated, "That if something is not done on Riverside Ave. to protect the children crossing the street, we are going to have an unfortunate accident like the one we had in front of St. Raphael’s a few years prior, where a child was struck." The city took a very reactive role with the installation of that light, which is the wrong way to operate. We need to be more proactive when it comes to protecting our pedestrians and cyclists, and making the roads safer.

I also believe there are a number of places in the city that need more signage, especially signs that illustrate the speed limit. One area that I recently mentioned is on Salem Street. Speeding is one of the biggest concerns in this city and needs to be better enforced.

Maher: Q7 - Street Safety

No response received.

Maiocco: Q7 - Street Safety

This is a never-ending problem that requires constant attention and vigilance. Being a jogger myself, I am cognizant of the need for improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists and have been continually requesting the Police Department to monitor speeding at specific locations throughout the city. There are dangerous streets and intersections that are not under the city's jurisdiction and I often call on the State Police to take action at those sites. I have long pushed for larger, more visible street signs and installation of those improved signs has started. Residents who have concerns about specific traffic hazards can also bring them to the attention of the city's Traffic Commission. That body, appointed by the mayor and headed by the chief of police, is responsible for the city's traffic policies and regulations.

Marks: Q7 - Street Safety

The process for addressing dangerous roads and installing signage in our community is frustrating at best and needs review. The Traffic commission seems to be overwhelmed and at times not very responsive to resident concerns. Also when it comes to safety needs of pedestrians and cyclist we need only to take a look at other communities like Cambridge to see how far behind we are. The City of Cambridge has a department dedicated to working on traffic calming approaches which address concerns of pedestrian and cyclist safety as well as speeding on our city streets. Our saving lives program does a great job with what little resources it has but it is not enough.