Council Looks at Ways to Ease Traffic, Congestion
Considers Banning Road Crews, Trash Collection During Rush Hour
Traffic and a double-parked minivan on Riverside Avenue in Medford Square.
– Allison Goldsberry
It’s no secret that traffic and congestion are daily problems for anyone living or working in Medford, and the City Council is determined to do something about it.
The Council unanimously supported a resolution offered by City Councilor Michael Marks that considers banning non-emergency road work and trash collection during rush hour in an effort to alleviate traffic and congestion.
“This is an issue that keeps on raising its ugly head…It’s a very serious concern,†said Councilor Marks.
The Council is taking the concern seriously, and will take it beyond a simple resolution by having the Public Works Committee hammer out a city ordinance.
Marks said getting garbage trucks and road crews off the streets between 7AM and 9AM and 4PM and 6PM will help ease congestion in the city and would be better for the environment, since less traffic means less carbon emissions.
One potential hurdle is whether the city’s trash contractor, Waste Management, can restrict their trash collection to certain times of day.
The company has been hauling Medford’s trash for eighteen years and recently re-negotiated a ten year contract with the city that saves Medford $2.1 million in the first five years.
The resolution is headed to the Council’s Public Works Committee, where the members will craft an ordinance that will then come before the Council for a vote.
Video Bonus- Hear what City Council candidates had to say about traffic and congestion during the fall election
Council Receives Update on High School Improvements
According to Management and Operations Director Jack Buckley, the $2.5 million renovations to Medford High School are on-time and on-budget.
The theater ceiling is completed, with lighting on the way in December; the gym is open, with new dividers, doors, flooring, and bleachers; and security cameras have been installed outside of the building, including a camera at the end of the driveway on Winthrop Street.
Buckley said major projects that would disrupt the school day have been planned for the summer of 2008, including an elevator at the Community Schools entrance and much-anticipated new lockers.
According to Buckley, $1.5-1.7 million of the $2.5 million in costs is eligible for 40-60% reimbursement from the state.
Council Congratulates Lucci on Hockey Hall of Fame Induction
The Council congratulated longtime Medford resident, business owner, and sporting goods icon Tony Lucci on his upcoming induction into the Massachusetts Hockey Association Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is planned for Wednesday, November 14.