Jim Rose mentioned that in residential areas, cut-throughs to avoid traffic are a major concern. Patricia Zaido agreed, adding that Chestnut Street is a popular cut-through, and that the street’s width encourages speeding - a major concern as there are many small children in the neighborhood.
Pat Libertie observed that trucks from Aggregate Industries frequently speed south down Highland Ave. toward Lynn early in the morning. Scott Weisberg reported that he has seen trucks running the red light at the intersection of Highland Ave. and Olde Village Road. Mayor Driscoll replied that she can address the issue with the owners, and offered to speak with company owners if anyone observes their vehicles speeding.
Lucy Corchado suggested that using Salem State’s marquis signs could increase visibility and help spread the word about the “Go Fast, Get Fined” campaign.
Barbara Haight of Mack Park Neighborhood Association said that she regularly sees cars ignoring the stop signs at the intersection of Mason and Grove Streets and asked if there is money in the budget for cameras at that intersection. Rose Mary added that cars don’t even slow down for the stop signs there and that it is a very dangerous intersection. Jason said that the intersection could be marked better. Chief Tucker and the Mayor said that there is a bill pending to allow traffic cameras in Massachusetts, but that the cameras are not currently legal. Once the bill is approved, the City is ready to install the cameras.
Jeff Cox requested that the new traffic counter be used on Endicott Street from Margin St. to Summer St. He said that the current traffic load exceeds the street’s capacity. Chief Tucker agreed that the Police would use the traffic counter at that location.
Lisa Gilbert asked if School Street is on the list of proposed uses of the traffic counter. She said that traffic and delivery trucks cutting through the area, looking to avoid North Street / 114 traffic, have increased. She said although trucks are not allowed to use the residential stretch of 114, that they use it anyways. Trucks also cut through her neighborhood because they are not allowed to take a left from Mason St. onto 114 North. Chief Tucker said that the Police are aware of the issue, as well as reported motorcycle noise and stop sign violations. The Mayor said that the City is taking a comprehensive approach to addressing violations – she advised residents to tell the City or Police where the trucks are cutting through and when, and that they will contact the trucks’ owners.
Jeff questioned the Police’s efforts in increasing their traffic enforcement efforts, since the department has decreased in size. He asked if the City has a long-term plan to increase the number of officers to former capacity. Chief Tucker said that the force is down 17 officers from the capacity of 97 set in the City Ordinance. Mayor Driscoll added that the force lost 17 “foot soldiers” over the course of time, due to a decrease in local aid. The City is considering the hotel/meals tax increase to help raise revenue to add officers. She said that the City had lost members of the Fire Department, but that they are on track to add 1.5 staff per year. She emphasized that while the Police Department may be smaller than normal, that their efforts to curb crime are still as strong as before.
Pat Libertie stated that the Police Community Impact Unit has been wonderful. Chief Tucker replied that the CIU was implemented 1½ years ago to strengthen the bridge between detectives, patrols and residents. Jason Silva added that the CIU is a great way for the City to use limited resources in the most efficient way. Mayor Driscoll said that the City and Police very much appreciate the input provided by residents, which helps make Salem a vibrant city. Barbara Haight added that the teamwork in Salem is fantastic.
Public Comment Period (postponed to follow the Mayor and Police Chief’s presentation & discussion)
Jason addressed the quality of plowing during the last snowstorm. He said that the DPW hadn’t expected the amount of snow that had actually accumulated during the storm, and said that if they had known, that the City would have declared a snow emergency so that people would have moved their cars from the sides of streets, to allow the plows to remove snow from the roads more effectively. NIAC Meeting Minutes 2/4/10 Page 3 of 3
Double Utility Poles
Jason reported that there is legislation in front of the House and Senate to prompt utility companies to remove double poles throughout the City. He distributed pre-written postcards, addressed to our legislators urging them to vote for the bill, to the neighborhood representatives, so that residents can sign them and return them to City Hall. The City will get the postcards to the corresponding legislators. The bill, if passed, would give communities the authority to fine utility companies for not removing double poles. Jeff Cox asked if there would be a press release to increase public awareness of this effort. Jason replied that he will look into it.
Jim Moskovis observed that this is the first mayoral administration in Salem that he knows of where issues are getting addressed across the board. Rose Mary praised Jason for listening to residents and following up on issues.
Rose Mary announced that Mack Park Neighborhood Association is meeting Tuesday, February 9 at 6:30pm with Rep. Keenan at the Moose Lodge on Grove Street. She said that they are preparing 16 questions in advance for Rep. Keenan to help control the scope of discussion – input and attendance are welcome.
Jim Moskovis announced that the next NIAC meeting will be held on March 7.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm
Meeting minutes by Ana Gordan
