SAUGUS — As police grapple with a rising number of pedestrian accidents in town, they recommend bringing an end to the age-old tradition of canning. But, since there is no history of volunteers being struck, the Board of Selectmen allow it to continue.
Interim Police Chief Ronald Giorgetti wrote a letter to the Board of Selectmen opposing the Lion’s Club’s request to collect money on Hamilton Street and Lynn Fells Parkway.
“The department completely supports the Lion’s Club organization and the charitable work they do, but we believe that this is not a safe way to conduct this fundraiser,” said Lt. Arthur Connors on behalf of the chief.
The Lion’s Club requested permission from the board to collect cash donations on Hamilton Street at the Saugus Center rotary and at the lights at the Village Park on Lynn Fells Parkway for seven hours on May 18.
Money collected during the fundraiser is to be used for eye research.
“Over the years, traffic has increased in both of the intersections they intend to be at,” said Connors. “The department cannot support pedestrians being set up in traffic lanes, on public ways, notwithstanding the worthy cause of the Lion’s Club. The chief is very concerned that a pedestrian is going to get struck.”
Canning is an age-old tradition for the Lion’s Club and other charitable organizations. In the many years that volunteers have been collecting money, there has not been an issue, said Debra Panetta, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen.
In the past, the volunteers have agreed to wear safety vests, use orange safety cones, and take other necessary safety precautions, she said.
“This is something that all boards have always allowed because of the good work that the Lion’s Club and other service organizations have done in the past,” said Panetta.
In the motion to approve the request, which passed 5-0, the board included that the volunteers must take all required safety measures. A police detail will be requested for the Lynn Fells Parkway canning location.
