SAUGUS – There were multiple traffic discussions at the Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday night, with one highlighting the Lincoln Avenue intersection and the other addressing concerns on Marden Street.
Peter Manoogian spoke first on the intersection, quoting the song “Crosstown Traffic” by Jimi Hendrix.
“We have crosstown traffic in Saugus, particularly in the late afternoon from workers trying to escape Route 1 that cuts through Lincoln Avenue down through Boston Street to get to Lynn, Salem, and so forth,” Manoogian said.
He continued that it has become congested in the late afternoon, and when the light changes, people get stuck in the intersection.
Selectman Michael Serino mentioned that he always notices how bad that intersection is, with traffic backing up to Ballard Street all the way to Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home.
Lt. Arthur Connors was there to discuss the matter as well. He said that blocking an intersection is already a fine according to Massachusetts law.
“Having a green light is no excuse for blocking the intersection. It actually says so in the statute. You have to sit and wait… Blocking that intersection is not the right thing,” Connors said.
Selectmen unanimously voted yes to post signs recommended by Connors stating not to block the intersection.
With Lincoln Avenue handled, other residents approached to discuss traffic concerns on Marden Street.
Ron Rice, a resident of the street, approached the podium first.
“Last year, a petition went around Marden Street and Centennial Ave, where we got signatures about the frustration of traffic that bombards the street every morning,” Rice said.
Rice said that parents cut through the street, occasionally speeding, to get to Belmonte STEAM Academy. He said the traffic flow is horrendous for at least an hour stretch every morning.
“Ideally, we had wanted a sign posted at the end of Centennial on Central that is similar to the sign that’s on Adams Street that says you cannot drive down the street during school hours in the morning and in the afternoon,” Rice said.
Connors responded that the Police Department can’t post signs on public ways. He said it would be the responsibility of the Board.
“You certainly can restrict traffic going down Centennial and Marden Street during specific hours,” he said. Connors did say there was a balancing act, as the people who live on the street would be subject to the same rules on the sign. “It applies to everybody. But if it makes the residents feel better about their neighborhood, I’m all for it.”
The discussion then focused on whether it should be a do not enter or a one-way situation. Vice Chair Jeff Cicolini and Connors mapped out the situation, and the one-way was the better-looking option, similar to how it is down by the high school.
Town Manager Scott Crabtree said that there would have to be a consideration of where the one-way goes, as there are businesses on Centennial.
Cicolini asked that the neighbors get together so that an advertisement can be put out for a meeting on the subject. Panetta said that it would most likely need to be their Oct. 14 meeting.
Javier Siciliano, a new resident of Marden Street, said he moved there with his family for safety and because the town is family-friendly. He said he was worried about the traffic and the possibility of his kids being hit, as the street also doesn’t have sidewalks.
Resident Julie Simpson said, “We don’t have any sidewalks. Walking my granddaughter to school every day, I have cars flying behind us, almost hitting us.”
Chris Howe, of Centennial Street, said that with the possible changes, it could cause serious traffic issues on Central Street.
“I don’t want to speak against my neighbors. I love our neighborhood; I love our street, and I do agree that there is a problem. I just hope that we can explore all the options,” he said.
Howe said his problem is how fast the cars go, saying it is a problem, especially without a sidewalk.
Cicolini said that they are committed to finding a solution to satisfy the majority and alleviate the safety concerns.
Chair Debra Panetta thanked all the neighbors for coming along with Connors, saying that when they were ready, they could come before the Board, and they would advertise for a public hearing.
