PUBLIC WAYS SAFETY COMMITTEE
Leslie Breeze 2008
Deborah Kellett 2008
Daniel Senie 2006
Cia Ochsenbein, Chairperson 2010
Rob Hagopian 2010
Barbara Bing 2010
The Public Ways Safety Committee was created in 2003 as an outgrowth of the Main Street Safety Task Group of 2002. The selectmen completed appointments in December 2003. The first appointees have staggered terms of 1 to 3 years. All subsequent appointees will have a 3-year term. Bolton values its winding, stonewall and tree lined country roads, many of which have been designated "scenic roads" pursuant to state law and Town bylaw. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and horseback riders share our roads with increasing car and truck traffic. The shared use of our roads for all travelers is becoming increasingly important in safety and quality of life aspects.
The Public Ways Safety Committee is an advisory resource for the town. Working in conjunction with the Director of Public Works, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Ambulance Director, Tree Warden, Selectmen, and Town Administrator, the committee shall identify, investigate, and propose solutions to safety concerns throughout the town. This shall include, but not be limited to, the examination of:
* existing motorized local, commuter, and trucking traffic patterns.
* existing non-motorized transit patterns.
* existing traffic accident documentation recorded by the police department.
* excessive traffic volumes.
* signage and regulatory markings.
* traffic speed and traffic calming measures.
* safety for pedestrians, bikers, and riders.
* parking.
* dangerous or problem sections of roadways or intersections.
* emergency vehicle access.
* impact of new development upon existing and planned transportation infrastructures.
The Public Ways Safety Committee consults with the Police Chief, Superintendent of Public Works, Fire Chief, Ambulance Director, Tree Warden, similar committees in neighboring and regional towns, MassHighway and/or any other governmental agency in gathering information prior to bringing a specific proposal to the Board of Selectmen. The Committee shall report to the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board at least one time per year and once in the Annual Town Report. The committee's activities and recommendations in 2004 included:
- Added street lighting to Main Street from Forbush Mill Road to the post office,
- Updated School zone signs on Main Street near Emerson/Florence Sawyer,
- Additional vertical reflection strips to the selected speed signs
- Increased brush clearing in selected areas to help sight lines
- Meetings with many other town boards and school representatives to discuss future improvements and the budgets to accommodate them.
The committee currently meets the second and fourth Wednesday evenings at Town Hall. The meetings are open to the public.
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