UP-DATE on traffic changes.
1. It sounds like Arnold St. is going to remain 2 way. In speaking to the Chief of Police, the No Parking signs are going back up indicating there no parking on the south side. And, any other discussion regarding road changes will not be happening until Sept. As well, in a talk with City Engineer Cressotti; he also indicated that Arnold will remain 2 way, with the problem of the buses exiting onto Elm St. In speaking with both businesses and residents there was a lot of opposition as speeding, access by customers, and deliveries. I understand that the biggest help to stop this came from Westfield Bank. So THANK you, Westfield Bank, truly a home town focuses institution. And, he welcomed my input due to my surveying residents that may be effected, and their concerns. So, THANK you Chief Camerota for your help.
2. The list of other changes: Orange St., one way Elm to Shepard. Folks there said their concerns were increased speeding, and more traffic in the side streets, especially Shepard. That too was relayed to the Chief. Washington St. one way north. I have a lot of problems with that. When we close off Elm for events that is the primary means to get past the event. Again, most I spoke with were concerned about more traffic using the side streets to go from Franklin to Court.
3. Elm St. one way from Franklin to School. Thus why Washington would be one way the other way. I know there is talk about having diagonal parking on Elm that is could accommodate. Most places that have diagonal parking have problems, especially backing out into traffic. As well, if two lanes, how do they converge at School? Take out all the lights, and pedestrian crossing areas? Or, one lane? With all the traffic on Elm, including buses and trucks? What about the buses north bound?
4. Mechanic one way north. Again, to enable a one way on Elm. But, I cannot imagine all the traffic coming up Rt. 20 taking a right down Mechanic. And, when it empties onto Meadow? That can be a problem as is. I will be speaking with Ward 2 City Councilor Figy, as I know how involved and knowledgeable he is with the concerns of the people of Ward2. For me this is a lot of disruption, and costs to do what????
As for the rest of Westfield; I attended the Open Space and Recreation Plan. I misunderstood the notice. While I went there to bring out some ideas that we could implement to help better what we have; I am more of a functional not over the top kind of guy. The project was to create a dream come true scenario, and the plans needed to attain it. The bike trail group was well represented, but not too many others with different concerns.
Lastly, the new Transit Center in Springfield is a major step forward for Western Ma., congrats Cong. Neal! And, I want to thank and congratulate Sen. Lesser for all the work to have a direct rail link from Western to Eastern Ma. That would be the frosting on the cake for Western Ma.’s future. I am glad to see Sen. Humason supporting this measure. I only wish Westfield would hop on this band wagon while funds are available. We have Holyoke, Northampton, Greenfield, and Palmer working on this rail network. When I ran for State Rep. in ’08, I was pushing for this to happen, but a lot people just could not see the value of it in our political world. Oh well, thanks to Sen. Lesser it may just happen.
One more quick good thing: America’s Got Talent is back. For me this is one of the few T.V. programs that is truly representative of America, the postiveness, the hard work of people working to succeed, and some of the heart breaking struggles that some have gone through to be on that stage. The audience, as well, whether Country and Western, Gospel, Rock ‘n Roll, or Opera; regardless of gender, age, religion, ethnic origins, if they are good, they are on their feet applauding. This is America, watch it, and feel good about something positive. Brian Hoose, your former Ward 3 City Councilor. [email protected]
