WESTFIELD–City officials are continuing to attempt to modify the area around the Roots Athletic Center after the traffic commission requested that a portion of Root Road be made into a “no parking” zone yesterday.
The no parking suggestion was one of several made to the city council by the commission. Other suggestions included the prohibition of engine braking on portions of Western Avenue and no parking for a portion of Holland Avenue.
The traffic commission during deliberation Dec. 14
The decision to suggest the no parking zone on both sides of Root Road, which is proposed to extend from the Medeiros Way and Root Road intersection to the northern entrance of Hampden Village, came after Root Road resident Heidi Leonard petitioned the commission to help with the burden she feels residents are facing there.
“From 2004 to 2012, Root Road had a total of two traffic fatalities,” Leonard said. “I don’t want to see another child die.”
Leonard claimed that traffic has increased down the road, which has been occurring since prior to the development of the Roots Athletic Complex.
“The street has had over seven mailboxes replaced,” she said. “We’ve had tire tracks on our lawn, we’ve had car accidents in our yard.”
Leonard said that the road is too narrow for on-street parking, and that the parking is contributing to the problems seen on the road.
The commission agreed with Leonard, with city engineer and commission member Mark Cressotti noting that the city should not be tasked with helping to fix a parking issue for businesses.
“You shouldn’t burden the public sector for a business’s lack of planning,” Cressotti said.
The board voted unanimously to pass the legislation on to city council, who will now determine the next step in implementation. Also going to city council will be the proposal for no parking on Holland Avenue at a point opposite of Avery Street, as well as a suggestion to prohibit engine braking on portions of Western Avenue, including upper Western Avenue.
The next traffic commission meeting will occur March 15, 2017.
