Residents offer suggestions : Franklin Street upgrade planned
Published on November 19th, 1997
STONEHAM MA. - Although the estimated $1.7 million project is still two years away, the town will hold a public hearing this Tuesday night to discuss the proposed reconstruction of Franklin Street.
The town's consultant for the project, Greenman-Pedersen, will outline a project that the town hopes will be completely supported by state and federal funds. The town will pay $150,000 from its own budget to design the new road which will likely include new traffic lights at the intersections with Pine Street and also at Summer Street.
"The public hearing will provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed project," said Stoneham DPW Director Robert Grover. "The state will also hold their own hearing on the project at a later date."
The project will consist of a full reconstruction of the road from Main Street to the Melrose line and will include curbing, concrete sidewalks, drainage and plantings. Grover indicated that many trees along Franklin Street will have to be removed. The town is hopeful that other trees can be added to private property along Franklin Street to enhance the aesthetics of the road once it is completed.
Town officials have major worries about the project's effect on traffic patterns in town during reconstruction. Since there are no north-south roads to the east of Stevens Street to detour traffic, Franklin Street will be a nightmare for commuters during the duration of the project. According to Grover, current traffic patterns will be maintained to the maximum extent possible throughout the entire project "by means of staged construction."
The public hearing before the Board of Selectmen at Town Hall is expected to begin at 7:45 p.m.
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