Valley Road residents plead for stop signs
Published on September 1st, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - Valley Road neighbors want two stop signs: one at the intersection of Barbara Road and Valley and the other at Fairlane Road and Valley.
Selectmen are hesitant. They do not want to create a precedent resulting in stop signs covering the town of Stoneham.
"Then the signs really have no effect," Selectmen Chairman Al Conti said at the board's Aug. 24 meeting.
Also, signs cost around $200 each.
But residents say they are seeking a logical deterrent to a dangerous practice.
"Right now no one stops," said Stephen Bolognese of 34 Valley Road. "Why are we waiting for an accident?"
Residents contacted selectmen several months back, and the issue was investigated. Public Works cut back trees on the corner of Barbara Road to improve visibility, and selectmen directed Safety Officer Larry Rotondi to evaluate the need for stop signs.
"Stop signs are not needed," Rotondi said, at the Aug. 24 meeting. "People just have to use common sense."
Rotondi said no accidents have been reported at either intersection since the police began logging accident reports in 1988.
"People aren't using common sense," said another Valley Road resident. "They second guess who has the right of way — I've seen accidents."
Police Sgt. Tom Taranti of 25 Valley Road also disagreed with his fellow officer.
"I think stop signs would make it safer at the end of Barbara and Fairlane on Valley," Taranti said.
But neighbors on Barbara Road do not want a stop sign on their street.
"I don't think stop signs will help," said Armando DeAngelis of 9 Barbara Road.
DeAngelis said speeding was the real problem.
Selectman Darin Leahy identified the Valley Road neighborhood dilemma.
"It looks like people on Valley want the signs, but people on the side streets where the signs will go don't," Leahy said.
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting said he had asked neighbors about stop signs on Valley and received a negative response.
"Valley Road is the main road," Bolognese said. "It seems absurd and illogical to put the signs there."
What now?
Selectmen Tony Kennedy made a motion to give Valley Road residents the two stop signs.
The other selectmen were opposed or unsure.
"I haven't made up my mind yet," said selectmen Cosmo Ciccarello.
A second motion was made to review data from a radar machine about speed and traffic in the neighborhood before making a final decision.
The motion passed 4-1, with Kennedy in opposition.
Selectmen said they will make a final decision on Sept. 14.
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