Traffic and Parking Committee

• Governing Body: Somerville City Council Traffic and Parking Committee
• Meeting Type: Regular Committee Meeting
• Date: June 22, 2026
• Attendees:
  • Councilor Naima Sait (Chair)
  • Councilor Ben Wheeler
  • Councilor Will Mbah
  • Brad Rawson (Director of Mobility)
  • Suzanne Rinfret (Director of Parking)
  • Sergeant McCary (Somerville Police Department Traffic Unit)
  • Clerk of Committees

The committee considered the approval of minutes from two previous meetings.

• Items: ID 26-0854 and ID 26-0939
• Vote Outcome: Approved 3-0
  • Councilor Wheeler: Yes
  • Councilor Mbah: Yes
  • Chair Sait: Yes

Discussion regarding conceptual increased traffic enforcement in Teele Square, focusing on lights and crosswalks between Broadway and Holland Street during school commute hours.

• SPD Update: Sergeant McCary reported that the location has been added to the Traffic Unit's standing patrol list for a minimum of four weeks to collect data and monitor infractions.
• Discussion: Councilor Wheeler inquired about the department's methodology for directing enforcement. Sergeant McCary explained that high-priority lists are created based on requests from constituents and councilors, citation data, and accident reports.
• Data Tracking: The department utilizes the 311 system to track 'areas of concern.' Councilor Mbah questioned how 'near misses' are recorded; Sergeant McCary noted these are primarily captured via 311 reports and officer institutional knowledge.
• Outcome: Item marked as completed.

A request for additional signage and increased enforcement to ensure compliance with the one-way traffic direction on Whitfield Road.

• Staff Report: Director Rawson noted that wrong-way driving often increases during university move-in seasons. Director Rinfret confirmed that existing signage is legally posted.
• Action Plan: In response to constituent concerns relayed by Councilor Hardt, the Parking Department will add a 'one-way' blade to the Whitfield Road sign at the intersection of Packard Avenue to improve visibility.
• Outcome: Item marked as completed.

Discussion regarding the use of urban Neighborways art and safety treatments on Perkins Street in front of the playground.

• Program Overview: Director Rawson explained that Perkins Street is part of the city's official bicycle network plan as a 'Neighborway,' which utilizes pavement markings, traffic calming, and wayfinding rather than separated lanes.
• Financials: Director Rawson provided cost estimates for Neighborway implementation:
  • Total Cost: Approximately $250,000 per mile (including design, installation, and maintenance).
  • Materials/Installation Only: Approximately $180,000 per mile.
• Timeline: The project is on the priority network for completion by 2030. A 12-to-18-month community engagement process is required before implementation.
• Outcome: Item marked as completed.

A request to implement colored lane markings for bus and bike lanes on Prospect Street between Webster Avenue and Somerville Avenue.

• Project Update: Director Rawson confirmed that this corridor is a priority for the MBTA bus network redesign (specifically the new high-frequency Route 47).
• Scope: The project includes continuous red pavement markings and traffic signal upgrades for bus priority detection.
• Timeline: Pavement marking work is scheduled to begin in early August 2026.
• Outcome: Item marked as completed.

Evaluation of the intersection of Durham and Hanson Street for daylighting improvements to enhance visibility.

• Staff Report: The location will be added to the internal evaluation list. Director Rawson noted that daylighting (Clear Corners) is typically implemented at a corridor scale to ensure efficiency.
• Current Priorities: Highland Avenue is the priority corridor for the current year.
• Legal Note: Director Rawson reminded the committee that 'Mass General Law and local ordinance prohibit parking within 20 feet of a marked crosswalk or 30 feet of a signalized intersection,' regardless of whether specific markings are present.
• Outcome: Item marked as completed.

A request to install a speed bump on Vernon Street.

• Status: Quantitative data collection has been completed. The Mobility Division is currently running the data through prioritization criteria, including proximity to schools and parks.
• Timeline: A systematic ranking of the street against others in the queue is expected within one to two months.
• Outcome: Item marked as completed.

A request for speed bumps on Elmwood Street and an assessment of closing the street to non-residents during rush hours to reduce cut-through traffic.

• Staff Report: Director Rawson acknowledged concerns that traffic calming on Cameron Avenue may be pushing traffic onto Elmwood Street via Tannery Brook Row.
• Timeline: Staff will review data for Elmwood Street in July 2026, with public updates on traffic calming priorities expected in late summer.
• Outcome: Item marked as completed.

Evaluation of the feasibility of a raised intersection or crosswalk at Columbus Avenue, Prospect Hill Parkway, and Stone Avenue.

• Staff Report: Director Rawson noted the technical complexity of the site due to steep grades and sight lines. A holistic review, including signage for one-way/two-way transitions on Columbus Avenue, will be conducted over the summer.
• Outcome: Item marked as completed.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 PM.

• Vote Outcome: Approved 3-0
  • Councilor Wheeler: Yes
  • Councilor Mbah: Yes
  • Chair Sait: Yes