Barbara Thornton is a resident of Park Avenue for about 40 years who has seen “way too many accidents there.” These suggestions were shared with town officials and TAC.
The March 31 meeting on recommendations for Arlington’s Park Avenue was both helpful and interesting. As YourArlington reported, the two issues that stood out for me:
First, it was designed to be a lovely boulevard for the town but, second, it is now a “pass-through” route because it is as wide as a highway (50 feet) with over 70 percent of all traffic using it as a shortcut, neither starting nor stopping in Arlington.
I’d like to suggest that we add the safety features, like bump-outs, and better upkeep of crosswalk painting, at intersections, but I also offer two additional suggestions:
Keep the “boulevard” concept by adding a central median down the length of Park Avenue from Mass. Ave. to the water tower. Look at Concord Avenue in Belmont between Leonard Street and the Belmont/ Cambridge line.
Such a median would add more trees, and would be a place where signs could be placed to let people know about Arlington activities.
Add a “no left turn” rule for cars on Park Avenue seeking to turn on to Oakland. We have a traffic light one short block away. Instead of a left turn at a high-risk intersection, where cars tend to dodge each other, require those left turns to be made at the traffic light. Or move the traffic light to Oakland.
Thanks to all who turned out. The Town Hall room was nicely filled with very engaged Park Avenue area neighbors.
These suggestions were published Tuesday, April 8, 2025..
