The week ahead: Traffic calming projects return to Traffic Commission and City Council

The Traffic Commission this week will address a number of traffic-calming measures: beside ongoing projects to counter speeding on Bedford and Villa streets, Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy said at a South Side neighborhood meeting that she would be reviewing residents’ concerns and presenting a more comprehensive plan to mitigate speeding and accidents on Lowell Street at the commission’s meeting this Thursday.

The plan is also appearing on City Council’s agenda; McCarthy  has put in a request that City Council designate a bike and pedestrian-only lane along the east side of Lowell Street, which the council is likely to discuss in more detail at committee meetings next week.

City Council

City Council will be meeting this week on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., because of the Monday holiday for Indigenous People’s Day and Columbus Day.

In other business, the council will also conduct public hearings for gas main construction by National Grid and a street opening for electrical work on Tavern Street.  It will also discuss an assortment of license renewals, mayoral funding requests, and the appointment of an assistant city solicitor, as well as resolutions for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

Councilors will additionally vote on business its committees addressed last week, including approving McCarthy’s request for $6,356,860 for the next stage of the Fernald reconstruction project; designating Community Preservation Act funding for the restoration of two historic churches; responding to various traffic and infrastructure spending requests; and approving an amendment to the city’s definition of fast food.

License Commission

The License Commission grants and reviews permits for serving food and alcohol, for entertainment, and for some types of gaming machines across the city.

This week, the License Commission is holding its annual public meeting, where it will break down questions about the licensing, liquor industry training and inspection process in Waltham. It’s holding the meeting this Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., in the auditorium of the Clark Government Center at 119 School S.t, together with representatives of the police, fire, health and building department.

Board of Health

The Board of Health works to address potential public health problems in the city, including  communicable diseases, foodborne illnesses and housing and environmental safety.

The board will be discussing items around the Waltham business Rose Aromatherapy this week. It will meet at 5 p.m. on Wednesday in the auditorium of the Clark Government Center.

Board of Survey and Planning

The Board of Survey and Planning regulates public and private ways and making decisions on the status and boundaries of lots in the city.

This week, the board will discuss a special use permit for a gas station at 962 Main St. that would allow it to continue to use four driveways that are larger than permitted by the zoning code. It will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the auditorium of the Clark Government Center.

Traffic Commission

The Traffic Commission meets monthly to discuss matters before the Traffic Engineering Department about improving the streets and infrastructure of the city.

This week, among other items, it will be discussing final design plans for the intersection between Main Street, Gore Street, Barbara Road and Warren Street; a proposal for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Lexington Street and Pond Street; parking on Amory Road; requests for two November road races, on the 14th and the 22nd; two proposed crosswalks in Ward 7; and a number of items proposed at the commission’s September meeting. 

The traffic commission will meet this Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Conservation Commission 

The Conservation Commission is a volunteer board charged with overseeing environmental planning in Waltham. The commission reviews certain types of construction on or around wetlands to ensure it complies with the Wetlands Protection Act and the Department of Environmental Protection stormwater standards.

It will be holding a meeting over Zoom at 7 p.m. Thursday. A link for the meeting will be provided on the Commission’s page on the city website at least 48 hours in advance.

Waltham Cultural Council

The Waltham Cultural Council is a part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council local council program, and allocates funds for arts, sciences and humanities projects and events focusing on Waltham’s cultural diversity and local history.

The window to apply for grants for this year is closing on Oct. 16, and the WCC will be meeting to discuss the review process and new applications over Zoom at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Disability Services Commission

The Disability Services Commission is a seven-person board that works to make Waltham more accessible for residents with disabilities. They advocate and distribute funds for projects in areas including physical accessibility improvements to public buildings, improving available signage and interpretation services, removing snow and installing curb cuts to make it easier to navigate Waltham streets.

The commission meeting will be held over Zoom at 8:30 a.m. Friday. Residents who wish to participate in the meeting are asked to make a request at least five business days in advance to DSC Chairperson Mark Johnson at markj@walhouse.org.