In a recent meeting of the City of Lexington Planning Board, residents voiced urgent concerns about traffic safety and infrastructure challenges in their neighborhood, particularly regarding Highgate Lane and its intersection with Fairview Drive. The atmosphere was charged as community members gathered to discuss the implications of proposed developments that could significantly alter their residential area.

One resident, speaking passionately from the heart of the meeting, highlighted the dangers posed by the current traffic conditions. Fairview Drive, a major thoroughfare, has seen a troubling history of accidents, including three fatalities in the past three years near the Highgate intersection. The resident pointed out that the narrowness of Highgate Lane, measuring only 20 feet wide, is ill-equipped to handle the anticipated increase in traffic. With the potential for over 800 additional vehicles per day, the street, originally designed for local traffic, risks becoming a busy cut-through for drivers seeking to avoid congested intersections.

The resident also raised concerns about the lack of sidewalks and inadequate storm drainage on Highgate Lane, emphasizing that the road was not built to accommodate the volume of traffic projected from new developments. The original site plan for the area included three access points, but with recent changes, only two remain guaranteed, raising fears about the neighborhood's ability to manage increased traffic flow.

As discussions unfolded, the resident urged the board to consider the broader implications of the development on the community, including the potential need for costly infrastructure improvements. The challenges posed by the topography of the area, with homes situated at varying elevations, further complicate any plans for widening the road or adding necessary amenities.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between development and community safety, as residents called for more thorough traffic studies and a reevaluation of the proposed plans. With the stakes high for the future of Highgate Lane, the board faces the critical task of balancing growth with the well-being of its residents. As the community watches closely, the outcome of these discussions will shape the neighborhood's character for years to come.