The Transportation and Parking Commission voted unanimously on June 17 to recommend converting the intersection of State Street and Trumbull Road from a two‑way stop to an all‑way (four‑way) stop after a MassDOT engineering study found the intersection meets the crash warrant for conversion.

That matters because MassDOT’s materials procurement program offers cities engineering studies and supplied materials for warranted conversions; the city would be responsible for installation and any follow‑up maintenance.

Director Donna Escalia told the commission MassDOT hired Greenman‑Patterson (GPI) to evaluate the intersection and that the consultant’s report “found that this intersection is recommended for moving forward with a conversion to an all way stop control.” Escalia said the study identified six angle crashes from January 2019 through December 2021 that “may not have happened if there had been a four‑way stop.”

Councilor Clemmer moved a positive recommendation on the proposed ordinance to convert the two‑way stop to an always‑stop (four‑way) control; Randy Sailor seconded the motion. The roll call was unanimous: 10 yes, 0 no. The action is a positive recommendation to City Council to enact an ordinance changing the stop control at that intersection.

Commission discussion then turned to MassDOT’s offer to supply flashing LED stop signs. Several commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about light trespass and nighttime disturbance for adjacent homes. Councilor Alex Jarrett asked whether radar‑activated or dimmable units were available; Escalia said the state had not provided a detailed spec but would be asked for more information. “They did not send a spec sheet … but I can get the specification on it,” Escalia said.

Nancy Forrestal (Parking Administration Enforcement) and other commissioners noted the cost and maintenance implications; Escalia explained the program saves the city the cost of an engineering study and materials but said the procurement requires that supplied materials be installed within the program’s time frame. Some commissioners favored installing standard (non‑LED) signs now and revisiting LED installation later; others urged prioritizing safety and accepting LED signs if they can be deployed with minimal homeowner impact.

Brett Constantine, a member of the Bicycle‑Pedestrian Subcommittee, supported the conversion: “I strongly support changing to a four way hallway stop control. I’ve seen some really dangerous behavior through this intersection, and I would really love to see it slowed down.”

Escalia said the city must notify MassDOT quickly to secure participation; she asked the commission to vote on the ordinance so she could report progress to the state while staff continues to consult with councilors and MassDOT about the LED option. The commission’s positive recommendation advances the ordinance to City Council; a separate decision on LED units will be pursued through follow‑up conversations and possible council review.