Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pedestrian Safety Mystic Valley Pkway topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Medford council mourns Professor Dan Dill, residents press state agency for crosswalk safety
Summary
The council adopted a resolution remembering Professor Dan Dill, who died after being struck in a crosswalk, and members committed to work with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the state delegation on pedestrian-safety improvements requested by neighbors.
The Medford City Council on Feb. 11 adopted a resolution remembering Professor Dan Dill and agreed to work with the state and local partners on safety changes at the crosswalk where he was struck.
Professor Dan Dill, a Boston University chemistry professor and local photographer, was struck by a car while crossing Mystic Valley Parkway on Dec. 4, 2024, and died of his injuries on Jan. 11, 2025, the council said. The resolution expresses condolences to his family and asks the city to work with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the city’s state delegation to seek safety improvements at the site, which is under DCR control.
Neighbors who live along Mystic Valley Parkway urged the council to press for measures including an elevated crosswalk, additional speed warning signs, rotary striping, and increased enforcement by state police. Allison Leach, a neighbor who lives at 1522 Mystic Valley Parkway, said Dill and his dog walked at the crosswalk daily and called the death “senseless and truly avoidable.” Martha Andres, another nearby resident, told the council she had lobbied for repairs for years and would continue organizing with neighbors.
Councilors described the limits of municipal authority over state-controlled roads. Councilor Lazaro said the state Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the roadway and budget constraints can slow changes; she reported that the city’s state representative, Brendan Garballey (as referenced in the meeting), had met with DCR earlier the same day and said talks were making progress. Councilor Callahan and Vice President Collins urged referring the safety requests to the appropriate committee and coordinating with the Medford and state police on enforcement.
The council passed the remembrance and accompanying language directing engagement with DCR and the state delegation; the transcript records the motion passing. Residents told the council their petition delivered more than 70 signatures asking for improvements. Councilors suggested next steps: meet with DCR and the state delegation, consider elevated crosswalks and flashing signage, and convene a meeting with Medford police and state police to clarify enforcement responsibilities on state roads.
Councilors thanked neighbors for organizing and expressed condolences to Dill’s family. Neighbors said the dog that was with Dill at the time of the crash is expected to recover.
