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Planning board recommends approval of Route 79 roadway layout and sidewalk alterations referred by select board
Summary
The planning board reviewed a state‑led proposal to alter Route 79 (Rhode Island Road) and multiple intersections for sidewalks, lane widening and pedestrian ramps, and voted a nonbinding recommendation of approval to the select board while noting property takings and timing remain under state control.
The Town of Lakeville Planning Board on May 22 reviewed a referral from the select board seeking a nonbinding recommendation on roadway layout and public‑way alterations along Route 79 (Rhode Island Road) and several intersections, and the planning board voted to recommend approval.
The select board’s notice (dated May 9, 2025) describes proposed layout and alteration plans for Rhode Island Road and multiple intersections (South Precinct & Myricks; Rhode Island Road & Myricks; Rhode Island Road & LaBaron Boulevard; Johnson Drive & Rhode Island Road; Harrison Ave & Rhode Island Road; Rhode Island Road & Pine Ridge; and Rhode Island Road & Bedford Street). The notice cites state statutes and town procedures governing roadway layout and property takings; board discussion referenced the statutory process.
Board members noted the project is primarily a state‑driven undertaking that will require small property takings (slivers) from abutting parcels in many locations and larger acquisitions in a few places (the board referenced a larger parcel at an RV business and a real estate parcel). Members said abutters were notified in prior months. The board discussed likely features shown on the plans, including sidewalks, potential turning lanes and a traffic signal at a constrained location; members also said pole relocations and adjustments to sight lines were addressed in the plan set.
Because the matter is state‑led and timing has shifted several times, board members emphasized the referral is a preliminary local review; the planning board made a nonbinding recommendation of approval and forwarded its comments to the select board per the May 19 referral.
