The Newton Traffic Council voted unanimously to add a stop sign on Jacobs Terrace where it meets Hartman Road, approving the docket language TPR1003.

David Koses, transportation coordinator for the public works department, said the junction is a T-intersection with no applicable warrants but that a stop sign is allowed and typically provides a modest safety benefit by establishing right of way. "We do view this as a small safety increase," Koses said, recommending approval of the sign as shown on the presentation slide.

Resident Richard Levy of 30 Jacobs Terrace told the council the stop sign would affect only about 30 cars a day and would not address what he called the principal danger—drivers rounding the corner on Hartman Road and cutting the corner. He also urged the city to reposition a dead-end sign that is currently obscured by a tree. "Putting a stop sign there is gonna affect maybe 30 cars a day," Levy said, adding that moving the dead-end sign would be helpful.

Councilor Lipoff and citizen representative Mitch Fishman supported installing the stop sign and asked staff to address the dead-end sign visibility; Koses said the transportation superintendent would review the dead-end sign. Chair Koses moved the language for TPR1003, Danielle Delaney recorded the roll call, and the motion passed 5–0.

Koses said there is a 20-day appeals period through Dec. 10; if not appealed, the city will coordinate a DigSafe clearance and aim to install the new sign in mid-December.