Scituate council tables decision after heated debate over Institute Lane gate; chief urges caution

Council members reviewed a traffic study by Weston & Sampson that examined whether reopening a gate on Institute Lane to eastbound traffic during school arrival and dismissal hours would be acceptable. The consultant’s findings, as read into the record, concluded that peak-hour traffic changes “will result in levels of service that are acceptable for the character of the local roadway network” and counted about 46 vehicles exiting onto Danielson Pike in the AM peak.

Chief (public-safety) advised against opening the gate, citing public-safety concerns. “It’s my opinion as the chief public safety officer in this town to protect public safety and to keep the gate closed,” he said, adding that current drop-off procedures at the school have been orderly. Several residents of Institute Lane said parents used the road without respect when the gate was open during the pandemic and described increased speed and danger to pedestrians; one resident said, “They were going through fast. They were told over and over again to have some respect. They do not.”

Opponents of the chief’s recommendation said the study exists to plan for possible problems and argued the road could handle the limited, peak-hour opening. Christopher Hansen, a member of the public, said opening the gate for short periods “doesn’t cost the town anything more” and that the study supported limited openings.

Outcome: After extended remarks from residents, the chief, and council members, the motion was made to table any ordinance change or action on opening the gate; the council took no final vote to amend the ordinance at this meeting.