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Woburn traffic panel approves 'Blind Driveway' sign at Buell Place/Main Street pending DPW placement
Summary
After near-miss reports and a prior fatality at the site, the commission approved a 'Blind Driveway' sign for the Main Street/Buell Place location contingent on DPW confirming the precise placement; property owners also agreed to building-mounted signs and paint treatments on private property.
Staff read DPW recommendations that property owners address signage on private property and that the city will provide a traffic-control device on Main Street for assessment. The DPW suggested private owners could add signage (subject to ISD approval) and recommended painting the private driveway entrance yellow for 6–10 feet if desired.
Owners of adjacent buildings—Stan Malvarosa (327–331 Main) and Nikolai Buttermowitz (315 Main)—told the commission they were willing to cooperate. Malvarosa cautioned that a mirror would have to be mounted high to avoid damage from trash trucks and suggested painting diagonal lines on the sidewalk to alert pedestrians. Buttermowitz offered to install a height-appropriate mirror or building-mounted signage if feasible.
Commissioners discussed placing a blind-driveway sign, additional curb/sidewalk painting, and movable pedestrian stanchions along the double yellow to increase visibility at the crosswalk. Several speakers noted a past serious pedestrian accident at the location and said the near-miss that prompted this agenda item reinforced the need for swift mitigation.
A motion to approve a 'Blind Driveway' sign contingent on DPW determining the final location carried on a voice vote. The commission also asked the parties to implement private-property measures (building-mounted signs, painting) where appropriate and to reassess after the city installs a pedestrian crossing device nearby and after six months of observation.
No city capital funds were committed during the meeting; the actions were procedural approvals and contingent placements subject to DPW location confirmation.
