Storm‑warning lights and pedestrian signage debated; committee seeks specifics, tables some items

Summary

The committee considered a 2022 order to install storm‑warning lights and a 2022 order to add pedestrian‑yield signage; engineering estimated $1,500–$2,500 per storm light and $200 per pedestrian sign and recommended location lists and consultant analysis; the committee tabled and/or recommended leave to withdraw as appropriate.

Two safety‑related orders concerning signage and warning systems drew detailed engineering cost notes during the meeting.

A Councilor Givner order seeking citywide storm‑warning lights was reviewed; the engineer said systems can be costly (roughly $1,500–$2,500 per light) and recommended the committee identify priority locations before pursuing consultant assistance. The committee voted to table the order pending further information and confirmation with the filer.

Separately, a 2022 order proposing citywide signage reminding motorists to stop or yield for pedestrians referenced Massachusetts law (MGL ch. 89, §11) and MUTCD sign standards; engineering estimated about $200 per sign (post and hardware). The filer was given leave to withdraw the item rather than proceed, in part because the committee did not yet have a defined list of target locations and because state standards limit some advisory signs.

Committee members emphasized that staffing, existing reverse 911 and website notifications, and the city’s current use of digital channels are part of the overall notification strategy and that any new signage or systems should be evaluated against those tools.