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Council approves Edward Street cross‑section changes to widen sidewalks and adjust bike/parking lanes
Summary
Council approved Council Bill 2025‑85 to adopt a modified minor‑collector cross section for Edward Street (Niantic to Riverside) that widens sidewalks to 7 feet while slightly narrowing bike and parking lanes; staff and urban renewal will work with affected property owners on driveway and mailbox adjustments. Vote was unanimous among those present.
Medford — The City Council on Oct. 1 approved a modified transportation facility cross section for Edward Street between Niantic Street and North Riverside Avenue.
Planning staff described the project as a roughly 600‑foot corridor repair in the Liberty Park neighborhood. The proposal reduces the bike lane from 6 feet to 5 feet, reduces on‑street parking from 8 feet to 7 feet and increases the sidewalk from 5 feet to 7 feet to avoid conflicts with mailboxes, utility poles and fire hydrants while maintaining ADA clearance.
Carla Paladino of the planning department said the project is fully funded by the Medford Urban Renewal Agency and recommended approval. Ken Parducci, representing the urban renewal agency, told councilors mailboxes will be adjusted and returned to the back of the sidewalk; staff will work with the affected business on restriping and parking‑lot reconfiguration after the driveway closure.
Property owner testimony raised concerns about access and sight‑line safety at the corner. "Why the need is to block our entrance off?" the property representative asked; staff responded that traffic engineering found the driveway did not meet current warrants and would need to be closed, and that staff will help reconfigure the parking area.
Council approved the cross section change and related design as presented (roll call: 7 yes). Staff said the decision approves an allowed alternate cross section rather than a full code rewrite and that ADA compliance was a primary driver of the sidewalk width change.
