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Danvers resident says rapid‑flashing beacons could save lives, signals possible citizens petition
Summary
Bill Bates, a town meeting member, urged faster installation of RRFB pedestrian beacons at several Danvers crosswalks, saying units cost about $10,000 and that ADA upgrades are sometimes needed; he said he may file a citizens petition before the warrant deadline and is coordinating with town staff.
Bill Bates, a town meeting member from Precinct 4, used the Select Board public comment period to press for accelerated installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at Danvers crosswalks.
Bates said RRFBs are a “proven safety measure” and estimated that the units themselves cost about $10,000, with additional expense possible for bringing crosswalks into ADA compliance. He listed locations he believes need beacons sooner rather than later, including Popular Street at Belgian Road (where he said a crossing guard was hit in January 2020), Maple Street at Burley (a middle‑school bicyclist was struck), Maple Street at Forest Street, Center Street at Southside Road (poor sight lines near Route 95), and High Street at Porter Street (near elderly housing). Bates said he is working with the town manager and Aaron Henry and is considering submitting a citizens petition before the Friday noon warrant deadline.
“I just want to get as many RRFBs installed as soon as possible because I believe they save lives,” Bates said.
Board members acknowledged the safety concerns and noted the current budget included funding for roughly one RRFB per year, which Bates said would take five years to reach the locations he named. The town manager and staff discussion about budgets, ADA upgrades and potential next steps were referenced; Bates said he would continue coordinating with town officials.
The comment was made during the Select Board’s public comment period and did not result in a board vote; Bates reminded listeners that the citizen petition deadline is the upcoming Friday at noon.
