Select Board approves deaf-and-blind warning sign for Gilmore Road

The Wrentham Select Board voted unanimously Nov. 4 to install a “deaf and blind child” warning sign in the vicinity of 80 Gilmore Road after a public hearing and comment from the child’s mother.

Al Lima Tani, a new resident who identified herself as the child’s mother, told the board her 13‑year‑old son is deaf and blind and non‑verbal and that vehicles sometimes travel too quickly on the cul‑de‑sac. “Having the sign up … will give me some relief,” she said, adding that she has restricted her children from playing on the street because of safety concerns.

DPW Director Brian Antonoli recommended the board proceed with the sign that was advertised for the hearing and said locations have already been picked out; he noted a separate speed‑limit change would follow a different, lengthier process. Chair Chris Gallow said the board would follow its new sign policy and consult the town manager and DPW director about precise placement.

The board first closed the public hearing by roll‑call vote and then approved a motion, moved by Selectman Jim Anderson and seconded by Selectman Bill Harrington, to permit the DPW director to determine the exact sign location and to install the sign in accordance with MassDOT standards. The motion carried 5‑0.

The board also agreed to add consideration of an overall speed‑sign policy to a future agenda, noting that changing posted speed limits would require a broader review. The vote made no change to posted speed limits; Antonoli said any speed‑limit changes would be handled separately under state and town procedures.

Next steps: DPW will order the sign and install it at the location determined by the director, following MassDOT standards.