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Traffic council approves two stop signs on Larchmont Avenue despite neighborhood split
Summary
Council approved two stop signs at the north and south Larchmont Avenue intersections with Chestnut Street (TPR1075) by a 4–1 vote after mixed public comment; residents alternately called for flashing crosswalks or said stop signs were redundant.
The Newton Traffic Council voted 4–1 on July 30 to add two stop signs at both Larchmont Avenue approaches to Chestnut Street, saying the signs would clarify right-of-way at the T-type intersections.
Public comment was divided. John Ryan, a neighbor, urged additional crosswalk treatments and a flashing beacon for the nearby elementary-school route and said the intersection felt dangerous: "I think you'd have a death wish if you just pulled out into Chestnut Street." Other residents opposed adding stop signs and instead preferred a pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk. Councilors discussed trade-offs, noting stop signs are a typical, low-cost safety measure the council often approves.
A roll-call vote passed the proposal as TPR1075; the council again reminded residents of the 20-day appeal window.
