Neighbors warn of traffic, parking and safety risks at 525 Broadway hearing

Residents and nearby homeowners repeatedly told the Planning Board they oppose the 525 Broadway proposal as presented, citing dangerous turning movements at the 1‑Mile Corner, inadequate on‑site parking and loss of neighborhood character.

Richard Gilman, who identified himself as an abutter, said lines and signs would not fix the structural traffic problems at the intersection and warned that rerouting traffic onto side streets would overload roads not built for the extra volume. Joshua Gutman said the proposal was “nothing short of reckless urban planning,” calling the density, parking and the left‑turn movement into the driveway an invitation to accidents. Several other neighbors reported close calls turning from side streets and flagged large delivery and service vehicles as special concerns.

The public testimony prompted sustained questioning from board members about the traffic analysis and the adequacy of on‑site parking. The applicant’s traffic expert, Todd Brayton, testified that, based on field measurements and sketches, the driveway location provides more than 200 feet of sight distance for passing, estimated peak turns into the driveway at about 1 AM, 4 PM and 2 on Saturdays, and outlined three proposed safety improvements: a speed‑feedback sign, adjusted pavement markings for lane‑drop/merge, and shifting/removing certain cross‑hatch striping to improve sight lines. The board included city‑engineer review and TRC conditions in its approval, and added requirements that the applicant pursue off‑site guest parking and work with RIPTA on bus‑shelter options.