By THOMAS GRILLO
LYNN — A plan for crosswalk improvements and the installation of bike lanes in three sections of the city ran into opposition on Tuesday night.
About two dozen residents attended a Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) hearing at City Hall to question the $100,000 state project.
At the city’s request, MassDOT has proposed to upgrade crosswalks with pavement markings, signs, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps, and curb extensions on Essex Street adjacent to Ingalls Elementary School; install a pedestrian crosswalk, curb extension, and two ADA-compliant ramps at the intersection of Central Avenue and Sutton Street; and install bicycle lanes and signs along O’Callaghan Way.
Daniel King, the owner of 102 Central Ave. and the Sign Store, said he objects to the city taking his loading area for the project.
“I’ve been at this location since 1979 and we use that area daily for shipping and receiving,” King said. “The easement comes right to the front of my main entrance and I oppose it. I don’t see how it makes it safer for pedestrians.”
Several residents questioned whether the improvements made sense.
Pamela Laramie and Patricia Pfeiffer, who live on O’Callaghan Way, agreed the biggest problem along the busy road is speeding. They contend enforcement of speed limits is essential before the state creates a bike lane.
“It’s like a war zone out there,” said Pfeiffer.
Laramie questioned how installing a bike lane on O’Callaghan Way would decrease speeding.
“We’ve had a couple of deadly accidents on that street in years past and we were looking to get raised crosswalks to slow cars in either direction,” she said. “Cars don’t even stop at stop signs and that needs to be addressed before you make a bike lane.”
State officials said enforcement is the job of the city.
Andrew Hall, Department of Public Works commissioner, said the improvements are designed to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. But if there’s opposition, the project will not go forward.
At least one person favored the trio of proposals.
Alex Freedman, who works with the city’s health department, said he supports all three plans.
“Having the improvements at the Ingalls Elementary School is crucial, it’s a very precarious street,” he said. “Having a safer crossing with a bump out and full striping of the crosswalk is a crucial improvement. At O’Callaghan Way, it’s a place where cars zip around really fast. There have been accidents. These changes are important and there has to be a creative solution to the Central Avenue improvements.”
Thomas Grillo can be reached at tgrillo@itemlive.com.