By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer
Westborough – Police Chief Alan Gordon requested at the Sept. 27 Board of Selectmen meeting that the board vote to close the exit from Kimball Road onto Mill Road. He also requested that the board direct the Department of Public Works to post “Do Not Exit” signs on Kimball Road.
Gordon said he has received numerous email complaints from residents regarding traffic and school bus issues. After observing these areas, he feels his recommendations will make for safer conditions. The line of sight looking south towards West Main Street is also dangerous due to a stone wall and shrubbery.
Noting that he knows the issue must be addressed at a public hearing, he added, “Over the past couple of years I’ve seen the worst complaints from the residents from Kimball Road in regards to speeding along Fisher Street, and the school bus picking up children on Mill Road.”
Gordon said he has had a conversation with the school bus driver about where she should be stopping. He cited a recent accident occurred because of the conditions of the area. The school bus was not involved.
“The residents wish for the town to buy a speed radar sign for Fisher Street,” he added.
Selectmen Chair Ian Johnson opened the floor to residents’ concerns.
Bill Mills-Curran, 7 Kimball Road stated, “There are three separate problems; the two exits from Kimball onto either Fisher or Mill and the bus stop and potential for minor collision…closing off the exit will have no impact on these problems.”
Andy Sklar, 8 Kimball Road, said he mostly agrees with his neighbor but the real problem is “speeding itself.”
The citizens in the neighborhood have filed a petition for an article for the Monday, Oct. 17 Special Town Meeting warrant regarding a radar sign.
The selectmen agreed to hold a public hearing at a future date to amend traffic rules and laws and identify viable solutions.
