School committee asks administration to convene city leaders on Perkins Street speeding and traffic-calming options

Peabody — The school committee voted Aug. 26 to ask district staff to convene city officials and the legislative delegation to examine speed and traffic-calming measures on Perkins Street, the roadway that serves Higgins Middle School.

Committee member Mister Mico raised a resident complaint about speeding on Perkins Street and proposed contacting the city council and mayor's office to explore replacing the existing battery-operated radar speed sign and studying speed cushions. After discussion the motion was amended to ask the superintendent’s office (via staffer Miss Carpenter) to schedule a joint meeting with the city council, police department and legislative delegation to develop a plan quickly.

The amended motion passed by roll call. Committee members said crossing-guard posts are filled for the year, but that police resources are limited and physical traffic-calming devices or signage upgrades could provide more consistent speed reduction.

What happens next: the administration was directed to schedule a multi-party meeting to review options — including upgraded radar signs, speed cushions and possible police enforcement plans — and report back to the committee.