Woburn commission recommends moving Beach Street crosswalk after residents cite accessibility, safety concerns

The Woburn City Commission voted to recommend relocating the crosswalk on Beach Street at Maple Avenue to a spot about 40 feet away to take advantage of an existing curb-free sidewalk that petitioners said would be easier for people with mobility impairments to use.

Don Labbe, a resident who petitioned the commission, told members his wife’s mobility has declined and said moving the crosswalk would let them use a smoother, curb-free approach. "My wife's become a little mobility impaired and so the challenge of the sidewalk has been increased," Labbe said, arguing the opposite corner had a recent sidewalk modification that removed the curb and would improve access.

Multiple residents and commissioners said the existing crosswalk lacks handicap-accessible ramps and sits near two driveways, creating visibility and access problems. Jim Puffalotto, who said he inspected the site, said he observed vehicles "barreling down that road" and signaled his support: "I'm in favor of it." A commissioner added that "that crosswalk needs to be modified anyway," noting it "is not up to code." (Speakers did not cite a specific code section on the record.)

DPW Superintendent Jay Duran was not present; the commission discussed having Duran conduct a site visit and consult with police and the disability commission. After debate, Commissioner (speaker 3) moved that the DPW superintendent, upon conducting a site inspection, proceed with moving the crosswalk to the proposed location on the east side of Maple Avenue. The motion was seconded and approved.

The commission's action is a recommendation directing DPW staff to implement the change consistent with municipal standards; commissioners asked staff to consider sight distance, existing driveways and the need for legal handicap ramp cuts when finalizing placement.

Votes at a glance: The commission approved the recommendation directing DPW to move the crosswalk after a site inspection. Other business that passed at the same meeting included approval of the March 21 minutes, authorization to install signage for a hearing- and visually-impaired child near 3 Lodge Road (see separate item) and cancellation of July/August meetings for the summer schedule.

What’s next: The DPW superintendent will perform the site inspection, and the commission's recommendation allows DPW to proceed with relocation and accessibility work as appropriate. The date for implementation was not specified on the record.