Published in the November 1, 2018 edition.

By MARK SARDELLA

WAKEFIELD — The Town Council this week approved recommendations from the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC), including one that is designed to relieve a traffic bottleneck in Greenwood.

At the request of Town Council, the TAC revisited its recommendation to remove the four parking spaces on the east side of Main Street between 894 Main Street and the Hallmark Health building. The original recommendation was to remove these four parking spaces due to northbound traffic backing up on Main Street when the train gates are in the down position at the Forest Street crossing. Removing those spaces was seen as a way to allow northbound vehicles room to pass left-turning vehicles on the right, easing the backup.

But there was some concern on the part of Town Council members about losing parking spaces in Greenwood where parking is already scarce.

After being asked by the Town Council to revisit the issue, the TAC came back this week with a recommendation that these four parking spaces be posted with time restrictions during peak traffic hours. They recommended that there be no parking 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. This will leave the parking spaces available for local businesses between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the daytime.

Town Councilor Edward Dombroski, who was concerned about permanently losing those four spaces, was pleased with the TAC’s resolution. The Town Council approved the new restrictions.

The TAC received a request for a “Stop” sign on Walnut Street at the intersection with Gould Street. Walnut Street runs perpendicular to Gould Street and meets at a “T” type intersection. There are currently no traffic control signs at this intersection. The TAC recommended that a “Stop” sign and white painted “Stop” line be installed on Walnut Street at the intersection with Gould Street.

The Town Council approved the recommendation.

The TAC also received a request for a multi-way stop at the intersection of Whittier Road, Beechtree Circle and Kathy Lane. This is a four-way intersection that currently has no traffic control devices. The TAC recommended that a “Stop” sign and white painted “Stop” line be painted on Beechtree Circle where it intersects with Whittier Road. They also recommended a “Stop” sign and white painted STOP line on Whitter Road opposite of Beechtree Circle. Traffic between Kathy Lane and the northeast corner of Whittier Road would have the right of way.

The Town Council approved the changes.

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In other business this week, the Town Council:

• Approved a request from Tonno Wakefield at 175 North Ave. for change of manager and alteration of premises that will allow the restaurant to add a function room within the original footprint of the building.

• Approved a request from the Wakefield Lions Club to place Santa’s Headquarters on the common during the week of Nov. 26, 2018 through Dec. 23, 2018 and to have Santa arrive by fire engine on Dec. 8, 2018.

• Appointed Joseph O’Callaghan as Assistant Building Inspector.

• Approved the installation of a plaque honoring Margaret Moore at the children’s playground at Colonel Connelly Park that will read, “The sound of joyful children at play was music to her ears.”

• Appointed the following Wakefield Memorial High School students as Election/Town Meeting workers: Andrew Rosenberg, Rebecca Hunt, Rachel Janielis, Joanne Janielis, Ellen Marcelo and Dale Denham. All are 18 years old and registered voters.

• Accepted the withdrawal of an application to add diesel fuel to the Shell gas station at Lowell and Vernon streets.

• Approved a new Common Victualler License through Dec. 31, 2018 for AMMR, Inc. d/b/a Honey Dew Donuts at 147 Lowell St.

• Appointed Paul Somers and Anu Gerweck to the Lake Bench Committee.

• Established a Wakefield Emergency Fund which would be used to provide one-time assistance to local families with emergency or crisis situations, such as families who lost all their possession in a fire, groceries for those who lose power or assisting with funeral costs. The fund received an initial donation of $13,000 from Tonno Wakefield.

• Authorized the Department of Public Works to auction off the following surplus equipment: 1970 Sicard Snow Blower; 11-foot Frink Plow Blade; 11-foot Root Plow; 8-foot Meyer Plow; 2 8-foot Fisher Minute Mount Plow Blades; 9-foot Fisher Minute Mount Plow (parts); FMC 200 gallon spray tank; FMC 100 gallon spray tank; Powerliner 6900 Line painter; 1986 Weed Harvester; 12-foot Landscape Trailer; 8-foot Wood Side Utility Trailer; 12-foot Jon Boat; 10HP Giant Leaf Vac; 36-inch Bobcat Mower; Skid-steer Sweeper Attachment; and 1250 Replaced Water Meters. Funds received for all but the 1250 Replaced Water Meters will be deposited to the general fund. Funds received from the 1250 Replaced Water Meters will be deposited in to the water enterprise fund.