Exchange of information was the theme for the most recent Davis Square Streetscape meeting.
– Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Emmanuel Vincent

The third meeting of the Davis Square Streertscape project was held on July 17.  In this meeting, the city took the information that they gained from the public at the last meeting, Project Charette, and shared information with everyone in attendance.

“We took info and put it together with surveys and comments,” explains Sarah Spicer, Senior Transportation Planner. “Then from there we put together possible scenarios.” Compared to last meeting, the third one was more of a collective gathering, as the public was able to give their insights on the proposed changes of Davis Square that they were able to see visually via a map of the area.

One of the possible scenarios presented at this meeting was the installation of a new traffic table at the intersection of Grove Street and Highland Avenue. Grove Street would also have improved bike marking and parking. Additional crosswalks would be incorporated in Grove Street and Highland Avenue intersection as well.

In addition, it was proposed that Elm Street have some work done on it as well. This includes the adjusting of the curb, parking lane and road widths. This will help with the expanding of the sidewalk width at the bus area.

There were a few concerns over the proposed changes of the infrastructure of Davis Square. Although some want others to benefit form the change, they don’t want it be an inconvenience to others.

There was also positive feedback from the meeting. “I’m interested in the open space and optimistic that traffic signals will be more pedestrian friendly,” said one gentleman who attended the meeting.

There will be another meeting on August 7 at 167 Holland Street.