Upton Selectmen Reluctant to Close Lower Section of Warren Street

The Upton Selectmen are reluctant to keep the lower section of Warren Street between Nelson Street and Route 140 closed.

According to Town Manager Blythe Robinson both Upton Police Chief Michael Bradley and Upton Fire/EMS Chief Ron Goodale are in favor of keeping the road blocked for safety concerns as it would reduce the possibility of accidents.

Robinson proposed if Warren Street were to remain blocked the Town consider using the lower section as additional  Town Hall parking. Robinson said it’s important to be forthright, if the section of Warren Street were to be turned into parking there would be traffic coming in and out of Warren at Route 140. Robinson noted Chief Bradley said while this is true the thru traffic would be eliminated and according to the Chief eliminating the thru traffic is where the town would see the most benefit in a reduction of accidents.

Robinson reported if the Town were to move forward and turn the lower section of Warren into a parking area The Town would be able to provide 24 parking spaces for employees and visitors. If the Town decides to reopen Warren Street at the completion of the project Robinson recommends employees continue parking where they are now leaving the 14 planned spaces for visitors.

Member Ken Picard is in favor of keeping Warren Street closed and creating additional parking. “I value the input from the Police Department,” said Picard. “I think we will have challenges with the change, change is always difficult for some. It’s a progressive way to take care of a challenging intersection and provide parking,” Picard said.

“I’m not convinced closing the street will reduce accidents,” said member Bob Fleming. Fleming is concerned about the increased traffic on Church Street. “There is a nursery school there,” said Fleming when discussing his concerns. Fleming also felt the Town would need to look at the Main and School Street intersection.

Committee Chair Jim Brochu noted he too had received both positive and negative comments on the topic. “I think the intent is good, however I am not a proponent of doing it at this time.” Brochu noted that he understands doing it now would make sense because the Town has contractors on site but didn’t feel there was a mandate to make the decision today. He was in favor of revisiting the topic at a later date and examining the topic thoroughly.

Robinson advised the committee she had approached the issue with Mass Highway and they don’t have an opinion and would not stand in the way. An application would be required. Robinson asked the members if there was anything else which could be provided so the committee could make a decision.

Regarding the increased traffic on Church street Robinson said she had spoken with United Parish and felt this issue could be addressed with the police department. Possibly traffic enforcement, a sign, or a cross walk would help mitigate the issue.

“I don’t like the 5 way intersection there,” said Brochu. Brochu was in favor of performing a traffic study, he knows it would cost money but felt a more in-depth study was needed.

Member Fleming said, “I have another concept I don’t want to discuss because there is a private party involved. There is another concept I think we should revisit.”

The Selectmen decided to take no action at this time but decided not to close the book on the topic yet.