Scarborough Town Hall. Maxen Ryder
Discussions focused on the community’s escalating concerns about the surging traffic issues on Maple Avenue during the Oct. 18 Scarborough Town Council meeting. The say the street is unsafe and could be even more so with development of The Downs and especially the construction of the Costco there.
Jim Richards, a resident of Maple Avenue, took the floor to express his disquiet regarding traffic-related matters in the Green Acres neighborhood. He recounted a incident involving a white pickup truck on Maple Avenue narrowly avoiding a pedestrian. He said, “How the driver missed the woman is beyond me.” Richards emphasized the urgency of the situation by noting the multitude of traffic studies conducted since 1988, asserting that further studies are unnecessary. Time has shown the inefficacy of existing traffic management measures, such as narrowed streets, crosswalks, and stop signs, he said.
Julia Plunkett, another Maple Avenue resident, shared her own near-miss experience. She said that just two weeks prior, she narrowly avoided being struck by a vehicle while walking on Maple Avenue. Her emotional account underscored her fear. “I wouldn’t dare walk in my neighborhood after dark,” she said. “I just don’t trust that I’m physically safe at night in my neighborhood.” Plunkett canvassed the neighborhood with a survey, revealing that her neighbors shared her concerns. She implored the council to address the issue promptly, warning of potential deadly consequences if left unaddressed.
Rory Benjamin of Maple Street, who has 18 years of law experience, emphasized the need for a more comprehensive solution, going beyond occasional law enforcement presence. Benjamin stressed the importance of not only regulating speed but also effectively managing traffic.
During the meeting, Town Manager Thomas Hall another area where people were concerned about traffic safety and also related to The Downs development. This includes the ongoing search for a suitable easterly access point for the proposed unified primary school. Residents will vote on $160 million bond to finance the school on Nov. 7. Hall said that one thing is clear to him, Sawyer Road is likely to be used as an interim solution. He said that 250 letters were sent to residents, informing them of the discussion planned for Oct. 10. Approximately 100 people attended the meeting in person, with an additional 50 participating online. Hall offered insights into potential interim solutions, particularly suggesting Sawyer Road’s role in addressing immediate concerns due to its logistical advantages. He acknowledged that alternative solutions posed complex challenges in terms of private land ownership.
A significant point of discussion revolved around the Track View Terrace access point. “We are using our legal team to better understand the legal ownership and legal rights,” Hall explained, revealing that local authorities had engaged a legal team to scrutinize the intricacies of ownership and usage rights concerning this potential access point. Councilor Don Hamill expressed his outrage and concerns about the easterly access issue. “It never ceases to amaze me, we are still moving ahead with it,” Hamill said, highlighting the ongoing near-miss incidents on Sawyer Road and Maple Avenue that continue to trouble the community.
Town Council Chair Jon Anderson asked Hall what steps can concerned citizens take to improve the traffic issues. In response to the mounting pressure from Maple Avenue residents, Hall emphasized the budgetary considerations inherent in substantial roadway improvements. Speed tables and speed bumps were said to be considered impractical due to complications in snow plowing and the risks they posed to unsuspecting drivers.
These conversations and deliberations will be further discussed at the next Town Council meeting, scheduled for Nov. 8.
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