Gate Removed From Street Divides Billerica Neighborhood

BILLERICA, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A contentious debate over a gate has one neighborhood in Billerica divided.

Town officials recently removed the gate on Parker Street that cut off access from River to Richardson streets. The gate was illegally installed nearly 25 years ago after accidents involving drivers and pedestrians.

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Residents on Parker Street are at odds over the town's decision.

"Parker Street is a unique location," Scott Yapp told WBZ NewsRadio Monday. "We have three schools within a block, and the roads themselves are very narrow, so it presents a pretty significant safety issue for the neighborhood."

Neighbor Katie Allaby shared Yapp's concerns about child safety, especially with kids' propensity to wander around while playing.

"You know, you can’t tell a two-year-old to stay in the driveway, and they shouldn’t be segregated to the backyard all the time," Allaby said.

For 72-year-old Charles Guenther, the gate was a constant headache because it was in front of his home.

"I have to do a seven-point turn, usually, to get in with that gate there," Guenther told WBZ NewsRadio. "That’s if someone’s not parked there."

As for the children, Guenther had a simple message: "Play off the street."

Parents on Parker Street said they have noticed more speeding cars since the gate was removed. Officials have added several speed humps to the street in an attempt to calm traffic.

WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.

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