Photo: Emma Friedman/WBZ NewsRadio
SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The City of Somerville is hosting an open house next month on a project aimed at making the streets safer for pedestrians and bikers.
The Elm-Beacon Connector project would install quick-build bike lanes along Elm Street from Russell Street to Somerville Avenue, and along Somerville Avenue from Acadia Park to Elm Street.
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It would also turn Mossland Street into a "Neighborway" (a safer route for people to walk and bike) and connect to existing protected bike lanes on Beacon Street.
In addition, the project would reduce the number of on-street parking spaces to make room for bike lanes, update signaling, improve crosswalks, and make some changes and additions to bus stops.
Officials say the connector would make it easier on busy roads where there is a lot of foot traffic.
"I’m all for creating more walkable spaces," said Daneen, a Somerville resident. "I live in the neighborhood, I live on Cedar Street, and so our street is very, very busy. But I’m also sympathetic to the parking needs of people who are not able to walk a lot or bike."
Daneen told WBZ NewsRadio she thinks city officials should work with more local businesses to find a parking solution, which the City of Somerville says it plans to do.
Brian, who commutes to Somerville from Malden, does not love the idea of losing parking spots.
"It’s hard for all the people like me that can’t really drive bikes," Brian said.
Anna has mixed feelings about the project, saying, "Better bike lanes is always good, and I think it’s already hard enough to find parking."
Community members are invited to give feedback on the project on Monday, March 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy School Cafetorium.
WBZ's Emma Friedman reports.