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Date: 8/24/2022
HAMPDEN COUNTY – On Aug. 2, Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced $16.4 million in funding for 184 awards to 138 municipalities and seven Regional Transit Authorities through the Shared Streets and Spaces Program, including Springfield, Longmeadow and Ware.
The Shared Streets and Space Program originally launched in June 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. The program provides funding and technical assistance to help Massachusetts communities implement changes to curbs, streets and parking areas. This grant round also marks the largest round ever for the Shared Streets and Spaces Program, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MASSDOT) press release.
Several of the funded projects derive from two concentrations. Some of the awarded projects will help reduce vehicle speeds in congested areas to increase safety, while others acquire equipment needed to improve and maintain infrastructure for active transportation. The potential equipment purchases include snow removal items, bicycle facilities, speed feedback signs, pedestrian-activated warning devices and bicycle lane delineators.
Of the awardees, 53 percent designate to Environmental Justice communities, or areas where 65 percent or less of the population earn the statewide median household income.
Reflecting on the impact of the grant funding, Baker discussed the positive impact the Shared Streets and Space Program will have on transportation.
“Today’s announcement represents the largest award round since the program was launched and we are glad to be funding projects that reduce vehicular speeds and provide safe mobility for children, for seniors, to public transportation, housing and to open space and parks,” said Baker in a statement via the MassDOT press release.
Transportation Secretary for the state James Tesler also highlighted the grant project’s ability to ensure safer streets.
“MassDOT encourages municipalities to think strategically on implemented speed reduction measures to reduce crashes and the severity of injuries in crashes. Many of the projects funded in this grant round will make our streets safer for everyone, whether they are walking, bicycling, taking public transportation or driving,” said Tesler in his statement.
The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, which serves towns throughout Hampden and Hampshire Counties, was awarded $490,394 for improvement of bus stops in in Amherst, Agawam, Chicopee, Palmer, Northampton, Springfield, and West Springfield. The improvements will include sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, crosswalks, pavement markings, signage, shelters and benches.
The Shared Streets and Space Program also awarded three Hampden County communities.
Springfield
In Springfield, the city received $187,659 to implement a variety of improvements. Among the safety features, the funding will lead to the installation of mid-block crosswalks, pedestrian safety signs, American Disability Act-complaint curb ramps and as rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB).
Mayor Domenic Sarno expressed his gratitude for the grant funding in a statement to Reminder Publishing.
“I want to thank the Baker-Politio Administration for their continued support in helping to fund these important infrastructure projects for our City of Springfield that will enhance public health and community growth and revitalization. The funding the city will receive will go towards pedestrian and pavement enhancements on Dickinson and Allen Streets,” said Sarno.
Additionally, Springfield is receiving another $50,000 for bikeshare station equipment as an expansion of the ValleyBike program. The funding will provide another bike station in the Indian Orchard area after the successful installation of a first station. ValleyBike stations are located throughout Western Massachusetts and provide accessible opportunities for residents to bike across communities.
Sarno noted that the project will have a positive long-term impact in the area.
“[We’re] expanding the successful ValleyBike program with the installation of an additional ValleyBike station in our Indian Orchard neighborhood. These are the neighborhood specific projects that will greatly benefit our residents and business community,” said Sarno.
Longmeadow
The town of Longmeadow received $19,576 for pedestrian-activated warning devices and crossing signals. Town Engineer Tim Keene explained that the devices will be installed on either side of the street crossing at Laurel Street and Farmington Avenue. A resident had requested improved safety there, and the town has recognized that location as “potentially risky” to pedestrian safety.
Traffic safety is usually addressed with a mix of state and local resources. Longmeadow had not budgeted for the improvements to the street crossing in this fiscal year, and while Keene said it could have been added to the list of capital improvements, without the Shared Streets and Spaces program, it would likely not have been able to address the issue as soon.
Keene said issues of pedestrain safety are evaluated on an ongoing basis. If there is grant money left over, the town will request MassDOT approval to purchase other crossing safety equipment.
Ware
The town of Ware was awarded $45,075.20. Robert Watchilla, director of planning and community development, said the funding will primarily go toward pedestrian safety improvements.?
He told Reminder Publishing that there have been several issues on West Street. Near Ware Junior/Senior High School, the speed limit is 35 mph, however, Watchilla said people drive much faster, creating an “issue for pedestrians.”
He went on to say that several reports have been made about pedestrians nearly being hit by passing cars, as they tend to exceed the designated speed limit. To address these issues, Watchilla said they hosted a few public meetings last fall and winter, to which many residents expressed that more awareness should be brought to pedestrians walking on West Street.?
Currently, there are eight unmarked crosswalks from the West to Main Street intersection, all the way to the school. Two of them are directly across from the school, added Watchilla.?
Taking matters into his own hands, Watchilla conducted some research and came across the Shared Streets & Spaces Program Awards. After applying in February, he found out in May that the town was a recipient.??
“We applied for [a little over] $45,000 and luckily received all of it,” he said.?
Watchilla explained that the money will fund one solar powered and blinking sign each way. The purpose of the bright signs is to catch people’s attention and force them to slow down, he noted.?
The funding will also be used for wayfinders signage for bicyclists to navigate West Street, along with 10 park benches. As the Ware Senior Center is nearby, Watchilla said the benches will provide a place for the seniors to stop and sit along their walk. While all the signs will be on West Street, he shared that the benches will be split up between there and possibly Veterans Park.?
The town is supposed to receive the funding in the fall. Watchilla noted that the projects need to be completed by June 30, 2023, however, he thinks it will be done before then.
Once the funding is received, he said they will order the signs and equipment to steady the signs, immediately. For the benches and wayfinders signage, Watchilla said he would like to take more time and listen to feedback from boards and residents on where they would like to see them placed.?
“[The town] is lucky to get this funding,” said Watchilla. “I am a bit surprised that we got the funding.” As he took on this role in Aug. 2021, Watchilla said this was the first big grant he applied for and received.?
“It’s a good thing for the town and I am looking forward to receiving [the funding] and moving forward [with the projects],” he added. Watchilla stressed the importance of what the project will be benefiting – the overall safety of the community.