Letter to Editor on Piety Corner by Rep. Stanley

Dear Editor:

Traffic.  It’s one of the most talked-about issues throughout Waltham. Whether it’s running errands during the day, attending community events or doing business anywhere in the City, traffic has become nothing short of a nightmare.  Residents want less traffic congestion, safer streets and less painful daily commutes.

Waltham now has a unique opportunity to improve traffic flow at one of the most problematic intersections in the City, Piety Corner.  By seizing this opportunity and purchasing the property for sale at 380 Lexington Street at the Lexington Street/Totten Pond Road/Bacon Street intersection, we can create a more efficient and safe intersection at what is now a major headache for many commuters and people who live in the neighborhoods nearby.

I recently spoke in favor of this purchase at a public hearing held at Government Center. At the hearing, I mentioned my support for the Mayor and the City Council to purchase the land and then make improvements to the troublesome intersection.  I strongly agree with Waltham’s Traffic Engineer and Traffic Commission who also recommended major improvements be made at the intersection.  A modern intersection will result in a safer roadway not only for motorists, but also for pedestrians and bikers as well.

We need to make it easier for residents to get around the City and for companies to do business in Waltham.  The City can do this by fulfilling its responsibility and investing in critical local infrastructure improvements which will help ease traffic congestion.  Our strong bond rating and existing traffic mitigation funds leftover from previous nearby projects should be used to improve infrastructure throughout the city.  Let’s create a “signature gateway” at Piety Corner, a visually appealing focal point for travel in and through Waltham.

Current traffic conditions are unacceptable and our residents and commuters deserve better. I urge the City to act now to make this critical step forward in improving traffic flow at this intersection.

Sincerely,

Tom Stanley

19 Neighbors Lane

Waltham, MA 02453