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| The Newsletter of the High Street Hill Association | December 2007 |
At a recent meeting with town officials hosted by Town Administrator Richard Kelliher at Town Hall, HSHA board members confirmed what many residents already believe, that at least one stretch of High Street is officially "dangerous." However, the town is taking steps to address neighborhood concerns.
DPW Transportation Administrator Todd Kirrane acknowledged that the uphill approach to Allerton has very poor sightlines of the Allerton-High intersection, which is the site of frequent car accidents. He said past traffic studies have found that 17 mph is the appropriate speed coming up the hill from Walnut to stop safely at Allerton, even though the street is posted for 30 mph. After a request from the HSHA board, Kirrane and Kelliher agreed to install a new "Dangerous Intersection" sign to warn oncoming drivers. Kirrane also said high-visibility crosswalk signs will be installed at the newly repainted crossings at Irving Street and Highland Road.
Captain John O'Leary of the Brookline Police's Community Service Division, who also attended the meeting, said that a recent speed study determined that, despite the 30 mph limit, 95 percent of cars on High Street travel an average of 38 mph. Despite that, O'Leary said police rarely stop High Street speeders because it is dangerous for officers to pull cars over on the narrow street. He promised, however, to recommend occasional speed traps to snare violators.
Because of the complex and admittedly confounding state and federal highway regulations, Kirrane said it would take a full-scale traffic study on High Street to find other solutions for this treacherous stretch of street. Among the options discussed were stop signs, flashing lights, and radar controlled speed signs. The HSHA has sent a formal request for a study to the Transportation Board (see the HSHA website: highstreethill.org/advocacy). Residents are urged to attend the Transportation Board meeting at 7PM on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Old Lincoln School to lend their support.
In a traffic study for the "Gateway East" project, it was reported that the average daily vehicle count for traffic on High street between Walnut and Allerton was 8300.
Pill Hill residents whose school-aged children must cross High Street on their way to and from Lincoln School are urged to use the Irving St. crosswalk, following the town's acknowledgment that they consider the Allerton St. intersection to be dangerous. Because of traffic congestion, oncoming cars from Walnut St., and poor sightlines, even DPW Transportation Administrator Todd Kirrane admitted his own children are forbidden to cross High St. at Allerton. While it might add a few steps to their morning walk to school, please guide your kids to the crosswalk for their greatest safety.
Join your neighbors
Christmas Eve
Caroling on the Green
led by
Cornelia McMurtrie
December 24 at 5:45PM
Please bring family and friends
and a wind-protected candle
In 1958, visionary neighbors founded the HSHA to "foster and promote the common interests of the residents, property owners and others interested in the welfare of the High Street Hill area." Fifty years later, HSHA is still going strong. We would like to celebrate our half-century with a series of events, beginning with the Annual Meeting next April. To do that, we need volunteers. Were you involved with HSHA in the past? Do you have photos in your attic or other mementos or memories to share? Would you be willing to help plan our celebration? Please contact Betsy Shure Gross at 617-731-1448 or .
After a request to change the name of Philbrick Square was filed with the Brookline Naming Committee by local historian Dennis Dewitt, we asked HSHA residents to vote their preference (see September '07 Highlight on our website). The online vote count is now official: 43 for "Philbrick Green" and 36 for "Philbrick Square."
The Naming Committee has accepted the change request and has forwarded it to the Parks and Rec Department for vetting. Final approval will require ratification at next spring's Town Meeting.
Although residents were only asked to specify "Green" or "Square," a variety of comments were posted along with the votes. Some were assertive; some were historical. To see the complete list (edited to remove any information identifying the authors), see the HSHA website (highstreethill.org/advocacy). Some sample comments included:
"Thanks for taking an interest in our opinions."
"....by any name we are fortunate to have such a lovely gathering spot in our very special neighborhood."
"I play at the green every day and I choose GREEN."
"With regard to this "tempest in a teapot," why not leave things as they are and apparently always have been!"
The Next Neighborhood 'Idol'?
Are strains of Brahms or Coltrane wafting from your neighbor's window, or your own?
We're looking for neighborhood performers for our annual spring Musicale.
Past concerts showcased an amazing variety of local talent —
violinists, a children's choir, a marimba player and folk musicians. Who's next?
Please call Rob Daves if you would like to perform or would like to nominate a neighbor.
Where There's a Will —
there's a dysfunctional family. Sound familiar? The Freelance Players is presenting
an original family musical, Where There's a Will, and you may recognize yourself or
some of your family in it! Filled with the eccentricities, intrigue, hilarity and heart
of the early 1970s, the show features a score by Walnut Street composer, piano teacher,
and Freelance Players Managing Director Cissa Campion.
The book and lyrics are by best-selling Cambridge novelists Stephen McCauley and Sebastian Stuart
(who, along with Cissa, write Urban Improv's annual "Banned in Boston").
Where There's a Will's cast of 27 young actors, ages 12 to 16, attend 14 different schools in 10 metropolitan Boston communities, and includes neighborhood thespians Michaela Karman and Niki von Krusenstiern. Dec. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 9 at 2:00 p.m., at The Park School, 171 Goddard Ave., Brookline. Tickets sold only at the door: $10 adults, $5 children. For more information call 617-232-1175 or visit www.freelanceplayers.org.
It Will Be Called 'Children's Brookline Place'
The Planning Board will conduct a preliminary review of Children's Hospital's proposal
to construct an eight-story building at 2 Brookline Place.
Thursday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., Main Library, 2nd floor.
A full set of preliminary plans are available at the Planning and Community Development Office,
Room 302, Old Lincoln School.
Of Course You're Invited
Hear the latest update on an important project. Come to the
Annual Meeting for the Public
Relating to the Muddy River Restoration Project. Thursday, December 6, 5:30-8:00 pm,
The Atrium at Landmark Center, 201 Park Drive, Boston. RSVP to
.
Let It Snow, Let It Snow
In response to the posting in the last Highlight, several residents signed up
with a contractor for snow removal. He promises better-than-average service due to having
multiple clients in one area. If you would like more info, please contact Diana Post at
or 617-738-5096.
Sidewalk Courtesy
It's a two-way street, so to speak.
Owners, please remember:
Shovel and treat icy areas with sand.
Trim overhanging and protruding branches.
Pet owners, please remember:
Pick up after your dog.
Do not put dog waste in other's waste barrels.
The Highlight is printed several times a year and is distributed on foot or by bicycle by HSHA Board members and their usually willing family members. If you have a comment or contribution contact the editor, Rob Daves, at 617-566-7334 or robdaves@rcn.com.