Officer Kevin Reen met with the Swampscott for All Ages Committee on Monday, discussing a variety of areas in town that need to be addressed to ensure better pedestrian safety, particularly on Humphrey Street.
“We have been talking about pedestrian safety for a while,” said Co-Chair Robert Powell.
Reen, who has focused on transportation safety within the police department for the past two years, said his work on the issue began with the opening of the new Swampscott Elementary School. He and other officers went door to door to gather feedback on road use and the safest routes.
“It seems to be going very well,” Reen said. “We kind of morphed that work…We wanted to bring in other areas of the community as well.”
Since then, Reen said, the department has identified “a lot of areas that we’re looking for outreach and trying to help.” He noted streets like Franklin Avenue, Stetson Avenue, Monument Avenue and Pitman Road.
“We’re not traffic engineers but what we do have is day-to-day knowledge,” Reen said.
The Swampscott for All Ages Committee focused on Humphrey Street, highlighting concerns about U-turns, jaywalking and other pedestrian safety hazards.
Reen noted that all new signs are illuminated.
Rapid-flashing beacons are also installed near 84 Humphrey St., at the church and at the intersection ofHumphrey Street and Ingalls Terrace. The committee had suggested installing an additional beacon at the intersection of Humphrey Street and Greenwood Street.
“We have been working with the facilities in town, with Max Kasper specifically,” Reen said. “I think what we’re going to do is move the one from Ingalls Terrace to Greenwood.”
Reen expressed concern that adding another rapid-flashing beacon to the area could reducetheeffectiveness of the existing beacons.
Beyond the beacons, Reen said he wants to replace the pedestrian signal at the intersection of Blaney and Humphrey streets and ensure that signage is properly displayed.
“That’s another thing that’s going to be a priority,” Reen said. “We want to bring in the business. I like Humphrey Street. It’s fun to see it vibrant, but we also need to see our checks and balances in place with parking with signs.”
Reen also highlighted Paradise Road as an area of concern. Because it is a state highway, he said he is working with the Department of Transportation to improve signage, lighting and crosswalks.
Formed in 2018, the Swampscott for All Ages Committee works to make the town more livable for residents of all ages, with a focus on safety, affordability, transportation and medical services.
“The thought is that we are aging as a community,” Powell said. “What you do for a 60 plus year old also works for a parent with a baby stroller.”
