Traffic Safety Board Votes to Separate Town Hall, Mendes Field Lots

The Traffic Safety Commission approved separating the parking lots of Town Hall and Mendes Field Thursday afternoon, stopping through-traffic from Louise Ann Drive.  

Often, that traffic involved speeding drivers, said Town Manager Denis Finlay and  Councilwoman Maxine Cavanagh, members of the Traffic Safety Commission. The speeding endangers members of the public visiting Town Hall, and town employees, they said.

After a brief discussion, the Commission voted to install a gate, which the town will be able to open for emergency and DPW vehicles.

DPW Director Seth Lemoine, also a member of the Commission, said the cost of the gate and the exact date it will be installed have yet to be determined. He said he needs to research the cost and purchase of the gate and then make plans to install it.

"In the meantime," said Commission member Smithfield Fire Dept. Capt. James Waterman, "Look both ways," while visiting Town Hall.

The Commission also considered moving the Deerfield Park Gate, but discarded the idea, taking no action.