Newton Guy Argues Town Needs Pedestrian Sign at Intersection

Newton resident Cyrus Vanotrav says he’s particularly frustrated with a system he says should have worked to get a pedestrian crossing sign at a four-way intersection in Newton.

Vanotrav, who posted his story on the Boston Amigos blog,writes that since May of 2012, he’s requested numerous times for a sign to be erected in the middle of the intersection of Lowell Ave., Highland Ave. and Hull Street. The sign was put up, and taken down, a few times, and presently doesn’t exist.

He used Newton’s 311 system to report the situation.

The system allows residents through the city’s website to report problems (such as potholes, signs, etc.), give suggestions, ask questions, pay bills and look for events. It’s one stop shopping, and each city monitors their own system as a way to respond to residents’ needs and concerns.

“I write this post after hours of disappointment from Newton’s 311 system,” wrote Vanotrav. “First off, I respect Setti Warren, Newton’s mayor, for setting up the system. It is a great idea, and still has the potential to be, but for me, it has been a brilliant waste of time.”

Vanotrav’s quest began when he witnessed several near-collisions at the intersection in question.

He logged in to 311, and made his request for the first time in May of 2012, and a sign was up within five days of the request. After some road work, and several requests, the sign was posted again, and removed again.

“After almost getting hit by a car twice, I knew something had to change,” he wrote.

“If I am correct, the city has flip-flopped three times on this issue. Truthfully it is hard to say because I have sent more letters to Mayor Warren in between some of the “no problem found” times. I for one think the 311 system needs a complete overhaul.”