Frustrated Resident Appeals To Town Officials For Help

Dear Editor:

I am writing on behalf of myself and my neighbors to express concerns for traffic safety problems and drug activity in our neighborhood. Last August 9th I met with the Police Chief and then a few months later the town administrator and the Police Chief together to discuss traffic and speeding concerns as well as illegal drug activity and trash in our neighborhood (the area opposite Friendly's off of Route 28). This area is plagued with vehicles cutting through and traveling at faster than allowed speed limits and frequent drug deals. We have endured this hazardous situation taking place on the streets where our children walk and play for quite some time now. There has been some police enforcement over the last nine (9) months since I met with everyone, but when the officers are not patrolling, the speeding is a problem and the drug activity is present. Our discussions with the town have been numerous. For the traffic problem, we have suggested mitigating the traffic issue by enhancing the area with signage, speed bumps, enforcement, and monitoring. For the drug activity and trash issue, all related to one house known to the police, we have suggested more frequent house calls by the police, health inspector's office and the build code inspector's office. Without these types of deterrents and measures, we are afraid the problems in our area are going to worsen.

We were hopeful that nine (9) months after our initial meeting, and after several subsequent meetings that we would have produced some results to help protect our children and families from the unsafe conditions that plague our neighborhood. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. There have been some conversations started by the town administrator but the progress is too slow. We are writing as neighborhood residents to appeal to the town of Stoneham to please take action soon and not just have conversations. Warm weather days where our children enjoy playing outdoors is upon us. Please help us make our neighborhood safe for all of us to enjoy before a tragedy occurs.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Gray on behalf of many of my neighbors