New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Mayor Jon Mitchell today signed a City Council proposal to establish “Senior Citizen Safety Zones.” At its November 25 meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to send the proposal to Mayor Mitchell based on a similar measure already in place in Quincy, Massachusetts.
The measure allows speed limit reductions and other improvements if necessary in areas adjacent to senior housing, nursing homes, and community centers where seniors gather. With today’s approval by the Mayor the measure, a home rule petition, now goes to the State Legislature for its consideration.
“I applaud the work of the City Council and am pleased to have this opportunity to work together to improve pedestrian safety in areas where our seniors live and gather for group activities. We are sending the Legislature a sensible proposal that protects senior safety while providing flexibility to ensure traffic and neighborhood needs are also addressed,” said Mayor Mitchell.
“New Bedford is a community that values the well-being of our senior citizens. With this proposal we are adding another element of safety for our senior population. This initiative would allow city departments to identify areas frequented by our senior population and make simple road improvements such as, painting crosswalks, and adding signage,” said At-Large City Councilor Naomi R.A. Carney, who sponsored the measure.
“This is an instance where the Council, the Mayor, and the Legislative delegation can all work together to achieve a positive result for the seniors of New Bedford,” said City Council President Joseph Lopes.
If approved by the state legislature, the City of New Bedford would then enact a special ordinance governing Safety Zone speed limits, the installation of signage, and the re-striping of roadways to improve visibility and pedestrian safety.
