[Editor's note: The following is a letter by Melrose Mayor Rob Dolan to Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Edward Lambert on the Ravine Road one-way trial period.]

Commissioner Edward Lambert

Department of Conservation & Recreation

251 Causeway Street, Suite 600

Boston, MA 02114

Re: Ravine Road – Melrose/Stoneham

Dear Commissioner Lambert:

On behalf of the citizens of Melrose, I write to express my stern opposition to any effort to continue the current, unsafe and hazardous temporary traffic configuration along Ravine Road between Woodland Road and the Fellsway East. I have previously expressed my opposition on behalf of the many residents of Melrose, and several surrounding communities, who have contacted my office over the past several months expressing their grave concerns about the continuation of one-way traffic on Ravine Road. In fact, at a public safety meeting with residents of Wards 3 and 5 in Melrose on Oct. 23, over 75 residents spoke out in opposition to this measure at a meeting which was not intended to be dedicated solely to this ongoing issue. 

As I have previously stated, this reconfigured traffic pattern is wreaking havoc for residents and commuters seeking to travel through the intersection at Pond Street, and it does not alleviate any of the perceived issues where Ravine Road intersects with the Fellsway East. It is also negatively impacting the ability of patrons seeking to visit the many restaurants and shops in downtown Melrose.  As expressed by many, this measure is being viewed as anti-small business.

To the extent there are dangerous intersections along the Fellsway, the Department of Conservation & Recreation (“DCR”) is singularly responsible for addressing these issues. In fact, I could easily argue that other intersections along the Fellsway – such as the intersections at Washington at the Fellsway East, West Emerson at the Fellsway, Melrose Street at the Fellsway, and Nelson Road at the Fellsway – are more dangerous than the intersection at Ravine Road and the Fellsway East.

I am formally requesting that this traffic measure end as of Nov. 5, 2012. During a meeting held in Stoneham on April 4, 2012 between DCR, Melrose and Stoneham officials, it was agreed that should either community desire to terminate this temporary traffic measure DCR would abide. After DCR terminates this measure, I would ask that Melrose be provided with an update as to whether, if ever, a traffic study has recently been done encompassing this area in order to flesh out professional, permanent solutions, to the extent any are necessary. As you know, the Town of Stoneham received $25,000 to be used for conducting a traffic study in this area. To date, it appears no studies have been done.

I look forward to hearing from you on this important issue.

Very truly yours,

Robert J. Dolan

Cc: Alderman Frank Wright (via email)

Senator Thomas McGee (via email)

Senator Katherine Clark (via email)

Representative Paul Brodeur (via email)

Representative Jason Lewis (via email)