Dear Lex Ave neighbors,

We are disappointed to learn that a "community-directed" solution is considered not typical in the Somerville Traffic Dept's process. We understand that raised crosswalks—preferred by many of us—may not be feasible due to drainage concerns. However, if speed humps are the only option on the table, we believe there are still important adjustments to be made. Here are a few concerns we noted after walking the street and discussing together:

1. Proximity to the park: The proposed location for one of the speed humps is about 150 feet away from the crosswalk near the park. This may allow cars to speed up again right before reaching the crossing, which defeats the purpose of the humps.
2. Safety zone signage: There’s currently only one safety zone sign on the entire street, and it’s obscured by leaves—making it largely ineffective.
3. Missing stop sign: There is no stop sign on Lexington Ave at Hancock Street, even though Hancock has one. 

Based on these concerns, we’d like to suggest some ideas for a counterproposal for a safer, more thoughtfully COMMUNITY-INFORMED solution:

• Install a new car stop sign at the pedestrian/bike crossing on Lexington Ave next to the park
• Install a new bike stop sign at the Somerville bike path exit onto Lexington Ave next to the park
• Add at least two more safety zone signs on the street that are more visible
• Adjust the placement of the four speed humps by moving them approximately 100 feet to better align with traffic flow and safety concerns

To help you visualize the current proposal and our suggestions, here are a few links to maps:

City Proposal & Our Suggestion: Google Slides presentation-https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eOUipScs_jmdYYjSfgrqfN4QJ_2mUjz-xGelL0POOug/edit?usp=sharing 

Interactive map of same proposal with photos: Google Map- https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1fgwwv5xjq7jVqTbGrCLvNQnPMSnEB_0&usp=sharing 

We would like your signatures to show the SOMERVILLE MOBILITY DIVISION that we are united as a neighborhood block to respectfully request a meeting to discuss the final solution and placement of the four speed humps on Lexington Avenue.