(This essay was awarded second price in the “under 21 years” group in the contest on “Ideas for Norwood’s Future Development” conducted by the Women’s Community Committee.
By DIANE WEISUL AND MARCIA TOBIN
During the past few years many streets and roads in Norwood have been badly neglected due to lack of manpower. As a result they are proving to be a hazard to motorists and bicyclists alike. Bad corners, steep hills and un-marked deadend streets are dangerous to those to whom they are unfamiliar. Much time could be saved for citizens by lengthening streets and providing better means of transportation to some parts of town.
At the present time some of our roads provide more thrills than a roller. Winslow Avenue and Wilson Street, though comparatively short roads, are well-traveled, the only trouble being that they look it. There are many patches liberally sprinkled on them but they only add to the roughness. What these roads need is a complete resurfacing job.
The corner formed by the joining of Chapel and Washington streets is hazardous to motorists because of its position. Coming down Chapel Street the corner is difficult to turn because one must watch Washington Street for approaching cars at the same time. To add to this difficulty Washington Street plunges down into a steep winding hill. In icy weather it is almost impossible to guide a car through this area. This problem could be solved by continuing Chapel Street as originally planned across the railroad tracks into South Norwood.
The many privately owned roads which branch off Nichols Street would be an added attraction to the town if bought. They are not kept up by private individuals and many people like to ride over them, for the scenery by the roadside is beautiful Some of the property on one of these unnamed streets, which borders Germany Brook, would be an ideal spot for a picnic grove. There is not as yet. a suitable place for picnicking in this vicinity
By the First High Bridge where Upland Road, Washington Street and Prospect Street join to form an intersection there is a dangerous blind corner This corner where Washington Street disappears under the bridge is too narrow for the traffic which passes through. The steep hill before the bridge does not help matters, for in the slippery weather, it is one of the most dangerous places in Norwood. This problem could be partly solved by widening the road under the bridge and dividing it into two lanes. By doing this motorists would not have to worry about cars approaching from an opposite direction.
Cedar Street, which is a dead-end on both sides should be connected into one through way. If this was done much time could be saved for those wishing to enter South Norwood and it would also divert traffic from the main road Frankly we cannot see why this has not been done as the sidewalk already connects the two sides.
Bicycle Lanes on our crowded main streets would be a great improvement to the town. A narrow lane about three feet wide could be provided for bicyclists on either side of the road. This would keep many motorists from interfering with bicyclists and vice versa. Many bicyclists lose control of their bicycles when they are surprised by a sudden toot of a horn behind them and motorists are often unnerved by the sight of bicyclists scooting along in front of them.
At the intersection formed by Washington Street and Guild a safety zone could be built in the center of the street so that pedestrians could cross safely. Traffic lights would also help the situation The way the streets are now built, one is constantly in danger of being hit by cars. Many mothers do not allow their children to go to the theater or other amusement places when it is necessary to cross this place.
The trolley tracks which are still in the center of town should be taken out. They are a perpetual hazard to motorists in slippery weather. A person has but to catch his bicycle wheel in one of these tracks to realize the necessity of having them removed It is almost impossible to steer the bicycle out of the rut These tracks have been taken out of less important parts of town, why not remove them from our busiest and most used section?
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)