Mill Street Redesign Sparks Debate: Can Worcester Shift from Car Culture to Safer Streets?

Photo-Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MASS.-Members of the Radio Roundtable, Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman, begin the hour by remembering Bill Coleman for his love of Worcester.
Mill St. is back as a topic in Worcester. The street has a long history as a throughfare for speeding and accidents. City Councilor Moe Bergman is questioning the extent of the redesign’s impact on safety. Many residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s redesign, which has led to questions about what future street configurations will look like.

Matt Wally reviews the arguments presented by City Councilors regarding cost and the data provided. Is the amount of traffic on the street down? Are speeds down? How are residents relating to the changes?

Guillermo Creamer says that we need to focus on the fact that “road diets”- these reconfigurations – save lives. He also argues that we can’t be a city going forward that relies solely on cars. That public transportation, a fare-free WRTA, bikes, more bike paths, and a more walkable city must all be pursued. Creamer agrees with the City Manager that more data, over time, needs to be examined. He says it takes time.

Randy Feldman says there are valid criticisms and questions. He says the design is something new to the city of Worcester and created confusion. Feldman asks Can public policy lead lifestyle changes? He is skeptical that in a mid-sized town, where people have always used their cars, it is possible to change people’s habits effectively. Feldman feels we simply don’t have the density of NYC or other cities where the bike paths are used to significant effect.