Vote Medford 2007

Full Text: (Q6) South Medford

South Medford is saddled with roads and sidewalks in disrepair, chronic traffic problems and a school complex that is still sitting vacant. If elected, what would you do remedy the situation?

Arena: (Q6) South Medford

Fortunately, the Kennedy-Lincoln School parcel is poised for redevelopment. The proposed municipal parking area on Yale Street should mitigate some of the concerns in this densely populated area of our city. I will continue to work with the residents as well as the businesses of South Medford to address these issues and preserve the quality of life in this proud neighborhood.

Burke: (Q6) South Medford

This question seems to isolate South Medford from the remainder of our city. We have sidewalk and road issues throughout our community. We attempt to address them as funding becomes available. A city wide capital Master Plan needs to be developed by the administration in order for a list of needs to be compiled along with the ranking by need. Then a transparency will exist and you can hold your elected officials to a higher levels when benchmarks are not met. In regards to the Kennedy-Lincoln complex, the City Council recently voted to accept the developers proposal allowing the city to initiate a purchase and sale agreement.

Camuso: (Q6) South Medford

The Lincoln Kennedy School has been sold. The proposed complex will bring additional parking for residents and business. Some of the revenue generated by this new development should go to the revitalization of the South Medford infrastructure. The developer will also pay linkage fees that will be used to directly improve the quality of life in the neighborhood.

Chamberlain: (Q6) South Medford

As stated earlier in question two, proper supervision and implementation of staff create performance that gets the job done. Response to the concerns of citizens who raise questions in their neighborhoods must be addressed. I also believe that former John F. Kennedy school ahs been acquired by Tufts University, despite some apprehension I believe It may improve the property and the area. But expansion of the university must be met by the university helping its neighbors in every way it can.

Dello Russo: (Q6) South Medford

Over the past two years I have worked very successfully with the people of South Medford. I will continue to do so. We have finally sold the Lincoln/Kennedy Schools and will fulfill a development plan that had had citizen participation at every step. I have worked with neighborhood groups to identify infrastructure issues and have helped move towards resolution. I have asked for a traffic study in South Medford and expect one in spring time. Stop signs have been installed on Willis Ave., significantly decreasing the amount of speeding and the number of accidents on that street and all of the cross streets. Portions of Harvard Street will be re-constructed soon. Much has been done for this neighborhood. I will continue to work with the neighbors to get even more done.   

Lungo: (Q6) South Medford

It is not only South Medford's streets and sidewalks that need work. Unfortunately, there are streets and sidewalks all over the city that need to be repaired. It is a public safety issue that is worked on a little each year; as much as our financial status will allow. This year the city council approved a large bond to help remedy the situation. Although I believe the city goes out to bond more than it should, it was something I did support because I know there is a problem and this was one thing we as councillors could do to help remedy it. The bond gave the Department of Public Works the materials and authority to repair a whole host of streets within the city.

I am confident that repaving and new sidewalks will be on the agenda this budget season as well and at that time we need to take a good look at which streets need the most work and start there, whether it be in south Medford, west Medford, or any other section of the city.

Maiocco: (Q6) South Medford

Voted for the sale and development of the Lincoln-Kennedy School complex. Recommended new traffic lights at Hancock & Main, Willis & Harvard. Kenway St. is set for resurfacing.

Will continue to work with the mayor and the involved city departments in pursuing more improvements.

Marks: (Q6) South Medford

First, I would refer you to answers I've given in this form addressing issues of the environment, transportation, and the water and sewer systems.

The 'traffic problems' in Medford are really parking problems, especially in South Medford, because there is no municipal parking lot. So-called 'little' issues like this can have large consequences when neglected. So I think the first thing we have to do is re-assess our use of certain public spaces and how to re-form them to serve the people. For example, the Curtis Tufts School has roughly 48 students. We could relocate the programs placed there to Medford High School and re-cast use of the space. We could open the Tufts School parking lot as municipal parking and either sell off the school or transform it into a badly needed artists' space. The latter would create many revenue opportunities through art classes, art exhibits, and live performances.

Penta: (Q6) South Medford

I believe my compromising resolution supported by the entire council for offering 40 community parking spaces at the newly proposed Lincoln Kennedy school sale should help some of the immediate parking strains in that area. The rest of the problems are administrative actions that are needed to be acted upon.