Council Asks for Sign Crackdown at Tuesday Meeting

Councilors Also Suggest Chevalier Theatre as Graduation Site

Chevalier Theatre’s newly-renovated seats. The Council has asked the School Committee to consider the theater for hosting Medford High School’s graduation this spring.

– Allison Goldsberry

Making Medford safer and prettier is a priority, and, according to the City Council, it starts with a fully-staffed police department, tough sign ordinances that are enforced, and a comprehensive plan to improve Medford’s squares.

City Councilor Robert Penta dusted off an old plan of his called “Squares are More,” which calls for a comprehensive plan that addresses the safety, improvement, and beautification of all of Medford’s squares.

Councilor Penta said at least one cop is needed in every square for traffic enforcement and public safety, and the city shouldn’t wait for a tragedy before making that a reality.

Other parts of Councilor Penta’s plan include beautification measures that address store fronts and signage, sidewalk restoration, and lighting.

Councilor Paul Camuso agreed that the police staff needs beefing up, and more cops on the streets will lead to better traffic enforcement and crime-fighting.

Councilor Fred Dello Russo said he created a five-year plan to boost the number of police officers, but nothing has happened.

Another piece of the puzzle is signs- whether there are too many, or are too large, too neon, in poor condition, or abandoned.

Council President Robert Maiocco took issue with numerous signs around the city touting dating services for single Medfordites.

He said the signs were “out of control” and all over the place.

“They’re illegal and they’re denigrating the whole city,” said Councilor Maiocco.

Councilor Stephanie Muccini Burke was concerned about two abandoned signs belonging to the former A & W Electronics on Riverside Avenue. She urged Code Enforcement Officer John Bavuso and Building Commissioner Paul Mochi to take action on the signs, in addition to investigating the abundance of neon signs in the city.

Currently, businesses are only allowed two small neon signs that are no larger than four square feet, or one large six-foot sign.

Councilor Camuso also expressed concern about signs that were in disrepair or that had letters missing. He said that businesses should not be allowed to turn on their illuminated signs until they fix letters that have gone out. The Council’s subcommittee on zoning and signs is considering the proposal.

City Sells off Vacant Fulton Heights Lots for Development

The Council approved the sale of two vacant, city-owned lots in the Fulton Heights for $172,000 to developer Thomas Thomassen. The lots, located on the corner of Bailey and Scott Streets, are on either side of a lot already owned by Thomassen. The developer plans to create two single-family homes on 6,500 square foot lots each.

Neighbors expressed concerns with blasting and water run-off in the rocky area. City Solicitor Mark Rumley met with the neighbors and Thomassen’s lawyer, Jim Valeriani, and, according to Rumley, the developer will take proper precautions and neighbors will be informed every step of the way on mitigation plans for the blasting and water run-off.

High School Graduation at Chevalier Theatre?

After attending a performance of “Cabaret” this weekend at the Chevalier Theatre, Councilor Penta had a vision of a Medford High School graduation in the newly-renovated theater. The Council supported Penta’s resolution to have the School Committee consider the historic theater as a place to hold graduation.