The Nightmare of Holland Street and Cameron Ave

As a homeowner and Somerville native, I've noticed a great many changes throughout our town. Most recently, the amount of traffic that enters our once quiet neighborhoods during rush hour when people are on their way home.

Most recently, I have noticed the long stretch of cars which extend from the corner of Massachusetts Avenue onto Cameron Avenue. Anyone who travels this road understands the difficult maneuver which awaits them at the corner of Holland Street.  It can be very tricky navigating to the left or right in order to avoid an accident. 

What a relief it would be to wake up one morning to find a traffic light at that corner, a signal to help pedestrians cross as they rush down to Davis Square to catch the train to work. And the amount of time we would save if a light were there to help us get safely across to the other side of the roadway.

Some of the neighbors have noticed an increase of motorists using our street to bypass that intersection. This has led to a steady increase in cars speeding into our narrow streets.

I am concerned there could possibly be a serious accident at this intersection one day and I would like to heighten the awareness of safety for all concerned at this location.

Not far from this location, where our elementary school once stood, there was a fatal accident involving a young girl and motorist. It occured at what is now our neighborhood playground, Hodgkins Park. The tragic event prompted action so that children could cross safely in the future and to provide peace of mind to parents who no longer had to worry when their child crossed the street.  A traffic light was put there to avoid future accidents.

The intersection of Cameron and Holland has become an unsafe section of town and one that should require a traffic device. Many times I have seen mother's rushing with babies in strollers, people walking their dogs, and elderly--frozen with fear as they try to get across the street. The cross walk is not enough. A permanent light would ensure their safety and the safety of motorists and bicyclists at this intersection.

If you have been dealing with this issue as a motorist, pedestrian, bicyclist or just an observer, please share your story. I plan to be persistent on this issue with town officials until there is a remedy to ensure safety for all.