Amherst gets new crosswalk near Amethyst Brook area

By Scott Merzbach
Staff Writer

Published on September 05, 2008

AMHERST - A new crosswalk will make it easier for pedestrians to cross Pelham Road to Amethyst Brook Conservation Area.

Even though the crosswalk could not be approved by the Department of Public Works because it is not considered compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Select Board approved its installation Monday.

The painting of the crosswalk within the next few weeks, just east of the intersection with Ward Street, came at the request of Beth Moonstone of Thayer Street. Moonstone told the board that Amethyst Brook is a haven for dog walkers, children and hikers on the Robert Frost Trail.

Without the crosswalk, many drivers heading toward Pelham may sense they are leaving Amherst and have little concern about pedestrians in the road.

"Any paint in the road gives a visual sign that you're still in town," Moonstone said.

Her request was approved by the Public Works Committee. In a letter to the Select Board, chairman Robert Crowner wrote, "The committee believes that the necessary improvements will be negligible in expense and effort."

Though the Disability Access Committee was not consulted, Town Manager Larry Shaffer said the town will work to make the crosswalk fully compliant within the next year. This could occur after road improvements on Pelham Road, including its resurfacing, are completed.

While there is a sidewalk on the south side of Pelham Road, the north side near Amethyst Brook is filled with grass. In an email to the board, DPW Superintendent Guilford Mooring said a new sidewalk could be placed on the north side of Pelham Road this fall or next spring.

Shaffer said it was important to be responsive to people asking for the safer crossing first and then incorporate the ADA needs at a later point.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.