The Northampton Transportation and Parking Commission convened on June 17, 2025, to address several key issues, with a significant focus on a traffic calming request for Massasoit Street. The request, submitted on December 20, 2023, highlighted concerns from residents regarding increased vehicle traffic, particularly attributed to the nearby YMCA and cut-through traffic from Prospect to Elm Street.

During the meeting, Chief of Police provided a five-year collision analysis, revealing four reported collisions between February 2019 and February 2024. The incidents included vehicles pulling out of driveways and minor accidents involving parked vehicles. Speed data collected from August 31 to September 12, 2024, indicated that while the posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour, the average speed recorded was 25 mph, with the 85th percentile speed at 30.3 mph. This data suggests that a notable portion of drivers are traveling at or above the speed limit.

Commission members discussed the characteristics of Massasoit Street, which is approximately 2,200 feet long and 25 feet wide, with sidewalks present on both sides for most of its length. The conversation included suggestions for potential traffic calming measures, such as lowering the speed limit to 25 mph and implementing parking regulations to create a chicane effect, which could help slow down traffic.

Councilor Jared expressed concerns about the current speed data, noting that the 85th percentile speed being at the limit indicates that one in seven drivers is speeding. He advocated for measures to reduce traffic speed on Massasoit Street. Other commission members, including Carolyn and Brandy, contributed thoughts on specific sections of the street that may require more attention due to higher traffic speeds and the influence of nearby facilities like the high school.

The commission concluded the discussion without any public comments or additional input from members, indicating a need for further exploration of traffic calming strategies for Massasoit Street. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of managing traffic flow and safety in residential areas, with a commitment to prioritize community concerns in future planning.