The Leominster City Council meeting on September 22, 2025, focused on two significant topics: the proposed installation of four-way stop signs at the intersection of Lindell Avenue and Abbott Avenue, and a request for special legislation regarding police positions in the city.
During the meeting, resident James Gaffney expressed his opposition to the proposed stop signs, citing guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation. He emphasized that the installation of such traffic controls should be based on thorough engineering studies and crash data, as outlined in the Federal Highway Administration's manual. Gaffney urged the council to consider these factors along with recommendations from the Department of Public Works and the Leominster Police Department before making a decision.
The discussion highlighted ongoing concerns about traffic safety at the intersection, with council members acknowledging that previous efforts to address the issue had not yielded a solution. The conversation will continue as the council seeks to find a safer alternative for the area.
In a separate agenda item, Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella requested that the city council submit a request for special legislation to exempt the positions of police lieutenant and police sergeant from certain state laws. This request aims to streamline the hiring process for these roles within the Leominster Police Department. The chief of police and Captain Fred were present to provide further details on the implications of this legislation.
The meeting concluded with the council members agreeing to keep the dialogue open on both topics, emphasizing the importance of community safety and effective governance.