Residents Still Concerned About Visibility at Intersection

The town's Public Works Department recently trimmed the hedge at the corner of Canton Springs Road and Dowd Avenue in an effort to improve visibility at the intersection.

Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner said the owner of the property, which formerly housed day-care facilities, agreed to the action after numerous residents filed a petition about ongoing sight-line problems there.

Earlier in the year, the owner agreed to trim a small portion of the hedge, according to a memo from Skinner. Residents, however, said it did not adequately solve the problem and noted at least two summer accidents at the site in their petition. 

The residents asked for the hedge and fence to be removed or reduced to less than three feet in height. The hedge is well less than that but the fence remains.

The width of Canton Springs Road at the intersection has also been raised especially since town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department vehicles use it due to the proximity of the Canton Springs station.

The owner of the property was not willing to gift a portion of the property to the town, according to a memo from Skinner.

The building remains for sale.

In May, The Board of Selectmen asked did not pursue action such as trying to purchase the property or take a portion through eminent domain. Selectmen,  will hear an updated presentation on the issue in this week's meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. It will take place in the , conference room F.