City to apply for trucking ban on Harvard St.

"This group has done a lot of homework," Sacco said, referring to a study that SMRTO did last year, finding that over 500 gas trucks and other rigs pass down the narrow street each day.

SMRTO claims that the trucks endanger nearly 400 children at St. Clement School, located on a nearby cross street. In addition, SMRTO says, drivers swerving to avoid the rigs often clip parked cars, and vibrations from the trucks' wheels have damaged underground sewer and gas lines.

MassHighway, a state agency, would have to approve the trucking ban. SMRTO spokesperson Jim Silva said that Sacco received a contact name at the agency last spring, but did not respond in March to an inquiry on the status of talks with the official.

A MassHighway spokesman told the Globe on Monday morning that his office had no record of contact from Sacco. But Sacco said at the Council meeting that he spoke with an agency official on Monday, and the city now has a plan for submitting the trucking ban application.

Once city engineers document the issues on Harvard Street, Sacco said, MassHighway will receive the application, probably within a month's time.

"There's no doubt that the residents there have a problem," he said.

Their problem, based on Tuesday's meeting, isn't being shy. Several area residents detailed their plight for the Council, without pulling any punches.

"I'm convinced someone's going to drive through my building," said Mary Anne Gatto, of 159 Harvard St.

SMRTO also has said the Medford Police does not enforce a 25 m.p.h. speed limit on the street. Sacco said that officers do their best, but "our numbers are dwindling" in the midst of a city budget crisis.

Patricia Borzych, who lives just off of Harvard Street, wants answers and a safer neighborhood.

"We are tired of being neglected," she said.

Police Chief Leo Sacco chats with SMRTO, a neighborhood group pressuring city
officials.