The Harwich Traffic Safety Committee dismissed proposals from a state consultant to convert three local intersections into all-way stops, citing "nonsensical" data and a lack of real-world traffic necessity. The recommendations from MassDOT consultant GPI targeted the intersections of Pleasant Bay Road and Route 39, Sisson Road and South Street, and Lower County Road and Earl Road. DPW Director Lincoln "Link" expressed significant frustration with the state's approach, noting the committee was pressured to respond within 48 hours to a plan that offered "free" signs and engineering that local officials say isn't needed.

Regarding the Pleasant Bay and Route 39 intersection, members noted that recent improvements including flashing signs have already reduced accident severity. Motion Made by J. Beltus to not support a four-way stop at Pleasant Bay Road and Route 39. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Similar logic was applied to Sisson Road and South Street, where members argued traffic volumes are too unequal to warrant an all-way stop. Motion Made by J. Beltus to not support a four-way stop at Sisson Road and South Street. Motion Passed (4-0-1), with member Aram abstaining. Finally, the committee rejected changes at the Lower County and Earl Road intersection to avoid creating "beach road gridlock" during the summer season. Motion Made by J. Beltus to not support a four-way stop at Lower County Road and Earl Road. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The committee also grappled with the Cape Cod Vision Zero report, a regional effort to identify high-fatality and serious-injury locations to secure federal grants. While members were vocal about the poor quality of the data—which they claimed relied on Google Earth and MassDOT crash forms rather than field visits—they ultimately decided to participate to avoid losing out on future funding. I'm in favor of any funding that we can get to improve the roads and sidewalks in Harwich, Vice Chair Jerry Beltus said. If the study gives us some funding and we have input as to where it goes, then I would support it. Chair Linda Sabula shared the skepticism, adding, I know that's something that disappoints me in some of these consultant reviews. They hit Google Earth... they don't actually go to the road. Motion Made by J. Beltus to support the Cape Cod Vision Zero study. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

In a display of "Infrastructure Realism" regarding the town's sidewalk goals, Link updated the committee on the Safe Routes to School project. The initiative, which has been in development since 2018, now carries a staggering $3.1 million price tag to replace just over one mile of sidewalk. Link detailed the bureaucratic hurdles of federal right-of-way acquisition, noting the town spent $34,000 just on an appraisal company. Sidewalks are expensive, Link said, explaining the decision to pay abutters for easements rather than seeking donations to avoid complex federal rules involving mortgage lenders. It's cleaner just to pay people.

The committee also addressed the controversial Pine Oaks Village 4 (POV4) traffic studies. While the Board of Appeals (ZBA) requested input, the committee declined to offer a formal opinion on the competing data between the developer and the town’s consultant, VHB. Link noted that while intersections like Route 124 and Queen Anne Road show poor "levels of service," many issues are caused by driver inattention rather than road design. You can't fix driver inattention, Link remarked. Sabula summarized the stance as a "decline to opine," given that professional traffic engineers are already handling the 40B project’s technical reviews.

Local safety concerns on Julian Road and Ho Road were also discussed following resident inquiries. Sabula noted a lack of curve advisory signage on the winding section of Ho Road, while Aram observed that the road’s geometry naturally limits speed. Without construction, how fast can you honestly go? Aram asked. The committee also briefly reviewed potential speed bumps on Snow Inn Road requested by the Wychmere project, though Link warned that such measures often lead to more noise as cars accelerate away from the bumps. An unidentified resident in attendance indicated their specific questions had been answered during the session.

Concluding the meeting, the board held its annual reorganization. Motion Made by J. Beltus to nominate L. Sabula as Chair, J. Beltus as Vice Chair, and K. Marada as Clerk. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Marada, though present, did not offer substantive policy comments during the session but accepted the clerical role to assist with the committee's ongoing work.