Over the weekend, a state trooper in Rockport crashed into an MBTA commuter rail train. Last week, a commercial truck hit the gates at a grade crossing in Hanson. That accident came days after a Whitman-Hanson student was struck and killed while walking across the tracks a couple hundred yards to the north.
Abington continues its own mission to improve commuter rail safety this week when it hosts a gathering of MBTA officials in North Abington center to look at two problematic grade crossings.
The local visit comes after Town Manager Scott Lambiase and Selectmen Chairman Alex Hagerty met with MassDOT Chief Safety Officer Patrick Lavin and other MBTA officials on Beacon Hill. That meeting was coordinated by state Sen. John Keenan and was also attended by state Rep. Alyson Sullivan.
Lambiase said it was a productive meeting and the town’s first opportunity to present to high ranking state transportation officials the findings of a recent study showing the disproportionate number of MBTA accidents in Abington
“We said ‘Here’s what the data shows, here’s what we’re seeing and dealing with. We need to partner with us and address these issues’,” Lambiase told Abington News.
Of 32 known train collisions since 1998, 19 of them have happened in Abington. And most of those have happened along a 200-yard stretch between North Avenue and Birch Street.
The MBTA insists that the grade crossings in Abington meet minimum safety standards. But clearly there’s a problem in Abington that doesn’t exist in other communities.
Possible solutions include quad gates and median strips to prevent vehicles from going around signal arms; slower traveling speeds through North Abington; improved streets capes to better define the tracks from parallel roadways; and revamped public education and awareness efforts.
According to those in attendance, Lambiase made it clear to Lavin that it was unacceptable that not a single state official had reached out to the town after any of the accidents – including the fatal ones that claimed the lives of local high school students – and it was instead left up to Abington to seek out a meeting with the MBTA.
“I felt like we got everything out of that meeting we could possibly have hoped for,” said Lambiase. “They were very willing to listen and work with us.”
This week’s onsite meeting is not open to the public but haggerty said there will be an update at the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting on June 12.
FOUNDERS DAY WEEKEND STARTS FRIDAY
Abington celebrates it’s 311th birthday this weekend with a huge slate of events.
The fun starts Friday night with the Kick Off Cook Off at the United Church of Christ in Abington, peaks with the annual fireworks display Saturday night at Memorial Field, and winds down Sunday night with the Founders Day Concert. There’s also a fishing derby, meat raffle, and store walk at Griffins Dairy.
Check out the full calendar of events here.
DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE CAUCUS ON WEDNESDAY
The Abington Democratic Town Committee will choose representatives to the state party convention this Wednesday at 6 p.m., at Town Hall. The state convention is scheduled for Sept. 23 at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell. All registered Democrats are welcome to attend. Contact Kevin Whalen at kevinwhalen79@gmail.com with questions.
POSTSEASON CONTINUES FOR GREEN WAVE TEAMS
Abington High softball and baseball both won their first round games over the weekend and will play again this week in their respective Division 4 state tournaments.
Baseball next plays Wednesday at 4pm at Graham Field against Marlborough-based Advanced Math & ScienceAcademy. Softball will travel to Tyngsboro for a 4 p.m. game.
Boys lacrosse, which got a first round bye, hosts South Shore Tech tonight at 6:30 p.m.
FALL SPORTS TEAM MEETINGS THIS WEEK
It’s just June, but registration for fall varsity sports is underway for incoming 9th – 12th graders.
Interested athletes ask asked to register ASAP here: 2023 Fall Athletic Registration. Students must have had a physical within the past 13 months, a concussion baseline test, and be academically eligible. Interest meetings with coaches will be held next week on the below dates / times.
Tuesday 6/6 – 2 p.m.
Football – Cafeteria
Volleyball – Seminar Room
Cheer – 1216
Golf – 2213
Tuesday 6/6 2:20 p.m.
Boys Soccer – 2105
Cross Country 2127
Wednesday 6/7 – 2 p.m.
Girls Soccer – Seminar Room
ABINGTON GRADUATES ITS CLASS OF 2023
Congratulations to all those who graduated Saturday. Now your life really begins!
Abington Community Access & Media has complete coverage of all senior events from last week.
Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony
MEETING SCHEDULE
MONDAY
Planning Board – canceled
Board of Health, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes updates from the Health Agent, a vote on a notice to retailers about Newport non-menthol cigarettes; and a review of regulations regarding residential wells.
TUESDAY
Democratic Town Committee, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a caucus for delegates to the state party convention.
WEDNESDAY
Finance Committee, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a discussion about post employment benefits and debt schedules.