The Northampton Transportation & Parking Commission on Nov. 18 recommended that City Council consider amending the ordinance to install an all‑way stop at Finn Street and Prospect Street after a third‑party engineering study recommended the change for safety reasons.

Staff presented the Fosin O'Neil report, noting engineers evaluated turning movements, traffic counts and sight distances and that the study identified poor sight lines at the T‑intersection. DPW said one crash was reported in the study period (Jan. 1, 2021–Dec. 31, 2023). Councilor Moulton, who lives two blocks from the intersection, said the additional stop could address constituent concerns about speeding on Prospect between Finn and Woodlawn.

Public comment was split. Several nearby residents opposed adding another stop, saying a recent signal and existing nearby stops already create backups: "I don't see any problems with that intersection," one commenter said, while others prioritized pedestrian safety and suggested mid‑block crossings or signalized crossings. Traffic‑engineering comments included a legal/technical challenge: one speaker cited MUTCD criteria and recommended alternatives such as moving the stop bar forward or installing a rapid‑flashing beacon (RRFB) to improve crosswalk visibility.

Commissioner Alex Jarrett moved a positive recommendation; Commissioner Devin Bruce seconded. The commission voted by roll call to forward a positive recommendation to City Council (roll call recorded in meeting minutes). DPW staff noted implementation costs for alternate pedestrian devices — an RRFB can cost up to about $50,000 per set — and that any installation would be subject to Council review and further legislative steps.

The commission’s action is advisory; the City Council will review the recommendation and may refer the item to committee for more public comment and additional study.