Springfield officials, residents give thumbs-up to improvements to Greenleaf Community Center entrance

The improvements were sparked by a fatal 2009 accident in which a passenger in a car that pulled out of the Greenleaf driveway was struck by an oncoming car.

View full sizeThe Republican | Joe DeburroCity officials and neighborhood representatives say improvements to the entrance to the Greenleaf Community Center on Parker Street in Springfield have made it significantly safer.

SPRINGFIELD – The city has made improvements to the entrance to the Greenleaf Community Center on Parker Street, as requested by neighborhood residents following a fatal car accident in November of 2009.

City officials and neighborhood representatives met Tuesday at the entrance, saying it is significantly safer with some adjustments that included making the entry slightly wider, removing a traffic island on the driveway, improved signage, moving a telephone pole and trimming trees.

The total cost was approximately $15,000, officials said. The parking lot also serves the Sixteen Acres Library, and cars exit on Parker Street, a four-lane road.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Clodovaldo Concepcion, the Ward 5 city councilor and president of the Sixteen Acres Civic Association, were among officials and residents praising the changes to the entrance.

More than 200 residents had signed a petition, seeking a traffic light at the intersection, following an accident on Nov. 30, 2009, that resulted in the death of Verna Mahoney, 88, of Springfield, who was a passenger in a car that pulled out of the Greenleaf driveway and into the path of an oncoming car.

While a traffic light was deemed unfeasible, the city considered other options and pursued the improvements, officials said.

“This really opens it up,” Sarno said. “I was happy to work with Councilor Concepcion in improving this entrance.”

Concepcion praised the mayor and city’s Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management under the direction of Patrick J. Sullivan and working with the Department of Public Works.

“It makes it better,” said David J. Jarnes, association vice-president. “It gives a better view for cars leaving the library and Greenleaf Community Center. I come in and out of here an lot.”