Cambridge Officials Discuss Speed Cameras and Street Redesigns Amid Traffic Safety Concerns

Cambridge city officials said Monday they are considering a range of new traffic-calming measures, including redesigned streets, raised crosswalks, and the possible return of speed cameras, as complaints about speeding and reckless driving continue across Cambridge.

“We have a lot of people who just don’t want to follow the law in the community on so many levels, and this just happens to be one of them,” City Manager Glenn Steckman said during a comment period following the regular city commissioner’s meeting.

“We are also discussing the possibility of bringing speed cameras back into town that could be actually moved,” Steckman said.

Ward 3 Commissioner Frank Stout raised concerns about speeding on Somerset Avenue and near Sandy Hill Elementary School, saying residents continue to press for physical traffic-calming measures.

“I’m still an advocate, whether you call it a speed hump or whether you call it a raised crosswalk to see some action, particularly in front of Sandy Hill,” Stout said. “The sooner that happens at Sandy Hill Elementary, the better.” 

Ward 5 Commissioner Brian Roche said the city’s broader approach to road design must change if officials want to meaningfully reduce speeding.

“We’ve built highways through our neighborhoods,” Roche said.

“What we really need to do is actually redesign the streets for the speed that we want people to go,” he said. “It’s not hard to do. It actually saves money.”

Roche said he plans to introduce legislation adopting the National Association of City Transportation Officials guidelines for future street construction and redesign projects.

“We start redesigning our streets, particularly the new ones, as streets, not highways,” Roche said.

Commissioners also approved an extension of the application deadline for open Cambridge Waterfront Development Inc. board seats after several applications arrived after the original May 8 deadline. The deadline was extended until 4:30 p.m. on May 26.

“We’re very grateful that people are applying, and I look forward to filling those seats,” Roche said.

Commissioners also approved renewal of the city’s auditing contract with PKS & Company for another three years at an average annual cost of $86,900.

Finance Director Perry Peregoy praised the firm’s experience with municipal accounting and grant compliance.

“‘Their knowledge of and awareness of all the aspects of the grant accounting has served us beyond belief,’” Peregoy said.

The council also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Deep Harbour Master Association related to construction access for the Trenton Street pump station replacement project.

Steckman said construction is expected to begin in early to mid-June.

“We’ve been dealing with the master HOA,” Steckman said, while acknowledging ongoing concerns from some sub-associations within the development.

During a human resources update, officials said the city received 55 applications for its Portia Johnson-Ennels Youth Internship Program, the largest number in the program’s history.

“There are fewer and fewer opportunities for young people just coming out of high school for opportunities for employment,” Steckman said.

Mayor Lajan Cephas-Bey, participating remotely while recovering from a medical issue, said expanding opportunities for local youth should remain a city priority.

“These children in this community, they are our responsibility,” Cephas Bey said. “It is our responsibility to create opportunities for them.”

Commissioners also approved permits for the Cambridge-South Dorchester High School senior parade, a wedding reception at Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh, and the 2026 Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race at Long Wharf.