Tradition matters. Public safety also matters Newton mayor defends removal of Italian flag traffic lines

The repainting of Italian flag-colored traffic stripes on Adams Street to standard double yellow lines has sparked outrage in the Newton community, particularly among members of the Saint Mary of Carmen Society. Mayor Ruthanne Fuller defended the decision, citing safety concerns, as the street has a crash rate more than double the average for similar roads in Massachusetts. The society, which underscores the cultural significance of the tricolor lines, criticized the lack of communication from the city and has launched a petition that has gathered over 2,200 signatures to reinstate the stripes. Fuller admitted to a communication failure with festival leaders and residents but stressed that the repainting aligns with federal safety standards. She noted that Adams Street was the only busy road in the area without double yellow lines, which are federally mandated for safety.

The mayor’s office has not addressed further inquiries regarding the community's response. Despite the absence of the colorful lines for the upcoming 90th Annual Italian-American Festival, she offered festival volunteers the opportunity to repaint them adjacent to the yellow lines. The ongoing conflict highlights tensions between public safety regulations and cultural traditions in the community.