Car Plows Through Fence Near Central and Clover Intersection

A two-car accident occurred before 7 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection at Central Avenue and Clover Street north of the pedestrian crosswalk. 

Captain Clifford Auchter confirmed that one vehicle was driven through a resident's fence though no injuries were reported.

This accident is the seventh to occur within 11 months near the controversial stretch of Central Avenue between Cambridge and Clover Streets, which is home to the pedestrian-activated HAWK light.

On Feb. 14, the to not endorse a proposal made in a county commissioned report to “replace [the] current mid-block HAWK signal with a ‘standard’ signal installation at Central Avenue and Clover Street.”

For nearly a year and a half, Westfield residents Maria Carluccio, Adina Enclescu and Greg Kasko have attended Council meetings and asked that the Council reconsider the placement of the light, which is placed in front of Enclescu's home. The three believe that the midblock location of the light and the accompanying signage and flashing lights are distracting drivers and contributing to the recurring accidents.

At Tuesday evening's meeting, Carluccio, a Central Avenue resident, addressed the Council and said she is tired of the accidents, beeping horns and near-accidents that occur repeatedly. She told the Council that she was nearly hit by a car attempting to cross after activating the light just recently.

Addressing First Ward Councilman Frank Arena, who said the Council was looking for the Pennoni Report to provide compelling content that would indicate replacing the stoplight with a standard traffic light at the intersection of Central and Clover would be a safer alternative, "What is it that has to happen there for all of you to be compelled to move this light?" Carluccio asked. 

In an unscientific Patch poll that asked readers, "Do you agree with the Town Council's decision to keep the light where it is?" 94 percent disagreed with the Council, five percent agreed, and three percent voted for "Other."