Philip Gindi

Personal Experience with Non-Car Travel

Please share your recent experiences walking, biking, using public transit, or traveling with someone who has mobility challenges around Melrose. How safe and accessible did you find those experiences outside of a car?

As someone who walks frequently around Melrose, I’ve found that navigating the city outside of a car requires constant vigilance. While I make a point to stay alert and cautious, too many drivers remain distracted and fail to observe basic rules of the road—rolling through stop signs, speeding on residential streets, or failing to yield at crosswalks.

My experience navigating Melrose without a car has been mixed, and I believe many residents would say the same. Safety and accessibility vary based on time of day, location, and infrastructure quality.

• Time of Day: Early mornings and evenings can pose visibility challenges, especially in areas with poor lighting or faded crosswalks. School zones and commuter corridors tend to be more congested, increasing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Location: Some neighborhoods have well-maintained sidewalks and safe crossings, while others lack curb cuts, bike lanes, or consistent snow removal. Accessibility for seniors and those with mobility challenges is uneven across the city.”

Near-Term Municipal Actions

Please name one concrete step the City of Melrose should take within the next two years to make streets and sidewalks safer for people walking, biking, or using mobility devices. How will you ensure this step will serve people of all ages, abilities, and neighborhoods equitably?

We must prioritize traffic calming measures, enforce speed limits, and improve pedestrian infrastructure—especially near schools, parks, and senior housing. I support expanding crosswalk visibility, repairing sidewalks, and investing in safe routes to school programs. I also advocate for data-driven enforcement and full transparency in traffic incident reporting to ensure accountability and informed decision-making. Most importantly, pedestrians must use sidewalks when available. It’s a simple but critical step toward reducing risk and promoting shared responsibility for street safety. Infrastructure improvements alone aren’t enough—we need a culture of mutual respect among drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to make Melrose’s streets truly safe and accessible for all.

City’s Role in Advancing Active Transportation & Climate Goals

Transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions in Massachusetts. What role should the City of Melrose play in encouraging people to travel by foot, bike, or transit? Please share one specific action you would take as a councilor, and explain how it supports Melrose’s sustainability and climate goals.

As a City Councilor, I would champion the implementation of a citywide Green Infrastructure Audit and Investment Plan—beginning with Ward 4. This initiative would identify and prioritize opportunities to install permeable pavement, bioswales, rain gardens, and expanded tree canopy in public spaces and along key corridors. These upgrades would reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and enhance climate resilience while beautifying our neighborhoods.

In tandem, I would advocate for the deployment of intelligent traffic signal systems that use real-time sensors to dynamically adjust signal timing. These systems can detect when vehicles are stopped at an intersection and allow them to proceed when the cross street has no traffic—reducing unnecessary idling, fuel consumption, and emissions. This technology not only improves traffic flow and reduces frustration, but also supports our broader sustainability goals by cutting carbon output and improving air quality.

Together, these initiatives reflect a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure—one that balances environmental stewardship with smart urban planning and equity. I’m committed to building a Melrose that’s greener, safer, and more responsive to the needs of all residents.

School Travel & Family Transportation

Melrose does not provide school buses and students are not assigned to their neighborhood elementary school by default, contributing to significant car traffic at drop-off and pick-up. Name one specific thing you would do to help families who want safe, reliable options to get children to and from school without relying on cars?

As a City Councilor, I would expand and fund a citywide Safe Routes to School infrastructure and engagement program—starting with high-traffic corridors in Ward 4. I strongly advocate for children walking to school. It promotes physical activity, fosters friendships with neighbors and classmates, and reduces both traffic congestion and our community’s carbon footprint. To make this a viable option for more families, we must ensure that walking is safe, accessible, and supported by thoughtful infrastructure and staffing.

A key component will be implementing efficient cross guard deployment—strategically placed to protect children and other pedestrians while minimizing traffic disruption. Safety and flow must be balanced through training, coordination, and real-time feedback. This initiative would include:

• Upgrading crosswalks and sidewalks near schools to ensure ADA compliance and high visibility.
• Installing flashing beacons and speed feedback signs in school zones to calm traffic and protect pedestrians.
• Creating designated walking and biking routes with clear signage and community support.
• Partnering with schools and parent groups to promote walking school buses, bike trains, and supervised transit options.

By making these routes safer and more accessible, we empower families to choose healthier, lower-impact ways to get children to and from school—reducing congestion, improving air quality, and strengthening community ties.

This is a practical, equity-focused step toward a more sustainable and family-friendly Melrose.

Regional Connectivity

Many nearby communities are investing in interconnected trails and paths that support both recreation and commuting. How would you work with neighboring communities and state/regional agencies to expand safe walking and biking connections to and from Melrose?

As a City Councilor, I would actively collaborate with neighboring communities and state/regional agencies to create a more connected, multimodal transportation network that extends beyond Melrose’s borders. This includes:

1. Regional Planning and Coordination • Partner with nearby municipalities like Malden, Wakefield, Stoneham, and Medford to identify shared corridors and gaps in pedestrian and bike infrastructure. • Advocate for joint planning sessions through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) to align priorities and funding strategies.
2. State and Federal Grant Collaboration • Pursue joint applications for MassDOT’s Shared Streets & Spaces and Complete Streets programs to fund cross-boundary improvements. • Coordinate with the MBTA and MassDOT to improve access to transit hubs, including safer bike lanes and pedestrian routes to Oak Grove, Wyoming Hill, and Cedar Park stations.
3. Greenway and Trail Connectivity • Support the expansion and linkage of regional trails like the Northern Strand Community Trail and the Tri-Community Greenway, ensuring Melrose has safe, continuous access points. • Work with DCR and local land trusts to preserve and enhance green corridors that double as active transportation routes.
4. Data Sharing and Pilot Programs • Establish data-sharing agreements with neighboring cities to track usage, safety incidents, and infrastructure needs. • Pilot cross-jurisdictional signage, wayfinding, and bike-share programs that make regional travel intuitive and safe for all users.

By thinking beyond city lines, we can create a truly connected network that supports walking, biking, and transit access across the region—reducing car dependency, improving public health, and strengthening economic ties between communities.

Street Design & Business Districts

How can street design improve safety and foot traffic in Melrose’s business districts? Name one specific thing you would do to encourage the city and business community to make these areas more inviting for people walking, biking, or arriving by transit?

Street Design for Safer, More Vibrant Business Districts Melrose’s business districts should be safe, walkable, and economically vibrant. As a City Councilor, I will advocate for the following aspirational approaches to street design—grounded in proven best practices and tailored to our local context:

1. Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Priority • Curb extensions at intersections reduce crossing distances and improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. • Raised crosswalks and textured pavement signal pedestrian zones and slow vehicle speeds. • Reduced lane widths and tighter turning radii naturally slow traffic and discourage speeding through commercial areas.
2. Enhanced Sidewalks and Accessibility • Widened sidewalks accommodate foot traffic, outdoor dining, and ADA-compliant features like tactile paving and curb ramps. • Consistent lighting and wayfinding signage improve safety and encourage evening activity, supporting local businesses.
3. Placemaking and Public Realm Improvements • Street trees, benches, and planters create a welcoming environment and encourage people to linger and shop. • Parklets and pedestrian plazas convert underused curb space into community assets, boosting foot traffic and retail visibility. • Seasonal installations and public art activate spaces and draw visitors to local storefronts.
4. Smart Design for All Modes • Protected bike lanes and bike parking support multimodal access and reduce car dependency. • Loading zones and ride-share drop-offs help manage curb space without disrupting pedestrian flow.
5. Community Engagement and Data-Driven Planning • Walkability audits and business-owner feedback loops ensure that design changes reflect real-world needs and build local support. • Pilot programs and tactical urbanism allow for low-cost, temporary installations to test ideas before permanent investment.

One specific action I would take as a City Councilor is to establish a Melrose “Streets for Commerce” incentive program—a public-private partnership that offers matching grants and streamlined permitting for businesses and property owners who invest in pedestrian-, bike-, and transit-friendly improvements. This program would encourage storefronts and commercial blocks to: • Install bike racks, benches, and shaded seating areas • Enhance sidewalk frontage with planters, lighting, and ADA-compliant access • Offer discounts or promotions for customers arriving by foot, bike, or transit • Participate in seasonal events like “Open Streets” or “Walk & Shop” weekends By aligning city support with business investment, we create a shared commitment to vibrant, accessible commercial districts. This initiative would not only improve safety and foot traffic—it would also strengthen local commerce, reduce car dependency, and reinforce Melrose’s sustainability goals.

Budget and Staffing Priorities

Budget cuts impact the City’s ability to implement street projects, pursue state transportation grants, and enforce safety laws. What specific actions would you take (e.g., prioritizing budget, accessing other funding sources) to improve the City’s ability to respond to resident requests (e.g., traffic calming, speed enforcement, street design, etc.)?

As a City Councilor, I would pursue the following aspirational actions to ensure Melrose responds effectively to resident concerns about traffic calming, speed enforcement, and street design:

1. Prioritize Budget Allocation for Street Safety • Advocate for a dedicated line item in the annual budget focused on traffic calming and pedestrian infrastructure. • Earmark funds for high-impact, low-cost interventions such as speed feedback signs, curb extensions, and raised crosswalks. • Promote transparency in how street safety funds are allocated and spent, with regular public reporting.
2. Leverage State and Federal Funding Sources • Pursue grants through programs like MassDOT’s Shared Streets & Spaces, the Complete Streets Funding Program, and the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) initiative. • Collaborate with city staff to maintain a grant-ready inventory of shovel-worthy projects, enabling rapid response when funding becomes available. • Partner with regional planning agencies to identify co-funded opportunities and secure technical assistance.
3. Implement a Resident Request Tracking System • Establish a public-facing dashboard to track street safety requests, status updates, and timelines. • Triage requests based on urgency, equity, and feasibility—not just volume or visibility. • Use data from the system to identify recurring issues and proactively address problem areas.
4. Pilot Tactical Urbanism Projects • Support temporary, low-cost installations—such as paint, planters, and signage—to test traffic calming ideas before committing to permanent infrastructure. • Engage residents in evaluating these pilots to build trust, gather feedback, and refine designs.
5. Strengthen Enforcement and Data Collection • Advocate for targeted speed enforcement in high-risk areas, guided by resident reports and traffic studies. • Promote the use of mobile speed feedback trailers and automated counters to gather actionable data. • Ensure enforcement is equitable and focused on safety—not revenue generation.

These actions reflect a proactive, transparent, and community-centered approach to street safety. I’m committed to making Melrose’s streets safer, more equitable, and more responsive to the people who use them every day.”

Most Pressing Street Safety Issue

What do you see as the single most pressing street safety issue in your ward (for ward council candidates) or in the city as a whole (for at-large candidates)? As a City Councilor, how would you address it?

The single most pressing street safety issue in Ward 4 is the combination of speeding and deteriorating pedestrian infrastructure—specifically defective roads and sidewalks.

Speeding remains a persistent threat to pedestrian safety, especially near schools, parks, and residential intersections. Drivers often ignore posted limits, and enforcement is inconsistent. This creates daily hazards for children, seniors, and anyone walking or biking through the neighborhood.

Compounding the problem are cracked sidewalks, uneven pavement, and poorly marked crosswalks, which make walking difficult and dangerous—particularly for those with mobility challenges. In winter, these conditions worsen, increasing the risk of slips, falls, and isolation for vulnerable residents.

As a City Councilor, I would prioritize targeted traffic calming measures, enforce speed limits with data-driven precision, and invest in sidewalk repairs and ADA-compliant upgrades. These are foundational steps toward building a safer, more walkable Ward 4—and a more responsive city overall.

As a City Councilor, I would take a two-pronged approach to address the most pressing street safety issues in Ward 4—speeding and deteriorating roads and sidewalks—by combining local budget prioritization with aggressive pursuit of state and federal aid.

1. Budget Prioritization

• Advocate for a dedicated line item in the city’s capital improvement plan for traffic calming and pedestrian infrastructure.
• Ensure funds are allocated for high-impact, low-cost solutions like speed feedback signs, raised crosswalks, and sidewalk repairs.
• Push for transparent reporting so residents can track how safety funds are spent and which areas are prioritized.

2. State and Federal Funding

• Pursue grants through MassDOT’s Shared Streets & Spaces and Complete Streets Funding Program, which support walkability, ADA upgrades, and traffic calming.
• Apply for federal programs like Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) to fund comprehensive safety audits and infrastructure upgrades.
• Work with city staff to maintain a grant-ready inventory of projects so Melrose can act quickly when funding becomes available.

By combining smart budgeting with external funding, we can make meaningful progress on street safety without overburdening local taxpayers. I’m committed to ensuring Ward 4 gets its fair share of investment—and that every resident can walk, bike, or drive safely through their neighborhood.