NEWTON, Mass. — City leaders say they are making additional safety improvements to West Newton Square to help Sweet Tomatoes employees and customers feel safe as the restaurant prepares to reopen.
In March, police said a driver ran a red light and crashed into the front of Sweet Tomatoes, killing two people and injuring six others.
"I feel more vulnerable crossing the street, for no real reason, but I think twice now," resident Annette Seaward told FOX25. "I think when I'm stuck on that median, what if somebody lost control of their car?"
Thursday night, residents and business owners met with city leaders to ask about safety at the Washington and Chestnut Street intersection as part of a larger overall plan to enhance safety and aestestics in the village.
"It's a cause of concern for the owners of Sweet Tomatoes and for the customers there," Councilor Ted Hess-Mahan told city officials.
DPW Commissioner Jim McGonagle told the crowd the city was prepared to install 13 concrete protective bollards on the sidewalk in front of Sweet Tomatoes and other businesses on Washington Street.
"These are crash tested for vehicles hitting them at thirty miles per hour, so this will provide a level of protection for pedestrians and also the storefronts there," McGonagle said.
McGonagle told FOX25 city leaders met with the owners of Sweet Tomatoes, who expressed concerns that employees were nervous about returning to the building when the restaurant reopens.
"They requested the city do some sort of protection there," McGonagle said. "Obviously it was very tragic to the community, and we came together, and we are looking forward to seeing Sweet Tomatoes open again."
McGonagle said the owners told city officials they plan to reopen in late August or early September.
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