Published in the December 16, 2016 edition.

By MARK SARDELLA

WAKEFIELD — A new “Stop” sign for traffic coming out of Centre Street on to Main Street is expected to improve safety at one of the most accident prone intersections in the downtown. The Board of Selectmen approved the new sign this week on the recommendation of the Traffic Advisory Committee.

The TAC recommended that a “Stop” sign be installed along with a painted stop line on Centre Street where it intersects with Main Street. According to Police Lt. Steven Skory, chairman of the TAC, since January of 2010 there have been at least five motor vehicle accidents at this intersection as a result of motorists failing to stop before entering Main Street. There are currently no traffic control devices present at the intersection.

The selectmen also approved another TAC recommendation that Audubon Road be posted with signs that read, “No Standing / No Stopping” on both the west and east sides of the roadway, from Teal Road northbound to include the cul-de-sac.

According to Skory, the TAC met with the three businesses that occupy the end of Audubon Road, (Xyleco, Westrock and RJ Kelly). Each business expressed their concern with tractor trailer units that have been parking in the cul-de-sac, along the curb line and sometimes on the sidewalks of Audubon Road. Their concern is that the trucks block visibility for other motorists, create a safety hazard for pedestrians, prevent other trucks from being able to turn around in the cul-de-sac and that there is trash generated from the truckers. They report that most of these trucks are not in the area for business and are simply using the roadway as a “truck stop.” Some of the trucks are believed to be waiting to make deliveries to businesses at MarketStreet.

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The selectmen received notice from owner James Palano of the termination of the longtime lease of a section of the parking lot behind alano. The parcel had provided a limited number of public parking spaces along with access to an adjacent town-owned lot. Palano exercised a six-month termination clause on the annual lease which ends June 30.

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The selectmen renewed common victualler, liquor and entertainment licenses that come up for renewal every December.

The board renewed the common victualler’s licenses on a list of 70 local restaurants, from Artichokes’ to ZuZu’s.

They renewed 16 restaurant liquor licenses, including Artichokes, Bamboo House, Bellino’s, Brothers Deli & Restaurant, Caffe Italia, Caryn’s, Dockside, Harrington’s, Indian Flames, Laurie’s 909, Feng’s, Portabello, Sabatino’s, Sei Bar, Sakura Organic and the Porch.

They renewed Innholder Liquor Licenses for the Lakeside Inn and the Four Points at Sheraton.

Club liquor licenses were renewed for the Crystal Community Club, the Knights of Columbus and the West Side Social Club.

Beer and Wine licenses were renewed for Phu Ket, Sonny Noto’s, Massimo’s and Cibo.

Package Store liquor licenses were renewed for Caporales, D&M Liquors, Jeffrey’s Package Store, Greenwood Wine & Spirits and Water Street Liquors.

The selectmen renewed lodging house licenses for the Lakeside Inn, Four Points at Sheraton and Wakefield Manor.

The board renewed entertainment licenses for 25 restaurants and other establishments.

They renewed automated devices (electronic games) licenses for Crystal Community Club, Crystal Laundromat, Dockside, Wakefield Bowladrome and the West Side Social Club.

The selectmen renewed the Class I (new car) dealers licenses of Liberty Mazda, Liberty Chevrolet, Liberty Isuzu Truck, 128 Sales Inc., EMS Direct LLC and Subaru of Wakefield. They also renewed 43 Class II (used car) dealer’s licenses.

The board also renewed one fortune teller license for “Psychic Reading” at 391 Main St.

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In other business this week, the Board of Selectmen:

• Approved a request from Marianne Cohen to place a Menorah on Veterans Memorial Common during Hanukkah, with a public event to be held on the first night, Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

• Approved the extension of the town’s water contract with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) for another 10 years through Dec. 31, 2026.

• Approved a change of manager for Water Street Liquors to Jean Ulrich.

• Approved a request from Library Director Sharon Gilley to accept and expend $785 in gifts from various donors.

• Authorized Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio to request bids on a parcel of property on Oliver Street.

• Appointed Gregory S. Powers of 12 Thorndike Rd. to the Commission on Disabilities.

• Appointed two new members to the Bylaw Review Committee: Keith P. LaGraves of 28 West Park Drive and Michelle D. Licciardi of 24 Garden Lane.