News

Newly installed median driving controversy in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Drivers in New Bedford are concerned with a freshly installed median they say was designed to deter panhandling.

The blocks in the median at Route 6  and Pleasant Street are set at a slant, in an effort to keep people from standing on it.

Some are calling it cruel, since it's virtually impossible to stand on the blocks anymore.

In a letter to the Mayor, three city councilors called the design 'inhumane architecture' and a "medieval tactic" - aimed at physically preventing people from panhandling on that median.

"There are reasons why there are people out there - not enough jobs, mental illness, drugs - [and] rather than trying to fix and come up with a solution, we are possibly putting some of them at risk," said City Councilor Maria Giesta.

On the other hand, City Councilor Scott Lima defends that installing the blocks is a move to help people.

"I think caring for folks is making sure they're not going to get into a situation where they're going to get hit by a car," said Lima.

Boston 25 News looked up the intersection before the construction on Google's mapping feature "Street View."

Photos taken by Google's cameras in 2015 and 2017 show people standing on the median asking for money.

On Tuesday, our crews saw a man panhandling across the intersection.

Residents are divided on the issue, where some are saying it's sad people "can't panhandle or stand over there."

"It [panhandling] holds up traffic - you've got cars, you've got accidents, it's a good idea, it's a wonderful idea," Makayiah Glover.

While the Mayor declined to speak on camera, his spokesman sent Boston 25 News the following statement:

"The improved median strip is intended to address an increasingly dangerous situation where people walking along the median have put both themselves and motorists at risk."

The statement made no reference to panhandling, but the city is planning on installing signs encouraging residents to donate to local charities.