Street Art Project Brings Safety to Lexington
BY MADELYN LUCENTE
A blend of artistry and community activism has transformed the intersection of Kendall Road and Farmcrest Avenue in an effort to raise awareness of pedestrian safety as motorists travel through the popular cut-through. This transformation is the result of a collaborative Street Art project led by local residents, determined to improve neighborhood safety.Kristen Stelljes, affectionately dubbed a “neighborhood hero” by her peers, is one of the leaders of the innovative Neighborway project at the intersection of Kendall and Farmcrest. This initiative, marked by colorful street art in order to improve traffic regulations, has not only beautified the area but also enhanced safety for all residents.
Kristen’s journey began with her concern over the high traffic and frequent accidents in her neighborhood. Kendall Road, often used as a shortcut to avoid the busy intersection at Waltham and Marrett, had become a hazardous stretch, especially for families with children.
The project’s backstory is rooted in a tragic accident in December 2020, involving a collision at the intersection, resulting in a car crashing into Connie Parish and Bill Vogele’s home. This incident shook the community, leading to the installation of stop signs on Farmcrest and, eventually, the Neighborway initiative. Kristen also worked with the town to establish a “Do Not Enter 7am – 9am” sign at Marrett and Kendall, further improving safety.
Connie and Bill, longtime residents of the neighborhood, highlighted Kristen’s pivotal role. “This Neighborway project would not have happened without an enormous amount of time and effort on Kristen’s part. She initiated it, contacted Neighborways Design for ideas and help, rallied the neighbors to support and fundraise, put documentation together, went before various town groups to present the idea, and ultimately got it approved.” They recalled the collaborative spirit that Kristen fostered, turning the project into a community celebration.
Inspired by her time working for the City of Somerville, where similar projects were implemented, Kristen envisioned a Neighborway that would serve as a visual reminder for drivers to slow down and be mindful of pedestrians. “I became familiar with the Neighborway idea because I used to work for the City of Somerville and Somerville has many Neighborways,” she explained. “The city government has found that they’re an effective intervention for helping drivers remember that there are people that live on these streets, and we should drive like our kids live here.”
The process, however, was not without its challenges. Kristen recalled the difficulties in navigating the town’s approval process, as there was no existing framework for such a project. “The biggest challenge was just that we were the first ones in Lexington, so it just took longer because there was no process for doing something like this. The town had to understand what we were trying to do and then agree that we could do it and then develop the process,” she explained.
Despite these hurdles, the project saw overwhelming support from the community. Key contributors included artist Sondra Lucente, who designed the artwork, and numerous neighbors who participated in fundraising and painting. Chris Vickery and Lori Pallian were instrumental in organizing events, while Heather Hartshorn and Connie Parish served as corner captains, coordinating the efforts on the ground.
And, after many months and many meetings, the project’s culmination was a vibrant painting day, where neighbors of all ages came together to transform the intersection. Kristen fondly remembered the day, noting the joy and unity it brought. “It was just really beautiful to see kids of all ages and their parents painting together. Everyone had their own skill, and it turned out way better than we even imagined,” she shared.
A significant factor in the project’s success was the generosity of Sherwin Williams. Heather Hartshorn, another key community member, emphasized this, stating, “We could not have done this without the generosity of Sherwin Williams.” The company not only provided the paint but also sent professionals to assist, ensuring the artwork was durable and vibrant.
The Street Art Project has not only made the streets safer but also strengthened the bonds within the community. As Connie Parish aptly put it, “We had a lot of fun painting with our neighbors. AND it looks really pretty!”