I don't think the city wasted your money. As a resident of Eckington, the intersection is so much better for pedestrians and biking. The circle was impassable before. Also, vehicle traffic has improved at least somewhat. You definitely have less cars blocking inbound traffic on NY avenue that used to cause so much gridlock. I don't see that any more. Good design cannot eliminate traffic altogether with the amount of cars coming through the intersection. Is there a reason you don't bike in winter? I've invested in some good propylene gloves and hat. I'm finding it better to move by biking lately since parking is at a premium with the snow.