Village board faces backlash over dangerous bike lane signage

During a recent village board meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed resolution for the central connection design project and the village's financial management.

One board member expressed strong opposition to the design, citing violations of New York State vehicle and traffic law, specifically section 1234. The member highlighted that the proposed signage directing bicycles to use the full street lane, where no bike lane exists, could create dangerous conditions for both cyclists and motorists. They recounted a personal observation of a near-accident involving a police car unable to pass a bicycle occupying the middle of the street, emphasizing the potential for serious accidents if such signage is approved. The member urged the board to reconsider the resolution, advocating for further study to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Another speaker, James Linden, addressed the village's financial situation, criticizing the board for inadequate fiscal responsibility. He argued that the current resolution fails to address the village's budgetary issues, which he described as unsustainable. Linden called for the board to take accountability for overspending and to make necessary adjustments to the budget rather than increasing taxes. He also pointed out a lack of communication regarding the village's water supply, suggesting that improved management could enhance revenue and support infrastructure maintenance.

The discussions underscored the board's challenges in balancing safety, fiscal responsibility, and community needs, prompting calls for more thorough evaluations of both the proposed design and financial strategies.