Residents voice concerns over downtown traffic safety near Riverfront Athletic Club

The Hudson Plan Commission meeting held on May 6, 2025, addressed several community concerns, particularly focusing on traffic safety in downtown Hudson. The discussion began with a resident's observations about the high speeds of vehicles on Second Street during early morning hours. The resident noted that cars often exceed the speed limit, especially around 6:30 AM, creating dangerous situations for drivers attempting to make left turns from the Riverfront Athletic Club.

The resident expressed concern about the flashing yellow light at Walnut Street, which allows vehicles to accelerate through the area. They highlighted that this issue has been ongoing, with drivers speeding from Vine Street and not slowing down until they reach the Marina. The conversation shifted to pedestrian safety, with the resident mentioning a public parking lot located mid-block between Walnut and the bakery, where pedestrians frequently cross the street. They recounted a recent incident where a driver, frustrated by a stopped vehicle yielding to pedestrians, sped through the area, nearly causing an accident.

Commission members acknowledged the resident's concerns and discussed the potential for increased police presence in the downtown area to address speeding and improve safety. The idea of generating revenue through traffic enforcement was also briefly mentioned, though it was noted that this should not be the primary motivation for addressing the issue.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that further discussions on traffic safety measures would be necessary, as community members continue to voice their concerns about the dangers posed by speeding vehicles and pedestrian safety in downtown Hudson. The commission plans to revisit this topic in future meetings to explore possible solutions.