Newburgh leaders agreed Aug. 13 to monitor a single speed table installed on Water Street and return the item to the town council for a formal recommendation after about one month. The council discussed plans to study the whole corridor — including a potential crosswalk at Jennings and Market and additional calming measures — before deciding on more installations.

Supporters including several downtown business owners told the council the device could reduce speeding that makes it difficult for customers to cross the street. At the meeting a resident questioned the broader fiscal context and said recent council spending decisions warranted more transparency.

The town manager’s office said the speed table was never intended to be the only measure. Staff described a corridor-based approach: a crosswalk design at Jennings and Market with speed calming near Washington and Jefferson, and a data review before any additional devices are installed. The manager said the council would receive a report and likely discuss the item again at the council’s second meeting in September.

Council discussion noted mixed public feedback: several business owners who contacted staff were supportive; some nearby residents remain opposed to installing traffic-calming devices within the historic district. One council member said many negative comments seen on social media were coming from outside the town limits. Another member urged stronger police presence as an alternative to physical devices, citing budget constraints for next year.

The record at the meeting included specific cost references provided by staff and speakers: the device was originally discussed at about $5,000, and an additional roughly $4,000 was cited for converting a bump into a speed table; staff said if several installations were pursued the total could approach the town’s $50,000 threshold that triggers formal bidding. Town staff said no further installations have been approved and emphasized the council will study corridor data and return with a recommendation.

The council did not vote to add more speed tables. Instead, the council directed staff to monitor the trial, gather data and community feedback, and bring a recommendation back to the council at the planned September meeting. The council emphasized that any future installations in the historic district would be considered carefully to avoid excessive signage or visual impacts.

Background: The town installed the single device after discussion at the police commission and follow-up internal review. Town leadership characterized the approach as proactive — one element of a broader traffic-calming corridor plan — rather than a standalone solution.