Residents ask town to study speed bumps after stop signs removed

Residents told the town at its meeting that removing stop signs in a neighborhood has led to faster driving and safety concerns for children playing nearby.

Resident (Speaker 3) said, “we've got a green Jeep that turns the corner on 2 wheels,” and urged the council to consider physical traffic calming, not just signage. Multiple residents described the stop signs, which had been removed, as previously effective at slowing traffic and said their removal has created “a freeway” through their block.

The discussion focused on whether the town should reinstall stop signs, install speed bumps or other traffic calming devices, and who requested the original removal. Resident (Speaker 1) asked that the issue be paused so the town could gather specific cost information. Resident (Speaker 3) seconded that request.

By procedure, the board agreed to table the discussion for two weeks to allow staff to collect cost estimates and options for speed bumps and other traffic-calming measures. Participants said the stop signs would remain in place until the board revisits the item in two weeks.

The topic arose during the meeting's public discussion portion and drew several speakers, including other residents who described children playing near the affected streets and recommended solutions used by other towns, such as speed bumps. No formal ordinance change or binding infrastructure order was adopted at the meeting; the board directed staff to return with estimates and options.

Next steps: staff will prepare cost estimates and implementation options for traffic-calming measures and present them at the next meeting two weeks hence.