Ossipee selectmen approve new signage, pledge vegetation clearing after resident safety complaints

A resident raised renewed safety concerns about speeding, missing signage and obstructed sightlines on Granite Road and Circuit Road at the Selectmen’s meeting, prompting the board to approve new signs and direct public works to reprioritize vegetation clearing.

Bill Abdu, who identified himself as a resident of Circuit Road and Granite Road, told the board he had “been here almost exactly a year ago” about the same safety problems and said “none of the things we talked about at that meeting have been done.” He listed requests made previously: 25 mph speed-limit signs for Circuit Road, additional speed signs on Granite Road, farm signs, and turn-signal reminder signs at a key intersection.

The board discussed enforcement and equipment limits. TJ (public works staff) said sign theft and budget constraints had delayed replacement: “signs go up and they go missing quick” and the town’s current stock included 30 mph signs rather than 25 mph. TJ also said the town prioritized mowing and mulching where paving or heavier traffic required it and noted equipment failures and other urgent work had delayed the remaining items.

Police Chief Bowie (identified in public comments by name) told the board the town had recorded five traffic fatalities in roughly two-and-a-half years and emphasized enforcement limits while the department rebuilds staffing: “we don’t have enough cops,” he said, and added that investigations into fatalities require major staff time. Bowie said the department expected more staffing by next spring and that enforcement must be balanced with other calls for service.

In discussion after public comment, a selectman moved to replace an existing 35 mph limit with 30 mph on a cited stretch and to post Circuit Road at 25 mph “notwithstanding any previous question.” The motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote. The board noted the town can post advisory or lower-limit signs but that some lower limits may be difficult to enforce depending on statutory limits and that cheaper temporary signs would be used until permanent signs could be ordered.

Board members and staff also addressed stolen or vandalized traffic equipment, including electronic message boards the town had purchased with a state grant. TJ and other staff described repeated vandalism and theft of signs and message boards; TJ said the town would temporarily install cheaper signs while permanent replacements are ordered.

Residents also pressed the town to clear overgrowth at specific driveways that block sightlines. TJ said the mulcher could throw debris onto private lawns and that crews would do hand clearing when schedule allows. The board asked staff to raise the priority of the reported locations so work is scheduled sooner.

The Selectmen did not set an exact implementation date for every item but recorded the motion to change posted limits and instructed staff to schedule sign installation and vegetation clearing as budget and personnel allow.

The action followed public comment and a short discussion among selectmen and staff; no ordinance or regulatory change was adopted beyond the posted-sign motion.