Middletown committee selects Bedford and High Barney for two speed-activated signs, outlines next steps on speed bumps

Middletown Public Safety Committee members agreed by consensus to allocate the two remaining speed-activated flashing speed signs to Bedford Street and the High Barney intersection of County Route 78, committee members said at a meeting.

Alderman Massey, a member of the Middletown Public Safety Committee, opened the discussion: "I'd like to discuss the proposed speed signs. There's 2 signs. I've had requests for, 3 places." Massey said residents had requested signs at High Barney (County Route 78), South Street near the Orange County Community College daycare, and Bedford Street across from Truman Moon.

The committee heard from the Police Chief, who said the three spots were all locations the department monitors for traffic concerns and confirmed supply limits: "All 3 locations are are areas that we address, traffic concerns. I think preference at this point. Could always buy a third 1, that's a preference as well." The chief said the department had only two signs available.

Committee members compared the sites. Alderman Witt and others noted differences in traffic volume and the presence of traffic-control devices. One member said South Street already has two stop signs nearby that may limit the benefit of a flashing sign there, and others emphasized that Bedford is a downhill hill where drivers tend to pick up speed.

"I would go with Bedford," Alderman Massey said, and later confirmed the committee's choice: "Do you guys feel comfortable with Bedford and, High Barney? Alright. Yes."

Members also raised related traffic-calming measures. Massey proposed trialing speed bumps in residential areas, suggesting two initial locations: near Anthony Street at Magnolia Park, where many children play, and Grama Street/Grand Avenue by Twin Towers; another alderman suggested a location behind Erwin. Massey said the committee plans to meet with the school district about those requests: "We're gonna meet with the school district and see what what they say."

The committee briefly discussed decorative/LED-outlined stop signs. A member asked whether solar-powered stop signs outlined in red LED lights are legal; the chief said he was not sure whether they are "DOT rated ones" and said he would look into them.

No formal roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript; members reached a verbal consensus to place the two signs on Bedford Street and the High Barney/County Route 78 intersection, defer placement on South Street for now, and pursue follow-up steps on speed bumps and LED-outlined stop signs.

Next steps identified in the meeting: the Police Department will proceed with the two speed-activated sign placements at the agreed locations (subject to any required permits or interagency approvals), the committee will meet with the school district about neighborhood speed bumps, and the chief will research whether LED-outlined stop signs meet applicable DOT standards.