Committee approves one-way restriction on one block of Prospect Street

The Middletown Board of Aldermen committee voted to make Prospect Street one-way westbound on the block between North Street and Linden Avenue, approving the change after a second public hearing and a committee discussion of safety and sight-distance concerns.

The proposal, presented by the commissioner, would make Prospect Street westbound only for the single block between North Street and Linden Avenue. "The proposal we have from you a couple of months ago and we had public hearing and now we're having a second public hearing on it is to change the direction of Prospect Street between, North Street and London Avenue to make it heading, west only," the commissioner said.

Committee members said the change addresses a history of accidents and limited sight lines at the North Street intersection. Alderman Kleiner noted outreach to local business owners and cautioned against extending the one-way farther than necessary: "I did get opinions from, Ralph Carr who owns, Chester Printing... My I know that 1 of the it it just going to Beacon Street just made no sense whatsoever." The commissioner and aldermen discussed alternatives that had been proposed, including extending the one-way farther uphill to Highland or starting it at Wickham, but the committee settled on the single block to limit inconvenience to residents and businesses.

Alderman Green said residents he spoke with supported the change for safety reasons: "they... understood that for a little while it might be a change to their daily habits but they understand that, you know, it's a safety reason and would welcome it." Alderman Witt and other members described conflicts at nearby intersections, including difficulties making left turns onto Wickham when other drivers are simultaneously turning, as part of the rationale for restricting downhill travel on the block.

Committee members were told that one-way signs are already in place but covered and that, if approved, the signs could be uncovered and the restriction take effect immediately. "So this 1 way from from North to Linden is already set. If we were to say, go for it, you would just pull the things down tomorrow and we're we're all set," an alderman noted during the discussion.

After discussion, the committee voted to approve the commissioner’s recommendation for a westbound-only one-way on Prospect Street between North Street and Linden Avenue. The committee asked staff to monitor traffic impacts, particularly at the Wickham intersection, and several members said they expected to revisit the change if problems emerged. Alderman Massey suggested a follow-up review in about three months.

The committee’s action was taken during its meeting after a second public hearing; supporters and affected business owners had been consulted at earlier meetings, though the record shows no direct on-the-record resident testimony during this session. The committee did not specify a formal schedule for review beyond members’ verbal agreement to monitor traffic and consider adjustments if safety or congestion issues arise.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve one-way westbound on Prospect Street from North Street to Linden Avenue — Committee vote: approved (voice vote: all in favor).