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Police commission approves crosswalk beacons, three‑way stop and routine business; Mill Road still under review
Summary
The commission approved RRFB crosswalk upgrades at Park Street and Saint John’s, authorized a new three‑way stop at Lee and Elm to address pedestrian safety, and approved routine items including uniform invoices and the 2026 meeting schedule; Mill Road will remain under study.
The New Canaan Police Commission on Nov. 18 approved several traffic‑safety and administrative items in a meeting that also included budget and staffing updates and recognition of a departing commissioner.
Traffic and pedestrian safety: Town staff proposed upgrading the flashing crosswalk at Park Street and Saint John’s to rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) to match installations elsewhere in town; the commission approved the change by voice vote. Staff said the RRFBs are more visible to drivers and improve pedestrian safety. "The rapid rectangular flashing beacon is now the state of the art," staff said during the presentation.
At the same meeting the commission approved a request to install a three‑way stop at Lee Street at Elm to address increased pedestrian traffic to a nearby town park and sight‑line concerns. Staff said traffic volumes meet the applicable warrants and noted a practical implication: "The moment it becomes an always stop, we have to remove the RRFBs," a staff member cautioned, because the devices would conflict with a permanent all‑way stop. Commissioners discussed potential rear‑end crash risk and whether to delay action pending other nearby development. The motion to install the stop was moved, seconded and approved.
Mill Road: Staff reported ongoing evaluation of narrow Mill Road and said major engineering interventions (sidewalks or widening) are difficult; commissioners agreed to keep the topic on periodic review rather than act now.
Routine approvals and reports: The commission approved uniforms and clothing invoices and the 2026 meeting schedule. The chief presented monthly statistics and budget tracking (year‑to‑date spending cited near 32.5%), noted increases in vehicle stops, fewer injury crashes and staffing improvements including anticipated field‑training completions. Two letters of appreciation were acknowledged, including recognition of Detective Tom Patton, who will retire in January and be succeeded by Kelly Boffin.
Recognition and adjournment: Commissioners and staff thanked Commissioner Paul on his final meeting. The meeting adjourned after a motion and voice vote.
