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Middletown committee weighs stop sign at Wisner Avenue and Wisner Place amid school‑period congestion
Summary
Officials debated adding a stop sign at the Wisner Avenue/Wisner Place T‑intersection after a traffic analysis warned it could increase congestion during school dismissal; ward representatives argued signage would improve safety and awareness. No formal vote was recorded.
MIDDLETOWN — City officials spent the meeting debating whether to install a stop sign at the T‑intersection of Wisner Avenue and Wisner Place after residents requested added traffic control.
The police chief presented automated traffic counts and a software summary showing heavy peak‑period vehicle volumes, saying the data indicate that "by adding another stop sign there, you're gonna just increase that congestion." The chief warned that additional signs could exacerbate delays during morning and afternoon peaks, including school dismissal times.
Several members representing the 1st Ward pushed back on that assessment, stressing pedestrian and student safety. Kevin, who said he travels the area daily, argued the visual cue would help young drivers and pedestrians during dismissal and stated, "I would vote to have that." Other members noted the presence of many young drivers and the proximity of school foot traffic as factors in favor of visible signage.
A point of legal context arose in discussion: one speaker cited New York State law that a T‑intersection requires drivers to stop, noting that signage would largely repeat an existing legal obligation; others countered that a posted sign improves driver awareness even where the law already applies.
The committee did not record a formal motion or roll call vote in the transcript. Members agreed to leave the decision to the alderman for the 1st Ward to pursue local follow‑up; the chair stated the committee "all agree[d]" and moved on to the next agenda item.
Next steps noted in the discussion: the 1st Ward alderman is expected to coordinate follow‑up locally and consult with staff on signage placement and timing. No formal implementation timeline or ordinance was recorded in the transcript.
