Resident urges roundabout study after fatal crash; others press board on taxes

A resident told the town board that his granddaughter died in a crash on Sept. 11, 2024 near Kegelbine School on a state expressway and urged the board and Supervisor Marston to press state officials for a highway design study and budgeted funds for a roundabout, mini-roundabout or a four‑way stop to prevent further fatalities.

"My granddaughter was killed on 09/11/2024 near Kegelbine School on a state expressway... I'm asking the board here and, Pete, to advocate for a highway design study," the resident said, asking the board to contact state officials and request funds for a design study and possible safety improvements. He referenced an engineering recommendation for a roundabout and cited a traffic safety engineer's work showing roundabouts can reduce fatalities.

Another resident, Chris Buschka of 2728 Love Road, echoed concerns about safety in the area and separately urged the board to consider fiscal restraint amid rising costs during a reassessment: "If the rate of inflation is approximately 2.47% and our taxes go up 5% after we do a reassessment, I just can't see no end to a ballooning type taxation...please stick to the 2.42.47% or the rate of inflation." Board members acknowledged the safety plea, said the visitor's letter will be discussed at the traffic safety board meeting next week, and invited the resident to attend.

Council members expressed condolences and said the board has the resident's letter and will take it to the traffic safety board. No formal action or resolution was taken at the meeting; members directed staff and encouraged the resident to attend the traffic safety board meeting for further discussion.