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Council delays stop signs and speed‑table on Willow Drive, orders study and public input
Summary
After extensive public comment about safety and vehicle clearance, the South Berwick Town Council voted 5‑0 to take no immediate action on proposed stop signs and a speed table at Buttonwood Road and Willow Drive, directing staff to pursue engineering review and include the segment in the active transportation study.
The South Berwick Town Council voted unanimously to take no action at its May 26 meeting on a proposal to install two stop signs and a speed table at Buttonwood Road and Willow Drive, instead directing staff to pursue a study and public-input process.
The motion to take no action that evening (item 26‑69) passed 5‑0 after more than an hour of public comment. Residents urged caution: Donna Kilgaro, who identified herself as a Willow‑area resident, said speed tables can damage low‑clearance vehicles and cited vehicle clearances that “can only be 2 to 3 inches” for some cars; she suggested alternatives such as movable signs or a solar crosswalk. A former Maine state trooper who spoke during public comment advised the council to rely on engineering studies and FHWA/MUTCD guidance, saying, “Stop signs are not recommended primarily as speed control devices.”
Councilors and staff echoed the need for more data. During discussion the council noted the town’s active transportation consultant (BHB) has funding for conceptual designs and that the active transportation plan includes recommendations aimed at Willow Drive. Council members asked staff to add conceptual engineering and targeted enforcement options to the town’s scheduled active‑transportation outreach: a public input session is set for June 30 and the consultant’s final presentation is scheduled for August 11.
The council recorded the procedural votes on the motion (moved and seconded on the record) and confirmed the unanimous 5‑0 outcome. The vote means no physical installation will occur immediately; instead the town will consider traffic‑calming options—including enforcement, signage, crosswalk improvements, and engineering concepts—after additional study and public input.
Council materials and BHB’s designs were the next steps identified on the record; staff said the active transportation public session on June 30 will give residents a formal opportunity to weigh in on conceptual solutions before the council considers any ordinance or capital work order.
