Plattekill board seeks speed data as it presses state on school-zone reduction

Board members pressed for updated vehicle-speed data to support a prior request (sent in October 2025) asking the state to reduce the posted speed in a school zone near Plattekill to 25 mph from a higher limit. Police said the state controls many school-zone speed limits and the town can supply objective data collected by a new radar-speed display to accompany a state request.

"With our new speed sign, we can provide data to back your report to the state," a police representative said, noting the device both displays individual speeds and stores aggregate data. The board agreed to wait for weather to improve so the police can collect a month's worth of readings and then forward that report with a letter to state officials.

The meeting also covered speeding complaints on Route 445, described as a narrow, curved hill where passing creates safety risks. Police said they have issued warning tickets, used mobile radar and moved speed-display signs to create an "omnipresence" that discourages repeat speeding. Speakers noted school buses now have camera systems that record passing violations and produce civil fines.

The board made a motion directing the police to gather data and for the town supervisor to follow up with a state letter; members amended the timing to wait until the collected data is available and weather permits. No state action was recorded at this meeting.

Why it matters: Lowering a school-zone speed limit or adding engineering/enforcement measures could reduce crash risk where children walk to school; the board intends to document speed patterns before asking the state to change posted limits.

Next steps: Police will collect and print radar-sign data when weather permits; the supervisor will send the compiled data and a letter to the state to request a formal speed-zone review.