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Owego board approves four-way stop at Church and Main after public safety hearing
Summary
After residents pressed for action at a public hearing, the Owego Village Board voted to adopt a local law making the Church and Main Street intersection a four-way stop, with the change to take effect Nov. 2 to allow publicity and flashing‑red preparations.
The Owego Village Board voted unanimously to designate the intersection of Church and Main Street as a four-way stop, saying the delayed effective date would give the village time to notify residents and install temporary flashing devices.
Residents and business owners urged change during a public hearing before the vote. "The four-way stop will slow down speeding vehicles that have taken advantage of the stop sign free zone all along Main Street," said Navy Bakesby, a Main Street resident who lives near the intersection. A letter from lifelong resident Judy Quigley, read to the board, said that since the traffic light was removed drivers must “creep out nearly to the middle of the intersection” to see oncoming traffic and urged the board to “vote to take down the light and install four stop signs.”
Trustees discussed implementation details before the vote. Board members cited available speed-trailer data and the village's previous traffic study; they debated whether to remove nearby parking to improve sight lines and whether to convert the existing signal equipment to a flashing red arrangement while residents adjust to the new stop configuration. Officials noted the traffic analysis did not meet state crash‑warrant thresholds for a signal change but emphasized visible measures and public outreach.
To reduce confusion at the changeover, trustees agreed to set the law’s effective date 60–90 days after adoption and to run notices in the local paper, on social media and on digital signage. The board settled on Nov. 2 as the effective date and directed staff to keep the new signs covered until that date and to prepare covered/temporary notifications so drivers would be aware of the change.
The move follows multiple written comments and in-person testimony emphasizing pedestrian safety near downtown shops, houses of worship and community destinations. Trustees stressed that the November effective date will let police and public works coordinate temporary flashing red configurations and a public information campaign. The board did not authorize immediate removal of the existing signal equipment; it asked staff to work with the police chief and DOT or the shared service partner to evaluate wiring changes and timing.
The board closed the public hearing before moving on to other business. The vote was unanimous.
