Rye historic commission approves trial relocation of 30-mph signs on Washington Road

The Rye Historic District Commission voted Jan. 14 to allow the town Department of Public Works to relocate 30-mph speed limit signs onto Washington Road within the Historic District on a six-month trial basis.

The vote followed a presentation from Alternate Katharine Brown, who said an August petition asked the Select Board to direct the DPW director to install 30-mph signage on the straightaway of Washington Road between Central and Wallis Roads and that the signs installed earlier “didn’t meet the request.” Brown told the commission she had observed drivers failing to slow for the hill on Central and that motorists coming down Wallis “always travel 35-mph right into the center.”

Commission members debated placement and effectiveness before recording a formal tally: Stacey Smith — yes; Bob McGrath — yes; John Moynahan — no; David Choate — yes (with the caveat it could be temporary); Chair Kaitlyn Coffey — yes; James Tegeder — yes; Michael Scott — yes (so long as placement is the best option); Karen Stewart — yes. The vote outcome was 7 in favor, 1 opposed.

Brown said DPW Director Jason Rucker is willing to move the signs to the suggested locations. The commission asked that the trial placement be monitored and reviewed after six months to determine whether the changes meaningfully reduce speeding within the District. Alternate Brown agreed to follow up with Director Rucker to notify him of the HDC’s decision.

No formal motion mover or seconder was recorded in the minutes. The commission’s approval authorizes the signage relocation on a trial basis; the six-month review will determine whether the placement remains or is adjusted.