Residents urge action after seasonal speeding; town to test speed trailer and review signage

Theresa Picarelli, who said she and her husband have lived at 44 King James Drive for about 15 years, told the committee the neighborhood has seen “a lot of speeding” during July and August that makes it unsafe to back out of driveways and walk with children and pets. “It’s just too fast. It’s just nuts,” Picarelli said.

The committee’s chairman acknowledged the concern and told Picarelli the town would respond. “Well Theresa we will put that speed trailer out there when the season begins for you,” the chairman said, and staff agreed to note the request in DPW files and follow up with residents.

Staff and police described the tools the town can deploy and their limits. An engineer advised that stop signs can’t be installed simply to reduce speed unless specific MUTCD warrants are met. “Stop signs specifically cannot be used to reduce speed,” staff member Chris said, explaining that accident history, sight-distance issues or traffic-volume warrants are normally required.

Residents proposed a mix of short- and longer-term measures, including speed-feedback signs, targeted enforcement and neighbor outreach. Town staff said it will place a speed-feedback trailer during the high season, add the location to the list for covert speed readers and consider grant opportunities to fund permanent devices.

The committee asked residents to forward any license-plate evidence to police and to continue reporting near-miss incidents so staff can compile data. The committee closed the discussion by promising follow-up: staff will assess sight lines, schedule a speed study where feasible and report back at a future meeting.