Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Middletown council for action on Preston Avenue and Country Club Road traffic
Summary
Residents told the Common Council at a public hearing that traffic using Preston Avenue and Country Club Road as a Route 91 bypass is creating dangerous conditions for children and drivers; Police Chief Costa and councilors said signage, traffic cameras and follow-up with public works and DOT are planned.
Resident Sandra Rankowitz urged the Common Council to act on chronic speeding and congestion along Preston Avenue and Country Club Road, saying the streets have become a de facto bypass when Route 91 is congested. "Somebody is going to be killed," Rankowitz said, describing narrow 11½-foot sections of road, deep potholes and drivers going "50 and 60" miles per hour through what used to be 25–35 mph neighborhoods.
Police Chief Costa responded that the department has previously placed a speed trailer and requested signage; he said enforcement and engineering changes require coordination with public works and DOT and follow established study standards. "We have a traffic unit up there," Costa said, and staff will work to fast-track repainting, signs and an elevated crosswalk in related project areas.
Rankowitz and other residents said existing "no through truck" signs are poorly placed or obscured and that temporary state fixes lasting years are not acceptable. "We came with some suggestions a year ago," Rankowitz said, noting requests for limited-sight-distance signs, stop signs at key corners and removable speed bumps. Councilors and the chief said some measures require engineering studies and DOT approval but pledged to follow up and to provide a written copy of past outreach to local companies about truck routing.
Other residents described related safety concerns. Jeff Knackle reported unlicensed dirt bikes and quads being ridden by children near South Front and Russell streets and provided photos to police. "I got pictures on my phone right now to show you," Knackle said; Chief Costa said police would look into enforcement options. Resident Chris Cardella said he and his children regularly wait at his driveway as drivers speed by and asked for "officers down" or similar targeted enforcement.
Councilors said the Route 9 project and related traffic-work will include public meetings and historical-land assessments; they also noted upcoming overnight repaving work and sign-board notifications for South Main and Washington streets. The council closed public comment and said staff would follow up with residents about specific requests and timelines.
