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SelectBoard considers alternatives after finding school not on state highway; flashing lights unlikely
Summary
Research presented to the board found the school was not located on the state highway and thus a formal state school zone on South Street is not feasible; the board discussed crosswalk improvements, community sign campaigns, targeted enforcement and portable speed-control devices.
A board member reported measuring and researching statutory guidance and concluded the town school is not on the state highway, which precludes establishing a formal state school zone on South Street. The member reported a measurement of 373 feet between reference points and noted that statutory zones are often 300 feet each way, leading to the conclusion that the existing criteria for a state school zone do not apply on South Street.
The board discussed alternatives for improving pedestrian safety: installing crosswalk enhancements (including possibly flashing beacons), community sign campaigns to remind drivers of the 35 mph limit, increased targeted reporting to law enforcement for repeat offenders, and the potential use of portable speed-control devices or signs that can be moved to problem locations. "So instead of it being everyone's going too fast, it needs to be reminded of the speed," one Committee member said, and members agreed to pursue low-cost reminders and targeted measures rather than relying on state-only school-zone designations.
