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Spencer Road neighbors press Ithaca Council for speed tables, signs and sidewalks
Summary
Residents from the Spencer Road Neighborhood Association urged the Ithaca Common Council to accelerate traffic-calming measures on Spencer and Stone Quarry roads, citing a February 2025 hit-and-run, repeated school-bus passing and speed-monitoring that shows regular speeds above 25 mph.
Residents of the Spencer Road Neighborhood Association told the Common Council on Aug. 5 they have documented repeated safety incidents on Spencer Road and Stone Quarry Road and asked the city to prioritize short-, medium- and long-term traffic-calming measures.
"As we noted in our original letter, the city reaffirmed its commitment to the Vision 0 initiative in June 2025," said Tracy Mcgevely, speaking for the group. Mcgevely asked the council to (1) replace and add signage on the 500–600 blocks, (2) improve lighting on the 300–600 blocks, (3) confirm the exact locations and timeline for planned speed tables on the 500–600 blocks, (4) complete a feasibility study for sidewalks on the 500–600 blocks, and (5) pursue long-term sidewalk solutions where feasible. She cited a February 2025 hit-and-run that injured a neighbor and neighborhood speed-monitoring showing vehicles routinely exceeding the posted 25-mph limit.
Mayor responded that the engineering division and enforcement options are being explored and said controller Hrabowski and acting assistant director of engineering Natalie Model are leading efforts; he added that "the signs were ordered today." Councilmembers said they would look at budget lines for capital projects and sidewalk repair during the upcoming budget process.
The neighborhood requested clearer public confirmation of where the city will place the promised speed tables and requested the city provide specific timelines and locations. Councilmembers and staff agreed to follow up: the acting city manager signaled traffic-safety investments will appear in the capital plan and in next year’s budget.
