Traffic dangers dominate Oct 19 meeting

About 20 residents of North Chatham and East Chatham attended the meeting, and many requested that the board take action on chronic speeding and traffic safety violations that are an everyday occurrence in the hamlets.

Speakers spoke passionately about traffic incidents where walkers, bikers, and local traffic have been at risk of harm due to drivers’ flouting traffic rules, such as aggressive driving and frequent “close calls” as drivers fail to follow directions and signage.

Residents feel vulnerable because lack of sidewalks puts them and their children in the path of reckless motorists such as the motorcycle rider who raced through the hamlet before crashing into a tree just outside, or the thoughtless drivers who don’t yield to schoolchildren waiting for buses. Some even drive around stopped buses. .

Speakers made suggestions to address the issue, and the board talked about work they are doing in conversations with law enforcement, highway officials, and a newly established traffic work group started by the Town Board.

In other news:

· The county will sponsor a Hazardous Waste Disposal event on Sunday, 10/29 from 8 AM until noon at 50 Granidetti Drive, Ghent NY.

· The board agreed to release highway equipment that is old or in disrepair to sell as surplus or junk.

· The board voted to schedule public hearings on several issues:

o Proposed short term rental law – scheduled for 11/2/2023 at 6:35

o Proposed Comprehensive Plan Update – scheduled for 11/16/23 at 6:30

o Proposed board support for the Tri-Village Fire Company’s plan to obtain a loan for a new top-mount pumper truck