Editor, The Spotlight;
I agree with the statements quoted in Marcy Velte’s article (Spotlight, July 30) made by the Highway Superintendent, Brent Meredith, and by Supervisor John Clarkson. The speed limit on Hudson Avenue should be lowered to 30 mph to conform to the rest of the town and to meet safety concerns.
I moved to Hudson Avenue in August, 2013. Our apartment has a porch fifteen feet or so from Hudson Avenue. Sitting there, I have observed all the traffic patterns, which vary depending on the time of day. Most of the traffic travels about 40 mph, partly due, I think, to the fact there are residences only on one side of the road, it running parallel and adjacent to the rail trail. Speeds are higher westbound during evening rush hour. Delivery trucks also at times exceed the posted limit.
There is one additional safety problem. The occasional “hot dog” who takes advantage of the lengthy stretch between Delaware and Adams to speed. I estimate speeds well over 60, about the same as a fast run by the police when they use the road for an emergency, they, however, with plenty of warning to cars and pedestrians.
Especially in the summer, there are children riding bikes, walking dogs, skateboarding even, to and fro all along Hudson. In my immediate area, one or two houses away, there are seven children under 12. Early in the morning especially, but throughout the day, there are joggers using both sides of the road. Adult bikers are also frequent. Many pedestrians cross the road at various points, mostly to get to Stewarts or to access the rail trail.
I would like to see a calmer Hudson Avenue. A thirty mph limit is a start. More frequent cruising by police might help. Perhaps the department could install a permanent or temporary radar unit that shows drivers their speed, especially at first when the change is made.
John McClintock
Delmar