Residents call for less speed, more consideration

By CHRIS CONROY

BETHEL, NY — The residents say there’s more traffic and that cars and trucks are moving too fast down Moscoe Road.

After hearing their concerns and receiving their petition, the Bethel Town Board agreed. Now the state will be getting a request from the town to lower the speed limit.

Residents from Moscoe Road made their voices heard at the June 26 town board meeting. The same residents put in a strong appearance at the town’s planning board meeting voicing their concerns over the speed issue and the increased development in their area of the town. Their planning board appearance led to an investigation into the validity of a survey map presented for the proposed Ulticrest development.

Residents of Moscoe Road, located just off State Route 55 and leading to the Toronto Reservoir, presented the board with a petition calling for the lowering of the road’s speed limit. Currently unposted, the default speed limit is 55 miles per hour. The petition calls for a reduction to at least 40 miles per hour.

The residents allege that the increased development at the end of the road, where Woodstone Development is building Chapin Estates, has significantly and negatively changed traffic patterns.

Moscoe Road resident Penny Brody has experienced the problems of increased traffic first hand.

“I can tell you that many times as I’m approaching my driveway, driving very slow, people try to pass me,” she said. There is little visibility in the location of her driveway, she said, and a “Blind Drive” caution sign is posted on the road. She also said that local wildlife, pets and children are put at risk by the inconsiderate drivers.

“There are several blind spots that really cannot accommodate people talking on cell phones and speeding to and from work,” added Bob Fontanella.

The board passed a motion to request that the New York State Department of Transportation approve the speed limit reduction on the road. The highway superintendent will examine the road to see if there is anything more immediate that can be done.