Drivers will have to STOP on Brookdale Road in Brockport

Brockport residents requested and the resolution was approved by the village board to install stop signs on Brookdale Road between house numbers 51 and 59 as a way to deter drivers who regularly speed down that stretch of road in the village.

"Stop signs are meant to stop traffic, not slow it down," Police Chief Dan Varrenti explained to board members. "I'm not opposed to the installation of a stop sign if it will really address the issue."

Varrenti said he hadn't heard complaints from any of the Brookdale Road residents relating to speeding drivers. "If we had reports of certain times of the day when the speeding occurs I could assign a police detail there or we could install the speed sentry signs," he said. "I just want to caution against using stop signs to control speeding."

Trustee David Wagenhauser asked whether speed bumps would be an effective deterrent and asked what effect they would have on DPW equipment.

DPW Superintendent Harry Donahue said speed bumps weren't practical because of the damage they could do to plows. "They work in parking lots but then plows are going slower in a parking lot than they would be on an open road."

A resident in that area, Jack Mazzarella, said the signs were necessary for the safety of the children in the area. "I'll have to come to a complete stop before I turn into my driveway every time but that inconvenience means nothing compared to the safety of the children on our road," he said.

Varrenti asked whether the motion could be, or should be tabled, until his department could set up the sentry signs or have some assigned details in the area.

The decision was unanimously approved by Village of Brockport officials at the February 26 board meeting to install the signs.

March 4, 2007