Town will install stop signs required for subdivision (Printed Sept. 15)
By Ward Peck
Editor
The town of Cape Elizabeth will assume responsibility for installing three stop signs at the intersection of Spurwink Avenue and Stephenson Street from the developers of the sub-division formerly known as “Spruwink Woods.”
Town Manager Michael McGovern requested the town council direct the town’s public works department to install the signs at the intersection several hundred feet north of Route 77 due to public safety concerns. The signs were required to be installed by the developers as traffic calming measures, but McGovern said the developer could not do the work until it secures funding and performance guarantees for the project. The project has been delayed by opponents to the project who have appealed the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s approval.
McGovern also reported the development is now known as "Cottage Brook."
McGovern said the request was being made following an appeal by a resident of Hamlin Street, Susan Hirshon, to install the signs before construction begins. McGovern told the council Hirshon’s argument was persuasive and it made sense to give motorists time to “get used” to the new signs and it is important to have the signs in place when construction equipment begins to use the road.
McGovern said the town will request the developers reimburse the town for the cost of the installation and related site work.
Councilor Carolyn Fritz voted against the approval. She said a road safety committee is currently developing a town-wide traffic plan and installation of the signs would undercut their work. She added that she felt the signs were not needed at the intersection and Spurwink Avenue is one of the town’s major roads and it would be inappropriate to place stop signs on it. The council voted 6-1 to approve the signs with Fritz voting against.
I live in the house that's placed on the curve that these two "STOP" signs were placed. I can see both signs from my bedroom window and I've got to say about 95% of the time people DO NOT STOP. Including School Buses, Police, Fire & EMT vehicles and even public works trucks. It's insane. Sure people slow down a tad but there are those who just don't give a flying frig. I've only seen a handful of people actually come to a COMPLETE stop and those were people who were lost, young people being stupid and throwing their garbage out the window and doing other mischievous things of that nature & a C.E. Police Cruiser with it's lights & Sirens on. Now THAT one was REALLY annoying.
All in all the majority of the drivers who use Spurwink Ave end with the Stop Signs SLOW DOWN but don't stop. I mean that's what STOP means on the sign right? Not "SLOW DOWN" or "BE CAREFUL" or even "Don't Be Stupid"
Sorry but this decision to put stop signs in was just as pointless, Useless and unwanted as the Development itself is.
-Nora
Reply to this