OXFORD – The Village of Oxford’s board of trustees have tabled two local laws intended to revise the municipality’s vehicle and traffic code for further discussion after concerns were raised by a local resident who would be directly affected by the proposed changes.
The first of the proposed laws, Local Law No. 1 2010, would amend the village’s parking prohibition schedule to reflect street name changes, delete duplicate entries and correct spelling errors. In addition, it would add new restriction to parking along Merchant Street and North Washington Avenue.
According to Mayor Terry Stark, the village felt the additional restrictions were necessary at the two “T-intersections” because of safety concerns and clearance issues for Department of Public Works and emergency vehicles.
When cars are parked at the T, “it creates a dangerous a dangerous intersection,” he explained, and one he says has been an ongoing issue for several years. The proposed law would prohibit parking on Merchant Street 100 feet East and West of the centerline of Mechanic Street, and the same distance on North Washington North and South of its intersection with Chenango Street.
During a public hearing held last night at the Oxford Village Hall, resident Eric Porter voiced his opposition to the new restrictions as they pertain to the property he owns at 34 North Washington Ave.
If the changes are enacted, Porter said he will no longer be able to park on the street in front of his house.
“I’ve enjoyed parking there for the last 13 years,” he said. The inconvenience of having to park elsewhere was but one of the concerns he raised. He also expressed concern over how the change might increase commercial traffic and the speeds at which vehicles travel on the street, which is used by some to circumvent Route 12.
“I’m afraid it’s going to become a race track,” Porter explained.
In light of Porter’s concerns, Stark and the board chose to review the matter further before making a decision.
“The board will further discuss your comments,” Stark told Porter. The mayor also stated his intention to speak with the village’s DPW, police and fire departments about the intersection again before proceeding further with the filing.
“It’s a close call there,” said Police Chief Rich Nolan, who explained they began receiving complaints about the North Washington Ave. / Chenango Street intersection approximately three years ago.
Oxford Fire Chief Ron Martin, who was also in attendance, reported that the street would likely see increased emergency vehicle traffic once construction begins on the Main Street bridge.
Without access to the bridge, their response time to emergencies to the West of the river will increase, he explained, and they will need to look at every opportunity to decrease the impact of those extra miles.
“Time is of the essence,” Martin said. “We are going to have to make the best time we can.”
While there were no concerns raised about Local Law No. 2, which would create a handicapped parking space in front of Hoppie’s Ice Cream Parlor on the North side of Lafayette Park, it too was tabled for further discussion.