Boro to institute lower local speed limits

HAMBURG-Driven by the complaints of residents, particularly from the Mulberry Street neighborhood, the town council has decided to lower the speed limit on borough roads from 25 to 20 m.p.h. A resolution to effect the change will be introduced next month. Mayor Paul Marino expressed deep concern over that fact that there have been an ever-increasing number of complaints concerning speeding vehicles. "There is a problem in residential areas, and we are concerned about the welfare of our kids and safety, in general," said Marino. The council and Police Chief Eugene Kresge agreed that the issue needs to be addressed. The borough speed limit is 25 m.p.h. Marino said he believed going down to 20 m.p.h. is most realistic, with the purpose being "just to get them to slow down." Kresge reported that a speed limit of 15 mph could cause congestion and result in traffic back-ups. The mayor said he has spoken to several residents and, although there was some dissatisfaction expressed, others acknowledged the need for lower speed limits. The suggestion to paint markings directly on the road next to signs posting the limit would give additional attention to the change. The streets that cause the most concern n among them, Orchard, Mulberry, and Hillside n are those that often afford a short cut through town. Kresge noted that parts of town, such as Falcon Ridge, Hamburg Village and Heritage Lakes, are private roads, where the limit is 15 m.p.h.